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.^ 



HISTORY 



OF 



ORANGE COUNTY 



NEW YORK, 



WITH 



ILLPSTRATli^NS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



OP MANY OP ITO 



PIONEEFS AND PROMINENT MEN. 





COMPILED BY 

E. M. RUTIENBER AND L. H. CLARK, 

AND A CaiPS OF BIOGRAPHICAL WRITERS. 


ov 


PHILADELPHIA: 

EVERTS & PECK 

1881. 



PRESS OF J. B. I.IPPINCOTT 









\ 



PREFACE. 



In submitting tliis volume to its patrons, its publishers are quite confident it will be appar- 
ent from its pages that every reasonable effort has been made by them to make it complete in 
its several departments. Notwithstanding this, however, tiiey are conscious that to some of 
its readers it may appear that historic records have been omitted which should have been given, 
and that in other cases record has been made of matters without consideration of their un- 
importance. On behalf of its compilers, it is proper to say that its publishers have the fullest 
conhdouce that the most ample care has been taken to catch up all the threads of history 
aud unite them in a common woof; that, if some are worthless, the mass is valuable; tiiat 
if any have been lost or overlooked, the fault is not one of intention, the primary object 
having been to preserve even the minutest detail of the history of a county which ranks 
among the first in the State in its organization, in its development, in its intelligence, and 
in the patriotism and worth of its sons. 

Of many of the pioneer families of the county it may be said that they have now no 
known representatives within its borders. While the footsteps of their sons may be traced 
in almost all of the States, the record of themselves can scarce be found, even on gra^ 
monuments where their remains were interred. The friendly voice of neighborhood ( 
dition — perhaps the imperishable record of services performed to the State — is all that remai 
but these have been gathered up as completely as possible, that their life-work may he pis 
in rank with those of their contemporaries, that they, with them, may go down t', the fu 

in a common remembrance of the toils and struggles and dangers which they alike endu 

While this attention has been given to those of past years, the biographical record of the 
men of the living present has been amply cared for. 

To the different departments of the volume special attention need not be directed. It 
may be proper to say, however, that the General History of the county, as well as the history 
of Newburgh and of New Windsor, were prepared by Mr. Ruttenber, and will be found com- 
plete and reliable. That department necessarily embraces many facts relating to the towns 
which could only be presented in consecutive narrative to convey a correct view of the sul)- 
_ie<^s considered. The histories of the remaining -.owns were compiled by Mr. LEWiS^nis 
Olark, and the biographies by other writer.-. Acknowledgment has been made in thuue, or 



PREFACE. 



-/ 



of tlie work for assistance kindly given to tlie compilers. Tiie persons referred to have also 
the thanks of the publishers. 

The illustrations speak for themselves, and will, the publishers believe, challenge admi- 
lation. The maps are the most complete and accurate, so far as they claim to furnish details, 
that have ever been given to the public. In the lists of volunteers in the war of the Re- 
bellion, while there are perhaps errors and omissions which would gladly have been avoided, 
there is also a mass of information that would otherwise, perhaps, never have had the 
published record which it deserves. 

The publishers, however, have no desire to appear as unnecessarily commending the 
volume, nor do they conceive it necessary to apologize for any of its imperfections. Ap- 
preciating fully the generous support which has been extended to them by the representative 
men of the county, they are content to await their verdict. 
Septkmmkr, 1881. 



CONTENTS. 



HIISTOI^ia^IL.. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAQE 

Aboriginal History 9 

CHAPTER II. 
Land Titlks — First Settlements 11 

CHAPTER III. 

Civil Government — Original County of Orange — The 
Present County of Orange — Courts, Public Buildings, 
Etc ; 20 

CHAPTER IV. 

Loi-'Ation — Physiology — Geographical Nomknclati-re — 
Climate — Gi-iology. 

Mountains and Valleys — Ponds, Streams, Etc. — Climate, Geology, 
Etc 33 

CHAPTER V. 
'iLiTARY History — French ash Indian W.ar — War or the 
Revolution. 

Col. Allison's Goshen Regiment, 177G — Col. Hathorn's Florida Regiment 
—Col. WoodliuU's Cornwall Regiment — Col. Hasbrouck's Newburgli 
Regiment — ^Col. Clinton's New Windsor Regiment — Special Organiza- 
tions and Continental Regiments — Uniforms and Kquipage — French 
and Indian War — War of the Revolution — Col. Lewis Dubois' Fifth 
Continental Infantry — Col. William .Mlison's Goshen Regiment Militia 
— Col. Hasbrouck's Newburgh Regiment Militia — Col. Woodhull's 
Cornwall Regiment Militia 46 

CHAPTER VI. 

Revolutionary Events — Pledge of Association. 

Revolutionary .\ssociations — Precinct of Newburgh — Precinct of New 

Windsor — Precinct of Hanover — Precinct of Wallkill — Precinct of 

Mamakating — Precinct of Goshen — Cornwall Precinct — The Story of 

Claudius Smith 62 

CHAPTER VII. 

Second Wau with England — War with Mexico 73 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Orange County in the Rebellion. 

Third Regiment, Company B— Eighteenth Regiment— Fifty-si.\th Regi- 
ment—Seventieth Regiment — One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regi- 
ment — Seventy-first IMilitia, Company I — Nineteenth Regiment Mili- 
tia — One Hundred and Sixty.8i.\th Regiment- One Hundred and 
Sixty-eighth Regiment — One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment — 
iirst Mounted Rifles, Company C — Second Regiment Cavalry (Harris 
I.iglit) — Fifteenth Cavalry— Fifteenth Heavy Artillery, Company M— 
Seventh Independent Battery — First Regiment of Engineers — Ninety- 
eighth Regiment, Company C — Moneys Expended by the Town and by 

I the County for War Purposes 78 

CHAPTER IX. 

Commercial History— Original Roads — T 7npikes— Rail- 

I ROADS AND CaNALS — PlANK- ROADS— BANKING — AgRICUL- I 

lUHAL AND Mechanical .Statistics, Etc 105 I 



CHAPTER X. 
Churches — Religious and Bf-nevolent Societies. 

PAGE 

The Lutheran Church — Presbyterian Church — Church of England — Re- 
formed Dutch Church — Congregational Church — Associate and Asso- 
ciate Reformed Presbyterian Churches — Baptist Church — Methodism 
— Roman Catholics — Friends — Religious Societies — Benevolent Or- 
ganizations 126 

CHAPTER XI. 
Bench and Bar of Orange Cou.nty 141 



CHAPTER XII. 
Physicians — Meiucat, Societies 



162 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Press of Orange County. 

Press of Goshen— Press of Newburgh— Press of Middlotown— Press ,*f / 

Montgomery— Press of Port Jervis- Press of Warwick— Miscellji 

neons li 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Orange County Civil List. 
Representatives in Colonial Assembly — Delegates from the Colony of 
New York to the First Continental Congress, 1774— Second Continental 
Congress, 1775 — Delegates to the Provincial Congress of New York, 
1775-77— Membel-s of the Committee of Safety, 1775-76— Delegates to 
the Convention called to Delibeiate upon the .\doption by the State 
of New York of the Constitution of the United States, held June 17, 
1788 — Delegates to the State Convention of 1801, called to Amend the 
Constitution of 1777— Delegates to the State Convention of 1821, 
called to Amend the Constitution of 1801— Delegates to the Conven- 
tion of 1846, called to Amend the Constitution of 182i — Eiect./ft ' 
President and Vice-President — Representatives in Cougrees- Repre- 
sentatives in State Senate- Members of Assembly— Administrative 
Officers— Members of Council of Appointment — Regents of the 
University — Surveyors-General — Canal Commissioner — Inspectors of 
State Prisons — Master of Chancery — Miistei-s and Examinere in Chan- 
cery — Puisne Justice Supreme Court — Judge Circuit Court — Justices 
of Supreme Court — Judges of Court of Common Pleas — Judges of the 
County Courts — Special County Judges— Surrogates — District Attor- 
neys—County Clerks — Sheriffs — County Treasurers— County Superin- 
tendents of Schools — School Commissioners — Board of Supervi- 
sors 201 



CHAPTER XV. 



Town Boundaries- 



TOWN HISTOKIES. i 

NEW WINDSOR. 
General — Patents and First Settlements — Villages, Etc. 
— Revolctionary Localities — Revolutionary Inci- 
dents — Civil List — Rebellion Record. 
Location, Physiology, Etc. — Civil Organization— Name— Town Records 
— Roads — Schools — Support of Poor — Licenses — Post-offices — Creeks, 
Streame, Swamps, Etc.— Village of New Windsor — Orangeville, or 

V 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



Moodna — Quassaick Valley — Vairs Gate, ur Mortoaville — Little Bri- 
taiQ— The Sipmre— Ragville, Rock Taveru, Etc.— Wasbington'B Head- 
quarters — Plnin Point — Lafayette's Headquarters — Ednioiiston Houee 
— Falls Houso— Knox's Headquarters— The Camp-Grouiid nud Tem- 
ple—Arrest of Cadwallader Golden, Jr.— The F.tll of the Highland 
Forts — morgan's Itiflenien — Seizure of Salt — A Tea Riot — Dominie 
Annan — Boy Soldiers — St. Thomas' Church — New Windsor Preshy- 
terian Church — Associate Reformed Church, Little Britain — Union 
Methodist Kpiscopal Church, VaiPs Gate — Little Britain Methodist 
Episcopal Church — Burial-Grouuds 210 

NEWBURGH. 
General — ItiovoLUTioxAnv Events — Village of New- 
burgh — Villages, Hamlets, Streams, Etc. — Census 
Returns — Newburch Poor System — Turnpikes and 
Plank-roads — Banks — iNroRPORATED Companies — Fire 
Department — Newdlrgh Regatta Association — Nkw- 
burgh Horticultural Society — Churches, Schools, Etc. 
— Civil List. 

Settlement of the German Patent — Settlement of Other Patents — Pre- 
cincts of Xewburgh — Subsequent General History — Second War with 
England — General Incidents — War of the Rebellion — City of New- 
burgh — Review — Balniville— Middlehope— The Danskamer — Hamp- 
ton — Fostertown — RossvMle — Luptondale— Rocky Forest — Gardner- 
town — Gidneytown — DuBois' 5lills — New Mills — West Newburgh — 
Powder Mills — Belknap's Ridge — East Coldeuhani — Orange Lake — 
Quassaick Creek — Fostertown Creek — Tent-Stone Meadow Creek — | 
BushBeld's Creek — Benton's Creek — Powellton Brook — Raccoon Hill > 
— Acker's Creek — Trout Brook — Poll Rose's Pond — Springs — Fitzpat- 
rick's Pond — King's Hill — Cronoraer's Hill — Limestone Hill — Much- ; 
attoes Hill — Washington's Headquartei-s — The Vale — Public Stocks — i 
Newburgh BLtrket — Hay-Scales — Newburgh Steam- Wills — Gas-Light 
Companies— New bu!gli Ferry — Churches — Comparative Statistics — i 
Theoiog' ! Seniiuary — Public Libraries — Newspapers — Literary, Re- j 
ligious, and Benevolent Societies — Cemeteries— Precinct and Town 
Officers— Village and City Officers— Seals of the City and Village of 
Newburgh 245 

MONTGOMERY. 

Situation, Boundaries, Area, Title — Natural Features — 
Early Settlement — Organization — Villages — Schools 

— ChURCHE."^ — BfJRlAL-PLACES — ToWNS, SOCIETIES, BaNKS, 

Incorporations, Etc. — Places of Historic Interest — 

iNDusTRr \(, PiitsriTs — Military. 
Extracts from Town Records — Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Golden 
— Montgomery Village- Walden — St. Andrew's — Coldenham — Allai'd's 
Corner — Scott Tn- a — Scott's Corners — Keisertuwn — Montgomery 
Academy — Montgomery Public School — The Walden Union Free School 
— The Goodwill Presbyterian Church — St. Andrew's Church, Walden 
— Coldenham Church — Reformed Dutch Church of Berea — First Re- 
formed Dutcli Church of Walden — First Presbyterian Church at Mont- 
gomery — Methodist Episcopal Church at Montgomery — Methodist Epis- 
copal Church ofWalden— Church of the Holy Name of Mary — Wallkill 
Valley Cemetery Association — Masonic — Temperance Societies— Banks 
— The Insurance Agency— Indian Localities — Old Homesteads — Orange 
County Scientific and Practical Agricultural Institute — Woolen Fac- 
toi\v at Walden — New York Knife Company — Wulden Condensed Milk 
Company — Brickyard at Walden — Walden Knife Company — Walden 
File- Works — Ste;*m Flouring-Mill — Montgomery Woolen-Mill — Titua 
& Strattou's Grist-Mill— Walker's Paper-Mill at Montgomery— New 
York Condensed Milk Company — Creameries — Various Manufactories 
—War of 1861-r,5 370 

CRAWFORD. 
Sit .'ation, Boundaries, Area, anu Title — Natural Fea- 
tures — Early Settlement — Organization — Villages — 
Schools — Churches — Burial-Places — Towns, Societies, 
Etc. — Places of Special Note or of Historic Interest — 
Industrial Pursuits — Military. 
Physicians — First Town-Meeting — Hopewell — Bu.llville — Searsville 
— Thompson's Ridge — Collaburgh — Pine Bush — Presbyterian Society 
of Hopewell — Graham's Church (Associate Reformed) — Methodist 
Episcopal Church of CiuwTord — Methodist Episcopal Church, Pine 



Bush— Mills.. 



412 



WALLKILL. 

Situation, Bm noaries. Area, and Title — Natural Fea- 
tures — Early Settlement — Organization — Schools — 
Churches — Societies, Libraries, Banks, Incori-ora- 
TiONS, Etc. — Industrial Pursuits — Military. 

Manumission of Slaves— Taverns— Assessment-Roll, 1803— Firet Town- 
Meeting of Wallkill after the Division— 51iddlet«>\vn — Scotchtown — 
Mochanietown— Circleville— Phillipshnrgh — Recollections of Half a 
Century — Howell's Depot — Van Burenville — Sand Station— Fair Oaks 
— Crawford Junction — Purdy's Stiition — Lockwood's — Rockville — 
Millabnrgh — Stony Ford — Brimstone Hill — Michigan — La Grange — 
Davis town— Honey-Pot — Guinea — Bull Hack — Pierce Valley — Wall- 
kill Academy— The State Homceopathic Asylum for the Insane at 
Middletown, N. Y. — First Congregational Church— Congregational 
Church of Howell's Depot — The Primitive Baptist Church, Middletown 
— Presbyteiian Church of Scolchtown- Congregation of Union Church 
at New Shawangunk — The First Presbyterian Clinrch at Middle- 
town— Second Methodist Episcopal {or Mount Johnson) Church — Pres- 
byterian Church of Circleville — Second Presbyterian Church at Mid- 
dletown — First Baptist Church of South Middletown — Grace Church 
of South Middletown (Episcopal) — Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Middletown— St. Joseph's Roman Catliolic Church — The Separate 
American Methodist Church of Phillipsburgli — The Methodist Episco- 
pal Zion Church of Middletown — The Free Christian Church of Middle- 
town—Old Burial-Ground of Congregational Church— Old Cemetery 
opposite the Academy— Soutli Middletown Cemetery Association — 
Hillside Cemetery of Middletown — Scotchtown Cemetery Association 
— Howell's Cemetery Association— St. Joseph's Cemetery — The WebU 
Cemetery Association, Wallkill— Hoffman Lodge, No. 300, F. and A. M. 
—Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. and A. M.— Midland Clmpter, No. 240, 
R. A. M.— Middletown Lodge, No. 112, I. 0. 0. F.— Luther Lodge, No. 
380, I. 0. O. F.— Orange Encampment, No. 9.i, I. 0. 0. F.— Excelsior 
Lodge, No. S29, I. 0. G. T.— Germania Slannerchor — Middletown 
Bank — First National Bank of Middletown — Middletown Savings- 
Bank — New York and Erie Insurance Company — The \\'allkill Bank 
— Middletown Library — The Orange County Milk Association — The 
Sutherland Falls Marble Company, Wallkill — Oil and Mining Com- 
pany — Diaper Oil Company — Adams Mining Company — Middletown 
and Unionville Telegraph Company — Middletown BuiMing and Loan 
Association — The Evening Standard Association — The Zetesin De- 
bating Society — Middletown Gospel Temperance Union — Wallkill 
Council, No. 57, Royal Templars of Temperance — The Middletown 
Hebrew Union — Indian Spring — The Manufacture of Hats — The Mid- 
dletown Tannery — Saw Manufactory— The Monhagen Steam- and 
Water-Mills— The Manufacture of Files- Carpet- Bag Factory — 
Orange County Furnace — Book-Bindery — Morgans & Wilcox Manu- 
facturing Company — Decker's Mills, Etc 42i» 

MOUNT HOPE, 
Situation, Boundaries, Area, Title — Natiral Features — 
Early Settlement — Organization — ViLL.\(iES — Schools 
— Churches — Town Societies, Libraries, Incorporations, 
Etc. — Places of Historiu Interest — Inhustrial Pur- 
suits — Military. 
Physicians— Lawyers— Mount Hope Village— Otisville— New Vernon — 
Finehville—Guymard— Old-School Baptist Church, New Vernon- Con- 
gregational Church at Wallkill and Deerpark Patent— First Presby- 
terian Church of Mount Hope— Methodist Episcopal Church of Otis- 
ville— Finchville Methodist Episcopal Church— Presbyterian Church, 
Otisville— Catholic Church at Otisville— The Farmers' Library— The 
WashingtonLeadCompany-Empire Mining Company— Wallkill Lead 
Company- Savoss Copper-Mine— Champion Lead-Mining Company- 
New York Central Mining and Mineral Company— Mount Hope Miijr 
eral Company— Guymard's Silver-Lead Company— Erie Mining Coin- 
pany— Empire Mineral Company— Finch Homestead— The Peddler' 
Spring— Old Coin— Location of the Mastodon— Old Orchards oU 

GOSHEN. 
Situation, Boundaries, Area, Title— Natural Features 

Early Settlement—Organization — Villages — ScHOOLh 

— Churches— Industrial Pursuits— Military. 

Assessment-Roll of 1775— Special Notes on Families— Old Taverns Af 

Goshen— Goshen Village— Mapes' Corners— County Farm— East an 'I 

West Divisions— Presbyterian Church of Goshen— St. James' Episcop; 



A 



CO.VTENTS. 



'BXC>G-Ti,Ji^FJE3:XOJ^lL,. 



PAGE 

William Silliman 98 

Henry VileDiau 141 

Phiiieiis Mcintosh 141 

John Alsop 141 

John Chanihers 141 

Vinteut M.itthpws 141 

George Olii;. 142 

Phiueas iio.vn. 143 

Jonathnii Fi^' •. 143 

JuniisMope, . 144 

\Vm Eoss : 144 

Henry *' V'-'-':fi 144 

Wiilti'i ■ 145 

John 1 146 

Gilbeii t) Ftivrler 14B 

Poter '. yiunn 147 

egilec .■ ;riii>t 148 

John W. Krowii .. 149 

Samu'l J. Wrikii 149 

John ' Wilkin 151 

Josep '..Wilkin 152 

George M. Grier facing 153 

Isaac R. Van Dn/,er 153 

Win. C. Hasbrouck...! 154 

Nathiin Westcolt 154 

Joseiih W. Gott 155 

ItaTi.l F. Gediiey 156 

Janus N. Pronk 157 

Oliver Young 158 

Thiuiiis J. Lyon 158 

Ai'iam S. Casseiiy 159 

William Vananiee 160 

Fri'ileric Bodine 160 

Joseph Wlielau 163 

Increase Crosby 1C4 

Jaines M. Gardiner 166 

Is.iac Garrison 167 

David C. Winfield 168 

Robert Slinw 1G9 

Harvey Everett 171 

Bat tow Wright facing 171 

Samuel 31. Crawford 171 

Thomas S. Edmonston V 172 

S. G. Carpenter 173 

C I". Smith 173 

■'-lomun Van £tten : 174 

■ Mnies D. Johi)J<ton 175 

■ i- rg-.- ituutur 176 

H. c. 3ccly between 176,177 

T.Walsh " 176,177 

H. H. Hobinson " 176,177 

-W. C. Terry 177 

F. M. Barclay facing 178 

Theodore Writer " 179 

UeWitt C. Jayne 183 

J. W.Ostrom 183 

William A. M. Culbert 184 

Ira S. Bradner 185 

Chaiies M. Lawrence 186 

' V.M. Drake 189 

Cliarles .Mead „ 190 

K. M. Rutte.ber 194 

hycliaSayer Hosbrouck 196 

J. W. Hashrouck between 196,197 

M- D. Stivers 198 

W. II. Nearpnss oqi 

Holt. II. Wallace 2.31 

"'has. Clinton and Bescendanl? ' 238 

Jnh,. T? (V!v"l! ,:-, 239 



K. D. Dniry 24 

Robert Burnet ;...... -^-i' 

Jus. W. Morrison ^i 

J. B. Kernochan \([; 

Tlios. J. Fulton facin -J . 

Wm. L. McGill )|,; 

John S. Bull y^ 

John Cromwell-. facin.' 24-V 

Wni. L. F.Warren 2fcS 

Thomas C. Ring .; 290 

John R. Wiltsie .,', 2»l 

John Brown '. 30.1 

John Johnston , ;>(XJ 

Joseph ]\IcCarrell ....'. .'H 

Thomas Powell ni 

Homer Ranisdell :.; 

Benjamin Carpenter 

David Crawford ^ 

Ine ,..., u l-..„iily ;. ,, 

Daniel B. Sf. John 

Charles Downing 

John Forsyth between ,168, 35" 

Joel T. Headley 330 

Thomas Shaw 3fl«. 

James ^lackin 3(;' 

George Clark :.•; 

William Wright y, 

Peter V. B. Fowler :'.fi: 

Daniel Men it t _ ol»t^ 

John L. Foster ;ij« 

B. K. Johnston , :Ui* 

William I. Underhill net 

Nathaniel Barnes between 31iK, 366 

Gilbert Williams " 3' .If!; 

Jacob Gillies " ?, 

Robert Whitehill 

James McCord 

Charles Miller 

Joseph II. Decker.. 
Francis C. Decker.. 

George Senior .i..,.. .k» 

James Todd betweeu 41 , 

John Kidd *' iv\ 

James R. W. Beattie 

C.J. Mould 

M. G. Snyder . 4;;; 

John H. Leggett 4'_1 

Daniel Thompson '. 

Leander Ciawford ' 

A. R.Taylor J. 

Horace Bull .. 42* 

Elting France 428 

Daniel Bull between 4:.'«, 48:1 

Augustus Thompson *' 4 -' , 42** 

Seldon H. Talcott I' 

Wm. B. Koyce ; 

Silas H. Stringliam 

Robert H. IIODston".... 
Edward M. Madden... 

Saml. S. Widiham 

Wickham c. McNisli.. 

Albert Bull 

Elisha P. Wheele 



'■(•• 



Oliver P. Reevfi.. 

B. W. Shav 

Horton V4il.... .. 

C. G. Sai/yer 

Thos. B Hnlse.y/ 
Ja|!<o»4. Bell-/.. 



•■/•• 



CONTENTS. 



_i_ 



PAOE 

AUnaou r-!.iaehter 5U1 

Johnl! Hui». 502 

Himiii >. ^^ i'linson 502 

\ iri:*: Ih'.miwon between 502, 5o:i 

■ ■„ol U. Wi. ,ham " 502,503 

n ,. !• Wcib Sm 

i.i I 1, .1 604 

11,. j, , between 504, .505 

• " .iW, 505 

••v.iii '• 504,505 

> " 504, ;05 

. ;. e facing 505 

519 

'.b 532 

,,ffl 635 

J 642 

643 

645 

553 

ih 564 

/If 565 

.1.-1 , 566 



V8 between 556, 557 

" 556,657 

" 556,667 

«' OUD, OlTi 

557 

T'.i 1. i*..j.-iie 658 

.' '!ii. .1 .eiinl 558 

Jtilm C. 'Vt ling between 558, 559 

Walter It. Sajer " 558,659 



W illeni Kiiiirii 

Oliver !l. r , ' ikl 

De Wilt . . . i. (land.. 



Gnrrcl T'. 



.\ 



Williim B. Tulbill 

llftni'-. ■>^^. Hoyt between 560, 

.-.!■' "J, I Smith " 560, 

.'! .M .^. Kyei-aon... " 560, 

!( ■; L.-iYtning " 6G0, 

.1 ilif |. Crane " 660, 

•'' i'l F. Jolinsun '* 561, 

' - it 'Majie.s 

'' I iiienian 

I '• "I. Acklej 

• •:-.:\i\ V5.'Ibert between 562, 

h GreKMiy..." " .562, 

! ii';"!! L Wo. .1., " .562, 

<'.Culeni;ii( " .562, 

'« M. ij,iill 

,, --'..v. .1 Family 

,. SanfuTi 

i.Siiyer 

. ivd L. W-llinE 

.: .. ij.,' Wisner 

.i:,in. * Burt 

Gitl.rfil Wisner 

JaDie;^ Wlieeler 

Galiriol Houston 

I«jiac V. Wheeler , 

A.J. B-i. : 

.Ttihn W'KoiN . 

i\w.<..^ ■■ lig 

"^^ t'' " onston 

ierbury 

^eagles. ..A , 

'■ ' ■'"■ 'aii'iy between 612, 



PAGE 

Hezekiah lloyt 613 

John T. Johnson 620 

Jesse Koe 622 

Jamea Dnrland 623 

James J. Board 624 

Minard Sutton .' 624 

Nathaniel Hoe .'. 625 

Ira Bull 625 

John King 626 

Robert N. Colfax 626 

0. B .Seely 627 

yJohn B. Tnthill dii 

\\. M. Rysdyk between 628, 629 

Abram Ilemerest " 628,629 

J.K.Oakley 643 

Thomas N. Hulse 645 

Nathaniel D. Woodhull - 645 

Nathan 11. White 646 

Edmund S. Howell 647 

Hezekiah Howell 647 

Alden GoldBmith .... 048 

Jesse Bull 

Silas R. Horton ■ ■ • 

Ans.-Im Helme •^•'- .... 

C. f! M.-r-i.. -.- 

Charles M. Thompsoi 

Daniel H. Bull 

Vincent Booth .-. 

Solomon T.Smith 

Hulet Clark 6; i 

John C. Wiener : 674 

Peter Werry f":cween C74, 675 



660 

660 ' Peter Kimber " 67'., 67A 

561 I M. S. Hayne ... f.7.5 

561 O. R. Carpenter hfll 

561 George W. Horton ' 

5G1 Edward J. Flynn 

561 H. H. Farnum 

.561 Eli Van Inwegeu 730 

561 Peter P. Swartwont 750 

561 I George Cuddeback. 751 

562 I Moses Van Inwegon ._. 751 

563 i^J.Jathan Skinner 752 

603 Levi Van Etten 753 

563 A. C. Roe 705 

563 Jonathan Silliman 769 

.563 E. P. Roe .782 

6711 Wm. S. lirown TM 

004 ' John Orr TM 

605 ' William Orr 785 

606 Charles H. Mead '.. 786 

607 j B. S. Ketchato between 786, 787 

607 Peter Townsend 

608 Morgan Sbuit : "•' 

608 I Peter P. Parrott . V.. SOt. 

609 j Alexander Thompson ' /... X07 

609 I Peter Turner 

610 ' Peter B.Ifush WIS 

610 I John Goff SOS 

611 [ Gilbert T. Smith 8u8 

611 i J. H. Thompson between 808, 809 

612 I Isaac H. Thompson " 808,809 

612 James Wilkes 809 

613 



-I 



1 



CONTENTS. 



IXjLTJSTKyT^TIOItTS. 



PAGE 

itliue Mapof County between 8, 9 

" " Land Patents " 16,17 

■rtrait of William Silliman 98 

>re-H-«use uf Homer Ramedell i Co 107 

iitrait of George Clinton 142 

" S.J.Wilkiu facing 148 

Jno. G. AVilkiu " liiO 

" Jos. M.Wilkin " 152 

" Geoige M. Grier " lj:i 

•' Joseph W. Gott " 155 

" David F. Gediiey " 15r. 

" James N. Pruuk 157 

" Oliver Young facing 158 

" Thomas J. Lyon *' 159 

" Alinim S. Cii-ssedy 159 

" William Vanamee IGO 

*' Fii'deiic Bodiue Idl 

" Joseph Whelan facing 10:i 

" Increase Crosby " 1G4 

" James M. Ganliuer 166 

" Isaac Garrison facing 167 

" David C. Winfield " 1G8 

" Robert Shaw " 109 

" Harvey Everett " 170 

" Bartow Wright " 171 

" Thomas S. Kdmonston ** 172 

" S. G. Cai-penter between 172, 173 

" C. P. Smith " 172, 173 

" Solomon Van Etteu facing 174 

" James D. Johnston " 175 

'* George Hunter ** 176 

" H.C. Seely between 176, 177 

" T. Walsh " I7(i, 177 

" H. H. Robinson " 176, 177 

W. C. TeiTy facing 177 

" P.M. Barclay " 178 

" Theo. Writer " 179 

DeWitt C. Jayne " 183 

" J. W. Ostrom , 184 

" Wm. A. M. Cnlbert facing 185 

" Ira S. Bradner between 180, 187 

" Chas. M. Lawrence " 1S6, 1S7 

" V, fli. Drake 190 

" Chas. Mead facing 190 

*' E. M. Ruttenber " 194 

" Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck between 196, 197 

'* J. W. Hasbrouck " 196, 197 

" M. D. Stivers facing 198 

" W. H. Nearpass " 201 



NEMT "WINDSOR. 

esidence of Robert Morisou facing 222 

' ortraitof Robert H. Wallace , " 231 

" Johu R, Caldwell 240 

E. D. Drury facing 240 

" Robert Burnet " 045 

" James W. Slorrison between 242 243 ' 

.esidence of James W. Blonison " 242 243 t 

'ortrait of Thomas J. Fulton facing 243 I 

" John B. Kernochan 243 ! 

Wm. L. McGill 243 ' 

" John S. Bull 244 ' 

" John Cromwell facing 244 ' 

TJE"WBURGH. ! 

>iagram of Patents 245 ' 

<ewburgh fium the Northeast 246 | 

diagram of German Patent 248 

'* Township of Washington 266 ' 



PAGE 

Washington's Headqn;irters from the East, and Ground Plan 2S3 

Portrait of William L.F.Warren facing 2SS 

" Thomas C. Ring " 290 

" John R. Wiltsie " 292 

Ringgold Hose House 299 

Portrait of John Brown facing 302 

" John Johnston « 306 

Union Presbyterian Church 311 

J. McCarrell ■. facing 31-.^ 

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church 31S 

Portrait of Tliomas Powell facing 351 

" Homer Uamsdell " 352 

" Benjamin Carpenter '* 3.54 

" David Crawford *• 3.')5 

*' William Walsh " ;55G 

*' Henry Walsh " 357 

" D.B.St. John " 35S 

" Jno. Forsyth between 35^, 359 

" Charles Downing 359 

" J. T. Ueadley facing 360 

" Thomas Shaw " 361 

" James Mackin " 362 

*' George Clark " rjG3 

" William Wright " 364 

" Peter V. B. Fowler " 365 

*' Daniel Merritt *' 366 

" Jno. L. Foster. " 367 

" B. K. Johnston 367 

" W. I. Underbill between 368, 369 

" Robert Whitehill " 368,360 

" Nathaniel Barnes " 36S, 3'9 

" Gilbert Williams " 368, ?69 

*' Jacob Gillies •* 368, 369 

*' James McCord facini.370 

MONTGOMERY. 

Portrait of Charles Miller ;..i..;,... facuig 40S 

" Josepli H. Decker , ^^g 

" Francis C. Decker 410 

** George Senior facing 4IU 

" James Todd ^ between 4iiJ,-dt^ 

" John Kidd ......T "'"' ' i Fl t),-fH 

" J. R. W. Benttie « 410, 411 

" C.J. Mould " 410,411 

" ' M. G. Snyder faciuii^ 412 

CRA'WFORD. 

Portmit of John H. Legj;ett facing 42o 

*' Dauiel Thumiison between 426, 427 

" Leauder Ciawfurd " 426, 427 

A. R. Taylor facing 427 

" Horace Bull 42s 

" Daniel Bull between 428, 429 

'* Augustus Thompson " 428, 429 

"WALLKILIi. 

Map of Middletown 444 

Homoeopathic .'\syliim for Insane.. 454 

Portrait of Seldeii H. Talcott facing 455 

" William B. Royce •' 473 

" Robert H. Houston " 488 

" E. M. Madden " 489 

'• S. S. Wickham " 4mI 

" W. C. McNi.sIi " 492 

" .\lbort Bull " 493 

" Elisha P. Wheeler i-^ 

" Oliver P. Reeve 

B. W. Sliaw fiicing 

" Horton Vail " 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Portrait of Thomas E. Hiilse between 498,496 

'• C.G.Snw.ver " 498,499 

" James I!. Bell facing 500 

" Alanson Slaugliter " 501 

Joliu B. Hiilse " 602 

" Virjjil Thompson between 502, 503 

" Israel II. Wickham " 502, 50:! 

" Ilinim S. Wilkison 50:i 

" IliKini B. Webb 603 

" r. F. P. Bliven 504 

" H. Bull between 504, 505 

" A. L. Vail " 504,505 

" H. S. Lindeniian '* 504,50.5 . 

H. E. Wilco.\ " 501,505 

Geo. Wallace facing 605 

MOUNT HOPE. 

Portrait of Geo. Smith 620 

GOSHEN. 

Portrait of Xatlianiel Webb 532 

" W. D. Siiodgrass facing 534 

Goshen Presbyterian Ciilirch 535 

Portrait of A. S. Muri'ay facing 541 

" Wni. JIurray " 543 

" Wm. T. Russell " .545 

Alex. Wright " 653 

" Henry Merrian ** 554 

" A. H. Siiisabaugli 555 

" Jno J. Smith facing 550 

" C. W, Reevs ; between 560, 557 

*' William Knapp " 560,657 

Oliver B. Tiithill " 550,557 

De Witt C. Durland " 556,557 

Alfred W. lis facing 657 

" Thomas Thome.; " 558 

'* Jno. C. Walling between 558, 659 

" Walter H. Sayer " 558,559 

" Jno. J. Heard facing 559 

I" W. B. Tuthill .560 

G. Thew- facing 560 

Jas. W. Hoyt between 560, 601 

Stephen Smith '• 560,501 

" Robert Young " 500,561 

" Tno. >'. Ityerson '* 660,501 

.John S.Crane " 500,661 

Chas. F. Johnson " 560, 561 

Edson Coleman facing 661 

Geo. Mapes 561 

John T. Ackley facing 562 

.\drian Holbert between 562, 503 

JJoah Gregory " 562,56:) 

Richard L. Wood " 562,563 

N.C. Coleman " 562, .563 

Jas. SI. Bull facing 563 

■WAKWICK. 

I of Wm. H. Seward .571 

Ezra Sanford facing 604 

Benjamin Sayer 005 

Edward t. Welling facing 000 

Jeffrey Wisner _ between 606, 607 

James Burt facing C07 

James Wheeler " 608 

Gabriel Wisner between 608, 609 

Gabriel Houston " 608,609 

Isaac V. Wheeler facing 009 

A. .1. Burt between 010, 611 

John Willcox " 010, Oil 

Thomas Welling " 610,011 

William H. Houston " 010,611 

J. E. Waterbury facing 612 

Nathaniel R. Feagles between 012, 613 

Gardner K. Nanny " 612, 613 

Hezekiah Hoyt facing 013 



CHESTER. 

r\c,E 

Portrait of John T. Johnson facing f.JO 

*' Jesse Roe " r.i^j 

" Jamefi Durland " r.23 

" James J. Board between 624, 625 

I '* Minard Sutton " 624,025 

" Nathaniel Roe " 624,625 

" Ira Bull " 624,025 

" John W. King " 020, i;27 

" R. W. ColfH.x between 020, *:■-' 

" C. B. Seely facing 027 

" John B. Tuthill " i;28 

" Wm. 31. Rysdyk between 628, (.20 

" Abrani Denierest " 628, 01:9 

BLOOMING-GROVE. 
Portrait of J. K.Oakley facing 013 

" Thomas N. Ilulse " 044 

" S. D. WoodhnU " G45 

" Nathan H, White " 646 

'• Edmund S. Howell between 646.047 

" Hezekiah Howell " 646, iM7 

" .\lden Goldsmith facing r4.S 

" Silas R. Horton between 64^, 049 

" Anselm Helme " 048,649 

" C. S. Jlarvin " M8, 049 

" Jesse Bull facing 049 

HAMPTONBUKGH. 

Portrait of Charles M. Tln.iupson facing 0."i2 

Daniel H. Bull " 054 

■' Vincent Booth " (i.")0 

" Solomon T. Smith " o:.s 

MINISINK. 

Hai-twell's School facing- C67 

Portrait of Hulet Clark " 673 

J. C. Wisner " 674 

" Peter Werry between 674, 675 

" Peter Kimber *' 074, C75 

" 31. S. Hayne facing 075 

■WTAW^AYANDA. 

Portrait of 0. R. Carpenter facing OOO 

" George W. Horton " Cl'l 

DEERPABK. 

Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Deer|)ark 722 

Portrait of Edward J. Flynn 728 

'* H. II. Farnum facing 733 

" Eli Van Inwegen " 739 

" Peter P. Swartwoul " 750 

" George Cuddeback " 751 

" Closes Van Inwegen 7.^1 

" Nathan Skinner facing 7.V2. 

*' Levi Van Etten " 753 

COENW^ALL. 

Portrait of Alfred C. Eoe 765 

" J. Silliman "70 

" Edward P. Roe ''^'■i 

" William S. Brown 7s4 

" John Orr 7S4 

" WilUam Orr 780 

Residence of William Orr facing 780 

Portrait of B. S. Ketcham between 786, 787 

" Charles II. Mead facing 787 



MONROE. 

Portrait of Peter Townsend faci"ng 6U5 

" Morgan Shuit SoG 

" Peter P. Parrott facing 806 

" Alex. Thompson between 800, 807 

Peter Turner " 800,807 

Peter B. Bush facing 80S 

" John Gotr. between 808, 809 

Gilbert T. Smith " 808,809 

J. Horton Thompson " 808,809 

" Isaac H. Thompson " 808, ^to 

" James Wilkes facing 809 



OUTLINE PLATS' OP 







^JfV V.Viuits' 



•- 



HISTORY 



OF 



ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTEE I. 

ABORIGINAL HISTOHT. 

The aboriginal history of Orange County may be 
properly dated from Sept. 15, 1609, on the morning of 
which day Henry Hudson rode at anchor in his ship, 
the " Half-Moon," in the watere of the river now 
bearing his name, immediately above the Highlands. 
With the natives of the country which he was ex- 
ploring his experience was varied. Below the High- 
lands he made captive two young men, intending 
to take them to Holland, but when rounding West 
Point they sprang on the rocky headland and called 
from the shore to their captor in scorn. Above the 
Highlands " the people of the country," as he called 
them, visited his ship and brought some small skins 
with them, which were " bought for knives and 
trifles." Subsequently, when anchored ofl' Stony 
Point, "the people of the mountains" came on board, 
and when leaving a conflict was brought on which 
resulted in the death of two of their number, and 
before reaching the Manhattan islands eight of the 
aboriginal lords had fallen under the power of Eu- 
ropean falcons. 

Through the early Dutch navigators who followed 
Hudson's path more definite information is obtained of 
the people whom he visited, and also the names which 
were given to the clans or chieftaincies into which 
they were divided. At "Haverstroo" they were 
called Haverstroos ; from Stony Point to the Dans- 
Kammer they were Waoranecks, — subsequently called 
"the Murderer's Creek Indians;" from the Dans- 
Kammer north through Ulster County, and west 
through the valley of the Wallkill, they were War- 
ranawonkongs ; in the district drained by the Dela- 
ware and its tributaries they were Minsis or 3Iinisinks. 
These names were not those which the natives had 
given as belonging to themselves, but were those 
which had been given by them to the Dutch as the 
names of the streams on which they lived. The Ww- 
ranawonkoiu/ was the Wallkill ; the Waoraneci, the 
Murderer's Creek. 

Later the tribal and national organizations of this 
2 



people appeared. It would be no violation of fact to 
say that their political constitution was similar to our 
own. They had villages or towns, counties or en- 
larged cantons, tribes or states, nations or united 
tribes. Each in its sphere was independent, yet the 
whole strongly and firmly bound together. The sub- 
tribes or villages south of Stony Point were Unulac- 
tos, or the Turkey tribe ; those north were Minsis, or 
the Wolf tribe, with territorial jurisdiction extending 
through the Minisink country of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey ; south of tlie MinsU they were U/iamis, 
or the Turtle tribe.* The tribes named constituted 
the Lenni-Lenape nation, which held its council-fire 
at what is now Philadelphia. From the Unamis was 
selected invariably, by the ruling chiefs of the other 
tribes, the king or sagamore of the nation, — a king 
both with and without power ; a sovereign whose rule 
was perpetuated only through the love of his people; 
a monarch the most polished, the most liberal, the 
poorest of his race ; one who ruled by permission, 
who received no salary, who was not permitted to 
own the cabin in which he lived or the land he culti- 
vated, who could receive no presents that did not be- 
come the property of the nation, yet whose larder and 
treasure-chest were never empty. 

The history of the Lenapes, briefly stated, is, that 
they were the head of the Algonquin nations at the 
time of the discovery, but, by a succession of wars 
with the Dutch, the English, and the Iroquois, were 
compelled some time about 1670 to yield to the latter 
and become a " nation of women," — i.e., a nation 
without power to make war or peace on their own 
account, or to sell or convey lands. In this condition 
they remained until 1755 (having in the mean time 
become generally known as the Delawares), when 
they threw oft" the yoke of subjugation, and under 
alliances with the Shawanoes, Mingoes, etc., were 
enabled to place themselves at the head of the West- 
ern nations, and contest every inch of soil east of the 
Mississippi. 

* Tribal orgaDizations were known by the totems or emblems which 
they painted on their cabins, their persons, etc., as the turljey, the 
wolf, the turtle. 

9 



10 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



But while these facts were being ascertained, — 
years before many of them were known, — there came 
the hurrying to and fro of armed men, and the terri- 
bly eclioing battle-cry of the woodland lords, " Woach, 
Woach, Ha, Ma, Hack, Woach .'" with which the set- 
tlers subsequently became familiar. The Dutch be- 
gan their settlement at New Amsterdam (now New 
York) in 1626. A few years later, settlements were 
commenced at Paulus' Hook (now Jersey City), then 
called Pavonia, and at Brcucklen, now the citj- of 
Brooklyn, and a few small neigliborhoods were scat- 
tered along the river north of Paulus' Hook. These 
settlements brought with them frictions of opposing 
customs, which, in 1643, resulted in conflicts and 
massacres in the vicinity of New Amsterdam, by which 
the Dutch were driven from every foothold outside of 
their fort, and the whole country from the Neversink 
highlands to the hills and valleys of the Tappans was 
again in the possession of its aboriginal lords. 

Passing from these fields of conflict to the north of 
the Hudson highlands, from 1656 to 1664 the territory 
of the Warranawonkongs became the theatre of war, 
broken by occasional periods of peace. Whatever 
may have been the earlier trading-posts, permanent 
settlement was not commenced among that tribe until 
1652, and may be said to have been soon after aban- 
doned until 1656. As in other places, the settlers de- 
voted the largest portion of their time and means to 
the purposes of trade, and, with a view to secure the 
largest amount of furs, imprudently made free with 
the sale of brandy and other liquors, under the influ- 
ence of which the Indians became troublesome and 
resorted to violence. Stirring events soon clustered 
around the infant colony at Atkarkarton (now Kings- 
ton). A stockaded village and a fort were found 
necessary for protection ; but even these proved of 
little avail, for on the 7th of June, 1663, the Indians 
entered the gates of the villages, two of which, known 
as the "New" and the "Old," were then in occupa- 
tion. Ostensibly seeking trade, they scattered them- 
selves among the houses of the Dutch, until at a given 
signal their vocation was changed to that of destruc- 
tion. At a single blow the New Village was destroyed. 
" Some people on horseback escaped and reached the 
Old Village, but their arrival was the signal of attack 
upon the latter, for scarce had the alarm been given 
when the Indians uttered their war-whoop and com- 
menced the work of death. The people were mur- 
dered in their houses with axes and tomahawks, and 
by firing on them with guns and pistols." Women 
and children were seized and carried off prisoners; 
houses were plundered, and men, rushing to the de- 
fense of their families, were shot down by foes con- 
cealed in their own dwellings. To aid in the work of 
destruction, the Indians set fire to the village on the 
windward side. The flames spread rapidly, but when 
at their height the wind suddenly changed to the 
west and prevented further deva.station. The panic 
occasioned by the sudden attack having subsided, the 



settlers rallied and drove the Indians out. By even- 
ing all was still again, and the bereaved inhabitants 
kept mournful watch during the night. Twenty-one 
lives were lost, nine were wounded, and forty-five 
carried oflTcaptive ; the New Village was annihilated, 
and at the Old Village twelve houses were burned.* 

Immediately on the receipt of the intelligence of 
this disaster, Stuyvesant dispatched Col. Martin Kre- 
gier with a company of soldiers to assist the settlers. 
Kregicr arrived at the Ronduit on the 4th of July. In 
a few days five Mohawk and Mohican chiefs arrived 
from Fort Orange, and by their mediation some of the 
Dutch captives were released ; but the Warranawon- 
kongs would not listen to propositions for peace unless 
the Dutch would pay " for the land named tlie Great 
Plot," and reward them with presents within ten 
days. The Dutch commander replied by sending out 
scouting-parties, who succeeded in bringing in a few 
prisoners, from whom it was learned that the Indians 
had retreated to their castle ; and thither it was deter- 
mined to follow them. The expedition reached its 
destination on the evening of the 26th of July. The 
castlet was a formidable structure. It was " defended 
by three rows of palisades, and the houses in the fort 
encircled by thick cleft palisades w'ith port-holes in 
them, and covered with bark of trees;" in form it was 
quadrangular, but the angles were " constructed be- 
tween the first and second rows of palisades," the 
third row of palisades standing " full eight feet off 
from the others towards the interior," the whole being 
" on the brow of the hill," surrounded by table-land. 
But the object of the expedition was not accom- 
plished. Warned of the approach of their enemy, 
the Indians retreated to the Shawangunk Mountains 
and took their captives with them. From a captured 
squaw it was learned that the Indians were some four 
miles distant, and a force was sent thither ; but when 
they arrived at the designated place, it was found that 
they had again retreated. Kregier, however, de- 
stroyed the Kahanksen castle by fire, cut down the 
corn-fields which the Indi.ans had planted, and de- 
stroyed " about a hundred pits full of corn and 
beans," Avhich had been preserved from the crop of 
the previous year. This work accomplished, he re- 
turned to Wiltwyck.J 

The settlers now engaged in harvesting their grain, 
and the soldiers guarded them while at work. (.>Hen- 
sive operations were not resumed until September, 
when a force of fifty men was sent out to reduce a 
new castle whicli the Indians were said to be erecting, 



* The New Village was about three miles from the Old Tillage, and 
the Ronduit about the same distance. 

t The location of this fort, or palisaded village, is delined in the 
boundaiy lines of lands conveyed by the treaty of 1665 : " Lying and 
being to tlie west and southwest of acertain creek or river called by the 
name of Kahanksen, and so up to the head thereof where the old fort 
was." 

X By a formal charter of date Jlay 10, ICGl, the settlement was ordered 
to be called " Wiltwyck," or Indian Village. Tile English changed the 
name to Kingston. 



LAND TITLES— FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 



11 



situated '' about four liours farther than their first fort," 
which had been burned. The expedition reached its 
destination on tlie 5th of September. Tlie Indians 
were talj;en by surprise, but made a stout resistance. 
The)' were busy completing their fort, and had left 
their arms at their houses, " about a stone's throw from 
the fort." Alarmed by a squaw, who had discovered 
tlie approach of the Dutch, tliey rushed to secure their 
arms, but were only jiartially successful so closely 
were they pursued. Retreating across the kill, they 
threw back the Dutch fire with such spirit that it was 
found necessary to send a strong party to dislodge 
them. " In this attack the Indians lost their chief 
Papequanaehan, fourteen warriors, four women, and 
three children." Ou the part of the Dutch three were 
killed and wounded. Thirteen Indians were taken 
prisoners, and twenty-three Dutch captives released. 
The Dutcli found plunder sufficient to " well fill a 
sloop," but were obliged to leave it. Everything was 
destroyed that could be. " The fort was a perfect 
square, with one row of palisades set all around, being 
about fifteen feet above and three feet below ground," 
but it was not completed. Two angles of " stout pali- 
sades, all of them about as thick as a man's body, 
having two rows of port-holes, one above the other," 
were done, and when surprised the Indians were " busy 
at the other angle." The victorious expedition re- 
turned to the settlement laden with spoil, and the 
Indians fled to the mountains to brood over their 
defeat and loss. 

On the 1st of October another expedition was sent 
out on the same route, and arrived at tlie fort last de- 
.stroyed on tlie 2d. The Indians liad meanwhile re 
turned to it and thrown the bodies of their dead com- 
rades into five pits, from which "the wolves had rooted 
up and devoured some of them. Lower down ou the 
kill four other pits were found containing bodies ; and 
farther on three Indians with a squaw and child lay 
unburied and almost wholly devoured by wolves." A 
terrible picture of desolation was spread out on either 
hand where but a few days before the native lords 
had exulted in their strength, but who now, crushed 
and broken, had retreated southward among their 
kindred Minsis. The Dutch forces completed the de- 
struction of the fort; the palisades were pulled down, 
the wigwams burned, and all the corn cut up and cast 
into the kill. 

The Warranawonkongs, upon whom this chastise- 
ment had principally fallen, solicited peace in the fall, 
and an armistice was granted. They had suffered 
severely ; their villages, from Wawayanda to Esopus, 
were not without mourners ; their store-houses were 
rifled, and their crops destroyed. Nor were their allies, 
the Waoranecks, more fortunate. Although their 
territory had not been invaded nor their villages 
burned, they were not the less subdued; the embers 
of their forest worship, which had for ages been lighted 
on the Dans-Kammer, were extinguished forever. In 
the spring following Sewackenamo, in conference at 



Fort Amsterdam, lifted up his voice in praj-er to his 
God — Bachtamo — that " something good" might be 
concluded with tlie Dutch, and there executed a treaty, 
by the terms of which all that had passed was to be for- 
given and forgotten ; the lands claimed by the Dutch, 
and now conquered by the sword, were to remain the 
property of the conquerors, and the vanquished were 
not to approach the Dutch settlements with arms. 
This treaty was ratified (May 16, 1(364) amid the roar of 
cannon, and was celebrated by a public thanksgiving. 
With its conclusion was also closed the struggle of 
the aboriginal clans for the possession of their ancient 
seats on the western slope of the valley of the Hud- 
son, from the Katskills to the sea. The retreating 
footsteps of some of their warriors were yet to be 
marked on advancing frontiers by blazing torch and 
branding tomahawk, but those who remained in the 
vicinity of the " river of the mountains" awaited in 
peace the granting of title-deeds to their European 
successors. Jleanwhile, however, those who survived 
the conflict with the Dutch, more especially the Min- 
sis, in the western part of the county and the adjoining 
territory, were greatly strengthened by additions to 
their number, first in 1692, and again in 1694, of large 
colonies of Shawanoes who located in western Ulster 
and Orange. It is not impossible that these immi- 
grants left behind them in their western march names 
which have been ascribed to earlier periods. How- 
ever this may be, it is certain that from the nursery- 
beds of the Shawanoes in Orange went forth to the 
West some of the most able chiefs and warriors of 
that tribe. 



CHAPTER IL 



LAND TITLES-FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

" The lands which I intend shall be first planted 
are those upon the west side of Hudson's River, at or 
adjoining to the Sopes," wrote Governor Nicolls in 
1664. With the exception of the " Great Plot," now 
occupied by the city of Kingston, embracing about 
four thousand acres, which had been given to Gov- 
ernor Stuyvesant by the Warranawonkong chiefs " to 
grease his feet," the lands to which Governor Nicolls 
refers were the first to which Europeans had a title, 
and were " conquered by the sword." They are de- 
scribed in the treaty of 1665 as " a certain parcel of land 
lying and being to the west and southwest of a certain 
creek or river called by the name of Kahanksen, and 
so up to the head thereof, where the old fort was ; 
and so with a direct line from thence through the 
woods and across the meadows to the Great Hill, lying 
and being to the west or southwest thereof, which 
Great Hill is to be the true west or southwest bounds 
of the said lands, and the creek called Kalianksen 
the north or northeast bounds of the said lands." In 
other words, they were the lands that Kregier and his 



12 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dutch troops had ravaged in 1663. They were limited 
in extent, embracing scarce three townships in south- 
western Ulster, and were specially designated by the 
Indians as Shawangunk, " the white man's country," 
as distinguished from the lands to which tliey retained 
the title. 

From this extreme position on the northwest bounds 
of the present county chronology takes us to the ex- 
treme south of the old county of Orange, " the Chris- 
tian patented lands of Haverstraw." Here Balthazer 
de Hart and his brother Jacob, immigrants from 
Holland at an earlier date, prior to July 31, 1666, 
purchased from the Indians " all that tract of land 
lying on the west side of Hudson's River called Hav- 
erstraw, being on the north side of the hills called 
Verdrietig Hook, on the south side of the Highlands, 
on the east side of the mountains, so that the same is 
bounded by Hudson's Eiver and round about by the 
high mountains." Presuming that the tract was in- 
cluded in the boundaries of New Jersey, he obtained 
from Carteret and the Council of that province a 
patent,* and transferred his interest to Nicholas De- 
puy and Peter Jacoljs Marius. On subsequent pur- 
chase and patent he acquired (April 10, 1671) the 
"parcels of land called by the Indian names of New- 
asink, Yandakali, Caquaney, and Aquamak, bounded 
on the west by a creek called Menisakcuugue, on the 
east and north by Hudson's River, and on the soutli 
by the mountains," which became the property of his 
brother Jacob ; and also a tract " known by the name 
of Ahequerenoy," which, with a portion of the pre- 
vious purcha.se, came to the possession of Hendrick 
Eyker, the whole becoming the basis of the boun- 
daries of all subsequent grants in the district. 

Turning again to the north of the district, we find 
that Louis Du Bois, a Huguenot pioneer, driven 
thitlier by the pending persecutions of the people of 
his faith in France, located, with some of his friends, 
at Esopus in 1660. Contributing the captivity of his 
wife and children to the Indian war of 1663, he sub- 
sequently induced several families of his countrymen, 
who were more recent immigrants, to unite with him 
in establishing a French town. Twelve men, known as 
the " Twelve Patentees," were selected to obtain title 
to lands, who, after an examination of the country, pur- 
chased from the Indian proprietors (May 26, 1677) a 
tract of thirty-six thousand acres, lying immediately 
south of the " Redoute Creek," as the Warranawon- 
kong came to be called. On the 29th of September 
following a patent was obtained from Governor An- 
dros, in the name of " Louis du Bois and his partners, 
that is, Christian Doyau, Abraham Hasbroucq, Andre 
le Febvre, Jean Hasbroucq, Pierre Doyau, Louis Be- 
viere, Anthoine Crespel, Abraham du Bois, Hugue 
Frere, Isaac Du Bois, and Simon le Febvre, their 
heirs and others," men whose names live in the 



* The grant was subsequently confirmed by tlie Governor and Council 
of New York. The patent is of record in New Jersey. 



annals of their adopted country. On this patent nine 
families immediately settled, and laid, in the faith 
which they professed, the foundations of New Paltz. 

Midway between the Haverstraw and New Paltz 
settlements, Patrick MacGregorie, his brother-in-law, 
David Toshuck, who subscribed his name " Laird of 
Minivard," and twenty-five others, principally Scotch 
Presbyterians, entered upon lands at the mouth of the 
Waoraneck. It was their original intention to settle 
in New Jersey, but they were pei-suaded by Governor 
Dongan to take up lands in New York. Obtaining 
a license for that purpose, MacGregorie, acting as 
their representative, purchased for his people a tract 
of four thousand acres, embracing lands on both sides 
of "Murderer's Creek," "and so settled themselves, 
their families and sundry of their servants, on the 
land so purchased, and were not only the first Chris- 
tians that settled and improved thereon, but also 
peaceably and quietly possessed and enjoyed them- 
selves during the term of their natural lives." On 
what is now known as Plum Point, but which was 
then called, from its aboriginal owner, Couwanham's 
Hill, MacGregorie reared his cabin ; in the same 
vicinity were the cabins of his associates, while on 
the south side of the creek the " Laird of Minivard" 
and his servant, Daniel Maskrig, established a trading- 
post. Within the bounds of the present county of Orange 
this was the first European settlement, as Haverstraw 
was the first in the original county. 

Unfortunately, MacGregorie did not perfect his 
title by patent. Trusting to Governor Dongan to 
protect his interests, he entered the service of the 
State, while Dongan obtained by purcha.se on his 
own account (Oct. 25, 1684), from " Mangenaett, 
Tsema, Keghgekapowell, alias Joghem, three Indians, 
native proprietors and principal owners, with the 
consent of Pemeranaghin, chief sachem of Esopus 
Indians," a tract described as extending from " the 
Paltz along Hudson's River to the land belonging to 
the Indians at the Murderer's Kill, thence westward 
to the foot of the high hills called Pitkiskaker and 
Aiaskawa-sting, thence southwesterly all along the said 
hills and the river called Peakadasank to a water- 
pond lying upon said hills called Meretange, compre- 
hending all those lands, meadows, and woods called 
Nescotank, Chawangon, Memorasink, Kakoghgetaw- 
narnuch, and Ghittatawagh." The consideration was 
the sum of ninety pounds and eleven shillings, in the 
following goods : " 10 fathoms blue duflels, 10 fathoms 
of red duflels, 200 fathoms white wampum, 10 fathoms 
stroud water (red cloth), 10 fathoms blue cloth, 10 
blankets, 10 guns, 10 kettles, 10 duffel coats, 10 draw- 
ing-knives, 10 shirts, 10 tobacco-boxes, 10 children's 
duft'el coats, 10 children's shirts, 10 pair of hose, 50 
lbs. powder, 50 bars lead, 10 pair shoes, 10 cutlasses, 
10 hatchets, 10 hoes, 10 scissors, 10 tobacco tongues, 
100 flints, 2 rolls of tobacco, 20 gals, rum, 2 vats 
strong beer, and 1 barrel cider." 
To this purchase he added (April 16, 168-t), by deed 



LAND TITLES— FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 



13 



from Werekepes, sachem, Sackaghemeck, Sewiskka- 
mock, alias Hans, Apiskaeuw, Caslioros, Csquameck, 
Moringamaghan, Poglighock, and Kaghtsikoos, the 
lands owned by "themselves and copartners," being a 
tract beginning " at about a place called the Dancing 
Chamber; thence south to the north side of the land 
called Haverstraw ; thence northwest along the hill 
called Skoonnenoghky to the bounds of his purchase 
from the Esopus Indians aforesaid, including the 
Murderer's Creek." The consideration was 150 
fatlioms of wampum, 120 royals, 20 fathoms duf- 
fels, 6 guns, 7 brass kettles, 8 blankets, 6 fathoms 
strouds, 2 cloth coats, 2 broad axes, 5 pair shoes, 6 
children's shirts, 20 knives, 50 lbs. powder, 30 bars 
lead, 25 lbs. shot, 2 rolls tobacco, 4 iron pots, 10 to- 
bacco tongues, 10 tobacco-boxes, 4 lbs. bood, 2 half- 
vats single beer, 2 half-vats double beer, 6 glass bot- 
tles, 5 earthen jugs, 2 pewter dishes, 2 bottles, with 
rum, 100 tobacco pipes, 10 hatchets, 6 drawing-knives, 
4 addz, 10 hoes, 10 pair stockings, 8 shirts, 6 pistols, 
10 children's blankets, 2 boys' cloth coats, 6 boys' 
duttel coats, 20 gallons rum, £2* paid Frederick 
Phillipse, £2 paid Stephanus Van Cortlandt. 

Not only had the Indians previously sold to Mac- 
Gregorie a portion of the lands which by this sale 
they conveyed to Dongan, but Stephanus Van Cort- 
landt held their deed for a tract opposite Anthony's 
Nose. The purchase was made July 13, 1683, and 
the tract described as " beginning on the south side 
of a creek called Sankapogh, and so along said creek 
to the head thereof, and then northerly along the 
high hills as the river runneth to another creek called 
Assinapink, and thence along the said creek to Hud- 
son's Eiver again, together with a certain island and 
parcel of meadow-land, near or adjoining the same, 
called Manahawaghkin, and by the Christians, Salis- 
bury Island." Sackaghemeck, sachem of Haver- 
straw, Werekepes, and Kaghtsikoos were the grantors. 
Luckily, he preserved his deed, and under it succeeded 
in obtaining a patent attaching his purchase to his 
manor, on the opposite side of the river. 

But the MacGregorie colonists were not so fortunate. 
Governor Dongan conveyed his two purchases to Capt. 
John Evans by patent Sept. 12, 1694, under the title 
of the Lordship and Manor of Fletcherdon. Mac- 
Gregorie, after serving the province in the capacity 
of muster-general of the militia and as its agent 
among the northwestern Indians in a district of 
country which had not been previously visited, had 
yielded up his life in the Leslie revolution of 1691, 
and a peaceful death had closed the earthly cares of 
David Toshuck in the bosom of his family, at Plum 
Point. To dispossess the heirs was the first work of 
Evans, to whose shame it is written that he compelled 
MacGregorie's widow, Margaret, to sell to him the 
house in which she lived for " £30 or £35, to the 



* The rounds of this period wore of about the value of a Uuited States 
dollar. 



ruin of herself and family." To her and to her sur- 
viving neighbors he then granted leases, thus preserv- 
ing title and possession, as well as the continuity of 
the settlement. The Scotch settlers who remained in 
possession under these leases obtained no subsequent 
patent titles, except in the case of the heirs of Mac- 
Gregorie, to whom, some years later, a patent was 
granted for the Plum Point farm, and also for a 
mountain tract, in consideration of their claim. 

The fourth settlement, and by far the most consid- 
erable, was made adjoining the " Christian patented 
lands of Haverstraw." It was composed of immi- 
grants from Holland, principally members of the 
Reformed Dutch Church. Among them were de- 
scendants or relatives of David Pieterson de Vries, 
who had occupied a conspicuous position in the 
earlier history of the province, and had established 
a plantation which he called Vriesendael, situated 
"in a beautiful valley just below the mountains." 
Driven thence during the war of 1645, he had taken 
to Holland a memory which had been treasured by 
his family and neighbors, who, on their arrival, 
selected a location in the vicinity, if not embracing 
the site, of his ancient " little bouwerie." Obtaining, 
through trustees selected for that purpose, a title from 
"the native Indian proprietors," and being in num- 
bers sufficient to demand it, they were granted 
(March 20, 1686) a township patent, "under the* 
name of the Town of Orange," with all the powers 
" practiced or belonging unto any town within this 
Government." The trustees of the grant were Cor- 
nells Claessen Cuyper, Daniel de Klercke, Peter 
Harnich, Cattis Harnich, Gerritt Steumetts, John de 
Vries, Sr., John de Vries, Jr., Claes Mannde, Jan 
Stratemaker, Staaes de Groot, Arean Lammeates, 
Lamont Arianuis, Huybert Gerrj'ts, Johannes Gerrits, 
Eide Van Vorst, and Cornelius Lammerts. The 
boundaries of the tract were defined as "beginning at 
the mouth of Tappan Creek where it falls into the 
meadow and running from thence along the north 
side of the said creek to a creeple bush and falls into 
Hackinsack River, northerly to a place called the 
Greenbush, and from thence along said Greenbush 
easterly to the lands of Class Janse and Dowe Har- 
manse,t and from thence southerly along said land 
upon the top of the hills to the aforementioned mouth 
of Tappan Creek where it falls into the meadow 
aforesaid." The centre of the township was at Tap- 
pan, where a glebe for the support of a minister was 
laid out and a church organized.^ 

A vacant tract of land, immediately west of Hav- 
erstraw, was conveyed by deed and patent (the latter, 
June 25,1696) to Daniel Honan and Michael Hawdon. 
This tract, which is described as being known by the 

t Probably Harmnn Dowson, who had taken up a tract called Pessa- 
tinock, on Hackii)S,ack River. 

X The Reformed Protestant Dutch. It was organized Oct. 24, 1694. 
The first preacher was the Rev. Guilliam Bartliolf. The first church 
edifice waa erected in 1716. The glebe consisted of fifty-five acres. 



14 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



name of Kuck-quack-ta-wake (Kakiate) , was " bounded 
on the east by the Christian patented kinds of Haver- 
straw, on the north by a creek called Shamorack or 
Peasqua, which runs under a great hill, from which it 
continues a west course until the west-southwest side 
of a barren plain called Wishpegwrap bears south, 
thence to the west-southwest side of aforesaid plain, 
from thence south-southwest until the said line comes 
to a creek that runs to David Demaree's creek to the 
south side of the land called Marranchaw, and thence 
down the said creek to the Christian patented lands." 
Adjoining this tract on the south, Samuel Bayard 
was granted certain tracts called Whorinims, Perseck, 
Gemaekie, and Narrashunck, " bounded north by the 
land of Daniel Honan and Michael Hawdon, south 
by the parting line of this Province and the Jerseys, 
west by Saddle River, and east by Demaree's Creek," 
containing two thousand acres. The Indian deed for 
this and several other purchases was covered by one 
to Lucas Tienhoven, embracing by survey one hun- 
dred thousand acres, but for which no patent was 
issued. 

Between the township of Orange and the Haver- 
straw lands the rocky bluff known as Verdrietig 
Hook, by the Indians called Quaspeeck, including 
Rockland Lake, became the subject of controversj' 
between "John Hutchins and Company" and " Jarvis 
Marshall and Company." Both parties obtained 
deeds, but the latter apparently had priority in date 
of purchase and were granted (Sept. 27, 1694) the 
patent, the patentees being Jarvis Marshall and Wil- 
liam Welch. At a later period (April 23, 1708) a 
patent to Lancaster Syms, Robert Walter, and Hen- 
drick Ten Eycke covered the vacant river-front, de- 
scribed as " beginning by the south bounds of Hav- 
erstraw, thence west to the northermost end of the 
land or island called Mattasink or Welch's Island, 
thence southerly to the southermost end of said 
island, then east to the creek that runs out of the 
pond upon Verdrietig Hook and along the same to 
the Hudson, then north to the place of beginning, 
except the grant to Honan and Hawdon." 

The patents described covered the entire district on 
the Hudson from the New Jersey line to New Paltz, 
and extended west to the line of the Shawangunk 
Mountains. While they were being taken up, some 
entries had also been made on the Delaware River. 
Arent Schuyler, employed by the government as an 
interpreter of tlie Indian language and as an agent 
among the Indian tribes, obtained (May 20, 1697), on 
previous deed from the Minisinks, a patent for one 
thousand acres, more particularly described as a " tract 
of land in the Minisink country called by the native 
Indians Sankhekeneck, otherwise Mayhawaem ; also 
another tract, called Warinsayskmeck, situated upon 
a river called Mennessincks before a certain island 
called Menagnock, which tract is adjacent or near to 
a tract of land called Maghaghkemek." In the same 
year (October 14th) a patent was granted to Jacob 



Codebec, Thomas Swartwout, Anthony Swartwout, 
Bernardus Swartwout, Jan Tyse, Peter Gimar, and 
David Jamison, for " a certain quantity of land at a 
place called Maghaghkemek, being the quantity of 
one thousand two hundred acres ; beginning at the 
western bounds of the lands called Nepeneck, to a 
small stream of water called by the Indian name of 
Assawagkemeck, and so along said run of water and 
the lauds of Mansjoor the Indian." 

It has been claimed that there was a settlement in 
the vicinity of the Swartwout Patent some time prior to 
the date of that instrument. At an early jieriod what 
was known as "the old mine road" was opened be- 
tween Esopus and the Delaware, constructed, it is 
said, by a company of Dutch miners. This road ran 
through the Mamakating Valley, north of the Shaw- 
angunk Mountains, was continued in the valley of 
the Maghaghkemek branch of the Delaware, and pen- 
etrated the Minisinks proper east of that river. Here, 
it is added, the company discovered copper, worked 
a mine, and transported its product over the road 
which they had constructed to the Esopus settlement. 
Unfortunately for the value of the tradition, the road 
was simply the enlargement of an Indian trail which 
had been followed for ages, while the mine referred to 
was in what is now the town of Warren, Sussex Co., 
N. J. The boundaries of the question are still fur- 
thercircumscribed by the fact that the Dutch at Esopus, 
during the war of 1660-63, had little knowledge of 
the country even east of the Shawangunk Mountains, 
and that the Minisink country was penetrated, if at 
a much earlier period, by the way of the Delaware 
River. 

Nor is it true that the first settlement was on the 
Swartwout Patent. At the date of issue of that patent, 
Jacob Codebec, Thomas Swartwout, Anthony Swart- 
wout, and Peter Guimar* were residents of New Paltz 
or of Kingston. They certainly had not made set- 
tlement on the Delaware in 1690. But there was set- 
tlement there, about that time, by one William Tiet- 
soort, a blacksmith, who in a petition to the Governor 
and Council of New York, dated April 10, 1708, states 
that he was formerly a resident of Schenectady, and 
that from the massacre at that place, in 1689, he 
barely escaped with his life; that having friends in 
the Esopus country he removed thither, where, being 
known by the friendly Indians, he was invited by 
them to take up his residence in the Minisink country, 
the Indians voluntarily granting unto him a tract of 
land situate and being at Maghaghkemek, named and 



■f Peter Guimar, a native or Moir Saiutuuge, was married to Estlier 
Hasbroucq, native of tlie Palatinate, at New Paltz, April 18, 1692. He 
left his native place in company with Coilebec in 1685, or rather tiie 
familiee of Abraham Guimar and James Codebec, of which he and Jacob 
Codebec were minor members, came out together. That Codebec, Swart- 
wout, and Guimar were what may be regarded as the first permanent set- 
tlers on the patent will not be disputed, but there wore three settle- 
ments in the ancient precinct, — " BIk" and " Little Minisink," and the 
" neighborhood of Maghaghkemek," and were recognized by the law of 
1701. 



LAND TITLES— FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 



15 



known by the name of Schaikaeckamick, in an elbow ; 
that he obtained license to purchase Oct. 15, 1698, 
that he so purchased,* and that his possessions were 
subsequently assumed to be included in a purchase 
by and patent to Matthew Ling, against which lie 
asked protection. There is very little room to doubt 
that he was the first settler on the western border. 
His deed from the Indians was obtained subsequently, 
as his gift-title could not be regarded as strictly legal. 
It bears date June 3, 1700, and is duly recorded in 
Ulster records. 

Active competition in the extinguishment of In- 
dian titles by purchase and obtaining patents sprung 
up at the opening of the succeeding century. Asso- 
ciations were formed, not unfrequently mainly com- 
posed of those holding official positions under the 
government, and large grants obtained. Three prin- 
cipal patents of this class necessarily require notice 
in this connection. The first, the Chesekook Patent, 
was included in a purchase from " Moringamaghan, 
Skawgus, Ughquaw, Onickotapp, and Aioqhquaherae, 
native Indians, proprietors," Dec. 30, 1702, by " Doc- 
tor John Bridges, Hendrick Ten Eycke, Derick Van- 
denburgh, John Cholwell, Christopher Denn, Lan- 
caster Syms, and John Merritt," of a " certain tract 
of upland and meadow called Chesekook, bounded 
north by the patent line of Capt. John Evans, to the 
west by the high hills of the Highlands, to the south 
by Honan and Hawdon's Patent, and to the east by 
the lands of the bounds of Haverstraw and Hudson's 
River," and for which they received a patent March 
25, 1707. The second, the Wawayanda Patent, was 
on a purchase (March 5, 1703) from " Rapingonick, 
Wawastawa, Moghopuck, Cornelawaw, Nanawitt, Ar- 
awinack, Rombout, Claus, Chouckhass, Chingapaw, 
Oshasquememus, and Quilapaw, native Indians and 
proprietors," by "Doctor John Bridges, Hendrick 
Ten Eycke, Derick Vandenburgh, John Cholwell, 
Christopher Denn, Lancaster Syms, Daniel Honan, 
Philip Rokeby, John Merritt, Benjamin Aske, Peter 
Mathews, and Cornelius Christianse," for a "certain 
sum of money and goods," of " certain tracts or par- 
cels of vacant lands named Wawayanda, and some 

* From a joint aflRiiavit made by him and liis sou Jacob, in 1717, it ap- 
pears tliat he sold two parcels of land at Maghaghkemek, in 1713, to Jan 
Decker, who, with his cousin, "' young Jan Pecker," were to occupy one of 
tlie parcels, and bis brother, Hendrick Decker, the other. Ho was then a 
resilient of Duchess County, to which he probably removed immediately 
after his sale to Decker. In a list of residents of Duchess County in 1714 
is the following entry : " William Tetsort, number of male persons above 
sixty years, one ; number of male persons from sixteen to sixty, two ; num- 
ber of females from sixteen to sixty, /ipo ; number of females undei' six teen, 
oite." From which it ma.v be inferred that he was then over sixty years 
of age, and that his family waa composed of himself, his wife, two sons, 
and two daughters. Uis wife is said to have been Sarah Decker, and that 
her Dame, with his own, is recorded in the records of Maghaghkemek 
Church in 17;i9, at the baptism of their son Bernardus. The truth of 
this statement may be doubted, however, unless Bernardne was a very 
old boij^ or Sarah Decker was a second wife, for Tietsoort himself must 
have been ovei- eighty-two years of age at the time. The family suljse- 
quently settled in Wantage, N. J., where the name is now written Tits- 
worth. 



other small tracts or parcels of land, being bounded 
on the eastward by the high hills of the Highlands 
and the patent of Capt. John Evans, on the north by 
the division line of the counties of Orange and Ulster, 
on the westward by the high hills to the eastward of 
Minisinks, and on the south by the division line of 
the provinces of New York and Ea.st Jersey." The 
patent was granted April 29, 1703. 

The third grant, the Minisink Patent, was still more 
extensive. It was issued Aug. 28, 1704, to Matthew 
Ling, Ebenezer Wilson, Philip French, Derick Van- 
denburgh, Stephen de Lancey, Philip Rokeby, John 
Corbett, Daniel Honan, Caleb Cooper, William 
Sharpas, Robert Milward, Thomas Wenham, Lan- 
caster Syms, John Person, Benjamin Aake, Petrus 
Bayard, John Cholwell, Peter Fanconier, Henry 
Swift, Hendrick Ten Eycke, Jarvis Marshall, Ann 
Bridges (widow of John Bridges), and George Clark, 
and conveyed to them " all that part of Orange and 
Ulster Counties, beginning at a place in Ulster County 
called Hunting House, or Yagh House, lying to the 
northeast of land called Bashe's land, thence to run 
west by north until it meets the Fishkill or main branch 
of Delaware River, thence to run southerly to the south 
end of Great Minisink Island, thence due south to the 
land lately granted to John Bridges and Company 
(Wawayanda), and so along that patent as it runs 
northward and the patent of Capt. John Evans, and 
thence to the place of beginning." The grant con- 
solidated two grants, one to Philip French and Com- 
pany, and one to Ebenezer Wilson and Company, and 
only excepted from its sweeping boundaries the tract 
called Sankhekeneck or Mayhawacm, with a parcel of 
meadow called Warinsayskmeck, previously granted 
to Arent Schuyler, and a tract called Maghaghkemek, 
near Nepeneck, granted to Jacob Codebec and others. 

Had the purchasers a deed from the Indians? Not 
only is there none on record, but Sir William Johnson 
writes, " An elderly man who livetl in the Highlands, 
and at whose house I dined on my way from New 
York some years ago, told me that he lived with or 
in the neighborhood of Depuy, and was present when 
the said Depuyt purchased the Minisink lands from 
the Indians ; that when they were to sign the deed of 
sale he made them drunk, and never paid them the 
money agreed upon. He heard the Indians fre- 
quently complain of the fraud, and declare that they 
would never be easy until they had satisfaction for 
their lands."J When in 1757 the wronged red men 
swept the western border with devastation, it was 
their declaration that they would never " leave off 
killing the English until they were paid for their 
lands, mentioning Minisink almost to the Hudson 
River." 

t Samuel Depuy was settled on the west bank of the Delaware, three 
miles above the Water Gap. He was one of the Walloons who came to 
Now York about 1697. He became a largo laiiS-owner in Peonsylvauia, 
ami was well known to all who traveled "the mine road." It is possiMe 
that he is referred to in the text. 

X MSS, of Sir William Johnson, sxiv, 14. 



16 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The boundary lines of the Chesekook, AVawayauda, 
Miiii^iiik. and Evans Patents were for a lonsr time a 
disturbing element. They were entirely undefined, 
except iu general terms. The west line of Chese- 
kook and the east line of Wawayanda was designated 
by a mountain ninge: the esist line of Minisink and 
the west line of Wawayanda was also a mountain 
mnge, and so in part wsv? the north line of both the 
Chesekook and the Wawayanda, or rather the south- 
west line of the Kvans Patent, to whieh they ran. In 
the subsequent adjustment of the latter, together with 
that of the county line, a portion of the territory 
claimed by the Wawayanda patentees was cut off, 
while on the west an angle was formed, known as the 
Minisink Angle, embracing a tract of one hundred 
and thirty thousand acres. 

The granting of immense tracts of land aroused 
the attention of the English government in lOfS. 
Investigation followed and resultetl in annulling the 
patent to Capt. Evans, by act of the Assembly. May 12, 
lt>;li\ Notwithstanding the policy of issuing patents 
for small tracts, upon which the repeal of the Evans 
Patent was predicated, was abandoned iu the almost 
immediately following issue of the Wawayanda, Mini- 
sink, and similar large grants, the territory which the 
Evans Patent covereil was conveyed in small tracts 
by patents issucvl at ditlerent periods from 1701 to 
177o, but principally prior to 17o0, and were — exclu- 
sive of thi>se not includeil in the present boundaries 
of the county — as follows : 

1. Ko^r aod PiDhoru« Moiup«tii!$^>u, l^W acnes, Mtuvh 4, 170©. 

2. Eli*n<?»er Wil:j^tu tiud tWiganiiu -Vske, i\KV acrws, March 7, 1709. 

^ Ri() Viiii Paiu. AJi>lt>lj rhillii«se. DaviJ Provost Jr., L&ucascer 
$yiu««, aud Thomas Jod«(S, oiM' acr««, March 23, 170M. 

4. Gtrranlus tt«>«*kuau. Kip Van Dtuu, .\dol|>h Phttlip^, Garrvit Bnss, 
Servas YIe«rtvrue, aud Daniel Van Vorw, SOW acres, March 24, I7ft». 

5. IVter Matthews, WiUUm Shar|n$, and WiUijuu Pavi^, 2vXI0 acr«i5, 
Sept. S, 17W. 

<>. VViUiam Chauubers aud WiUiaiu SoutherUnd, 1000 acres, Se^tt. :^ 
1709. 
7. Saniuel Stiuts, June 5>, 1712. 

S. Heun- Wileman and Heurr Van Bael, SOOll acr«s, June 30, 1712. 
». .\rchiUld Kenneiiy, 1200 acres. Au^. 11, I7i:>. 

10. Alexander Bairxl, Aimer Vau Vlacque, and Uenuanos Johiksoo, 
WOO acres, FeK 2S, 1716, 

11. Jeremiah Schuyler. Jacobus Van CX^urUudt, Frvderick PliiUipge> 
William SharivLS, and Isaac Bobbin, 10,tvt) acres, JatL 22, 1719. 

12. Kiiwanl Oatehcuse, UX^.' acres, Jan. 22, 1719, 

15. Cornelius Low, Oerard Schujfler, aud John Schuirler, 3292 acres, 
March 17. 1719. 

14. Thomas Bnuu«r, 20k«) acr««, March 17. 1719. 
Ij. Phiueos Mclulosh. 20^10 acivs, .\|iril 9, 1719. 

16. John Lawrence, 2772 acres, April 9, 1719. 

17. Johu Haskell. 2VV.W acres, April 9, 1719. 

15. James .\lexauder, 2lW acres, April 9, 1719. 
19. Cadwallader CV.ldeu, 2l.U.> acres. April 9, 1719. 
an. IHTid Oalatiau. ICO} actvs, June 4. 1719. . 
a. Patrick McKuigbt, 2lW acr»6, Jul,T 7, 1719, 
32. Andrew Johustou, 20(V acres. Juljr T, IT19. 
SS. Melchoir GUles, 300 actw, Oct S, 1719. 

i». German Patent, 2190 acres. Pec. IS, 1719. 
35. John Johustou, Jr., two tracts. Feb, 3, 1720. 
26. Thomas N'oxcn, 2lV\l acres, JI».t 2S, 172U, 
2T. William Hu.ldlestou. 2iVV .vres, June 2, 1730. 
2S. Vincent Matthew^ av acres, June 17, ITax 
29. Kichaixl Van Dam, lAV acres, June 30, 1720. 



3a Francis Harrison, Oliver Schuyler, and Allen Jarratt, 5000 aci««, 
July 7, 172i>. 

31. Philip Schuyler, Johannes Lansing, Jr., Henry Wileman, and 
Jacobus Bruyu, SIHV acres, July 7, 1720. 

32. I'atrick MacGregv>rie, two tracts, tiSO acr«e, Aug, 6, 1720, 

33. Mary Ingv.ldsby and her daughter, Mary Piuhorne, and Mary 
Pinhorne and Wm. Piuhorne, her children, two tracts, 53C0 acres, Aug. 
11, 1720. 

34. Jacobus Kipp, Jahn Cruger, Philip CV>rtlaud, DaTid Provost, Oli- 
ver Schuyler, aud John Schuyler, 7(X>0 acres, Oct. 17, 1720. 

3o. Lewis Morris and Vincent Pearve, two tracts, 1000 acres each, Julj 
21, •.721. 

36. John Uaskell, 2t«Xl acres, Aug. 24, 1721. 

37. Patrick Uume, Sixm acres, Nov. 29, 1721. 

35. James Henderson, two tracts, one not located, 1600 acres, Feb, 12, 
1722. 

39. Jacobus Bniyn and Henry Wileman, 25^itt acres, .\pril 25, 1722. 

40. J.inies Smith, 2iX10 acres, Dec. l.i. 1722. 

41. Charles Congreve, S^X> acres. May 17, 1722. 

42. Aan Iloivglandt,* 201X^ acres. May 24, 1723. 

43. Francis Uarris^m, Mary Tathani, Thomas Braxier, James Graham, 
and Johu Haskell, .'^Xi acres, July 10, 1714, 

44. William Bull and Richard Gerratd, 2«C0 acres,* Aug, 10, 1723, 

45. William Bull and Richard Gerrard, two tracts, 1500 acres, Dec. 14, 
1724. 

46. Isaac Bobbin, GOO acres, March 2S, 1726. 

47. Edwani Bla^ aud Joh;iuues Hey, two tracts, 2000 acr«6 each, 
Mareh 2S. 1726. 

4S. Nathaniel Hazarvl aud Joseph Sackett, two tracts, 4000 acres, Jan. 
11, 1727. 

49. William BradforJ, 2lXXi acres. Sept, 1, 1727. 

50. John Spratt aud .Kndries Marschalk, 2000 acres, April 12, 172S. 

51. James Wallace. 2l«0 acres. March 2, tlM. 

52. Gal.riel aud William Ludlow, six tracts. 4lXX> acres, Oct. IS, 1731. 

53. Thomas Smith, liXX) acres. May S, 17.S2. 

54. Daniel E>'erett aud James Stringham, 3S50 acres, Jan. 17, 173*>. 
53. tUitalwth Deune. 1140 acres," Dec. 12, 1734. 

5^ Joseph Sackett aud Joseph Sackett, Jr., two tracts, &M0 acres, July 
7, 1736. 

57. Nathaniel Hazard, Jr., 2000 acres, Aug. 12. 1736. 

.V?. Thomas EHis«.m, three tracts, 2lXX» acres. May 13, 1737. 

59. Joseph Sackett. five tracts, 2tXiO acres, Sei* 1. 1737. 

GO. .\nu, Sarah, Catharine, George, Eliiabeth, and Mary Bradley, two 
tracts. 46A.1 acrvs, Oct. 14. 1749. 

61 . Cornelius PuB<>is. two tracts, one not located, July 2, 1739. 

82. RicharJ Bradley, SOO acres. May 17. 1743. 

63. Jane and Alice tVlden. two tracts, 4AXi acres, Oct, SOl, 1749, 

64. Johu Moore, 2Sti acres, Oct. 30, 1749. 

65. Peter Van Burgh LiviugsMn and John Prvvost, 3000 acres. May 
2«sl750, 

66. George llarrisoD. three tracts, 2000 acres, July 20, 1750, 

67. Jacobus Brayn aud George Murray, 4txX» acres, Sept. 26, 1750. 

6S. Thomas Ellison aud Lawreuce Ro>.>me, six tracts, 4000 acres. Nov. 
12, 17.V1. 

69. Alexander Phceuix and Abraham Bockel, 1000 acres, July 13, 
1751. 

70. Thomas Ellison, lOSO acres, Dec. 1, 1753. 

71. John NeWuu, 5.V> acres, Oct, 4, 1754. 

72. James Crawford, Jr., Samuel Crawford, Jamw White, aud Vmrid 
CrawfotJ. 41XX1 acres. May 17, 1761. 

73. Cadwallader CV>ldeu, Jr., and Daniel Colden, 720 acres, June 20, 
1761. 

74. Vittorat and David Manhews, ISOO acres, Nov. 26, 1761. 
75t Johu Nelson, 1265 acres, iVt. 4, 1762. 

76. Thomas Moore aud Lewis Pintai\L 2000 acres, Dec 23, 1762. 

77. Peter HaaiSeuclever, March 25, 1767. 

75. William Smith aud Edward wnikiu, 20tXi acres, April 17, 176S. 
79. William .\risou and Archiliald Breckeuridge, 4CX> acres, 1770, 

SOl Daniel Horsemauden, Miles Sherbrxtok, Samuel Camfield, aud Wi|. 
Uam Sidney. 3210 acres, 1772. 
SI. Thomas Moore and John C^buriM, 2Ul)n acra, ilaick 14, 17T5. 
sa. Heory Townsend. 2000 acres.! 

* Cut off from Wawayauda by boaudatr line. Other |Mt«ite of this 
class are similarly designated. 
i t It ts not claimed tliat this list has no omissions, but that it ctHitaios 
sabstantially all the patents granted. There are traces of small lots, 



LAND TITLES— FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 



17 



The precise location of these several patents will 
not he attempted. Some of them hecame centres of 
poi)u!atioii ; especially is this true of the (ierman 
Patent of 171i>, which was issued to fugitives from 
the Palatinate of the Rhine, who ha<l been settled 
thereon in 170!), and is now embraced in the city of 
Newburgh. A comparatively small portion of the 
Jlinisink Patent extended over the present county. 
The Wawayanila and Chesekook Patents were wholly 
within its liiriits, the former being the largest, and 
embracing its most fertile sections. The progress of 
settlement of the district during the century suc- 
ceeding the discovery, aside from the extinction of the 
aboriginal title and the issue of patents, is approxi- 
mately conveyed in the census of 1702, by which it 
appears that the ixjpulation at that time, exclusive of 
the MaeGregorie settlement, consisted of forty-nine 
men between the ages of sixteen and sixty, forty mar- 
ried women, fifty-seven male and eighty-four female 
children, thirteen male negroes, seven negresses, and 
thirteen negro children. 

Adverting more particularly to the Wawayanda 
Patent, we find it an undefined district both in pur- 
chase and in grant. The Indian deed of March .5, 
1702-3, to Dr. John Bridges, Ilendrick Ten Eyck, 
Derrick Vandenburgh, John Cholwell, Christopher 
Denne, Lancaster Symes, Daniel Honan, Philip 
liokeby, .lolin Merritt, Benjamin Aske, Peter Mat- 
thews, and Cornelius Christianse, described the con- 
veyance as of "certain tracts and j^arcels of vacant 
lands in the county of Orange, named Wawayanda, 
and some other small tracts and parcels of land, being 
bounded ea,stwanl by the high hills of the Highlands 
and the patent of Capt. John Evans, on the north by 
the division line of the counties of Orange and Ul- 
ster, on the westward by the high hills to the east- 
ward of Minisink, and on the south by the division 
line of the province of New York and East Jersey ;" 
and the patent of A])ril 29, 170.3, repeats these boun- 
daries literally. [Standing on one of " the high hills 
of the Highlands," on the east, the eye could sweep 
the outline of the valley below and trace the circling 
line of " the high hills to the ea.stward of Minisink" 
until they faded away in the south, but no eye could 
estimate its actual surface, and its proprietors were 
themselves surprised at the extent of their grant. It 
was held by deed in common until 17lt."), when it wa.s 
agreed to divide it in twelve parts and release sur- 
vivorship rights. This release was executed Sept. 23, 
1706, at which time the number of original holders 
had been reduced to eight, viz. : Derrick Vanden- 
burgh, bricklayer; John Cholwell, merchant; Chris- 
topher Denne, merchant; Lancaster Symes, gentle- 
man; Daniel Honan, gentleman; Benjamin Aske, 



principally overplus in surveys of other patenb, obtained at later 
periods, but the acreage in them is not suflit-iently large to Justify ex- 
tended researrli. It may be well to add that, tiirough heirs and devisees 
of the original grantees, some of the patented lands liecanie known by 
the names of other parties. 



merchant ; Peter Matthews, gentleman ; and John 
Merritt, gentleman, all of the city of New York. 
The remaining four of the patentee interests were 
held as follows: the Bridges share by Ann Bridges, 
the Rokeby share by Daniel Cromeline and others, 
the Christianse share by Derrick Vandenburgh, and 
the Ten Eyck share by Daniel Cromeline. In 1713 
the number of shares was increased to thirteen by 
the admission of Dr. Samuel Staats, each of the 
twelve proprietors yielding to him a twelfth share of 
their respective intere.sts, in satisfaction of a claim 
which he had set up to a portion of the tract by virtue 
of prior purchase (1702). 

The sale and settlement of the patent made little 
progress prior to 1714. The several shares were sur- 
veyed, at least partially, and located, and the general 
fact ascertained that it would be perhaps prudent to 
conceal the actual acreage. To do this more effect- 
ually it was assumed that each share was two thoasand 
acres, and so published it, when in reality they were 
over five times that number, as appears by a subse- 
quent or "second division," which was made some 
years later. Of the " first division" maps were made 
and exposed at the land-offices in New York, accom- 
panied by a description of the soil, rivers, ponds, etc., 
as shown by the partial surveys ; but purchasers either 
came not or were better ple.ased with offers elsew'here. 

In March, 1706, the patentees agreed to add si.x 
hundred acres to the share of that one of their 
number who should make settlement on the jiatent 
before the end of May, 1709, or, as we understand it, 
that six hundred acres should be given to the first 
settler; but the offer was not taken. In September, 
1706, they constituted and appointed " any number of 
themselves" who might be conveniently got together, 
" with full power to convey, bargain, sell, or devise 
one full fourth part of all the said tracts" to any 
person or persons who should erect thereon, prior to 
1716, "saw-mills, grist-mills, or other water-mills," 
the "runs, creeks, and rivers" not to be disposed of, 
however, in fee simple, but "leased or devised for a 
term of years or life;" but it does not appear that 
this proposition was received with more favor than 
that first made. 

The patent stood unoccupied until 1712, when the 
active surviving share-holders determined to make 
settlements themselves. These were Christopher 
Denne, Daniel Cromeline, and Benjamin Aske, who 
were made justices of the peace of Orange County to 
facilitate the end in view. In their effort they were 
joined by at least one person who had obtained an 
interest in the patent. Christian Snedeker, of Long 
Island. Laborers were hired and supjilies procured, 
and in person or by proxy they simultaneously entered 
the patent, — Christopher Denne preceded, it is said, 
by Sarah Wells ; Daniel Cromeline by William Bull ; 
Benjamin Aske by Lawrence Decker ; and Snedeker 
by Johannes Wisner, his wife, and sons Hendrick and 
Adam. It is perhaps unnecessary to discu.ss theques- 



18 



HISTORY OF ORANGP] COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tion of priority in actual occupation. Wisner's deed 
from Snedeker for two hundred acres bears date June 
23, 1714, he then being in " possession and occu- 
pation," and clearly so at a prior date, while tradition 
asserts that Sarali Wells was the first white woraan^ 
and a reniarljable woman she was in her age and in 
her. descendants — on the patent,* and that she came 
in 1712. Whatever may be the facts of the case, the 
record is clear that the settlement of Goshen, War- 
wick, and Chester was commenced simultaneously by 
parties sent out by the proprietors named. Soon after 
this John Everett and Samuel Clowes, of Jamaica, 
L. I., were induced to take charge of the settlement 
of the patent. They appear to have been land specu- 
lators, but were nevertheless the direct agents in in- 
ducing immigration and in founding prosperous 
towns. 

Strictly in the line of this chapter, as relating. to 
land titles, may be here enumerated the recorded sales 
by the proprietors to actual settlers and others, as well 
as to Everett and Clowes, prior to 1721. Tliey were 
as follows : 

1. Philip Eokeby sold his undivided twelfth part 
to Daniel Cromeline, John Merritt, and Elias Boudi- 
not, June 10, 1704. Merritt sold his third to Crome- 
line in 1705. Boudinot sold his third to George Mc- 
Nish, who sold to Clowes, Feb. 5, 1714, for £150. 

2. Cornelius Christianse sold to Derrick Vanden- 
burgh, Sept. 8, 1704, all his twelfth part. Vandenburgh 
sold to Elias Boudinot, and the latter sold one-sixth 
of same to Everett and Clowes, July 20, 1714, for £66 
13«. Boudinot's heirs subsequently sold five-sixths to 
Everett and Clowes for £41 13s. 4fZ. This tract em- 
braced New Milford, in the present town of Warwick. 

3. Hendrick Ten Eyck sold his twelfth part to 
Daniel Cromeline, Dec. 8, 1704. Cromeline, who also 
owned two-thirds of the Rokeby share, sold to Everett 
and Clowes, Jan. 1, 1714, the sixth part of his interest 
for £83 6s., excepting two tracts, one of which con- 
tained three thousand seven hundred and six acres. 
This tract was principally in the present town of 
Chester, and embraced the site on which he had made 
settlement and erected a stone dwelling, and to which 
he had given the name of " Gray Court." 

4. Ann Bridges sold to John Van Home, merchant, 
of New York, July 4, 1705, all the equal undivided 
twelfth part held by her husband. Dr. John Bridges, 
for the sura of £250. Van Home was also the pur- 
chaser of a part or the whole of another share, and 
sold to Everett and Clowes one-sixth part of one-sixth 
of one-thirteenth part for £58 Gs. Sd. Amity was in 
Bridges' parcel. 

5. Daniel Honan sold to John Merritt, 170.5, all his 
twelfth part. Margery Merritt, widow, and John 
Merritt, son, sold to Adrian Hoaglandt one-half, and 
to Anthony Rutgers one-half. Rutgers sold to Ever- 



* Or in the townsJiip of Goshen. The claim is not made that she was 
the first white woman on the patent, although there is no record of a 
predecessor even on the patent, unless it may have been Mrs. Wisner. 



ett and Clowes one-twelfth of his half, and Anna, 
widow of Jjfcaglandt, sohl to the same parties one- 
twelfth, the latter, April i^^i-t for £75. 

6. Derrick Vandenburgh died holding his original 
share, and his wife Rymerich, and his son Henry, his 
heirs, sold the same to Elias Boudinot, Aug. 8, 1707. 
Boudinot sold this entire share to Clowes, Oct. 27, 
1713, for £355. This parcel embraced what is called 
in the old deeds the "Florida tract;" the name 
" Florida" is still retained. 

7. John Cholwell sold his twelfth part to Adrian 
Hoaglandt, Oct. 5, 1706, for £350. Anna Hoaglandt, 
his widow, sold to Everett and Clowes one-sixth of 
the share, and the remainder descended to Christopher 
Banker and Elizabeth his wife, James Renanst and 
Bertilje his wife, and Petrus Rutgers and Helena his 
wife, her heirs. 

8. John Merritt held his share at the time of his 
deatli, and his heirs, Margery Merritt, widow, and 
John Merritt, eldest son, sold one-half to Adrian 
Hoaglandt. John (then a resident of New London) 
sold to John Everett, Feb. 2.5, 1714, the remaining 
half for £120. > > 

9. Benjamin Aske sold to Everett and Clowes, July 
20, 1714, one-sixth of his thirteenth part for £50. 
He subsequently sold a portion to Lawrence Decker, 
Feb. 28, 1719; another to Thomas Blain, May 20, 
1721 ; and another to Thomas De Kay, Dec. 8, 1724. 
In all cases the land conveyed is described as part of 
his farm, " called Warwick," and in all cases the par- 
ties to whom the deeds were made were described as 
residents of the county and upon the land conveyed. 

10. Lancaster Syraes sold to Everett and Clowes, 
July 20, 1714, one-sixth of his thirteenth part for £.50. 

11. Peter Matthews, then living in Albany, sold all 
his thirteenth part to Clowes, Feb. 11, 1713, for £200. 

12. Christopher Denne sold, July 20, 1714, to 
Clowes and Everett one-sixth of his share for £50. 
He also sold to Robert Brown three hundred and ten 
acres, Sept. 3, 1721. Elizabeth Denne sold to William 
Mapes, Joseph Allison, Jolin Yelverton, Ebenezer 
Holly, Joseph Sears, John Green, and John Worley, 
the Mapes deed bearing date March 1, 1729. The 
remainder of her interest in the patent passed by her 
will to Sarah Jones, spinster, of New York, and 
Vincent Matthews. Sarah Jones afterwards married 
Thomas Brown. 

13. Dr. Samuel Staats' thirteenth part descended 
to his children, Gertury, wife of Andries Codyraus ; 
Sarah, wife of Isaac Gouverneur ; Catlyria, wife of 
Stevanus Van Cortlandt ; Anna, wife of Pliilip Schuy- 
ler; Johanna White, widow ; and Tryntie Staats, who 
sold to Clowes and Everett one-sixth of said part for 
£50, Sept. 2, 1720. 

John Everett and Samuel Clowes, by these deeds, 
came into possession of one-third of the Rokeby, one- 
half of the Christianse', all of the Vandenburgh, one- 
half of the Merritt, all of the Matthews, two-twelfths 
of the Honan, and one-sixth of each of the shares 



LAND TITLES— FIUST SETTLEMENTS. 



19 



hekl by the other patentees, in all equaling four of the 
thirteen jJarts. Obliged thereto by the terms of the 
deeds to them, they laid out as early as 1714 the 
township of Goshen. This township plot was divided 
into farms of varying quantities, and roads opened and 
reserved. The roads ran north and south and east and 
west, and divided the plot into what became known as 
the East Division, West Division, North Division, and 
South Division. Everett and Clowes were also obli- 
gated to assign two hundred acres of land to a minis- 
ter, whenever the owners and occupants of the plat 
should agree in the selection of one. It would per- 
haps be impossible to certainly determine who the 
first settlers were, the deeds on record being the only 
guide to dates, which may be anterior to or after set- 
tlement was made. They are : 

Jan. 8, 1714, to Michael Dunning, of Jamaica, L. I. 

June 23, 1714, to Johannes Weasner, late of the 
Swiss contingent. 

July 21, 1714, to Solomon Carpenter, of Jamaica, 
L. I. " 

July 31, 1714, to Abraham Finch, of Stamford, 
Conn. 

July 31, 1714, to Samuel Seeley, of Stamford, Conn. 

July 31, 1714, to John Holly, of Stamford, Conn. 

Oct. 7, 1715, to John Yelverton, of Jamaica, L. I. 

Oct. 31, 1718, to William Jackson. 

April 25, 1719, to Daniel Coole. 

April 15, 1720, to William Burch, of Hempstead, 
L.' I., who sold to John Yelverton, July 16, 1723. 

:Slay 22, 1721, to Joseph Allison, of Southold, L. I. 

That there were deeds which were not recorded is 
apparent from the names attached to one which was 
given to the first blacksmith. This deed is dated July 
21, 1721, and recites that the proprietors had " lately 
caused two small lots to be laid out in the south di- 
vision of the township for the encouragement of a 
blacksmith, which was much needed ;" that " William 
Thompson is lately settled there," and in considera- 
tion thereof the lands were bargained and sold to 
him. The proprietors and resident owners appearing 
as grantors were : 



John Everett. 
Samuel Clowes. 
John Carpenter. 
Thouiaa Watson. 
Hope Uhodes. 
John Holly. 
Charles Williamson. 
Solomon Carpenter. 
Michael Dunning. 
Samuel Webb. 



James Jackson. 
Isaac Finch. 
John Bears. 
Samuel Seeley. 
George McNieh. 
Jame» San<ls. 
John Knapp. 
John Alsop. 
Samuel GilstOD. 
Cornelius Jones. 



In 1722, April 17th, a deed was executed " designed 
as an encouragement to the first minister." The re- 
cipient was John Bradner, who had been " lately 
settled and established the first minister of the said 
precinct of Goshen." Lands " for a parsonage and 
other public uses," and " for a burying-ground and 
whereon to build the minister's house," then being 
erected, were also deeded. In the execution of these 



deeds we have in the first instance the names of the 
holders of lots in the patent at that time, and in the 
second the names of proprietors of the township. The 
former were : 



Lancaster Symes. 
Christopher Denne. 
Benjamin Aske. 
Daniel Cromeline. 
John Van Home. 
Anthony Rutgers. 
Micliael Dunning. 
William Jackson. 
Richard Halstead. 



John Everett. 
Samuel Clowes. 
Solomon Carpenter. 
John Carpeuter. 
Wait Smith. 
Samuel Seeley. - 
John Gale. 
Isaac Ludlnm. 
Hendrick Weasner. 



Isaac Finch. 



The proprietors in the township were : 



John Everett. 
John Gale. 
Nathaniel Higby. 
G. McNish. 
Thomas Watson. 
John Holly 
Isaac Finch. 
John Bears. 
Sanuiel Seeley. 
William Jackson. 
John Knapp. 
John Alsop. 



John Carpenter. 
William Ludlum. 
John Cai-penter, Jr. 
James Sandys. 
Hope Rhodes. 
James Jackson. 
Solomon Carpenter. 
Slichael Dunning. 
John Nicolls. 
Alexander Moore. 
Samuel Webb. 
Richard Halstead. 



In this connection may be recapjtulated facts 
already stated in regard to settlements fen other parts 
of the patent. The house erected by Cromeline was 
completed in 1716 and occupied ; that of Christopher 
Denne was also completed and occupied, as well as 
that of Benjamin Aske, at Warwick, at about the 
same time. William Bull, the mason and architect 
of Cromeline's house, married Sarah Wells, who had 
been sent out by Denne with the men in his employ, 
in 1718, and put up a cabin near Denne's (now in 
Hamptonburgh), on a farm given to Sarah. Johan- 
nes Weasner was certainly in the township in 1714 
with his family, and it is safe to say that Lawrence 
Decker was in Warwick, under Aske, at as early a 
date. The written record cannot be successfully con- 
troverted by tradition upon any point, no matter with 
what attraction the tradition may be recited, or how- 
ever honestly it may be believed. 

The settlement of other patents may be more satis- 
factorily treated in connection with the towns in which 
they were located. As a general guide to determine 
the question of priority of settlement in the patents 
composing the northeastern and western portions of 
the present county, the following official lists are 
given. Further approximative dates may be obtained 
from the military rolls hereinafter quoted: . 

*'The freeholdei-s, inhabitants, residents, and sojourners in the county 
of Ulster, their real and personal estates, are rated and assessed by the 
Assessors (on their death) chosen for the same ou the 2tjth day of Janu- 
ary, 17H-5, and are to pay at the rate of one penny half-pence ^ £ to 
discharge this year's payment of said county's quota, levyd by an act of 
the Assembly, entitled an act for levying the sum of ten thousand 
pounds,"* viz. ■ 

'"' The pounds of that period were only about equivalent of one dollar 
each of the present United States issue. Some of the parties were rich 
in uncleaied acres of land, however. 



20 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Picciiict of Shawangoiicl:* 

Anit. Tax. 

Sovergn Tenli'mt £240 £01 lOs. OOrf. 

Zachariaji Hoffrian 130 00 14 03 

Jacobus Bruju 120 tX» 15 00 

Benjamin Smedes 150 UO 10 00 

Joliu MacKlane 5 00 (K) 07K 

Richard Windfieia 5 Oti 00 01^4 

Jacob Decker, Sen 15 oo ol lOV^ 

Abraham Schutt 35 0(J 04 Lhll f; 

Jacob Gerritsen Decker. 50 00 06 63' " 

Leendert Cool, Jim 10 00 01 03 

Evert Ter\villege (30 00 u" OC 

Col. Peter Matthews & Conipy 15 W 01 W/; 

Johannes Terwillege 3 UO (tO 04)/^ 

Phillip Miller 10 00 01 03 

Total sum 840 05 OG 00 

Neighborhood of WugackemecJc. 

Amt. Tax. 

Thomas Swartwout £25 £00 03s. OlJ^fi. 

Harmon Barentsen 10 00 01 10}^ 

Jacob Coddebecq 10 00 01 03 

Peter Guymard 50 00 06 04 

Jacobns Swartwout 5 00 00 07J^ 

Total sum 105 00 13 OlJ^ 

l^reciuct of Hiijhlinids. 

Amt. Tax. 

Peter Magregoryf £30 £00 03*. md. 

Swervert 5 00 00 OVA 

William Southerlaudf 45 00 05 07l| 

Michael WvnantJ 15 00 01 10^ 

Burger My ndertsenj 10 00 01 03*' 

Jacob WeI.ert 15 00 01 \0}4 

Peter La RossJ 10 00 01 03 

John Fishert 10 00 Ul 03 

Andres Volckt 12 00 01 06 

George Lockste 10 00 01 03 

Pieter JacsenJ 10 UO Ol 03 

Henry RennauJ: 25 00 03 OIJ^ 

■\Villiam Ellsworth's widuwt 5 00 00 07J^ 

Dennis Relje-t 3 00 00 04T| 

Alexantler Giiggs 5 00 00 07% 

Thomas Harris 6 00 00 07^ 

Capt. Bundt 15 00 01 loU 

Melgert, the joyner 15 00 01 loU 

Christian Hennecke 3 00 00 04>| 

Jacob Decker, Jr 10 00 01 03 

Cornelis Decker 5 00 00 07}^ 

Total sum 293 01 10 01}4 

"Pursuant and by order to me directed out the Supreme Court, re- 
quiring me to make a General List of the Freeholders within my Bayli- 
■wick, soe that a Special Jury be struck thereout to trey the cause be- 
tween Major Hardonbergh and the Corporation of Kingston, wherefore 
I have accordingly taken all the care to not forgitt any of the Free- 
holders to the best of my Nollege, and hereof I Doe make my returne 
this 7th day of July, 1728. Jacobus Van Dick, Sheriff." 

Freeholders for Shawengongh. 
Capt. Jacobns Bruyn. James Spennik. 

Capt. Zagharias Hoffman. Cornelius Cool.? 

Benjamin Smedes. Henry Wileman, attorney-at- 

Abrahani Schutt. law.g 

Jacob Decker. John North. 

Evert ter Willige. George Andrew. 

Josua Smedes. John MacKueeI.§ 

John ter Willige. Jeronimus Mingus.§ 

Cornelius Schooumaker. Thomas Mackolm. 

Hendrik Decker, Christoffel Moul.§ 

Mattys Slimmer.g Samuel Neely.^ 

Hendrik Newkerk.g Israel Rogers.g 

Hendrick Krans.^ John Neely.§ 

Edward Gatehouse.g John Williams. 

Galatie.? Caleb Knapp, Seur. 

Jeronimus Weller.g Caleb Knapp, Juur. 

Johaunis Decker. Alexander Neely,§ 

John Howard. Coll. Cortlandt. 

* Although a repetition of facts elsewhere stated, it is perhaps well to 
say hero that this tax-list covered Shawangunk, Montgomery, Crawford, 
Wallkill, and part of Hauiptonburgh. The " neighborljood of Wagac- 
kemeck ' was probably wholly confined to the Swartwout Patent, and 
did not include the whole of Deerpark, nor of original Minisink. 
t Residents of district now embraced in New Windsor. 
J Residents of district now embraced in town and city of Newburgh. 
g Names marked thus (§) are known to have been freeholders in tiie 
present town of Montgomery, which was then and until 1743 included 
in the precinct of Shawangunk. 



Freeholderf of Wagaghkemek. 
Harme barentse Van Emwee- Samuel Swartwout.JI 

gen. Barnardus Swartwout, Jr.|| 

Peter Gomar.f] Jacob Kuddebeck.|[ 

John Van Vliet, Junr. 



Frefholdirs of the 
William Chambers, Esqr.'f 
Phineaa SlacKentosh, Esfir.*i" 
Thomas Ellison.*] 
James Ellsworth.** 
Jurie Quick. 
William Bund.** 
Burger Mynderse.** 
John Alsop, Esqr.^ 
' William Ward. 
John Haskell.lf 
John Van Tien. 
George Wayagont.** 
Burger Myndei'se, Junr. 
William Sanders. 
Doct. Golden, Esqr. 
George Ebina. 
Tobias Wayagont.** 
Robert Kirkland. 



Jlighlands. 
John Umphry.f[ 
Peter Long. 
David Sutherland.lf 
John Davis-lf 
Melgert Gilli.** 
Henry Haskell.!f 
Benjamin Ellsworth.** 
Nathaniel Foster.** 
Francis Harrison, Esqr.** 
James MacKneel, Juur.^f 
James Gamwell.^ 
Stephen Bedford.** 
Thomas Shaw.^ 
Joseph Gale.*y 
George Speedwell. 
John Monte. 
Christian Chervis. 



CHAPTER III. 

CIVIL GOVEENMENT - ORIGINAL COUNTY 
OF OKANGE-THE PRESENT COUNTY OP 
ORANGE — COURTS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, 
ETC. 

Until the conquest of the province by the Eng- 
lish in 1664, its civil government was an extension of 
the laws and customs of Holland, in which local gov- 
ernment was the prerogative of towns. The English 
system differed from this in many respects, but in the 
nature of the situation in which the province came to 
their hands, they were compelled to combine their 
own with that of Holland. Without disturbing the 
Dutch towns of New York, Albany, Kingston, and 
Esopus, further than in a change of names, courts 
and sherifl's were introduced in the English counties 
by what was known as " the Duke's Laws," in IGGo. 
In this crude condition — the sparcity of poi)ulation 
scarcely requiring that which was more complete — 
the government remained until 1682, when Col. 
Thomas Dongan was appointed Governor of the prov- 
ince with instructions to organize a Council, to be 
composed of not exceeding ten of " the most eminent 
inhabitants," and to issue writs to the proper officers 
for the election of " a General Assembly of all the 
freeholders by the persons who they shall choose to 
represent them," in order to consult with him and his 
Council " what laws are fit and necessary to be made 
and established" for the good government of the prov- 
ince "and all the inhabitants thereof." On the 17th 
of October, 1683, the Assembly thus authorized met 
at Fort James in New York. It was composed of 
delegates from all parts of the province, and during 

|1 In the present town of Deerpark. 
% In present town of New Windsor. 

** In present town and city of Newbnrgh. Francis Harrison was a free- 
liolder, Itut not a resilient. 



CIVIL GOVEKNMENT. 



21 



its session of three weeks passed fourteen several acts, 
which were assented to by the Governor and his 
Council. Among these laws was one " to divide this 
province and dependencies into shires and counties," 
and one "to settle courts of justice." Twelve coun- 
ties were established by the former : New York, 
Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Richmond, Westchester, 
Albany, Ulster, Duchess, Orange, Duke's, and Corn- 
wall, which, with the exception of Duchess, which 
was placed under the care of Ulster, and Orange, 
which was simiUirly associated with New York, were 
to be entitled to representation in future General As- 
semblies. The law relating to courts established four 
distinct tribunals : Town Courts, for the trial of small 
causeSj to be held each month ; County Courts, or 
Courts of Sessions, to be held at certain times, quar- 
terly or half yearly ; a General Court of Oyer and 
Terminer, with original and appellate jurisdiction, to 
sit twice in every year in each county, and a Court 
of Chancery, to be the " Supreme Court of the Prov- 
ince," composed of the Governor and Council, with 
power in the Governor to depute a Chancellor in his 
stead, and appoint clerks and other officers. The old 
Court of Assizes was replaced by the Court of Oyer 
and Terminer. This system continued until 1691, 
when courts of justices of the peace were organized 
in every town, and one of Common Pleas for every 
county. 

One of the leading features in the early civil divi- 
sions established by the English was the organization 
of precincts. Cities and towns had been established 
by the Dutch prior to the English occupation ; a few 
English towns existed on Long Island, and a few town 
charters were subsequently granted by the Govei-nor 
and Council to companies or associated colonists ; 
but precincts were entirely different in their constitu- 
tion and government, and of necessity became more 
numerous. Primarily, they were composed of the 
scattered settlements of contiguous territory, organ- 
ized by the courts as court districts, and attached to 
some adjoining town for assessment and local govern- 
ment. Their boundaries were crude ; their popula- 
tion small ; their officers such as were known only to 
the county at large. Subsequently, as population in- 
creased, their boundaries were more clearly defined, 
and officers assigned to them. So numerous did these 
divisions ultimately become that towns were almost 
entirely lost sight of until after the Revolution, when 
the distinction, which then existed only in name, was 
removed. 

In 1701 the Assembly, by act of October 18th, pro- 
vided that the justices of the peace of the several 
counties, " or any five or more of them, two whereof 
to be a quorum," should, once in the year, at a court 
of general or special sessions, supervise, examine, 
and allow the public and necessary charge of their 
respective county, and of every town thereof," in- 
cluding the " allowance made by law to their repre- 
sentative or representatives." For the assessment 



and collection of the accounts allowed by them, 
they were " empowered to issue their warrant to tlie 
several towns for the election of two assessors and 
one collector in each town." The act further pro- 
vided that the "justices at the respective general 
sessions" should, " once in the year, make provision 
for maintenance and support of the poor" of their 
several towns or precincts. 

This law continued in force until June, 170.3, when 
it was enacted that there should be " elected and 
chosen, once every year, in each town, by the free- 
holders and inhabitants thereof, one of their free- 
holders and inhabitants, to compute, ascertain, ex- 
amine, oversee, and allow the contingent, public, and 
necessary charge of each county, and that each and 
every inhabitant, being a freeholder in any manor, 
liberty, jurisdiction, precinct, and out-plantation, shall 
have liberty to join his or their vote with the next 
adjacent town in the county, where such inhabitants 
shall dwell, for the choice of a supervisor." The law 
also provided that there should be annually chosen 
"in each town, ward, manor, and precinct, by the 
freeholdei's and inhabitants thereof, two assessors and 
one collector." The elections were to be held " on 
the first Tuesday in April," or on such other days as 
were " appointed by their charters and patents." The 
supervisors were required to meet annually, " at the 
county town in each respective county, on the first 
Tuesday in October," and at such other time and 
times as they should "judge and find necessary and 
convenient," and then and there " compute the public 
necessary contingent charges against their respective 
counties," together with " such other sum and sums 
of money" as should be "brought and exhibited to or 
before them," to be levied on their respective " coun- 
ties by the laws of the colony." When the computa- 
tion was " perfected, and the proportion of each town, 
manor, liberty, jurisdiction, and precinct ascertained 
and appointed," it was to be transmitted to the asses- 
sors, who were " required, equally, duly, and impar- 
tially, to assess and make a rate for their respective 
proportions," being first sworn to make such assess- 
ment equally and impartially. The assessment, when 
completed, was to be delivered to the collectors, who 
were empowered to collect and pay the same to the 
county treasurer, who was to be " annually chosen 
in each county by the supervisors." 

The changes which up to this time had been made 
in the civil government, it will be observed, consisted 
in sul)stituting courts of justices of the peace for the 
courts held by overseers under the law of 1665. Con- 
stables were continued in each town, and in addition 
the towns were authorized to elect supervisors, asses- 
.sors, and collectors. Officers equivalent to the present 
commissioners of highways were given to the towns in 
1691, by an act "impowering" the freeholders "to 
nominate and make choice in each of their respective 
towns, annuall}% three persons to be surveyors and 
orderers of the work for laying out and the amend- 



22 



HISTOEY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ment of the highways and fences within the bounds 
and limits of their respective towns." This law also 
gave power to the freeholders of the towns, when as- 
sembled for the election of the officers to which they 
were entitled, "to make, establish, constitute, and 
ordain such prudential orders and rules, for the better 
improvement of their lands in tillage, pasturage, or 
any other reasonable way," as the majority should 
deem " good and convenient." 

It was under these general laws that the district of 
country now forming the county of Orange, as a jjart 
of the original counties from which it was taken, had 
its organization and early development. The act of 
1683, dividing the province into shires and counties, 
provided : " The Coimtij of U/ster to contain the towns 
of Kingston, Hurley, and Marbletown. and all the vil- 
lages, neighborhoods, and Christian hal>itations on the 
west side of Hudson's Eiver, from the Murderer's 
Creeke, near the Highlands, to Sawyer's Creeke. The 
County of Oraiiffe* to beginne from the limitts or 
bounds of East and West Jersey, on the west side of 
Hudson's River ; along the said river to Murderer's 
Creeke, or bounds of the county of Ulster ; and west- 
ward into the woods as far as Delaware River." These 
boundaries, though crude and illustrative of the im- 
perfect knowledge of the country wdiich then prevailed, 
were destined to be substantially maintained for over 
one hundred years. 

The organization of the towns and precincts in the 
original county of Orange began with that of the 
town of Orange in 168U. Soon after its organization 
the inhabitants of the adjoining patents, including 
Haverstraw, were attached to it for court jurisdiction 
and assessment. By act of Assembly, June 24, 1719, 
— in response to a petition of the inhabitants of 
Haverstraw, reciting the inconveniences of associa- 
tion with Orangetown, — the northern settlements 
were included in a precinct under the title of the 
Precinct of Haverstraw, thereby creating two pre- 
cincts, viz. : Orangetown, with Tappan as its centre, 
and Haverstraw, with the " Christian patented lands 
of Haverstraw" as its centre. The boundaries of the 
latter were "from the northernmost bounds of Tap- 
pan to the northernmost bounds of Haverstraw." Its 
inhabitants were authorized to elect on the first Tues- 
day in April annually the officers common to a town, 
viz. : " One supervisor, one collector, two assessors, 
one constable, and two overseers of highways," who 
should be " invested with all the powers, and be 
obliged to perform such services and duties" as per- 
tained to similar officers. 

The settlements of Goshen, Warwick, Gray Court, 
etc., on the Wawayanda Patent, were given organ- 
ization as the Precinct of Goshen some time about 
1714, the township of Goshen becoming the political 



* "So called in compliment to the Dutch son-in-law of James IT." — 
Brodhead. Known as the Prince of Orange, subsequently William III., 
of England. 



centre.t Under the general law of 1703, it was entitled 
to two assessors, a collector, overseers of highways, and 
a constable. It remained without change until 1743, 
when it was empowered to elect, in addition to its other 
officers, two constables, one of whom should be " from 
and out of such of the inhabitants" as had their res- 
idence in the south part of the precinct " commonly 
called Wawayanda," and the other from "the inhabi- 
tants to the northward, near the meeting-house com- 
monly called the water-side meeting-house." The 
territory embraced in the precinct included the entire 
county, with the exception of the Haverstraw and 
Orangetown districts, and extended from the Dela- 
ware to Hudson's River.J By act of Assembly, Oct. 
20, 1764, it was divided by " a straight line ti> be run, 
beginning at the borders or verge of the county of 
Ulster, near the new dwelling-house of John Manno, 
thence on a course which will leave the house of Bar- 
nabas Horton, Jr., ten chains to the westward to the- 
most extreme parts of .said precinct ;§ all the lands 
lying to the west of said line to be Goshen Precinct, 
and all eastward to be called New Cornwall Precinct. 
These two precincts, with the precincts of Haver- 
straw and Orangetown, constituted the political divi- 
sions of the county until after the Revolution. Sub- 
sequently, and prior to 1797-98, the following changes 
were made : The title of precinct was changed to that 
of town in the cases of Orangetown, Haverstraw, 
Goshen, and New Cornwall, in 1788, || at which time 
the towns of Warwick and Minisink were erected 
from Goshen ; from Haverstraw the towns of Clarks- 
town and Ramapo were erected in 1791 ; New Corn- 



t Goshen was founded as a township, precisely as was Orangetown, 
and was similarly included in the subsequent precinct organization with, 
other settlements. It should be observed, however, that in these and 
other cases of prior township organizations the adjoining settlements- 
were the precincts of the town to which they were attached. 

X That poition of the precinct lying west of the Minisink Mountains- 
was subjected to several political changes : By act of Oct. 18, 1701, " for 
the more regular proceedings in election of Representatives," the iuhah- 
itants of " Wagachemeck and Great and Little Minisink" were " inipow- 
ered to give their votes in the county of Ulster." By act of Nov. 12, 
1709, '* to determine, settle, and ascertain the bounds and limits of the 
county of Orange," the act of Oct. 18, 1701, was repealed so far as it re- 
lated to the settlements named, which were in elTect declared to he a part 
of Orange County. By subsequent survey Maghaghkemek {Cnddeback- 
ville) was found to be north of the line of Orange, and hence passed to 
the jurisdiction of Ulster, a])pearing on the tax-roll as thy " Neighbor- 
hood of Maghaghkemek." It remained in this political relation until 
1799, when the town of Deerpark was erected as one of the consequences- 
of the reorganization of Orange County, of which it became part. The 
other settlements were included (after 1709) in the precinct of Goshen; 
subsequently that portion lying north of the New Jersey line became 
part of the town of Minisink (17S8), from which they were taken (1798) 
and included in the boundaries of Deerpark. It may be added that a 
portion of the district, embracing what subsequently fell to New Jersey, 
appears to have had organization as the precinct of Minisink, and as such, 
through its assessors, raised its quota of the tax for the erection of the 
court-house at Goshen in 1739. Its constitution as a precinct was no 
doubt by order of the court ; it has no record of that character in the 
acts of the General Assembly. 

g Tliis line is said to have been parallel witli the west Hue of the pres- 
ent town of Monroe. 

II The erection of towns at this date, wherever situated in the State, 
was under a general law passed March 7,1788, entitled "An act for 
dividing the counties of this State into towns." 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



23 



wall changed its title to Cornwall in 1797. These 
changes gave to the county, in 1798, the towns of 
Orangetown, Haverstraw, Clarkstown, Kamapo, 
Goshen, AVanvick, Minisink, and Cornwall. 

From this survey of the original county of Orange 
we pass to notice the civil divisions of Ulster County 
so far as they were embraced in the district which we 
are considering. Immediately north of Murderer's 
Creek there was no civil organization until the advent 
of the Palatines in J 709,* when the precinct of the 
Highlands was erected and attached to New Paltz. 
The boundaries of the precinct are not stated, but 
the order is understood to have applied more espe- 
cially to the territory extending from New Paltz to 
Murderer's Creek, in which district the Palatines at 
Quassaick were then the principal settlers. At the 
same time or soon after, the constitution of the Pre- 
cinct of the Highlands, and evidently by order of the 
court, the Precinct of Maghaghkemek,t and the Pre- 
cinct of Shawangunk were constituted, the latter at- 
tached to New Paltz. As in the case of the Precinct 
of the Highlands, no boundaries are given ; but from 
deeds, tax-rolls, and other papers of record, it is clear 
that the present towns of Montgomery, Crawford, and 
Wallkill were embraced in the limits of this precinct. 
Under this limited organization the territory which 
these precincts covered remained until 1743, when, by 
act of Dec. 17, three full precincts, having all the 
officers of towns and exercising all their duties, were 
established by act of the Assembly. These precincts 
were to be known and called " by the name of the 
Wallkill Precinct, Shawangunk Precinct, and High- 
land Precinct." The first, the Precinct of Wallkill, 
was bounded on the north " by the north bounds of 
ten thousand acres of land granted' to Jeremiah 
Schuyler and others, by the south bounds of four 
thousand acres of land granted to Gerardus Beekman 
and others, by the north bounds of three thousand 
acres of land granted to Henry Wileman and others, 
by the east bounds of three thousand acres of land 
granted to John Johnson, and by the east bounds of 
two thousand acres of land granted to Cadwallader 
Colden ;" on the south " by the north bounds of two 
thousand acres of land granted to Patrick Hume, by 
the north and west bounds of the land granted to 
Cornelius Low and others, and by the northwest and 
southwest bounds of two thousand acres of land 
granted to Phineas Mcintosh, and by the line di- 
viding the counties of Orange and Ulster to Shawan- 

* So much of the district as was embraced in the Bvans Patent was, by 
the terms of that instnimeut, erected into the " Manor and Lordship of 
Fletcherdon," with tlie usual autliority conferred in manorial grants, 
but, in the absence of other popnlalion than tliat inclutied in the Mac- 
Gregorie settlement, it is not probable that even the civil jurisdiction of 
a manorial court was established during the few years the grant was 
continued. 

t The correctness of this statement having been questioned, we quote 
from the act of Dec. 17, 17*i : "And whereas Shawangunk, Highlands, 
and Maghaghkemek have formerly been deemed and esteemed three 
precincts, and have been assessed by their own assessors," etc. Mng- 
haghkemek was subsequently included in the Precinct of Mamakating. 



gunk Mountains." In more general terms, the district 
was defined as "bounded westerly by the Shawan- 
gunk Mountains as they run from the count}' of 
Orange to a creek or river called the Plattekill, then 
along the Plattekill to Shawangunk Kiver, then all 
along Shawangunk Elver to the north bounds of the 
ten thousand acres granted to Jeremiah Schuyler 
aforesaid." The freeholders were required to " meet 
at the house of Matties Millspaughi on the first Tues- 
day of April yearly," or at such other place as should 
be selected by the inhabitants after the first meeting, 
and elect one supervisor, two assessors, a collector, a 
constable, and an overseer of the poor. One of the 
assessors was to be located on the west side of the 
Wallkill, " and because the said Wallkill River, 
which crosses the said precinct, is sometimes danger- 
ous to pass," one collector and one constable were 
added to the officers of the precinct "for that part 
thereof which lieth to the westward of said river." 

The second, the Precinct of Shawangunk, was 
bounded on the west " by the foot of Shawangunk 
Mountains ; on the south and west by the precinct of 
Wallkill ; on the east by the line or bounds of three 
thousand five hundred acres granted to Rip Van Dam 
and others, by the east bounds of two thousand acres 
of land granted to Barbaric, and by the east bounds or 
line of two thousand acres of land granted to Huddles- 
ton; and on the north by the north bounds or line of 
the said two thousand acres granted to Huddleston, 
by the north bounds of two thousand acres granted to 
Peter Matthews and others;" on the south by a line 
" crossing the said Wallkill River to the mouth of 
Shawangunk River, and running thence southwest- 
erly all along the northwest side of said Shawangunk 
River to the southwest corner of tlie laud granted to 
Col. Jacob Rutzen;" and on the west by the "west- 
erly bounds or line of said land granted to Rutzen to a 
salt pond, called ' the great salt pond,' and from thence 
upon a west line to -the foot of Shawangunk Moun- 
tains aforesaid." The first precinct meeting was to be 
held at the house of Benjamin Smedes, Jr., at which 
a supervisor, two assessors, and the usual precinct 
officers were to be chosen, and the place of subse- 
quent meetings designated. 

The Precinct of the Highlands embraced the patents 
lying along the Hudson from Murderer's Creek to 
New Paltz, and was more particularly described as 
"bounded on the east by Hudson's River; on the 
south by the line dividing the counties of Ulster and 
Orange ; on the west by the precincts of Wallkill and 
Shawangunk and the neighborhoods annexed to the 
New Paltz,^ and on the north by the bounds or line 

X Millspaugh was a very early settler in the present town of Mont- 
gomery. He married the widow of Johannes IVIingus, who erected the 
first grist-mill in the town (1721-22), and through this marriage obtained 
the Mingus mill and farm. 

g The "neighborhoods annexed to New Paltz" were "Guilford and 
several other patents, from the south bounds of New Paltz to the north 
bounds of Shawangunk precinct, and from the foot of the high moun- 
tains e&stward to the east line of the patent granted to Thomas Garland, 



24 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of New Paltz town." The precinct meetings were to 
be held "at the house of John Humphrey, Jr.," who 
re-sided in the present town of Xew Windsor, " on the 
first Tuesday of April annually," for the election of 
precinct officers. 

The same act gave ])riniary constitution to the Pre- 
cinct of Mamakating, in which was included "all the 
lan<l to the southward of the town of Rochester as far 
as the county of Ulster extends, and to the westward 
of the precincts of Wallkill and Sliawangunk as far as 
the county extends." The first precinct meeting was 
to be held at the dwelling-house of Samuel Swartwout, 
at which one constable, two assessors, two overseers of 
the poor, and two surveyors of highways were to be 
elected. In the election of supervisor the freeholders 
were associated with the town of Rochester. Under 
the law of 1798, the northern part of the territory in- 
cluded in the then town of Deerpark was taken from 
this precinct. 

The Precinct of the Highlands continued in exist- 
ence until 1762, when it was divided into the Precincts 
of Xewburgh and New Windsor, "by a line begin- 
ning at the mouth of Quassaick Creek, and running 
thence along the south bounds of a tract of land com- 
monly called the German Patent to another tract 
granted to Alexander Baird, and then along the 
.southerly bounds of the said last mentioned tract to 
the Wallkill Precinct ; all the lauds heretofore com- 
prehended within the said Highland Precinct lying 
to the southward of the aforesaid dividing line to 
be called by the name of New Windsor Precinct, and 
all the lands heretofore comprehended within the said 
Highland Precinct lying to the northward of the said 
line to be called by the name of Newburgh Precinct." 
The latter was divided in 1772 by a line running 
along the north bounds of the Harrison, Bradley, 
Wallace, Kip and Cruger, and Jamison Patents, to 
the Precinct of Shawangunk, " all the land lying to 
the northward of said line to be called and known by 
the name of New Marlborough Precinct, and all the 
land south of said line to continue to be called New- 
burgh Precinct." 

The same law divided the Precinct of Wallkill by 
a line beginning at the southwest corner of the Mcin- 
tosh Patent and the southeast corner of McKnight's, 
"thence along the southwest bounds of ThomasNoxon, 
the southwest bounds of Harrison and Company, the 
southwest bounds of Philip Schuyler, to the Pakada- 
sink River or Shawangunk Kill ;" all northeast of this 
line " to be called the Precinct of Hanover, and all 
the land southwest of said line, heretofore compre- 
hended in the Precinct of Wallkill, to continue to be 
called the Precinct of Wallkill." 

The precincts named carried with them their desig- 

and by the soutli aud east by the land granted to Hugh Freer and others, 
and to the eastward by an east line from the said Hugh Freer's bounds 
to the bounds or line of New Paltz." The freeholdei-s were to vote with 
the freeholders of Kew Paltz, and in all respects to be considered a part 
of that town. 



native titles in their organization as towns under the 
act of 178S, with the exception of Hanover, whose 
inhabitants, for the purpose of attesting their detesta- 
tion of the English government, as well as their appre- 
ciation of the heroic services of Gen. Richard Mont- 
gomery, obtained consent from the Provincial Con- 
vention of the State in 1782 to change the precinct 
name to Montgomery.* By the act of 1788 they were 
severally erected as the towns of Newburgh, New- 
Windsor, New Marlborough, Shawangunk, Montgom- 
ery, and Wallkill. 

Incident to the history of the original county, it is 
proper to remark, in this connection, that, although 
organized in 1683, it was only a county in name, — a 
district in the wilderness with boundaries upon paper. 
It was not until nearly twenty years later that it be- 
came a county cle facto. True, it was assigned a 
sheriff and a clerk, and had a jail, but it was attached 
to New York in other respects in the character of a 
borough. Governor Leisler, in his ill-starred rebel- 
lion, attempted to use it (1691) by appointing as one 
of his Council William Lawrence, of New York, as 
representing Orange, and when it was given repre- 
sentation in the Assembly (1699), it was not as a right 
due to population, but to serve another purpose. 

Aside from their town and precinct officers and rep- 
resentatives in the Assembly, the people had no voice 
in the selection of their rulers. The sheriffs held the 
elections for representatives, and the choice was de- 
termined by the viva voce\ vote of the freeholders, 
who were required to be twenty-one years of age, and 
to be possessed of " land or tenements improved to 
the value of forty pounds free from all incumbrances." 
Freeholders having property in more than one county 
could vote in as many counties as tliey had property 
liable to taxation, and for their accommodation the 
elections were so ordered that opportunity was given 
them to cast the full number of votes to which they 
were entitled. It could scarcely be called a represen- 
tative system, so far as representative systems are un- 
derstood to express the popular will ; it was more 
properly a property representation, under which power 
was given to a few persons. The districts were large ; 
the population was scattered ; the elections were held 
at the "county towns;" the polls were kept open 
several days to enable all to vote who might wish to 
do so. Where the conveniences existed for transit 
from i)oint to point, as they did along the Hudson, a 
freeholder residing in New York was enabled to vote 
in half a dozen counties if holding property therein, 
while those occupying more inland locations were in 
most cases necessarily deprived of a voice in elections. 

Until 1699 the freeholders of the county were asso- 



* This is the fact, as it appeal's from the proceedings of a public meet- 
ing held in the precinct to petition for tlie change. The name selected, 
however, had been applied to a township plot, now the village, or part of 
the village, of Montgomery, by Gen. James Clinton, several years before 
the RevolutioTi, as appears by deeds of record conveying township lots. 

t Until after the adoption of the constitution of 177". Voting by bal- 
lot was regarded by the framers of that instrumeDt as an experiment. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 



zo 



ciatcd with those of New York in the selection of 
rejiresentatives, but were not obliged to visit New 
York in order to give their votes. The sheriff of the 
county held the election at Orangetown, and made 
return to the sheriff of New York, who declared the 
result. In 1699 the county was given representation 
in the Assembly. At this and subsequent elections 
until 1749, the poll was held exclusively at Orange- 
town, and those who wished to vote were compelled 
to visit that place. This was in part remedied by the 
law of 1748, by which it wa.s provided, " for the time 
to come, all elections for representatives" should be 
opened " either at the court-house or some conve- 
nient place in Orangetown, or at the court-house or 
some convenient place in (ioshen," and after being 
held for a certain time at the place where first opened, 
should be adjourned " to the other court-house or 
place of election, so that all the freeholders may, if 
they please, be polled at such elections."* 

That the system was corrupt, especially in the 
earlier years of its administration, is a fact revealed 
on every page of the history of that period. Frauds 
upon the revenue pervaded all departments of the 
|)ublic service ; piratical expeilitions, including that 
of the notorious Capt. Kidd, were fitted out by men 
high in public affairs; land-grants were obtained for 
considerations paid to the Governor ; there was noth- 
ing, apparently, that had money in it that was not 
prospered by official connivance. In one instance 
only is it written that the Governor's Council " was 
ashamed to consent" to one of his grants, and that 
not because of its magnitude, but that it proposed to 
give his footman a lease for " a little island called 
Nutten Island," which had hitherto been " convenient 
for grazing a few coach-horses and cows for the Gov- 
ernor's family. "t Sectarianism was the cloak for all 
kinds of peculation ; to write against another at one 
time that he was a Protestant, or at another that he 
was " a Popish tailor," or similar epithet, was the 
stepping-stone to official promotion. Indeed, it would 
seem that more modern political partisans have not 
learned much that is new, or that many who have 
since held official station have special claim to origi- 
nality in methods of abusing public trusts. 

It was when this era of corruption was at its height 
that the people of Orange County appear distinctly 
in the politics of the province. Governor Bellomont, 
who succeeded Governor Fletcher in 1098, was clothed 
with power to correct the aliuscs which had grown up, 
for which purpose he was given " a negative voice in 
the making and passing of all laws, statutes, and ordi- 
nances, and could " adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve 
the Assembly" whenever he deemed it necessary.J 
Issuing a warrant for the election of a new Assembly, 
he cautioned the sheriffs, by whom it was to be held, 



against " undue elections and returns ;" but the latter 
were themselves creatures of the corrupt combination 
which had been formed, or, as the record states, "were 
for the most part men of mean rank," who " had been 
continued in their places from year to year by Gov- 
ernor Fletcher," and who, " instead of complying" 
with their instructions, " carried themselves most 
unfairly, in so much that one of them made return 
for a county (viz., Orange County), in which he suf- 
fered not any one freeholder to vote."| Other dis- 
tricts shared in the " corruijtion of the franchise" to 
such an extent that when the Assembly convened, 
eleven of the nineteen members of which it was com- 
posed, it is said, " sat by controverted elections," and, 
having the majority, " established themselves and 
brought all things into the greatest confusion." 

Finding that nothing could be done with such a 
body of men, Bellomont dissolved the Assembly and 
ordered a new election, taking care that Governor 
Fletcher's sheriffs were retired from the management. 
The result was satisfactory to him, but not to those 
who were defeated, who complained to the king that 
" the election was apjiointed to be upon the same day 
in all places except the two most remote counties, 
whereby the best freeholders, who had estates in sev- 
eral counties, were deprived of giving their votes at 
several elections ; that "the sheriffs performed the 
business they were appointed for by admitting some 
for freeholders who were not so, and rejecting others 
who were really so, as they voted for or against their 
party, and by nominating and appointing inspectors 
of the poll who, upon any complaint of unfair deal- 
ing, gave this general answer : ' If you are aggrieved 
complain to my lord Bellomont, and the same prac- 
tice in all places gives just rea-son to believe the 
orders for it came from his excellency." 

"To secure a majority of such men as he desired," 
continues this remonstrance, " his lordship, without 
any instruction from England, added two to the former 
number, viz. : one more to be chosen for the city and 
county of Albany, and one for the county of Orange, 
which last is by act of Assembly made a part of the 
county of New York, and has not twenty inhabitants 
freeholders in it, and never before had a distinct 
representation in Assembly. By this means one 
Abraham Gouverneur, a Dutchman, — so indigent as 
never to be assessed in the public taxes, and who, as 
is reasonably to be supposed, had a deed of .some land 
made to him of purpose to qualifj' him for it, because 
he never had any land before, — was chosen an Assem- 
blyman, and is since made Speaker of the House of 
Representatives. This fellow was formerly convicted 
of murther and pardoned, |1 and soon after the Revo- 



• The old story of carrying tlie ballol-liox around the coirntry origi- 
nated in this. Unfortunalfly for the story, tliero was no ballot-box, the 
vote of the freeholders being simply registered. 

t Col. Hist., iv. 384, 3'J3. J Ibid., i 2C6. 

3 



^ Stanley Handcock appears a^ sheriff of Orange County at this time. 
He was also sheriff of New York. 

II Gouverneur was attached to the administration of Governor Leisler, 
and was tried and condemned, with others, for his participation in the 
resistance to Governor Sluughter, during which several of the king's 
troops were killed, including Capt. MacGregorie. ' He was subsequently 
pardoned by the king. It is to these facts the text refers. 



26 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



lution publicly declared that Jacob Leisler had 
carried the government of New York by the sword, 
and had the same right to it as King William had to 
the crown, having conquered the kingdom of Eng- 
land. At the meeting of the Assembly it appeared 
of the twenty-one representatives there were but 
seven Englishmen, the remainder being all Dutch 
and of the meanest sort, half of whom do not under- 
stand English, which can conduce little to the honor 
of the English interest there."* 

Notwithstanding this bitter complaint, the Assem- 
bly instituted some important reforms. Grants of 
large tracts of lands were set aside, the elections for 
representatives were regulated, and provision made 
for the severe punishment of frauds upon the revenue. 
Had Bellomont lived, perhaps more general reforms 
would have been secured ; but his death, in 1701, was 
followed, after a short administration under the Coun^ 
oil, by the appointment of Lord Cornbury, who not 
only restored the unscrupulous officials that had been 
removed by Bellomont, but earned for himself the 
" unenviable distinction of being the worst of all the 
Governors under the English crown." "Bapacious 
without a parallel, he hesitated not," says one of his 
biographers, " to apply the public money to his own 
private purposes; and though notoriously vicious, yet 
he was so intolerant that he sought to establish the 
Episcopacy at all hazards, imprisoning and prohibit- 
ing ministers of other denominations from exercising 
their functions without his special license. He was, 
moreover, as destitute of gratitude as of courtesy, in- 
juring those most from whom he had received the 
greatest benefits. His manners were as ignoble and 
undignified as his conduct was base, and when this 
hopeftil scion of royalty wandered about the streets 
clothed as a woman (which was a common practice 
with him), the people felt that he had taken Caligula 
for a model." 

But a better state of aftairs was born of the excesses 
which Cornbury committed. While at Chear Hall, 
his country-seat in Haverstraw, he surrounded him- 
self with such men as Daniel Honan, the freeholders 
looked upon his extravagance with alarm, and, through 
the Assembly, refused the grants of money which he 
asked. The rights of the people with regard to taxa- 
tion, to courts of law, to officers of the crown, were 
speedily asserted and increased in strength with the 
political education of the people. When Cornbury 
was succeeded by Lovelace (1709), the Assembly 
began the contest that was never to cease but with in- 
dependence. The crown demanded a permanent rev- 
enue, without appropriation; the Assembly would 
only grant an annual revenue and appropriate it spe- 
cifically. The power lodged in the Governor to dis- 
solve the Assembly was invoked in vain ; the people 
were mainly of one mind that they had an "inherent 
right" to legislation, springing " not from any com- 

* Col. Hist., Iv. 621. 



mission or grant from the crown, but from the free 
choice and election of the people, who ought not, nor 
justly can, be divested of their property without their 
consent." In all the long struggle which followed 
and which culminated in the war for independence, 
the representatives of original Orange were found in 
the interest of freedom, and gave to the final issue 
its most consistent advocates, its most devoted adher- 
ents. 

Practically, the organization of the county began in 
1703, when the first session of the court and the first 
meeting of justices acting as aboard of supervisors 
was held.t Such local administration as it had, aside 
from the officers of its precincts, may be briefly stated. 
Minnie Johannes was its first sheriff, 1685 ; Floris 
Willemse Crom in 1690, Stanley Handcock in 1694, 
John Patersen in 1699, and Theunis Toleman in 1701. 
The latter was not held in very high esteem by Gov- 
ernor Cornbury, who apparently regarded the ability 
of a man to write his own name as a qualification. 
Dirck Storm was the county clerk, or clerk of the 
court, in 1691, and William Huddleston in 1703. 
Judges of the Common Pleas came in in 1701, Wil- 
liam Merritt being the first judge. The first session 
of the court was held at Orangetown, April 28, 1703; 
present, William Merritt and John Merritt, judges. 
The first recorded sessions of justices of the peace, 
acting as a board of supervisors, was held April 27, 
1703 ; present, William Merritt, John Merritt, Corne- 
lius Cuyper, Tunis Van Houton, Thomas Burroughs, 
Michael Hawdon, justices; John Perry, sherifl'; Wil- 
liam Huddleston, clerk ; and Conradt Hauson, con- 
stable. From this time the record is continuous. 

Many franchises were dependent upon population. 
Of this character were surrogate's courts. The first 
law of the province relating to estates gave to courts 
of Common Pleas power to take proof of wills and 
grant letters of administration in remote counties. 
Other counties, including Orange and Ulster, were 
required to transact such business in New York. 
This was changed by act of Nov. 24, 1750, which re- 
lates that wherea-s, at the time of the enactment of the 
law providing that in remote counties courts of Com- 
mon Pleas should be authorized to take the examina- 
tion of witnesses to any will, on oath, and to grant 
letters of administration, the " county of Orange was 
not considered and esteemed one of the remote coun- 
ties," but that since the passage of the said act "the 
northwest parts of the said county, being nearly one 
hundred miles distance from the city of New York," 
had " increased greatly in number of inhabitants, as 
well by families removed to those parts as otherwise," 
who were laboring under " the like inconveniences as 
those of said remote counties;" that therefore the 
judges and justices of the said Court of Common 

t The record book contains this entiy; "Begister kept for Orange 
County, begun y 5th day of April, Anno Domini 1703." The earlier 
records were probably kept io New York, to which the county was 
attached. 



COURTS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. 



27 



Pleas, and the clerk of the said county, be vested with 
authority to take such examinations and issue such 
letters of administration. This arrangement was con- 
tinued until 1754, when William Finn was appointed 
surrogate and a Surrogate's Court established. 

The judicial history of the county properly begins 
with the Court of Common Pleas (1691), the first 
session of which was held at Orangetown, April 28, 
1703. Prior to that time, and for several years subse- 
quent, in some cases, as has been already stated, its 
primary settlements were attached to New York or 
were included in the county of Ulster. The Court of 
Common Pleas was continued until 1847, when it gave 
place to the present County Court. The Supreme 
Court (also established in 1691) held circuits in the 
county after 1703. Its bench was composed of the 
best legal talent of the province and of the State. 
Its circuits were succeeded by the Circuit Courts, 
established by the constitution of 1821, and the latter 
by the judicial system of 1846, when a new Supreme 
Court was organized having general jurisdiction of 
law and equity, and holding at least two terms annu- 
ally of the Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Ter- 
miner in each county. Surrogate's Courts have been 
held in the county since 17.54. The original county 
was divided into two court districts in 1727, when 
courts were held at Orangetown and at Goshen alter- 
nately, the former being the shire-town. A similar 
division was made in the present county in 1798, 
when Goshen was established as the shire-town, and 
court terms alternated with Newburgh. This division 
is still preserved, and is the only practical surviving 
link between the past and the present, but without 
other use than to serve as a reminder of the wilder- 
ness era, with its log court-houses, dreary forest roads, 
pioneer jurors and pioneer justice, and of the changes 
in the modes of transit, which now render what is 
vulgarly called " half-shire towns" unnecessary. 

The changes which had been made from time to 
time in the precinct organizations of the district, 
which have been already stated, were the outgrowth 
of increasing population and the necessary conve- 
nience of local administration. But their subdivision, 
especially after the war of the Revolution, did not 
entirely meet the emergencies which the rapid in- 
crease of population demanded. The people of New- 
burgh and the neighboring southern towns of Ulster 
County were required to transact their county busi- 
ness at Kingston, while those of Cornwall and the 
northeastern part of Orange were compelled to attend 
courts and enter their records at Orangetown. In 
either case the county-seat was thirty miles or more 
distant, and in precisely opposite directions, while , 
the facilities for communication, for a large portion of 
the time, were most exceptionable. The inhabitants 
of the western part of Orange were better accommo- 
dated, Goshen being made a half-shire district; still, 
their records were kept at Orangetown, and a consid- 
able portion of their court business was necessarilv 



transacted there. To inaugurate the correction of 
these inconveniences a convention of delegates from 
the several towns interested was held at Ward's 
Bridge* on the 6th of April, 1793, but without other 
result than the agitation of the question, and the 
half-expressed willingness of the delegates from Go- 
shen to a union of the northern towns of Orange and 
the southern towns of Ulster in a new county organi- 
zation, with courts alternately at Newburgh and Go- 
shen. A second convention was held at the house of 
John Decker, at Otterkill, in February, 1794, with no 
better result, the delegates from Newlnirgh being in- 
structed to decline " any union at all" unless it should 
be agreed that a court-house be erected and courts 
held at Newburgh and Goshen alternately,! a propo- 
sition which the Goshen delegates were not fully 
disposed to concede. 

Here the matter rested until 1797, when a third 
convention assembled, similarly composed, at Kerr's 
hotel, in Little Britain. At this convention, Gen. 
Wilkin and Gen. Hopkins, from Orange, and Daniel 
Niven and Isaac Belknap, Sr., from Ulster, appointed 
a committee to report terms upon which a union 
should be formed, agreed to a stipulation that the 
courts should be held at Newburgh and Go.shen 
alternately, and the convention ratified it. The sub- 
ject came before the Legislature in the winter of 1797 
-98. Two bills were presented, — one entitled "An 
Act for Dividing the County of Orange," the other, 
"An Act for Altering the Bounds of the Counties of 
Orange and Ulster." The first was passed on the 
23d of February, and enacted " That all that tract of 
land in the county of Orange, lying northwest of a 
line beginning at the mouth of Poplopen's Kill, on 
Hudson's River, and running from thence to the 
southeastermost corner of the farm of Stephen Sloat, 
and then along the south bounds of his farm to the 
southwest corner thereof, and then on the same course 
to the bounds of the State of New Jersey,! shall be 
and hereby is erected into a separate county, and 
shall be called and known by the name of Orange ;" 
and "That all that part of the said county of Orange 
lying southward of the above described line shall be 
erected into a separate county, and shall be called and 
known by the name of Rockland." The act also made 
provision for holding courts, fixed the number of 
members of Assembly, etc. The second act was passed 
on the 5th of April following. It enacted "That the 
towns of New Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill, Mont- 
gomery, and Deerpark, now in the county of Ulster, 
shall be and hereby are annexed to the county of 
Orange," and made provision for holding courts al- 

* Now the village of Montgomery. 

t Newburgh Town Records, Feb. 1, 1794. 

X Act of April 3, ISOl, gives this line as from the middle of Iliidson'a 
River " west to the mouth of Poploiien's Kill, and from thence on a di- 
rect course to the east end of the mill-dam now or late of Michael Wei- 
man across the Ramapough River, and from thence a direct course to 
the twenty-mile stone standing in the said division line between this 
State and the State of New Jersey." 



28 



HISTOKY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ternately at Newburgh and Goshen, the latter being 
the county-seat. 

With these enactments tlie records of the original 
county were closed, and from the heart of the patents 
and precincts covering the district was erected the 
present county, bearing, under the title of Orange, 
the colonial and Revolutionary history of the territory 
which it embraced, the most populous* and fertile of 
the lands of the original district, and more than two- 
thirds of its wealth, — elements which gave to it imme- 
diate prominence in State and national politics, and 
which, under subsequent and progressive development, 
have maintained its rank among the first counties of 
the State. The boundary lines of the new county 
were definitely fixed by the general law of April 3, 
1801, entitled " An Act to divide this State into 
Counties," as follows: "The county of Orange to 
contain all that part of this State bounded east- 
erly by the middle of Hudson's River, southerly 
by the said county of Rockland and the division 
line between this State and the State of New Jersey, 
westerly by the river Mongaapf and the division 
line between this State and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania, and northerly by a line drawn from 
a jjoint in the middle of said Hudson's River oppo- 
site the northeast corner of a tract of land granted 
to Francis Harrison and Company, called the five- 
thousand-acre tract, to the said northeast corner, and 
running from thence westerly along the north bounds 
of the said tract and the north bounds of another 
tract granted to the said Francis Harrison to the tract 
of land commonly called Wallace's tract, then along 
the lines of the same northerly and westerly to the 
northeasterly bounds of a tract of land granted to 
Jacobus Kip, John Cruger, and others, commonly 
called Kip and Cruger's tract, then westerly along the 
northeasterly and northerly bounds thereof, and then 



* The population of the original county of Orange, and that part of 
Ulster included in the district, was (1700) as follows : 

ORANGE county: ULSTER COUNTY: 

Cornwall 4,225 Maniakating 1,7CS 

Goshen 2,448 Montgomery 3,5C3 

Havel-straw 4,826 Newburgh 2,365 

Miuisink 2,215 New Windsor l,8la 

Orangetown 1,175 New Marlborough 2,241 

Warwick 3,603 Sbawangunk 2,128 

Wallkill 2,671 



Total 18,402 Total 16,460 

The following were the towns included in the new county, under the 
same census : 

TOWNS FROM ORANGE: TOWNS FROM ULSTER: 

Cornwall 4,225 Montgomery 3,563 

Goshen 2,448 Newburgh 2,365 

Minisink 2,215 New Windsor 1,819 

Warwick 3,003 Wallkill 2,571 



Total.. 



10,318 



Total 12,491 

The census of ISOO, immediately following the erectiou of the new 
county, gave its population as 29,368, and that of the towns not included 
as 14,807, — showing the population of the district at that time to be 
44,175. 

■f Originally known as the Minigwing. Mongaap is presumed to be 
Dutch, It is entered on Southier's map, " Mangawpiug." While the 
old county line ran to the Dehiware River, the new line stopped at the 
Mongaap ; it was also farther north than the old line. 



westerly to the northeast corner of a tract of three 
thousand acres granted to Rip Van Dam and others, 
thence southerly along the same to the northeast 
corner of a tract of three thousand acres granted to 
Henry Wileman, and running thence along the north 
bounds thereof to the Paltz River, commonly called 
the Wallkill, then .southerly up the said river to the 
southeast corner of a tract of four thousand acres of 
land granted to Gerardus Beekman and others, then 
westerly and northerly along the southerly and west- 
erly bounds thereof to the northeast corner thereof, 
and then northwesterly along the north bounds of the 
land granted to Jeremiah Schuyler and Company to 
the Shawangunk Kill, thence southerly along said 
kill to the north part of the farm now or late in the 
occupation of Joseph Wood, Jr., thence west to the 
river Mongaap. By act of the 7th of April of the 
same year definite 'boundary lines were given to 
the towns compo.sing the newly-constructed county, 
namely : Blooming-Grove, Chesekook, Cornwall, 
Deerpark, Goshen, Minisink, Montgomery, New 
Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill, and Warwick. J 

The first buildings of the original county were 
erected at Orangetown some time about 1703. At 
the first court of sessions held by justices of the peace, 
April 5, 1703, an examination of the "common goal 
of the county" was ordered and directions given to 
complete the same. By act of the Assembly, Dec. 16, 
1737, " the justices of the peace of that part of Orange 
County lying to the northward of the Highlands" 
were " authorized to build a court-house and goal for 
the said county at Goshen. "| This building was 
completed under act of Nov. 3, 1740, by which one 
hundred pounds were authorized to be raised for the 
purpose on the portion of the county already named. 
It was a structure of wood and stone ; was repaired in 
1754, and was torn down in 1775 or 1776,11 a new stone 
court-house having been erected. The latter was on 
the site now occupied by the office of the county clerk 
in Goshen. Its erection was provided for under an 
act of the Assembly, March 12, 1773, by which one 
thousand pounds were raised for the purpose on the 
.precincts of Goshen and Cornwall. Four hundred 
pounds additional were raised in 1774 to finish it, 
and prisoners were removed to it under act of April 
1, 1775. Meanwhile the old court-house at Orange- 
town was replaced by a new structure in 1704, the 

t From the territory embraced in the towns named the following ad- 
ditional towns were erected: Chester, 1845, from Goshen, Warwick, 
Blooming-Grove, and Monroe; Crawford, 1823, from Montgomery; 
Greenville, 1863, from Minisink; Hamptonburgh, 1830, from Goshen, 
Blooming-Grove, Montgomery, New Windsor, and Wallkill; Mount 
Hope, 1833. from Wallkill, Minisink, and Deerpark ; Wawayanda, 1.S49, 
from Minisink ; Highlands, from Cornwall, 1872 ; the city of Newburgh, 
1866, from Newburgh. The county now embraces eighteen towns, one 
city, and six incorporated villages. 

§ The courts in Newburgh were held in the academy building, the 
upper floor having been specially fitted up for the purpose. 

II Part of the dungeon wall of this structure now forms the south end 
wall of the building known as the Orange Hotel at Uoshen, and is the 
only portion that was not removed from its original foundation. 



COURTS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. 



29 



expense being borne by the "southern part of the ! 
county." It was subsequently destroyed by fire. 

The court-house and jail erected at Goshen under 
the act of March 12, 1773, came into the present 
county on its reorganization under the act of 1795, 
and with its history, and that of other public buildings 
erected since that time, we are more inimediately in- 
terested than in those of the original county. The 
court-house of 1773 stood on the site now occupied 
by the office of the county clerk, the well on the west 
side of the latter building having stood about ten 
feet from the rear of the centre of the court-house. 
There were two periods in its architecture. As orig- 
inally constructed it was two stories high ; its first 
floor contained a hall in the centre, with sheriff's 
office and dwelling-rooms on the west, a dungeon on 
the southeast, and a staircase on the northeast. The 
court-room was at the west end of the second floor, 
the judges' bench facing the entrance; on the south- 
east were cells for minor ofl^enders. The building was 
plain, and without belfry; its only ornamental fea- 
tures were two windows larger than the others and 
arched, one over the front door on the north side, its 
mate directly opposite on the south side, and the date 
" 1773" worked conspicuously in brick on the east 
wall in lieu of the British crown-stone which had 
been obtained for the place, but which Gabriel Wisner 
demolished with a hammer.* Here were confined 
during the Revolution political offenders or Tories, 
and prisoners of all grades ; among others Joshua 
Hett Smith, who was arrested for complicity in the 
treason of Arnold, and who presents in his narrative 
an inside view of the prison at that time. He writes: 
" The jail was filled with those who professed to be 
the king's friends : Tories, and those who were pris- 
oners of war; felons, and characters of all colors and 
descriptions. I was challenged to know if I had any 
hand in the business of aiding the Tory prisoners to 
effect their escape from the dungeon. These were a 
number of persons who were taken in arms while 
going to join the king's troops in Canada; they were 
residents of western settlements whei'e, the country 
being thinly inhabited, they had no jails, or at least 
none that were large and strong enough to contain the 
number of persons who were captured, and who were 
therefore brought to this place for greater security. 
Among them were some of the most daring and hardy 
people, belonging to Col. Brant and Butler's corps of 
whites and Indians. Fifty of these were crowded in 
a small cell, which had a window grated with strong 
bars of iron, and a sentinel to watch it.f Notwith- 
standing his vigilance, however, some implements 
were conveyed to the prisoners, who, in the night, by 

* The tradition is that a controversy arose in regard to tlie place where 
the stone sliuiilii be fixed. Wisner, who was a justice of tlie peace, asked 
that it ho lianiled to hira and he would place it where no one would ob- 
ject. Holding the stone in the wall, as if to adjust it, hesuddenly struck 
it with a sledge and broke it in fragments. He was subsefniently killed 
in the battle of Minisink, 

t The original dungeon of this buildiug. 



gentle degrees, picked away the mortar from the 
heavy foundation walls, and in the course of one 
night made an aperture large enough to admit a mau 
of almost any size to pass through, which they all did 
and eff'ected their escape. Fortunately a few days 
after, several persons came to see me, as well on busi- 
ness as from friendship, and they having interest with 
the deputy sheriff, persuaded him to suffer lue to come 
out of my place of confinement, and sit with them in 
the open court-room." As evening approached, he took 
occasion to ask to visit his room a moment ; but in- 
stead of doing so, " when I came near the door of my 
prison, I suddenly turned, and from a wink of my 
servant went down a staircase that was at the side of 
it, and without delay made to the outer door of the 
jail, which not being bolted, I went out." 

The building was changed by the addition of a 
third story, cupola and bell, about the commence- 
ment of the present century. On the new floor was a 
large or main jail-room at the southeast corner, and 
adjoining it on the northeast was a dungeon with one 
grated window so arranged that it could be completely 
darkened. Imiuediately west of these was a large 
hall separating the rooms on the east side from a jail- 
room on the west and three other rooms, one occupied 
by the county clerk and the surrogate, the others by 
a jailer, and used as occasion required for prisoners. 
The arrangement of the court-room was changed, the 
bench being placed on the northerly side, with the 
prisoners' dock on the right, and seats for jurors on 
both left and right. The building had no basement. 
When prisoners died in it who were confined for 
debt, they were buried under the floor ; or, if on the 
limits, in the prison-yard. J The death penalty was 
inflicted publicly, outside the court-house walls.? 
The building was without special architecture. Its 
length exceeded its depth ; its walls were stone ; its 
roof was hipped ; its ceilings quite high for a struc- 
ture of that period. Its little bell now calls the fire- 
men of Goshen to their duties ; the old stones in its 
walls are incorporated in the walls of the present 
jail ; its historical associations embrace all that is 
now regarded as barbarous in the old judicial system. 

The court-houses now in use at Newburgh and 
Goshen were erected by the present county in 1842, 
and were the result of a compromise on the question 
of erecting a new county, which had been agitated at 

X Among those who were buried under the iloor of the building was 
Major Antill, an Englishman of high social rank, who had been im- 
prisoned for debt. Under the law, the body was held until the debt was 
paid. In 1875 the remains of several persons who had been buried in 
the yard were exhumed, in digging a trench, and removed elsewhere, 
gaining their final release from the old " limits" through the mercy of a 
laborer's shovel. The remains were not identified. 

? Claudius Smith was executed a few rods in the rear of the court- 
house, at about the point now formed by the southwest angle of the 
Presbyterian church grounds. Teed and Dunning were executed in a 
field just out of town, a mile or so south of the court-house, near what 
is known as Stewart's woods. Peter Crine w.as hanged in the court- 
room, and his execution was the fii-st in Orange County under the statute 
decreeing that capital punishment should be more privately administered 



30 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



different periods* by the people of Newburgh and the 
northeastern towns. Their erection was inaugurated 
in 18.39 bj' an application to tlie Legislature, on the 
part of the board of supervisors, for authority to build 
a new court-house at Goshen. This proposition w'as 
opposed by Xewburgh, and the passage of the act de- 
feated. In December following the supervisors at an 
extra session (December 7th) adopted, by a vote of ten 
to four, a resolution to apply to the Legislature for 
power to levy a tax of thirty thousand dollars on the 
county for the building of a court-house and jail at 
Goshen and a court-house and cells at Newburgh, — 
seventeen thousand dollars to be expended in the 
former and thirteen thousand dollars in the latter 
town. The act applied for was passed by the Legis- 
lature in April, 1841, and the erection of the build- 
ings begun soon after. In their external appearance 
they are alike, and were from plans furnished by T. 
M. Niven, architect. The basement of that at New- 
burgh is occupied in part by cells, which are not 
necessary at Goshen, the county jail being a separate 
building at that place. The site of the Newburgh 
building was enlarged to an open square by j^rivate 
subscriptions of citizens. 

Originally the county clerk and the surrogate had 
their offices at their dwellings ; subsequently in the 
reconstructed court-house. At a later period a clerk's 
and surrogate's office was erected on the west side of 
the site now occupied by the court-house at Goshen. 
It was a .small building of brick, and was moved a 
short distance south in 1842, but in moving its walls 
were cracked, which gave rise to the necessity for the 
erection of the present clerk's office, which was built 
in 18-51 and occupied in the fall of that year.f It is 
a brick structure of one story, fireproof, and was oc- 
cupied for some years by the clerk and the surrogate. 
At the annual session of the supervisors in 1873, the 
erection of a building for the use of the surrogate 
and the supervisors was authorized, from plans sub- 
mitted by Cornelius Ackerman, architect, and C. M. 
Thompson and J. H. Vail, appointed as building com- 
mittee. The contract was awarded to Thomas Dob- 
bin, of Newburgh, and the building completed in the 
summer of 1874, at a cost of seven thousand four hun- 
dred and seven dollars and eighty-five cents. The 
structure is of brick, two stories high, and presumed 
to be fireproof. 

The support of the poor of the county and of its 
several towns, with the exception of the town and 

* The first effort for a Dew county was made in 1822, when it was pro- 
posed to give it the name of " Jackson ;" the second in 1832, when "New- 
burgh" was fixed upon as the name. Tlie third effort was made in 1858, 
^the new county to be called " Highland." The two former were pre- 
dicated upon the refusal of the western towns to consent to the erection 
of a coTirt-house at Newburgh. 

t The resolution for its construction was introduced in the board of 
supervisors in the fall of 1850, by R M. Vail. The contract was awarded 
to Francis Boyd, of Newburgh, architect. The building committee was 
composed of R. M. Vail, of Goshen ; James R. Dickson, of Newburgh ; 
and Daniel Fullerton, of Wawayanda. The cost of the building and 
furniture was six thousand two hundred and fifty dollai-s. 



city of Newburgh, t is provided for by a county house 
and farm situated about four miles south of the ^^l- 
lage of Goshen, on the road leading to Florida. In 
the early years of the settlement of the county, this 
support devolved, under the law of 1701, upon the 
several towns and precincts. The relief provided was 
of two kinds : temporary or special assistance to the 
poor, and absolute support where the latter was neces- 
sary. In most cases those of the latter class were 
given out to board with the person who, at the annual 
town-meeting, should propose the lowest rate of com- 
pensation ; although in some cases tenements were 
rented for families. Newburgh and Monroe pur- 
chased lands and erected town poor-houses, but they 
were the exception.? As population increased and 
the number of paupers became greater, the distinction 
between town and county poor was established, — the 
latter being provided for by general tax upon the 
county, and the former, which was administered in 
the form of temporary relief, by tax upon the town in 
which it was afforded. Various methods were from 
time to time considered for administering the sui)port 
required for permanent paupers, resulting ultimately 
in the passage by the Legislature (Nov. 27, 1824) of 
an act to provide for the establishment of county 
houses for both town and county poor. This act was 
amended (April 4, 1828) by providing for the submis- 
sion to the people of the towns, at an annual town- 
meeting^ of the question of adopting the county sys- 
tem, and, if approving, to so instruct their supervisors 
and file their action with the county clerk. The peo- 
ple of Blooming-Grove were the first to move for the 
adoption of the system in Orange, by appointing, at 
their town-meeting in 1828, a committee to make in- 
quiry in regard to it, and the probable expense of its 
establishment. This committee — composed of Joseph 
McLaughlin, Josejjh Moffat, and Robert Denniston — • 
made a lengthy report (Feb. 19, 1829), in which the 
results of the system in the county of Ontario were 
presented, and the rapidly increasiug poor rates of the 
county dwelt upon, — the expense of supporting the 
town and county poor during the previous year hav- 
ing been as follows : 

Tax for Tax for 

County Poor. Town Poor. 

Walkill $106.3.08 81000 

Deerpark 359.59 

Minisink 332.25 400 

Warwick 122,84 900 

Monroe 321.65 360 

Blooming-Grove 185.54 70O 

Cornwall 262.15 450 

New Windsor 119.48 7W 

Montgomery 167,82 1000 

Crawford 119.30 400 

Calhoun (Mount Hope) 208,42 250 

Newburgh 263.24 600 

Goshen 391.08 750 

$3917.93 $7400 

Whole annual expense $11,317,93 

It was thought that this expense could be greatly 

X Newburgh withdrew from the connty system by act of March 13, 
1863, 

g Report, March 23, 1829, In some instances the poor were sold for 
their own support. 



COURTS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. 



31 



reduced and a better support provided by the new sys- 
tem, the cost of the establishment of which was esti- 
mated at ten thousand one hundred and ninety dollars. 
The committee suggested a meeting of delegates from 
the several towns, which was held on their call at 
Goshen on the 22d of March ; John McGarrah, of 
Monroe, chairman, and Stacey Beakes, of Wallkill, 
secretary. This meeting approved the county system, 
and requested the officers of the different towns to sub- 
mit the question to the electors at the ensuing town- 
meetings. The question was accordingly submitted, 
and, the towns consenting, the board of supervisors 
met at Goshen in October to take such further action 
as was required. At this meeting a committee was 
appointed to consider and report ; and at a subsequent 
meeting, in November, full powers were given a com- 
mittee to purchase a site, with the necessary land, and 
proceed with the erection of buildings. On the 6th 
of February, 1830, the proposals for erecting the build- 
ings were opened and the contract awarded to John 
H. Corwin and Samuel Bull of Wallkill, for seven 
thousand two hundred and eighty-nine dollars. As 
the general act authorized the expenditure of seven 
thousand dollars only for laud and buildings, applica- 
tion was at once made to the Legislature for power to 
raise five thousand dollars additional, and subse- 
quently for one thousand dollars for land.* At their 
November meeting (1829) the supervisors appointed 
the following persons as the first board of superintend- 
ents: Gilbert Holmes, of Newburgh ; Jesse Wood, 
Jr., of Warwick ; Daniel Corwin, of Wallkill, and 
William Smith and John Wilson, of Goshen, who 
appointed (November) Festus A. Webb, of Minisink, 
keeper, at a salary of five hundred dollars.f The 
terms of the general law were fully complied with on 
the 29th of March, 18.31, when the house was opened, 
and the distinction between town and county poor 
abolished except in temporary relief, which was con- 
tinued by the towns. During the eight months em- 
braced in the first report of the sujierintendents, four 
hundred and thirty-two persons were relieved at an 
expense of five thousand five hundred and eighty-nine 
dollars and eighty-eight cents ; and the apparent econ- 
omy of the system shown in the statement that for the 
support of the county poor alone, from Dec. 1, 1830, to 
March 31, 1831, had been expended four thousand eight 
hundred and ninety-four dollars and twenty-two cents. J 
The cost of the house, with one hundred and twenty- 
eight acres of land,? was twelve thousand dollars. 
The original building has been improved and others 
erected at different times, and the property now em- 
braces the main asylum, erected in 1830, fifty by one 
hundred and fifty feet, three stories and a half high, 

* The fli-st act was passed March 3, 1830 ; the second Feb. 5, 1833. 

t Five superintendents were appointed until 1S38 ; after tliat, and until 
1857, three. In 1857 the number was reduced to one, to be elected by the 
people. James 0. Adams was then chosen. 

I The poor were first brought to the house from different towns in 
April, 1831. 

g Subsequently increased to two hundred and sixty-three acres. 



with accommodations for three hundred persons; a 
lunatic asylum adjoining on the northwest, erected in 
1848 by Riley & McFarr, thirty by fifty feet, with ac- 
commodations for about thirty lunatics ; a separate 
building on the south for colored people, erected in 
1865 by B. H. Corwin, with accommodations for one 
hundred persons. || Adjoining the original asylum on 
the northwest is the new asylum for the custody and 
care of the chronic insane, furnished with all modern 
conveniences, — the first of its kind erected in the 
State. Its construction was authorized by the board of 
supervisors, whose attention was called to its necessity 
by J. H. Goodale, superintendent, at a special session 
held Aug. 12, 1874, when the board appointed Messrs. 
D. Thompson, D. M. Wade, and M. Shuit a commit- 
tee to examine the matter, who reported (December 
2d) that the representations which had been made by 
Mr. Goodale were fully sustained ; that at the county 
house thirty insane persons were confined to fifteen 
rooms ; that additional room was absolutely required ; 
that the annual expense of maintenance in State asy- 
lums of thirty-eight persons was seven thousand and 
twenty-four dollars, and that it was believed this sum 
could be largely reduced and at the same time the in- 
mates of the house be better cared for by the erection 
of an additional building of sufficient size to accom- 
modate all the chronic insane of the county. 

The report was accepted and the erection of the 
proposed building voted. Plans submitted by John 
C. Sloat, architect, were adopted, and Messrs. Owen, 
Bell, and Shuit, of the board, and J. H. Goodale, 
superintendent, appointed building committee. The 
contract for the building was awarded to Thomas 
Dobbin, of Newburgh ; and the corner-stone was laid 
June 11, 1875. The dimensions of the building are : 
length, eighty feet; width, forty feet; height, four 
and a half stories ; height of ceilings, average ten 
feet ; walls hard-finished throughout. A corridor 
fourteen feet wide traverses each story, and the rooms, 
each ten feet ten inches deep by seven feet in width, 
are arranged on either side. It will accommodate 
about one hundred persons. The cost of the structure 
was provided for by certificates of indebtedness, issued 
by the board of supervisors for twenty thousand dol- 
lars, payable five thousand dollars annually. The 
farm now contains two hundred and sixty -three acres, 
of which two hundred are tillable, and is supplied 
with all necessary outbuildings. The present valu- 
ation of the estate is about seventy thousand dollars. 

The first board of supervisors of the present county 
assembled at Goshen, May 28, 1798, and was composed 
of John Vail, Goshen ; Francis Crawford, New Wind- 
sor ; Reuben Tooker, Newburgh ; Anselem Helme, 
Cornwall ; Jacobus Post, Warwick ; Nathan Arnout, 
Minisink ; James Finch, Dcerpark ; David Galatian, 
Montgomery ; and Andrew McCord, Wallkill. The 
business of the session was confined to the audit of 

U These buildings are all of stone quarried on the farm. 



32 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



accounts. In the course of its subsequent history 
there are few salient points. It has erected three 
towns, — Greenville, Wawayanda, and Highlands; 
improved one and constructed two court-houses, — of 
the latter, one at Goshen with jail, and one at New- 
burgh with cells ; two county clerk's offices and a 
surrogate's office at Goshen, a county almshouse, and 
a county asylum for the insane. In its expenditures 
it has been prudent, perhaps in the character of its 
public buildings too prudent; but it has never suf- 
fered the credit of the county to bo impaired, or its 
people to be opjjressed by taxation where the assess- 
ment was under its control. With its powers enlarged 
and entering upon a new political era, its future will 
not be without more marked influence. 



CHAPTER IV. 



LOCATION-PHYSIOLOGY-GEOGHAPHICAL 
NOMENCLATUKE-CLIMATE— GEOLOGY. 

The county of Orange, erected Feb. 23, 1798, is lo- 
cated between 41° 8' S. and 41° 38' N. latitude,— 10' 
E. and 43' W. longitude from the city of New York. 
It is bounded on the south by Rockland County and 
the State of New Jersey, on the west by the county of 
Sullivan and the State of Pennsylvania, on the north by 
the county of Ulster, and on the east by Hudson's River. 
It is centrally distant ninety miles from Albany, and 
contains eight hundred and thirty-eight square miles. 
The surface of the county is mountainous upon the 
southeast and northwest borders, and a rolling upland 
through the centre. The Kittatinny, or South Moun- 
tains extend in several parallel ranges from the New 
Jersey line northeast to the Hudson, ending in the 
rocky and precipitous liluffs known as the Highlands. 
The Shawangunk Mountains extend from the Dela- 
ware River northeast through the northwest corner of 
the county. Among the principal ridges are the 
Warwick, Bellvale, and Rough and Sterling ranges, 
near the south border of the county, and the Schune- 
munk range. The extreme northwest corner of the 
county is occupied by the series of highlands extend- 
ing from the Delaware River into Sullivan County. 
The central portion of the county, lying between the 
mountain systems, is a rolling upland, broken in many 
places by abrupt and isolated hills and the deep val- 
leys of streams. More than one-half of the entire 
surface of the county is susceptible of cultivation, 
and forms a fine agricultural district. Along the 
southwest border, extending through several towns 
and into New Jersey, is a low, flat region, lying 
upon the streams, and known as the Drowned Lands. 
This tract, consisting of about seventeen thousand 
acres, was originally covered with water and a dense 
growth of cedars ; but a large jjortion of it has been 
drained and reclaimed, and now forms one of the 
finest agricultural portions of the county. (Ju the 



extreme northwest and forming in part the boundary I 
line of the county, the river Mongaap flows south and j 
unites with the Delaware. Neversink River flows ; 
south along the west foot of the Shawangunk Moun- ! 
tains, and forms a triljutary of the Delaware, the I 
latter stream being for a short distance at this point ' 
the boundary line of the State. The Pakadasink or 
Shawangunk River flows north along the east foot of ' 
the Shawangunk Mountains, and forms a tributary 
of the WallkiU. The Wallkill or Paltz River flows I 
north through near the centre of the county, and 
forms a tributary of the Hudson at Rondout, in Ulster \ 
County. Murderer's Creek and its principal tribu- j 
tary the Otterkill flow^ east through near the centre of |i 
the county, and discharge their waters into the Hud- '! 
son. Wawayanda Creek flows south into New Jersey, 
and re-entering the county as Pochuck Creek, unites 
with the Wallkill. Ramapo River rises in the south 
part of the county and flows south into Rockland. 
A number of small local streams furnish hydraulic 
power in other parts of the county. The principal 
lakes are Greenwood, Thompson's, Mombasha. and 
Orange, which, with a series of .smaller bodies of 
water, add picturesqueness to the topography of the 
county. There are also swamp districts, in addition 
to the Drowned Lands, of which the Chester meadows 
have been largely reclaimed and are very productive. 

MOUNTAINS AND V.\LLEYS. 

The Highlands are the most prominent of the 
mountain ranges. Approached from the north, to 
the right of the range stands the anciently so-called 
Butter Hill, a title with which Irving embalmed it in 
his famous but fictitious " Knickerbocker" history. 
It is now quite generally known as Storm-king, a title 
bequeathed to it by the poetic fancy of Willis, from the 
fact that for years it has served as a weather-signal to 
the inhabitants of the immediate district. At one 
time a cap of fog upon its crown indicates the coming 
of rain ; at another, clouds are seen rising over the 
Shawangunk range, following its course north and 
south, separating into two parts, the one passing over 
the Warwick Mountains to the Higlilands, the other 
over the hills of Ulster to Marlborough, and both 
joining as it were over Butter Hill, pouring out tor- 
rents of rain, not unfrequently accompanied by rever- 
berating peals of thunder such as one rarely hears 
except in similarly broken mountain ranges. The 
ancient Dutch navigators, noticing the latter peculi- 
arity, preserved a record of the apparently culminating 
point of these peals in the Dunderbcrg, situated far- 
ther south. Butter Hill has an altitude of fifteen 
hundred and twenty-four feet. Its ascent from the 
river-front is precipitous ; on the north, however, it is 
crossed by wagon-roads. 

Cro'-nest, adjoining Butter Hill on the south, is the 
second peak of the range, rising above the Hudson 
fourteen hundred and eighteen feet. Its modern name 
preserves in substance its Algonquin title, which, in 



GEOGRAPHICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



33 



ancient records, is written Navesing, signifying "a re- 
sort for birds." The name is retained in the Sandy 
Hook highlands and in the Neversink River in Sul- 
livan and Orange, the latter as well as the Hudson 
having on its border a Cro'-nest, — its original Nave- 
sing. Bear Mountain is the third principal elevation, 
rising thirteen hundred and fifty feet above the river. 
Mount Independence forms the background of the 
)>lateau at West Point, and is crowned with the crumb- 
ling walls of Fort Putnam. Just below, in a gorge 
in the rocks dividing the sites of Forts Clinton and 
Montgomery, flows Poplo])en's Kill, at the mouth of 
which the county line leaves the Hudson and from 
thence passes amidst the hills southwesterly. In suc- 
cessive proximity are the elevations known as Black 
Rock and Deer Hill, Ant Hill, Lawyer's Hill, Mount 
Rascal, and Peat, Pine, Cold, and Round Hills. Fol- 
lowing the range we meet Blacktop, Black-cup, and 
Long Hills, the ancient Dutch Dunderberg, Torn 
Mountain, and Cape Hill, Tom Jones' Mountain, and 
Hemlock Hill. To this may be added as objects of 
interest by the way, Kidd's Pocket-book, the Lover's 
Rocking-stone, the Giant's Haunt, the Giant's Slip- 
per, Picnic Rock, Poised Rock, and Erlin's Blufl', — a 
singular mingling of poetic and commonplace titles, 
and suggestive of paucity in proper orthologic terms. 
The Dunderberg and Torn Mountain are east of the 
county line, and, though former residents of Orange, 
now grace the borders of Rockland. In this enu- 
meration they serve the purpose of territorial monu- 
ments. The Torn forms the right shoulder of the 
Ramapo Valley ; its name and its aj)pearance alike 
suggest the violence with which it was upheaved or 
torn from its fellows, although in local acceptation 
"steeple" is understood to explain its title and re- 
semblance. 

No mountain range is so well known in Europe, 
nor is there one with which the history of our own 
nation is so intimately associated. The visitor at 
Westminster Abbey reads there the name of Andre ; the 
story of Arnold is sown broadcast through American 
schools. Both point to one centre : the Highlands of 
the Hudson, — the one awakening regret at the fate of 
the young and gifted ; the other nerving the hearts 
of thousands to love of country. Aside from its his- 
tory, the range has an economic character. It tem- 
pers the winds of the sea-board, and bears upon its 
sheltering breast the fiercest blasts of many storms. 
Of Storm-king and Cro'-nest it has been well said, by 
a recent writer, " They have a charm that might 
induce a man to live in their shadow for no other 
purpose than to have them always before him, day 
and night, to study their ever-changing beauty. For 
they are never twice alike; the clouds make varying 
jiictures all day long on their wooded sides, and no- 
where have we seen more wonderful effects of shadow 
and sunshine. Under the frown of a low thunder- 
cloud they take on a grim majesty that makes their 
black masses strangely threatening and weird ; one 



forgets to measure their height, and their massive, 
strongly-marked features, by any common standard 
of every-day measurement, and they seem to over- 
shadow all the scene around them, like the very 
rulers and controllers of the coming storm. And 
when the sunlight comes back again, they seem to 
have brought it, and to look down with a bright be- 
nignity, like giant protectors of the valley below." 

The Shawaugunk range is less broken than the 
Highlands. It continues, with but slight breaks, 
from near Carpenter's Point on the Delaware to the 
Sullivan and Ulster line, and forms the boundary line 
between Deerpark and the towns of Greenville and 
Mount Hope, those being the only towns of the county 
touched by the range. The eastern slope is singularly 
uniform, and is adapted to cultivation to the summit ; 
the western is broken and precipitous, presenting 
peaks fourteen and eighteen hundred feet above tide. 
Few inland landscapes are more beautiful than the 
former. Approached from the east, the eye rests upon 
fields of grain and grass, upturned furrows, the verdure 
of waving trees, and the homes of thrifty husband- 
men, spread out from vale to crest, from south to the 
far north, in unwearying panoramic beauty, — a jjatch- 
work of gold and green, of brown and gray, of white 
and red, — 

" As tlioiigh all tints 
Of gem, of bird, of tlower, of cloud, of sky. 
Had met and blended in a general glow !" 

The name by which the range is known does not 
strictly belong to it. In the Indian deed to Governor 
Dongan, and in the subsequent patent to Capt. John 
Evans, its principal divisions are given respectively 
the names Pitkiskaker and Aiaskawasting. On Sau- 
thier's map the same divisions are called Alaskayering 
and Shawangunk. Many interpretations of the latter 
have been made. InMather's"Geology of NewYork" 
the signification is given as "the place of the white 
rocks;" the late distinguished Algonquin linguist, 
Henry R. Schoolcraft, renders it, "south mountain ;" 
the Rev. Charles Scott, taking Shawangun as the 
original, "south water;" another from jeivan, "swift 
current, or strong stream ;" another from shong, " mink 
river;"* and another, from cheegaugong, "the place 
of leeks." The error in all these cases, probably, is 
in regarding the term as descriptive of a specific place 
or physical attribute rather than as a generic phrase. 
All writers who have examined the subject are aware 
that Indian geographical terms are of two classes : 
general or generic, and specijie or local, and are so com- 
pounded as to present in a single expression a complex 
idea, or several ideas among which there is a natural 
connection. In specific names the combination may 
be simple, as Coxsackie, — co, object, and acke, laud ; 
in others intricate, as Maghaghkemek, in which acke, 
land, is buried in consonants and qualifying terms. 
The terminal of a word materially aids but does not 
govern its translation. Uk or unk indicates " place 

* " Shonghain" is the local Dutch, and is adopted in SUtiman^t Journal. 



34 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 






of" in a specific sense, as in Mohunl: ; ong, " place of" 
in a more general sense, as in Warranawonko/ijr, the 
place or territory of the clau of that name ; it, ick, eck, 
or ui denotes rocks or stones ; acl- or acke, land ; ing 
or ink, something in which numbers are presented, as 
" the place of birds ;" ais, oes, os, aus, denote a single 
small object or place, as Minnisat>, a small island, — a 
number of islands, Minnis/H<7 or ink ; ish, eesh, oosh, 
or sh indicates a bad or faulty quality ; co is object ; 
at, at or near. In some cases these root terms are 
thrown into the body of the word, as in Maghagke- 
mek, Aiaskawasting, etc. General terms have no 
positive reference to the physiology of the districts of 
country to which they are applied. Wawayanda is of 
this class,* and also the term or phrase we are con- 
sidering, which is preserved in two forms : the Dutch 
Shaicangunk, and the English Chawangong, — the first 
in translated records of the Esopus war (1663), and 
the second in English deeds twenty years later but 
practically contemporaneous with the first. The latter 
is known to be correctly written ; the former may 
perhaps correspond with the accepted modern orthog- 
raphy rather than with the original Dutch. While 
regarding Chawangong as the most pleasant, and while 
as a rule the English rendering of all Algonquin 
terms is the most correct, the only material difference 
in this case is in the terminal ; the one indicating a 
specific place, the other, place or territory in a general 
sense. In the connection in which they are used we 
may, however, accept them, and also Shawan, Chawan, 
and Shuwuu, as equivalent terms varied by dialect, 
and so accepting them the interpretation is as plain 
as that of any word in the English language, viz. : 
" the place or territory of the white man." This in- 
terpretation and no other harmonizes with historical 
facts. In no case does i: appear that the term was 
used or known to the Dutch until after they had con- 
quered the district, which then became, under Indian 
law, the place or territory of the conquerors, — liter- 
ally, " the place of the white man." In the treaty of 
peace (1663) and in its subsequent renewal (1665), 
this recognition is distinctly made. In the latter in- 
strument the boundaries of the conquered territory 
are defined as a certain " parcel of land, lying and 
being to the west and southwest of a certain creek or 
river called by the name of Kahanksen, and so up to 
the head thereof where the old fort was, and so with 
a direct line from thence through the woods and across 
the meadows to the Great Hill lying and being to the 
west and southwest thereof, which Great Hill is to be 
the true west or southwest bounds of the said lands, 
and the said creek called Kahanksen the north or 



* " WawayaDda" is a compound term signifying a district embracing 
several well-linown and occupied lands, or a village and its dependencies. 
Wa is a reflective plural, and may mean he or Otetj, or, by repetition, we; 
Aindau-ijaun^ is " my home ;" Aindau^jun, " thy home ;" Aindau-aud, " his 
or her home ;" da, " town or village." From these terms we have \Va- 
vt&'yaitii-dii, — "our homes or places of dwelling," or *'uur village and 
lands," 



northwest bounds of the said lands." This was the 
original Shawangunk of the Dutch, — a district em- 
bracing many specific Indian localities, the names of 
none of which were subordinated or disturbed by the 
phrase under which the conquered admitted that part 
of their territory had become " the place of the white 
man."! That the term has, strictly speaking, been 
improperly extended to mountain, river, meadow, 
etc., may be conceded, yet for its history, its poetry, 
and its orthology, we may well consent to let it for- 
ever rest upon Pitkiskaker and Aiaskawasting. 

The Schunemunk range is appropriately described 
as " the high hills to the west of the Highlands." It 
extends from northeast to southwest, and is divided 
longitudinally principally by the boundary line of 
Monroe and Blooming-Grove, with a portion on the 
northeast in the town of Cornwall. It was the origi- 
nal dividing line between the Wawayanda and Chese- 
kook Patents, and also one of the monuments in the 
line of the Evans Patent. Its name appears in sev- 
eral forms. In the deed to Governor Dongan (1684), 
one of the lines of his purchase is described as run- 
ning " northwest along a hill called Skoonnenoghky ;" 
in another paper of the same period it is called Skon- 
nemoghky ; in a deed to Joseph Sackett (1727), the 
property is described as being on the " south side of 
a high hill called Skonemugk ;" in a deed to Edward 
Blagg (1726) it is spoken of as Schunamock Hill. It 
will be observed that the prevailing orthography 
down to the Blagg deed contains sko, the Algonquin 
generic term for fire, and that the terminal indicates a 
certain place. From this anaylsis, without consider- 
ing no, na, ne, in the body of the word (signifying excel- 
lent), we have the literal interpretation, "fire place," 
the reference being (as in Skootag, now Schodac) to 
the principal castle or palisaded village of the clan 
owning the land. This castle stood on the north spur 
of the range. At the time of the sale it was occupied 
by Maringoman and his people, and was known and 
called Maringoman's castle, to distinguish it from the 
wigwam in which he subsequently lived, which was 
situated near Washingtonville. The latter is a land- 
mark in the boundaries of the Mompesson and Kip 
Van Dam Patents, issued subsequent to the Evans. 
• North of Schunemunk is Muchattoes Hill, extend- 
ing north and south in the towns of New Windsor 
and Newburgh. Its name is Algonquin, — muhk, 
black ; at, near or by ; oes, small : signifying literally 
" a small black hill near the river." 



t A general term of this character was applied by the Indians to De- 
troit after the site of that city passed to the possession of the French. 
There is one other possible solution of the name, and that is that when 
the Shawanoes, of Maryland, removed to the territory of the Minsies, in 
1694, they were assigned lands on the Shawangunk range, and through 
what is now Sullivan County, and that the name comes from their occu- 
pation, as the country of the Shawanoes. There is still a hill in Sullivan 
called Shawanoes Hill. Our conclusion, however, is based on the pre- 
'^umption that the name is older than Shawanoes occupation, but of this 
we have no other evidence thau that furnished by O'Callagan and Brod- 
head in their rendering of Holland documents. If they have made an 
error in applying a modern term to an anrient dale we cannot correct it. 



GEOGKAPHICAL NOiMENCLATURE. 



35 



West of Schunemunk is Woodcock Hill now so 
known, but called Winegtekonk in the patent to Sir 
John Ashurst (1709), and Wenighkonk in the patent 
to Edward Blagg (1726). The present name requires 
no explanation, although a reasonable apology for its 
retention appears to be necessary. 

From Woodcock Hill southwest are a series of ele- 
vations in the following order : Eound Hill, in shape 
like an inverted bowl; Mosquito Hill, a jagged ele- 
vation ; Rainer's Hill ; Peddler's Hill ; Tom Rocks, 
which are more rocky than mountainous and rise in 
two separate peaks to an elevation of about two hun- 
dred feet above the surrounding country ; Lazy Hill, 
whose gradual slopes, it is presumed, suggested its 
name ; and Goose-pond Mountain. 

At this point rise what are known as the Bellvale 
Mountains; connecting peaks continue the line to the 
Sterling Mountains on the south, the Rough Moun- 
tains and Southfield Mountains on the east, and the 
Warwick Mountains on the southwest ; on the north- 
west are the Taylor Mountains, Round Hill, Rocky 
Hill, and Pochuck Mountain, filling out the south- 
east and southwest borders of the county with a bat- 
tlement of mountainous elevations.* Pochuck Neck 
and Pochuck Mountain intrude upon the Drowned 
Lands. Pochuck is of course Algonquin corrupted ; 
2)0 should be pogh as in the original of Ramapo, 
Poughkeepsie, etc. ; uck, as in Mahicanituk, signify- 
ing " large areas of land and water," — a name most 
certainly misapplied to the mountain. Farther north, 
in Warwick, are Mount Adam and Mount Eve, con- 
joined, — the former being much the highest, the lat- 
ter much the longest, — which spring up from the bot- 
tom-lands and the rolling glades surrounding them 
and are picturesque in all their phases. Directly east, 
in Chester, is Sugar-loaf Mountain, which, when 
seen from the north, resembles a sugar-loaf; hence its 
name. Its northern ascent is quite gradual, its south- 
ern broken and precipitous. With its adjacent hills 
it is the apex from which the country descends to the 
north and to the south. It is therefore a very promi- 
nent object for a great distance on either side. North- 
west from Sugar-loaf is Mount Lookout, the principal 
elevation in the town of Goshen, where both hills 
and stones are the exception. 

Scattered through the county are minor elevations: 
the Comfort Hills, on the line between Montgomery 
and Crawford; Pea Hill, Pine Hill, and Sloop Hill, 
in Cornwall ; Three-mile Hill and Mount Joy, in 
Wallkill; Rough Ridge and Forge Hill, in New 
Windsor; King's Hill, in Newburgh ; Jogee Hill, in 
Minisink, etc., the latter perpetuating in its name the 
name and residence of Keghgekapowell alias .Joghem, 



* The principal elevations in Warwick are Hogback, Decker, One Pine, 
and Pine and Hull's Hills on the east, Bill and Coxcomb Hills in the 
centre. Long, Cedar, Pond, aud Bill White's Hills in the southeast, 
Round, Kocky, and Chuck's Hills in the south, Pochuck Mountain, and 
Green and Adney's Hills in the west, and Mounts Adam and Eve and 
Round Hill in the northwest. 



one of the grantors of the lands included in the Evans 
Patent. In Deerpark, Mount William and Point 
Peter form prominent and attractive features of the 
village of Port Jervis. 

The valleys of the county are not less numerous 
than its mountains and streams. That portion of 
Deerpark bordering on the Delaware is but a narrow 
and irregular valley, broken by mountains and tribu- 
taries of the Delaware. The valley of the Neversink 
and Basha's Kill comprises the main portion of the 
valuable and cultivated lands of the town of Deer- 
park. These together are sometimes called the Hu- 
guenot Valley, from the early Huguenot settlers who 
reclaimed it from the Indians ; those portions along 
the Basha and Pinet Kills were long known as the 
Peenpack Valley, — a name corrupted from Neepe- 
nack, the original western boundary of the Swart- 
wout Patent. The Wallkill Valley widens out on 
either side of the Wallkill. It is of singular beauty 
and fertility, and is properly classed among the finest 
bottom-lands of the State. The valley of the Shaw- 
angunk Kill is narrow and crooked. To the east of 
the valley of the Wallkill is that of the Otterkill, 
which for miles runs approximately parallel with the 
former but suddenly turns to the east, and, through a 
winding course amid the hills, reaches the Hudson 
above the Highlands. Throughout this valley, says 
a recent writer, the hills approach and retire in sin- 
gular fantasy, affording wide alluvial flats and pent- 
up gorges, gradual slopes and steep declivities, hither 
and thither. At Salisburj- it narrows to a gorge of 
rocks, and nearer its mouth it assumes, in picturesque- 
ness and beauty, the poetic name (by Willis) of 
Moodna Valley. Cromeline Valley, through which 
Cromeline Creek passes, has its head in the far east 
of Warwick, from whence it follows the tortuous 
course of the stream from which it takes its name 
until it reaches its junction with the valley of the 
Otterkill, presenting throughout scenes wild and 
beautiful, a surface varied from plain to mountain, a 
soil from rich to poor, smooth to broken and precip- 
itous. Sugar-loaf Valley runs from the mountain of 
that name to Wickham's Pond, and from thence a 
devious course to the village of Warwick, with hills 
and mountains, vales and headlands intersecting; 
from Warwick its course continues south and west 
until it pas.ses out of the State. Bellvale Valley, or 
the lower valley of Warwick, extends from the im- 
mediate vicinity of the village of Warwick southerly 
to Greenwood Lake and the Sussex, N. J., Clove. It 
is an especially rich farming section. The valleys of 
most of the small streams have more or less local ce- 
lebrity. That of the Arackhook or Tinn Brock has 
many patches of beauty, while that of the Quassaick, 
near its confluence with the Hudson, has passed into 
history under the title of " The Vale." 

The principal cloves — so called from the Saxon 

f Au affluent of Basha's Kill in Maoiakating, Sullivan Co. 



36 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



■word cleopan, " to split asunder," and meaning " val- 
ley," literally — are known as Blagg's Clove, in Bloom- 
ing-Grove, between the Schunemunk and Woodcock 
^Mountains ; Woodbury Clove, in Cornwall and IMon- 
roe, between the Schunemunk and the Highlands, 
now traversed by the Newburgh and New York 
(Short-cut) Railroad ; and Smith's Clove, extending 
from Highland Mills to the Eamapo Valley. Smith's 
Clove has fame in Revolutionary history from its oc- 
cupancy by portions of the American army, and 
as the birthplace of Chief Justice William Smith ; of 
his brother, Joshua Hett Smith,* whose name is as- 
sociated with that of Arnold in the treason at West 
Point, and also of the locally notorious Claudius 
Smith and his equally notorious sons. What relation- 
ship Claudius sustained to the chief justice and to 
Joshua it may not be well to inquire ;t it is sufficient 
to know that in their devotion to the mother-country 
they richly earned the name of Tory, and that their 
offenses against their Whig neighbors differed only in 
degree. 

Tortuous cloves from Long and Poplopen's Ponds, 
converging to the south from Black-top Mountain and 
Cat Hollow, give character to Forest of Dean, far de- 
pressed beneath Bear Mountain, where, from the south, ■ 
Two-pond Valley intersects and thence diverges to 
the northeast and reaches the Hudson, forming a 
succession of vales where mountain cliffs and jagged 
rocks occupy the foreground, and abrupt declivities 
and broken valleys fill the picture. To the south of 
Black-rock Hill lies Eagle Valley, — so called from 
local tradition describing it as the resort of the " king 
of birds," — through which, descending as rocks and 
hills permit, in crooked course to the Hudson, the 
waters from Bog-meadow Pond chant their music and 
finally dash over the rocks in foaming spray, forming 
the " Boter Melck Val" of the early Dutch skippers, 
—the Buttermilk Falls of our times. Poplopen's 
Valley — through which pass the waters of Poplopen's 
Creek, the outlet of Poplopen's and other mountain 
ponds — is similarly constituted. Its name is appar- 
ently from that of a Highland chieftain whose rude 
castle once crowned one of the adjacent hilltops. 
The valley of the Ramapo, the largest of the moun- 
tain pa.sses, continues Smith's Clove to the Hudson. 
The term Ramapo was, it is assumed, originally given 
to the entire district as one of " many ponds." The 
original orthography, Ramspook or Ramapogli, how- 
ever, indicates " a river into which empty a number of 
jjonds," the application being specific to the river. 

PONDS, STREAiMS, Etc 
Few districts of country are so bountifully supplied 
with ponds and streams as that embraced in the 

* " A place called Smith's Clove, a valley which took ita Dame from my 
family, as possessing a greater part of the land it contained, as well aa 
around its vicinity." — J. H, Smith's Narrntive. 

f The latter, in his " Narrative," states that a brother of his, whose 
name he does not give, resided in the Clove " about three miles out of 
the main road," 



county of Orange. On hilltops or in valleys, dashing 
over rocks, winding through cultivated fields, lying in 
repose, or chained to the service of man in the forge, 
the factory, or the mill, they are not only a source of 
wealth but beautify the landscape. The lake system 
of tlie county begins in the northern part of the 
Highlands in Cornwall, continues through the towns 
of Highlands and Monroe, culminates in Warwick in 
that beautiful sheet of water known as Greenwood 
Lake, and from thence west and north appears in 
inland reservoirs of various sizes. Cornwall has one 
pond, Sutherland's ; Bog-meadow Pond, Round Pond, 
No. 1, Long Pond, and Cranberry Pond, No. 1, are 
in Highlands ; Poplopen's Pond, Bull or Agnel's 
Pond (also called Wood Lake), Summit Lake, Two 
Ponds or Twin Ponds (upper and lower). Slaughter's 
Pond, Cranberry Pond, No. 2, Greenwood Pond, 
Hazzard's Pond, Round Pond, No. 2, Mombasha 
Pond, Cedar Pond, No. 1, Truedo or Duck-cedar 
Pond, Round Island Pond, Little Long Pond, No. 1, 
Little Long Pond, No. 2, Green Pond, Car Pond, 
Spruce Pond, and Nigger Pond are in Monroe; 
Wickham's Pond, Stirling Lake, Cedar Pond, No. 
2, and Greenwood Lake, are in Warwick ; Thomp- 
son's Pond, on the line between Warwick and Ches- 
ter ; Binnenwater or Maretange I'ond, in Greenville; 
Washington Lake, in New Windsor ; Orange Lake, 
in Newburgh ; Big Pond and Little Pond, in Deer- 
park ; and Round Pond, No. 3, in Wawayanda. 

Sutherland's Pond, in Cornwall, lies under the 
shadow of Black-rock Hill, southwest from Cro'-nest, 
and is about half a mile long. Its name — like th.it 
of others in the series which will be recognized witli- 
out special notice — is that of an individual owner. 
Its outlet runs west and south and unites with Mur- 
derer's Creek, after furnishing the falls that are seen 
near the Cornwall mineral spring. 

Bog-meadow Pond, the first in the town of High- 
lands, lies southwest from Black-rock Hill. It 
covers about three hundred acres of land, and has a 
depth of some twenty-five feet. Its outlet dashes 
over the rocks at Buttermilk Falls and reaches the 
Hudson. Round Pond, No. 1, and Long Pond are 
northwest from Highland Falls. The former is more 
elevated than the latter, into which its waters flow ; 
the outlet of the latter unites with Poplopen's Greek. 
The waters of Round Pond, in making connection 
with Long Pond, flow under a natural bridge, the 
breadth of which is fifty feet, and its length, up and 
down stream, seventy-five or eighty feet. It is used 
as a bridge, and one may ride over it without being 
aware of it. There is no daylight under it. The 
stream on the upper side passes into a cave, and is 
lost to sight until it emerges ^rom another cave on the 
other side. Willis describes it as " a massive porch, 
covering the last stair of a staircase by which a cas- 
cading stream descends into a mountain lake." It 
differs in situation only, however, from the subterra- 
nean passage of the outlet of Washington Lake in 



GEOGRAPHICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



37 



New Windsor. Cranberry Pond, No. 1, is in the 
south part of the town and southwest from Fort 
Montgomery. 

Poplopen's Pond, in the northeast part of the town, 
and Bull or Agnel's Pond, its neighbor on the south- 
west, are the first of the Monroe series, and lie north- 
west from Forest of Dean. Their waters flow to Pop- 
lopen's Creek. Summit Lake, Tv/o Ponds, Slaughter's 
Pond, Cranberry Pond, No. 2, Greenwood or Echo 
Pond, Pound Pond, No. 2, Green Pond, and Car 
Pond, lie in a chain south-southwest from Poplo- 
pen's; Cedar Pond and Little Long Pond, No. 1, are 
east, and Spruce and Truxedo Ponds west of the 
chain-line ; Nigger Pond is in the extreme southern 
part of the town. The waters of Two Ponds flow to 
Poplopen's Creek ; those of Summit Lake, Slaughter's, 
Craulierry, No. 2, Greenwood, and Round, No. 2, are 
united for the use of Greenwood furnace, and from 
thence flow to the Ramapo ; Little Long Pond, No. 1, 
and Cedar Pond, No. 1, send their waters into Rock- 
land County and there unite with the Ramapo, while 
those of Green, Car, Spruce, Truxedo, and Nigger 
Ponds unite with the same stream in Orange, 
."^laughter's Pond is about one mile and a half long 
and half a mile wide, and Cedar and Little Long 
Ponds are of nearly the same size. Truxedo Pond is 
two miles long, north and south. Greenwood, Green, 
Car, Spruce, and Nigger Ponds are small. Round 
Pond, No. 2, or Little Round Pond, more nearly re- 
sembles a vast moat than a ])ond, as a circular wooded 
island nearly fills its circumference. In most cases 
the names of these ponds require no explanation ; but 
of Truxedo it may be remarked that it is apparently 
a corruption of Truxillo, while the surname, "Duck- 
cedar," is a misnomer. Hazzard's Pond, in the north 
part of the town and west from Poplopen's, is about 
half a mile in diameter. Its outlet, Woodbury Creek, 
furnishes power to the Highlands Mills; flows thence 
north through Woodbury Clove and unites with Mur- 
derer's Creek. Round-island Pond — so named from 
a round island in it called Chestnut — lies southwest 
from Hazzard's and near the line of Blooming-Grove. 
It is about a quarter of a mile wide and three-quarters 
of a mile long, and is the head of the Ramapo River. 
Little Long Pond, No. 2, is nearly south from Round- 
island and near the Chester line. It is about one 
mile long and a (piarter of a mile wide. Its outlet 
I'urnishes part of the head- waters of C'romelinc Creek. 
Momljasha Pond is in the west part of the town, near 
Warwick. It is from one and a half to two miles in 
diameter, and contains two or three islands. Its out- 
let flows northeast and thence south, passing the 
Southfield works, furnishing power for mills and 
forges. Its name is presumed to be a corruption of 
Mombaccus, "the place of death,"— the reference ap- 
parently being to a burial-ground or a battle-field. 

The Warwick series begin with Stirling Lake in 
the southeast, covering about sixty acres of land. At 
its outlet was established, in 1751, by Ward & Colton, 



the Stirling Iron-Works, which have been continued 
since that time. Gen. William Alexander, Lord 
Stirling, w.as interested in the works prior to the 
Revolution, and from him the works and the lake 
take their name. The outlet of the lake flows into 
New Jersey. Cedar Pond, No. 2,* lying southeast, 
unites its waters with the waters of Stirling Lake, 
above Stirling works. Wickham's Pond, in the north, 
covers an area of about eighty-five acres. Its outlet 
is a tributary of Wawayanda Creek. Greenwood 
Lake is the largest body of water in the town or 
county. It is about nine miles long and one mile 
wide ; extends into New Jersey, and is used as a 
feeder for the Morris Canal. Its original name, Long 
Pond, although descriptive of its shape, was long 
enough in use; its present title is the offspring of 
more cultivated taste. 

Thompson's Pond is in the northwest part of War- 
wick, east of Florida, and extends into Chester. It 
covers an area of about one hundred acres. Its out- 
let furnishes power for grist- and saw-mills, and is a 
tributary of Quaker Creek. It has recently been re- 
christened, and is now entered on the map Glenmere 
Lake, though why "lake" should be added is not 
clear. " Glen" is a depression between hills ; " mere," 
a pool or lake. 

Binnenwater, in Greenville, covers about fifty acres, 
and sends its waters to Rutgers' Creek. It lies about 
two miles southerly from the village of Mount Hope, 
about one and one-half miles southeast from Finch- 
ville, and about one mile south from the boundary line 
between Mount Hope and Greenville.f At one time it 
was an important landmark, constituting the south- 
west corner of the Evans Patent and the southeast 
line of the Minisink. Haifa century or more later a 
new line was established for the Evans Patent farther 
east, the Minisink angle formed, and the pond ex- 
cluded from the boundary. In the deed to Governor 
Dongan it is described as " a water pond called Mare- 
tange ;" in the patent to Evans it is called Merchary, 
on Sauthier's map, Maretang, — from the German 
" merche," " mericha," an .aquatic plant of the genus 
Hippuris vulgaris, having silicious jointed stems. The 
present name is German ; its correct orthography is 
Binnenwasser (one word), signifying " inland water." 
The original title should be restored to the maps of 
the county for its historic associations, or at least 
coupled with its more modern name. 

Round Pond, in Wawayanda, is emphatically round. 
It lies in the south part of the town, near Gardner- 
ville, and is about one mile in circumference. It 
is cjear and fresh, very deep, indeed reputedly bot- 
tomless, and has no visible outlet or inlet. 

* The figures inserted after the names of ponds are to distinguish tliem 
from otiiers of the same name, of wliicli tliere are several in the county. 
The poverty of tlie language is so great lliat the donors of these names 
were probably forced to repetition. 

t This line is the old east-and-weat line of the original counties of 
Orange and Ulster. New Windsor and Cornwall are also divided by this 
line. 



38 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Big Pond, in Deerpark, is about one mile long 
and half a mile wide. Its outlet, known as Shingle 
Kill, passes south and enters the Delaware at Hones- 
ville. Little Pond, in the same town, lies southeast 
from Big Pond, and is about one-quarter of a mile in 
diameter. Its outlet passes south and forms Old-dam 
Brook, a tributary of the Neversink. 

Washington Lake, in New Windsor, covers seventy- 
six acres, or, including overflowed swamp, one hundred 
and seven acres. Its outlet, for some distance, is sub- 
terraneous, disappearing at the Swallow-hole and 
emerging at the Trout-hole, — a fall of forty feet. The 
Newburgh water-works take its waters. For years it 
was known as Little Pond, and is still so called by 
many. 

Orange Lake, in Newburgh, covers some four hun- 
dred acres of land, and is quite deep in places. At 
different times it has been known as Binnenwasser 
(by the Germans), Moose's Pond, Machin's Pond 
(from Capt. Thomas Machin), and Big Pond, the 
latter giving place to its present title. The Algonquin 
name was Qussul-, — now rendered Quassaick and ap- 
plied to its outlet. It is fed by two small streams in 
addition to strong springs in its bed. The mill-owners 
on its outlet use it as a reservoir, and during the most 
severe droughts the supjily has never been exhausted. 

The whole country is remarkably rich in the lacus- 
trine and marsh alluvions ; indeed, they are more 
abundant than in any other county in the State, there 
being probably forty thousand acres.* The principal 
di.stricts are the Drowned Lands, the Gray-court 
Meadows, Big Swamp in Newburgh, Great Swamj) in 
New Windsor, Long Swamp in Warwick, Tamarack 
and Purgatory Swamps in Hamptonburgh, Cedar 
Swamp in Goshen and Warwick, Pakadasink Swamp 
in Greenville, Grassy Swamp in Deerpark, Pine 
Swamp in Crawford, Barton's Swamp in Cornwall, 
and the Black Meadows in Chester and Warwick. 

The Drowned Lands extend from the Chechunk 
outlet in Goshen, through Warwick, Wawayanda, 
and Minisink, into New Jersey, and cover in the 
towns named about seventeen thousand acres. They 
are full of islands of great fertility, some of them of 
considerable area. Their names are Pine, Great, Pel- 
let's, Gardner's, Merritt's, Cranberry, Black-walnut, 
Fox, and Seward. An arm of the lands, known as 
Cedar Swamp, extends east to near Orange farm, in 
Goshen. Quaker Creek passes through this arm on 
the north, and Mounts Adam and Eve adjoin it on 
the south. The reclamation of the lands has been 
gradual, and is mainly effected by an outlet, con- 
structed many years ago, by which a rocky ridge in 
the bed of the Wallkill was avoided. This outlet has 
worn its way through the soil until from a simple 
ditch it has come to contain the principal flow from 
the lands. Pochuck Creek, Rutgers' Creek, Quaker 
Creek, and the Wallkill pass through the lands, the 

* Beach's " Cornwall," 175. 



latter for their entire distance in this county. The 
aboriginal name of the district may well have been 
Pochuck, — " a large area of land and water." It is 
presumed, however, that the Indians had no general 
name, but gave specific titles to different portions of 
the tract, of which Pochuck and Woerawin only have 
been preserved. The latter appears in a deed to Dr. 
Samuel >Staats, in 1703, for a tract not located, but i 
described as having been found on examination to be j 
" altogether a swamp." The inference from the term I 
itself, is that " many good lands" were intended to 
be conveyed, — probably the islands already named, 
which then appeared to be worthless. 

The Gray-court Meadows extend from near Craig- ) 
ville, in Blooming-Grove, into the northern part of' 
Chester, and embrace about five hundred acres. They 
are now mainly under cultivation and very fertile. 
Their name is that originally given by Daniel Crome- 
line to lus tract in the first division of the Waway- 
anda Patent,t of which they are a part. Cromeline 
Creek passes through and drains these meadows. \ 

The Black Meadows extend through Chester on the | 



northwest and into Warwick east of Thompson's j 
Pond. They embrace an area of one thousand acres, ' 
through which runs the Black-meadow Creek. i 

The Long Swamp, in Warwick, southwest from 
Edenville, covers about one thousand acres, and is 
drained from the south into New Jersey. 

The Tamarack and Purgatory Swamps, in Hamp- 
tonburgh, are of considerable extent, and are drained 
by a small sluggish .stream. The latter is represented 
as having been originally a dismal swamp, from which 
fact Mr. Peter Bull, its owner, gave the name, bestow- 
ing at the same time upon his own residence that of 
Paradise. I 

The Grassy Swamp, in Deerpark, extends from Sul- 
livan County to the Mongaup. It is a low, wet swamp, 
overgrown with long, coarse grass. Grassy-swamp 
Brook passes through it. 

The Big Swamp, in Newburgh, takes its name from 
Big Pond (Orange Lake), which it adjoins. It 
stretches from the LTlster County line to the lake, and 
was probably originally an extension of the lake to 
the north as well as south of its present bordei-s, which, 
if all under water, would add three times to its present 
length. Bushfleld Creek passes through the swamp 
to the lake. 

The Great Swamp, in New Windsor, lies in the 
northwest part of the town, near Coldenham. The 
Arackhook or Tinn Brock passes through it. 

The Great Pine Swamp commences near Howell's, 
on the Erie Railroad, and extends northward and 
eastward seven miles in the town of Wallkill, liaving 
in its area many oases and cultivated farms. Part of 



t Three of the original divisions of the patent retain the names be- I 
stowed by tlieir proprietoi-s, viz. ; Gosheij, Warwicll, and Gray-court. It | 
is perliaps needless to say that tlie story of an inn, a sign, and a court is ^ j 
pure iiction. ^ j 

J Eager's " Orange County," 611. | 



GEOGKAPHICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



39 



its overflow passes into the Shawangunk Kill, south 
of Bloomiiigburgh. 

The Little Pine Swamp lies east of Thompson 
Ridge and Pine Bush, in Crawford, extending north- 
ward into Ulster. Its surplus waters assist in swell- 
ing the volume of the Dvvaars Kill. 

The Pakadasink Swamp, in Greenville (on lands of 
Isaac M. Seybolt and others), is the head of the Big 
Pakadasink or Shawangunk Kill, as that stream was 
formerly known and described. The Little Binnen- 
water Swamp, aUo in Greenville, lies directly south 
from the village of Mount Hope. A small stream 
flows from it southwesterly and connects with the out- 
let of Binnenwater Pond, the latter uniting with Rut- 
gers' Creek. 

The Barton Swamp, in Cornwall, is inconsiderable 
in size, compared with the others named. Peat of a 
fair quality is taken from it. 

Marl and peat beds are found in several localities, 
from which portions and in some cases entire skele- 
tons of the mastodon have been exhumed. The first 
exhumation of record was in 1794, the second in 1800, 
the third in 1803, the fourth in 1805, the fifth in 1838, 
the sixth in 1844, the seventh in 1845, the eighth in 
the same year, the ninth in 1872. The skeleton of 
1845, exhumed from a marl bed near Coldenham, 
was complete and weighed nineteen hundred and 
ninety-five pounds. It is now in the Boston Mu- 
seum. The one exhumed in 1872, in the town of 
Mount Hope, was also complete. Its weight was 
about seventeen hundred pounds. It is now in the 
New Haven Museum. 

The boundary streams of the county are the Hud- 
son on the northeast, the Delaware and ]Mongaup on 
the west, and the Shawangunk on the northwest. Of 
the first, the Hudson, it is not necessary to speak. Its 
aboriginal name, Mahicanituk, was that of a particu- 
lar division rather than of the entire stream. The 
principal harbor on it, within what may be called the 
waters of Orange County, is at Newburgh, where it 
expands into a bay one mile and a quarter in width, 
sheltered by the Highlands from " all winds save an 
east-northeast wind," as Hudson wrote in 1609. For 
the convenience of commerce, principal landing- 
places or wharves have been established at New- 
burgh, Cornwall, and West Point, and for more local 
trade at Hampton, New Windsor, Cozzens', Fort 
Montgomery, etc. The water-front of the city of 
Newburgh is without a rival on the river, the channel 
being abrupt and the depth ample to float the largest 
vessels. 

The Delaware, on the west, touches the county for 
only a short distance. Like the Hudson, it had no 
general aboriginal name, — LeiiapeivihUuk being ap- 
plied to it at Philadelphia, while above and below 
Port Jervis it was known and called by the Indians 
Minuing, — literally " a river of islands."* Beyond 

* MinniJi and SHnsiM are entirely two different words, — the first eigni- 
fying island, tlie second wolf. Some writers confuse tbe terms and give 



rafting it has no commerce at this point, and is 
crossed by railroad and foot bridges. 

The Mougaup River, the dividing line between 
Orange and Sullivan, is properly in Sullivan County, 
the line of Orange running "to" and "along" its 
course. Mr. Quinlan, in his " History of Sullivan 
County," says it was originally known as the Min- 
gap-ach-ka. Mongawping or Mingwing is better au- 
thenticated, — implying a plurality of streams, com- 
prehending the three branches of which it is com- 
posed. Its present name, as already stated, is jiresumed 
to be Dutch. It appears in the early records, Mon- 
gaap. 

The Shawangunk Kill, on the northwest, has its 
head in Pakadasink Swamp, in the town of Green- 
ville, passes through the town of Mount Hope, and 
upon the line between Ulster and Orange, running a 
northeast course to the Wallkill, in Ulster County. 
Its present name has already been explained. Like 
other streams, — and, it may be said, all streams, moun- 
tains, etc., — it had no general name, but was specifi- 
cally divided, Achsiniuk being recorded in one local- 
ity and Pakadasink in another. In the deed to Gov- 
ernor Dongan it is described as " the river called 
Peakadasink," and in the act of 1762, dividing Wall- 
kill Precinct, the line is described as extending 
"to the Pakadasink River or Shawangunk Kill." In 
another paper of nearly the same date, it is said, as 
well understood evidence, "Nothing could more 
plainly point out where that pond lies (Maretange) 
than the river Pakadasink, which takes its rise oppo- 
site to the said pond and extends along the foot of 
the said hills from a place called Pokanasink, and 
from that place to the head of the said river, 
and nowhere else, the said river is called by that 
name." 

How the river lost a name so well established is 
explained by the papers relating to the bounds of 
the Miuisink Patent. Having succeeded in spreading 
their line, the proprietors of that patent found it 
necessary to obliterate its old landmarks. A general 
change of names ensued : Maretange Pond was lo- 
cated on Sam's Point ; the Big and Little Pakadasink 
Kills (the latter now called the Little Shawangunk 
Kill) were shifted to the same vicinity, and to make 
the whole apparently and entirely consistent, two 
small streams in Crawford received the names respec- 
tively of Big and Little Pakadasink, that it might not 
be missed in its ancient neighborhood. The original 
name contained equivalents signifying "swamps," and 
being generic, may be applied wherever the corre- 
sponding topography exists. f 

The principal streams passing through or entirely 

the latter as the derivative of Minisink. The explanatory tradition that 
either name originated from the breaking through of the waters at the 
Delaware Water Gap is not well founded. 

f It will be observed by those familiar with the district that the to- 
pography in this case corresponds almost precisely. It is not assumed 
that the name is in itself improperly applied to its present locations; it 
is strictly correct. 



40 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



included in the county are the Neversink, the Wall- 
kill, the Otterkill or Murderer's Creek, and the Eam- 
apo. 

The Neversink receives its head-waters from north- 
western Ulster and northern Sullivan. It runs south 
and southeast into the town of Deerpark to near 
Cuddebackville, and thence turns south and south- 
west until it joins the Delaware near Carpenter's 
Point, where it is about two hundred feet wide. It is 
a never-failing stream. Its name has been explained 
in another connection. Its principal tributaries are 
Basha's Kill and Old-dam Brook (Uuwedam Kill). 
The former rises in Sullivan County, and is about 
seventy feet wide. Its name is from an Indian squaw- 
sachem called Basha Bashiba, who lived on its banks, 
near Westbrookville.* Old-dam Brook is the outlet 
of Little Pond. Its name is from an old dam erected 
upon it by Indians or beavers, which caused its waters 
to overflow a large tract of land. About half a mile 
above its junction with the Neversink, it falls over 
six hundred feet in the course of a mile, and is called 
Fall Brook. 

The Wallkill rises in Wantage, Sussex Co., N. J., 
flows through the Drowned Lands into Grange, where 
it forms the dividing line between Warwick and Min- 
isink, Goshen and Wawayanda, Hamptonburgh and 
Wallkill, passes through the town of Montgomery 
into Ulster County, and thence to the Hudson River 
at Kondout. Its course is northeast, the plane of ele- 
vation upon which it runs being from Sussex County 
in New Jersey, descending gradually to near Esopus 
in Ulster. It is a durable stream, and furnishes ex- 
tensive hydraulic power throughout its course. Its 
current is not rapid, except at Walden, where it 
passes over a fall of about forty feet.f Its aboriginal 
name is not known, but the presumption is in favor of 
Warranawonkong. Its present name is unquestion- 
ably from the Huguenots or Walloons who settled 
New Paltz, it being repeatedly entered in the records 
as " <AeWalls or Paltz River."t Its principal branche? 
are the Long-house-Wawayanda-Warwick-Pochuck 
Creek, Quaker Creek, Rutgers' Creek, Tinn Brock, 
McCorlin's Kill, Muddy Kill, and Dwaars Kill. 
Long-house Creek rises in New Jersey, and runs 
north until it receives the outlet of Wickham's Pond ; 



• Quinlan's " History of Sullivan County," 423. In the Swartwout 
Patent the stream is called the Assawaghkemeck, from " wasaa," light 
or foaming, and " cck," rocks,— literally, the " light waters," reference 
heing made to the fall. " Basha's Kil" is Dutch. " Basha's land" was 
one of the honudaries of the Slinisink Patent, 1704. She was not a 
mythical character. 

fThe fall at Walden was called Hasdisch hy the Indians,— a term in 
■which " dangerous" is expressed. 

J This explanation of the origin of the name by the EeT. James E. 
■Wilson, D.D., is fully sustained hy the records discovered since he 
wrote. 

It may he added that, although now written Wallkill, the name is 
strictly two words, mjlle and kil. In this work the local orthography has 
been followed in Wallkill, Otterkill, etc., as heing too tirmly established 
to suffer correction. The word "creek," applied to a stream of water, 
is quite as incorrect as " kill ;" yet Webster admits its use to be estab- 
lished "in some American States." 



from thence it forms the Wawayanda or Warwick 
Creek, and flows southwest through the village of 
Warwick into New Jersey, where it becomes Pochuck 
Creek, returns to the county, and unites its waters 
with the Wallkill in the Drowned Lands. The names 
which it bears are explained in other connections, 
with the exception of " Long-house," the European 
title for the peculiar dwellings which the Indians oc- 
cupied, one of which stood upon its banks.? Quaker 
Creek has its principal head in Thompson's Pond. 
It flows west, forms the boundary Hue between Goshen 
and Warwick, receives several small tributary streams, 
and unites with the Wallkill in the Drowned Lands. 
Rutgers' Creek has its extreme western head in the 
town of Greenville, flows thence southeasterly to 
Waterloo Mills, in Minisink; thence northeast to 
Rutgers' Place, where it unites with its northern 
head. The latter rises in Wallkill, flows thence south 
to Millsburgh, receiving in its course the outlet of 
Binnenwater Pond and Binuenwater Swamp, and 
Boudinot's and Tunkamoes ("small stream") Creeks, 
in Wawayanda and Minisink. From MilLsburgh it is 
the boundary line between Wawayanda and Minisink. 
It enters the Wallkill at Merritt's Island. Its name 
is from Anthony Rutgers, || one of the proprietors of 
the Wawayanda Patent, from whom also Rutgers' 
Place {the residence of the late Dr. M. H. Cash) 
takes its name. Boudinot's Creek,1| its largest afilu- 
ent, flows through Greenville to the southeast corner 
of Mount Hope, thence southeast to its junction in 
Wawayanda. Monhagen Creek flows southeast 
through Middletown and enters the Wallkill north- 
east from New Hampton. It is now the source from 
which Middletown is supplied with water. McCor- 
lin's Kill, or McNeal's Kill,** rises in Crawford, flows 
south, passes through Mechanictown, and enters the 
Wallkill one mile and a half above Stony-ford bridge. 
Dwaars Kill has its rise in the town of Wallkill, 
flows northeast through Crawford, and enters the 
Wallkill in Ulster County. Its name is Dutch (origi- 
nally Dwaars Stroom), and means "a stream that 



g These dwellings wore formed by long, slender hickory saplings sot 
in the ground in a straight line of two rows, as far asunder as they in- 
tended the width to be, and continued as far as they intended tlie length 
to be. The poles were then bent forward in the form of an arch and 
secured together, giving the appearance of a garden arbor. Split poles 
were then lashed to the sides and roof, and over these bark was placed. 
Barely exceeding twenty feet in width, these dwellings were someUmes 
six hundred and fifty feet long, and were occupied by an indefinite num- 
ber of families. 

II There is not the slightest foundatien for the statement (Eager, 418) 
that Kutgei-s " is an English corruption of Rutkys, the Indian name." 
The I'Mer is a corruption of the former, and a very bald one. Rutgers 
was a member of the Assembly, 1726-27. 

It Mr. Eager enters the name " Bandegot." It now appears on the 
maps " Indigot." The correct orthography is Boudinot, from EUas 
Boudinot, a proprietor of the Wawayanda Patent. Boudinot would not 
have deemed it possible his name could he so transposed. 

** Mr. Eager (346) gives the name " McCormick's Kill," and (354) 
"McCorlin's Kill." The latter has been entered on the maps of the 
county. We are informed that the stream was known years ago as 
" McNeal's Kill," from John McXeal, who had a grist-mill on it as early 
probalily as 170U. McCorlin is a mythical person. 



GEOGRAPHICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



41 



runs across" or unites " with another."* The Tinn 
Brock was called by the Indians Ar.aclchook or Akh- 
gook, the Algonquin term for snake, the reference no 
doubt being to its extremely sinuous course, which 
resembles the contortions of a snake when thrown 
upon a fire. Its present name is from the Saxon 
words Thynne, "thin or small," and £roe, " running 
water less than a river," — a small brook. It rises in 
New Windsor, south of Coldenham, but does not take 
its name until after it crosses the Cochecton turnpike, 
runs north and west, and enters the Wallkill half a 
mile below Walden. Muddy Kill (Dutch, Modder : 
Kil, — literally, Muddy Kill) flows from the eastern 
slope of the Comfort hills and runs south to the Wall- 
kill above Montgomery. The mischievous chorogra- 
pher now writes its name " Mother Kill." 

The Otterkill rises in the north part of Chester, 
and passes through the East Division of Goshen into 
Hamptonburgh, where it was called Denn Creek,t 
from Christopher Denn, one of the proprietors of the 
Wawayanda Patent. At La Grange it flows upon 
nearly the same level with the Wallkill, the two 
streams being within a mile of each other at this 
point. Through Hamj)tonburgh it runs around the 
base of the hills in the form of a half circle ; thence 
into Blooming-Grove, and in a serpentine course 
through Washingtonville to Salisbury Mills, where, 
meeting the mountain ledges, it passes over a fall into 
a deep chasm, which it follows through rocks and 
crags and continues to the Hudson. Its name is pre- 
sumed to have been bestowed from the otters which 
were found in it at the early settlement of the county. 
Its largest tributaries are Cromeline Creek, Gold- 
smith Creek, Colemantown Creek, Beaver-dam Creek, 
Schunemunk Creek, Woodbury Creek, and Canter- 
bury Brook. Cromeline Creek receives its principal 
head-waters from Little Long Pond, No. 2, in Mon- 
roe; flows thencS through Chester and the western 
part of Blooming-Grove to its junction with the Ot- 
terkill in the northwest part of the latter town. 
Schunemunk Creek rises in the southeast part of 
Blooming-Grove ; flows northwest and northeast 
around the hills, and joins the Otterkill above Wash- 
ingtonville. On some maps it is called Satterly's 
Creek. Woodbury Creek has its principal head in 
Hazzard's Pond, in Monroe. It receives the outlet of 
Sutherland's Pond ; flows northeast through Wood- 
bur\- Clove, and enters the Otterkill at Orr's Mills, 
in Cornwall. Canterbury Brook rises in the Cornwall 
Highlands ; flows northeast through the village of 
Canterbury, and enters the Otterkill (under the name 

* "The DwaarB StruomuoiteB witli or flows across the Wallkill: hence 
the name indicate^j that fact or circumstance, and becomes tlie character- 
istic of the river." — Dr. E. B. O^C<itt(irjhan. The tradition given by Eager 
(334), that the name is from an Indian chief, has no other foundation 
than the jMissibiiity that there was an Indian nicknamed Dwasa. 

t Tile following from tlie Mapes' deed (1727) established the early use of 
both titles : " Lyin'g on the west side of the Otterkill, known as the Den- 
nekiU." The latter may well be preserved as a memorial of the first 
settler on that part of the Wawayanda Patent. 



of Idlewild Brook) near the Hudson. Goldsmith 
Creek rises in Little Britain and runs south to the 
Otterkill above Washingtonville; Colemantown Creek 
also flows south and enters above the same place. 
Beaver-dam Creek rises in Montgomery, and passes 
south through low meadows from near Goodwill 
Church to its junction at Campbell Hall. Its head- 
water is a spring of several yards in diameter and of 
unknown depth ; its name is from an old beaver 
damj near Campbell Hall. From its junction with 
Cromeline Creek east to the Hudson, the Otterkill 
loses its name and is called Murderer's Creek and the 
Moodna, the latter a Willisian designation. To the 
early Dutch traders it was known as the " Waora- 
neck;" subsequently, as the "Martelaer's Rack 
Creek ;" after 1656, as " the Murderer's Creek." It is 
assumed by some writers that the latter was derived 
from its immediately preceding title, signifying a 
bafliing, struggling reach or course in the navigation 
of the Hudson, bounded on the north by this creek 
and on the south by Martelaer's Rock, opposite West 
Point ; by others, that it was bestowed as a memorial 
of some act of hostility by the Waoranecks during 
the early Indian wars ; but superior, in local estima- 
tion, to philology or probability, is the explana- 
tion given by Paulding in his beautiful tradition of 
Naoman, his faithfulness and his fate, pointing un- 
waveringly to Maringoman as the author of a horrid 
massacre.^ 

Quassaick Creek is composed of the outlet of Orange 
Lake and of the Fostertown and Tent Stone Meadow 
Creeks. It flows southeasterly through the western 
part of the town of Newburgh, and forms the bound- 
ary line between the city of Newburgh and the town 
of New Windsor. Its name (Quassaick) signifies 
stony brook. Its water-power is very durable and is 
largely employed. Fostertown Creek rises in Ulster 
County, and flows southerly through the central part 
of the town of Newburgh. It is called Fostertown 
Creek until it reaches Gidneytown, when it takes the 
latter name. Tent Stone Meadow Creek rises in a 
large swamp in Ulster County, known many years 
ago as the Tent Stone Meadow. It flows southerly 
and empties into the Quassaick at the Powder Mills. 
Bushfield Creek, one of the feeders of Orange Lake, 
and necessarily of Quassaick Creek, rises in a swamp 
in Ulster County, known as the Stone Dam Meadow. 
Its original name was Beaver-dam Creek. 



I From the remains of the dams which they conetructed, the streams of 
the county apparently abounded in beavere at the time of the discovery, 
though now extinct. 

g " In ancient Dutch days it was known as the Martelaer's Rack, or 
Martyr's Reach. The Dutch navigators divided the river into reaches, to 
which they gave descriptive names. They found here (West Point) a 
rocky point nearly at right angles with the current, and, when sailing 
with a fair west wind, encountered, on passing it, the wind ' dead ahead,* 
compelling them to beat or struggle with it. Hence the name Martelaer, 
signifying contending or struggling. The tradition which converts the 
name into a memorial of deeds of violence, on the part of the Indians, is 
entirely worthless." — /. J. JlonelVs Hand-hook. 



42 



lUSTOllY OF OUANliE COUNTY, NEW VoltK. 



The Rnmnpf) Rivor hns its head in 'Round-islnnd 
I'oml ill MoiiiiH", ami tlows tlionco soutlu-rly tliroujjh 
Kiiuiiipo Viilloy into Hiu'kliiiul Ooiinly. It loooivos 
tlic (iiitlol-s of tliirtoon of llii- niountniii poiuls silroady 
i\iinn'd : lumnd-isliind, Sumuiil, SIniiglitoi's. I'laii- 
liorry, No. :;, (.Sioeiwvood, Kound, Little Long, Codar, 
Oivou, Car, Sprueo, Tnixcdo, and Nigger. It enters 
the Tassaie Hiver near Tonipton Plains, N..T. There 
is no stream in tlie world like it. 

Poplopen's I'ri'ek is loniiioseil of tlie ontlets ol" 
ro|>loiieu's, Konnd, No. 1, Long, Hull, Cranberry, No. 
1. and Two I'onds. It.s eoui-se is soullu'a.st to the 
Hudson. (.Jneenshorough Hrook andtr^iekhosten's Kill 
tuow ealletl !ft(n\y Urookl are its tributjiries. 

The trihutjiries of the Hudson, aside from tha<e 
already named, are small streams, i>riin'ipally in Now- 
luirgh. The Nevei-sink and the Shingle Kill flow into 
the Delaware in I>eeri>ark.--the formerat Carpenter's 
Toint,* and the latter at llonesville. Orassy-swamp 
l?r»iok, in the same town, unites with the Mongaup ; 
the latter unites with the Delaware ahout six miles 
northerly iVoni Carpenter's Voint. The Little Shawan- 
gunk Kill anil the Hig and Little Vakadasink are 
tributaries of the Shawangnnk. One braneh of the 
former rises half a mile ea.sterly I'lvm the village of 
Mount Hope, and is n\ct, about a mile east from that 
village, by a hraneh from the town of Wallkill ; tlows 
thenee through the town northeasterly until it strikes 
the line of the town of \Vallkill ; thenee northwest 
to its juuetion with the Shawangunk in the latter 
town. It was originally known as the " Little Taka- 
dasiuk," as has been already stated. The present l>ig 
I'akadasiuk and Little I'akadtisink are in the town 
of Craw t'ord, and tlow north to the Shawangunk. In 
the Crawl'ord dialeet they are ealled the Kig and the 
Little ■■ l*augh-eangh-nangh-sing." the most prolix 
orthography of the original name on iveord. 

The islands of the Hudson lying opposite the lines 
of the eounty ai-o Toleber's, now ealled Pallopel's; 
Martelaer's Roek, now Constitution, and Manaha- 
waghkin. now ealled Tona. Though not under the 
jurisdietion of the eounty. their position in its water- 
seape entitles tlunu to reeogaition in its topography. 

OI.IM.\TE. 
Newburgh is in 41'' SO' north latitude, and is ele- 
vated one hundred and titty feet above tide-water. 
Frxmi oliservations nxade for thirteen sueeessive years, 
tlie mean temperature has been found to be 5l>° U>'. 
In Cioshen. situated in latitude 41'-^ 20'. and elevated 
four hundred and twenty-tive feet above tide-water, 
observations made for eight years show a mean tem- 
perature of 4i>'' U>'. Ditl'erenee between Newburgh 
iu>d Gt^hen ninety-four minutes. At Newbui-gh the 
period between fnv<ts,tliOttgU variable, h»sU>«ukuown 



• Aiviut ,<( l»inl i««itf l>.v 111* jiUK-liou i>f the Sovetsiiik «ml th» DeK 
«\VMV Ki\\<r*, just sv>utl> i>f IVrt J«irvis. Th« Tii-Slal<'s Kivk, niarking 
til* tvunJw.v l^t»>vu Sow \\>rk, Kr« Jorwy, »n,t IVmisj Ivaiun, is ou 
this ivxint. 



to be from the fitli of May to the 29th of Septen\ber, — 
one hundred and forty-six days. At Goshen frosts 
have been notieed as late as the 1st of June, and as 
early as the -t>th of September, — oiu' hundred ami 
eleven days. Uilt'erenee between periods of frost, 
thirty-livedays. .Vt Newburgh the shadbnsh bloomed 
April 24th, the peaeh April 28d, tlio plum May 1st, I 
the eherry April 27th, the apple May (ith : strawher- \ 
ries ripened dune 10th ; haying eommeneed July 4th ; 
wheat harvest emnmeneed .Inly 17th ; the fn-st killing 
frost September 2;>th. At Goshen the shadbnsh 
bloomed .Vpril 27th, the peaeli .\pril 28lli, the plum | 
May 4tli, the eherry April 2!'th, and the apide May I 
iUh ; haying eommeneed July Sth ; the wheat harvest • 
July 21st; the tirst killing frost September 20th, The j 
observations made at Newburgh show the temperature | 
of the eastern part of the eounty, while those made 
at tioshen nniy be applied to the eentral. On the 
ejistern slope of the Shawangunk range, representing 
the western part of the eounty, the temperature is 
from two to four degrees less than at Newburgh ; at 
the top of the range full five degrees less. 

The temperature of the eastern and southern por- 
tions of the eounty is atl'eeted in some degree by the 
shelter afforded in the n\ountain ranges; the former 
also by the tides of the Hudson. The Highlands, for 
many years exempt from taxation by reiuson of their 
unfitness for etiltivation, are an inealenlahle advan- 
tase to Newburgh, New Windsor, and Cornwall ; they 
ell'eetually break the foree of all winds save from the 
east-northeast. Thousands of invalids may be found 
in those towns, as permanent residents or as boarders, 
brought thither by this peeutiarity in situation. The 
poet N. r. Willis, fi-om his experienee of twenty years 
as a eonsumptive, found no language too strong in 
whieh to eommend the hygienie virtues of the High- 
lands, The entire mountain system of the eounty 
has more or less etl'eet on its elimate. In the eeonomy 
of nature, enrrents of air gjither around the ranges; 
are foreinl upwanl to a lower temperature, and pre- 
eipitation ensues, while the atmospherie eondensation 
pi-odnees a loeal heat beyond the natural temperature. 
For this reason most of the eloves are more temperate 
than their elevation and latitude would otherwise 
warnmt; those opening towards the soutb espeeially 

so. 

«EOLOrtY, Kn-.f 

Tn^bably no eounty in the State presents more in- 
teresting geologieal t'ealures than Orange. The roeks 
of the Highlands are granite, gneiss, and sienite, 
with veins of tn\p. The eentral portions of the 
eounty are oeenpied with strata of Hamilton shales, 
Helderberg limestones and grit. Mtnlina sandstone, 
and the gray sandstones, all extending frvim tl»e 
northeast to the southwest, fron\ the east t'oot of the 
Shawangunk Mountains, The roeks whieh eompose 
the Shawangunk Mountains are the shales and the 



t Hortun's Mid Mmlior's Sunrf.\-s consiiItDd. 



GEOLOGY, ETC. 



43 



ean'liitoneg of the Chemung group. The red shales 
and grit>s of the Cat«ki)l group are seen at the falls of 
the ."^hingle Kill in Deerjjark. The Erie diviBion are 
found from the Delaware River, along the west side 
of Mamaltating Hollow. .Some of the rocks of this 
divii'ion, near Port .Jervis, are upturned at a high an- 
gle; other-, t(>wardH Cuddebackville and Ellenville, 
are more indurated and seem almost trappean. The 
geological series descend southwest to the primary 
rocks of the Pochuck Mountains. The Helderberg 
division extends through the county, on the Mama- 
kating Valley, by Cuddebackville, to Carpenter's , 
Point on the Delaware. The limestones of this di- 
vision are all upturned, oft<.'n at a very high angle, 
in the town of Deerjiark, where they form a range of 
low mountains, rising from the level of the Xever- 
sink to half the elevation of the Shawangunk. A 
limestone, containing fossils of this division, is also 
found in the town of Cornwall, between the village 
of Canterbury and .'Salisbury Mills. Its position is 
between the slate and grit rock ; its dip in to the south- 
east. 

The Shawangunk grit of the Ontario division ex- 
tends on the top of the Shawangunk Mountains from 
New Jersey to near Kingston. The thickness of 
these grits varies from sixty U) one hundred and fifty 
feet. They have been ased as millstones, known as 
" Esopus millstones."* A pyritous grit, in the form 
of bowlders, is scattered over the county. Rocks 
similar in character to the Shawangunk grit, and the 
interstratified and overlaying red rocks, extend from 
the Jersey line on the west side of Greenwood Lake 
northeast to Canterbury in Cornwall. They are also 
found at Pine Hill. This hill is primitive, and here 
the grit rock inclines against it and rests upon it. 
The grit rock is regularly stratified, and dips to the 
southeast; is of all colors from white to red. It ex- 
ten<ls from Round Hill four miles, to Woodcock 
Mountain. It is also found in the southeast base of 
Schunemunk, interstratified with graywacke and 
slate; also at Pine Hill. Here the rock is red, 
and can be quarried in blocks suitable for building. 
The Bellvale Mountains, in Warwick, on the south- 
east side, are comiwsed of graywacke ; also the Schune- 
munk in Blooming-Grove, the Goose-pond Moun- 
tain, and the Sugar-loaf. Quarries of blue and red 
Btone abound in Schunemunk and Pine Hill. 

In the Champlain division is the "Hudson River 
series — slate grouj)," — which consists of slates, shales, 
grits, limestones, breccias, and conglomerates, — some- 
times designated as graywacke slate, graywacke 
shale, graywakce, and slaty graywacke. They con- 
tain facets and testacea, of which a few are seen 
at the falls of the Wallkill, near Walden, at Orange 
Lake, and at Sugar-loaf The Hudson River group 
of rocks occupies a large extent of the surface of 



• These millBtoneii were the Sret that were quarried In the province, 
and were regarded a» guperiur to those iuiixjrted from Europe. 



the county. Its general direction is northeast and 
southwest. It« dij) is uniform to the southeast, in 
mme places thirty degrees, in others nearly vertical. 
It extends from the Hudson River through AVanvick 
to the .Jersey line, and on the west side of the Wall- 
kill, from New Jersey to L'lster County; and in all 
this range there is no rock r»-ting upon it. It forms 
the bank of the Hudson River from Cornwall Land- 
ing to four miles above Xewburgh, and it is always 
seen stratified with graywacke and graywacke slate. 
In this form it is found at Walden, below Montgom- 
ery, in Mount Hope, at Xewburgh, and towards Hamp- 
ton. In the town of Warwick, near the .Jersey line, 
it forms a cuneiform termination, the limestone sur- 
rounding it on both sides. From this the argillite 
widens into an elevated ridge of rich land, called 
Long Ridge, which extends into Goshen. It forms 
the surface rock of most of Goshen, Blooming-Grove, 
parts of Cornwall, Xew Windsor, Xewburgh, Mont- 
gomery, Hamptonburgh, Crawford, Wallkill, and in 
Mount Hope and Minisink, quite to the top of the 
Shawangunk Mountains. The Utica slate is found 
on the banks of the Hudson, above Newburgh. It Ls 
of dark color, and in some places black, and highly 
carbonaceous. 

The Trenton limestone is found near Mount Look- 
out ; also in the town of Hamptonburgh, where it is 
full of the fossil shells of the very early periods of 
animal life. In that neighborhood it Ls called the 
" Neelytown limestone." Black River limestone is 
found a few miles from Goshen, Mount Lookout 
being entirelj' composed of it. It is also found on 
Big Island, in the Drowned Lands, on Pochuck Xeck, 
and in Minisink west of the Drowned Lands. A 
blue limestone, sometimes sparry and checkered, 
commences on the bank of the Hudson at Hamp- 
ton ; it is about one mile in width northwest and 
southeast, and passes southwesterly through Xew- 
burgh intf) Xew Windsor, disappearing in the vicinity 
of Washington Lake. The elevated point of thLs rock 
at Hampton is in the vicinit)' of the Dans Kammer. 
It is also found east of Salisbury Mills in Cornwall, 
and is visible through Blooming-Grove and Warwick 
to the .State line ; also in the north part of Monroe, 
north of Greenwood Furnace, and extends .southwest 
to near Greenwood Lake; also in Cornwall, near 
Ketcham's Mill, and in Goshen, two and a half miles 
from the village, extending from the Wallkill south- 
west to Glenmere. The western edge of this bed 
underlays the Drowned Lands, and passes along the 
northwestern margin of the white limestone of War- 
wick ; here it divides into two branches on each side 
of the primitive rock, and passes into New Jersey. 
This limestone also interlocks with the argillite 
ridges, as at near Goshen. Limestone of the oolitic 
character is found on Big Island, near Xew Milford, 
and on Pochuck Xeck. The edges of that found in 
some perpendicular cliffs at the latter place are ex- 
posed in layers one above the other ; some are of 



44 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the usual character ; others are oolitic, but the round 
granules are bluish-white quartz; others slaty, ap- 
proaching the calciferous state, and others are of a 
ribbon-like appearance. 

Below the New York transition system lies the 
"Taeonic system," consisting of slates, limestones, 
and granular quartz rocks. Slate rocks of this sys- 
tem are found four miles north of Newburgh, near a 
small hill of granite rock. The limestone between the 
Highlands and Goose-pond Mountain, and also about 
Bellvale, belong to this system. Metamorphic rocks 
consist of limestones that are granular, dolomitized, 
and stratified, — color, white, blue, and red ; of slates 
that are talcose, argillaceous, micaceous, and horn- 
blende ; and of sandstones that are changed to gran- 
ular quartz rocks, eurite, and gneiss. In their several 
deposits all the changes from the gray and blue lime- 
stone are traced into the perfect crystallized limestone, 
containing the various crystallized minerals, which 
give them their metamorphic character. There is a 
white limestone of this varietj- ranging from Jlounts 
Adam and Eve, in Warwick, to Andover, in New 
Jersey. It is developed in a succession of narrow 
ridges of only a few rods in width, and is separated 
by masses of other rocks of granite, sienite, and 
granular quartz. Hornblende rock and augite are 
scattered all around. This white limestone is rarely 
stratified, and in some places runs into the blue and 
gray limestone, which is fossiliferous in some in- 
stances and oolitic in others. The white limestone 
forms the shore of the Drowned Lands at Amity. 
In some localities it is snow-white, translucent, and 
compact, like Parian marble. Plumbago and mica 
are found in it, and also a great variety of minerals. 
Northeast of the Amity church, on a small knoll, are 
found calcareous spar, rhomb spar, yellow brucite, 
xanthite, talc, black and ruby spinelle, cocolite. 
About one mile southwest of Amity is specular iron 
ore and serpentine; veinsofscapolite are found south- 
west of this place, and about a mile north the lime- 
.stone is filled with brucite of various colors, magnetic 
oxide of iron, hornblende, and serpentine. At the 
south base of Mount Eve, in an old mine-hole, fine 
crystals of green and brown hornblende are found. 
At another place is a vein of arsenical iron. The 
same kind of limestone is found near Fort Mont- 
gomery, in the Highlands (in the gorge through 
which the creek passes into the Hudson), at or near 
Forest of Dean ; thence it is traced by way of Little 
Round Pond towards Greenwood Furnace and across 
the Ramapo. It is also seen southwest of Queens- 
borough Furnace in limited extent. These beds also 
contain the minerals above named. 

The primary rocks of the county consist of gneiss 
and hornblende granite, sienite, limestone, serpen- 
tine, augite, and trappean. Among these rocks there 
are no continuous ridges of mountains of more than 
a few miles in length, in consequence of the interrup- 
tions caused by the dislocations and the lateral up- 



heavals of masses of the strata. Ridge succeeds ridge, 
each of which runs out and diminishes until it disap- 
pears below the rocks of a more recent origin. 

The primitive rocks extend from Butter Hill to 
Fort Montgomery, thence along the line of the 
county to New Jersey, thence to Pochuck Mountain, 
embracing a large part of the tow'us of" Warwick, 
Monroe, Highlands, and Cornwall ; part of New 
Windsor, Newburgh, Blooming-Grove, and the south 
part of Goshen. Woodcock Mountain, Round Hill, 
Peddler Hill, Goose-Pond Mountain, Sugar-loaf and 
Sugar-loaf Mate, Brimstone Hill, Muchattoes Hill, 
Mount Adam, Mount Eve, and Pochuck Mountain, 
are composed of this series. 

Granite is found at the foot of Butter Hill suitable 
for quarrying ; sienite at West Point, on the east side 
of Bear Mountain, and at the base of Butter Hill. 
Gneiss abounds in all the Highlands, and has been 
quarried at Butter Hill, Cro'-nest, West Point, But- 
termilk Falls, and between that and Fort IMontgom- 
ery. Mica slate, or micaceous gneiss, is found one 
mile north of Fort Montgomery, and at the foot of 
Cro'-nest. Augite rock is found between West Point 
and Round Pond; also in Monroe, south of Cedar 
Pond ; near Slaughter's Pond, Green Pond, and Mom- 
basha Pond, and near the O'Neil, For.shee, Clove, 
Rich, and Forest of Dean mines. Greenstone trap is 
found near Truxedo Pond. Granular greenstone is 
found at Cro'-nest and at Butter Hill. Hornblende 
rock is found in large strata, and quartz rock is in 
everj' hill and mountain of the Highlands. In the 
town of Monroe is a bed of the latter four rods wide 
rising fifteen feet above the gneiss on each side. Ser- 
pentine is found at the O'Neil and at the Forshee 
mine, and there is a large bed of it in the town of 
Warwick. Crystallized serpentine is also found in 
Warwick in the white limestone. Scapolite is found 
at Amity ; also, blende of minute, red, brilliant prisms, 
with adamantine lustre. Yellow garnet is found at 
Edenville. A species of soapstone is found at the 
Clove mine in Monroe ; magnetic pyrites, mica, and 
hornblende, at the Rich iron-mine. Large sheets of 
mica are found southwest of the Forshee mine. In 
the latter mine are found beautiful red garnet, brown 
tremoline, cocolite, and umber. The O'Neil mine 
abounds with a great variety of beautiful minerals, 
among which are crystallized magnetic ore of great 
brilliancy and beauty, magnetic pyrites, copper py- 
rites, carbonate of copper, serpentine, amianthus, as- 
bestos, brown spar, rhombic spar, augite, cocolite, 
feldspar, and mica. 

West of the village of Canterbury is a bed of hem- 
atite ore, on the late Townsend farm. Two beds of 
arsenical iron are found in Warwick : one in a vein 
near Mount Adam, and the other near Edenville. 
The latter contains arsenical pyrites of a white silver 
color, in connection with arsenic, suljjhur, and iron ; , 
also red oxide of iron. This vein is connected with 
the white limestone. An ore of titanium is also found 



GEOLOGY, ETC. 



45 



in Warwick, associated with augite and scapolite. An 
ore of cerium occurs near Fort Montgomery. 

The primitive rocks of the Highlands abound in 
ore of the magnetic oxide of iron. The granite 
gneiss more generally contains it in layers having the 
lines and bearing of the rock. At West Point the ore 
is associated with hornblende. Meek's mine, Krouk- 
ite's mine. Round Pond mine, Forest of Dean mine, 
Long mine, Patterson mine. Mountain mine, and a 
group of mines around it, and Crossway mine, all 
abound in this ore^ of rich quality. A bed of titan- 
iferous iron ore is located on the east side of Bear 
Hill ; magnetic ore at the lower landing at Fort 
Montgomery, mixed with the sulphiiret of iron ; also 
at the place called Queensborough ore-bed, within a 
mile or two of Queensborough Furnace. In several 
localities of the Shawangunk grits are found veins of 
lead. Beds of lead ore have been opened at Eden- 
ville, and also in the towns of Deerpark and Mount 
Hope.* Zinc ore has also been found, exceeding in 
quality the lead. A copper-mine was opened near 
Otisville in 1866, and worked for about a year, show- 
ing good ore but in small quantities. 

Tlie mines which have been opened in the beds de- 
scribed, and some of which have been named in other 
connections, are the Stirling mine, in Monroe, opened 
in 1781. t Its ore is very sound and strong, and has 
been much used for cannon. Part of its ore is bare, 
and part of it slightly covered with soil and rocks. 
It embraces a surface of about thirty acres. One and 
a half miles southwest of the Stirling is the Belcher 
mine, supposed to be a prolongation of the Stirling 
mine. Long mine and Red mine are farther south ; 
the ores of the latter are magnetic and full of pyrites. 
East of Stirling Pond are the Mountain mine, the 
Crossway mine, and the Patterson mine. About a 
mile south of the village of Monroe is the Clove mine, 
the ore of which is magnetic, granular, and compact; 
a (lortion of it soft, in a black powder, and can be 
taken out with a shovel. Southeast of the Clove is 
the O'Neil mine, in the midst of granitic gneiss and 
sienite. Half a mile southwest of this is the Forshee 
mine, permeating the whole hill ujjon which it is 
located. About five miles southeast of Monroe is the 
Rich mine, the ore of which is strongly magnetic, 
rich, and abundant. The Smith mine is between 
Cro'-nest and Butter Hill ; -its ore is a native magnet ; 
it has not been worked of late years. The Townsend 
mine of hematite ore is in Cornwall, about two miles 



* The principal lead-mines that have been opened are in Mount Hope 
and Deerpark. They are known as the Erie, at Guymard ; the Wallkill, 
two and a half miles northeast of Guymard ; the Champion, Washington, 
Mammoth, Movint Hope, and Central. Of these, but two, the Erie and 
the Walkill, have ever been extensively worked. The lead of the Erie 
mine is argentiferous, and at times the yield of silver pays running ex- 
penses, leaving the lead a clear profit. The works are within a few rods 
of the Erie Ilailroad. 

t The Stiriing iron-works were established in 1751. This mine was 
discovered in 1780 and opened in 1781. The works are now connected 
with the Erie road by a branch from Stirling Junction, 



and a half west from Canterbury. Its ore is lean, 
but makes excellent iron. It is mostly in powder or 
small fragments, mixed with balls of the hematite of 
a few pounds' weight. Forest of Dean mine was 
opened as early probably as 1761. It lies west from 
Fort Montgomery. The Queensborough J mine lies 
south from Forest of Dean ; it has not been worked 
to any extent. Greenwood mine, in Monroe, lies 
north of the Erie road. Its yield is consumed by 
Greenwood Furnace. 

Traditions of lead, tin, silver, and even gold mines, 
in the Highlands, are quite prevalent, while on the 
Schunemunk range and in other places the carbon- 
aceous slates have been pretty thoroughly examined 
from presumed indications of veins of coal. The 
early European adventurers evidently made a very 
complete examination of the entire district in the 
hope of striking the precious ores. Some magnificent 
magnetic pyrites, however, was their only reward, as 
it has been of equally sanguine but more recent 
searchers. 

The soils of the county vary with the geological 
features of the different sections. The district known 
as the primary, in most of its higher elevations, is not 
susceptible of cultivation, owing to the rough and 
broken state of the surface and the naked character 
of the rocks. At the base of the Highlands are out- 
cropping hills, and the surface, though broken, is 
productive, and in many instances presents beautiful 
farms. In the district of the Hudson .system of slates 
and limestones, though irregular and broken, its 
slaty or slialy beds and sandstone and limestone 
rocks furnish a soil favorable to the growth of grain 
and grass. Above the Highlands this district di- 
verges from the river to the southwest quite into the 
State of New Jersey. No part rises into mountains, 
yet there are steep bluffs, but not higher than three 
hundred feet. West of this lies the belt of land to the 
Shawangunk Mountains, stretching across the county 
from Crawford to the Jersey line, in which the soil 
partakes of the grits and shales of this series, giving 
peculiar features and qualities to the surface. 

In this connection it may be remarked that the 
most striking feature of the Shawangunk range, as 
presented to the eye, is the fact that the surface of its 
eastern or southeastern slope bears abundant evidence 
that the great glacial or ice age witnessed the passage 
from it of an enormous glacier, which ground up the 
rocks until the soil was produced which is now so 
highly cultivated, while its western or northwestern 
slopes remain rocky and untillable, bearing nothing 
but forest-trees and minerals. This peculiarity exists 
in the range even beyond the limits of the county ; 
and the glacier marks, so plainly visible, afford a 

X Queensborough mine tjikes its name from a tract of one thousand four 
hundred and thirty-seven acres granted to Gabriel and William Ludlow, 
Oct. 18, 1731, and to which they gave the name. The name is now fre- 
quently but wrongly written Queenshf/ry; the sutlix should be boroiighf 
signifying, in its application, Queen's Hill. 



46 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



means of judging of the kind of plow that dug out 
the beds and valleys of the Wallkili and the Shawan- 
gunk Kill. 

Throughout the county the existence of large masses 
of bowlders, the origin of which can only be referred 
to distant places, furnishes evidence that in many 
sections the soil has been the result of drift deposits. 
Below the city of Newburgh, the drift bed, containing 
bowlders and pebbles that are scratched, overlies the 
abraded rocks, and is in turn overlaid by clay beds, 
sand, and gravel, in regular courses. Bowlders, erratic 
blocks, and scratched rocks abound on the High- 
lands. The bowlders are formed mostly of granites 
and gneiss; occasionally one of graywacke, showing 
unmistakably its transportation from a great distance ; 
their accompanying friable deposits now enrich the 
mountain cloves. Aside from their contributions to 
the soil, many of the drift deposits are valuable, — the 
sand for casting or moulding, smoothing and rubbing 
stones used in lithography, blotting sand, and for 
mortar and glass ; the clays, for pottery and brick. 

The soil of the plateau adjoining the Hudson, 
forming a semicircle from the Highlands to the 
Dans Kammer, is gravelly, sandy, clayey, — a mixture 
forming a warm and fertile loam. The surface rises 
gradually to Orange Lake, then descends to the 
Wallkili. The soil of the Wallkili Valley is pecu- 
liarly rich and fertile. Much of it is alluvium, inter- 
mingled with clay, sand, and gravel. In the town of 
Wallkili the soil is more diversified ; in some places 
it is clayey and of no great depth above the rock ; 
in others gravelly, and again sandy and elevated. 
Through Goshen and Warwick it partakes more of 
clay and sand loam, with slight intervals of gravel. 
Approximating the State line, the primitive forma- 
tions of Mount Adam, Mount Eve, and Pochuck 
Mountain change the constituents, but not to detract 
from its fertility. Some of the most rich and pro- 
ductive soils in the county are found in the islands of 
the Drowned Lands. West of the Wallkili Valley 
the soil is affected in its constituents by the Shawan- 
gunk range of mountains, and is generally a clayey 
loam, well adapted to grass. In some part-s it becomes 
slaty and warm ; in others it is shaly and covered 
with fragments of rocks. In Deerpark is a range of 
soil, brought down from the adjacent hills and upper 
country, that is very fertile and easy of cultivation; 
and, though it has been under the plow nearly two 
centuries, it still ranks with the most productive 
lands of the State. The valley of the Otterkill is a 
sandy and gravelly loam, partly alluvial. 



CHAPTER V. 



MIIiITAKY HISTORY— FRENCH AND INDIAN 
"WAR-WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

The military history of the county obliges us to 
return again to a recognition of the territory from 
which it was taken, being component parts of Ulster 



and Orange. At best the earliest militia rolls are 
imperfect. They serve, however, as far as they go, 
to show organizations, and, inferentially, the names 
of pioneer settlers. Beginning with that portion of 
the county which was taken from Ulster, we find that 
the first military organization within its limits was 
made prior to 1738, and was composed of two com- 
panies of the regiment of which A, Gaasbeck Cham- 
bers was colonel, Wessel Ten Broeck lieutenant- 
colonel, Coenradt Elmendorf major, and Cornelius 
Elmendorf quartermaster.* The first of these com- 
panies was known as *' The Foot Company of Military 
of the Precinct of the Highlands ;'' the second as 
" The Company of Militia of the Wall a Kill." The 
following were their muster-rolls in 1738 : 



' A List of the first company of MilUk 
the vommand of Gap 
Capt. Thomas Ellison. 
EiiKigii John Young. 
Sergt. David Davids. 
Sergt. Moses Gaiitson. 
Sergt. P. McCloghery. 
Corp. Jacobus Bruyn. 
Corp. Jas. Stringham. 
Corp. Jonah Hazard. 
Clerk, Clias. Clinton. 
Jolin Umphrey. 
Alexander Falls. 
David Bedford. 
William Coleman. 
Joseph Sweezer. 
Thomas Coleman. 
John McVey. 
John Jones. 
Patrick Brodeiick. 
Joseph Shaw. 
Caleb Curtis. 
William Sutton. 
Jeremiah Foster. 
Chailes Beaty. 
Amos Foster. 
Alexander Foster. 
James Young, 
James Nealy. 
Robert Feef. 
Joseph Butterton. 
Samuel Luckey. 
John Markham. 
John Read. 
Joseph McMikhill. 
David Umphrey. 
James Gamble. 
John Gamble. 
Corneliua McClean. 
John Umphrey, Jr. 
James Umphrey. 
Peter Mulinder. 
Robert Burnet. 
Archibald Beaty. 
Daniel Coleman. 



I of the preseul- of the Ui'jhhmh under 
>l. Thomas Ellison: 

David Oliver, 

Arthur Beaty. 

Matthew Davis. 

Jolin Nicoll.Jr. 

Alexander McKey. 

Robert Sparks. 

Jeuriali Quick. 

Thomas Quick. 

Jacob Gillis. 

Joseph Simsjn. 

James Clark. 

John Clark. 

Lodewick Miller. 

Peter Miller. 

George W'eygant. 

William Ward. 

William Ward, Jr. 

John Mattys Kimberg. 

William Smith, Jr. 

James Edmeston. 

Tobias Wejgant. 

Jerry Manse. 

Thomas Johnston. 

Casparis Sty mas. 

John Monger. 

James Luckey. 

Thomas Williams. 

Johanuis George. 

Jeremiah Tompkins. 

Isaac Tompkins. 

William Watts. 

Josiah Ellsworth. 

James Ellsworth. 

Anthony Preslaer. 

Jonathan Tomkins. 

Robert Banker. 

Thomas Fear. 

Frederick Painter. 

Moses Elswurth. 

John Marie. 

Jonathan Owens. 

Andrew McDowell. 
Total, 8G." 



" A List of the Company of MilUia of the B'.i// n Kill luuler the command of 
Capt. John Bayard. 
Capt. John Bayard.f Ensign William Kelso. 

Lieut. William Borland. Sergt. John Newkirk. 

* The regiment was composed (1738) of nine companies, which were 
located as follows: Kingston, 3; Marbletown, 1 ; Wallkili, 1 ; Hurley, 1; 
Rochester, 1 ; New Paltz, 1, and the precinct of the Highlands, 1.— Doc. 
Hist. N. r., iv. 226, etc. 

+ Correction has been made in orthography of names in casi-s where 
known, and the modern adopted. 



MILITAEY HISTORY. 



47 



Corp. John Miller. 
Lendert Coll ^Cole). 
Cornelius Cole. 
Bnruat Cole. 
Jolin Robeson. 
James Gillespie. 
Thomas Gillespie. 
John Wilkius. 
William Wilkins. 
Andrew Graham. 
George Olloms. 
John North. 
John North, Jr. 
Samuel North. 
James Young. 
Rohert Young. 
Matthew Young. 
James McNeill. 
John McNeill. 
Andrew Borland. 
John Borland. 
John McNeill, Jr. 
James Crawford. 
John Crawford. 
Alexander Milligau. 
Nathaniel Hill. 
Alexander Kidd. 
Archibald Hunter. 
James Hunter. 
John Wharry. 
John Mingus. 
Stepbanus Crist. 
Jacob Bush. 
Benjamin Haines. 
John McNeill, Sr. 
Matthew Rhea. 
William Crawford. 
Robert Hunter. 
James Monell. 
George Monell. 
John Monelb 
William Monell. 
Thomas Neils. 
Robert Neils. 
John Neils. 
Matthew Neils. 
Nathaniel Colter. 
John Neily, Jr. 
Joseph Biittletown. 
Thomas Coleman. 
Joseph Shaw. 
Patrick Broderick. 
William Soutter. 
John Butterfield. 
John McVey. 



John Jones. 

Joseph Knapp. 

Isaiah Gale. 

Caleb Knapp. 

Robert McCord. 

William Faulkner. 

Isiael Rodgei-s. 

Jeremiah Rodgers. 

James Rodgers. 

James White. 

John Manley. 

Francis Falls. 

Cronamus Felter. 

Richard Gatehouse. 

John Boyle. 

Richard Boyle. 

Robert Hughey. 

Robert Buchanan. 

James Eager. 

Tbos. McCoUum. 

Sojornaro Her. 

John Haven. 

McKim Clineman. 

Jury Burger. 

Hugh Flanigan. 

Benj. Bennet. 

Patrick McPeck. 

John Eldoris. 

Patrick Gillespie. 

John Lowry. 

Samuel Smith. 

Joseph Tbeal. 

James Crawford. 

Joseph Sutter. 

David Craig. 

Edward Andrews. 

Samuel Crawford. 

Andrew McDowell. 

Philip Millspaugh. 

Crunanias Mingus. 

Stuffel Mould. 

Johannes Crane. 

John Young. 

Hendrick Newkirk. 

Frederick Sinsabaugh. 

CorneliuB Wallace. 

Hendrick Crist. 

Tunas Crist. 

Lawrence Crist. 

Mathias Millspaugh and his 

BOD. 

John Jamison. 
John McDonald. 
James Davis. 

Total, 114." 



From the original county of Orange the following 
return appears : 

** A LM »/ the Officers and Sotdiers belonging to the Hegiment of Fool Mi' 
lUia in the County of Oravgej in the Province of New York, coisisting of 
eight Companies of Foot, whereof Vincent Mathews is Coll. 

Vincent Mathews, col. Michael Jackson, adjt. 

Solomon Carpenter, lieut.-col. James Tliompson, q.m. 

George Remsen, maj. 



First Company. 



Ram. Remsen, capt. 
Corns. Smith, lieut. 
Ebenezer Smith, ensign. 
Three sergeants. 



Three corporals. 
One drummer. 
Sixty-three private men. 
In all, 73. 



Second Company. 



Saml. Odell, capt. 
Henry Cuyper, lieut. 
Benj. Allison, ensign. 
Three sergeants. 



Three corporals. 
One dnimmer. 
Fifty-eight private men. 
In all, 68. 



Thibd Company. 
John Holly, capt. One drummer. 

Michael Dunning, lieut. One hundred and eleven pri- 

Sol. Carpenter, Jr., ensign. vate men. 

Three sergeants. In all, 121. 

Three corporals. 

Fot'RTH Company. 

Jacobus Swartwout, capt. Three coi-porals. 

Johannes Westbrook, lieut. One drummer. 

Johannes Westbrook, Jr., en- Fifty-five private men, 

sign. In all, G5. 
Three sergeants. 

Fifth Company. 

Nathaniel Du Bois, capt. Three corporals. 

David Southerland, lieut. One drummer. 

Isaac Hennion, ensign. Sixty-three private men. 

Three sergeants. lu all, 73. 

Sixth Company. 
Abm. Haring, Jr., capt. Three corporals. 

Garret Beauvelt, lieut. One drummer, 

John Haring, ensign. Sixty-two private men. 

Three sergeants. In all, 72. 

SEVENTH Company. 

Jacob Vanderhilt, capt. Three corporals. 

Andrew Onderdouk, lieut. One drummer. 

Aaron Smith, ensign. Fifty private men. 

Three sergeants. In all, 60. 

Troop of Horse. 

Henry Youngs, capt. Two corporals. 

W"illian) Mapes, lieut. One trumpeter. 

Michael Jackson, cornet. Fifty-two private men. 

Two sergeants. In all, 60. 

" The total, 595 ofBcers and soldiers. Sub-officers, 56 foot. 
"June 20,1738." 

The Ulster regiment was divided, in 1756, into twp 
regiments, the first (or northern) embracing Kings- 
ton, etc., and the second (or southern) embracing the 
precincts of Highlands, Wallkill, and Shawangunk, 
and in this form took part in the French and Indian 
war of 1656. In September, 1773, the southern regi- 
ment was under the following officers, viz, : Thomas 
Ellison, colonel; Charles Clinton, lieutenant-colonel; 
Ciidwallader Golden, Jr., major ; and Johannes Jan- 
sen, adjutant. The first company in the regiment 
was located in Newburgh, and was composed as fol- 
lows, viz, : Jonathan Hasbrouck, captain ; Samuel 
Sands, first lieutenant ; Wolvert Acker, second lieu- 
tenant; Cornelius Hasbrouck, ensign; four sergeants, 
four corporals, one drummer, and one hundred and 
forty-one privates."^ 

What changes, if any, occurred in the Orange 
County regiment cannot be stated, except inferen- 
tially. It appears to have been divided, the com- 
panies of which Abraham Haring and Jacob Vander- 
hilt were captains forming the nucleus of a regiment 
in the Orangetown district (now Rockland). 

On the 22d of August, 1775, the Provincial Con- 
gress of New York passed a law under which the 
militia of the Revolution was organized. This law 
provided that counties, cities, and precincts should be 
divided by their respective local committees, so that 
in each district a company should be formed " ordi- 

* The names of non-commissioned officers and privates are not em- 
braced in the report. 



48 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



narily to consist of about eighty-three able-bodied 
and effective men, officers included, between sixteen 
and fifty years of age ;" the officers to consist of one 
captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four sergeants, 
four corporals, one clerk, one drummer, and one fifer. 
The several companies so formed were directed to be 
"joined into regiments, each regiment to consist of 
not less than five nor more than ten companies," 
which should be commanded by " one colonel, one 
lieutenant-colonel, two majors, an adjutant, and a 
quartermaster." The regiments were to be classed in 
six brigades, under " a brigadier-general and a major 
of brigade," and the entire force was to be under the 
command of one major-general.* 

When the organization was perfected, the counties 
of Ulster and Orange formed the fourth brigade, un- 
der Brig.-Gen. George Clinton.f This brigade was 
composed of five regiments in Orange County, com- 
manded respectively by William Allison, of Goshen, 
Jesse Woodhull, of Cornwall, .John Hathorn, of War- 
wick, A. Hawkes Hay, of Orangetown, and Abm. 
Lent, of Haverstraw ; and of four regiments in Ulster 
County, commanded respectively by Johannes Har- 
denbergh, of Kingston, James Clinton, of New Wind- 
sor, Levi Pauling, of Marbletown, and Jonathan 
Hasbrouck, of Newburgh. Territorially, our inquiry 
is confined to Col. Allison's, Col. Hathorn's, and Col. 
WoodhuU's regiments in Orange, and Col. Has- 
brouck's and Col. Clinton's regiments in Ulster, al- 
though it will be understood that Col. Hay's and Col. 
Lent's regiments wore in what was then Orange County. 
The territory in Col. Allison's regimental district in- 
eluded Goshen and the western part of the county ; 
Col. Hathorn's embraced Warwick and the southern 
settlements; Col. WoodhuU's embraced Cornwall 
(then including Monroe and part of Blooming-Grove) ; 
Col. Hasbrouck's embraced Newburgh, Marlborough, 
and Shawangunk ; and Col. Clinton's embraced New 
Windsor, Montgomery, Crawford, and Wallkill. The 
rosters and muster-rolls of the regiment cannot be 
obtained, and all information in reference to them is 
fragmentary. 

COL. ALLISON'S GOSHEN REGIMENT, 1T7C. 

■William Allison, colonel. 

Benjamin Tusten, lieutenant-colonel. 

Goshen Co.— 1770— George Thompson, captain ; Joseph Wood and Coe 
Gale, lieutenants; Daniel Everett, Jr., ensign. 1770— William 
Thompson, second lieutenant, and Phineas Case, ensign, fice Coe 
Gale and Daniel Everett, Jr., transferred to Minute Company under 
Capt. Moses Hatfield. 

Wawayanda Co. — 1775 — William Blair, captain ; Thomas Wisner and 
Thomas Sayne, Jr., lieutenants; Richard Johnson, ensign. 

Draimed Ltmds Co. — 1775— Samuel Jones, Jr., captain; Peter Gale and 
Jacob Dunning, lieutenants; Samuel Webb, ensign. 



* Proc. Prov. Gout., 104, 114, etc. 

f This brigade should not be confused with the special brigade which 
was organized under Gen. Clinton in August, 177G, which was composed 
of "all levies raised and to be raised in the counties of Westchester, 
Duchess, (.'range, and Ulster" (Proc. Prov. Conv.,5G3l, nor with the com- 
mission issued to him by the ContioeDtal Congress in March, 1777. 



Chenter Co. — 1775 — John Jaclison, captain; John Wood and James 

Miller, lieutenants ; James I'arehal, ensign. 
Pochttck Co. — 1775— Ebeuezer Owen, captain; Increase Holly and John 

Bronson, lieutenants ; David Rogers, ensign. 1776— Increase Holly, 

captain; David Rogers and James Wright, lieutenants; Charles 

Knapp, ensign. 
West Side, IV'a;K-iH Co.— 1775— Gilbert Bradner, captain; Joshua Davis 

and James Dolsen, lieutenants; Daniel Finch, ensign. 
Miuiunh Co.— 1775— Moses Kortright, captain; John Van Tile and 

Johannes Decker, lieutenants; Ephraim Medaugh, ensign. 1777 — 

Mertinus Decker, second lieutenant, vire Johannes Decker. 

COL. HATHORN'S FLORIDA REGIMENT. 

John Hathorn, colonel. 

^yarmck Co.— 1775— Charles Beardsley, captain ; Richard Welling and 
Samuel Lobdell, lieutenants; John Price, ensign. 1776 — John Min- 
thorn, captain, vice Beardsley, deceased ; Nathl. Ketcham and George 
Vance, lieutenants; John Benedict, ensign. 

Pond Co.— 1775— Henry Wisner, Jr., captain ; Abm. Dolson, Jr., and 
Peter Bartholf, lieutenants; Matthew Dolson, ensign. 1776— Abm. 
Dolson, Jr., captain ; Peter Baitholf and John Hopper, lieutenants; 
Mathias Dolson, ensign. 1777— Peter Bartholf, captain ; John De 
Bow and Anthony Finn, lieutenants; Joseph Jewell, ensign. 

Sterliuij Co. — 1776 — John Norman, captain ; Solomon Finch and William 
Fitzgerald, lieutenants; Elisha Bennett, ensign. 1777— Henry 
Townsend, captain ; William Fitzgerald and Elisha Bennett, lieu- 
tenants; Joseph Conkling, ensign. 

Florida Co. — 1775 — Nathaniel Elmer, captain; John Popino, Jr., and 
John Sayre, lieutenants; Richard Bailey, ensign. 1776 — John Ken- 
nedy, lieutenant, roe Popino. 1777— John Sayre, captain ; John 
Kennedy and Richard Bailey, lieutenants; John Wood, ensign. 

Wautagi; Co. — 1775 — Daniel Rosekrans, captain ; James Clark and Jacob 
Gale, lieutenants ; Samuel Cole, ensign. J 



i 



COL. WOODHLTLL'S CORNWALL REGIMENT. 



» 



Jesse Woodbull, colonel. 

Elihu Marvin, lieutenaiit-rolonol. 

Natliaoiel Strong, Zachariah Du Bois, majors. 

William Moffat, adjutant. 

Nathaniel Satterly, quartermaster. 

Oxford Co. — 1775 — Archibald Little, captain ; Birdseye Youngs, first 
lieutenant; Thomas Ilorton, second lieutenant; Nathan MaiTin, 
ensign. Formerly commanded by Capt. Elihu Marvin, promoted 
lieutenant-colonel. 1777— Thomas Horton, captain ; Josiali Seeley, 
first lieutenant; Nathan Marvin, second lieutenant; Barnabas Hor- 
ton, Jr., ensign. 

Clove Co. — 1775— Jonathan Tutbill, captain; John Brewster, Jr., first 
lieutenant; Samuel Strong, second lieutenant; Francis Brewster, 
ensign. Formerly commanded by Capt. Jesse Woodbull. 

Bethlehem Go. — 1775 — Cbrisloplier Van Buzer, captain; William Roe, fii*st 
lieutenant; Obadiah Smith, second lieutenant; Isaac Tobias, ensign* 
1776 — Gilbert Weeks, oneign. 

Upper Clore Co.— 1775 — Garret Miller, captain ; Asa Buck, first lieuten- 
ant; William Horton, second lieutenant; Aaron Miller, euslgu. 
A new company, being part of the company formerly commanded 
by Capt. Austin Smith. 

Woodbury Clove Co. — 1775 — Francis Snaith, captain ; Thomas Smith, first 
lieutenant; Alexander Galloway, second lieutenant; John Mc- 
Manus, ensign. 1776 — John McManus, second lieutenant; Thos. 
Lammoreux, ensign. 

Smdhiresl Co. — 1775 — Stephen Slote, captain; George Galloway, firet 
lieutenant; John Brown, second lieutenant ; David Rogers, ensign. 
A new company. 

Blooming- Grace Co. — 1775 — Silas Pierson, captain; Joshua Brown, first 
lieutenant; David Reeve, second lieutenant; Phineaa Heard, ensign. 
Formerly commanded by Capt. Phineas Rumsey.J 

Liijht-HoTse Co. — 1776 — Ebenezer Woodhull, captain ; James Sayre, lieu- 
tenant ; William Heard, cornet ; Azariah Martin, second master 



■J 



I At the meeting to reorganize the company there were two tickets,— 
the one given above and one on which Phineas Runisey was named for 
captain, John Vail for first lieutenant, and John W. Tutbill for sec- 
ond lieutenant. It was claimed that the latter received the most 
votes. — Amei-ifun Arvhices, vol. iii.G27. 



MILITAKY HISTORY. 



49 



COL. HASBKOUCK'S NEWBURGH RKGIMENT* 

Jonntliaii Hrtsbrouck, colonel. 

Johannes HarJenlmrgh, Jr.. lieutenant-colonel. 

Johannes Jansen, Jr., Lewis Du Bois, majors. 

Atiraham Schoonniaker, adjutant. 

Isaac Belknap, iiuartemiaster. 



Ciipl. Sfimuel Cliirk''s company^ 
Samuel Clark, captain. 
Janies iJenton, first lieutenant. 
3Iartin Wygant, second lieu- 
tenant. 
5Iunson Ward, ensign. 
■\Villiani Albertson, sergeant. 
Isaac Brown, sergeant. 
Ebenezer Giflney, sergear>t, 
Ho|ie Mills, sergeant. 
Hngli Stevenson, corporal. 
Isaac Deniott, corporal, 
John Simson, corporal. 
William I'almer, corporal. 
Joseph Brown, fifer. 
Sol. Buckingham, drummer. 
John Stilhvell. 
Elijah TowDseud. 
Stephen Albertson. 
Daniel Gillis. 
Daniel Holley. 
James Demott. 
Nathaniel Denton. 
John Beckett. 
Silas Leonard. 
Henry Smith. 
Benjamin Smith. 
Benjamin Birdsall. 
Harmanus Rikeman. 

Solomon 



Nenhimjh,Jtui>i 8,1778. 

Tliuiuas Pattei-son. 

Richard Ward. 

William Fei"guson. 

William Carskaden. 

Isaac llasbrouck. 

James Harris. 

William Bloomer. 

John Schutield. 

Benjamin Kanip. 

Hugh Ferguson. 

M'illiam Lewis. 

Richaid Albertson. 

William Foster. 

Jeremiah Ward. 

George Jackson. 

Joseph Gidney, Jr. 

Jolin Wiggins. 

George Lane. 

Samuel Fowler. 

Daniel Gidney. 

Joseph Coleman. 

Gilbert Edwards. 

Samuel Gardner. 

Jacob Wiggins. 

Richard Drake. 

Jesse Smith. 

Albertson Smith. 

John Becket. 
Lane. 



list of the Exempts of Capt. Samuel 
17' 
Jonathan Hasbronck, colonel. 
Moses Higby, doctor. 
Samuel Fowl«r. 
John Staples. 
William Lupton. 
Nehcniiah Denton. 
Thomas Ireland. 
Samuel Denton. 
James Harris. 
Williiini Bowdish. 
Isaac Brown, doctor. 
Thomas Palmer. 
Benjamin Coffin. 
William Collard. 
Joseph Gedney. 
Nathaniel Coleman. 
Burger Wigant. 
Samuel Bond. 
Thomas Denton, captain. 
Robert Carscadden. 
Simon Crozier. 
Joseph Gidney. 
Hugh MacLean. 
Jeremiah Howell. 
Samuel Chirk. 
Abel Belknap. 
Cornelius Wood. 
Jacob hilars. 



Clark^a compmiij, April .30, 1778, and 

ro. 

Peter Donley. 

Daniel Aldredge. 

Samuel Sands. 

Thomas Rhodes. 

Leonard Smith. 

Mr. Trumpoor. 

William Lawrence. 

Thomas Brinkley. 

John T. Staples. 

John Stilwilliam. 

Eli as Burger. 

William Ward. 

Duncan Duffle. 

Daniel Denton. 

James Denton, lieutenant. 

Martin Wygant. 

Motison Ward, ensign. 

Samuel Weed. 

Adolph DeGrove. 

Aaron Linn. 

John Nathan Hutchins. 

Isaac Belknap, Jr. 

James Burns. 

David Cutch. 

William Sobe. 

John Holdrum. 

James McMasters. 

Jacob Reeder. 



* "Newburoh, March 20, 1776.— A true Btate of the regiment of mi- 
litia in the county of Ulster, whereof Jonathan Hasbronck is colonel, 
' unsisting of eleven companies. My whole regiment consists of six 
hundred and eight men, officers included; likewise four hundred and 
fifty firelocks, two hundred and ninety-three sword.s, one hundred and 
eighty-eight cartridge-boxes, thirty-two pounds of powder, one hundred 
and twenty pounds of lead.— A true state of my regiment after every 
fourth man was selected as a minute man." 



Thomas Smith. 
Cornelius Hatibrouck. 
Isaac Belknap. 
Thaddeus Smith. 
William Wilson. 
Joseph Albertson. 



William Thurston. 
Thomas Ireland, Jr. 
Jeremiah Wool. 
Thomas Harris. 
Robert Morrison, doctor. 
Benjamin Harris. 



C'tpt. Jacob C'onkliii^B company, 

Jacob Conklin, captain. 

Jacob Lawrence, first lieuten- 
ant. 

David Guion, second lieuten- 
ant. 

John Crowell, ensign. 

Robt. Erwin, sergeant. 

Robt. Ross, sergeant. 

John Lawrence, sergeant. 

Abm. Strickland, sergeant. 

Abm. Smith, drummer. 

Jacob Strickland, corporal, 

Ebenezer Strickland. 

Jonathan Brundige. 

John Killpatrick. 

Peter Aldrich. 

Sanuiel Tarepening. 

Cornelius Terwilliger. 

Hazael Smith. 

Daniel Burnells. 

Barent Cole. 

Joshua Camwell. 

Jonas Totten, corporal. 



Neiihur<jh, May 4, 1778, 
James Totten. 
James Mills. 
William Erwin, Jr., 
William Cope, Jr. 
Stephen Jones. 
Isaac Barton, Jr. 
Nathaniel Guion, corporal. 
Robert Aldrich. 
James Penny. 
W'illiam Penny. 
John Dolson. 
Joseph Simm&ns. 
Tunis Kiesler. 
Jacob Tremper. 
John Tremper. 
John Thomas. 
Johannes Snyder. 
Stephen Stevens, corporal. 
William McBride. 
Gerrit Van Benschoten. 
Peter Tarepening. 
Hermanus Terwilliger. 
Abm. Cole, Jr. 



A list of Exempts of Capt. Jucoh 

Jacob Conklin, captain. 

Jacob Lawrence, lieutenant. 

David Guion, lieutenant. 

John Crowell, ensign. 

Cornelius Polhamus. 

David Horton. 

Isaac Barton, Sr. 

Peter Aldredge. 

Henry W. Kipp. 

James Denton. 

Ebenezer Raimond. 

Michael Redmon. 

Joshua Bftish. 

Caleb Lockwood. 



CoukUn''a company^ April '23, 1779. 
William Erwin. 
James Quigley. 
Isaac Benscouten. 
Ebenezer Strickland. 
Joel Campbell. 
Lewis Slut. 
Johannes Snyder. 
William Wear. 
Jacob Halstead. 
Tunis Keysler. 

Brush. 

Israel Brush. 
Nicholas Stephens. 
William Roach. 



Capt. Arthur Smithes company, 
Arthur Smith, captain. 
Isaac Fowler, first lieutenant. 
John Foster, second lieutenant. 
William Conklin, 
John Kniltin, 
James Clark, 

Reuben Holmes, sergeants. 
William Smith, 
William Michael, 
Suniuel Griggs, corporals. 
Jonatlian Cosniau. 
Josepli Hallett. 
William Place. 
Daniel Fowler. 
Charles Kniffen. 
Tunis Dalson. 
George Merritt. 
Dunkin Campbell. 
John Owen. 
Thomas Campbell. 



Nt'irbimjh, Ajnil 24, 1779. 
Burroughs Holms. 
Solomon Comes. 
James Warring. 
William Ward. 
John Fowler. 
Jonas Southerd. 
John Allen. 
Jacob Wiggins. 
Stephen Ireland. 
Gilbert Aldridge. 
Francis Smith. 
Henry Cropsey. 
John Kniffen. 
Jacob Gillis. 
Samuel Fowler. 
John Davis. 
Reuben Tooker. 
John Handle. 
Nicholas Watts. 
James Clark. 



A lint of the Exempts of Capt. ArUtiir Smith's company, April 23, 1779. 
Arthur Smith, captain. Joseph Calfi'enter. 

Henry Cropsey. 



Isaac Fowler, lieutenant. 
John Foster, lieutenant. 
Wolvcrt Acker, ensign. 
Nehemiah Fowler. 
Charles Tooker. 



Thomas Orr. 
Hans Cosman, 
John Strattou. 
John Griggs. 



50 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jonathan Owens. 
Ricbard Oslmin. 
Daniel KniffeD. 
Daniel Purdy. 
Daniel Riigards. 
Daniel Thurston. 
Jehiel Clark. 
'William Michael. 
Thomas Boeworth. 



Thomas Ward. 
Elijah Wiird. 
Samuel Stratton. 
George Merritt. 
Jeremiah Howell. 
John Fowler. 
David Smith. 
Gilbert Barton. 
Thomas Burling. 



Isaac Fowler, Sr.' 



COL. CLINTON'S NEW ^VINDSOR REGIMENT. 

James Clinton, colonel. 

James McClaughry. lieutenant-colonel. 

Jacob Newkirk, Moses Phillips, majors. 

George Denniston, adjutant. 

Alexander Trimble, quartermaster. 

New Windsor— Eiutern t'o.— 1775— John Belknap, captain ; Silas Wood, 
first lieutenant ; Edward Falls, second lieutenant ; James Stickuey, 
Ensign. 

Neiv M'indsor— Western Co.— 177G— James Humphrey, captain; James 
Kernaghau, second lieutenant; Richard Wood, ensign.f 

Neic Wimhor— Village Co.— 1775 — John Nicoll, captain ; Francis Mande- 
vile, first lieutenant; Ilezekiah WTiite, second lieutenant; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, ensign. 

B<iiiover—Fir»t C«.— 1775— Matthew Felter, captain; Henry Smith, first 
lieutenant; Jubannes Newkirk, Jr., second lieutenant; William 
Crist, ensign. Formerly known as Capt. Newkirk 's company. 

JJanoi-er— Second Co.— 1116 — William Jackson, captain ; Arthur Parks, 
first lieutenant; James McEride, second lieutenant; Andrew Neely, 
ensign. Formerly Capt. Goldsmith's company. 

Banover—Third Co.— 1775— Cadwallader C. Colden, captain ; James Mil- I 
ligan, first lieutenant; John Hunter, second lieutenant; Matthew i 
Hunter, Ensign. Formerly known as Capt. Colden's company. Mil- , 
ligan subsequently captain. I 

Hanarer— Fourth Co. — 1775— John J. Graham, captain; Samuel Barkley, I 
first lieutenant; Joseph Crawford, second lieutenant; James Mc- 
Curdy, ensign. Formerly Capt. Crage's company. 

Hanover— Fifth Co.— 1775— John Gillespie, captain; Jason Wilkins, first 
lieutenant ; Robei-t Hunter, Jr., second lieutenant ; Samuel Gillespie, 
ensign. Formerly Capt. Galatian's company. 
WalUc'dl— First Co.— 1775— Samuel Watkins, captain; David Crawford, 
first lieutenant; Stephen Harlow, second lieutenant ; Henry Smith, 
ensign. Company located on the east side of the Wallkill. 
WaUhiU— Second Co.— 1775— William Faulkner, Jr., captain; Edward 
McNeal, fii-st lieutenant; John Wilkins, second lieutenant; John 
Faulkner, ensign. Company located on west side uf Wallkill, " be- 
tween the said Wallkill and the Little Shawangunk Kill." 
Wallkill— Third Co.— 1775—Isaiab Velie, captain ; Israel Wickham, first 
lieutenant; John Diinning, second lieutenant; Jonathan Owen, en- 
sign. Company located between the Wallkill and the Little Shawan- 
gunk, to the southward of Capt. Faulkner's company district. 
Wall kiU— Fourth Co.— 1775— William Denniston, captain ; Benjamin 
Velie, first lieutenant; Joseph Gillet, second lieutenant; David Coi-- 
win, Jr., ensign. Company located to the northwest of Little Shawan- 
gunk Kill. 

There Avere, of course, many changes in these com- 
mandK during the Revolution, but of which we have 
found no record. The duties specially assigned to 
the active members of the militia were, "in case of 
any alarm, invasion, or insurrection,-" to immediately 

* These returns are not of official record. The original rolls from 
which they are taken were accidentally discovered in a quantity of 
old paper sent to market in 1864. Of their genuineness there is not the 
slightest doubt. 

t Prior to the organization of this company two companies had ex- 
isted in New Windsor, attached to Col. Ellison's regiment, one in New 
Windsor Village and one in Little Britain, — tlie former commanded by 
Capt. Wilham Ellison, who was superseded by Nicoll. Of the old Little 
Britain company, James McClaughry was captain, George Denniston, 
lieutenant, and John Burnet, James Humphrey, James Faulkner, Jacob 
Newkirk, Richard Wood, William Telford, Samuel Logan, James Ker- 
naghan, and Alexander Beatty among its members. 



repair, "properly armed and accoutred,'* to the habi- 
tations of the captains of the companies to which they 
belonged, or to a duly appointed rendezvous. Cap- 
tains were required to march their companies, when 
thus assembled, " to oppose the enemy, and at the 
same time send off an express to the commanding 
officer of the regiment or brigade," who was in turn 
required " to march with the whole or part of his 
command," as he should judge necessary. By the 
law of 1778, those " who, in ordinary circumstances 
would be exempt," were organized in companies to 
repel invasions and suppress insurrections. 

During the early years of the war of the Revolu- 
tion the militia was kept in a state of demoralization 
by the formation of 

SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CONTINENTAL 
REGIMENTS. 

The first of the special militia organizations was 
that known as Minute Men, which was formally rec- 
ommended by the Continental Congress to the sev- 
eral provinces for adoption in May, 1775. Under the 
militia bill of August 2'2d, the Provincial Convention 
of New York accepted the plan, and provided " that 
after the whole militia" was formed, iu the manner 
already detailed, '' every fourth man of each com- 
pany" should be "selected for minute men" of such 
persons as were wuUing to enter into that "necessary 
service." The persons thus selected were to be or- 
ganized iu companies and elect officers, except iu 
cases where an entire company of any regiment 
should otier its services, when it was to be commanded 
by the officers already chosen. The companies were 
to be organized in regiments under officers corre- 
sponding with those of the regular militia, and the 
manner in which they were called out was similar ; 
but they were required to meet in subdivisions for 
military drill at least four hours in each week, and iu 
companies for the same purpose at least four hours 
every fortnight, and when in service were subject to 
the orders of officers of the Continental army, and 
entitled to the "same allowance, as to pay and pro- 
visions, with the Continental forces." The plan, how- 
ever, was not satisfactory in its operation, and it was 
abolished iu Juue, 1776. In the mean time the pro- 
visions of the law were generally complied with. In 
the southern district of Ulster three companies were 
raised, viz. : 

Neichtirgh Miuute Co. — Uriah Drake, captain ; Jacob Lawrence, first lieu- 
tenant ; William Ervin, second lieutenant; Thomas Dunn, ensign. 

New Windsor Minute Co. — Samuel Logan, captain ; John Robinson, en- 
sign; David Mandeville and John Scofiehl, sergeants. 

Hanouer Minute Co. — Peter Hill, captain ; James Latta, first lieutenant ; 
Nathaniel Hill, second lieutenant; William Goodyier, ensign. 

With a company organized in Marlborough a regi- 
mental organization was effected, of which Thomas 
Palmer was colonel; Thos. Johnston, Jr., lieutenant- 
colonel ; Arthur Parks, first major; Samuel Logan, 
second major; Isaac Belknap, quartermaster. Com- 
panies were also organized in Goshen, Cornwall, etc., 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



51 



and a regiment formed, of which Isaac Nicoll was 
colonel ; Gilbert Cooper, lieutenant-colonel ; Henry 
V. Verbeyck, first major; Hezekiah Howell, Jr., 
second major; Ebenezer WoodhuU, adjutant; Ne- 
hemiah Carpenter, quartermaster.* The companies 
organized for this regiment were : 

Comimtll Minnie Co. — ThoDi.as Moffat, captain ; Setli Marvin, first lieu- 
tenant; James Little, second lieutenant; Nathan Strong, ensign, 
succeeded by Williitni Bradley. 

Goshat Mimile Co. — Moses Hetfield, captain ; Cole Gale, and Daniel Ev. 
erett, lieutenants. At another date, James Butler and William Bar. 
ker named as lieutenants, and William Carpenter, ensign. 

The second special organization of the militia in- 
cluded the several drafts made to reinforce the army 
at different times. The first draft occurred in June, 
1776, when four battalions were organized for service 
in the vicinity of New York City, to which Orange 
County sent three companies and Ulster four, as part 
of Gen. John Morin Scott's brigade. The second 
draft was made in July, 177G, and embraced one- 
fourth of the militia under command of Cols. Isaac 
Nicoll and Levi Pauling, the whole constituting a 
brigade under Gen. George Clinton. The third draft 
was in September, 1776, for sis hundred men to rein- 
force the garrison at Forts Clinton and Montgomery, 
of which number sixty-two were drawn from Col. 
Hasbrouck's regiment, and the whole placed under 
command of Johannes Snyder. Details in regard to 
the officers and privates in these and subsequent drafts 
are not of record, but it is known that under them the 
militia were in varying numbers almost constantly 
employed. 

On the 2.3d of July, 1776, companies of Rangers 
were authorized for the protection of the inhabitants 
of the northern and western frontiers of the province. 
These companies were to hold themselves in constant 
readiness for service, with a view especially to pre- 
vent the incursions of Indians and Tories, but were 
to be confined entirely to the counties in which they 
were raised, unless by mutual consent of the commit- 
tees of adjoining counties, or unless otherwise directed 
by the convention. Three companies were organized 
in Ulster County, under Capts. Isaac Belknap, of 
Newburgh, Jacob R. DeWitt, of Deerpark, and Elias 
Hasbrouck, of Kingston. Capt. Belknap's company 
was composed (Oct. 7, 1776) as follows: 



Isaac Belknap, captaiu. 

Henry Schooumaker, firet lieu- 
tenant. 

Petrns Koosa, second lieuten- 
ant. 

David Clark, corporal. 

Samuel Falls. 

Thomas Jackson. 

Corns. Vanderburgh. 

Marcus Wackman. 

Christian Dupont. 

Isaac Utter. 

Aaron Roosa. 

John Hisson. 



John McNeal. 
Abraham Garrison. 
Robert Harris. 
John Caverly. 
Jonathan Cliatfield. 
Stepbanus Ecker. 
Matthew Robinson. 
Jas. Dailey. 
Wilhemus Roosa. 
George Hack. 
Darius Worden. 
Saml. Chard. 
James Humphrey. 
James Carscaden. 



Philip Aing. 
Petrus Roosa. 
Ed. McClannon. 
Elisha Willard. 
Robert Gillespy. 



John Mallot. 
Thomas Pattereon. 
John Willard. 
John Christie. 
Joshua Griffen. 



* Both regiments were on duty in the Highlands in 1775-76. — Proc. 
Proi: Omv., 381. 



The first active service of the company was under 
the direction of the Committee of Safety at Fishkill. 
In February, 1777, it was attached to Governor Clin- 
ton's brigade, and was thereafter kept busy in the 
Highlands.! The organization was abandoned, 
March, 1777. 

The first New York, or " Continental" regiments as 
they were called, were constituted in 1775 for the 
term of six months. These regiments were four in 
number, and were commanded respectively by Alex. 
McDougall, Goose Van Schaick, Jairfes Clinton, and 
James Holmes. Col. Clinton's regiment (the third) 
was largely composed of Orange and Ulster County 
men, the district embraced in the present county of 
Orange furnishing two companies, viz.: Capt. Daniel 
Denton's, of Goshen, and Capt. John Nicholson's, of 
New Windsor. The regiments were in the expedi- 
tion against Canada in the fall and winter of 1775. 
On the 8th of January, 1776, the Continental Con- 
gress issued its first formal call for troops for the pur- 
pose of reinforcing the army in Canada. Under this 
call New York furnished one battalion, of which Col. 
Van Schaick was continued in command. (_)n the 
19th of January of the same year the second call was 
issued, under which New York was required to fur- 
nish four battalions " to garrison the several forts of 
the colony from Crown Point to the southward, and 
to prevent depredations upon Long Island, and pro- 
mote the safety of the whole." These battalions 
were assigned to the command of Alex. McDougall, 
James Clinton, Rudolphus Ritzema, and Philip Van 
Cortlandt. The quota of Orange County was two 
companies, and that of Ulster three companies, 
which were filled in April following, the companies 
being Capt. Daniel Denton's, of Goshen, Capt. Amos 
Hutchins', of Orangetown, and Capt. AVilliam Roe's, 
of Cornwall, from Orange County, and Capt. John 
Belknap's, of New Windsor, Capt. William Jackson's, 
of Montgomery, and Capt. Cornelius Hardenburgh's, 
of Hurley, from Ulster County. Capt. Roe's com- 
pany was in excess of the quota. Denton's and 
Hutchins' companies were in Ritzema's regiment, 
and the other companies in Clinton's regiment. On 
the 16th of September the Continental Congress 



f Jour. Prov. Conv., .^36, ^IS, etc. The names of the members of Capt. 
Belknap^s company are from a memorandum-book found among his 
papers, and are no doubt correct. The same book contains a diary of 
the services of the company during the month of October, 1776, from 
which it appears that its first muster for duty was at the house of Mrs. 
Ann DuBois, in Marllwrough, on the 7th of that month. It marched from 
thence to Fishkill, and reported to the Convention on the 17th, when it 
was placed " under the direction of the committee for trying tories." It 
was still at Fishkill in January, 1777. There is little room for doubt- 
ilig that Capt. Belknap was the original of Cooper's Capt. Towusend in 
" The Spy." There was certainly no other company of rangers at Fish- 
kill. 



52 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



issued its third call for troops, under which New 
York was required to ftirnish four battalions "to 
serve during the war." These battalions were the 
first of their class, and were placed under the com- 
mand of Cols. Goose Van Schaick, Philip Van Cort- 
landt, Peter Gansevort, and Henry B. Livingston. 
Ulster furnished three companies to Col. James 
Gansevort's regiment, of which Capt. James Greggs', 
of New Windsor, was one, and one compan}' — Capt. 
William Jackson's, of Montgomery — to Col. Living- 
ston's regiment. In July previous, the Continental 
Congress authorized a commission to Maj. Lewis Du- 
Bois, of Col. Hasbrouck's regiment of militia, to raise 
a battalion "for three years or the war,"' but the Con- 
vention of New York objected, and the matter was 
held in abeyance. Now, however, the Convention 
asked authority to recruit a fifth battalion, of which 
Maj. DuBois should have the command, and, the re- 
quest being granted, the battalion was commissioned. 
While more or less mixed by general recruiting, this 
battalion was regarded as tlie battalion of the district 
the history of which we are considering. It was 
ordered to garrison Fort Montgomery in March, and 
was on duty there in the action of October, 1777, 
when it su.stained a heavy loss in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners. Ite field-officers were: 

Lewis DuBois, coloiiol; commissioned June 25, 1776 ; resigned Dec. 29, 

1779. 
Jacobus Bruyn, lieutenant-colonel ; commissioned June 25, 1776; taken 

prisoner at Fort Montgomerj', Oct. 6, 1777. 
Marinus Willett, lieutenant-colonel ; commissioned Jnly 1, 1780. 
Samuel Li'gau, major ; commissioned June 20,1776; takeu prisoner at 

Fort Montgomery; exchanged Dec. 21,1780; served to the end of 

the war. 
Henry DuBois, adjutant ; commissioned Nov. 21, 1776; promoted captain 

July 1, 1780. 
Nehemiah Carpenter, quartermaster; commissioned Nov. 21, 177G; taken 

prisoner at Fort Montgomery ; excliange<l and promoted lieutenant. 
Samuel Townsend, paymaster; commissioned Nov. 21, 1776. 
John Gano, chaplain; commissioned Nov. 21, 1776; promoted brigade 

cliaplaiu; served to tiie end of tlie war. 
Samuel Cook, surgeon ; commissioned Nov. 21,1776; served to the end 

of the war. 
Ebenezer Hutcliinson, surgeon's mate; commissioned June 12, 1778. 

The battalions authorized under this call, and Col. 
Lamb's artillery, — which drew many officers and pri- 
vates from Orange and Ulster, — were the only three 
years' regiments raised in the State during the Revo- 
lution, and were kept in the field by levies and by 
recruiting for shorter periods to supply vacancies in 
their ranks. 

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPAGE. 

The uniform which was worn by the Continental 
regiments varied with the ability of the authorities to 
purchase the materials. The regiments raised in 
1775 were clothed in the same general style but in 
difterent colors. The first had blue broadcloth dress 
coats with crimson cuffs and facings ; the second had 
light broivn coats with blue cuffs and facings ; the third 
had gray coats with green cuffs and facings ; the 
fourth had dark brown coats with scarlet cuffs and 
facings. Their breeches (as they were called) and 



waistcoats were of Russia drilling ; the former were 
short (to the knee) and the latter long (to the hips). 
Their stockings were long ( from the knee), of " coarse 
woolen homespun ;" low shoes, linen cravats, and 
round low-crowned broad-brimmed felt hats. The 
regiments raised in January, 1776, were supplied with 
hunting-frocks in lieu of coats, and in June the Rus- 
sia drillings gave place to " brain-dressed deer's 
leather sufficient to make each soldier one waistcoat 
and one pair of breeches." The established uniform 
of the troops, however, so far as there was one, was 
the hunting-frock, which came in under the order of 
the Continental Congress in 1776. These frocks have 
the same description wherever sjwken of. " The uni- 
form of the South Carolina rebels," says an English 
writer, "is a hunfing-shirt such as the farmers' ser- 
vants in England wear;" and another, referring to 
the Continental soldiers who were killed at Fort 
Montgomery, says, " they had on frocks such as our 
farmers' servants wear," from which fact it was pre- 
sumed they were militia-men, instead of members of 
Col. DuBois' regiment as they were. The description 
by the Hessian officer, Briefwechsel, of the army 
under Gen. Gates at Saratoga, which was composed of 
over nine thousand regular troops, may be accepted 
as apjilicable to the entire army of the Revolution at 
that time. The rank and file, he writes, "were not 
equipped in any uniform." A few of the officers wore 
regimentals ; and those fashioned to their own notions 
according to cut and color. Brown coats with sea- 
green facings, white linings and silver trimmings, and 
gray coats in abundance, with buff facings and cuffs, 
and gilt buttons ; in short, every variety of pattern. 
The brigadiers and generals wore uniforms and belts 
which designated their rank, but most of the colonels 
and other officers were in their ordinary clothes ; " a 
musket and bayonet in hand, and a cartridge-box or 
powder-horn over the shoulder." The Continental 
uniform, now generally accepted as such, was not 
adopted until 1780, when, by general orders (June 
2Sth), all officers were directed " to wear their coats 
with buff facings and linings, yellow buttons, white 
or buff' under-clothes, with a black and white feather 
in their hats." 

The equipage of the militia, as well as of the early 
Continental regiments, consisted of " a good musket 
or firelock and bayonet, sword or tomahawk, a steel 
ramrod, worm, priming-wire and brush fitted thereto, 
a cartouch-box to contain twenty-three rounds of car- 
tridges, twelve flints, and a knapsack, one pound of 
powder, and three pounds of bullets." The muskets 
were of a variety of patterns ; the long gun of the 
old French war, the shorter standard musket of the 
English army, and a scant as.sortment of rifles. The 
Convention of New York endeavored, in its con- 
tracts,* to secure uniformity by providing that the 



* Robert Boyd established, in June, 1775, a forge in New Windsor, 
just south of Quassaick Creek, for the manufacture of muskets and bay- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



53 



musket-barrel should be " three feet and a half in 
length, and of three-fourths of an inch bore, well 
fortified at the breech," and that bayonets should be 
" one foot and nine inches from the shoulder;" but as 
there were few gunsmiths in the province at that time 
(1776), it was not until after arms were received 
from France that there was a perceptible regularity or 
a sufficient quantity to supply the troops. Mean- 
while spears, spontoons, and tomahawks were called 
into use and became effective weapons.* Not only 
did the district now comprising the county of Orange 
furnish men and arms, but within its limits were es- 
tablished tlie first works for the manufacture of pow- 
der, of which (January, 1778) "near 2000 weight" 
was delivered to the order of the Convention of the 
State, and the remainder of their production " to the 
several orders of Gen. Washington and Gen. Schuyler 
at difierent times." 

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 
Having enumerated as far as fragmentary records 
will permit the military organization of the district 
down to and including the heroic era of the Revolu- 
tion, a brief review of their services in the field 
obliges a return to the French and Indian war of 
1755. This was peculiarly a frontier war, although a 
war in which the question of English supremacy in 
all that section of North America over which the 
English flag was floating at the outbreak of the Revo- 
lution. The Indians of the Delaware River country 
(the ancient Lenapes and Minsis) had grievances to 
adjust which led them to become the allies of the 
French. They had sold their lands to William Penn, 
who, perhaps under the expectation of arranging the 
boundaries himself to the satisfaction of the grantors, 
had drawn a deed of which advantage could be taken, 
and his successors, the proprietaries of Pennsylvania, 
were not slow to improve it, — literally " running" the 
boundaries of the famous " walking purchase." The 
Minsis had special complaint against the traders in 
the Minisink country who had made them drunk and 
defrauded them of the purchase-money of their lands; 
wlio invariably, by the same process, defrauded them 
of the price of the peltries which they brought in. 
The Delawares complained ; the proprietaries sum- 
moned them to a council, with chiefs of the Six 
Nations as arbitrators ; feasted the latter and loaded 
them with presents. The result may be anticipated: 
the Delawares, then tributary to the Six Nations, and 
the special wards of the Senecas, were obliged to re- 

onets. The Convention voted to pay him " three pounds fifteen sliillings, 
New Yorli money, for each good musket witli steel ramrod, and l»ayonet 
with scabbard." In February, ITT6, he was able to write that he liad 
" the best gunsmitlis' shop in the colonies ;" but nevertheless its capacity 
was limited from the tlifticulfy in obtaining workmen. 

* The Provincial Convention of New York ordered (Sept. 4, 1776) the 
manufacture of four thousand lances or spontoons to arm the militia for 
whom no guns could be obtained. Eight hundred were sent to Orange, 
and the same number to Ulster County. (Proc, 607.) Tomahawks were 
a favoiite implement, and many thousand were furnished the troops. As 
a whole, the equipage of the army was not inetfectivo. 



linquish their lands and remove to Wyoming. Not 
satisfied with what they had wrongfully obtained, the 
proprietaries followed up their advantage with the 
Six Nations, and, with the Susquehanna Company of 
Connecticut, bought the lands at Wyoming. The 
transaction so incensed the Senecas, who had been 
but partially represented in the matter, that they 
drove from their ranks their best chief for his par- 
ticipation in it, and removed the " petticoat" from 
the Delawares and bade them defend their homes. 
The latter were ready for the work. Liberated from 
the thraldom to which they had been subjected for 
nearly a century, and with all its grievances to redress, 
the chiefs of the East met those of the West in coun- 
cil at Alleghany; rehearsed their wrongs, and declared 
that wherever the white man had settled within the 
territory which they claimed, or of which they had 
been defrauded, there they would strike him as best 
they could with such weapons as they could com- 
mand ; and that the blow might be effectually dealt, 
each warrior-chief was charged to kill and scalp and 
burn within the precincts of his birthright, and all 
simultaneously, from the frontiers down to the heart 
of the settlements, until the English should sue for 
peace and promise redress. 

In October following, with their allies, painted 
black for war, in bantls with murderous intent, they 
moved eastward, and the line of the Blue Mountains, 
from the Delaware to the Susquehanna, became the 
scene of the carnival which they held with torch and 
tomahawk during many coming months. The Minsis 
performed their part, and on the frontiers of Orange 
and Ulster Counties, and New Jersey, but principally 
within the limits of the Minisink Patent, were re- 
peated the fearful ravages of the more remote dis- 
tricts of Pennsylvania. The settlements were small, 
at considerable distance from each other, and much 
exposed to the surprises of the Indians, whose incur- 
sions were frequent. The people, especially in the 
contested district, were kept in almost perpetual 
alarm, and under such " continued military duty as 
to be rendered incapable of taking care of their pri- 
vate affairs for the support of their families." An 
extent of country, on the west side of the Wallkill, of 
fifteen miles in length and seven or eight in breadth, 
which was " well and thickly settled, was abandoned 
by the inhabitants, who, for their safety, removed ' 
their families to the east side of the river, and became 
a charge on the charity of their neighbors," while 
others " removed to distant parts, and some out of the 
province."! 

"Fatigues of body, in continually guarding and 
ranging the woods, and anxiety of mind which the 
inhabitants could not avoid, by their being exposed 
to a cruel and savage enemy, increased by the per- 
petual lamentations of the women and children," 
were not the only evils which the inhabitants suf- 

+ N. Y. MSS., Ixxxii. 107, etc. 



54 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



fered. Tlirec men ■vvcr' killed at C'neheeton ; five men 
at Philip Bwiirtwout's ; Benjamin Sutton and one 
Eude, two of the Goshen militia, were killed at Mini- 
sink ; Morgan Owen was killed and scalped about 
four miles from Goshen ; a woman, taken ])risoner at 
Minisink, was killed and lior body cut in halves and 
left by the highway ; Silas Mulct's house was robbed 
and he himself narrowly escaped. " Frnni almut the 
Drowned Lands for fifteen miles down the Wallkill, 
where fifty families dwelt, all save four abandoned 
their fields and crops."* 

Tending negotiations for peace, hostilities were 
8US])cnded during the year 1756, but in August of the 
succeeding year, says Niles, "one James Tidd was 
8cali)ed in the Minisinks. About this time also, one 
James Watson, with James Mullen, went out on 
some business, and were fired upon by a party of In- 
dians. Watson was found killed and scalped; Mul- 
len was carried off, as was concluded, not being found 
or heanl of. About the 19th of September, Patrick 
Karr was scali)ed and killed at a place called Mini- 
sink Bridge. Some time in October, in Ulster County, 
the Indians fired into the farthermost house in Roch- 
ester, and killed two women, but were repulsed by 
two men.t 

"On the Ifith of May, 1758, about two o'clock in 
the afternoon, about thirteen Indians rushed into the 
house of one Nicholas Cole, on the frontiers of the 
Jerseys, if I mistake not. Cole not being at home, 
they immediately pinioned his wife, and tomahawked 
their son-in-law, about eighteen years old, and drag- 
ged her (Mrs. Cole) out of doors, where her eldest 
daughter, about thirteen years old, lay murdered, and 
a boy aged eight, and her youngest daughter aged 
about four. This last — the poor, helpless old woman 
saw the cruel savages thrust their spears into the 
body of their gasping infant. They rifled the house, 
and then carried her and her son ott', after they had 
scalped the slain above mentioned. 

"Soon after they were joined by two Indians with 
two German captives they had taken that day, and 
killed and scali)ed another, in one Anthony West- 
brook's field, near Minisink, so called. Not long 
after. Cole returned home, where to his great surprise 
he found his four children murdered, and his wife 
and other son missing. Upon which he went to 
Minisink (Napanoch) Fort,| and got a few soldiers 

* "All the families between the deponent's house and Minisink, to the 
nniount of one Imndied aiifi fifty persons, have deserted those settle- 
ments and come into four frontier houses, one of which is the deponent's 
house, which is now a frontier house on that side, and which was, last 
year, hfteen or sixteen miles within the settlements at Minisink, and 
about sixteen miles from Hudson's River." — AJidavU of James Howell, 
N. Y. MSS., Ixxxii. 

f The attack here spoken of was on the house of Peter Jan, in the 
southwestern part of Uochester. Jan's house was burned and one of his 
daughters, and two men who acted as scouts, were killed. Ills wife and 
two datighters, and himself and two sons, who wore in the field, escaped. 
—Doc. Hie., il. 703, 704. 

X Napanoch, Meepenack, and Peenpack refer to one and the same 
place. 



to a.ssist him in burying his children and the German. 
The soldiers joined with some of the neighbors that 
evening to cross the Delaware River at daylight, and 
waylay the road to Wyoming ; and as four of them 
were going to one Chambers', about two o'clock at 
night, they heard the Indians coming down a hill to 
cross the Delaware, as was supposed, when one of the 
four fired on them. They immediately fled, giving a 
yell after their manner. The woman they led with a 
string about her neck, and the boy by the hand ; who, 
finding themselves loose, made their escape along the 
road, and happily met at James McCarty's,-the boy 
first and aftcrwiird the woman. 

"The daughter of one Widow Walling, living near 
Fort Gardiner, between Goshen and Minisink, going 
out to pick up some chips for the fire, was shot at by 
three Indians. Her shrieks alarmed the people. Her 
brother, looking out at a garret window, and seeing a 
fellow disptitching and scalping his sister, fired at 
them and was pretty certain he wounded one of them. 
The old woman, during this, with her other daughter 
and son, made oft" and escaped. 

" About this time (beginning of June), a sergeant 
went from Waasing^ to Minisink with a party of men, 
but returned not at the time they were expected. 
Upon which a larger jiarty went out in search of 
them, and at their arrival at Minisink, found seven 
of them killed and scalped, three wounded, and a 
woman and four children carried off". Near about the 
same time, a house was beset by a party of Indians, 
where were seventeen persons, who were killed, as I 
remember the account. A man and a boy traveling 
on the road with their muskets, were fired on by some 
Indians in ambush. The man was killed, but the boy 
escaped, having first killed one of the Indians. Not 
far from this time — whether before or after I am not 
certain — the Indians killed seven New York soldiers. 
This slaughter was committed at a place called West- 
fall's." 

Such is the imperfect record of these hostilities, at- 
tested by the most respectable residents of the dis- 
trict, — among others by Col. Thomas Ellison and Col. 
Charles Clinton, of the settlements on the Hudson, 
which, though exempt from the brand of the enemy, 
were not the less sufferers by the war, their male in- 
habitants being in almost continual service on the 
frontiers, and their dwellings converted into places of 
defense. That the incursions of the Indians on the 
frontiers were not continued in their first severity 
was due in part to the erection by Governor Hardy, 
in the summer of 1757, of a series of block-houses 
along the western frontier,|| and in part to the nego- 



§ Wawarsing block-house, probably. 

II " From a place called Machakamak to the town of Kochester." — 
Goi\ llardifa MetsMije. Mr. Guamer states that at this time there were 
three small forts in the Upper Neighborhood and three in the Lower 
Neighborhood. "One in the Upper Neighborhood wiLs on the Neversink, 
at the northeast end of the settlement; one at the house of Peter Gua* 
mer, in the central part of the ueighborhood, and the third at the south- 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



55 



tiations which had been instituted with Teedyuscung, 
the king of the Delawares, who, seeking only the re- 
dress of his people, was ready to restrain them from 
war could that end l)e secured by other means. In 
Octolier, 17o8, the proprietaries surrendered their 
titles and recognized the right of the government to 
arrange the boundaries of the lands claimed under 
them ; the Minsis were paid for their lands in the 
Minisink country ; an exchange of prisoners was 
agreed to, and terms of peace eoneludcd. Subse- 
quently the Indian allies of the French held the 
frontier under terror until after the close of the war, 
when the avocations of the pioneers were resumed 
and their rude forts permitted to decay. 

The services of the militia during this struggle come 
down to us in imperfect records. Writes Col. Thomas 
Ellison in 1757 : " It is but too well known liy the late 
numerous murders barbarously committed on our l)or- 
ders, that the county of Ulster and the north end of 
Orange is become the only frontier part of the pro- 
vince left unguarded and exposed to the cruel incur- 
sions of the Indian enemy, and the inhabitants of 
these parts have been obliged to perform very hard 
military duty for these two years past, in ranging the 
woods and guarding the frontiers, these two counties 
keeping out almost constantly from fifty to one hun- 
dred men ; sometimes by forced detachments of the 
militia and at other times by voluntary subscriptions; 
nay, often two bimdred men, which has been an in- 
supportable burthen on the poor people. And yet all 
the militia of these parts were ordered to march to 
Fort Edward, while the officers had no orders to leave 
a detachment to guard the frontiers. . . . The gener- 
ality of them marched as soon as it was possible to 
get so scattered a people together ; and I would say 
for the three hundred who went out of the little dis- 
tressed Second Regiment of Ulster, that men never 
marched with more cheerfulness." 

From Col. Vincent Mathews' regiment nothing 

appears but eloquent bills : 

£ «. (t. 

To Lieut. Samuel Denton auJ Company 14 16 

Kusign TiKunas Bull and Company 15 11 

Sergeant Benj. Booth and Company 7 G 

Capt. George De Kay, going express from Goshen to Mini- 
sink for Gov. Hardy in 1766 2 

Col. Vincent Mathews for guides for regulars posted at 

Goshen, from October, 17.57, to February, 17.'"iS 97 10 

Capt. John Wisner and Company as scouts in 17.'t7 7 13 9 

Lieut. Calvin Bradnerfor tailing horses homo from Sara- 
toga, by order of Col. De Kay, 1757 5 10 

Samuel Gale, for provisions to troops on frontiers, near 

Goshen 60 

Calvin Carpenter, in Capt. Case's Company, 1758 2 12 

Capt. John Bull and detachment, 176S 17 8 

Lieut. Kobert Denton and detachment, 1758 17 9 

Daniel Gale, in Capt. AVisner's Co., 17.37 10 

Doct.Johu Gale, attending sick, 175(i 30 

Maj. Wm. Thompson for guarding frontiers, 1758 40 

Cui. Benjamin Tustin, Capt. Daniel Cuae, and Capt. J. 
Bull for money advanced in building block-houses 

Hob. 1 and 2 on the western frontiers in Jan. 1757 100 



west end of the settlement. These forts were occupied by about twelve 
families and a few soldiers who were there from time to time. The loca- 
tions of the forts in the Lower NeighborhiKJtl are not known. They 
gave protection to about eighteen families." In a subscpient paragraph 
lie says that " Westfall's Fort" wim in the lower part of tlic latter neigh- 
borhood. 



Lieut. John Denton and Company for guarding Col. 
(CharlesJ Clinton and De Kay in laying out the 
ground, etc., for block-houses 6 12 

Hugh Dobbin, in Capt. Wisner's tympany, for jiasturage 
of 115 horses of Col. De Kay's regiment in Albany 
when Fort William Henry was taken 4 7 

Peter Cartel-, David Benjamin, Pliilip Reid, and Francis 
Armstrong for guarding Geoi-ge De Kay as Express 
from Goshen to Minisink in 175G 4 

James Sayre and Ebenezer Gilbert and Companies for 
guarding block-houses in February, 17.'J7 46 4 

Further research is unnecessary. From the dark 
and almost forgotten field of this important struggle 
we turn to 

THE WAk OF THE KEVOLUTION. 

It is perhaps unnecessary to say that the people of 
Orange and Ulster, and especially of the district now 
composing the county of Orange, acted with great 
unanimity in the war for independence, not only in 
their political associations but in their military organ- 
izations. During the earlier years of the struggle the 
militia were almost constantly under arms or engaged 
in the construction of the fort.s in the Highlands, and 
in preparing obstructions to the navigation of Hud- 
son's River. It was during this period, too, that the 
companies already named as belonging to the first 
Continental regiments (1775) took part in the Canada 
expedition. In July, 1776, apprehending a move- 
ment of the enemy up the Hudson, the Provincial 
Convention ordered that " one-fourth part of the 
militia of the counties of Orange and Ulster be drawn 
out for the defense of this State" and "stationed in 
the Highlands on the west side of Hudson's River to 
guard the defiles." Two regiments were organized 
under this order: one from Ulster, Levi Pauling, 
colonel, and one from Orange, Isaac Nicoll, colonel ; 
Gilbert Cooper, lieutenant-colonel; Samuel Logan, 
major. A more sweeping requisition was made in 
December, when, after the capture of New York, the 
British followed Washington into New Jersey, they 
were ordered to co-operate with the forces under Gens. 
Lee and Gates in that State. Assembling at Chester,* 
they marched thence to a place called "the City, at 
the parting of the roads leading from Tappan to Pyra- 
mus," under command of Gen. George Clinton. t 
That their service in the field at this time was ardu- 
ous and sacrificing is abundantly shown by a letter 
written by Henry Wisner, Jr., under date of December 
24th : " I have been visiting," he writes, " the differ- 
ent battalions of militia, and finding them so uneasy 
that I am afraid that, notwithstanding everything that 
can be said and done, many of them will go home. 
The situation of their families is so very distressing 
that no argument can prevail with them. Many of 



* " Resolved, That all the militia of Orange and Ulster Counties be 
forthwith ordered to march, properly armed and accoutered, to Chester, in 
Orange County, there to receive further orders from Gen. George Clinton 
for eifectually coniperating with Maj. -Gen. Lee and Maj.-Gen. Gates, in 
harassing and distressing the enemy, who liiLVe entered the State of New 
Jersey." — lies. Prov. Coiw., Dec. 9, 1776. A subsequent order confined 
them to the limits of New York. 

t At that time brigadior-feoneral of militia of Ulster County ; subse- 
quently Governor of the State. 



56 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



f 



them left their families without wood, without meal, 
and without fodder at home for their cattle, many of 
their families without shoes, and some of them little 
better here," and he might have added, perhaps, with- 
out proper food, for he takes occasion to say that he 
liad stoi)pcil, on his own responsibility, fortlieir use a 
drove of cattle that were being sent to Pliiladil])hia. 
The victory of Washington at Trenton changed the 
aspect of the campaign, and they were soon after re- 
turned to their homes. Their retirement, however, 
was only temporary. As a part of Clinton's brigade 
they were, for over two years, practically resolved into 
minute men and placed under orders to march upon 
signal to the defense of the Highlands;* special ser- 
vices almost innumerable were thrown upon them.f 
Rallying after the loss of Fort Montgomery, we see 
them on the march to Kingston, struggling against 
hope to save that jilace from tlie flames, and from 
thence rcturningto Imild anew theirshattered citadels, 
and to reapi>ear in the conHict at Minisink. 

Although familiar, an abridged narrative of their 
services in these fields may not be omitted in this con- 
nection. In July, 177r), the British ministry, in ar- 
ranging their plan for the suppression of tlie rebellion, 
determined " to command the Hudson with a luimber 
of small men-of-war and cutters, and maintain a safe 
intercourse and correspondence between Quebec, Al- 
bany, and New York, and thus afford the finest oppor- 
tunity to their soldiery, and the Canadians in conjunc- 
tion with the Indians, to make continual incursions 
into Massachusetts, and divide the provincial forces, 
so as to render it easy for the British army at Boston 
to defeat them and break tlie spirits of the Massachu- 
setts people, desolate their country, and compel an 
absolute subjection to Great Britain." To counteract 
this plan, the Continental Congress, in May of the 
same year, at the suggestion of the Convention of 
New York, resolved, '' that a post be taken in the 
Highlands, on each side of Hudson's River, and bat- 
teries erected, and that experienced persons be imme- 
diately sent to examine said river in order to discover 
where it would be most advisable and proper to ob- 
struct the navigation." During the succeeding fall. 
Forts Clinton and Montgomery were erected under 



* "On tlio tiring of two cannon ut Furt Montgomery, and two at Fort 
Constitntion, to be answered by two from tlie braes twenty-four-pounder 
at New Windsor, the militia on the west side of Hudson's Kiver, in the 
conutieB of Orange and Ulster, as far ua Col. Hiuibronck's regiment, in- 
cluding the same, are to march by detacliments, without further notice, 
as reinforcement of this garrison." — Ordi-r of Bri<j-Gett. Jamet Clitttou, 
commandin'j at Fort Montgomery, July 10, 1777. From December, 177G, to 
April, 1778, the militia wore called out twelve times and spent two hun- 
dred and ninety-two days in the tield. 

t A single instance of the numy recorded services of this nature is the 
following, whicli occurred on the morning preceding the battle of Slinl- 
slnk, and which accounts for the limited number of men in that action : 
" On the evening of the 21st of this instant I received an order from his 
excellency Gen. Wajihington, together with a reiinisition of the Com- 
missary of Prisouors, to furnish one hundred men of my regiment to 
guard the British jtnsoners on their way to Kaaton. I ordered three 
companies of my regiment, including tlie exeni|tt company, to parade 
for that puriioso." — JliiOioniU Htport, July 25, 177y. 



the supervision of the Convention of New York, and 
the navigation obstructed by means of chains, booms, 
fire-ships, and vessels of war, during the summer of 
1776.t The forts were largely garrisoned by the mi- 
litia of the district, who were called together by a 
system of beacons and signals, consisting of flags and 
alarm-cannon by day, and beacon-fires upon the 
mountain tops at night. The works were strengthened 
during the summer of 1777, by the construction of 
Fort Constitution on Constitution Island, and of Fort 
Independence at Peekskill, and the eominand, on the 
east side of the river, intrusted to Gen. Putnam ; 
Governor Clinton and Gen. James Clinton and the 
militia retaining the west side. 

Scarcely had the work been completed when Bur- 
goyne swept down from Canada with his splendid 
army, and the campaign for the possession of the 
Hudson opened. To aid in the movement, Howe 
threatened an attack on Philadeliihia, by way of Dela- 
wiire River, and thus forced Washington to draw men 
from the Highlands until only fifteen hundred re- 
mained. About the 20th of September, while Howe 
was marching into Philadelphia and Burgoyne had 
reached Saratoga, over three thousand British soldiers 
arrived in New York, and there joined the armament 
of Sir Henry Clinton, then in waiting, and in a few 
days started to force their way up the Hudson. Mis- 
leading Gen. Putnam by feigning an attack on Peeks- 
kill, the.forees of the enemy crossed the river to Stony 
Point, marched around the western base of the Dun- 
derberg (October 7th I, and appeared before the forts. 
The militia of the district, about six hundred in 
number, that had been hastily called in the day 
previous, united with the garrisons and made a most 
heroic defense, fighting against superior numbers until 
twilight, when they gave way and made a scattered 
retreat, leaving behind them about three hundred of 
their number in killed, wounded, and prisoners.^ 



J The first obstructions consisted of a chain eighteen hundred feet in 
length from tiie foot of the rock at Fort Montgomery to the base of .\n- 
thony's Nose. A ccuisiderable portitin of it wa-s brought from Fort Ti- 
conderoga, where it had been used to obstruct the river Sorel; the 
remainder was manufactured at Ponghkeepsie. It was protected by a 
boom of logs, and guarded by batteries on the shore. From Plum Point 
to Pallopel's Island a clievaux-de-frise was constructed. The lire-sliips 
were rafts loaded with combustibles. The shipBK)f-war were two armed 
frigates, two galleys, and an armed sloop. 

g The following report of the action was made by Governor Clinton to 
Gen. Waahington : 

"New Windsor, Oct. 9, 1777. 

"Dear Genekal, — I have to inform you that, in consequence of in- 
telligence received by Gen. Putnam from Gen. Parsons {who lay with 
his brigade at the White Plains), of the enemy's having received a 
reinforcement from Europe at New Vork, and that by their movements 
there was reason to believe they intended an attack on Peekskill, and to 
possess themselves of the Jiasses in the Higlilands, the genera! imme- 
diately wrote to me these circumstances ; and tu prevetit if imssible the 
disagreeable consequences that might arise if the army at ttio different 
posts was not timely reinforced, I ordered that part of the militia of this 
State that had not already marched to the northward to move, and part 
of thorn to join Gen. Putnam, and the remainder of them to reinforce 
the posts of Fort Moiitgoniery and Fort Clinton; but, it being a critical 
time witli the yeomanry, as they had not yet sown their grain, and there 
being at that time no appearance of the enemy, they were extremely 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



57 



The regiments engaged were Col. Allison's, from 
Goshen, commanded by himself; Col. Jesse Wood- 

restloss and uneasy. They solicited Gen. Putnam for leave to return, 
and many of tlieni went liouie without liis permission. Urged by tlieso 
considerations he tliouj^lit proper to dismiss a part of ttiem. 

** As I thouglit it essentially necessary tliat they should remain in the 
field for some time, in order to check the progress of the enemy should 
they attempt to put their design in execution, I issued anotlier order for 
ono-lialf of them immediately tomarcli.part of them to join Gen. Putnam 
and a sufficient number to reinforce the forts and tlie pass at Sydman's 
Bridge, at the movilli of the Clove ; ami, in order to induce them to turn out 
with the greater alacrity, I thought it necessary to fix their time of ser- 
vice to one month, at the expiration of which time they were to he leMoved 
by the other half. While this arrangement was in agitation, and before a 
proper arrangement could possibly be made by the respective officers as 
to what part of them could servo for the first month, they were not so 
expeditious as was absolutely necessary, which the event hits fully 
evinced. A number of the enemy's ships made their appearance on 
the :Sd instant in Tarrytowu Hay, where they weighed aTichor the next 
day, being joined by several ships-of-war and transports from New York. 
They proceeded up the river as high as King's Ferry, and at day-break on 
Sunday, the 5tb, landed a considerable body of men on Verplanck's 
Point. 

"As I was apprehensive from many circumstances that an attack on 
the forts was intended, T dispatched Maj. Logan, an alert officer, who 
was well acrjuainted with the ground, on Sunday evening, through the 
mountains to reconnoitre, and if possible gain intelligence of the enemy's 
motion. The major returned about nine o'clock on ^Monday, inforndng 
nif that, from the best intelligence he could procure, and the rowing of 
the boats, he had reason to believe they had landed a consideiable force 
on the west side of the river at King's Ferry, and between that aiul Dnn- 
derberg; but, as the morning was foggy, it was impossible to discern 
them so as to form any judgment of their numbers. As soon as I had 
obtained this intelligence, I iunnediately dispatched Lieut. Jackson with 
a small party to discover the enemy's movements; but they had not pro- 
reeded more than two miles on the Haverstraw Road when they were 
attacked by a party of the enemy, who had foinied an ambuscade at a 
phico called Doodletown. Tbey immediately retreated after returning 
the fire. As soon as the firing was heard, I detucliod Lient.-Col. Brnyn 
w Ith fifty Continental troops, and as many of the militia undei- Lieut. - 
Cul. McClaughry to sustain Lieut. Jackson ; the garrison at that time 
being so weak that we could not afford them greater aid on that road, and 
I imagined it would bo necessary to send out a party likewise on the road 
which leads to the Forest of Dean. The detachment under Cols. Bruyn 
and McClanghry were soon engaged, but, beitig too weak to withstand 
the enemy's great force, retreated ti> Fort Clinton, disputing the ground 
inch by inch. Their gallant opposition, and the roughness of the ground, 
checked the progress of the enemy for some time. 

"While matters were in this situation in the neighborhood of Fort 
Clinton, a large body of tlie enemy were advancing on the road which 
leads from the Forest of Dean to Fort Montgomery. As I bad only one 
field-piece at the above fort, I ordered Col. Lamb of the artillery to send 
it off to an advantageous post on that road, with a covering party of sixty 
men, and another of the same number to sustain them, in order to give 
the enemy a check, and retard their movements till I could receive rein- 
forcements from Gen. Putnam, to whom I had sent an express for that 
purpose. This order being immediately complied with, the piece had 
hardly reached the jdace of its destination, ami the covering party been 
posted on strong ground, when the enemy were seen advancing with 
lia.sty strides; but being unexjiectedly annoyedby discharges of grape- 
shot from the field-piece and a well-ilirected fire from the muskets, which 
made great havoc among tbeni, as we have since been informed, they 
were repeatedly driven back, till, filing off through the woods upon the 
right and left with a view of surrounding our nien, and the handful of 
brave fellows being alarmed at their critical situation, they were con- 
strained to abandon the field-piece, after rendering it useless to the 
enemy by spiking it. In order to cover the men who were retreating, 
and to check the farther progress of the enemy, I ordered out a twolvo- 
I)Ounder, which being well-served with grape-shot, annoyed them greatly, 
and gave the meu an opportunity of retreating into the garrison with 
very little loss on our side, except that of Capt. Fenno, who commanded 
the fleld-piece, and was made a prisoner. 

"This was about two o'clock in the afternoon, and tlio enemy ap- 
proached the works and began the attack, which continued with few in- 
tervals till about five o'clock, when an officer .appeared with a Hug. I 



hull's, from Cornwall, under command of ]\Iaj. 
Zachariah DuBois; Col, James Clinton's, from New 
Windsor, commanded by Lieut-Col. James Mc- 
Claughry; Col. Hasbrouck's, from Newburgh, under 
Lieut.-Col. Hasten ; three regiments from other dis- 



ordered Lieut.-Col. Livingston to meet him without the worka and know 
his business. Col. Livingston having demanded his rank and business, 
he was told by the bearer of the Hag that he was Lieut.-Col. Campbell, 
and that he came to denuind the surrender of the fort to prevent the eftu- 
sion of blood. Col. liivingston rejilied tlnit he bad no authority to treat 
with him, but if they would surrender themselves prisoners of war they 
might depend upon being well treated, and if they did not choose to 
accept those terms they might renew the attack, as so(Ui as ho shoultl 
retire within the fort, he lieing determined to defend it to the last ex- 
tremity. As soon as Lleut.-Col. Livingston returned the attack was 
renewed with great violence, and, after as obstinate a resistance as our 
situation and the weakness of the garrison would admit, having de- 
fended the works from two o'clock till the dusk of the evening, the 
enemy, by the superiority of nnndicrs, forced the works on all sides. 
The want of men prevented us from sustaining and supporting every 
part, liaving receiveil no reinforcemetit from Gen. Putnam. 

" Our loss, killed, wounded, and prisoners, is not so great as might have 
been expected, when the strength of the enemy and our weakness are 
properly considered. Sty brother was wovinded with a bayonet. IHany 
otficere and uien, and myself, having the advantage of the enemy by 
being well acquainted with the ground, were so fortunate as to etfect our 
escape under cover of the night, after tlie enemy were possessed of all 
the works. I was so liappy as to get Into a boat, crossed the river, and 
immediately waited on Gen. Putnam, with a view of concerting meas- 
ures for our future operations, to prevent the designs of Gen. Clinton, 
and impede his progress in facilitating the nM)vemeuts of Hurgoyne from 
tlie northward. I can assure your Excellency that T am well convinced 
if night Iiad not approached rather too fast to correspond with our wishes 
the enemy would Iiavo been disappointoil in their expectations, as a re- 
inforcement of five hundred men from Gen. Putnam's army were on the 
west side of the river ready to cross for our relief when the works were 
forced; and many of the militia were in the mountains on their march 
to join us, had not the conminnication between us and them been cut 
off. 

" I liave to add that by some fatality the two Continental frigates wore 
lost, tbey having been ordered down by Gen. Putnam for the defense of 
the chain ; but being badly manned, they could not he got off in time» 
though I ordered the ship ' Congress" to proceed to Fort Constitution the 
day before the attack, lest she should meet with a disaster; and the ship 
' Montgomery,' which lay near the chain, having neither anchor nor 
cables to secure her, it being the ebb of the tide and the wind falling, 
fell down so near the chain that Capt. Ilocigo was constrained to sot lier 
on fire to prevent her from falling into the hands of the enemy. The 
'Congress' unfortunately getting aground on the fiat near Fort Constitu- 
tion, shared the same fate. Fort Constitution being destitute of troops 
to defend it, was evacuated, after bringing off part of the stores. I am 
now about three miles from New Windsor, with Col. Samuel H. Webb's 
regiment of Continental troops, the remains of Col. I)uboi3', about one 
hundred of Col. Lamb's regiment, who escaped from the fort, and some 
militia. I intentl to collect what force I possibly can to oppose the enemy, 
should tbey land on this side of the river. 

"Sir Henry Clinton commanded in person. Gen. Tryon.Gen. Vaughan, 
and two other general officera wore with him. The army who attacked 
us, by the lowest account, consisted of throe tbr)usand, chietly British 
and Hessian troops. The garrison of both our posts (Hd not exceedsix 
hundred men, and numy of these unarmed militia. The ordinary gar- 
rison was thus reduced by detaching Maj. Moffat with two hundred men 
to the post at Sydman's Bridge, and Col. Malcom's regiment being 
ordered from thence, and sixty men on .\nthony's Nose by Gen. Put- 
nam's ordei-s, received the day before the action. I have only to add 
that where great losses are sustained, however unavoidable, public cen- 
sure is generally the consequence to those who are immediately con- 
cerned. If, in the present instance, this should be the case, I wish, so 
far as relates to Fort Montgomery and its dependencies, it may fall on 
me alone; for I should be guilty of the greatest injustice were I not to 
declare that the officers and men under me, of the different corps, be- 
haved with the greatest spirit and bravery. 

"I am, etc., 

"Geokok Clinton." 



58 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tricts, and Col. DuBois' Continental regiment, and 
Col. Lamb's artillery. No list of the killed appears 
on record, the return being of prisoners, as follows ; 



COL. LEWIS DUBOIS' FIFTH 
David M. Hollister. 
Thadevts Kneely. 
John McDonalds. 
John Conkling. 
Jameg Montange. 
Henry Ostrander. 
Jacobus Luguer. 
David Breviers. 
Vincent Viney. 
Jeremiah Dunn. 
Robert Patrick. 
Willitim Baxter. 
Benjamin Wiltsie. 
David Winchester. 
Lewis Dickerson. 
John Jsory^ 
Nathaniel Utter. 
Eliakim Bush. 
Robert Gillespie. 
Abraham Wright. 
Jonathan Hallock. 
James Weldon. 
Thomas Sinn. 
Martin Shay. 
Thomas Hartwell. 
Patrick Dirking. 
Saninel Crosby. 
Moses Shall. 
John West. 
John Mcintosh. 
Lieut. Henry Schoonmaker. 
Joseph Morgan. 
Jonathan Stockholm. 
Abel Randall. 
Thomas Kane. 
William Banker. 
Peter Wells. 
Joeepli Ten Eyck. 
John Weston. 
Michael Burgle. 
Thomas Smith. 
Thomas Conkling. 
Ephraim Adams. 
Francis Sears. 
Samuel Garrison. 
John Ellison. 
William Ivory. 
John Stanly. 
Benjamin Griffin. 
Edward Allen. 
William Bardie. 
Enos Snitfin. 
Joseph Belton. 
.Tames Hanna. 



CONTINENTAL REGIMENT. 

William Wilbig. 

Jjicobus Sanbiish. 

Juhn Brown. 

George Bolton. 

Aurie Mass. 

James Michael. 

John Johnston. 

Nelich Sniffin. 

Solomon Shaw. 

James Montieth. 

Daniel Lowers. 

Juhn Hunt. 

.Michael Johnston. 

Joseph Reeder. 

John Price. 

Robert Marshall. 

John Satterly. 

Lieut. Traverse. 

James Amermnn. 

Herman Crums. 

Samviel Griffiug. 

Cornelius Acker. 

Jacob Lawrence. 

Francis Gowans. 

Samuel Turner. 

Dauiel Dimmock. 

John Whitlock. 

Jacobus Terwilligor. 

James Steel. 

Thomas Crispell. 

Enos Lugnier. 

,Tacob Lent. 

.loliu Albigli. 

Alex. De Kay. 

Samuel Boyd. 

William Werner. 

Abraham Jordan. 

John Storm. 

Thomas McCarty. 

Tliomas Hendricks. 

John Chamberlain, sergeant. 

Zebulon Woodruff. 

Paul Kryler. 

George Heck. 

John Miller. 

William Slutt. 

Lieut. Henry Swartwout. 

Maj. Samuel Logan. 

Benjamin Chichester. 

Francis Drake, 

Jasper Smith. 

William Casselbou. 

Lieut. Samuel Pendletun. 



WILLIAM ALLISON'S GO.SHEN REGIMENT- 

Jesse Dauon. 
Peter Jones. 
Uriah Black. 
Caleb Ashley. 



CUL, 
Col. William Allison. 
Samuel Taylor. 
James Bell. 
Robert Cater. 
Richard Shorter. 
Richai-d Koyle. 
James Thompson. 
Timothy Cornon. 
Michael Dannon. 
James Sardyer. 
Joseph Moore. 

COL. McCLAUGHRY'S NEW WINDSOR REGIMENT— MILITIA. 
James McClaughry, lieuten- Henry M. Neely 

ant-colonel. William Scott. 



Frederick Nooliton. 
David Weller. 
Peter Stage. 
-Isaac Ketchiim. 
Henry Brewster, lieutenant. 
Frederick Pelliger. 



Matthew DuBois. 

Francis McBride. 
Robert Huston. 
Andrew Wilson. 
Christopher Sypher. 
John Dankins. 
William Stenson. 
William Humphrey. 
George Humphrey. 
Moses Cautine. 
James Miller. 
Jamei Humphrey, captain. 
John Skinner. 
Gradus Vinegar. 
Bolton Van Dyk. 
Cornelius Slutt. 
William Howell. 
John Hanna. 



COL. HASBROrCK'S NEWBLRGH REGI.MENT— MILITIA. 

Cornelius Rose. Benjamin Lawrence. 

George Wilkin. Robert Cooper. 

Simeon Ostrander. Cornelius Stevens. 

John Stevenson. John Bingham. 

Zachariah Terwilliger. John Snyder. 

William Warren. 

COL. WOODHULL'S CORNWALL REGIMENT— MILITIA. 



Robert Barkley. 
James Wood. 
David Thompson. 
Elia^ Wood. 
John Carmichael. 
William McMnllen. 
Isaac Denton. 
George Brown. 
Ethan Sears. 
Philip Millspaugh. 
John Van Arsdell. 
George Coleman. 
Albert Weeks. 
Hezekiah Kane. 
John Manney. 
Isaac Kimbark. 
Samuel Falls. 



Zachariah DuBois, major. 
John Brooks. 
John Lanioreux. 
Henrj' Cunningham. 
Joline Crooks. 
William Prince. 
Lyman Cavins. 
Israel Cushman. 
Asa Barn sly. 
Thomas Hector. 
Jesse Carpenter. 



Benjamin Simmons. 
Isaac Cooley. 
Joshua Currey. 
James Thompson. 
Stephen Clark. 
James Michael. 
John Armstroug. 
Peter Gillen. 
Edward Thompson. 
Randal Hawes. 
Isaac Hoffman. 



Many of these prisoners were wounded in the action 
and died of their wounds, and many of them died in 
the sugar-house pri:?on in New York; others were ex- 
changed after years of confinement. But of the killed 
in action no list was possible, — on the rolls of their 
regiments when called could only be entered " miss- 
ing" opposite the names of many noble men whose 
places were thereafter forever vacant. Rev. Timothy 
Dwight, chaplain in Parson's brigade, who visited the 
scene of contlict in March following, tells the story of 
their fate. He writes : "As we went onward, we were 
distressed by the fcetor of decayed human bodies. To 
me this was a novelty, and more overwhelming and 
dispiriting than I am able to describe. As we were 
attempting t<> discover the source from which it pro- 
ceeded, we found at a small distance from the fort a 
pond of moderate size, in which we saw tlie bodies of 
several men who had been killed in the assault upon 
the fort. They were thrown into this pond the pre- 
ceding autumn by the British, Avhen probably the 
water was sufficiently deep to cover them. Some of 
them were covered at this time, but at a depth so 
small as to leave them distinctly visible. Others had 
an arm, a leg, and part of the body above the surface. 
The clothes they wore when they were killed were 
still on them, and proved that they were militia, being 
the ordinary dress of farmers. Their faces were 
bloated and monstrous, and their postures uncouth 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



59 



and distorted, and in the highest degree afflictive. To 
me, a novice in scenes of this nature, it was over- 
whelming." 

Fortunately for the district, the regiments were by 
no means full ; probably not over one-fourth of the 
militia was present in the actions. Fortunately, too, 
the Clintons escaped, — Governor George by a boat, in 
which he gained the eastern shore and made his way 
to Putnam's headquarters ; and Gen. James by slip- 
ping down the rocks to the bed of Poplopen's Kill 
and thence up the same into the hills. Wounded in 
the thigh by a bayonet thrust, he reached his home at 
Little Britain covered with blood, after a detour of 
sixteen miles. Defeated as they were — overwhelmed 
by numbers rather — they were by no means crushed. 
From Gen. Putnam Governor Clinton obtained Col. 
Webb's brigade, and with them crossed the river to 
New Windsor on the 8th (the day after the battle). 
Meanwhile by alarms and signal-guns the militia that 
had not been in the actions were brought together at 
Little Britain, where they were joined by fugitives 
from the forts, and by the time the British had de- 
stroyed the obstructions to the navigation a respecta- 
ble force was again under the Clintons on the west 
shore to prevent the enemy from landing, while on 
the eastern side Putnam was able to successfully pro- 
tect the army stores at Fishkill and at points above. 
As the enemy's fleet moved north, Putnam's and 
Clinton's commands moved with them. Unfortu- 
nately, the roads leading north were more circuitous 
than the course of the river, and while Clinton " forced 
the march" of his troops, they had only reached Ro- 
sendale Creek when the ascending smoke gave evidence 
that they were too late to save Kingston. Here the 
enemy stopped. Advices from the north conveyed to 
them the fact that they too were " too late," — that Bur- 
goyue had surrendered and that their further advance 
was useless. Their return voyage to the Highlands 
was watched by Putnam and Clinton, and on the 23d 
of October, when the enemy had passed below Pallo- 
pel's Island, the forces of the latter (then under Gen. 
James) were at New Windsor, occupying stations as 
follows : Gen. Webb's command at New Windsor vil- 
lage ; Capt. Nicoll's company at Murderer's Creek ; 
Col. Tusten with the remains of Col. Allison's regi- 
ment, and Col. Woodhull's regiment, from Murderer's 
Creek to Smith's Clove; Col. McClaughry's regiment 
at Hasbrouck's mill ; and Col. Hasbrouck's regiment 
from Newburgh along the river north. Tarrying only 
a few days in the Highlands to complete the destruc- 
tion of the fort, the enemy sailed for New York, and 
the militia returned to their homes. 

While these events were transpiring on the Hudson, 
the western frontier was harassed by the incursions of 
Indians and Tories. At the outbreak of the war the 
colonists made no little effort to induce the more 
important tribes, as well as the resident Indians, to 
remain neutral. To some extent this eiTort was suc- 
cessful, but ultimately the rude savages, alfrays easily 



debauched by rum and trinkets, yielded to the solici- 
tations and rewards of the English agents, and ac- 
cepted service in their ranks. The bulk of the Six 
Nations were more immediately employed in the 
northern and western parts of the province, in com- 
pany with the Tories, in an independent organization 
known as " Tories and Indians." This organization 
was extended to the southwestern frontiers in 1777, 
when a rendezvous was established by Brant and But- 
ler at Oghkawaga (now Binghamton), where was soon 
gathered a motley crew of whites and savages, from 
the Delaware and its branches, whose field of opera- 
tions was to embrace the frontier settlements with 
which its members were best acquainted. In antici- 
pation of the events which subsequently followed, the 
settlers in the western part of Orange erected, soon 
after hostilities commenced, a number of block- 
houses,* while others stockaded their dwellings with 
a view to defense. The first invasion of the district is 
said to have occurred on the 1.3th of October, 1778, 
when two dwellings were attacked, three persons 
killed, and the inhabitants despoiled of their grain 
and stock. t Count Pulaski, with his legion of cav- 
alry, was then sent to Minisink for the protection of 
the settlers, and remained during the winter of 1778- 
79, and Col. Van Cortlandt's regiment was sent to 
Wawarsing. Hostilities were renewed in the spring ; 
the valley of the Susquehanna was devastated ; Wy- 
oming became the scene of frightful m.assacres ; north- 
western Ulster was invaded, and the Fantinekill and 
Woodstock settlements visited. The withdrawal of 
Count Pulaski from Minisink left the lower frontier 
exposed, and, on the night of July 19th, Brant, with 
sixty-five of his warriors, and twenty-seven Tories 
disguised as savages,t stole upon what was then known 
as the Loffier_Neighborhood,J and before the people 
were aroused from their slumbers several dwellings 
were set on fire, and the work of death begun. With- 
out means of defense, the inhabitants fled to the moun- 
tains, leaving all their worldly goods a spoil to the in- 
vaders. Their church, mills, houses, and barns were 
burned ; several persons were killed and some taken 
prisoners ; cattle were driven away, and booty of every 
kind carried to Grassy Brook on the Delaware, where 
Brant had his headquarters. 
Alarmed by fugitives, Lieut.-Col. Tusten, of Col. 

* Mr. Gumaer states that three small forts were erected in the Peen- 
pack neighborhood, — "one at the house of Jacob Rutsen Be Witt, one 
at the house of Benjamin R. DePuy, and one at the house of Ezekiel 
Gumaer." He intimates that there was none at the Lower Neighborhood 
or Little Minisink. Sautliier's map of 1779 locates " Col. Jersey Fort" 
at the " Lower Neighborhood," and " Fort Cotenco" north of the " Upper 
Neighborhood." Besides the "Col. Jersey Fort," there were several 
forts (so called) at the " Lower Neighborhood," erected by individuals for 
their own protection. Among others one at Daniel Van Auken's, and 
one at Martinas Decker's. 

f This statement is on the authority of Mr. Gumaer. ■ We find no 
other record. 

X The number of the attacking party was never definitely known. 

I Now in Deerpark, south of the Neversink River, and so called to dis- 
tinguish it from the Upper Neighborhood, or original settlement on the 
Cuddeback Patent. 



60 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



Allison's Goshen regiment, Col. Hathorn of the War- 
wick regiment, and Cupt. Meeker of the New Jersey 
militia, with such number of their commands as could 
be brought together in so brief a time, met in council 
at Minisink the following morning. Col. Tusten re- 
garded the force as being too small to attempt the 
pursuit of the invaders, but he was overruled, and the 
line of march taken up under command of Col. Hath- 
orn, and continued until the high hills overlooking 
the Delaware, near the mouth of the Lackawaxen, 
were reached, where the enemy was discovered. Or- 
dering his force into three divisions, Hathorn made 
preparations for the attack ; but was anticipated by 
Brant, who having, it is said, received reinforcements, 
threw his warriors into action before Hathorn's dis- 
positions were fully made, and compelled his rear di- 
vision to break and fly. Hathorn rallied his men as 
best he could ; but Brant had the advantage of posi- 
tion and superior numbers, and drew his fire closer 
and closer until flathorn was hemmed in within the 
circumference of an acre of ground, upon a rocky 
hill that sloped on all sides, where, with only forty- 
five men, he maintained the conflict for over five 
hours, when, the ammunition of his men being ex- 
hausted, he formed them in a hollow square, and pre- 
pared for a final defense with clubbed muskets. 
Broken at one corner, the square became a rout, and 
the flying fugitives sought safety in all directions. 
Behind a rock on the field, Tusten dressed the wounds 
of his neighbors, but his occupation was no protec- 
tion ; the Indians rushed to the spot, killed him and 
the wounded men in his charge, seventeen in number, 
and completed the bloody work which they had com- 
menced. Of those who heroically took part in the 
action, only about thirty returned to relate the expe- 
riences through which they had passed in the scourg- 
ing conflict, — the whistle of bullets, the moans of the 
wounded, the yells of savage foes, grafting them for- 
ever upon the memory of their descendants and 
weaving them im})erishably into the traditions and 
the history of the county. Engraved on the monu- 
ment to their memory* at Goshen are the names, so 
far as known, of those who perished in the action : 



Benjamin Tusten, lieutenant- 
colonel. 
Samuel Jones, captain. 
Ephraim Maaten, ensign. 
Jobn Duncan, captain. 
Gabriel Wisuer. 
Nathaniel Terwilltger. 
Ephraim Ferguson. 
Samuel Knapp. 
Benjamin Bennett, 
Jacub Dunning. 



James Little. 
Gilbert S. Vail. 
Abram Shepherd. 

Shepherd. 

Daniel Talmage. 
David Harney. 
Abram Williams. 
Isaac Ward. 
Gamaliel Bailey. 
Eleazer Owens. 
Samuel Little. 



* In 1822 the bones of the fallen were gathered from the battle-field 
and interred at Goshen under a monument inscribed, "Erected by the 
inhabitiiuts of Orange County, July '11, 1822. Sacred to the memory of 
forty-four of their fellow-citizens who fell at the battle of Minisink, 
July 22,1779." No positive identification of the remains could be made. 
The present monument was the gift of the late Dr. M. H. Cash, and was 
erected by the board of supervisors in 1862. The battle-ground is in the 
present county of Sullivan. 



Daniel Reed. 

Bazaliel Tyler, captain. 
John Wood, lieutenant. 
Natbaniul Finch, adjutant. 
Ephraim Middaugh, ensign. 
Stephen Mead. 
Joshua Ldckwood. 
Roger Tuwnsend. 
James Knapp. 
William Barker. 
Jonathan Pierce. 



Joseph Norris. 

Joel Decker. 
Nathan Wade. 
Simon Wait. 
John Carpenter. 
Jonathan Haskell. 
James Morher. 
Baltus Nierpos. 
Moses Thomas. 
Adam Embler. 
Benjamin Dunning. 



An account of the engagement which shall satis- 
factorily harmonize the traditions concerning it can- 
not be attempted with the hope of success. The 
stories which have been repeated by sire to son for 
four generations cannot be, and perhaps should not 
be, uprooted. The only statement that has the sem- 
blance of authority upon the subject is the official 
report of Col. Hathorn, made five days after the ac- 
tion, and while yet the account of the dead and miss- 
ing was incomplete. The following is this report : 

"WARWICK27 July, 1779. 

"Gov. Clinton — Dear sir: In conformity to the Militia Law I em- 
brace this first opportunity to communicate to your Excellency my 
proceedings on a late tour of duty with my Regiment. On the Evening 
of the 21st of this instant I received an order from his Excellency Gen- 
eral Washington, together with a requisition of the Commissary of Pris- 
oners, to furnish one hundred men of my Regiment for to guard the 
British Prisoners on their way to Easton, at the same time received an 
Express from Minisink that the Indians were ravaging and burning that 
place. I ordered three cuinpanies of my Regiment including the Exempt 
Company tu parade for tlie purpose of the Guard. The other three Com- 
panies to Marth Immediately to Miuisink. On the 22 I arrived with 
a part of my people at Minisink, where I found Col. Tuetin of Goshea 
and Major Meeker of New Jersey with parts of their Regiments who 
had marched with about Eighty men up the river a few mile. I joined 
this party with about Forty men the whole amounting to one hundred 
and twenty men Officers included. A spy come in and informed me the 
Enemy lay about four hours before at Mungaup, six miles distant from 
us. Our pi-ople appeared in High Spirits. We marched in puiiiuit with 
an intention either to fall on them by surprise or to gain in front and 
Ambush them. We were soon informed that they were on theii" march 
up the River. I found it impracticable to surprise lliem on the ground 
they now were and took my Rout along the old Keshctlitou path. The 
Indians encami)ed at the mouth of the half-way brook. We encamped 
at 12 o'clock at night at Skinners Saw Mill three miles and a half from 
the Enemy where we lay the remainder of the night. The Mountains 
were so exceedingly rugged and high we could not possibly get at them 
as they had passed the grounds the most favourable for us to attack theia 
on before we could overtjike them. Skinners is about eigbtef n miles 
from Minisink. At daylight on the morning of tiie 23, after leaving our 
horses, and disengaging of every thing heavy, we marched on with in- 
tention to make the attack the moment an opportunity offered. The 
Indians, probably from some discovery (hey had made of us, marched 
wilh more alacrity than usual, with an intention to get their Prisoners, 
Cattle and plunder taken at Minisink over the river. They had almost 
effected getting their Cattle and baggage across, when we discovered them 
at Lacawack, 27 mites from Minisink, some Indians in the river and some 
bad got over. It was determined in council to make an attack at this 
place. I therefore disposed of the men into three divisions, ordered 
Col. TtiBtin to command the one on the right and to take post about 
three hundred yards distance on an eminence to secure uur Right; sent 
Col. Wisuer with another Division to file out to the Left and to dispose 
of himself in the like manner. In order to prevent the Enemy from 
gaining any advantage on our tlank, the other Division under my com- 
mand to attack them with that vigor necessary to Strike Terror in such 
a foe. 

*' Capt. Tyler with the advance Guard unhappily dischaiged liis piece 
before the division could be properly posted, which p\it me under the 
necessity of bringing on the Action. I ordered my Division to fix their 
Bayonets and push forcibly on them, which order being resulutely exe- 
cuted put tho Indiana in the utmost confusion great numbers took to 



WAK OF THE REVOLUTION. 



61 



the river, who fell from the well directed fire of our Rifle men, and in- 
cessant blaze from our Musketry without returning any fire. The Di- 
visions in the rear, nut subject to order broke, some advanced down the 
hill toward me, others fled into the woods. 1 soon perceived the enemy 
rally on our right and recrossing the river to gain the heights. I found 
myself under the necessity to rally all my force which by this time was 
touch less than I expected. The enemy by this time had collected in 
force and from the best accounts can be collected received a reinforce- 
ment from Kestiethon began to fire on our left. We returned the fire 
and kept np a constant bush fireing up the hill from the river, in whicli 
the brave Capt. Tyler fell, several were wounded. The people being 
exceedingly fatigued obliged me to take post on a height, which proved 
to be a strong and advantageous ground. The enemy repeatedly ad- 
vanced in from 40 to 100 yards distance and were as repeatedly repulsed. 
I had now but 45 men (officers included) who had lost their command 
naturally drew toward me. The spirits of these few notwithstanding 
their fatigue, situation, and unallayed thii-et, added to that cruel yelling 
of those bloody monsters, the seed of Anak in size, exceed thought or 
■description. We defended this ground near three hours and a half 
during the whole time one blaze without intermisBion was kept up on 
both sides. Here we had three men killed and nine wounded. Among 
the wounded was Lt. Col. Tustin, in the hand, Maj. Meeker in the shoul- 
der. Adj. Finch in the leg, Capt. Jones in the foot, and Ensign Wood in 
the wrist. The chief of our people was wounded by Angle shots from 
the Indians from behind Rocks and Trees. Our Rifles here were very 
useful. I found myself under the necessity of ceasing tho fire, our Am- 
munition from the continual fire of more than five hours* naturally 
suggested that it must be Exhausted, ordered no person to shoot without 
having his object sure that no shot might be lost. This gave spiiits to 
the Enemy, who formed their whole strength and forced the North East 
part of our Lines. Here we gave them a severe Gaul. Our people not 
being able to support the lines retreated down the hill precipitately 
towards the River. The Enemy kept up a constant fire on our Right 
which was returned. The people by this lime was so scattered I found 
myself unequal to rally them again, consequently every man made 
<;hoice of his own way. Thus Ended the Action. 

" The following are missing in the whole from the last accounts : 
"Col. Ellison's Regiment— Lt. Col. Tustin, Capt. Jones, Capt. Wood, 
Capt. Little, Capt. Duncan, and twelve privates. One private of New- 
Jersey. Adjutant Finch, Ensign Wood, and one private of my Regiment. 
In the whole twenty-one men. 

"Several wounded men are in. I hope others will be yet found. I 
received a wound on my head, one in my leg and one in my thigh — 
slightly. The one in my thigh, from inattention, is a little troublesome. 
Several spies that lay near the enemy the night following the action in- 
form us that they moved off their wounded in canoes, on the day follow- 
ing: that on the ground where they lay there was great quantities of 
blood, and the whole encampment was marked with wounded men. 
Great numbers of plasters and bloody rags was found. Although we 
suffered by the loss of so many brave men, the best for the number, with- 
out sensible error, in the Precinct. It's beyond doubt the enemy suf- 
fered much more. From the various parts of the action can be collected 
-a greater number of Indian dead than we lost, besides their wounded. 
The number of Indians and Tories is not ascertained ; some accounts say 
■90, others 120, othei-s IGO. Col. Seward of New Jersey, with 93 men, 
Was within five or six miles of the action, on the Pennsylvania side, did 
not hear the firing; approached and lay near the Indians all night follow- 
ing, and from their conduct and groaning of the wounded gave rise to 
the belief that they had been in some action where they had suffered, 
And would have attacked them round their fire, but a mutiny arose 
among some of bis people which preTsnted — a very unfortunate and to 



* A question has been raised as to the time of the continuance of the 
action. It will be observed that in another place Col. Hathorn gives the 
line of his march as extending twenty-seven miles, nine of which were 
traveled on the day of the action before the enemy was discovered. 
Some time was also spent in countermarching and forming line of battle, 
the whole probably occupying the day until near noon. A " continued 
fire of more than five hours" would have taken the time to about half- 
past five. It is evident that the object was to hold the place to as late 
an hour as possible that escape might be attended with the best advan- 
tages, and it is to this fact, perhaps, that no pursuit was made by the In- 
diana, and that so many fugitives made their way to their homes. Maj. 
Wood, in his journal, says the "conflict lasted almost the whole day," 
which apparently confirms the current account of the continuance until 
Hear twilight. 



be lamented circumstance. If in their situation be had attacked them, 
with the common smiles of Providence he most have succeeded and put 
them to total rout. 

" Dear Governor, it's not in my power to paint out to you the disagree- 
able situation I was in, surrounded by a foe, with such a handfull of 
valuable men not only as soldiers but as fellow citizens and members of 
society, and nothing to be expected but the hatchet, spear and scalping 
knife. The tremendous yells and whoops, all the fiends in the confines 
of the Infernal Regions, with one united cry, could not exceed it. Add 
to this the cries and petitions of the wounded around me not to leave 
them, was beyond parallel or idea. My heart bleeds for the unfortunate 
wounded who fell into their hands. However, circumstances give me 
a little consolation. Mr. Roger Townsend, of Goshen, received a wound 
in his thigh; being exceedingly thirsty, making an attempt to go to 
find some water, was met by an Indian who very friendly took him by 
the hand and said he was his prisoner and would not hurt him. A well- 
directed ball from one of our men put the Indian into a dose, and Mr. 
Townsend ran back into the lines. I hope some little humanity may 
yet be found in the breasts of the savages. 

" I should be at the greatest loss was I to attempt to point out any offi- 
cer or soldier that exceeded another iti bravery during the time of the 
general action. Too much praise cannot be given to them for their at- 
tention in receiving orders and alacrity in executing them. 

" I have acquiesced with Col. Woodhull in ordering one-eighth of our 
Regiments to Minisink as a tempoi-ary guard until your excellency's 
pleasure is known on the subject. 
' "The Indians were under the command of Brant, who was either 
killed or wounded in the action. They burnt Major Decker's house and 
I barn, Saml. Davis's house, barn and mill. Jacobus Van Vleck's house 
I and barn, Daniel Vanoker's barn, (here was two Indians killed from a 
' little Fort round the house, which was saved,) Esquire Cuykindall's 
{ house and barn, Simon Westfall's house and barn, the Church, Peter 
'i Cuykindall's house and barn, Mertinus Decker's fort, house, barn and 
saw mills, and Nehemiah Patterson's saw mill ; killed and scalped Jere- 
miah Vanoker, Daniel Cole, Ephraim Ferguson and one Tavern, and 
took with them several prisoners, mostly children, with a great number 
of horses, cattle and valuable plunder. Some of the cattle we rescued 
and returned to the owners. 

" I hope your Excellency will make allowances for the imperfect stile, 
razures and blotts of this line, whilst I have the honor to subscribe 
myself, with the most perfect esteem, in haste, 

" Your Excellency's Most Obedt Servt, 

" John Hathorn, Col** 

Detachments from Woodhuirs, Allison*s, and Ha- 
thorn's regiments were immediately sent to guard the 
frontier from further incursions. Their continuance 
in the field, however, was of short duration, for the 
moving of Sullivan's expedition up the Susquehanna, 
and of Clinton's co-operating command through the 
Mohawk Valley, drew the attention of Brant and his 
Tory allies to their own protection, and the scourging 
which they then received deterred them from again 
venturing upon the war-path. 

A reason of quite an opposite character tended to 
relieve the militia of eastern Orange and southern 
Ulster from the active service in which they had par- 
ticipated for three years. The forts in the High- 
lands having become of the utmost strategic impor- 
tance, Washington, with the main body of the Conti- 
nental army, encamped in their vicinity, and held in 
check the movements of the enemy. But without 
further service in the field, — a duty from which they 
were not fully relieved, — the record of their part in 
the drama of the Revolution will rank them with the 
most heroic of that heroic era. 



62 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



CHAPTER VI. 

BEVOIiUTIONAKY EVENTS-PLEDGE OP 
ASSOCIATION. 

Events connected with the war of the Revolution, 
aside from military organizations and their servic&s, 
mainly cluster around the associations which were 
formed in 1775 to maintain civil government a.nd sus- 
tain the action of the Continental Congress, and the 
operations of Claudius Smith's band of " cow-boys." 
True, there were other events which transpired in the 
district now constituting the county, as well as in that 
which was then embraced within its limits. The part 
taken by the people in erecting the forts in the High- 
lands and in obstructing the navigation of Hudson's 
River ; the story of Stony Point; the treason of Ar- 
nold and the capture and execution of Andrfi ; the 
encampment of the Continental army in Smith's 
Clove and in New Windsor; the headquarters of 
AVashington in New Windsor and Newburgh ; the 
Temple, the Newburgh Letters, and the Society of the 
Cincinnati have their place in the county's annals. 
Nevertheless, they were events that have properly 
been remanded to the domain of general history, and 
have therein been exhaustively chronicled, and it 
would be a work of supererogation to repeat their de- 
tails. We turn, therefore, to the organiz.ation of the 

local 

REVOLUTIONARY ASSOCIATIONS. 

The war of the Revolution may be said to have 
been inaugurated by the Continental Congress of 
1774. No matter what may have been the steps 
which led the colonists up to that point, the passage 
of the non -importation resolutions of 1774 was the 
point of departure from which neither the govern- 
ment nor the colonies could recede, — the issue of 
compulsion and resistance was by that act estab- 
lished. One of the leading features of these res- 
olutions was the call for the organization in every 
city, county, town, and precinct of a " Committee of 
Safety and Observation." The city of New York 
took the lead by organizing a committee of one hun- 
dred, of which Isaac Low was chairman, and by 
sending circulars to all the towns and precincts in the 
province urging the formation of similar committees. 
About the same time a pamphlet entitled " Free 
Thoughts on the Resolves of Congress" made its ap- 
pearance and was scattered broadcast over the land. 
The people thus had the question fairly before them, 
and in their local meetings discussed the points in- 
volved. The district now included in the county was 
ripe for the movement. In original Orange the gen- 
eral sentiment was especially one of approval, for, 
notwithstanding the fact that the city of New York 
had selected the delegates to the Congress of 1774, 
the people of Orange determined to send a delegate 
of their own, and, at a convention held at Goshen, 
appointed Henry Wisner to represent them, whose 
voice and signature were given for non-importation. 



while southern Ulster, the home of George Clinton, 
had approved his every act of opposition to the de- 
mands of the ministry. It is not with surprise, there- 
fore, that we read that in the precincts of Newburgh, 
New Windsor, Hanover, Wallkill, Goshen, and Corn- 
wall the pamphlet referred to was i)ublicly burned 
and committees of safety organized. 

The first duty of these committees was to provide 
for sending delegates to a provincial convention to be 
held in New York for the purpose of appointing del-- 
egates to the Second Continental Congress at Phila- 
delphia. Scarcely had this work been completed, 
when, on the 29th of April, the committee of New 
York drew up and signed a pledge to observe and 
maintain the orders and resolutions of both the Con- 
tinental and Provincial Congresses, and sent it for sig' 
natures to all the precincts and counties in the prov- 
ince. It was an important proceeding. While local 
committees of safety had their place in giving expreis- 
sion to the popular voice, the pledge of association; 
bearing the individual signatures of the people, was 
an evidence that could not be impeaclied. Another 
important feature was that it was virtually the organ- 
ization of a revolutionary government. It was in the 
following form : 

"Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of. America 
depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a vigorous 
prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety; and ronvinced of 
the necessity of preventing anarchy and. confusion, which attend the 
dissolution of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, 

and inhabitants of , do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to 

become slaves; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor^ 
and love of our country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution 
whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, 
or resolved upon by our Provincial Ci.uiventiun, fur the purpose of pre- 
serving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several ar- 
bitrary acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between 
Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles (which we most 
ardently desire), can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow 
the advice of our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, 
the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals 
and property." 

With the return of the signatures to the general 
committee of New York the local organizations were 
complete, presenting as their representatives commit- 
tees of safety and observation charged with the exe- 
cution of whatever measures might be regarded as 
necessary by the general committee of New York. 
Almost immediately following this organization they 
were recognized by the Provincial Convention, and 
the local committees invested with power to appoint 
assessors and collectors, while the county committees 
were to be " considered as supervisors according to 
the police of the city, county, town, or precinct" in 
which they had been chosen, and, with the assessors 
and collectors, were directed to assess, raise, and col- 
lect the quotas to be raised for the support of the 
revolutionary government, and were empowered to 
enforce collection " by distress upon the goods and 
chattels of the defaulters," as had been previously 
practiced in the collection of taxes for the crown. 
The power to arrest persons " inimical" to the meas- 



( 



KEVOLUTIONARY EVENTS. 



63 



ures which had been or might be taken was vested 
in the local committees; subsequently (1777) this 
power was greatly enlarged by the Continental Con- 
gress, and the local committees practically constituted 
marshals of the United States, with power to arrest 
under wan-ants charging the "levying of war against 
the United States of America, holding correspond- 
ence with and assisting the enemies of the said 
States," and of being " inimical to the cause of 
America." Whatever may have been their purpose 
and action in other provinces, in New York — where 
a government had to be created to supplant that which 
had been established by England — tliey became the 
government, the town committees, where it was ne- 
cessary, taking upon themselves the powers of town 
officers, county committees becoming boards of su- 
pervisors, the general committee of the province per- 
forming legislative duties in the recess of the Provin- 
cial Convention, the latter body becoming the supreme 
head of the Revolutionary movement until 1777, when 
a constitution was adopted, — the first republican con- 
stitution of the State of New York. 
y' It may be proper to add that the county commit- 
tees were not all constituted in the same manner. In 
counties where the precincts had chosen committees, 
the latter bodies composed the county committee ; in 
counties where there were no precinct organizations, 
county committees might be formed of any number 
of the " friends of liberty ;" in other counties, where 
a majority of the precincts had chosen committees, 
it was provided that " if there be any district or dis- 
tricts that have not chosen committees, the county 
committee are to proceed in like manner as if such 
district or districts were actually represented in said 
county committee" in the assessment of taxes, etc. 
Many of the duties conferred upon county commit- 
tees were not operative where the local authorities 
acted in accord with the opponents of the crown, and 
the assessment and collection of taxes was in their 
interest ; but in other respects they had powers grow- 
ing out of the necessities of the situation, among 
which was the following : 

*' If any person or pei-sons shall hereafter oppose or deny tlie authority 
of the Continental or of this (Provincial) Congress, or the Cuiiimittee of 
Safety, or the comniitteesof the respective counties, cities, towns, manors, 
precincts, or districts in this colony, or dissuade any pereon or persons 
from oheying the recommendations of the Continental or this Congress, 
or the Committee of Safety, or the committee aforesaid, and be convicted 
thereof before the committee of the comity, or any tliirteen or more of 
their number, who shall or may meet upon a general call of the cliairman 
of such committee where such person or persons may reside, that such 
committee shall cause such otfeuders to be disarmed; and for the second 
offense they shall be committed to close confinement, at their respective 
expense." 

This explanation is given for two purposes : first, that 
the true character of the associations and committees 
may appear ; and, second, that the impression which 
many entertain that a signature to the pledge is to be 
regarded as positive evidence of the loyalty of the per- 
son making it to the cause of independence, may be 
corrected. In the great majority of cases the impression 



referred to is no doubt in accordance with the facts, 
in others it is not. There were a few — whose names 
appear as refusing to sign — who could, perhaps, be 
classed as " Tories" prior to the adoption of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. Men were only asked to 
give their approval to proposed measures " until a 
reconciliation should be effected." When the Decla- 
ration was adopted, John Alsop, in resigning his seat 
in the Continental Congress, voiced the sentiments of 
a minority of respectable members in saying, " As 
long as a door was lelt open for a reconciliation with 
Great Britain, upon honorable terms, I was willing 
and ready to render my country all the service in my 
power; but as you have, by that declaration, closed 
the door of reconciliation, I must beg leave to resign." 
Perhaps it is fortunate that an analysis of the lists 
cannot now be made with a view to show the position 
of each person in the broader field of rebellion to 
which the country was carried by the Declaration. 
That there were many and violent opponents raised 
up who had previously acquiesced in the measures 
for redress, will not be questioned by those familiar 
with the history of the Eevolution. " Loyalists" and 
" Tories" then became familiar terms, — " Indians and 
Tories" a terror on the frontiers. Perhaps the Whigs 
committed excesses, or were too severe in committee 
administration ; but this at least is true, that they 
discriminated between their opponents, driving one 
class from the country, but suffering the other to en- 
joy their possessions, and their descendants to stand 
as the peers of their own children in the national 
temple which they had erected. It is not for the 
present or for future generations to appeal from the 
justice of that discrimination. 

One other explanation. The signatures in Goshen 
precinct embraced the present town of Goshen, Ches- 
ter, Warwick, Wawayanda, Greenville, and part of 
Blooming-Grove ; Mount Hope and Deerpark appear 
in the precinct of Mamakating ; Cornwall precinct 
embraced the present towns of Cornwall, Highlands, 
Monroe, part of Blooming-Grove, and a portion of 
the present county of Rockland ; the precincts of 
Newburgh, New Windsor, and Wallkill will be rec- 
ognized as present towns, while the precinct of Han- 
over included the present towns of Montgomery and 
Crawford. It is this subdivision of the old precincts 
that prevents the assignment of names to towns as 
now constituted. The following were the signatures : 

PRECINCT OF NEWBURGH. 



Col. Jona. Hashrouck. 
Thomas Palmer. 
Isaac Belknap. 
William Darling. 
Wolvert Acker. 
John Belknap. 
John Kobinson, 
Saml. Clark. 
Benj. Birdsail. 
Benjamin Smith. 
James Waugh. 
Abel Belknap. 



Martin Weigand. 
Wm. Foster. 
Wm. Wilson. 
Wm. Stillwell, Jr. 
Peter Donally. 
Charles Tooker. 
Leonard Smith, Jr. 
Henry Smith. 
James Wooden. 
Thomas Smith. 
Caleb Case. 
David Green. 



«4 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Moses Higby, M.D. 
Henry Cropsey. 
Wm. Harding. 
Joseph Belknap. 
Jolin Stratton. 
Lewis Holt. 
Samuel Hallock. 
Samuel Sprague. 
Burroughs Holmes. 
Samuel Bond. 
Thomas Campbell. 
James Cosman. 
Lewis Clark, 
Jonathan Sweet. 
Reuben Touker. 
Davitl Belktuip. 
Daniel Birdsall. 
Kobert Luckwood. 
Benj. Knap. 
Saml. Westlake. 
Josiah Ward. 
Silas Gardner. 
Jacob Gillis. 
Wm. Kencaden. 
James Denton. 
John Foster. 
Hope Mills. 
John Cosman, 
Wm. Wear. 
Thomas Fish. 
Wm. Lawrence, Jr. 
John Kernughan. 
Robert Hanmer. 
Robert Ross. 
John Crowell. 
Obadiah Weeks. 
Francis Hanmer. 
William Bloomer. 
Abraham Garrison. 
James Marston. 
Samuel Gardiner. 
Anning Smith. 
Richard Albertson. 
Benj. Lawrence. 
Richard Buckinghaoa 
Jacob Morewise. 
Nicholas Stephens. 
Johannis Snider. 
Benjamin Robinson. 
Andrew Sprague. 
Thomas Beaty. 
Solo. Buckingham. 
Wm. Bowdish. 
Jona. Belknap. 
Jacob Tremper. 
Abraham Smith. 
Cornelius Wood. 
John Lawrence. 
George Hack. 
John Shaw. 
Corna. Hasbrouck. 
Isaac Demott. 
David Smith. 
John Strattou. 
Absalom Case. 
Joseph Dunn. 
Daniel Morewise. 
Jonathan Oweu. 
Jehiel Clark. 
Reuben Holms, 
Nathaniel Coleman. 
George Leonard. 
Elnathan Foster. 
Neal McLean. 
Wm. Palmer. 



John Still well. 

liUff Smith. 
John Gates. 
Benj. Darby. 
Israel Smith. 
Thads. Smith. 
Jacob Myers. 
Saml. Concklin. 
Isaac Brown, M.D. 
Peter Tiltun. 
John Douaghy. 
Ste. Stephenson. 
John Griggs. 
Saml. Smith. 
Jeremiah Ward. 
Wm. Ward. 
Wm. RuBsel. 
John Tremper. 
Charles Willett. 
Jeremiah Dunn. 
Wm. Lawrence. 
Robeit Waugh. 
Wiggins Conklin. 
Robert Bcatty, Jr. 
Abr'm Johnston. 
Silas Sperry. 
James Clark. 
David Mills. 
Caleb Coffin. 
James Harris. 
Theo. Hagaman. 
Wm. Dunn. 
Nehemiah Carpenter. 
Leonard Smith. 
Wm. Day. 
John Wandel. 
Abel Thrall. 
Phineas Corwln. 
Moses Hunt. 
Samuel Sands. 
Jacob Concklin. 
Joseph Price. 
John Saunders. 
George Westlake, 
Burger Weigand. 
Tunis Keiter. 
Hugh Quigly. 
Daniel Darby. 
Isaac Brown, Jr. 
Hezekiah Wyatt. 
Wm. Whitehead. 
Daniel Goldsmith. 
Gabriel Travis. 
Nathaniel Weed. 
John Weed. 
Daniel Duboise. 
Arthur Smith. 
Isaac Fowler. 
Stephen Outman. 
Saml. Stratton. 
Joseph Carpenter. 
Daniel Thurstin. 
John Fowler. 
Daniel Clark. 
Isaac Donaldson. 
Wm. CoTicklin. 
Charles Tooker. 
John Smith. 
Isaac Fowler, Jr. 
William Wright. 
Wm. White. 
Daniel KniCTen. 
Rob. Morrison, M.D. 
John Dolson. 
Leonard Smith. 



Persons Refusing to Sign. 



J 



Nehemiah Fowler. 
Stephen Wiggins. 
Isaiah Purdy. 
♦Gilbert Purdy. 
Nathan Purdy. 
♦John Wiggins. 
*James Leonard. 
*Morris Flewwelling. 
♦Anthony BeatTebron. 
♦Daniel Hains. 
*Daniel Denton. 
Daniel Denton, Jr. 
*Georg« Merritt. 
Adam Patrick. 
•Gabriel Travis. 
John Wiggins, Jr. 
Joseph Gedney, Jr. 
George Devoll. 
Thomas Fowler. 
Stephen Wood. 
*Abel Flewwelling. 
Jonathan Pine. 
♦Samuel Fowler. 
Joseph Cope. 
Hazael Smith. 
Jonathan Bninbridge. 
Joseph Headley. 



Benjamin Lewis. 
Peter Aldrige. 
♦John Flewwelling. 
Jacob Fry. 
James Perry. 
James Patterson. 
David Gedney. 
George Elms. 
Nathan Purdy, Jr. 
Daniel Purdy. 
Daniel Purdy, Jr. 
John Hendrick. 
♦Isaac Barton. 
William Roach, 
David Horton. 
Theophilus Mozer. 
♦Jonas Totten. 
Daniel Dorland. 
Daniel Rounds. 
John Morrel. 
Moses Knap. 
David Wyatt. 
Samuel Denton. 
Thomas Orr, Jr. 
♦Daniel Gedney. 
John Rims. 
Joseph Penny. 



The *' Committee of Safety and Observation" was 
appointed Jan. 27, 1775, and was composed of Wolvert 
Acker, Jonathan Hasbrouck, Thomas Palmer, John 
Belknap, Joseph Coleman, Moses Higby, Samuel 
Sands, Stephen Case, Isaac Belknap, Benjamin Bird- 
sall, and John Robinson. 

PRECINCT OF NEW WINDSOR. 



James Clinton. 
John Nicholson. 
James McClaughry. 
Matthew DuBois. 
Robert Cook, 
John Umphrey. 
James Umphrey. 
George Umphrey. 
Oliver Humphrey. 
James McDowell. 
Alexander Telford. 
Robert Smith. 
Jonah Park. 
Scudder Newman. 
James Humphrey (2).t 
John Davis. 
John Coleman. 
Joseph Young. 
Andrew Roliineon. 
William Fulton. 
James Taylor. 
Hugh Polloy. 
Samuel Given. 
Robert Burnet, Jr. 
Timothy Mills. 
William Buchanan. 
Matthew Bell. 



Walter McMichael. 
George Coleman. 
James Gage. 
James Dunlap. 
Robert Stuert. 
Samuel Wood. 
Nathaniel Garrison. 
Andrew Dickson. 
George Coleman (2). 
Peter John. 
Samuel Iiatnb. 
William Crawford. 
John W. Miklan. 
Francis Mains. 
James Miller. 
John Morrison. 
Hugh Wateraon. 
Caleb Dill. 
John Dill. 
Edward Miller. 
Robert Whigham. 
John Crudge. 
Robert Boyd, Sr. 
Silas Wood. 
Uiclinrd Wiod. 
John Johnston. 
David Crawford. 



* Those marked with iisterisk subsequently came before the committee 
and made affidavit of their intention to abide by the measures of the 
Continental Congress, and pay their quota of all expenses, — a pledge 
which some of them subse^iuently reconsidered. 

t (2) indicates that name appears twice without suffix of Jr. or Sr. 
The names are from the original list, which was not returned to the 
General Committee. It does not appear to be a complete list, there being 
known residents at the time whose names do not appear, nor Is there a 
return of those refusing to sign. 



i 



REVOLUTIONAKY EVENTS. 



65 



Robert Thompson. 
Charles Nicliolson. 
William Robiuaon. 
Arthur Carecaddeu. 
Edward Lyal. 
Henry McNeeley. 
William Niclos. 
Robert Boyd, Jr. 
K at ban Smith. 
Samuel Logan. 
James Dennistou. 
Jacob Mills. 
Thomas Cook. 
Daniel Clemence. 
Robert Couban. 
John Waugh. 
William Gage. 
Alexander Keruahan. 
William Stiiison. 
Henry Roberson. 
Benjamin Human. 
William Miller. 
William Telford. 
John Burnot. 
Joseph Beatty. 
John Smith. 
James M. Oliver. 
William Miller (2). 
Charles Byrn. 
Jonathan Parehall. 
James Greer. 
John Mills. 
Thoniiis Eliot. 
Robert Campbell. 
Nathaniel Boyd. 
Charles Kermigban. 
Eliphalet Leonard. 
William Nichols. 
Thomas McDowel. 
James Crawford. 
Joseph Belknap. 
John Nicoll. 
Samuel Brewster. 
Samuel Sly. 
Mattliew McDowell. 
Daniel Mills. 



John Morrison (2). 
Henry McNeeley, Jr. 
Alexander Taylor. 
James Perry, 
Samuel Boyd. 
John Cunningham. 
James Jackson. Jr. 
Isaac Stonehouse. 
John Hiffernan. 
James Smith. 
William Park. 
David Thompson. 
Nathaniel Liscomb. 
William MiiUiner. 
Isaac Belknap. 
Nathaniel Boyd (2). 
Edward Petty. 
Robert Johnston. 
Joseph Sweezey. 
Alexander Fulton. 
James Faulknor. 
David Clark. 
Nathan Sargent. 
Gilbert Peet. 
James Docksey. 
Solomon Smith. 
Samuel Woodward. 
Jonathan White. 
Alexander Beatty. 
John Close (Rev.). 
William Moffat. 
William Beatty. 
George Harris. 
Stephen King, 
Jolin Murphy. 
Benjamin Burnam. 
Austin Beardsley. 
Thomas Swafford. 
Timothy White. 
Dennis Furshay. 
George Mavings. 
Samuel Brewster, Jr. 
David Mandevill, 
William Welling. 
Peter Welling. 
Hugh Turner. 



PRECINCT OF MAMAKATING. 

(Deei-park and Mount Hope.) 



"Committee of Safety and Observation," May 6, | 
1775, was composed of Col. James Clinton, Capt. 
James McClaughry, John Nicoll, John Nicholson, 
Nathan Smith, Robert Boyd, Jr., Samuel Brewster, 
Samuel Sly, Samuel Logan. May, 1776 : Samuel 
Brewster, Robert Boyd, Jr., Nathan Smith, Hugh 
Humphrey, George Denniston, John Nicoll, Col. 
James McClaughry, and Samuel Arthur. Samuel 
Brewster, chairman. 

PRKCINCT OF HANOVER. 

No return of names made. *' Committee of Safety 
and Observation," May 8, 1775 : Dr. Charles Clinton, 
chairman, Alexander Trimble, Arthur Parks, William 
Jackson, Henry Smith, Jacob Newkirk, James Latta, 
Philip Mole, John Wilkin, James McBride, James 
Milliken, Samuel Barkley. 

PRECINCT OF WALLKILL. 

No return of names. Committee : Abimael Young, 
chairman, James Wilkins, Hezekiah Gale, Moses 
Phillips, and Henry Wisner, Jr., Jan. 30, 1775. 



John Young. 
Capt. John Crage. 
Benj. Cuddeback, Jr. 
T. K. Westbrook. 
William Johnston. 
Johan. Stufflebane. 
Johan. Stufflebane, Jr. 
John Thompson. 
Wm. Cuddeback. 
Elisha Travis. 
Eli Strickland. 
Capt. J. R. DeWitt. 
Abner Skinner. 
Thomas Kytte. 
Joseph Drake. 
Isaac Van Twill, 
Joseph Westbrook. 
Daniel Van Fleet, Jr. 
Jacob Van Inwegen. 
Corn. Van Inwegen. 
Reuben Babbett. 
Robert Milliken. 
John Williams. 
Wm. Smith. 
Jep. Fuller. 
Joseph Thomas. 
Joseph Skinner. 
John Travis. — 
John Travis, Jr. 
Robert Comfort. 
Eph. Furgison. 
Moses Miller. 
Jno. Barber. 
John Fry. 
George Gillespy. 
Henry Newkirk. 
Philip Swartwout, Esq. — . 
Wm. Haxton. 
Robert Cook. ( 
William Rose. 
James Williams. 
James Blizard. 
Thomas Combs. 
Ebenezer Halcomb. 
Abr. Cuddeback. 
Aldert Rosa. 
"David Gillaspy. 
Abrm. Cuddeback, Jr. 
Fred. Benaer. 
Jonathan Brooks. 
Ebenezer Parks. 
Petrus Gumaer. "» 
J. DeWitt Gumaer. . 
Ezekiel Gumaer.*- 
Elias Gumaer. — 
Moses Depuy, Jr. 
Jonathan Wheeler. 
Thomas Lake. 
'^Matthew Neely. 
John Harding. 
Eph. Thomas. 
Abm. McQuin. 
Joseph Arthur. 
Daniel Decker. 
John Brooks. 
David Daley. 



Jacob Comfort. 
Jonah Parks. 
Saml. Pattereon. 
Joel Adams. 
James Cunen. 
Peter Simpson. 
Benjamin Depuy. *" 
John McKinstry. 
Harm. Van Inwegen. 
Samuel Depuy. 
ChHs. Gillets. 
James McCivers. 
Joseph Hubbard. 
G. Van Inwegen. 
Eliphalet Stevens. 
Adam Rivenburgh. 
Stephen Laruey. 
Samuel King. 
Valentine Wheeler. 
John Wallis. 
Jacobus Swartwout. 
Gerardus Swartwout. 
Phil. Swartwout, Jr. 
Jacobus Cuddeback. 
Petrus Cuddeback. 
Rufus Stanton, 
Asa Kimball. 
Zeh. Holcomb. 
Samuel Daley. 
Nathan Cook. 
Henry Ellsworth. 
John Seybolt. 
David Wlteeler. 
Elisha Barber. 
Jonathan Davis. 
Gerehom Simpson. 
Jacob Stanton. 
John Gillaspy. 
Abraham Smedes. 
Joseph Shaw. 
Abraham Rosa. 
Jacob Rosa. 
Stephen Halcomb. 
Moses Roberts. 
Daniel Roberts. 
Jeremiah Shaver. 
Joseph Ogden. 
Elias Miller. 
George I. Denniston. 
Jonathan Strickland. 
Johannes Miller. 
John Douglass. 
Joseph Randall. 
Thos. Gillaspy. 
Daniel Walling. 
Daniel Walling, Jr. 
Matthew Terwilliger. 
Johannes Wash. 
Daniel Woodworth. 
Nathaniel Travis. 
Ezekiel Travis. *" 
Joseph Travis, f 
Isaac Rosa. 
Abr. Smith. 
Leonard Hefinessey. 



*' Committee of Safety and Observation," — John 
Young, president, who certified that the association 
was "unanimously signed by all the freeholders and 
inhabitants of the precinct, June 26, 1775." 



66 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



PRECINCT OF 


GOSHEN. 


William Satterly. 


John Minthorn. 






Gideon Salmon. 


Abraham Chandler. 


Minidnh District. 


Phineas Sahnon. 


Jacobus Laine. 


J.Westbrook, Jr. 


Isaac Davia. 


John Brown. 


Jacob Demarest. 


Benjamin Cox. 


George Quick. 


Silas Horton. 


Joseph Todd. 


Johu Pr>'8. 


Jacobus Davis. 


John Cravens. 


John Bigger. 


Levi Decker. 


Jacobus Vanfliet. 


Ezra Keoler. 


Elijah Doan. 


Samuel Davis. 


Levi Van Etten. 


James Aspell. 


James Smith. 


Beiiben Juues. 


Daniel Cole. 


Zephaniah Huff. 


John Carvey. 


Petrus Cole. 


Benjamin Corson. 


Wm. Marshall. 


Benjamin Forgessou. 


A. Van Ktten. 


Joel Westbrook. 


Joseph Case. 


Elijah Truman. 


Johu Uenuett. 


A. C. Van Aken. 


Benjamin MacVea. 


David Moore. 


Petrus CuykendaJ. 


Johannes Decker, Jr. 


Christo. Springsteen. 


Nathaniel Tuthill. 


Sylvester Cortright. ^ 


Jacob Quick. "^ 


Hezekitth Wiitkius. 


Joseph McCaue. 


Jacobus Schoonhoven. 


Timothy Wood. 


Daniel Reeve. 


Joel Cross. 


Jacobus Vanfliet, Jr. 


Benjamin Wood. 


Samuel Bartholf. 


Caleb Goldsmith, 


Thomas Hart. 


James Carpenter. 


Heuiy Roemer. 


Henry Smith. 


John Van Tuyle. 


Esee Bronsou. 


Robert McCane. 


John Finch. 


S. Cuykeiulal, Jr. 


Isaac Uptegrove. 


Peter Gale. 


Moses Smith. 


Martinas Decker, Jr. 


Solomon Cuykendal. 


Stephen Meeker. 


Robert Thompson, Jr. 


WilhelmuB Westfall. 


Martinas Decker. 


Joseph Smith. 


George Little. 


Moses Kortiight. 


Benjamin Doorman, 


Tiionias McCaue. 


James Knap. 


Jacob Harraken. 


Nehemiah Pattison. 


Samuel Smith. 


Jeremiah Smith, Sr. 


G. Bradcock. 


Arthur Van Tuyle. 


Jacob Dunning. 


Amos Wotdcocks. 


Nicholas Slyter. 


Willielmus Cole. 


Joshua Davis. 


Jeremiah Ferger. 


Daniel St. John. 


Petrus Decker. 


John Williams. 


Zephaniah Drake. 


Albert Osterhoust. 


Asa Astly. 


Richard Jones. 


John Van Cleft. 


Johannes Westbrook. 


Daniel Kortright, 


Philip Borroughg. 


Israel Holley. 


Simon Westfall. 


Ephralm Middagh. 


Thomas Engles. 


William Seely. 


Blooming- Grov 


e District. 


Oliver Heady. 
Richard Sheridan. 


John Van Cleft, Jr. 
David Cooley, Jr. 


Alexander Smith. 


George Duryea. 


Jonathan Owen. 


Nicholas Van Tassel. 


Joseph Conkling. 


^ John Ketchum, Jr. 


Joshua Wells. 


Joshua Weeks. 


Jonathan Ilorton. 


William Heard. 


Jonah Seely. 


Benjamin Currie. 


John Caae. 


Phineas Heard. 


Wright Smith. 


Samuel Jones. 


Phineas Rumsey. 


Joshua Reeve. 


Silas Stewart. 


Michael Carpenter. 


Benjamin Harlow. 


Obadiah Helms. 


Benjamin Carpenter. 


Samuel Webb. 


William Hubbard. 


William Forbes. 


.y Squire Whitaker. 


John Owen. 


Garrett Duryea. 


Coleman Curtis. 


Silas Hulae. 


Benjamin Dunning. 


David Youngs. 


David Jones. 


Elisha Hulse. 


Wm. Kimber, 


James Miller. 


Francis Baird. 


Benjamin Smith. 


Gilbert Bradner. 


James Blapes. 


Stephen Lewis. 


Samuel Cooley. 


Jacob Finch. 


Joseph Drake. 


Nathaniel Minthorn. 


Johu Ferger. 


Hidley Spencer. 


Samuel Uaities Smith. 


Gamaliel Tansdell. 


David Kendle. 


William Walworth, 


Increase Wyman. 


Andrew Christy. 


Samuel Cole. 


Corns. Bartholf, Jr. 


Jonathan Smith. 


Hendrick Bartholf. 


Peter Miller. 


Stephen Bartholf. 


John Barker. 


Peter Bartholf. 


Robert Thompson. 


Joseph Allison. 


Moses Carpenter. 


Reuben Hall. 


Matthew Dilling. 


Michael Allison. 


Joshua Corey. 


Solomon Carpenter. 


James Little, Jr. 


James Allison. 


John Corey. 


Martin Myer. 


Benjamin Whitaker. 


William Carpenter. 


John Pain. 


Joshua Smith. 


Henry David. 


Casper Writer. 


Daniel Pain. 


Ehenezer Beer. 


Samuel Demarest. 


Jonas Wood. 


William Warne. 


Samuel Moffat. 


John Hoppei'. 


David Linch. 


Ilezekiah Warne. 


Lieut. John Wood. 


William Wisner. 


John Boyle. 


Zeba Owen. 


Ensign Daniel Drake. 


Israel Wells. 


Michael Coleman. 


Jonathan Jayue. 


Daniel Tooker. 


Daniel Carpenter. 


Abraham Harding. 


Caleb Coleman. 


Isaiah Smith. 


Samuel Carpenter. 


Henjy David, Jr. 


David Rogers. 


William Lesly. 


Peter Arnout. 


Jonathan David. 


Henry Wis nor. 


David Rumsey. 


James Bell. 


James Thompson. 


Thomas Goldsmith. 


John Meeker. 


Jeremiah S. Conkling. 


Jonathan Cooley. 


Jacobus Baitliolf. 


Joseph Browne. 


William Howard. 


John Whitaker. 


Guilian Bartholf. 


David Horton. 


James Dolsen. 


Nathaniel Mathers. 


Abraham Dalsen, Jr. 


Solomon Smith. 


Isaac Dolsen. 


Increase Matthews. 


Isaac Dalsen. 


John King. 


Reuben Hall, Jr. 


James Gardiner. 


Cornelius Decker. 


Cuppe Brooks. 


Jacob Fegate. 


John Little. 


David Demarest. 


Samuel Wickham. 


Jeremiah Smith, Jr. 


James Reeves. 


John Denton. 


Silas Hortou. 


Amos Smith. 


John Knap. 


Corns. Van Ordsdale. 


Charles Tooker. 


Matthias Carvey. 


Jonathan Corney. 


Joseph Elliot. 


John Budd. 


John Carvey. 


Solomon Roe. 


John Elliot. 


"William Horton. 


Francis Myanjoy. 


Saven Tracey. 


Abraham Springsteen, 


Joshua Brown. 


Solomon Tracey. 


Obadiah Smith. 


Capt. Nathaniel Roe. 


Joshua Brown, Jr. 


Amos Hubbs. 


Henry Bartholf. 


Lieut. John Jackson. 


James Markel. 


Thomas Barker. 


David Demarest. 


Joseph Dixon. 


John Bull. 


William Morris. 


Jacob Demarest. 


David Godfrey. 


Richard Bull. 


John Kennady. 


William King. 


Silas Pierson. 


Jeremiah Butler. 


Joseph Wilson. 


Christopher Decker. 



REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS. 



67 



James Steward. 


James McCane. 


David Howell, Jr. 




Joseph Oldfield. 


Joseph Steward. 


John Thompson. 


John Howell. 




Joseph Chilson. 


John Clark. 


Thomas Gale. 


Samuel Harman. 




Silas Holley. 


John Feigler. 


Charles Webb. 


Jabez K nap. 




Benjamin Dunning. 


Benjamin Demarest. 


Samuel Chandler. 


Nathaniel Knap, Jr. 




Daniel Holley. 


Peter Demarest. 


Richard Allison. 


Peter Barlow. 




Joshua Drake. 


Sallier David. 


Henry Hall. 


Elias Oldfield. 




Wait Smith. 


Edward David. 


John Kinnett. 


Samuel Sawyer. 




Stephen Jackson. 


John David. 


Benjamin Halsted. 


Jeremiah Oakley. 




Daniel Myers. 


Jacob Cole. 


David Miller. 


Timothy Smith. 




Cornelius Myers. 


George Kenible. 


Henry Dobhin. 


John Smith. 




Phineas Case. 


Wni. Dill. 


Solomon Finch. 


Jonathan Rawsou. 




William Knap. 


Christopher Myera. 


Solomon Hoft'. 


W^illiam Reed. 




Gilliert ^Idrige. 


Thomas Wood. 


Joseph Currie. 


William Egger (Eagei 


)- 


James Kinner. 


Philip Redrick. 


James Ramsey. 


Daniel Egger. 




Joshua Hallock. 


William McCane. 


James Masters. 


Anuing Owen. 




John Mory. 


James McCiiue. 


James Clark. 


Jacob Hulse. 




Oliver Smith. 


Martin McConnely. 


Michael Dunning. 


Solomon Smith. 




Isaac Smith. 


William Horton. 


James SL-hoouover. 


Thomas Denton. 




Cain Mehany. 


Philip Horton. 


John Morrison. 


Asa Derba. 




Ebenezer Holly. 


Benjamin Carpenter. 


Joseph Coleman. 


Moses Clark. 




Jushua Herbert. 


Henry Samis. 


Jonathan Coleman. 


William Helms. 




John Armstrong. 


Samuel Kuapp. 


William Kirby. 








Roolof Van Brunt. 


Orinus Bartholf. 




Exempis. 


Abel Jackson. 


James Bartholf. 


Daniel Denton. 




Hope Rhodes. 


Nathauiel Knapp, Jr. 


Joseph Halsted. 


Jonas Denton. 




Jesse Owen. 


James Parsliall. 


Michael Halsted. 


John Roe. 




Alexander Coxe. 


Anthony Swartwout. 


Gershon Owen. 


Alexander Jackson. 




Isaac Cooley. 


Benjamin Jackson. 


Samnel Westbrook. 


Joseph Grummon. 




Charles Durland. 


George Howell. 


Anthony Westbrook. 


Nathan Baily. 




John Springsteed. 


James Mosier. 


Joshua Hill. 


Thomas Beach. 




William Jackson. 


Samnel Finch. 


Benjamin Gabrelis. 


Henry Jayne. 




Nehemiah Carpenter. 


Samuel Reed. 


David Shephard. 


Richard Green. 




Samuel Wells. 


Jabez Finch. 


Abraham Dolsen, Sr. 


James Hanues. 




Anthony Swartwout, Sr. 


Benjamin Wallworth. 


John Kinman. 


James Forgas. 




Jacob Swartwout. 


Daniel Rosegrout. 


Benjamin Attwood. 


Samuel Baily. 




James Howell. 


John Davis. 


Gilbert Howell. 


Isaac Rhodes, Jr. 




Oliver Arnold. 


David Lowren. 


Isaac Hoadley. 


William Drake, 




Jonathan Archey. 


Moses Whitehead. 


Nathan Arnout. 


Daniel Holly. 




Nathaniel Sulton. 


John Myers. 


William Little. 


John Kinna. 




Gilbert V. Hone. 


David Stephens. 


Caleb Smith. 


Isaac Rhodes. 




Amariah Fuller, 


Jeremiah Trickey. 


Stephen Smith. 


Barnabas Horton. 




William Chambers. 


Henry Clark. 


David (Jaser. 


William Fullerton. 




Abijah Yelverton. 


John Carpenter Smith. 


Matthew Tyrel. 


David Benjamin. 




James Smith. 


Nathan Roberts. 


Andrew Miller. 


Hugh Dobbin. 




James Drake. 


John Shephard. 


Asa Vail. 




Uriah Satterly, 


John Gerner. 


Bazaliel Seely. 








Hezekiah Lawrence. 


Francis Callow. 


Persons refusing to Sign. 


Nathan Peniberton. 
Benjamin Cole. 
Caleb Smith. 
PeterArnout. 


John McDowell. 
William Ilotr. 
John Kimball. 
James Miller. 


Isaac Bull. 
John Myers. 
Isaac Aylie. 
Jacobus Demereet. 




Matthew Dillon. 
David Howell. 
Christopher Springsteed. 
David Jones. 


Matthew Howell. 
Matthew Howell, Jr. 
Thomas Augel. 
Isaac Tracey. 
Elijah Egars. 
James Hulse. 
Mark Chambers. 


James Stewart. 
Abraham Johnston. 
Stephen Conkling. 
Joshua Howell. 
Samuel Titus. 
Jonathan Hallock. 
John Miller. 


Jacobus Demerest, Jr 
Nehemiah Baily. 
Daniel Wood. 
Abner Wood. 
Eliphalet Wood. 
George Wood. 




William Wickham. 

Colvill Shepherd. 
Charles Brannon. 
Charles Brannon, Jr. 
John Newberry. 
Ed. Newberry. 


David Cooley. 
Nathaniel Cooley. 
Nathan Bailey. 


John Rhodes. 
David Mapes. 
Zacheus Horton. 


''Committee of Safety and Observation:" Isaac 
Nicoll, Benjamin Gale, Moses Hetfield, Daniel Ever- 


Nathan Bailey (2). 


Joshua Wells. 


ett, James Little, 


Joshua 


Davis. Daniel Everett, 


Zephaniah Kelly. 
Samuel Satterly. 
William Vail. 
James Hamilton. 


Benjamin Hill. 
Nathaniel Allison. 
William Kinua. 
John Bailey. 


chairman, Sept. 14, 1775. It is presumed there were 
others on the committee, as the names of John 
Hathorn, John Jackson, Henry Wisner, John Min- 


Joseph Beckas. 


LandriiieEggere. 


thorne, and Nathaniel Ketchum appear as chairmen 


Elias Clark. 
Alexander Campbell. 


John Conner. 
Peter Mann. 


at different times, but a complete list is not given. 


Elibu Horton. 
Hugh Fulton. 


Daniel Cooley, Jr. 
William Huff. 


CORNWALL 


PRECINCT. 


Phineas Parehall. 


Jacob Cole. 


John Brewster, Jr. 




Samuel Mapes. 


Peter Townsend. 


Edward David, Jr. 


Silas Benjamin, Jr. 




Justus Stevens. 


John Gardner. 


Daniel David. 


Smith Clark. 




David Stevens. 


Michael Brooks. 


Richard Halsted. 


Thomas Clark. 




Jonathan Stevens, 



68 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ephraim Clark. 


Daniel Mapes. 


Maurice Hearen. 


Daniel Thorne. 


BeDJamiu Mapes. 


Smith Mapes. 


James Smith. 


Timothy Wood. 


Beth u el Mapes. 


Isaiah Mapee. 


Henry Dier, Sr. 


Samuel Moffat. 


Isaac Corley. 


Nathan Marvin. 


Silas Pierson. 


Sylvanus Halsey. 


Patrick CiissHday. 


Samuel Gibson. 


Silas Pierson, Jr. 


Barnabas Many. 


Joseph Wilcox. 


Solomon Little. 


Richard Coleman. 


Luther Stuart. 


Timothy Smith, Jr. 


Jesse Woodhuil. 


Francis Drake. 


James Sayre, Jr. 


Richard Honiman. 


Natlian Brewster. 


Benoni Brock. 


John Sayre. 


Nehemiah Clark. 


Jonathan Brooks. 


Justus Hulse. 


Birdseye Young. 


John Seely. 


Elihu Marvin. 


Stephen Howell. 


Aaron Howell, Jr. 


James Peters. 


Seth Marvin. 


Stephen Sayles. 


WilUam King. 


James Matthews. 


Elihu Marvin, Jr. 


Daniel Smith. 


Isaac Bower. 


William Rue. • 


David Beggs. 


Daniel Jones. 


Thaddeus Cooley. 


Joseph Smith. 


Timothy Brewster. 


John Brooks. 


Wm. McLaughlin. 


JohD MoWhorter. 


Isaac Brown. 


John Moffat. 


Nassiad Curtis. 


Josiah Pell. 


Jesse Teed. 


Michael Kelly. 


Elijah Green. 


John Pell, Jr. 


Benjamin Budd. 


John Leonard. 


Jonathan Tuthill. 


Abr'm Ketcham. 


Benjamin Lester. 


Lewis Donnovan. 


Francis Tuthill. 


Thomas Clark, Jr. 


Joab Coleman. 


John Close (Rev.). 


Zachariah DuBois. 


William Hunter. 


Phineas Helmes. 


John Pride. 


Francis Brewster. 


Archibald Little, Jr. 


Silas Youngs. 


Joseph Collinga. 


John McLean. 


Jonas Seely. 


Silas Younga, Jr. 


Thomas ColUngs. 


Austin Smith. 


Israel Hodges. 


Reuben Youngs. 


James Moore. 


Joseph Lamoreux. 


Samuel Knights. 


Abimael Youngs, Jr. 


Benjamin Thorne. 


Eleazer Taylor. 


James Sayre. 


John Callay. 


John Parker. 


William Bradley, 


Isaac Corley, Jr. 


Thomas Sullivan. 


Hezekiah Howell. 


Nathaniel Pease. 


Jesse Marvin. 


Jeremiah Howell. 


Richard Colling^vood. 


Charles Howell. 


Jeremiah Clark. 


George Baitman. 


Silas Benjamin. 


E. Taylor. 


Joseph Wood. 


Josiah Seely. 


John Benjamin. 


Wm. Cook. 


Archibald Little. 


John McCarty. 


John Kelley. 


Thomas Chatfield. 


Stephen Gilbert. 


John Wood. 


Aaron Howell. 


James Wilkins. 


Abraham Loce. 


Thomas Moffat. 


John Carpenter. 


William Moffat. 


John Mapes. 


Samuel Smith. 


Benjamin Carpenter. 


Isaac Moffat. 


'* Josepii Ketcham. 


David Mandevil. 


Timothy Carpenter. 


John Moffat. 


-Samuel Ketcham, Jr. 


Vincent Matthews. 


Joseph Carpenter, Jr. 


Thomas Lenington. 


"Benjamin Ketcham, Jr. 


Samuel Ketcham. 


Robert Gregg. 


Jesse Brewster. 


"■"-benjamin Ketcham. 


Eleazer Youmans. 


Samuel Bartlett. 


Joseph Chandler. 


Joseph Morrell. 


Stephen Youmans. 


William Owen. 


William Gregg. 


James Tuthill. 


John Marvin. 


Silas Coleman. 


Silvanus Bishop. 


Brewster Helms. 


Jonathan Hallock. 


Hugh Gregg. 


Samuel Smith. 


William Brown. 


John Pecham. 


Francis Drake. 


John Faren. 


Asahel Coleman. 


John Burges. 


Charick Vanduzen. 


Isaac Vandusen (3d). 


Samuel Sacket. 


Patrick Odey. 


Azariah Martin. 


John Lightbody. 


Micah Coleman. 


Isaiah Howell. 


Abraham Butler. 


Gabriel Lightbody. 


John Smith. 


Samuel Seely. 


Zachariah Burwell. 


Isaac Lightbody. 


Gershom Clark. 


Israel Seely. 


Joshua Burwell. 


Andrew Lightbody. 


Timothy Little. 


Nathaniel Seely. 


Joseph Reeder. 


James Lightbody. 


James Little. 


Nathaniel Seely, Jr. 


John Reeder. 


Thomas Hulse. 


Tbaddeus Seely. 


Jesse Seely. 


William Reeder. 


Selah Satterly. 


Benjamin Gregory. 


Obadiah Smith. 


Joseph Reeder, Jr. 


Joel Tuthill. 


A William Nicholson. 


Nathaniel Satterly. 


Samuel Tuthill. 


John Miller. 


Silvanus White. 


Hezekiah Howell, Jr. 


Benjamin Tuthill. 


Arch. Cunningham. 


Daniel Coleman. 


Patrick McLaughlin. 


Joshua Sandstar. 


James Galloway. 


John Brewster. 


Daniel Deven. 


Isaac Lamoureux. 


Abner Thorp. 


Christopher Van Duzer. 


James Davidson. 


John Lamoureux. 


John Johnson. 


Isaac Van Duzer, Jr. 


Bn. Cruft. 


John Lamoureux (2d). 


Arche. Concham, Jr. 


Roger Barton. 


Nathaniel Sayre, Jr. 


Peter Lamoureux. 


George Whitaker. 


Obadiah Thorn. 


David Clark. 


Luke Lamoureux. 


Henry Myers. 


Solomon Sheldon. 


Richard Drake. 


Peter Lamoureux, Jr. 


Henry Brewster, Jr. 


Absalom Towuaend. 


Josiah Reeder. 


Philip Miller. 


Joseph Van Nort. 


James Halt. 


Peter Reeder. 


John Carpenter. 


William Conkling. 


Silas Hall. 


Stephen Reeder. 


Elijah Carpenter. 


John Brooks. 


John W. Clark. 


Jacob Reeder. 


William Carpenter. 


Neal Anderson. 


Paul Howell. 


Samuel Reeder. 


Joseph Halstead. 


James Mitchell. 


Silas Howell. 


Francis Vantine. 


Jonathan DuBois. 


James Overton. 


Bazaliel Seely. 


Alexander Sutton. 


Thomas Poicy. 


Moses Strain. 


Elijah Hudson. 


Samuel Smith. 


Thomas Herley. 


Caleb Ashley. 


Samuel Moffat, Jr. 


Thomas Smith. 


ZacheuB Horton. 


Benjamin Chichester. 


Hugh Murray. 


Jacob White. 


Jonas Garrison. 


Jacob Devo. 


Dennis Cooley. 


Justus Philby. 


Samuel Robbins. 


Thomas Willett. 


Silvanus Sayles. 


Benjamin Corey. 


William Bedall. 


Thomas Horton. 


Matthew Sweny. 


Frederick Tobias. 


Thomas Smith. 


Hanes Bartlett. 


Isaac Brewster. 


Gilbert Weeks. 


Jacob Comten. 


Reuben Taber. 


Ebenezer Woodhull, 


Nathan Birchard. 


Jacob Comten, Jr. 


Solomon Cornwell. 


Nathaniel Stiong. 


Zebulon Birchard. 


Thomas Cooper." 


John W. Tuthill. 


Daniel Tuthill. 


Robert Haight. 


WiUiam Clark. 


Joseph Davis. 



REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS. 



6» 



Abraham Sneden. 


Nathaniel Jayne. 


John Smith. 


John Barton. 


Adam Belstier. 


Stephen Jayne. 


Dariah Stage. 


Andrew Southerland. 


Stepheu Hulse. 


Daniel Jayne. 


Garret Willem, Jr. 


James Southerland. 


Eleazer Luce. 


Joseph Hildreth. 


William Horton. 


Alex. Southerland. 


Timothy Corwin. 


Adam Miller. 


Benj. Miller. 


David Southerland (3d). 


James Ludis. 


Isaac Tobias. 


James Miller. 


John Southerland. 


Daniel Rumsey. 


.David Bloomfleld. 


Asa Buck. 


David Southerland. 


Johu Tuthill. 


Gilbert Roberts. 


Robert Miller. 


Henry Cunningham. 


William Owens. 


Lawrence Ferguson. 


John McKelvey. 


Henry Reynolds. 


"William Bartlett. 


Daniel Harrison. 


Benjamin Goldsmith. 


David June. 


James Stought. 


Daniel MiHer. 


Joseph Miller. 


Richard Sheldon. 


John Carpenter. 


Joseph Gold. 


Timothy Owens. 


John Celley. 


James McCliigin. 


Henry Davenport. 


John Gee. 


Stephen C. Clark. 


William Ilooge. 


Israel Osmun. 


John Arkils. 


Reuben dark. 


James McGuffack. 


Ezekiel Osmun. 


John Earll, Jr. 


Joseph Plumfield. 


Silaa Corwia. 


Henry Hall. 


David Standley. 


John Wood. 


Henrj' Brewster. 


William Cooper. 


James Unels. 


Stephen Wood. 


Stephen Ilalsey. 


Samuel Lows. 


James Arnold. 


Amos Pains. 


James Ualsey. 


Jacob Lows. 


Nathan June. 


Joseph Cupper. 


Jacob Brown. 


Tobias Wygant. 


Fanton Horn. 


Joseph Canfield, Jr. 


John Earll. 


James Lewis. 


Thomas Davenport. 


Francis Welton. 


Peter Earll. 


Nathaniel Biggs. 


Oliver Davenport. 


John J. Hammond. 


Abraham Cooley, 


James Huff. 


Robert Davenport. 


Solomon Siles. 


Silas Tucker. 


Daniel Curtis. 


Gideon Florence. 


Thomas Porter. 


George Everson. 


Nathan Strong. 


Uriah Wood. 


John Samson. 


Thomas Everson. 


Solomon Sarvis. 


Amos Wood. 


Micah Seaman. 


Reuben Tucker. 


Richard Earll. 


Benjamin Wood. 


Jonathan Earll. 


David Wilson. 


Benjamin Earll. 


John Wood (3d). 


John Haman. 


Peter Lowrie. 


John Brase. 


Daniel Wood. 


Alexander Johnson. 


Elisha Smith. 


Robert Brock. 


James Scoldfield. 


Samuel Earll. 


Aaron De Grauw. 


Neal Anderson (2d). 


Uriah Crawford. 


Samuel Raymond. 


AmoB Wood. 


Benjamin Jayne. 


Thomas Lamoureux. 


William Douglas. 


John Williams. 


Joseph Patterson. 


James Tuttle. 


Patrick McDowell. 


Togidah Dickens. 


Thomas Gregg. 


John Florence. 


Elijah Barton. 


Samuel Howard. 


Jacob Vanduzer. 


Francis Miller. 


Benj. Quackenbush. 


William Howard. 


.Andrew Stuart. 


Thomas Gilbert. 


William White. 


Francis Bourk. 


Henry Atwood. 


Alexander Galloway. 


Jacob Vanduzer. 


John Daynes. 
Aaron Miller. 


Isaac Vanduzer. 
William Ayres. 


Persons refusing to Sign. 


Owen Noblen. 


William Miller. 


Isaac Howell. 


Benjamin Leveridge. 


Edward Robben. 


Jonas Smith. 


John Veltman. 


James Smith. 


Isaac Horton. 


Francis Plumsted. 


Robert McAdell. 


Sol. Thompson. 


Hugh McDonel. \, 


Samuel Whitmore. 


Thomas Coin. 


John Dave. 


James Wilks. 


Amos Whitmore. 


William Wood. 


Moses Clark. 


James Wilks, Jr. 


George Bveritt. 


Thomas Biggs. 


William Roley. 


Kichard Wilks. 


David Miller. 


Saml. Smith. 


Samuel Rockwell. 


William Tompson. 


Zabud June. 


Hop. Smith. 


James Jurdin. 


John Johnson. 


Francis Smith. 


Aaron Cunningham. 


Ebenezer Seely. 


John Wagent. 


Thomas Dearin. 


Benjamin Darling. 


Simon Rumsey. 


John Wagent {2d). 


Jeremiah Fowler. 


Langford Thorn. 


Theophilus Wood. 


Joseph Stevens. 


Martin Clark. 


Thomas Coleman. 


Oliver Patterson. 


Thomas Smith. 


Richard Langdon. 


Silas Bagley. 


George Leonard, 


Silas Reynolds. 


Stepheu Feet. 


Josiah Gilbert. 


David Smith. 


John Woolly. 


John Crouckhite. 


Isaiah Reeve. 


David Sands. 


Peter Stevens. 


Andrew Sherwood.— 


John McCay. 


Nathaniel Sands. 


William Obadge. 
John Boucke. 


William Sherwood. 
Samuel Strong. 


" Committee of Safety 


and Observation,'* 1775: 


Silas Milts, Jr. 


Thomas Oliver. 


Hezekiah Howell, Archibald Little, Elihu Marvin, 


Charles Field. 


John Car. 


Nathaniel Satterly, Nathaniel Strong, Jonathan 


Henry Maudeville. 
Jacob Maudeville. 


Garret Miller. 


Brooks, Stephen Gilbert, Zachariah DuBois, Thomas 


Francis Mandeville. 


Joshua Miller. 


Moftat. Thomas Moffat, chairman. 


Peter Reyuolds.' 


William Bell. 


The " County Committee 


" of Orange, in 1776, had 


Thomas Powell. 


Zophar Head. 


for its chairman Elihu Marvin, of Cornwall, and 


Benjamin Priugle. 


John Hall. 






Daniel Prindle. 


Benjamin Kelley. 


David Pye ** deputy chairman for south side of moun- 


Enos Prindle. 


Henry Dier. 


tain," — i.e., for Haveratraw and Orangetown. In 


Oliver Davenport. 
Chester Adams. 
Joseph Canfiekl. 


William Compten. 
Philip Roblin. 
Samuel Hall. 


Ulster County, Eobert Boyd, of New Windsor, was 
chairman. 


Benjamin Caiifield. 


Matthias Tyson. 


In regard to the action 


or causes of action of the 


John Canfield. 


Vincent Heluie. 


committees of the precinct, 
tee, there is little of record 


or of the county commit- 
except inferentially. The 


AmoB Miller. 
Cornwell Sands. 


L. Canfield. 
Daniel Adams. 


Thomas Linch. 


Patrick Ford. 


first duty upon which the 


former entered was the 


George Galloway. 


Amos Mills. 


organization of military 


companies and the pro- 



70 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



curing of arms and ammunition ; their second, was 
the arrest of the disaffected. In October, 1775, Ste- 
phen Wiggins and David Purdy, of Newburgh, were 
arrested for inimical conduct and principles. In 
1776, Samuel Devine was committed to jail, he having 
" repeatedly drank damnation to the Congress and all 
the Whigs." In 1778, Samuel Fowler and Daniel 
Denton were arrested as persons of " equivocal and 
suspected characters;" Silas Gardner for "levying 
war against the United States of America, and hold- 
ing correspondence with and assisting the enemies of 
the said States," — his real offense being that he had 
assisted the wife of Sir John Johnston in passing the 
American lines to her husband in New York, for 
which he was sentenced to be hung, and was par- 
doned under the gallows. The next were James 
Flewwelling, Elnathan Foster, John Flewwelling, 
David Wyatt, Solomon Combs, Benjamin Smith, Ste- 
phen Wood, John Moffat, Benjamin Darby, Timothy 
Wood, Robert Denton, James Cosman, and Amos 
Ireland, who, it was alleged, were on their way to 
join the enemy. Cadwallader Colden, Jr., for gen- 
eral conduct inimical to the popular cause, and for 
having concealed weapons, was arrested by the New 
Windsor committee, it appearing that the committee 
of Hanover Precinct, in which he lived, had some 
fear in undertaking proceedings against him. He 
was kept on parole for the remainder of the war, and 
ultimately returned to the possession of his estates. 
Elnathan Foster and Benjamin Smith took the oath 
of allegiance and returned to their homes after a 
period of incarceration in Kingston jail, and lived 
and died respected by their neighbors. James Flew- 
welling ultimately joined the cow-boys, and was hung 
at Goshen. James Cosman found refuge in Tarletou's 
Legion, and, after the war, in Nova Scotia. 

Meagre as are these details, they serve to show that 
the committees were not idle, a fact which more 
clearly appears from general records. Joshua Hett 
Smith, arrested for complicity in Arnold's treason, 
writes in his narrative, that the jail at Goshen " was 
filled with those who professed themselves to be the 
king's friends, — Tories, and those who were prisoners 
of war, — felons, and characters of all colors and descrip- 
tions." The jail at Kingston overflowed with similar 
prisoners, and the surplus were removed to vessels 
which were anchored in Rondout Creek and termed 
the " Fleet Prison." Notwithstanding the arrests 
-which were made, those who were opposed to the 
revolutionary movement continued to be troublesome. 
Thomas Palmer, under date of March 11, 1777, re- 
ferring to the precinct of Newburgh more especially, 
hut with evident application to adjacent country, 
writes : 

"Tou are not altogether etrangers to the nest of Tories which has, 
gince the troublesome times, infested this precinct in particular. The 
necessary precautions, however, heretofore taken for curbing their in- 
solence has humbled some, while a number of others, not being able to 
retain their venom, have gone over to the enemy and left their families 
with us, who, being chiefly women and children, speak the language of 



their absconded husbands and parents. But in the midst of oar trouble 
with these rebels we are greatly satisfied to hear that their leader, the 
mischievous Major Colden, is apprehended and secured; but still every 
day seems to bring along with it new evidences of their rebellious in- 
tentions, for numbers of those who have gone off to the enemy have left 
behind them at their farms near the river crops of wheat and other 
grain, and as they refuse selling it at any rate, no doubt their intentions 
are to reserve it for the enemy, as many of them boldly say that they 
expect the shipping up daily. It is not only those, liut many others who 
are not gone off, no doubt act upon tlie same principle, as they refuse in 
like manner to part with their grain." 

To what extent "the necessary precautions" adopted 
by the committees had a beneficial effect cannot be 
stated, but that they were not sufiicient to prevent no 
small number from joining the British army in active 
hostilities is only too evident. The occupation of 
New York City, Long Island, and the eastern part of 
New Jersey by the British gave to this class of their 
allies peculiar opportunities for predatory warfare, 
and from their operations the Highland districts of 
Orange were especially hara-ssed. Gathering in small 
bands under some chosen leader, they sallied forth on 
their errands of plunder from New Jersey and from 
secure retreats in the lower Highlands, covered by 
the enemy's works at Stony Point and at Fort Lee, 
and became a terror to the inhabitants. The names 
of the captains or leaders of these several bands have 
not in all cases been preserved. Conspicuous among 
them, however, were Capts. Moody, John Mason, and 
Claudius Smith, and his son, Richard Smith. Capt. 
or Ensign Moody is introduced by Joshua Hett Smith, 
who writes of him : 

"The Clove was celebrated for the attachment of the inhabitants in 
general to the British interests, who had frequently encouraged and 
protected parties from New York in their mountainous recesses, and it 
was in this defile that the celebrated Capt- Moody, in May, 1781, in- 
tercepted an express from Gen. Washington to Congress, communica- 
ting the result of his interviews with the commanders of the land and 
naval forces of France." 

Subsequently we find him in New Jersey, at the 
head of a party of nine men, bearing a commission 
from Gen. Knyphausen, " to carry off the person of 
Governor Ivivingston, or any other person acting in 
public station" that he might meet with whose arrest 
he might deem necessary to secure his own safety and 
that of his party. He failed in the undertaking, and 
barely escaped capture. When the facts became 
known Governor Livingston offered a reward of two 
hundred dollars for his appi-ehension, or for any or 
either of his associates, whose names, so far as known, 
were recited as Caleb Sweesy, James O'Hara, John 
Moody, and Gysbert Eyberlin. Moody retaliated 
with a proclamation offering two hundred guineas for 
the delivery of Livingston alive into the custody of 
Cunningham, the provost-keeper in New York, and 
thus the matter ended.* It may be remarked that 
the dispatches which he captured were designed by 
Washington to fall into the hands of the British, and 
had the effect to lead Sir Henry Clinton to withdraw 
a portion of the forces under Cornwallis, rendering 

* " Diary of the Revolution," ii. 308, 4C6. 



REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS. 



71 



the capture of the latter at Yorktown a matter of 
much easier accomplishment. 

Of John Mason nothing appears of record ftirther 
than the fact stated by one of his accomplices under 
arrest that he was a leader of one of the bands which 
had their headquarters in the Clove, and is said to have 
been engaged in several robberies and at least one 
murder. The theme of local interest and history is 

THE STORY OF CLAUDIUS SMITH. 
Who was Claudius Smith ? His family is said to 
have been of English origin, and to have been among 
the early settlers of Brookhaven, L. I., where he was 
born, and from whence he removed with his father 
some years anterior to the Revolution, and took up 
his residence at a place more recently known as Mc- 
Knight's Mills, in the present town of Monroe, where 
he grew up to manhood, married, and had sons of suf- 
ticient age to unite with him in his predatory excur- 
sions. It is not necessary that his identification 
should be made more complete, and an attempt to do 
so, in the absence of positive evidence, might re.sult 
in injustice. It may safely be stated, however, that 
the family of Smiths were early settlers in and gave 
their name to Smith's Clove. Claudius is described 
as '■ a man of large stature and powerful nerve, of 
keen penetration; one upon whom nature had be- 
stowed abilities worthy to be exerted in a better cause. 
He conducted his expeditions with such cautiousness 
as scarcely to be suspected until in the very execu- 
tion of them ; and if a sudden descent was made upon 
him, by some bold stroke or wily manoeuvre he would 
successfully evade his pursuers and make his escape." 
That he had the credit of doing much that he did not 
do is no doubt true ; murder was not one of his 
offenses, although murder was committed; he was a 
" cow-boy," a stealer of horses and cattle, perhaps of 
silverware, and money, if he could find it, and as a 
thief he was tried and executed at Goshen on the 22d 
of January, 1779. his indictment being " for burglary 
at the house of John Earle ; for robbery at the house 
of Ebenezer Woodhull ; for robbery of the dwelling 
and still-house of William Bell." Whatever other 
sins he may have committed were not charged against 
him. He had good qualities. It is said " that the 
poor man found in him a friend ready to share both 
his meal and his purse, and it is believed that much 
of what he extracted from the wealthy he bestowed 
upon the indigent." He was hospitable. " The late 
Judge Bodle, of Tompkins County, a former resident 
of Orange, related a circumstance which occurred 
with himself. On the morning following the capture 
of Fort Jlontgomery b)' the British, he was pursuing 
his way homeward from the neighborhood of the dis- 
aster, when he suddenly met Claudius Smith in the 
road. They knew each other. Judge Bodle was per- 
plexed ; to escape was impossible, and putting on a 
bold front he approached Claudius, who addressed 
him with a friendly good-morning, and after in- 



quiring the news from the river, continued, 'Mr. 
Bodle, you are weary with walking : go to my dwel- 
ling yonder (directing to a place off the road) and ask 
my wife to give you a breakfast, and tell her that I 
sent you.' " He hated meanness, and when one whom 
he knew had money refused to lend that which was 
necessary to Mrs. Col. James McClaughry to relieve 
her husband, then a prisoner in the hands of the 
British, it is said that he sent members of his band 
and abstracted the money the loan of which had been 
denied. 

At what time Claudius Smith commenced his dep- 
redations in the interest of the British government is 
not known ; he is first met in public records in July, 
1777, as a prisoner in Kingston jail, in company with 
one John Brown, " charged with stealing oxen be- 
longing to the continent." From Kingston he was 
transferred to the jail at Goshen, from whence it is said 
he escaped. In anything like a tangible record, he 
is next met on his capture on Long Island, in the fall 
of 1778, and the official narrative closes with his exe- 
cution. The immediate act which led to his arrest was 
the murder of Maj. Nathaniel Strong, of Blooming- 
Grove. Immediately following this outrage, and with 
a view to break up the band. Governor Clinton (Oct. 
31, 1778) offered a reward for the apprehension of 
Claudius and his sons, Richard and James. Claudius 
fled to Long Island, where he was recognized by Maj. 
John Brush, at that time visiting Long Island from 
his residence in Connecticut, who, having previously 
read Governor Clinton's proclamation, returned across 
the Sound and made up a party, who visited the island 
in the night, seized Smith in his bed, and conveyed 
him to Connecticut, where he was placed under guard. 
By direction of Governor Clinton, to whom the arrest 
was immediately reported, Smith was taken through 
Connecticut to Fishkill Landing, where he was met 
by Col. Isaac Nicoll, sheriff of Orange County, and, 
under guard of C'apt. Woodhull's troop of light-horse, 
taken to Goshen, where he was ironed and placed in 
jail. His trial was held at the Oyer and Terminer, 
Jan. 13, 1779, and his execution followed on the 22d 
of the same month. 

Smith's associates were greater criminals than him- 
self Five of them, viz.: "Matthew Dolson, John 
Ryan, Thomas Delamar, John Gordon, and Amy Au- 
ger, late Amy Jones," were executed with him. His 
son James is believed to ha\*e been executed at Go- 
shen soon after his father, in company with James 
Flewwelling and William Cole; his son William was 
shot in the mountains before his father was executed, 
and also Benjamin Kelley, another member. Not one 
of the band was ever tried for murder, although mur- 
der was committed by them in the case of Maj. Strong, 
and also in the case of one John W. Clark, who re- 
sided near the Stirling Iron- Works.* Richard, the 



* The following is from the Fishkill Piukel, April 28, 1779 : " Wo hear 
from Goshen that a horrible mtiriler was committed near the Stirling 



72 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



youngest son of Claudius, with several members of 
the baud, escaped to Nova Scotia after peace was de- 
clared. Traditions of the mode of procedure and 
operations of these men are numerous and varied. 
One of the best authenticated is supplied by Mr. 
Quinlan in his " History of Sullivan County," who 
recites the story of the attack on Henry Reynolds, 
of Monroe (subseijuently of Sullivan County). On 
one occasion the " avengers of Claudius Smith" sur- 
rounded Reynolds' house and endeavored to effect 
an entrance, but the doors and windows were securely 
bolted and barred. Determined not to be baffled, 
they got upon the roof, and were descending inside 
the wide, old-styled chimney, when one of the family 
threw a basket of feathers on the fire, and the in- 
truders were literally smoked out, and gave up further 
operations. A second attempt, in July, 1782, was 
more successful. Benjamin Kelley, Philip Roblin, 
and several others went to Reynolds' house in the 
night, and pretending that they were a detachment 
from Washington in search of deserters, he opened 
the door to them. They had scarcely entered when 
they discovered their true character by attacking 
Reynolds, who endeavored to escape. The noise 
aroused the family, consisting of Reynolds' wife, 
seven children, and a lad who lived with him, but 
they were powerless in such hands. In their pres- 
ence Reynolds was cut and wounded with knives and 
swords, and finally hung by the neck on the trammel- 
pole of his fireplace. They then proceeded to search 
the house for valuables, and, in their absence fiom 
the room, Reynolds' daughter, Phebe, cut the rope 
and released her father and got him upon a bed. Re- 



Irou-Works on the night of Saturday, the2Gth of March, by a party of 
villains, five or six in number, the principal of whom was Richard Smith, 
eldest surviving son of the late Claudius Smith, of infamous memory, 
his eldest son having been shot last fall at Smith's Clove, in company with 
several other villains, by one of t>ur scouting parties sent out in search 
of them. These bloody miscreants, it seems, that night intended to 
murder two men, who had shown some activity and resolution in appre- 
hending these robbers and murderers who infested the neighljorhood. 
They firat went to the house of John W. Clark, near the iron-works, 
whom they dragged from his house and then shot him, and observing 
some remains of life in him, one of them s.iying, ' he is not dead enough 
yet,' shot him through the arm again and left him. He lived some 
hours after, and gave an account of their names and behavior. They 

then went to the house of , who, hearing some noise they made in 

approaching, got up and stood on his defense with his gun and bayonet 
fixed, in a corner of his little log cabin. They burst open the door, but 
seeing him stand with his gun were afraid to enter, and thought proper 
to march off. The following was pinned to Clark's coat : 

"M Wtiriiliig lo llif Ite}'t/U. — Yon are hereby warned at your peril to 
desist from hanging any more friends to government as you did Claudius 
Smith. You are warned likewise to use James Smith, James Flewwel- 
ling, and William Cole well, and ease their irons, for we are determined 
to hang six for one, for the blood of the innocent cries aloud for vengeance. 
Your noted friend, Capt. Williams, and his crew of robbers and murderers, 
we have got in our power, and the bluod of Claudius Smith shall be re- 
paid. There are particular companies of us who belong to Col. Butler's 
army, Indians as well as white men, and particularly numbei-s from New 
York, that are resolved to be avenged on you for your cruelty and murder. 
We are to remind you that you are the beginners and aggressors, for by 
your cruel oppressions and bloody actions you drive us to it. This is the 
first, and we are determined to pursue it on your heads and leadel-s to 
the last, till the whole of you are murdered.' " 



turning to the room and discovering what had been 
done, they whipped the daughter with the rope until 
they thought she was disabled, and again hung Rey- 
nolds to the trammel-pole, from which his heroic 
daughter again rescued him. They then flew at Rey- 
nolds with knives and swords, and only ceased their 
work when they supposed he was dead. After de- 
stroying Reynolds' papers, and taking whatever of 
value that he had, they left the building, and after 
fastening the door on the outside set it on fire. The 
daughter, Phebe, again proved a heroine by extin- 
guishing the fire. Then, finding that her father was 
not yet dead, she devoted herself to him and suc- 
ceeded in stanching his wounds. With the coming 
of morning she started out and alarmed the neighbor- 
hood, and shortly after sunrise a company of armed 
men was in pursuit of the marauders, who were fol- 
lowed to the mountains and overtaken. A well-di- 
rected shot from a man named June wounded one of 
them, Benjamin Kelley. His body was subsequently 
recovered and identified by a suit of Quaker clothes 
which he had stolen from Reynolds. Meanwhile a 
physician had reached Reynolds' house and dressed his 
wounds. He was found to be wounded in over thirty 
places. One of his ears were so nearly severed that 
it hung down to his shoulder. It was put back in its 
place, but healed in such a way as to leave hira dis- 
figured for life. One of his hands was also so badly 
cut that he never recovered its use. He lay for weeks 
on the brink of the grave, but ultimately recovered, 
and lived to see his eighty-fifth year. Phebe, who was 
then only twelve years of age, married Jeremiah Drake 
after her removal to Sullivan County, where she died 
in 1853. It may be added that Phebe's mother was 
brought to confinement by the excitement of the ter- 
rible night through which she had ptissed, and that 
the daughter then born to her (Polly) subsequently 
became the wife of Dr. Blake Wales.* 

From tradition we turn to the written record, — the 
"confession of William Cole, taken at New Barba- 
does, March 29, 1779," which was as follows: 

" William Cole saith that about the 3d day of April, 1777, he, ac- 
companied by John Babcock, William Jones, and John Ellison, at , 

where lie enlisted in Col. John Bayard's regiment (loyalists), in which he 
continued until the battle of Fort Montgomery. That at the surrender of 
the fort, and at the departure of the British troops from there, he, the said 
William Cole, and one James Babcock, being left sick about two miles 
from the fort at Moses Clements', Esq., went to the house of the said James 
Babcock at Stirling, where the said James Babcock continues (having in a 
short time thereafter delivered himself up to justice). That from thence 
he, the said William Cole, went to Pompton Plains, where he resided about 
a mouth, being suspected of having been with the enemy. That from 
Pompton he returned to the Clove, and from thence, in company with and 
by the persuasion of one David Babcock and one Jonathan Cage, he weut 
to New Y'orK. That some time in the latter end of last fall he left New 
York in company with Thomas Ward, John Everett. Jacob Acker, James 
Cowen, George alias Thomas Harding, David Babcock, James Twaddle, 
Martinns Lawson, and Peter Lawson, and a certain John Mason, who 
was the head of the gang. That he parted company with them at the 
Clove about a mile beyond Sidman's, being something indisposed, and re- 
mained in the house of Edward Roblin in the Clove, while the above- 



"= '* History of Sullivan County," 472, etc. 



SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND. 



73 



mentioned persons robbed Mr. Erskine niic] Mi's. SMnian. Tlmt the 
above-named George Harding made a present of Mrs. Erskine's gobl 
wattli to David Watlliews, Esq., niavc.r of New York, and tliat Mr. Er- 
skine's I iflc was given b.v Mason to Lord Catliuart. Tliat ttie same pal tj- to- 
getlier uitli Weat, and Banta, and Hicliardand .I:itnes ^^nlitll,soIlsof Clan- 
dins Smith, and a eertain Natlniniel Uijigs, were tlie persons wlio robbed 
Master-Master Genei-al Ward, &t:.y for wliieli tliey reeeived one liundred 
guineas from Lord Catlieart, as lie, the said Cole, was infin-nied b.v tlieni 
on tlieir return from New York. That jnst before he was taken he met 
with .lohn Mason, David Babcock, Thonnis Ward, and Rii-har<l ?nntli, 
near the bridge commonly called the Dwaas, who threatened vengeance 
for the execution of Clandins Smith, fiom whence he con.iectnies them 
to have been the persons who murdered Sir. Clark ; soon after that Da- 
vid Dabeock, Itichard Smith, and Jonas Ward, with abtnit eleven of Gen. 
Bnrgoyne's men. were tlie persons that tlied upon BLij, Goebbius, some 
time in last .lanuary, as he was inlormed by said persons, in New York 
after the fact. That as he heard from them, one Henry McManus, who 
generally liad his haunts near Stirling:, one William Stagg, and one or 
two of Bnrgoyue's men, were the jioi-sons who robbed a certain Light- 
body, towards WallUill, and that David Bahcock and Itichard Smith 
brought two horses, robbed from Natlniniel Seely, in Smith's Clove, into 
New York, in Jainuiry last, which they sold to Johu D.iy, who for- 
meily lived ill Tine Valley, That when he robbed Mr. Ackermau he 
was accomiianied by George Bull, Jacob Low, James Flewwelliiig, all 
of whom formerly lived at Wallkill. That tlie above mliliery was the 
only one in wdlicli he was ever concerned in, e.vcept that he took Hen- 
drick Odell's gun. 

"That the persons who harbor these gangs are Benjamin Deniarest, 

Tunis Heluie, John llarriiig, .John Johnston (under monnlain); 

William Conkling, Elislia Babcockf Elislni Babcock, .Ir,, John Dohbs 

(near ); Edward Rohlin, in the Clove; Peter Nail, Benjamin 

Kelley, and Powers , all fn the Clove; Edward Ennuis and John 

"Winter in ; Peter Acker in Paskock ; and Jacobus Peak. That 

there is a cave dug under ground by the sons of Isaac Ma.\ bee and on 
the said filaybee's land, about half a mile from John Ilarriug's, and an- 
other at about a quarter of a mile distant from the former, dug by the 
same persons, and a third about three miles from the hoirse of Joseph 
Wessels in the Clove, and well known by Uoblins in the Clove, each of 
wdiich may contain about eight persons, where thes" robbei^ generally 
resort; and that Joint King, Jacob Acker, and John Staat are now in the 

Clove at , or in the houses around it. That Harding, Eveiett, he 

as soon as the weather grows warm, intend to plunder Col. at 

Wallkill, to burn Col. Nicolls' house, the gaol, and some other houses 
in and near Goshen, and to remain in the county for that pniposo. That 
there is a gang of the same kind on the east side ot Jliiilson's Kiver, 
■whose names are Maiideville -, Peter Wood, William Hnlliker, Wil- 
liam Danforth, Aaron M'illiams, James Houston, and others, who pltlii- 
deied and brought some cattle and horses from Tarrytown to New York 
the d.iy before the said Cole left it." 

" William Welcber says that some time Inst January, \\"iert Baiitn and 
others applied to him to go with tliem to take Governor Livingston, ftjr 
whose capture a reward of two humlred guineas was offered by the mayor 
of New York, which he refused. That ho never was concerned in any 
robberies but that for which be is condemned. RIeiilions the same per- 
Bons who harbor gangs as named iu Cole's confession, ami besides, one 
Arie Ackermau, at Paskock, where the wife of one of those robbei'S 
(John Mason) lives." 

It was for many years a current belief that the val- 
uable plunder obtained by these bands was buried in 
the mountains, and among other articles a silver stand, 
a quantity of pewter plates, and a large number of mus- 
kets. The story of searches for the buried articles by 
the grandsons of Claudius Smith, and also by sons of 
one of the Roblins, is told with no little minuteness 
of detail, but there is no evidence that anything more 
than guns were ever found. Like the buried treas- 
ures of Kidd, they have failed to be revealed to the 
earnest gaze of credulous searchers. It is apparently 
the fact that they never stole much besides cattle, as 
there was very little of gold or silver, money or stocks, 
iu the possession of the people whose houses they 
6 



visited. They may have become infamous, but they 
were never made rich by the busine.ss in which they 
engaged. It is said that their operations were con- 
tinued until the permanent encampment of the Amer- 
ican army in the Highlands (October, 1781) rendered 
their operations extremely hazardous, and finally 
ceased on the exchange of the preliminary articles of 
peace (1782), which obliged the British officers in New 
York to withdraw the encouragement which they had 
previously extended. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SECOND "WAH WITH ENGLAND-WAR WITH 
MEXICO. 

Perhaps less is known, at the present time, in re- 
gard to the second war with England, commonly called 
the war of 1812, than there is in regard to the Revo- 
lution. Two reasons may be assigned for this, — the 
Revolution gave birth to the nation, and participants 
iu it have commanded that respect, and its influence 
upon the world has been such, that the most thorough 
attention has been devoted by historians to the collec- 
tion of facts and records with a view to preserve its 
most minute details ; and, second, whatever of docu- 
mentary evidence exists touching any of its details is 
accessible to those wishing to make examinations. 
The second war has not been so fortunate. Its suc- 
cesses were mainly through the navy on the ocean. 
But two triumphs occurred on land of any consid- 
erable importance — tlie victories at Plattsburgh and 
New Orleans — to compensate for many humilia- 
tions, not the least of which was the capture by the 
British of the capital of the nation, and the burning 
of the national records, an event which, by drawing 
from the States whatever records they possessed to 
supply the place of those which were thus destroyed, 
has rendered them almost wholly inaccessible. 

The causes of the war were manifold. It was not 
without some prophetic accuracy that Franklin, re- 
plying to congratulations on the success of the colo- 
nies in their struggle for independence, remarked, 
" Say, rather, the war of the Revolution — the war for 
Independence is yet to be fought," for at no time until 
alter the war of 1812 did England fully recognize 
the independence of the United States. Tliere ivas a 
constant friction between the two governments, grow- 
ing out of the weakness of the one and the powerful- 
ness of the other, which culminated in the impress- 
ment of American seamen and the enforcement of the 
claimed right to search every vessel bearing the flag 
of the United States and the involvement of the 
United States in the war between England and 
France. This involvement did not grow out of any 
act of the United States government further than was 
necessary for the protection of American commerce. 
The English government issued its famous Orders in 



74 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Council, which dcchired that all American vessels 
going to and from the ))orts of France and her allies, 
without first touching at or clearing from an English 
port, should be considered lawful prizes. These or- 
ders provoked the Berlin and Milan Decrees, on the 
part of France, by which all vessels that had touched 
at an Engfish port, or submitted to be searched by an 
English cruiser, were pronounced to be the projierty 
of France ; while British goods, wherever found, 
were made subject to seizure and confiscation. 

Under such circumstances the American govern- 
ment could not remain inactive and allow its com- 
merce to be ruled or ruined by the policy or pride of 
Britain or of France. Accordingly, in December, 
1809, Congress resolved, as a matter of protection, to 
lay an embargo upon all American vessels and mer- 
chandise. This embargo prohibited American vessels 
from sailing from foreign ports, and all foreign ships 
from carrying away American cargoes. Its effect was 
suddenly to suspend commerce, to expose thousands 
of merchants to the risk of bankruptcy, and to check 
at once the flow of ])roduce from the interior to the 
sea-l)oard, — results which were severely felt by the 
people and which tried their patriotism to the utmost. 
The navy of the United States was actively employed 
in enforcing this embargo on the coast, and in the 
course of its opei'ations brought on the historic con- 
test between the "President" and the "Little Belt," 
on the 10th of May, 1811, which tended materially to 
the alienation of the nations. " In the winter of 1812, 
a plot on the part of English agents to sever the Amer- 
ican Union was revealed to the government, and at a 
later day the determination of the English ministry 
to adhere to her Orders in Council was formally com- 
municated to the President. At the same time the 
claim to impress Englii^h seamen out of American 
ships on the high seas was maintained in theory, 
while in practice the impressment was constantly ex- 
tended to natives, the boarding officers claiming that 
the seaman who failed to prove that he was an Amer- 
ican should be seized as an Englishman." From 
this determination there could be but one appeal, and 
on the 18th of June, 1812, Congress formally declared 
war against England. 

Throughout the controversy preceding the declara- 
tion of war, and in the subsequent efforts to maintain 
it, the great majority of the people of the county were 
unwavering in their support of the national authori- 
ties. From first to last, by resolutions pa.ssed in con- 
ventions, by the expression of their sentiment* through 
the ballot-box, by the prompt offer of volunteers, and 
by the contribution of men to actual service, they 
evincfed their purpose to resist the " attacks of domes- 
tic enemies and the insolent aggressions of foreign 
powers." The first formal manifestation of local sen- 
timent occurred in 1807, when the "Republican 
Blues," of Newburgh, tendered their services to the 
Governor of the State, as volunteer.s. This was fol- 
lowed by the overwhelming defeat of the Federal 



party, which was charged with being in sympathy 
with the English (though perhaps without sufficient 
reason), at the election in 1808 and 1809, and again 
in 1814, when Jonathan Fisk, representing the War 
party, obtained a majority of 1785 for congressman 
over Jonas Storey. The issue was perhaps more 
fairly joined in 1809 than in 1814. In that year 
(March 9th) the Republicans held a county conven- 
tion at Goshen, preparatory to the State election, — 
Gen. Hathorn, chairman, and Jonathan Fisk, Esq., 
Col. John Nicholson, Gen. Reuben Hopkins, Capt. 
Josiah Brown, and Judge Nathan H. White, commit- 
tee on resolutions,— and resolved, " That we view the 
laying of an embargo as a wise and patriotic measure, 
imperiously demanded by the exposed condition of 
our seamen, shipping, and trade to the audacious out- 
rages of foreign powers; that it has saved thousands 
of our seamen from imprisonment and slavery, and 
millions of property of our countrymen from capture 
and confiscation." On the other hand, the Federal 
party — Daniel Niven, chairman, and John Barber, 
Alex. R. Thompson, Alanson Austin, John Bradner, 
J. N. Phillips, John Morrison, John Duer, Samuel 
Sayer, Jonas Storey, Solomon Sleight, John Decker, 
and Samuel B. Stickney, committee on resolutions — 

' resolved, "That the act for enforcing the embargo, 
passed Jan. 9, 1809, in our deliberate opinion, is un- 
just, illegal, and oppre.ssive, subversive of the rights 
and dangerous to the liberties of the people." When 
the war finally came on, many of the anti-embargo 
men of 1809 sustained the administration, holding 
with the majority that it was "just and necessary to 
redress our grievances and avenge our violated rights." 
The minority who withheld their assent are perhaps 
correctly represented by the vote in 1814 for Mr. 
Storey. We have no criticism to make on the course 
of any men or bo^ly of men, but believe it to be the 
highest prerogative of an American citizen to approve 
or refuse to, approve of any war which may be declared 
by Congress, or into which the nation may be plunged. 
The citizen only becomes criminal by the commission 
of acts of treason, of which the expression of opinion 
is not a recognized element. 

During the continuance of the war the militia were 
not without service in the field, while in the navy 
and in the volunteer regiments recruited by order of 
the government the county was honorably repre- 
sented. For the reasons already stated, an accurate 
account of the movements of the militia during the 
war cannot now be obtained. The plan for raising 
troops was simple enough. The coast fortifications 
were to be well garrisoned by the local militia, as- 
sisted, when necessary, by regular troops, while aggres- 
sive operations were to be intrusted to the regular 
army and volunteers. The militia was to be called 
out to garrison the fortifications and for coast defense 
in detachmentiS which were to include uniformed com- 

I panics only, and in case their ranks were not full, 
drafts were to be made upon the enrolled militia to 



SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND. 



75 



supply the deficiency. Second requisition.s were not 
to include those serving under the first, and from the 
third, the first and second were relieved, the object 
being to divide the burden of duty as equally as pos- 
sible. The first call was made April 21, 1812, and 
under it the detached militia were arranged in two 
divisions and eight brigades, and the brigades were 
divided into twenty regiments, to the command of 
each of which a lieutenant-colonel was given. Ste- 
phen Van Rensselaer, of Albany, was appointed to 
the conuiKind of the first division, the secoud brigade 
of which, under Brig.-Gen. Reuben Hopkins, of 
Goshen, embraced the militia detachments of Orange 
and Ulster, which were organized as the fourth regi- 
ment under Lieut.-Col. Andrew J. Hardenburgh, of 
Shawangunk. The cavalry and the artillery com- 
panies were similarly organized, the artillery in the 
first .brigade of artillery, and the cavalry in the first 
brigade of cavalry. This arrangement was continued 
during the war, Lieut.-Col. Isaac Belknap, Jr., of 
Newburgh, taking the place of Col. Hardenburgh, in 
1813 and 1814. The first call (1812) included all the 
uniformed companies ; the second, made in July, 
1813, included " all the uniformed companies of in- 
fantry, grenadiers, and riflemen," excepting members 
who had been on duty in 1812, and, as the number of 
exempts was considerable, the deficiency in the com- 
pany rolls was made up by draft ; the third call, 
made July 20, 1S14, included infantry, artillery, and 
cavalry. Newburgh and New Windsor were made 
the place of rendezvous, and from thence the com- 
panies were moved to New York by sloops, and as- 
signed to Harlem Heights and the fortifications 
aronnd New York. The periods of service were tliree 
or four months.* 

We have been unable to obtain a complete list of the 
uniformed companies of the county at that time, but 
the following were among the number, viz. : the 
Orange Hussars, of Montgomery, Capt. William 
Trimble (subsequently Capt. Millikenf) ; Capt. Van 



* The detached militia rendezvuused at Newburgh and New Windsor in 
1814, embarked Aug. 28tli and retuined Dec. 4th, a period of foul' monllis. 

t The history of this cuniii:iii.v "as referred to by Mr. Iln^'li li. Bull, 
in an address delivered by him at the presentation of a stand of colors 
to the corps, Aug. 9, 1855, as follows; 

"This company of cavalry has been in existence for more than six de- 
cades of years without au interregnum. It was organized shortly after 
the Revolutionary war, under the auspices of Joseph Barboni", a jiatriotic 
citizen of the town of Montgomery, who some thirty years oi- more since 
went to that rest which awaits the soldier eiiually with othels of our 
race. His descendants and kindred are among tlie most respectable and 
honorable of our county. His commission bears date Oct. 0, ITO.'t, under 
the hand and seal of His Excellency George Clinton, the then Governor 
of our State. This company has preserved an actual existence from that 
until the present period. It has been marshaled in succession under 
Barbour and 5Iilliken; and in what is called tlie war of 1812, wheu the 
design was formed by the perfidious fue to humble and crush our infant 
nation, this troop rallied on Brooklyn Heights, and hi.ire their part in 
turning back tlie invader and averting the tide of desolation that was 
about to flow over our domains. Also, under Hill, Waugli, and that iu" 
duniitable and enei-getic soldier, William Wright, who, for a quarter of 
a lentury or more, caused bis ardent 8<.ddiery to appear at his call, and 
they ill turn responded Milb alacrity. He has sustained this corps during 
that j.eriod through good and evil report, under adverse and favorable 



Orsdall's and Capt. Dorcas' companies of infantry, of 
the same town; Capt. Kerr's company of artillery, of 
New Windsor; Capt. Butterworth's company of ar- 
tillery, of Newburgh ; Cajit. Westcott's company of 
cavalry, of Goshen ;J Capt. Acker's company of cav- 
alry, of Newburgh and Marlborough ; Capt. Dennis- 
ton's and Capt. Birdsall's companies of infantry, of 
Newburgh. 

In 1812 (Nov. 30th), Capt. Denniston, whose com- 
pany was known as the " Republican Blues," proposed 
the organization of a company of volunteers, to serve 
for one year or during the war, and succeeded in en- 
listing about fifty men, who elected Jonathan Gidney 
captain. The company went to New York and 
formed part of a detached regiment of riflemen, 
ranked, we are informed, as the Twenty-seventh U. S. 
Infantry, of which Capt. Denniston became major, 
and subsequently colonel. The name of Capt. Ben- 
jamin Wood, of Goshen, also appears in connection 
with this regiment, which is presumed to have been 
the regiment in which volunteers from the county 
mainly enlisted. 

From a sketch written by Moses H. Corwin, and 
published elsewhere, it appears that there was a com- 
pany or a portion of a company from Wallkill, in 
September, 1813. This company was known as the 
" Republican Blues," and proceeded to Waterford, via 
sloop from Newburgh, where it was embraced in a 
regiment under Col. Abraham Hardenburgh, of Ulster 
County. From Whitehall the command moved to 
Plattsburgh, and from thence to Fort Hampton, near 
the Canada line. The regiment had no special ser- 
vice other than guard duty. The muster-roll of the 
company, as supplied from memory, was as follows: 

Captain, Clark; lieutenant, Stacey Beaks, commandant; first ser- 
geant, Nathaniel Penn.v. 

PriiHttes. — John Canfield, John B. Co.\, Samuel Cox, Ahner Miller, Moses 
H. Corwin, Steplien Sayre, Andrew Gunsoules, Gabriel Hill, Daniel 
Parsons, David Youmans, Sanniel Canfield, Henry Coleman, William 
Penny, Joseph li. Owen, Joseph Kien, Peter Quick, Alexander Par- 
sons, John S. Clark, Matthew Faulkner, Benjamin Parsons. 

The following roll of a detached company cannot 
be located, from the fact, already stated, that all such 
companies were made up from other companies of an 
entire regimental district. The list embraces Orange 
as well as Ulster County names : 

" Muster Roll of a company of Kew York militia under the command of Capt. 
John hnnning, in the consolidated retjimfnt of infantry commanded by 
Liettt.'Cot. Michael Smith from the seventh of Sei>teml}er, 1814, when 
mustered^ to the first day of November, 1814, in the service of the United 
States ; 

John Dunning, captain. 

William Mullicks, first lieutenant. 

legislation. His mantle has now fallen on the present commandant, 
Capt. William C. Brewster, who is resolved to wear it manfully and with 
the true spirit of the soldier." 

X The following brief recoi'd occurs in the local newspapers, April 11, 
1813: 

" In the squadron of Maj. Westcott of the firet regiment of cavalry of 
this State, Charles Lindsey luu; been appointed captiin ; Joseph H. Jack- 
son, first lieutenant; Daniel McNeal, second lieutenaut; and Stephen P. 
Rockefellow, cornet." The persons named were all residents of Mont- 
gomery, except Maj. Westcott. % 



76 



HISTORY OF^ ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Wulter Moore, ensign.* 
Buutli, Jeffrey, firet sergennt. 
Grant', John A., secouil ser- 
geant. 
Dunning, Uenry, tliird ser- 

pLMItt. 

Howell, Josiah, fourth ser- 
geant. 

Chirk, Oliver, first corporal. 

Geiiuiig, Pierson, second cor- 
poial. 

MtHTiiy, Anliil.ahl Y., third 
Corporal. 

Lewis, James, fourth corporal. 

Sniiili, Derrick, fifth corporal. 

Wilkiu, Danifl, sixtli corporal. 

Itiown, Samuel, drunnuer. 

Geuuiig. llurvey, filer. 

Br..\vii, KUslia. 

Biuuilage, Abijah. 

Brown, Neal. 

Bennett, Levi. 

Brown, Daniel. 

Baily, Nathaniel. 

Benjamin, John. 

Booth, Thomas A. 

Bedford, IJeM.janiin. 

Cash, Sti'iihen. 

Clark, Stephen. 

Cuiey. Benjamin. 

Ciawford. James. 

Ciddwell, Gahiiel. 

Clirislic, Andrew. 

Corwin, Nehat. 

Coiwin, Joseph. 

Cox, Jeiemiali. 

Cox, Thoni|>son. 

Cantield, Juseph. 

Deekei-, Stephen. 

Dunning. I^lielutel. 

Dunning, John, Jr. 

Fanning, Samuel. 

Culdt>mitli,Saleui. 

Gale, Henry. 

Gregory, Lyman. 

Goldsmith, Moses. 

Gardner, Samuel. 

Gardner, Silas L. 

Gid>imnit)i, John D. 

IIoi ton, Barnabas. 

Hulse, Jonas, Jr. 

Hudson, Kleazer. 

nines, John W. 

Jackson. Daniel T. 

Ja;:g'r, I'anl. 

Kirk, Hubert. 

"Mustered 03 a company of detached militia at Quarantine Ground, 
Sbiten Island, Nov. 1, 18U. 

" Robert C. Hukter (Blooming-Grove), SurgeonJ" 

In the navy the county was represented by Silas 
Horton Stringham, Charles Ludlow, Augustus C. 
Ludlow, Robert C. Ludlow, and others. Stringham, 
then a midshipman, was with Commodore Rogers in 
the frigate " President" during her action with the 
" Little Belt," in 1809, and served until the close of 
the war under his early tutor. His subsequent career 
is a matter of history. Robert C. Ludlow was on the 
"Constitution," and participated in the capture of 

* Accompanying commission : 

" Walter C. Moore, Ensign, of a company in the regiment of detached 
militia, whereof Benjamin Webb is Lieutenant -Colonel commandant, 
ifisued Ly Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor, Feb. 9, 1810." 



Kortright, John C. 
Kerr, Nathan. 
Kiik, Davi.I. 
Keen, Klihu C. 
Kunx, Jauies. 
Knapp, Elijah. 
Long, Arteuins. 
Lockwood, Jarod. 
Lodei-, Isaac W. 
Millspaugli, Samuel. 
SleNish, .lushua. 
MuNish, Spicer. 
McNish, Henry. 
McCarter, James. 
McCaiter, Allen. 
McVey, James. 
Mires, John, Jr. 
Monnel, Joseph. 
Moore, Ijuderwick. 
Mifler, John 0. 
McVey, Joiin. 
BlcVey, .\rden. 
McCurter, William. 
Miller, George. 
Nicnlls, Allen. 
Ogden, Gilbert. 
I'leseott, Mei^heu. 
Pun, Adam. 
Tuft, .lames. 
Kubbins, John. 
Uubbins, Peter. 
Itay, James. 
Uodgei-s, John. 
Selieck, Isaac. 
Slausun, Alva. 
Sayei-, William. 
Sands, Samuel. 
Stiingham, Jacob. 
Smith, Isaiah W. 
Screder, Elijah. 
Smith, Giant. 
Smith, Silas W. 
Smith, Bezaleel. 
Thompson, Junathan. 
Treadwell, Charles. 
Taylor, Morrison. 
XJptegrove, Ricliard. 
Van Benschoten, John. 
Warren, David. 
Warren, Solomon. 
Warren, Eliplialet. 
White, Jonathan. 
Waison, James. 
M'ilkin, William. 
Wood, John. 
Youngs, Virgil W. 



the " Java." Augustus C. Ludlow was on the " Presi- 
dent," the "Constitution," the "Hornet," and the 
"Chesapeake," of which latter he was lieutenant 
under Capt. Lawrence, in the action with the English 
ship "Shannon" (July, 1813). His heroic conduct 
in that action, and his almost tragic death, made for 
him a name which will be an example while American 
history shall be cherished. Sailors in merchantmen 
were captured by English cruisers and confined in 
Dartmoor prison, and among their number were those 
whose birthplaces and homes were in the county of 
Orange. 

Immediately following the capture of Washington 
in 1814, the people of the county were brought to- 
gether in determination to resist to the utmost the 
apparent purpose of England to destroy the independ- 
ence of the nation. Party spirit was hushed in the 
presence of the im])eiiding danger, and, if at no other 
time, it could then be written, " patriotism reigns pre- 
dominant." At Goshen, on the 30th of August, a 
"patriotic meeting" was held, for the purpose of 
"taking into consideration the propriety of erecting 
new or repairing the old fortifications at AVest Point 
and in the vicinity thereof, and of devising some plan 
for effecting that object, and for other purposes of 
public defense under the present circumstances of the 
country."! This meeting, of which Gen. James W. 
Wilkin .was chairman, and Dr. David R. Arnell, 
secretary, "Resolved^ That John Duer, Jonathan 
Fisk, William Ross, James W. Wilkin, George D. 
Wickham, James Finch, Jr., and Xathan H. White 
be a committee to devise some plan for accomplishing 
the above object," and to enable them to report, the 
meeting adjourned until the afternoon of the 31st. 
At the adjourned meeting, the committee reported as 
follows : 

" The situation of our country calls upon the peojde to feel and act 
like freemen at war with a powerful enemy. An invading foe desolating 
our towns must be met and I'epulsed. A sense of danger, the dictates of 
duty, and the spirit of patriotism summon us to offer our united and 
zealous exertions for the defense, the f^alety, and the protection of our 
country. If we cannot go forth to meet the enemy, ve can prepare to 
receive him on his approach to us. Tlie forts and works of defense at 
West Toint and its vicinity we can repair, strengthen, and defend. Tliot 
this object may be accomplished 

" lies'dved. That a Omimittee of Defense for the county of Orange, to 
consist of twenty-two members, he appointed. 

" Jfesolved, Tiiat it be recommended to the people in the several towns 
of the county to meet without delay, and take measures to co-operate 
with the Committee of Defense. 

"Resolved, Tliat the Comniittee of Defense invite our fellow-citizens of 
the counties of Duchess and Putnam, Ulster, Greene, and Columbia, to 
unite and co-operate with the citizens of Orange County in adopting 
measures of defense. 

" llesolced, Tliat the Committee of Defense meet at the house of Col, 
Tuthill, in Goshen, on the 2d day of September next at 3 o'clock p.m., 
and afterwards on their own adjournments. 

*' The following gentlemen were then appointed a Committee of De- 
fense: From the town of SliniriiuU, John Btadner and Nathan Arnct; 
Deerpark, James Finch, Jr., and Joseph Baird ; Wallkill, Henry B. Wis- 



t TIte people of Philadelphia and New York took the lead in organizing 
committees of this character. Under the committee of New York three 
thousand persons gave vuluntary labor on the 13th of August, and the 
work was continued by volunteers until completed, August 31st. 



SECOND WAll WITH ENGLAND. 



77 



nerand Beiij;uniii Woodward; Goslien, John Dnerand Freepift Tutliill ; 
Warwick, Dr. Samuel S. Seuard and Jtffrey Wisuer; Monroe, Jiiines D. 
Secor and Beiijjiuiin Cnnniiigliani-, Cornwall, William A. Chirk and 
Joseph Chandk-i-, Jr.; Blonming-Grove, Col. Sclah Strong and Jeremiah 
Hortoii ; J^Iontgiinii-ry, John Blalie, Jr., aud Juharirifs Miller; Ncw- 
burgli, Juhn D- Lawsou and Jacob Powell ; New Windsor, Joseph Mor- 
roU aud David Dill." 

At the meeting of the Committee oi' Defense, ac- 
cording^ to appointment, September 2d, all the mem- 
bers named were present except Jolin D. Lawson and 
Joseph Morrell. Selah Strong was appointed chair- 
man, and John Duer, secretary. It was 

" Hesolved, T\mt a committee of five ho appointed to comninnicate with 
the general and State governments, to tender the eervit.cs of the citizens 
of this county in repairing the fortifications in and ahont West Point, to 
ascertain the precise state of the works and the extent of the rcjiairsthat 
may he necei^sary, and that the comniitteo consist of the following per- 
sons; The chairnnin and secretary, William A, Chirk. Josepli Moi'rell, 
and Johannes Miller, and tliat they report to tlie connnitteo at their 
next meeting. 

"/^cao/ret/, Tliat this committee recommend to their fellow-citizens nf 
this county thiit town-meetings Ije hell! at the v\^\u\\ pluceof holding the 
same in the different towns, on Satui'ilay the tenth day of .Seplemher, for 
the purpose of apjiuinting committees to cu-uperate with the general 
committee in such measures of defense as the eitnation of the county 
may require. 

^^ liesolved, Tliat our fe]lo^\■-citizens (exenipt Ity law from tlie perform- 
ance of military dntyj be requested without delay to form themselves 
into military associations for the defense of their country. 

" Ifi'solved, That the chairman of tiiis committee be authorized to call 
meetings of the general committee from time to time, as lie may think 
necessary, and that seven members i?onstitute a quorum." 

At an adjourned meeting of the committee, Sep- 
tember 17th, it was 

" liesolved. That the town committee lie instructed to proceed without 
delay in c(dlecting subscriptions of money and labor, from their respec- 
tive towns, for the repairing and erecting fortifications at and about West 
Point, and (hat it be recommended to them to request subscriptions 
agreeably to the rate of the last assessment of town and county taxes, 
and that they report to the general committee the amount of their sev- 
eral snliscriptiniis. 

" liex'lnul. That the town committees be fnrtlier instructed to inquire 
into (he state of the arms and ammunition in their lespective towns, and 
to report to the general committee the quantity of arms and ammunition 
which their respective towns may wish to i)rocure. 

'^ Ilt^goh-ed, That the town committees be further instructed to take the 
necessary measures for organizing the exempts and the volunteers of the 
Middle Distiict (Senatorial*, and that they report the number organized 
to the general committee." 

On the 25th of October it was reported that a letter 
had been received from the Secretary of War inform- 
ing the committee that he would " order a skillful en- 
gineer to repair to West Point to superintend the 
works and point outthe sites most eligible for defense." 
At another meeting it was reported that the people 
of Montgomery had subscribed three hundred and 
thirty-two daj^s* work and four hundred and eleven 
dollars. Here the newspaper record ends. It does not 
appear that the repair of the forts was commenced ;* 
but in several of the towns military companies, com- 
posed of exempts, were organized. Of the latter a 
single record has found its way to preservation, as 
follows : 



* Muj. Boynton, in his " History of West Point," states that Fort Put- 
nam was i)artial!y repaired about 1794, from appropriations made by 
Congress. It is not believed that any repairs were made in 1814 through 
the efforts of Uie Committee of Defense. 



"Notice. — In the present alarming crisis of our nfTnirs, when our 
country is invaded, our seaports destroyed, our rights infiinged, and our 
liberty and independence thrcateneil, it becomes the imperious duly of 
every person capable of hearing arms to step forward in defense of his 
bleeding country. 

"We therefore, the subsciibei-s, iidialiitants of the Town of Warwick, 
in the County of Orange (being exempt by law from militaty duty), do 
hereby agree to enroll oni selves for the purpose of forming an indcqiend- 
ent company to be called the Warwick Volunteers,— and as soon as 
theie shall be the number of forty able-bodied men thus enrolled, we 
agree that on notice being pievionsly given at a day and place certain, 
we will meet aud by a pluiality of vote- present choose officers to com- 
mand said company; immediately after which we will tender our ser- 
vices to the Governor and Council of this State in defense of the middle 
district of this State, and pray them to grant commissions to said officers 
agreeable to law. 

" Warwick, Sept. IG, 1S14." 

"Warwick Volunteers. 

"Company Roll: James Bint, captain ; Sanniel S. Seward, first lieu- 
tenant; Benjamin Barry, ensign ; Thonnis Svvezy, Wm. W. Brooks, 
Abraham Peck, John Palnu'r, Beldeu Burt, Samuel Drew, Cornelius 
Forshee, John Magee, Siunnel Benjamin, John Wood, Jeremiah More- 
house, Wm. Holland, Amos Hyatt, Isaac Babcock, S:unnel J. Vance, Jcel 
Wheeler, Anthony Bishop, Wm. Jolinson, Abraham Gregory, Silvanus 
Fancher, Shadrack Seliek, Enos McDaniel, Josiali Everett. Nathaniel 
Ketcham, John A. Grossman, Wm. Minturn, Ichabod Barker, Joseph 
Lloyd, John BI. Fought, Joseph Downes, Samuel G. Hopkins, Wijuuis 
Harris, Jesse M. Fostir, Wm. Jackson, Wm. Carr, Jr., Henry Randall, 
Daniel Carpenter, Zeiioiihan Mead, Isaac Dusenberry, Jesse Wood, John 
Mc.\mbly, Joseph Wilcox, Benjamin Davis, Andrew Layton, Zebnlon 
Wheeler, Nathaniel Wheeler, John Miller, John Carr, Christopher Aspell, 
Sen." 

The return of peace was celebrated in every town 
in the county. Speeches, toast-tables, cannon, and 
illuminations proclaimed the general joy, while the 
churches emulated each other in public offerings of 
thanksgiving and praise. As indicative of the gen- 
eral spirit, the action of the people of Hopewell is in 
point, viz. : 

"On Thursday the 24th nit. (April 24lh), soon after information of the 
treaty of peace was received in Hopewell, a number of the inhidiitants 
of the place a-ssembled at the puhlic-liouse of Isaac Schnltz, in order to 
adopt such measures as miglit be deemed most expressive of the feelings 
of joy on the occasion. Mr. E. Gilhnan being called to the chair, and 
Mr. Isaac Schnltz chosen clerk, it was 

"' Kfftfili'ed, to assemble in the church, on the Tuesday evening follow- 
ing, and there solemnly to offer np thanksgiving and Piaiseto Almi.nhty 
God for granting Peace to our country. It was likewise resolved that 
the Rev. Mr. Van Doreu, pastor of the congregation, be requested to lead 
in the clevotion of the evening, and to deliver an address.' 

"Agreeably to the foregoimr resolution, on Tuesday evening a large 
concourse of people assembled in the church, which was elegantly illu- 
minated with about seven hundred candles; when, after appropriate 
sacred music and solemn prayer ami praise, the following adilress was 
delivered. The most becoming behavior was observed througliout the 
whole assembly, and juy and gratitude appeared to irradiate every coun- 
tenance. 

" ADDttESS. 

" AsseiiibleJ, as WO are, on this joyful occasion, to celebrate, in the 
house ..I God, the return of j)eacc to our bleeding counliy, it becomes 
us, in I'.ie first place, to celebrate His praise who nniketh war to cease 
unto the ends of the earth ; who breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear 
in sunder; who bnrneth the chariot in the fire. Since not to acknowl- 
edge His hand in our deliverance would be both ungrateful and impious, 
let us tlien, as a Christian people, indulge the warm att'ections of grati- 
tude and joy, joy for the blessing of peace, which the Governor of the 
Universe has bestowed upon us, and gratitude, ;l8 an exjiression of our 
obligation to Him for the favor. Such ail'ections are pleasing in His 
Bight, who looketh on the heart. Wliile then our hearts are glowing 
with gratitude and leaping with joy under a sense of the recent display 
of divine goodness to us, let ns for a moment call to mind the many dis- 
tinguished with which the God of Heaven has been pleased to signalize 
our infant country. 



78 



HISTOllV OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Collectod on the Bticnes of the American wilderness, as its first set- 
tlers were, from ahnostewry nation and clime, fugitives from oppression, 
fiom persecution, and from want, the God nf theii' fatliers has prospered 
and blessed them. He cast out the heathen irmu before them, and planted 
tliem in a goodly soil. He crowned the hilmr of their handd with plenty, 
and i)roBpered their institutions, botli tivil and religious. Thus pardoned 
with the smiles uf Heaven, they increased in numbers, in arts, in wealth, 
and re8pe(rtal)ility. Colleges were formed, temples for the worship of the 
living (jod were raised, the sound of the hntumer w;is hnard in every 
quarter, and comnieice began to unfurl her thousand ssiils. 

'* Nor was our prosperity unobserved by the nittiuns of tlie earth. They 
saw, they wondered, and they admired. Our prosperity e.tcited the cu. 
pidily, especially of that nation which claimed us as her colonies. But 
before the yoke which slie had prepared fi>r us Wiw riveted to our necks, 
we cast it to the ground and dashed it in pieces. It would be ungrateful 
here not to acknowledge the hand of God in enabling; us to assert our 
rights and to obtain our independence, by which we took a place among 
the nations of the earth. Although the conflict was long and bloody, the 
Lord of Hosts crowned our arms witli success, anil said to our country, 
Ouyii art free ! and thereby taught nuuikind that the race is not always 
to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that salvation is of the Lord. 
Nor can we doubt that G»d taught our seuatoi-s wisdom, since they were 
enabled to devise and prepare a constitution for the States by which the 
wisdom and wealth and power of each were concentrated and made to 
flow in the same chaujiel for the common benefit of all ; a constitution 
whicli, wliile it secures life, liberty, and property to each individual, yet 
sufficiently nerves tliearm of government to guide and protect the wlude. 
".\nd what has been our situation since that time? While the plains 
of Europe have for years smoked with the blood of the slain, wliile 
mighty convulsions have overturned her mighty thrones and shaken 
whole kingdoms to their centre, we for thirty yeais enjoyed the suushine 
of peace and of equal laws. The thunder of Europe's canunii was beard, 
but at so great a distance that its sound came only murmuring on our 
ears. And so fitmili;ir did we become with her oft-repeated tale of woe, 
that the fate of her miglity armies, which marched into the field but 
never returned, excited in us feelings of commiseration but for a day. 
While thus in a great mea'sure insensible to the distress of others, their 
broils enriched our coffers. 

" But, alas! with our growing wealth we became more proud, more uu- 
grateful, more wicked, and therefore more ripe for the judgment of 
Heaven. Nor have they been delayed. Tlie swmd ha.s been unsheathed 
on our borders, and made drunk with the blood of our fellow-citizens. 
Many have been made to feel sorely the rod of God's displeasure. Yet 
as a nation we have suffered but lightly conipai'ed with what the nations 
of Europe have lately experienced from the awful ravages of war. And 
is it, Lord, because our crimes have been less? Or is it not rather tliat 
Thy compassioD and grace to us have more abounded? Although a 
righteous God has visited our favored land with the fire and with the 
sword, and with pestilence. He basin His abundant mercy preserveil us 
from the horrors of famine, a still sorer judgment, for the earth has 
yielded the fruits of her increase in abundance, and we have eaten to the 
full. 

" War on our coasts and throughout our land has ceased. God hath 
said to the destroying angel, It is enough. The sword has been returned 
to the scabbard, and we are now permitted each one to sit under his own 
vine and fig-tree, there being none to alarm us or make us afraid. And 
Bhall we not he glad on that account, and joy in the God of our salva- 
tion? Surely he that does not and will not rejoice must be destitute of 
the feelings of humanity, as he is insensible to the dying groans ()f the 
soldier, aiui i-egardless of tlie bitter cries and despairing agonies of the 
aged parent, the affectionate wife, and liidpless youth, from whose ten- 
der embrace war tears a son, a husband, or a father, and writes in char- 
acters of blood the name of the fii-st, chihUess ; of the next, a icidotv ; of 
the last, an orphan. And wlio can tell how many such have been called 
during the last war to mourn in secret, and liave pined away in anguish 
a life that was bound up in the life of their departed friend ? None can 
tell but He whose eye is over all His works, and who deigns to notice 
the sighs and tears of the widow and fatherless. Oh ! their departed 
friends shall never return ; their blood bus flowed at their country's call 
and their eyes are sealed in death. 

"Sad and gloomy as these reflections are and must be to a virtuous 
mind, yet we, as a congregation, have abundant ground for rejoicing, 
since not one from amomj us lias been called info the field of buttle^ and al- 
though a number of you have, for a short time, exchanged your ordinary 
pursuits for the life of a camp, yet, through the goodness of God, you 
have returned in safety to your friends, one only ezrepted, and are per- 
mitted to join with us in offering thanksgiving to the God of all our ar- 



mies. And what, 0! what, shall we render unto the Lord for all His 
benefits towanls us? Oh that men woidd praise the Lord for His good- 
ni-«s and for' His wonderful works among the children of men ! 

" Whatever may be our feelings on this occasion, yet as im hostile foot 
has vi>itBd our dooi-s, as no alarms for personal safety have disturbed our 
sl'imbers, as none of us have been called to mourn the loss of friends 
whos*' blood baa flowed in the service of our country, we cannot so fully 
appieciate the blcKsings of returning peace as many tlironghout our land. 
Would you, at h-ast in some nieasuip. lijrhtly c-timate the blessings Of 
peace, imagine for a moment the situation of those iiduii'itmts living on 
our seaboard on the east, or on our frontiers on the north and west, who 
were either driven froiu tln-ir homes or were daily exposed to an invading 
fleet, or more-to-be-dreaded scalping-knife of the Indian. Imagine for a 
moment the situation of those inha' itants whose homes were laid in 
ashes, and themselves obligeil to watuler as fugitives and strangei'S on 
tiieii" native soil. Imagine for a moment the feelings of those remnants 
of families from which one or more "f their number ha.s been ravaged 
by the war. .\s little as \\f are willing or abb' to lealize these scenes of 
distress and nuseiy. they are not fictitious, hut have actually and fre- 
quently taken place during the past war, and in a greater or less degree 
do take place in all wars. 

"But blessed be His name who niaketh the ware to cease. The toma- 
hawk is tiow buried, and the late hostile fleets now visit our shores in 
peace. And O! may the confused noise of the warrior and garments 
rolled in blood no more be lieanl or seen in our land in our day, nor in 
the day of our children, nor children's children. 

"And since the judge of all the earth has deigned to bestow upon us 
the blessings of peace, may we not hope that with it He will also grant 
us other tokens of his favor? May we not hope soon to see new fields of 
industry and wealth opened to the farmer, a new spring given to the 
mechanic arts, and our dying commerce ai:ain revive? Yes; may we not 
hope soon to see commerce, the parent of industry and source of wealth, 
unfurl her canvas to every wind, visit every clime, and isle, and contiuent, 
return with their riches anil pour their wealth upon our favored shores? 
May we not hope that, being restored to peace with our enemy, we will 
lay aside all enmity against them, and view them as brethren descended 
from tlie same common parent, sharers in the same benign religion of 
Jesus, and warmed with the same hopes of immortality with ourselves? 
May we not hope that, with returning peace abroad, the bitterness of 
party sjurit among ourselves, which has disgraced all ages, and ranks, 
and sexes, may be eradicated from our bosoms, and exchanged for an am- 
bition who shall become the best member of society by fulfilling all the 
duties of their severwl stations? Vm in the final issue of things it will 
then be made to appear that the bi?.st Christian is the best patriot. 

" Would we then truly enjoy the blessings of peace, let us imbibe and 
cultivate tht- spirit of the Gosjiel and fearlessly discharge all the duties 
it enjoins, both i)ublic and private. Let us eidist under the banners of 
the Prince of Peace, who is the Prince of the kings of the earth, that 
we may enjoy His smiles and gracious protection. And let us ardently 
desire an<l pray for the coming of that day when the kingdoms of this 
world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ: that 
He may have dondnion from sea to sea, and from tlie river unto the ends 
of the earth, for in His days shall the righteous Ilonrish, and abundance 
of peace so long as the moon endureth." 

WAR WITH MEXICO. 
The war with Mexico drew a number of volunteers 
in New York City regiments, but so far as we can 
learn there were no companies organized in the 
county, except Company K, of the Tenth Regiment 
United States Infantry, Capt. Alexander Wilkin, 
which was recruited at Goshen. A history of this 
company will be found in connection with the town 
of Goshen. 



CHAPTER VI 11. 

ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 

In the civil war of 1861-65, the people of this 
county proved themselves worthy representatives of 
a heroic ancestry. In all the larger towns meetings 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



79 



were held immediately upon the fall of Fort Sumter. 
Men and money were freely tendered for the defense 
of the Union. Enlistments commenced forthwith, 
and the action of the citizens was everywhere prompt 
and enthusiastic. Wlien it became necessary at a later 
period to raise large sums to till the several quotas, 
these were voted without hesitation. 

Briefly recapitulated, the following regiments and 
companies were recruited and organized iu the county, 
viz. : 

3d Kegiment, Co. B, infantry, 1861. 
18lh Regiment, Co. D, infantry, ISGl. 
18tli Regiment, Co. I, infantry, IhGl, — in part. 
36tli Kegiment, Co. B, infantry, ISGl. 
56th Regiment, Co. A, infantry, ISGl. 
56th Kegiment, Co. B, infantry, 18C1. 
66lh Regiment, Co. D, infantry, 18r,l. 
56tli Regiment, Co. E, infantry, 1S61. 
G3d Regiment, infantry, 1SG4. 
70th Regiment, Co. F, infantry, 1861. 
8Vth Regiment, Co. C, infantry, 181U. 
98th Regiment, Co. C, infantry, 1864. 
98th Kegiment, Co. I, infantry, 1864,— in part. 
124th Regiment, infantry, 1862,— 1047 men. 
124th Regiment, infantry, 1864, — one company. 
168th Regiment, infantry, 1862, — 335 men. 
176th Regiment, infantry, 1862,-272 men. 
1st Regiment, Co. C, Mounteil Rifles, 1801. 
2d Regiment, Co. B, cavalry, 1861. 
l.ith Kei-'iment, Co. I, cavalry, 18G4, — 140 men. 
15th Regiment, Co. M, artillery, 1864, — 82 men. 
7th Kegiment, artillery, 1864,-70 men. 
7th Independent Battery, 1861. 
lUth and 71st Militia, 1861-62,-517 men. 

There were, in addition, many enlistments in 
other regiments and also in the navy. The following 
aggregate of men furnished may be accepted as very 
nearly accurate : 



April, 1861, to 
! July, 1862. 



Total Credits under 
SiibBeqiieut Calls. 



Towns. 


S 
o 
c 

> 

S7 




1 

37 

33 

36 

16 

104 

30 

3 

2 

1 

17 

9.5 


1 

S. 
o 

73 

65 

123 

3 

186 

113 

35 

40 

"il 

123 
124 

40 
601 

85 

"2l'3 

158 

53 


1 

-5 
1 

49 

65 
81 
35 
149 
104 
23 
30 

"■36 
91 
142 
35 




3. _: 


"3 

c 
ci 






58 
24 
69 
41 


4 
4 

52 
9!^ 


?''1 


Chester 

Cornwall 


31 2 

36 

11 5 

104; 

sol 

3' 

"2 

1 ...... 

17 

25 


192 
361 
1.55 




1621 91 692 


Goshen 

Greenville 

Hamptonburgh 

Highlands 

Minisink 


51 5 303 
30 10 nil 
33 14 119 

23| 25 

29 11 128 
36 1 14 298 




100 79 188 
9 9 

493 429 922 
26 2 28 
12 12 

447 1 447 

100 100 

12 12 


63! 3 520 




47 6 137 




607 


249 Tit 2:101 




97 -24 3 237 




iv7 




Wallkill 


1371 74 lOi'8 


Warwick 


135 
46 


130 
39 


60 583 
13 163 




1776 1293 






1606 517 2022 


?'I11 


531 7624 






1 





While a detailed history of the services of the com- 
panies and regiments enumerated is not within the 
province of this work, more than a mere reference is 
due to some of them. 



THIRD REGIMENT— CO. B. 
Company B, Third Eegiment Infantry, claims to 
have been the first company recruited and ready for 
muster in the State, although not the first mustered. 
Recruiting for it was commenced in Newburgh imme- 
diately on the jsassage, by the Legislature, of the 
act of April 16, 1861, entitled "An act to authorize 
the equipment of a volunteer militia and to provide 
for the public safety." Although the movement for 
the recruiting of the company was inaugurated by 
Stephen W. Fullerton, Esq., at that time a member 
of Assembly, and subsequently captain of the company, 
James A. Raney was in charge. The company was 
mustered, in May 14, 1861, — seventy-seven men, — for 
two years. At the expiration of its term its remain- 
ing members were mustered out. The company was 
reorganized, however, and continued in the field until 
finally mustered out, Aug. 28, 186.5. Big Bethel, Fort 
Wagner, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Fort Gil- 
mer, Chapin's Farm, Fort Fisher, and Wilmington, 
N. C, were its more important fields of service. Its 
officers were: 

Stephen W. Fnllerton. captain, April 20, 1861 ; died of disease at New- 
burgh Sept. 11, ISGl. 

Ervine A. Jones, firet lieutenant, April 20, 1861 ; promoted captain Sept. 
25, 18G1 ; dismissed Aug. 16, 1862. 

Alexander Mann, second lieutenant, April 20, 1861 : promoted tirst lien- 
tenant Sept. 30, ISGl ; captain, June 10,1862; discharged Aug. 31, 
1SG4. 

Jeremiah D. Mabie, first sergeant. May 14, 1861; second lieutenant, 
Sept. 14, 1861 ; first lieutenant, April 24, 1862 ; captain. Co. F, June 
15, 1863; discharged Sept. 18, 1864. 

James H. Reeve, fourth sergeant. May 14, 1861; fii-st sergeant ; second 
lieutenant, April 21, 18G2; captain, Co. 1, Oct. 3, 1864; lost leg at 
Fort Fisher; discharged June 26, 1865. 

The personal record of its non-commissioned officers 
and privates will be found in the Newburgh list of 
volunteers. 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment is described in the official reports as 
having been organized at Albany to serve two years. 
The companies of which it was composed were raised 
in the counties of Albany, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, 
Ontario, and Orange. It was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States May 17, 1861, and mustered 
out May 28, 1863, by reason of the expiration of its 
term of service. The portion of this regiment enlisted 
in Orange County consisted of Company D, — John C. 
McGinnis captain, George Barry first lieutenant, and 
Roswell M. Sayre second lieutenant. It was formed 
at Middletown immediately upon the call of the 
President for seventy-five thousand volunteers. One 
of the commissions bears date April 22d, and the rank 
of quite a number of the commi.ssioned officers dates 
back from that time. 

There were so many enlistments in the company 
that on reaching Albany, besides organizing Company 
D, about thirty of the men were taken to assist in or- 
ganizing Company H. The company which went from 
Orange County was mostly compo.scd of railroad men. 



80 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Eighteenth, after its organization, left Albany 
for Wasliiiijrton. They encamped for about two weeks 
on Capitol Hill. They were at tlie battle of Bull Eun 
and supported a battery, but did not share to any ex- 
tent in the actual fighting. They remained at Ccntre- 
ville the next night, and then marched back to Wash- 
ington. 

The regiment remained in that vicinity and in 
winter-quarters near Alexandria until the spring of 
1862. At the opening of that year's campaign they 
were sent out to Bristow's Station, were snowed in, 
and soon after returned to Alexandria. They then 
went on board transports, and went to the Peninsula. 
They shared in the JlcClellan campaign again.st 
Richmond, through the final Seven Days' fight, and 
encamped at Harrison's Landing with the army. 
After that they were detailed as a guard- at various 
points. Their winter-quarters 1862-63 were at White 
Oak Church. Early the following spring they were 
transported to Albany and discharged according to 
terms of their enlistment. The date of the mustering 
out was May 28, 1863. 

Many of the members of the Eighteenth re-en- 
listed and did good service during the remainder of 
the war. 

Promotions among the men who went from Orange 
County in the Eighteenth : 

Thomas S. Lane, commissioned as second lieu- 
tenant Dec. 2, 1861, and his rank dating from Nov. 
6th,' was promoted to first lieutenant Nov. 10, 1862. 
He was mustered out with the regiment May 28, 1863. 

Wm. E. Carmichael, commissioned as second lieu- 
tenant July 4, 1861, and his rank dating from May 
7th ; was promoted to first lieutenant Dec. 2, 1861. He 
resigned July 16, 1862. 

Robert A. Malone, commissioned as second lieu- 
tenant Dec. 2, 1861, and his rank dating from Nov. 
11, 1861 ; was promoted to captain Nov. 10, 1862, and 
mustered out with the regiment May 28, 1863. His 
rank as captain dated from Sept. 8, 1862. 

Roswell M. Sayre, commissioned as second lieu- 
tenant July 4, 1861, and his rank dating from April 
30, 1861 ; was promoted to first lieutenant Dec. 21, 
1861, and to captain Nov. 10, 1862, his rank in the 
latter position dating from June 26, 1862. He was 
mustered out with the regiment May 28, 1863. 

John S. King was commissioned as first lieutenant 
Nov. 10, 1862, his rank dating from June 26, 1862, 
and was mustered out with the regiment May 28, 
1863. 

George Barry, commissioned as first lieutenant July 
4, 1861, and his rank dating from April 30, 1861 ; was 
promoted captain Dec. 2, 1861, and was killed in 
battle at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862. 

John C. McGinnis, commissioned as captain July 4, 
1861, and his rank dating from Ajjril 30th ; was pro- 
moted to major Dec. 2, 1861, and to lieutenant-col- 
onel Oct. 14, 1862. He was mustered out with the 
regiment May 28, 1863. 



THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT— CO. B. 

Immediately after the close of his connection with 
the recruitment of Co. B, Third Regiment, James A. 
Raney, of Newburgh, at that time captain of Co. F, 
19th Militia, obtained authority to recruit a company 
for the Thirty-sixth Regiment of volunteers, then 
being organized in the city of New York. Sergt. 
Timothy Donoghue, also of Co. F, united in the en- 
terprise and rendered very material assistance. Re- 
cruiting was commenced on the 13th of May, 1861, 
and the company was mustered into the service of the 
United States on the 17th of June following, with 
seventy-seven members. The regiment left Riker's 
Island July 12th, and arrived in Washington on the 
14th ; remained in camp until the 24th of March, 
1862, when it was brigaded under Brig.-Gen. Couch 
in the division commanded by Gen. D. C. Buell, and 
subsequently by Gen. Keyes. From that time the 
history of the regiment was blended with the move- 
ments under Gen. McClellan on the Peninsula. Capt. 
Donoghue and sixteen of his company were the first 
of the army to cross the Chickahominy at Bottom's 
Bridge, May 22, 1862. At the battle of Fair Oaks, 
on the 31st of the same month ; at Seven Pines, June 
25th; at Gaines' Mill, June 27th; and at Malvern 
Hill, .Tuly 1st, the regiment made a brilliant record. 
At Malvern Hill Co. B was particularly distinguished, 
and won the approbation of the general commanding. 

Returning to Yorktown Aug. 29th, the regiment 
embarked for Alexandria, where it arrived on the 
30th, and was pushed forward to Chantilly, where it 
was again under fire (Sept. 1st). Crossed into Mary- 
land and (Nov. 3d) into Virginia, and advanced to 
Fredericksburg, where it was in Gen. Devens' brigade, 
which was the first of the left grand division to cross 
the Rappahannock, Dec. 11th, and covered the retreat 
of the army on the 15th, Co. B being detailed to col- 
lect stragglers, and finally crossing under a shower of 
balls from the enemy. On the 3d of May following 
the regiment led the centre column of attack on 
Marye's Heights, where Co. B captured a battery from 
a Mississippi brigade, and was the firet to plant its 
colors on the heights. lu the afternoon of the same 
day the regiment was detailed, as a part of Sedgwick's 
corps, in the assault on Salem Heights, and performed 
most excellent service. The records>of the regiment 
were destroyed June 30, 1863, at Westminster, Md., 
to prevent falling into the hands of the enemy, but 
Capt. Donoghue determinedly preserved his descrip- 
tive book, from which records of his men will be 
found in the list of Newburgh volunteers. The last 
service of the regiment was in Hooker's campaign. 
At the commencement of the " mysterious move- 
ments of Gen. Lee" which culminated at Gettysburg, 
the regiment was again sent over the Rappahannock, 
where three divisions of the enemy were found, but 
no action ensued. Falling back towards Centreville, 
the regiment crossed the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry, 
and its term of service being more than filled, it was 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



81 



ordered home. No braver, better, or more jrallant 
men served in the vokinteer force than Co. B. Its 
officers were : 

James A. Itiiiioy, captain, .Iiiue If), ISGl ; promoted ninjor T)pc. '^I, ISGI ; 
ii'sigiic.: Oft. 15, ISOi. 

Tiniotliy l)oii<igltin', fii>.t lii-utenaiit. JiiiK- 1.3, l>'fil ; proimitcd ciiptaiii 
Nov. 12, 18U1 ; mustored out with regiment .Iiil.v l-"», ISli:!. 

Joliii BI. Lewis, second lieiitenniit, .June 1.5, ISGI ; promoted first lieu- 
tenant Dec. 2, 1.SG1 ; milsteied out with regiment .luli' 1,'j, lS(i:J. 

Charles E. Lewi.s, first sergeant, Oct. 1,18G1 ; second lieutenant, Nov. 12, 
li^fM ; filHt lieutenant, Aug. 2(i, 18G2 ; mustered out with regiment 
July 15, 18G3. 

FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 

This organization was popularly known as the Tenth 
Legion. It was organized at Newburgh, mostly in the 
month of August, though the rank of some of the 
officers dates from July. 

The Fifty-si.xth was composed of companies raised 
in Ul.ster, Orange, Sullivan, and Delaware, and it was 
mustered into the service of the United States be- 
tween July 31st and Dec. 10th. As elsewhere stated, 
the companies recruited in Orange were A, B, D, and 
E, with scattering men in other commands. The 
Seventh Battery and Co. C, First Mounted Rifles, were 
also recruited for it but subsequently detached. It 
left for the seat of war Nov. 7, 1861, eleven hundred 
and forty-three strong. It was formed as a three' 
years' regiment, but by re-enlistments the organiza- 
tion was continued, and was not mustered out until 
Oct. 17, 186.5, making a period of four years' service. 

By tjic adjutant-general's report of 1868 this regi- 
ment was entitled to inscribe upon its banners the 
following battles : 

Lee's Mills, Va. ; Williamsburg, Va. ; Honey Hill, 

S. C. ; Devaux Neck, S. C. ; John's Island, S. C. ; 

White Oak Swamp, Va. ; Fair Oaks, Va. ; Yorktown, 

Va. (siege) ; Chickahominy, Va. ; Coosawhatchie, 

iS. C. ; M':ilvern Hill, Va. ; Carter's Hill, Va. ; Bot- 

Uom's Bridge, Va. ; Dingle's Mills, S. C. 

The following is the official record of the rank and 

promotion of the commissioned officers ; the date of 

commission being first given, followed by the date of 

rank : 

Colonels. 

Charles II. Van W.vck (livt. hrig.-geu. U.S.V.), Nov. W, ISGJ; Sept. 4, 

18G1 ; nuistered out with the regiment Oct. 17, ISG."). 
Rockwell Tyler, Sept. 20, 1805; Sept. 27, 1803 ; not niusli'ied as colonel. 

Lieutettant'Colotteh. 

Janies Jordan, Dec. 20, ISGl ; Dec. 10, ISGl; discharged Aug. .'), 1SG2. 

Frederick Docker, Nov, 17, 1802; Aug. 5, 18G2 ; not mustered as lieuteu- 
ant'Cohuiel. 

J(din J. Wheeler, Dec. 15, 18G2 ; Nov. -.3, 1802 ; resigned Feb. 11, 1804. 

Kockwell Tyler (brevet col. N'.Y.V,), Keb. 27, 1804 ; Feb. l:i, 1804 ; mus- 
tered out with the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Fliphas Smith, Sept. 20,1805; .Sept. 27, 1S05; not mustered as lieuten- 
ant-ctplonel. 

Majors. 

Jacol. Sluirpe, Juno 28, 1.802 ; Sept. 1, 1801 ; discharged Aug. .">, 1802. 

John J. Wheeler, Nov. 17, 1802; Aug. 2, 1802; promoted to lieutenant- 
colonel Dec. l.i, 1802. 

Rockwell Tyler, Dec. 15, 1802; Nov. 23, 1802 ; promoted to lieutenant- 
colonel Feb. 27, 1804. 

Elipbas SmiUi (Irvt. lieut.-col. N.Y.V.), Feb. 27, 1804; Feb. 18, 1804; 
nnist. out with the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

James Dubois, Sept. 20, 1805 ; Sept. 27,1805; not mustered as major. 



Adjvttnits. 
Eli H. Evans, Aug. 7, 18C2; Sept. 1, 18'J1 ; dismissed Oct. 25, 1803. 
Henry B. Lomas (bvt. capt. N.Y.V.), Nov. 30, 1803; Oct. 1,1803; mus- 
tered out witli the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Quartennaeterf. 
John C. Gerard, Aug. 7, IS02 ; July 31, ISOI ; discharged Nov. 3, 1803. 
Jesse V. Shafei', Nov. 17, 1802 ; Si'pt. 5, 1802 ; resigned Oct. 15, 1804. 
Addison J.Clements (livt. capt. N.Y.V.t, Nov. 30, 1804; Oct. 15, 1804; 
mustered out willi the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Stirtjeotts. 
Solomon Van Etten (bvt. lieut.-col. N.Y.V.), Aug. 7, 1802; Sept. 23, 
1801 ; mustered out on expiration of term of service Sept. 28, 1804. 
George 11. Fossard, Oct. 7, 1804; Oct. 7, 1S04; resigned July .5, 1805. 
Ii'a S. Braduer, Sept. 19, 1805; Sept. 10, 1805; not mustered as surgeon. 

AssUtinil Surijcons. 

G. A. Carrol, Aug. 7, 1802; Sept. 23, 1801; promoted to surgeon 143d 
N.Y.V. May 13,1803. 

Ira S. Biailner, May 2,1863; April 25,1603; must, out with the regi- 
ment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Albert S. Turne ', Aug. 29, 1802; Aug. 10, 1802; promoted to surgeon of 
103d N.Y.V. Nov. IS, 1803. 

Daniel S. Hardenburgh, Nov. 12, 1803; Nov. II, 1803; resigned April 1, 
1805. 

Choploitis. 

Charles Shelling, Aug. 7, 1802; Sept. 10,1801 ; discharged Dec. 23, 1862. 

Geol'ge P. Van Wyck, Dec. 3(1, 1802 ; Dec. 20, 1802 ; mustered out with 
the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

CopUtinn. 

Thomas S. Marvell, Jr., Dec. 18, 1801 ; July 31,1801; resigned Aug. 5, 
180J. 

James II. F. Milton, Nov. 17, 1802; Aug. 5, 1802; mustered out on the 
exiiiration of term of sei'vice Maicli 31, 1805. 

Jolin Mctcall', Way 1, 1805; May 1, 1805; mustered out with the regi- 
ment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Charles F. Thayer, Dec. Iff, USOI ; Aug. 10, 1801; resigned April 9, 1802. 

Alfred W. Louuvs, Dec. .'J, 1802 ; April 10, 1802 ; resigned Aug. 11, 1863. 

James H. Smilb, Nov. 3U, 1803 ; Aug. II, 1803 ; resigned July 25, 1804. 

Melville Seais, Aug. 12, 1^04; ATig.12,1804; niusleied out on the expi- 
lation of service July 31, 1805. 

Nornuiu Perkins, Sept. 19, 1805 ; Sept. 1,1805; not mustered as captain. 

Fi ederick Decker, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Aug. 10, 1801 ; discharged Nov. 23, 1803. 

Wm. T. Calkins, Nov. 17, 1802 ; Aug. 5, 1802 ; mustered out on expira- 
tion of term of service Feb. 22, 1805. 

James Cowdey, May 1, 1805; May 1, 1805; resigned June 28, 1805. 

Reuben R. Gillett, Sejit. 10, 1805 ; June 28, 1805 ; not mustered as captain. 

John J. Wlieeler, Dec. 18, 1801 ; promoted to major Nov. 17,1862. 

Edward Wheelei-, Dec. 30, 1802 ; Aug. 5, 1802; jesigned March 16, 1804. 

John Connell, 31 ay 25, 1804 ; March 15, 1804; mustered out with the 
regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

William J. Williams, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Sept. 20, ISO! : killed at Fair Oaks, 
Va., May 31. 1802. 

Daniel D. Eltiug, July IS, 1802; May 31, 1802; resigned March 9, 1804. 

Joseph S. Holmes, May 2."j, 1804 ; May 8, 1864 ; mustered out with tho 
reginieiitUct. 17. 1805. 

Melvin S. Wells, Dec. IS, ISOl ; Aug. 29, 1801 ; discliarged Nov. 23, 1862. 

James Dubois (bvt. maj. N.Y.V.), Nov. 24, 1802; Nov. 14, 1862; mus- 
tered out with the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Ileni-y A. liawkes, Sept. 20, 1805; Sept. 27, 1S05 ; not nuistered as cap- 
tain. 

William D. Fuller, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Oct. 1, 1801 ; resigned March 10, 1803. 

Fjancis nines, Jan. lU, ISO ; ; March 14,1803; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 17, 1803. 

William K. .loslyn, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Oct. 3, 1801 ; resigned June 8, 1S03. 

Alon/.o 11. Chittenden, Nov. 311. 1803; June 5, 1803 f mustered out with 
the regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 

John Ernhuut, Deo. 18, 1801 ; Oct. 3, 1801 ; discharged Oct- 3, 1862. 

James J. Cox, Dec. 30, 1862; Oct. 3. 1802 ; mustered out with tlie regi- 
ment Oct. 17, 1805. 

Asa Ilod.se, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Oct. 10, 1801 ; discliarged Fob. 26, 1802. 

Elijiljas Smith, June 10, 1862; Feb. 20, 1802; promoted to major Feb. 27, 
1804. ' 

Norris Crossman, April 29, 1804; April 20, 1804 ; mustered out with the 
regiment Oct. 17, 1805. 



82 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Rockwell Tylor, Not. 20, 1862; Oct. 5, 1862; promoted to mHJor Dec. 15, ' Solomon D. Wheat, April 29, 1864 : .<pril 20, 1864; mustered out on the 

18(12. exjiiiation of term of pcrvire SInrch 'M, ISOn. 

Henry P. Kellam, Dec. 30, 1802 ; Nov.23,1862; resigned Nov. 26, 1kC4. Dwiglit W. Aiiclimoud.v, May :il, 1»G5: May 1, 1865; not mustered as 

Marshall L. Battsfonl, Nov. 30, 1864 ; Oct. 27, 18C4; mustcreil out with Hist lieutenant. 

the resiment Oct. 17, 1803. Isaac JelliB, Dec. IS. ISOl ; Oct. 10, 1801 ; resigned Feb. 21, 1802. 

Vi'm. H. linrnett,* missing since April 30, 1802. i James IJnliois, .Mine lu, 1802 ; Feb. 26, 1862; pronioteil to captain Nov. 

24. 1802. 
Cliarlca B. YouiiK, Dec. 30, 1802; Sov. 14, 1862; muslered out with the 

Thomas B. Pope, Dec. 18, 1S61 ; Sept. 17, 1861 ; dismissed Sept. 4, 1862. regiment Oct. 17, lS6.'i. 

Thomas At wood. Nov. 17, 1862; Sept. 4, 1862 ; resigned April 24,1803. Enoch H.irton, Nov. 3(1, 1802; Oct. .\ 1802; resigned Fel). 14, 1862. 

John Metcalf, Nov. 30, 1863 ; April 24, 1803 ; promoted to captain May Henry P. Kellam, Nov. 24, 1862 ; Feb. 14, 18t>2 ; pronioteil to captain Dec. 

1>186">. 311,1862. 

Eobert C. Kopcr, May 1, 1865 ; May 1, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment Alonwi H. Chitteiideu, Dec. 30, 1802 ; Nov. 25, 1802 ; promoted to captain 

Oct. 17, 1805. ! Kov, ijii, isa:i. 

Effingham Vaiiderlmrgh, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Aug. 10, 1801 ; resigned Feb. 1, Morris Downey, Nov. 30, 1863; June S, 18G3; mustered out on the ex- 



First I.ieHtenanU. 



1862. 
Alfred \V. Lonnis, Feb. 19, 1862 ; Feb. 6, 1862 ; promoted to captain Dec. 
6, 1802. 



])lration of term of service April 1, 1865. 
Oscar E. Periine, May 31, 1865; May 1, 1865 ; not mustered as first lieu- 
tenant. 
James J. Cox, Dec. 5, 1862; April 10, 1802; promoted to captain Dec. 10, ' Francis Might, May 31,1805; May 1, 1865; mustered out with the regi- 

1862. nient Oct. 17, 1865. 

Alphonse Bichter, Dec. 30, 1862 ; Oct. 3, l«i;2 ; discharged May 29, 1804. Edward H. Lonios, Aug. 12, 1S64 ; Aug. 12, 1864 ; dismissed Jan. 9, 1865. 
Alexander 1>. Ketchuni, June 30, 1804 ; June 3IJ, 1804 ; promoted to cap- j Jeremiah Strickland, March 14, 1805 ; Jan. 18, 1805 ; mustered out with 

tain in 128tht U. S. C. T. May 10, 1805. | the regiment Oct. 17, 186.5. 

Henry A. Still, Dec. 18, 1S6I ; Sept. 17, 1861 : discharged Aug. 26, 1862. ' Wni. Peake, Sept. 2'J, 1865; Se|it. 27, 1864; not mustered as first lieu- 
Bdgar E. Moree, Nov, 17, 1862; Aug. 26, 1802 ; dismissed Feb. 9, 1863. I tenant. 

Joseph S. Holmes, Nov. 30, 1863; Feb. 9, 1863; promoted to captain May James MclJuire, Sept. 19,1865; Sept. 19, 1865; not mustered as Bret 

25, 1864. lientenaiit. 

John S. Tompkins, May 2o, 1804; March 8, 1804; mustered out with the Daniel K. Fninkliii,'^ resigned Sept. 17, ISCl. 

regiment Oct. 17, 1865. Si|„B A. Ilsley,* discharged .Mine 22, 1802. 

Edward Wheeler, Dec. 18, 1861; Aug. 10, 1861 ; promoted to captain Dec. 

30, 1862. Second Lkulenants. 

Isaac Beckett, Dec. 30, 1862; Aug. 5, 1862; mustered out on the cxpira- p^,^,. jj jjjj.^.,^._ ^^^ jg^ igg, . g^p, !,_ ig^j . „sij,„ed Jan, 14, 1863, 

tion of term of service Jan. 27, 1865. Wilbur K, Still, Nov. 17, 1862 ; Sept, 4, 1802 ; resigned Aug. 21, 1861. 

William J. Sayre, March 14, 1805; Jan. 20, 1865; mustered out with the I u^^.^,.; f; ,{„p^.,._ Nov. 30, 1804; Nov. 30, 186!; pionmte.l to flret lieu- 
regiment Oct. 17, 1805. ■ tenant Mav 1, 1865. 
Kichard M. Hiiies, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Sept. 20, 1801 ; resigned Feb. 0, 1862. ■ f,^^.^^ jj m^^,,._ j],,j. ,_ ,^«(.,-, . jj„,. ,_ ,sg5 ; mustered out with the regi- 
Henry M. Connelly, June 10, 1802; Feb. 6, 1802; discharged Oct. 3, 1802. I ment Oct 17 1865. 
Isaac Eosa, Dec. 5, 1862; Oct. 3, 1802; died Jan, 20, 1863, at Newborn, | a|,.,.^j ^ Nomas', Dec, 18, 1801 ; Aug. 16, ISOl ; promoted to first lieu- 

''■•^- tenant Feb. 19, 1862. 

James H. Smith, March 17, 1863 ; Jan. 19, 1863; promoted to captain ] james I. Cox, Fob. 19, l,S02: Feb. 0,1802; promoted to first lieutenant 



Nov. 30, 1803. 



Dec. 5, 1802. 



Melville Sears, Nov. 30, 1803; Aug. 11, 1863; promoted to captain Aug. : j^^^^^ jj^„^^^ p^^ 5_ jgg.,. j^p,,;, j^^ igj^. promote.l to fliiit lieutenant 

!'-• I*'"'*- 1 Dec. 5, 1862. 

James H. F. Milton, Dec. IS, 1861 ; Aug. 29, 1861; promoted to captain Alphonse Richter, Dec. 6, 1862; Oct.3,1862; promoted to first lieutenant 



Nov. 17, 1862. 

Francis Hines, Dec. 30, 1862; Aug. 5, 1862; promoted to captain June ID, 
1863. 

Reuben II. Gillet, Nov. 30, 18C3; March 6, 1863 ; muslered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 17, 1865. 

AlKlrew P. Couklin, Sept. 19, 1865; June 28, 1865 ; not mustered as fii-st 
lieutenant. 

Daniel D. Elting, Dec. 18, 1801; Oct. 1, 1861 ; promoted to captain July 
IS, 1862. 

Meeker G. Bell, Nov. 17, 1862; Aug. 5, 1802; not mustered as first lieu- 
tenant. 



Dec. 3(1, 1862. 

Algernon S. Ross, Dec. 30, 1862; Oct, 3, 1862; mustered out ou expira- 
tion of term of service March 27. 1805, 

Henry M, Connelly, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Aug, 10, 1801 ; piunioted to first lieu- 
tenant June 10, 1862. 

James Jl, Smith, June 10, 1862, Feb. 6, 1862; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant March 17, 1863. 

MelvilleSeais, March 17, 1S03; .Jan. 19. 1S03; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Nov. 30, 1863. 

Edward 11. Lonias, Nov, 30, l.'SeS; Aug, 11,1863; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant Ang. 12, 1864. 



Demmon S. Decker, Dec. 30, 1802 ; Oct. 3, 1862 ; dismissed April 11, 1804. j^^ Beckett, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Aug. 10, 1801 ; promoted to first lieutenant 
Norman Perkins, May 25, 1804; March 28, 1804; mustered out with tlie p .^^^ .^j., 



regiment Oct. 17, 1 86.5. 

Benjamin Terwilliger, Sept. 19, 1805; Sept, 1, 1865 ; not mustered as firet 
lieutenant, 

Wm, T. Calkins, Dec, 18,1861; Oct. 3, 1861; promoted to captain Nov. 
17, 1862. 

Wm. B. Baird, Nov. 17,1862; Ang. 5, 1S62 ; not mustered as first lieu- 
tenant. 

Francis L. Van Dugan, Aug. 29, 1864; April 20, 1864; declined. 



Benjamin F. Clark, Dec. 30, 1802; Aug. 5, 1802 ; resigueil Feb. 7, 1864. 

John Connell, April 19, 1804 ; April 20, 1864; promoted to captain Jlay 
25, l.^Oi. 

William J. Sayre, Slay 25, 1864; March 1.5, 1804; i>ionioted to first lieu- 
tenant March 14, 1865. 

Robert E. Halstead, .March 14, 1865 ; Jan, 20, 1865; mustered out with 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865, 

M, G. Bell. March 25, 1802; Sept, 20, 1S6I ; discharged Oct. 3, 1862. 



Marshall L. Baltsford, July 20, 1864: June 28, 1804; promote.l to captain I p_,^^^.^ „j„,,^^ ^.^^. ,,_ ,g,.^. ^„g ,^ ^^^,. p,.,„„„,^j ,,, ^..^j lieutenant 



Nov, 30, 1804, 
Henry A. Hawkes, Nov, 30, 1864; Oct, 27, 1861; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct, 17, 1805, 
Knfus Mottitt, Dec. 18, 1801 ; Oct, 3, 1801 ; resigned Feb, 6, 1862, 
S, Augustus Gould, March 27, 1862 ; March 27, 1862; dismissed March 1, 
1803, 



Dec, 30, 1802, 
Reuben R, Gillett, Dec. 30, 1802 ; Sept, 4, 1862; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Nov, 30, 1803, 
Victory Champlain, Nov, 30, 1803; March 6, 1803; discharged March 27 

1805, 
Edward Lyons, Mav 17, 1805; May 2, 1805; not mustered, 
Norris Crossnmu, Nov. 30, 1863 ; March 1. 1863 ; promoted to captain p^_^_.|^^ ^ Yo.ing,'Dec, 18, 1861 ; Aug, 29, 1861 ; promoted to fii-st lien- 
April 29, 1864, (^„^„t Dec, 30, 1862. 



* On records of War Department, but not commissioned, 
t So in official report. 



X On records of War riepartment, but not commissioned. 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



83 



Hemy B. Lomas, Dec. 3ll, 1SC2 ; Nov. 14, 1862; j/ionioled to adjutant 
Nov. 30, 180:i. 

rjniicis VV. Rush, Nov, 30, 18C3 ; Oct. 1, 18G3; died Dec. '>h, 18(i3,at Beau- 
fort, S. C, of disease. 

Marshall L. Battsford, Bla.v 25, 1S04; May 8, 1S64; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant .July 20, 1 64. 

Edgar E. Morse, Dec. IS, 1861 ; Oct. 1, ISiil : |ir.>nioted to flret lieutenant 
Nov. 17, IS62. 

Stephen W. ThonipsoD, Dec. 30, 1862; Aug. 26,1862; resigned June 2. 
1863. 

John J. Bryers, Nov. 30, 1863; .Tune 2, 1863; commission canceled. 

Norman Perkins, Feb. 9,18G4 ; June 2, 1863; promoted to hrst lieutenant 
May 2.1, 18(14. 

Francis Might, May 25, 1S64; Marcli 28, 1864; promoted to lirst lieuten- 
ant May 31, 18G5. 

Wui. B. Baird, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Oct. 3, 1861 ; discharged Sept. 19, 1862. 

A. II. Chittenden, Nov. 17, 1862; Aug. 5, 1862; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Dec. 30, 1862. 

Morris Downey, Dec. 30, 1862; Nov. 23, 1862; promoted to firet lieuten- 
ant Nov. 30,1863. 

Solomon D. Wheat, Nov. 30, 1863 ; June 6, 1863; promoted to flrat lieu- 
tenant April 29, 1864. 

Jared Packard, April 20, 1864; Ajiril 20. 1864; must, out with regiment 
Oct. 17, 1865. 

John T. Kreai, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Oct. 3, 1861 ; resigned Feb. 6, 1862. 

Dennnan S. Decker, Feb. 19, 1S62; Feb. 6, 1862; dismissed April 11,1864. 

Norris (Grossman, Dec. 30, 1862; Oct. 3, 1862; promoted to.fli-st lieuten- 
ant Nov. 311, 1863. 

Dwight II. Auchmoody, Nov. 30, 1863; March 1, 1863; mustered out on 
expiration of term of sen'ice June 30, 1865. 

Eliplias Smith, Dec. 18, 1861 ; Oct. 10, 1861 ; promoted to captain June 
10, 1862. 

Jesse F. Sliafer, June 10, 1862; Feb. 10,1802; promoted to quartermaster 
Nov. 17,1862. 

Joseph 1. Holmes, Nov. 17, 1862; Sept. 4, 1862; promoted to tii-st lieuten- 
ant Nov. 30, 1863. 

Edwin J. Scranton, Nov. 3, 1863; Feb. 9, 1863 ; promoted to captain in 
I28th U. S. C. T.. March 27, 1865. 

Clement B. Newkirk, Miiy 1, 1865; Blay 1, 1865; mustered nut with ttie 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865. 

Heury P. Kellum, Nov. 20, 1862 ; Oct 5, 1862 ; promoted to first liewtcu- 
ant Nov. 24, 1862. 

Peter W. Loegan, Nov. 24, 1862; Feb. 14, 1862; died Aug. 19, 1862, at 
Yorktown, of disease. 

Horace W. McKoon, Nov. 24, 18G2; Aug. 18, 1862; dismissed Dec. 10, 
1863. 

Hfeury A. Hawkes, Feb. 23, 1864; Dec. 18, 1863; promoted to first lieu- 
^ tenant Nov. .30, 1864. 

Andrew P. (^onklin, Nov. .30, 1864; Nov. 30, 1864; mustered out with 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865. 

Benjamin Terwilliger, May 1.1865; May 1, 1865; mustered out witli 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865. 

William II. D. Blake, Sept. 19, l.SO.i; Sept. 1, 1865 ; not mustereil. 

Jesse L. Stivers, Aug. 22. 1864 : Aug. 12, 1864 ; resigned May 15, 1865. 

Calvin Lambert, May 17, 1805; May 2,1865; mustered out wiih regi- 
ment Oct. 17. 1865. 

Addison J. Clements, July 20, 1864; June 28,1864; promoted to quarter- 
master Nov. 30, 1864. 

Denuison Fiske, Nov. 30, 1864; Nov. 30, 1804; resigned May 18, 1865. 

Frank llotclikin, Sept. 19, 1865 ; June 28, 1865; not mustered. 

Charles Becker, May 31, 1865; May 1, 1865; mustered out witli the 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865. 

Alonzo C. Bowers, May 31, ls(a ; May 1, 1865; mustered out with tlie 
regiment Oct. 17, 1865. 

Conrad Slaver, Sept. 19, 1865; June 28, 18&5; not mustered. 

Brevet commissions were issued by the Governor 
to the two following enlistt'd men of this regiment : 
Hospital Steward Guy K. Sayre, — assistant surgeon. 
Sergeant Charles Johnson, — second lieutenant. 

SEVENTIETH KECIMENT. 
The town of Deerjjark furnished nearly all the 
members of Company F in this organization. The 
regiment was raised and organized in New York City 



to .serve three years, and was mustered into the service 
of the United States from June 20 to June 29, 1861. 
The original members, except those re-enlisting as 
veterans, were mustered out of service July 1, 1864. 
The veterans remaining were transferred to the 
Eighty-sixth, which was the regiment so long bri- 
gaded with the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, 
and intimately associated with the latter in the most 
important battles of the war. 

The Seventieth Regiment was officially recognized 
as sharing honorably in the battles of Williamsburg, 
Fair Oaks, Charles City Cross-Roads, Malvern Hill, 
White Oak Swamp, Bristow Station, Second Bull 
Run. and Fredericksburg. 

The regiment went out under command of Col. 
Daniel PI Sickles. His commission :is colonel was 
dated Jan. 16, 1862, but his rank was from the 29th of 
June, 1861. He was promoted brigadier-general Sept. 
3, 1861, and Lieut.-Col. William Dwight, Jr., suc- 
ceeded to the colonelcy of the Seventieth. The latter 
was also promoted brigadier-general Nov. 29, 1862, 
and the command of the Seventieth devolved upon 
Col. J. Egbert Farnum.. 

Among the promotions occurring in Company F 
from Deerpark may be mentioned that of Thomas 
Holt. He was commissioned captain Jan. 16, 1862, 
his rank dating from June 20, 1861. He was pro- 
moted major Dec. 1, 1862; lieutenant-colonel Jan. 
14, 1863 ; and mustered out with the regiment July 1, 
1864. 

Robert Ely thing (Blighton) was a second lieuten- 
ant, his rank dating from June 20, 1861. He re- 
.signed Nov. 28, 1861. Nine commissioned officers 
were killed in battle. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWE.NTY-FOURTII KEGLMENT. 

The following account of the organization of this 
regiment, of its participation in the various cam- 
paigns, of its heroic sacrifices, of its tedious marches, 
and of its brave conduct on the field of battle, is con- 
densed from the interesting volume published in 1877 
by Col. Charles H. Weygant, of Newburgh. As a 
participator in nearly all of its struggles, as an eye- 
witness of the fierce fights into which it entered, as a 
careful student of public documents published since 
the war, it is evident that he po.ssessed peculiar quali- 
fications for the task, and that he executed it with a 
just pride in the fame of this gallant regiment and with 
a loving regard to the memory of his comrades. In 
editing this chapter, derived from his work, most of 
his personal allusions, his interesting anecdotes, and 
his general descriptions have necessarily been omitted. 
It is due to him to further saj' that not only is the 
thread of the following account his, and the dates his, 
but oftentimes his exact words are used without quo- 
tation, all of which is intended to be covered in this 
preliminary general acknowledgment. 

The call of the President for three hundred thou- 
sand three years' men was dated July 1, 1862, and on 



84 



HISTORY OF OlvANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the following day Governor Morgan issued his stirring 
and patriotic appeal to " each citizen" of the Empire 
State. The work of preparation was immediately 
pushed with vigor by tlie State authorities, and Gov- 
ernor Moi-gan ceased not day or niglit in his cfl'orts to 
arouse the people. 

The State was divided into military districts, in each 
of which a place of rendezvous was designated, and a 
committee of loyal influential citizens appointed to 
superintend the work of enlisment, and to select and 
recommend suitable persons to command the regi- 
ments to be raised. Special appeals were made to 
nearly every town and county board, and circulars of 
instruction were sent broadcast over the State. The 
military committee appointed by His Excellency for 
the district comprising the counties of Orange and 
Sullivan was composed of the following-named gen- 
tlemen : Hon. Robert Denniston, of Blooming-Grove ; 
Hon. Ambrose S. Murray, of Goshen ; Hugh S. Bull, 
Esq., of Montgomery ; Alexander Moore, Esq., of 
Washingtonville ; Alfred Post, Esq., of Newburgh ; 
James M. Barrett, Esq., of Cornwall ; Morgan Shuit, 
Esq., of Monroe. 

On the 11th of July this committee held its first 
regular meeting at the United States Hotel in New- 
burgh, at which they decided to recommend Capt. A. 
Van Home Ellis, of New Windsor, for the colonelcy 
of a regiment it was proposed to attempt to raise in 
the county of Orange. Capt. Ellis was then in the 
service. His company (Co. I), composed principally 
of men recruited in Newburgh, who had served under 
liim in the Seventy-first New York State Militia at 
Bull Run, had a few weeks before been called together 
at less than twcnty-l'our hours' notice for a second 
term of active service, and were then stationed in the 
fortifications near Washington. 

The captain w'as at this time temporarily at ho'ue, 
and on being notified of the action of the committee, 
prom])tly accepted the proflered position. Within an 
hour thereafter he had telegraphed his resignation as 
captain to the conunander of his regiment at Wash- 
ington, and was on his way to Albany for instructions 
and the necessary credentials. 

At Albany, the traditional " red tape" of depart- 
ments had given way before the pressure of public 
necessity. In a short time Capt. Ellis had received 
the requisite documents, and the same evening found 
him back in Orange County hard at work upon his 
patriotic mission. 

The work of enlistment was slow and diflicult at 
first. The enthusiasm of April, 1861, when the flag 
had just fallen at Fort Sumter, was to some extent 
gone. The fearful truth that a long and bloody war 
was in progress, now clearly perceived, gave to every 
movement a serious tone, far different from the feeling 
of fifteen months before. The prospect of victory " in 
ninety days" had long since vanished. 

The Seven Days' battles, the retreat of McClellan's 
forces, the call for two hundred thousand men, all 



told of the desperate struggle which was in progress. 
On the first day of August but eight men had been 
enrolled, and the prospect of raising a regiment was 
anything but encouraging. 

To the general war committeee there had been 
added E. A. Brewster, of Newburgh ; William Fuller- 
ton, of Newburgh; C. H. Winfield, of Goshen; 
Thomas Edsall, of Goshen ; Silas Horton, of Goshen; 
James Cromwell, of Cornwall ; William Avery, of 
Cornwall; Daniel Thompson, of Crawford; C. C. 
McQuoid, of Wallkill ; Halstead Sweet, of Wallkill ; 
John G. Wilkin, of Wallkill ; John Cummings, of 
Wallkill; Charles St. John, of Port Jervis; John 
Conkling, of Port Jervis ; C. M. Lawrence^ of Port 
Jervis ; C. B. Newkirk, of Monroe ; A. S. Dodge, of 
Mount Hope ; Dorastus Brown, of Greenville ; A. F. 
Schofield, of Montgomery ; A. G. Owen, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove; John Cowdrey, of Warwick; Thomas 
Welling, of Warwick. 

The doubtful, hesitating condition of affairs soon 
gave way. before the threatened invasion of the very 
fields of the North, and before an uprising tide ot 
patriotism that nearly silenced for a time all opposing 
voices. The enthusiasm of April, 1861, was again re- 
kindled, and August, 1862, witnessed scenes of heroic 
self-sacrifice such as the world has seldom witnessed. 
The strong under-current of national feeling swelled 
upward to the surface, and men rushed forward ready 
to do, and die if need be. Public meetings were held 
almost nightly in every hall, church, and school-house 
in the State. Private bounties were ofl^ered, and 
funds began to be raised for the support of the needy 
I'amilies of those who should volunteer. The national 
eaiiital was once more in danger. The government 
was in earnest, the people were in earnest; the hardy 
sons of the North sprang to arms crying, " We're 
coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand 
more." Up to the 8th of August not more than a 
.score of volunteers had reported at Col. Ellis' head- 
quarters in Goshen. Fifteen days later the regiment 
was fully organized and ready for the field. Its field- 
officers were A. Van Home Ellis, colonel ; Francis M. 
Cummins, lieutenant-colonel ; James Cromwell, major. 
The staff-officers were John H. Thompson, major and 
surgeon ; T. Scott Bradner, captain and chaplain ; 
Augustus Denniston, lieutenant and quartermaster; 
G. De Peyster Arden, lieutenant and adjutant; Ed- 
ward Marshall, lieutenant and assistant surgeon ; R. 
V. K. Montfort, lieutenant and second assistant sur- 
geon. The ten captains were Charles H. Weygant, 
Co. A; Henry S. Murray, Co. B; Williani Silliman, 
Co. C; James W. Benedict, Co. D; William A. Mc- 
Birney, Co. E; Ira S. Bush, Co. F; Isaac Nicoll, 
Co. G ; David Crist, Co. H ; Leander Clark, Co. I ; 
William A. Jackson, Co. K. Musicians: William B. 
Wood and Moses P. Ross, Co. A, buglers ; Mr. Hart, 
drum-major;* John G. Buckley, Charles Whitehead, 



* Hired by Col. EUis, not enlisted. 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE KKBELLION. 



Artlnir Haigh, Co. H, George W. Dimiiiick, Co. D, 
Henry C. Payne, Co. B, fife ; Robert L. Davis, Co. F, 
A. A. Millspaugh, George W. Camfield, Co. K, John 
W. Cole, Co. I, R. L. Stephens, Co. E, Charles W. 
Bodle, Henry M. Cannon, Co. A, William Hamilton, 
Co. B, Henry Hoofnian, Co. C, C. H. Van Gordon, 
Co. G, Jehiel Price, Co. F, J. M. Merritt, Co. G, W. 
Johnston, James H. McElroy, Co. D, drum; Samuel 
M. Wceden, Co. D, bass-drum. 

The names of the rank and file of the One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth are given in the lists at the close 
of the town chapters. 

On the 24th of August orders were received from 
Washington directing Col. Ellis to hold his command 
in readiness to move on the 27th instant. 

Thursday, the 2Gth, had been designated by the 
ladies as the day on which they would present to the 
regiment that stand of colors beneath which he whose 
hand should receive them and so many of the brave 
men over whose heads tliej' were that day to be un- 
furled should sufler, bleed, and die that the Union 
and liberty might live. 

It was a clear, bright day, and with the rising of 
the sun the friends of the "American Guard" began 
to arrive, and for hours there poured into the village 
of Goshen such a throng of men, women, and chil- 
dren as had seldom before been seen in its streets. 
At 3 P.M. the regiment was formed, and Col. Ellis 
having placed himself at the head of his field and 
staff in front of it, the Hon. Charles Winfield stepped 
forward, and, at the close of a most patriotic speech 
on behalf of the donors, handed the colors to Col. 
Ellis, who, loosing them to the breeze, promised the 
multitude there assembled they should never be dis- 
graced, concluding with these words, "If you never 
aaain see these colors, you will never again see those 
who bear them from you." 

After this Miss Charlotte E. Coulter stepped for- 
ward, and, with a modest but grand little speech, pre- 
sented a pair of embroidered silk guidons, a gift from 
the fair daughters of the little town of Wawayanda. 

The departure of the regiment had been expected 
for the 27th, but delays occurred, and it was not until 
the 5th of September that an order was received posi- 
tively fixing the departure for the next day, the 6th. 

In accordance with this order, at 1 o'clock p.m. on 
Saturday, Sept. 6, 1862, the regiment bid adieu to its 
first camp in Goshen, and, with banners flying and 
drums beating, marched through thrf)ngs of weeping 
Iriends to the depot, where the last hand-shakings 
and final adieus were given. At 2 p.m. the heavily- 
laden train, with wild shrieks to warn away the cling- 
ing multitudes, moved ofl", and the American Guard, 
as the regiment was known, was on its way to the seat 
of war. At every depot crowds with loyal hearts 
sent after them shouts of approbation, and ever and 
anon, as the train shot along, there were heard from 
sweet voices familiar notes of patriotic songs. 

One impressive tableau could never be forgotten 



by those who saw it. High up on a projecting rock 
stood an old man, dressed in a military suit of Revo- 
lutionary times, the thin locks of his long, white hair 
floating in the breeze, leaning with one hand on his 
staff, and with the other feebly waving the "Stars and 
Stripes," while two little girls, dressed in the purest 
white, knelt, one on either side of him, their little 
arms stretched out and their eyes turned heavenward, 
as if in earnest prayer to the God of nations for the 
preservation and success of the defenders of the 
Union, which their great-graudsire had fought to 
establish. 

At New York, the regiment was marched to the 
Park Barracks, and slept that night upon the pine- 
mattresses furnished to them. 

The regiment was supplied with arms in the city, — ■ 
heavy Austrian guns with sword-bayonets. 

Sunday afternoon the regiment left for Philadelphia. 
Arriving there late in the night, the soldiers were 
soon found resting, with sidewalks for beds and knap- 
sacks for pillows. But very early they were invited 
to a sumptuous breakfast furnished by the ladies of 
Philadelphia. At noon they were in Baltimore, and 
in the hot march across the city a number of the men 
fell from sun-stroke and had to be left behind. At 
two o'clock Tuesday morning the regiment might 
have been seen sleeping soundly on the ground and 
on the stone blocks in front of the Capitol at Wash- 
ington. 

In the afternoon of that day they marched to Camp 
Chase, on Arlington Heights. There they remained 
two or three days, when their encampment was 
changed to another point about four miles away, 
which the soldiers christened Camp Ellis. Here the 
regiment was attached to Pratt's brigade of Whipple's 
Division, Heiutzleman's corps, and they remained 
until the 2.5th in this camp, engaged in active drill, 
learning the actual duties of a soldier's life. 

At 2 p.m. Thursday, September 25th, the regiment 
again broke camp and moved ofl' some six miles, to 
a piece of woods on the west side of Miner's Hill, 
where they built huge log-fires and bivouacked around 
them for the night. The next morning about a hun- 
dred of the men were ordered to report for picket 
duty. 

During the afternoon of the 26th the regiment 
moved to the opposite or eastern slope of Miner's 
Hill, where they named their new grounds Camp Crom- 
well. In these moves sixteen four-mule teams were 
employed to transfer tents, traps, and the baggage of 
the officers. This was in strong contrast with the 
simple work of a few months later, when officers of 
the line were only allowed transjiortation for a small 
valise each, while the field and start' were obliged to 
crowd their baggage, tents and all, into a single 
wagon. 

The regiment remained at Miner's Hill for several 
weeks engaged continually in the various drills re- 
quired for army movements. 



86 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



On the 16th of. October orders were received to • 
break camp. This was immediately done ; but the 
regiment passed a long and uncomfortable night, a 
part of the time in the rain, the order to march being 
delayed until morning. At six o'clock the orders to 
march came, and the regiment moved off at a rapid 
gait towards Washington. It was a wet morning, and 
with wet Idankets from the storm of the night before, J 
the marching was difttcult, and a number of men gave 
out and were picked up by the ambulances following. 
The regiment halted at the entrance to the Aqueduct 
bridge, Georgetown. The sun came out ; blankets 
were dried on the fences and the grass-plats. About 
four iu the afternoon they marched into Washington 
and halted in front of the Capitol. About midnight 
they took the cars, and at the end of a tedious ride of 
eleven hours found themselves at Knoxville, Md. 

The regiment was now transferred from " the Army 
of Defense" around Washington to the " Army of the 
Potomac." 

The regiment first halted for a while ou a hill- 
side, where it was so steep that anything convenient 
was thrust into the ground to keep it from sliding 
down-hill. There was a lovely view, but there was 
little chance to admire the beauties of uature or of 
cultivated fields. The soldiers were sore and tired 
after their wet march and their sleepless ride in the 
cars. Wrapped in their blankets they lay down to 
rest early, and slept soundly. 

Sunday afternoon, October 19th, they moved about 
three miles, and encamped in a large field on the 
farm of a crusty old " secesh," who, not satisfied with 
having guards placed over all his movable property, 
objected even to drawing the cool water from his 
well. 

Monday afternoon, the 20th, they marched to a 
more congenial spot near Burkettsville, where they re- 
mained several days. Here they had an opportunity 
to visit South Mountain, where the great struggle of 
Antietam had occurred only a few weeks before. It 
was full of sad suggestions as to the fierceness of the 
battles in which the ( )ne Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
was not many months later to engage. 

On the evening of October 24th, at half-past nine 
o'clock, the regiment left camp, and at midnight 
bivouacked near Berlin, on the banks of the Potomac, 
across which a pontoon-bridge was being laid. This 
bridge cousisted of si.xty-two scow-built boats, an- 
chored some twenty feet apart, and connected by 
large beams, across which were laid strong planks. 
Pleasonton's cavalry dashed across this, followed by 
the Army of the Potomac, one hundred thousand 
strong. 

Towards night, Sunday, October 26th, the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth crossed, and a inarch of three 
miles brought them to Lovettsville, where they halted 
for the night in a cornfield. The wind blew, the 
rain fell ; there were no fires. It was a night of severe 
suffering, disabling thirty or more. 



Thursday, October 30th, they marched away to- 
wards Winchester, and bivouacked near Hillsborough. 
Sunday afternoon, November 2d, the regiment ad- 
vanced twelve miles to near Snicker's Gap. On the 
3d they again moved three miles to Bloomfield, and 
on the 4th to Upperville, where the camp-fires of the 
enemy were still smouldering. On the oth to near 
Piedmont, where they halted thirty minutes, and 
then moved on for Manassas Gap. That night, in 
near proximity to the enemy, they passed without 
fires and with no rations. Resuming march the next 
morning, they shared in the crossing of the mountains 
for the purpose of cutting off the retreat of a portion 
of the rebel infantry, but the latter had escaped. 
Soon after the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was 
ordered back to Piedmont. On the 8th they marched 
to Orleans, where they stayed three days. On the 
10th, Lieut.-Col. Cummings went out on a foraging 
expedition, and secured fresh meat for the regiment. 
On the 11th the regiment moved about six miles to 
near Waterloo. 

On the evening of the loth a squad of the enemy 
ran into the picket line. Lieut. Weygant and his 
men captured two of the enemy, which seems to have 
been the first actual contact with the rebel forces by 
the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. 

On the morning of the 16th the regiment moved 
again, not towards the front, but to the left, and after 
a four hours' march they encamped at Warrenton, 
and became a part of Hooker's grand division. 

On the 17th they resumed their march and halted at 
Libertyville; on the 18th to Hartwood Church; from 
the 19th to the 23d to near Falmouth, within four 
miles of Fredericksburg. On the morning of the 
24th they were able once more to arrange a regular 
encampment. The recent march had been a fearful 
one in rain and mud, exposure costing many precious 
lives. The regiment remained nearly two weeks at or 
near this spot. This was the delay in the movement 
of Gen. Burnside against Richmond vin Fredericks- 
burg which doubtless prevented the success of the 
enteri)rise. The delay, Mr. Weygant states, was due 
to the non-arrival of the pontoon-train, which only 
reached the required point December 10th. This de- 
lay gave Gen. Lee time to fortify in the rear of Fred- 
ericksburg. 

The story of the battle that followed cannot here 
be given in detail. After the bombardment of the 
place, under cover of which the pontoon-bridges were 
finally laid, and the routing of the rebels from the 
ruins of the town, a night intervened before the cross- 
ing of the main body of the army. 

In the general movement on Friday, the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth attempted to cross about ten 
o'clock, but the bridge became blocked, farther pro- 
gress for the time was impossible. While standing 
there the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was for 
the first time under fire, the fog and smoke, lifting a 
little, had disclosed the bridge with its massed forces 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE EERKLLION. 



87 



and the rebel battery on an adjacent height. There 
were none injured, liowever, in the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourtli, and soon after the regiment was or- 
dered back. At six o'clock Saturday morning the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth crossed, and with 
the rest of the brigade halted on a level strip of 
ground a few rods up from the southern shore under 
cover of a steep bank. 

Once during the fearful battle of that day the bri- 
gade was ordered to storm a battery, and moved to 
the point designated for forming the line. The order 
to charge did not come, and they remained virtually 
spectators of the battle of Fredericksburg. The One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth passed the night on 
the field. Sunday afternoon the}' returned to the 
river-bank, and in the retreat of the following night 
the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was among the 
last regiments to recross the river, — a retreat so suc- 
cessfully conducted that the rebels evidently did not 
suspect it until the Union army was nearly back to 
its old camping-ground at Falmouth. 

During the movements of Saturday, Companies E 
and F of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, under 
command of Capt. McBirney, were sent to the Ken- 
mere House, in the southern part of the city, to sup- 
port a battery, and were for a time under fire, but 
none of the regiment were injured. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth now lay with 
the Army of the Potomac nearly four months at Fal- 
mouth. During this time, however, there are various 
items to be mentioned in the history of the regiment. 
In January new rifles were received — the Enfield — in 
place of the old Belgians. 

January 20th an order to again advance against 
the. enemy, and the Oue Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
shared in the cold, wet wintry march of the next three 
days, in the rain and in the mud, only to return, the 
weather, the roads, everything conspiring to render 
the advance impossible. Jan. 20, 1863, the Army of 
the Potomac had a new commander. Gen. Joseph 
Hooker. The winter-quarters were now made toler- 
ably comfortable. The 6th of April a grand review 
took place, and also on the 7th. In the order of 
Brig.-Gen. Whipple of the 9th, the One Hundred' and 
Twenty-fourth New York, Twelfth New Ham])shire, 
and the United States Sharpshooters are mentioned as 
having been deemed worthy of especial praise by the 
President and the commander-in-chief of the Army 
of the Potomac. 

April 27, 1868, the Third Corps, of which the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth was a part, was re- 
viewed, and on the 28th marching orders reached this 
regiment. Each man carried eighty pounds of am- 
munition. Leaving camp about 4 p.m., they found 
that the whole Army of the Potomac was in motion. 
About midnight they bivouacked near the Rappahan- 
nock not far from Belle Plains. These were a part of 
the movements preliminary to the battle of Cliancel- 
lorsville. May 1st the One Hundred and Twenty- 



fourth cro.ssed the Rappahannock at the United States 
Ford, and moved off in a northerly direction about 
three miles and halted in an oak wood. They had 
laid in the woods but a short time when skirmishing 
was heard, and then heavy infantry firing from the 
direction of Fredericksburg. The Union army had 
gained an important ridge which Gen. Lee had very 
much desired to hold, but for some inexplicable reason 
Gen. Hooker then ordered a retreat. The details of the 
battle, which has received the name of Chancellors- 
ville, can only be dwelt upon here as they affect the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. Gen. Lee engaged 
the attention of Gen. Hooker in an attack of consid- 
erable vigor in front, while Gen. " Stonewall" Jackson 
executed one of the boldest and most successful fiank 
movements of the war. 

During the progress of this movement the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth was detached and ordered to 
hasten to a thickly-wooded hill and support some 
troops posted there. They soon reached the hill, but 
did not find the troops they were to support. They 
were, however, hailed by an aide from Gen. Sickles 
with orders to remain where they were and await the 
conduct of another aide who should arrive. The next 
moment the sound of musketry-firing attracted the 
attention, and a portion of the division was discovered 
actively engaged with the enemy. Without waiting 
for orders. Col. Ellis hurriedly formed the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth into line of battle and or- 
dered a charge. As the regiment rushed down the 
slope and reached the level ground, Gen. Whipple, 
in person, ordered a halt, informed Col. Ellis that 
their division was falling back, and ordered them to 
retire with it. They had not fallen back more than 
a mile when news of a terrible disaster came pouring 
in upon them by fugitives, who reported that the 
enemy had turned the LTnion right, routed the Elev- 
enth Corps, and was even then between the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth and headquarters. 

The offensive movement had changed to one of de- 
fense, and twenty-five thousand Union troops met the 
attack of full fifty thousand Confederates. Forty-five 
thousand Union troops stood idly looking on simply 
because they were not ordered forward. 

In the darkness of the night the battle raged 
fiercely. " Stonewall" Jackson of the rebel forces re- 
ceived his death-wound, probably from the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth. 

At one time two companies of the One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth — F and A — formed a skirmish 
line close upon the enemy's front, and barely escaped 
capture or death by a sudden flight to a ravine. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was really 
caught between the lines, and the terrible Sunday 
morning battle of Chancellorsville followed. 

Says Weygant's History, — 

" Turn right or left grim deatii stared at ua. Tlie lieavens aliove seemed 
filied with hut-breatiied slirieliing demons. Beliind us was an advanciug 
slieet of Hume, and the liills in front opposed an angry !ine of fire and 



88 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



smoke. . . . Tlie battle wns now atitsbei^lit.nnil Die One Hinulred niid 
Twentj-.fonrth Wiis in tiie tlijckcst of the fray; lint not a son of Oranjre 
County was si-en to show the while feather, not a man fjiiled, ilelil>e(!itely 
tliey aiini-d anil I'apidly tireil.*' 

"Backwaiil — foi w'aril, iluwn, down our lirBve men fell: tliiniier and 
yet thiiiiuir grew the ranks, lint not a foot of gninnd wa:i yielded." 

" Alitait twenty feet heliind the colors stood Col. Ellis with folded arms 
and cap fmnt tnrned np." 

"Not a Union soldier was to be seen on our right, the long line on our 
left had fallen back." 

Reluctantly came the order for the One Hundred 
and Tweuty-fourtli to fall back. Still more severe 
fighting i'oliowed, and while thousands of fresli troops 
lay in the woods not far away the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth with its wasted ranks was ordered to 
picket duty during the night. Monday morning they 
were relieved, but only to be put to work in the rifle- 
pits, where death still hunted them down in the shape 
of stray shots from distant rebel sharpshooters. Mon- 
day night tho.se who remained in line were allowed 
to sleep. Tiie battle of Chancellorsville was over, 
Hooker's magnilicent army was in full retreat, and by 
the alternoon of Tuesday were back to their old camp 
at Falmouth. 

June 6th the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth left 
its encampment at Falmouth, and after various expe- 
riences on the march reached the vicinity of Beverly 
Ford on the evening of the 8th. The next morning 
they crossed the river, wading it though it was breast- 
deep, and found themselves in the rear of contending 
battle-lines. Up to that time only cavalry had been 
engaged, and the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
was the first infantry in the field. In this battle it 
had a sharp fight, — an almost hand-to-hand contest in 
Indian style, each man beliind a tree, — and lost two 
killed and filteen wounded. 

The capture of correspondence at Beverly Ford had 
revealed Lee's plan of invading the North. Sunday 
afternoon, June 14th, there commenced a series of 
marches which finally led the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth, with the rest of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, to the battle-field of Gettysburg. At 11 p.m. 
they had made twelve miles and encamped at Cat- 
lett's Station. At six o'clock in the morning of the 
15th they were ott' again, and marched sixteen miles 
to Manassas Plains. On the 16th they moved a few 
miles, and halted on the battle-ground of the first Bull 
Run fight. Here they had the opportunity of bathing 
in that historic stream, washing up and resting until 
the next morning. The 17th they reached C'entre- 
ville, and bivouacked at that point for two days. On 
the afternoon of the 19th they were off again. The 
Potomac was crossed at Edwards' Ferry on pontoons, 
and the regiment bivouacked the night of June 2.5th 
in the woods near Poolesville. 

On the 27th they halted near Middletown, and on 
the 28th passed through Frederick. On the 30th they 
readied Emmettsburg. They were now Hearing the 
fatal and yet decisive days of Gettysburg. 

The first day of July sharp bugle-blasts from every 
direction called the men into line. The first day's 



fight at Gettysburg had begun, and two-thirds of the 
Army of the Potomac were not yet on the field. From 
Emmetsburg began the forced march. Men fell faint- 
ing and sunstruck along the route, but ever and anon 
amid the clouds of dust came the officers' shout, " For- 
ward ! Forward !" 

Reaching the heights of Gettysburg, the men slept 
that night with their loaded weapons at their side. 
Most of the men who had fallen out on the march 
came in, and at eight o'clock on the morning of the 
2d of July the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth num- 
bered about two hundred and forty. 

Weygant's History states the position as follows: 

" Sickles' corps did not nunitier that morning more than nine tliou- 
saml men pi-esent for duty. It was composed of two divisions, of three 
briga.les each. Birney's division formed the extreme left of the main 
line, w hicli was drawn up, nearly in tlie form of a horse's shoe or capital 
U, on a ridge ubont three miles in extent. Ward's In igadc was on Iho 
left of the division, and occupied the southern slope of a rocky eminence 
jn>t beyond a small stream called Plum Eun, and about onc.eighth of a 
mile northwest of Ri.nnd Top. The One Hundred and Twenty-f.inrtli 
held position in the light centre of tlie biigade. There were, when 
the battle began, no troops to the left of our regitnent e.\cept tlio 
Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania. A few minutes after the battle opened the 
Foiiielli New York moved up and took position on the left of tho 
Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania. The Kighty-sixtli New York was posted in 
a Jiiece of woods to the right of the One Hundred and Tweuty-fuurtli, 
but between them was a space of about a hnndred yards. Smith's bat- 
tei'y was posted beliind Ward's biigade; its right section stood on liigh 
ground several yards in roar of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth." 

Of the actual fighting by the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth we quote at length : 

"When the enemy's advance line drew near the base of the hill wo 
were on, it appealed to almost halt for a minute and then started rapidly 
forward again, and with fierce yells began ascending the slope; and there 
wjus heard an opening crash of rillery all along onr front, which was the 
death-knell of linndreds ; yet on they came, but very slowly, — only a few 
feet at a time. Now Cromwell hurries to Col. Ellis, who stands behind 
the color company, and asks him to order a charge, but the colonel 
sliakes his Ijead and tells the major to go back to his place again. Now 
the enemy has been brouglit to a stand, but he is only a few rods away. 
Again Cromwell walks towards Ellis. Tliis time he is accompanied by 
Adjutant Itanisdell. Once more he requests the colonel to charge, and 
is again told to go back to the left of the regiment; yet a moment later 
their horses are brought up, and against the remonstrances of Cajit. Sil- 
linian and others they mount. The major's only reply is, ' The men 
must see us to-day,' and he rides slowly to and wheels his lioree about 
in the rear of the centre of the left wing, where, with drawn swor-d and 
eyes fi.xed on the colonel, he impatiently waits his superior's pleasure. 

"Presently Ellis by a simple nod gives the desired permission, at 
which Cromwell waves his swoid twice above his head, makes a lunge 
forward, shouts the charge, and putting spurs to his horse, dashes for- 
ward tlirough the lines. The men cease firing for a minute, and with 
ready bayonets rush after him. Ellis sits still in his saddle and looks 
on, as if ill proud admiration of both bis loved major and the gallant 
sons of Orange, until the regiment is fairly under way, and then rushes 
with them into the thickest of the fray. 

"Tile coiiHict at this jKiint defies description. Koaring cannon, crash- 
ing liflery, screeching shots, bursting shells, hissing bullets, cheers, 
shouts, shrieks, and groans were the notes of the song of death which 
greeted tho grim reaper as with mighty sweeps he leveled down the 
richest fielil of scarlet human grain ever garnered on this continent. 

"The enemy's line, unable to withstand this our fierce onset, broke 
and lied, and Cromwell, his noble face flushed with victory, and liis e-V- 
tended right arm waving his flashing sabre, uttered a shout of tliuniph. 

" But it had scarcely escaped his lips when the second line of the foe 
poured into us a terrible fire, which seemed in an instant to bring down 
a full quarter of our number. Once more we hear Cromwell's sliout, 
and once again we see amid the file and smoke his noble form and flash- 
ing blade; but the next instant his brave heart is pierced by a rebel bul- 
let, his right arm drops powerless, his lifeless body falls backward from 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



89 



bis saddle, and, loud above the din of battle, we hear Ellis shout, ' My 
God, men, your major is down ; save him ! save him !' Again the onset 
of Orange County's sons becomes irresistible, and the second line of the foe 
wavera and falls back, but another and more solid line takes its place, 
whose fresh fire falls witli friglilfnl effect on our now skeleton ranks. So 
terrible is it that two-thirds of the artilb-ry-men in our rear are either 
killed or wounded, and the balance driven from their guns by the shells 
and bullets which pass over and through our line. 

" Lieut.-Col. Cummins, with the experience and eye of an old soldier, 
realizes that a skirmish line without reserves, be the men who compose 
it ever so brave, must eventually be swept away by a continually-re- 
newed solid battle-line, and unwilling the regiment should be disgraced 
by the loss of the guns it is expected to protect attempts to get them 
started to the rear, but while in the act is so badly injured by a shell, 
wliich striking a gun-carriage hurls it against liiin, that he is curried 
from the field. But our brave Ellis yet remains, now seen in bold relief, 
now lost amid the clouds of powder-smoke. A moment longer, the cen- 
tral figure, he directs the regiment. Again the rebel line begins to waver, 
ami we see his proud form rise in his stirrups, his long, sharp sword is 
extended upward, a half-uttered order escapes his lips, when suddenly 
his trusty blade falls point downward, his chin drops on his breast, and 
his body with a weave pitches forward head foremost among the rocks, 
at which his wounded beast reare and with a mad plunge dashes away, 
staggering blindly through the ranks of the foe, who is now giving 
ground again, firing wildly as he goes. 

'* But we are too weak to follow them ; yet with desperate effort the 
Orange Blossoms struggle forward and gather up such as they may of the 
wounded, and with them and the bodies of Ellis and Cromwell we fall 
slowly and mournfully back to the main line, from which we should 
never have advanced, and there reform our shattered ranks and prepare 
to receive as best we may the next onset of the foe. 

"Three times we have beaten him back, hut now we are exhausted. 
For forty minutes the brigades of Ward and De Trobiiand, at first scarce 
three thousand strong, and now reduced to but little more than half that 
number, have held their ground against Longstreet's entire corps." 

The situation was fearful. Gen. Siclcles was se- 
verely wounded. Birney now commanded the corps, 
Ward the division, Berdan the brigade. Of the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, Col. Ellis 
was killed, Lieut.-Col. Cummins carried to the rear 
wounded, Maj. Cromwell dead, and Capt. Charles H. 
Weygant, of Company A, who had been only fourth 
in command when the battle commenced, was now in 
change of the wasted ranks of the regiment. The ten 
little companies, now numbering a triHe over a hun- 
dred men. are gathered together in squads, like picket 
posts along the front they are yet expected to hold. 

'' But the gallant boj-s fought on. Every few mo- 
ments a man would drop a rifle which had become 
clogged or so hot that he could not hold it steadily, 
and bidding those beside him be careful when they 
fired, rush forward and pick up in place of it one that 
had fallen from the hands of a dead or wounded com- 
rade. The active part that the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth was to play in this great three days' 
battle had now been performed. Moving to a piece 
of wood about a mile in the rear of the Union line, 
we prepared and with saddened hearts and gloomy 
thoughts partook of our evening meal." 

On the 7th of July the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth marched away from the hills of Gettysburg. 
Only one hundred and fifty men were left, and nine 
commissioned officers. They halted for the night at 
Mechanicstown, twenty miles or more from Gettys- 
burg. On the 8th they went twenty-three miles more, 
and were south of Frederick, in Maryland ; on the 
9th twelve miles down the Hagerstown road ; the 



10th, twelve miles to Millpoint ; and the 11th to 
Roxbury Mills, where the regiment, with loaded 
pieces, was placed in line of battle, ready for an ex- 
pected force of the enemy. But Gen. Lee was only 
too glad to get his forces over the Potomac without 
any more fighting. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth crossed the 
river on the 17th, and on the 18th were at Hillsbor- 
ough. Sunday, the 19th, they moved about seven 
miles in the direction of firing, heard at Snicker's 
Gap. The 20th they marched eighteen miles and en- 
camped near Upperville. On the 22d they moved to 
near their camp-grounds of nine months before at 
Manassas Gap. The regiment shared in the move- 
ment of Gen. Meade on the 23d, to fall upon an iso- 
lated detachment of Lee's army reported to be at 
Front Royal, on the opposite side of the mountain. 
Little was however accomplished, though the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth, as usual, made a good 
record for bravery and promptness. The Gettysburg 
campaign was over; Lee and his army were again on 
the south side of the Rappahannock, Meade and the 
Union army on the north. 

Lieut.-Col. Cummins (now colonel), injured at Get- 
tysburg, was away from the regiment but a brief time, 
taking command .July 28th. The regiment shared in 
very important movements for some weeks. 

At the time Lee's army threatened Washington in 
the fall of 1863, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
was moved from Culpepper to Centreville, arriving 
at the latter place on the evening of October 14th. 
The series of movements by which Lee forced Meade 
to fall back to Centreville, and Meade in turn forced 
Lee to retire once more to the southern shore of the 
Rappahannock, lasted several weeks. 

During November there were various movements 
that involved the battle of Kelly's Ford, in which the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth participated, and 
lost two killed and several wounded. 

The battle of Mine Run occurred soon after the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth had reached the 
side of the run opposite from the enemy, on Sunday, 
the 29th, and had passed the day in full view, though 
distant of the frowning heights, along which ran a 
line of the enemy's works. 

At two o'clock Monday morning the One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth, with other regiments of the bri- 
gade, were ordered out to relieve a line of pickets 
which had, during the early hours of the night, been 
pushed up to within two hundred and fifty yards of 
the Confederate works. The regiment crossed the 
run with the difficult marshy lands adjacent, and at 
three o'clock reached the picket line. About seven 
o'clock in the morning the long line of Union forces 
moving to the attack began advancing over the cleared 
fields, through the valley below, and around the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth. The latter was ordered 
to bring up the reserves and form a skirmish line. 
Col. Cummins gave the order, " Forward, men ! for- 



90 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ward !" and as the men sprang to their feet the enemy 
opened a furious cannonade. It was a critical point, 
and several casualties occurred. Having advanced 
about fifty yards they were ordered to halt, and 
threw themselves flat on the ground. The orders to 
assault were soon after countermanded, and the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth returned to its position 
of the morning. 

Following this aflair the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth and the Army of the Potomac generally en- 
camped on the north bank of the Eapidan, while 
Lee's army was on the south side, and there was a 
pause of nearly five months in actual hostilities, at 
least on a scale of any magnitude. Log cabins were 
erected, soldiers made themselves as comfortable as 
possible, and the months wore away in picket duty, 
occasional foraging expeditions, now and then a brief 
skirmish. 

In the month of April the movements for the great 
campaign of 1864, under Gen. Grant, began. On the 
12th all surplus clothing was ordered to be packed 
and sent to Washington ; on the 16th all sutlers were 
ordered to leave the camp ; on the 22d there was a 
grand review; on the 26th the army vacated its 
winter-quarters, moved out, and pitched its tents on 
an open field. 

At eleven o'clock on the night of May 3, 1864, the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth struck its tents and 
bade adieu to the camping grounds at Culpepper. 
The next morning, after a march of twenty miles, 
they reached the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, and crossed 
on pontoons to the southern shore. At 2 p.m. of the 
4th they were encamped on the old battle-field of 
Chancellorsville. Hancock had been ordered to halt 
there and await the arrival of Meade's entire train, 
which is said to have consisted of four thousand 
wagons, all of which had been ordered to follow the 
Second Corps across the river by way of Ely's 
Ford. This would seem to indicate that, unlike his 
predecessors. Grant had determined under no circum- 
stances to return to the old camping grounds north of 
the Rapidan. 

At 4 P.M. on the 5th of May the Army of the Po- 
tomac was awakened from its slumbers. It had 
crossed the Rapidan without opposition, and had 
spent the night quietly resting on the edge of the 
tract known as the Wilderness. 

The details of the fearful struggle must be omitted, 
and only such detached portions of the account given 
as include the movements of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth. This regiment came into action 
about four o'clock on the afternoon of the 5th, and 
shared in the fearful struggle which ended with both 
armies mutually ceasing firing for the night. The 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth lost about twenty- 
three severely wounded. They had taken thirty-two 
prisoners, including one commissioned officer. On 
the morning of the 6th the Union line faced to the 
southwest, and was about five miles long. It was con- 



fronted by Lee's lines, well formed. Grant's order 
had been, " Attack along the whole line at five o'clock 
in the morning." That order was obeyed. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth formed part 
of Hancock's advance line, and shared in the fighting 
which immediately followed with Heth's and Wilcox's 
divisions of the enemy. Here Col. Cummins was 
wounded, supposed to be at that time mortally, and 
was carried to the rear. The command devolved upon 
Lieut.-Col. Weygant. After a short lull in the tem- 
pest, and during which the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth had partially succeeded in eating their break- 
fast, there came Gen. Longstreet's great flank move- 
ment, before which the Union lines gave way, and 
more than twenty thousand men (among them the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth) were in full retreat. 
The tangled " wilderness" was a " vast, weird, horrible 
slaughter-pen," and the rout continued for more than 
two miles. What might have happened had not the 
firing of the enemy and their hot pursuit suddenly 
ceased few can tell. Lieut.-Col. Weygant, in com- 
mand, with only Corp. Edwards, now made a stand 
along a wood-road, loosened the colors, and the men 
of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth flocked once 
more around the standard, and soon after the retreat- 
ing forces were rallied and formed the lines again, now 
in the rear of a long line of temporary breastworks 
that had been hastily thrown up. This became an 
impregnable wall that shielded the Union troops, and 
against which the charges of the rebels were hurled 
in vain. 

Darkness closed the fighting of this fearful day. 
The battle was not renewed on the 7tli. At eight 
o'clock on the morning of the 8th the command was 
again on the march. 

The passage of the Po River on the 9th cost 
something of a skirmish, in which the Twen- 
tieth Indiana and the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth New York engaged. On the 10th the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth moved back over the Po 
River, and formed part of the new line which Grant 
had formed before Spottsylvania. They shared in the 
unsuccessful assault by Hancock's corps on the after- 
noon of the 10th, in the forward movement during 
the next night (the 11th), which preceded the great 
battle of Spottsylvania. 

That battle opened with Hancock's great success 
in capturing Johnston's whole division, including 
Brig.-Gen. George H. Stewart and about three thou- 
sand prisoners. This made the rebels rally, however, 
with desperate energy, and the advance movement was 
not carried further. The rebels made five distinct 
as.saults to recapture the works taken by Hancock's 
forces, but failed after the most terrific slaughter. 

In the surprise and success of the morning, in the 
fierce fighting of the day, the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth was steadily engaged. They went 
with the advancing line over the enemy's works, 
were in the hand-to-hand fight that followed, and 



OKANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



91 



shared in the desperate resistance it was necessary to 
make to the desperate assaults. Col. Weygant was 
wounded and borne to the rear, the command de- 
volved on Maj. Murray, and so the day wore away 
with its horrible carnage. The wonderful eighteen 
hours' struggle ended at midnight by the Confeder- 
ates abandoning the impossible task of retaking the 
works. 

As to the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, at the 
close of the battle Lieut. Robinson with twenty men 
was ordered out on picket duty, and the remainder 
managed to get some refreshment, ailer which, with 
weapons loaded, two-thirds only were allowed to 
sleep at the same time. 

On the morning of the 13th the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth could not muster more than one hun- 
dred and twenty men, and two of these were killed 
during the day. 

For several days after the battle of May 12th the 
Union army attempted no direct attack. On the 
morning of the 18th, Hancock's command made an 
assault upon the works, but deeming them too formid- 
able to be carried, the forces v/ere withdrawn. A* 
this time the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was in 
the second line, which was not ordered forward, as 
the movement was abandoned. Then followed an- 
other attempt at a grand turning movement. 

Gen. Meade's trains were parked on the Fred- 
ericksburg road, and Tyler's division was sent to 
guard them. This force was attacked on the 19th. 
Tyler repulsed the enemy, while the One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth, with a brigade of the Fifth Corps, 
dashed after the flying foe and captured a large num- 
ber of prisoners. 

Ab/)ut this time the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth was so reduced that it was consolidated into 
three companies; the Eighty-sixth and One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth were united into one regiment for 
field service. This regiment .shared in the assault 
which captured the bridge over the North Anna 
known as Chesterfield bridge, and lay in the works 
taken during the night of the 23d of May. 

The whole army now moved over the Pamunkey 
River, but found the rebels in too strong force before 
them. While Birney's command was erecting works 
near the Elliott House, many casualties occurred. 
They were bloody days, though no general engage- 
ment took place. Capt. Crist was killed while direct- 
ing the staking out of a new line of defense. In the 
battle of Cold Harbor, the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, as a part of Birney's command, was in the 
reserve, and for the first time in this long series of 
bloody battles were simply spectators. 

Then followed a period when picks and shovels 
were brought into requisition, and the army made 
itself ready for a long campaign. It was evident by 
this time that the great commander at their head had 
no thought of retreat, but that a steady, persistent 
movement was to be kept up until Richmond was 



captured or the Union army had perished on the way. 
Gen. Grant finally resolved to transfer the army by a 
bold and rapid movement to the banks of the James. 
This was effected during several days following the 
12th of June. Several skirmishes occurred during 
this movement; as usual, the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth was engaged, and it frequently lost 
one or more men. 

Finally the regiment settled down to its place in 
the main line before Petersburg. At this time it was 
reduced to less than a hundred men. Lieut-Col. 
Weygant having nearly recovered from his wound re- 
joined the regiment on the 4th of July. 

The morning report of August 11th showed that 
there were remaining on the rolls of the regiment 
four hundred and twenty men and twelve officers, 
but only one hundred and forty-two men present for 
duty. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was a part 
of the force engaged in the movement up the river to 
Deep Bottom, August 13th. The landing was etfected 
at daybreak, and the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, the Seventy-third, and the Eighty-sixth New 
York, which had been transported on the same boat, 
threw out a strong picket line and awaited the arri- 
val of the balance of the corps. At nine o'clock two 
regiments deployed as skirmishers, and followed by a 
supporting force moved forward through the woods. 
About a mile distant the skirmishers met those of the 
enemy, and the two lines were soon hotly engaged. 

The Confederates soon gave way, and retired to a 
strong line of earthworks on the brow of a command- 
ing ridge. In front of these works the Union skir- 
mishers were formed into a strong picket line, while 
the main body was massed a short distance in the 
rear. Presently the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
was ordered to advance to the support of a sec- 
tion of the Fourth Maine Battery, which had taken 
position just behind the picket line and opened on 
the enemy's works. The Union battery did some 
excellent work. It was here that Capt. W. E. Mapes 
was wounded by the ball of a sharpshooter passing 
through his thigh, carrying with it a small piece of 
bone that adhered to his pants just below the wound. 
The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was soon after 
relieved from this point. 

The next day, the 15th, the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth performed a great amount of picket 
duty, and just after they were relieved, at eight o'clock 
in tlie evening, were again ordered out to prolong the 
picket line to the left. In this movement they be- 
came exposed to the fire of a Confederate squad am- 
bushed in a field of grain. It was finally necessary 
to charge on the unseen foe and drive them out. The 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was not relieved 
from this tour of picket duty until nine o'clock on the 
evening of the 17th. Twenty-four hours later Han- 
cock's entire command was on the w'ay back to 
Petersburg. The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 



92 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



was now stationed j,bout three miles to the left of 
the place from which it had moved on the 12th. 
Weeks and indeed months now passed away in the 
trenches before Petersburg and on picket duty, the 
latter much of the time dangerous to the very last de- 
gree. Several of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
were wounded and others killed in this line of service. 

On the last day of September offensive operations 
against the enemy at Deep Bottom were renewed, and 
for several days there was severe fighting at different 
points along the Richmond and Petersburg lines, but 
the One Hundred and THenty-fourth did not become 
actually engaged. October 1st, their division was 
hurried out of cam]), and, taking the cars, were con- 
veyed to the extreme Union left, where Warren with 
a heavy force had succeeded in extending his lines 
across the Weldon Railroad, which was one of the 
enemy's main arteries of supply. Warren was having 
a hot time to hold what he had secured. The One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth, with six other regi- 
ments, were set to work cutting drive-ways through a 
strip of woods, and building a strong redoubt in front 
of a Confederate mansion, called the Clement House. 
After spending three days and nights at this work, 
they were relieved by Gen. Ferrero's division of col- 
ored troops. The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
moved back to the Jerusalem plank-road, and en- 
camped in the second line near Fort Sedgwick, but 
they were still under fire. Grant B. Benjamin and 
Lieut. Jonathan Birdsall were killed about this time, 
and others were wounded. 

Tiie regiment had, however, filled up somewhat its 
wasted ranks. Convalescents had returned, a few new 
recruits had been received, and the roll showed two 
hundred and thirty men with sixteen ofiieers present 
for duty. 

In this movement the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth had a part. Within a half-mile of Hatcher's 
Run a brisk skirmishing fire broke out in front of 
the ford. This was when Gen. Eagan's command 
were forcing the passage of the stream. When this 
was accomplished the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth crossed without difficulty, and moved on in 
column with flankers on the left. It was thus in 
the rear of Eagan's battle-line. Presently an order 
came directing the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
to relieve the brigade on the left. In this advance 
considerable fighting occurred, but the whole line 
reached the Boydton road. Here a halt took place 
by order of Gen. Meade. 

Omitting the details of the battle, we trace the 
movements of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. 
While holding the road a flanking company of rebel 
dismounted cavalry with a battery of rifled guns came 
thundering down until halted by the fire of the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth. Then hastily creeping 
up to the woods which were beyond an open lot in 
front of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, they 
opened a severe fire. 



At this juncture an aide of Gen. De Trobriand rode 
up and asked Col. Weygant if he did not tliink his 
command could capture that battery. The reply was, 
" We can try," but the assistance of another regiment 
was very desirable. A company of sharpshooters im- 
mediately came up. Just as the leader tendered his 
services to Col. Weygant a bullet tumbled him from 
his horse dead, but his men joined in the assault with 
a will, as if to avenge the death of their leader. Col. 
Weygant was wounded and borne from the field. The 
charge was not made, but the attempt of the Con- 
federates to pass down the road was steadily resisted 
by the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, by tlie com- 
pany of sharpshooters, and by Kirwin's powerful 
regiment sent to their aid. 

Capt. Benedict, the senior officer, in the absence of 
Lieut.-Col. Weygant, was now in command of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth until the latter re- 
turned to the regiment November 22d. A large rein- 
forcement was now received. Capt. Malone, of Mid- 
dletown, brought an entire company. November 2oth 
the muster-roll showed nineteen ofiieers, and three 
hundred and sixty-two men present for duty. About 
the last of the month, and during the early days 
of December, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
Regiment shared in the new attack on the Weldon 
Railroad, which destroyed a portion of it further to 
the south, still more embarrassing the receiving of 
sujjplies by the rebel army. 

The year 1864 had now drawn to a close. The great 
campaign which was to be fought "out on this line if 
it took all summer" was still in progress, the summer 
and the fall had passed away, and yet the desired vic- 
tory had not been won. Still with unyielding per- 
sistency the Union army maintained the siege. Daily 
the lines around Richmond tightened. 

The month of January, 1865, was devoted to thor- 
ough preparation for a spring campaign. February 
4th the t)ne Hundred and Twenty-fourth received 
orders to be ready for a march. Another demonstra- 
tion against the enemy's right had been ordered, and 
the next morning the Fifth and Second Corps, pre- 
ceded by Gregg's division of cavalry, pushed out to 
Reams' Station, and thence to Dinwiddle Court- 
House, the Fifth Corps being directed to turn the 
rebel right while the Second assailed in front. At 
seven o'clock on the morning of the 5th the brigade 
column, which included the One 1 lundred and Twenty- 
fourth, marched to the left about two miles, and halted 
in the rear of Meade's most advanced picket-posts. 

After a regiment had been deployed as skirmishers 
they moved beyond the Union picket line, drove in 
the rebel pickets a mile or more to the small stream 
known as Hatcher's Run. On the further side of this 
stream a small rebel force behind a line of earth- 
works held the Union skirmishers at bay until assist- 
ance came up, when the Confederates were quickly 
dislodged, and the brigade forded the stream in battle 
line. They pushed on about tliree-quarters of a mile 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE EEBELLION. 



93 



until they were near the enemy's main line. Here 
Gen. De Trobriand took up a strong position and set 
his men to building a corresponding line. The brigade 
worked all day unmolested, and at night lay down to 
rest behind forniidalile earthworks. The remaining 
brigades of Mott's division had moved up on the left 
and also intrenched themselves. About dark Mott's 
line was assaulted by a heavy rebel force that were 
elated with having forced back Warren's command 
during the day. This was quickly repelled by McAl- 
lister's New Jersey brigade. About three in the 
morning of the 6th the brigade of which the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth was a part being re- 
lieved, moved to the left about half a mile and massed 
themselves in a ravine in the rear of McAllister's line. 
That night it was learned that Hancock's command 
had held every foot of ground gained in spite of the 
most determined assaults, and that the Union lines 
were permanently advanced beyond Hatcher's Run. 
On the morning of the 9th the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth was able to get into position on the 
new line, and for three weeks or so was once more in 
winter-quarters. During the first half of March, 
1865, many signs indicated that a final campaign was 
about to open which would end in absolute triumph. 
Sheridan's victories in the Valley, and Sherman's in 
the Carolinas, became known in the ranks of the 
Army of the Potomac. From the 14tli to the 23d of 
the month tlie time was fully occupied in pushing to 
completion every detail of preparation. 

On the morning of the 24th everything was ready 
in the camp of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
for marching on five minutes' notice. There was not 
long to wait. Orders had already been issued by Gen. 
Grant directing an advance on all parts of the line 
on the morning of the 29th. Sheridan with his ten 
thousand troopers, flushed with their victories in the 
Valley, were now with the besieging army waiting 
to move once more against their old enemy, Lee's 
grand Army of Northern Virginia. 

The Confederate leaders did not wait for Gen. 
Grant to commence. On the morning of the 26th of 
March they made a vigorous assault on Fort Sted- 
man, the capture of which would have cut the Union 
lines in two and opened up a chance for Lee to move 
south and unite with Johnston to overwhelm Sherman. 
The movement was partially successful, the Union 
troops were driven out of the fort, but the rebels could 
not follow up their success. Their supporting columns 
failed to come up ; they could not seize the crest of the 
hill which was held by the Union troops in the rear 
of the fort. The Confederates, too, were soon between 
two lines of LTuionists, and two thousand were forced 
to surrender or be cut to pieces. Gen. Meade, too, or- 
dered an acjvance at other parts, and wrested away a 
portion of their intrenched line, which the rebels never 
recovered. This action was simply heard by the brig- 
ade in which the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was 
enrolled. Thev had no share in the movement. Yet 



they were soon ordered to strike their tents, and during 
that day they assisted in holding important positions, 
but were not engaged until just dark. They had se- 
cured themselves in a line of earthworks which a 
New Hampshire regiment had just vacated, and which 
was now strengthened by the materials of some small 
buildings torn down for the purpose. Col. Weygant 
had videttes carefully posted and instructed in case 
of attack to reserve their fire until the enemy was 
within fifty yards, then empty their pieces as deliber- 
ately as possible, and hurry back to the lines. A 
force of the enemy, perhaps five hundred in number, 
soon emerged from the thicket on the road at the foot 
of the slope, just in front of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth. They evidently had seen the New 
Hampshire men leave these works, and did not know 
of their occupation by other Union men. The vi- 
dettes obeyed orders, the enemy, disregarding their 
fire, lowered their bayonets, and started up the hill 
on a charge. As soon as the videttes were in, the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, from behind their 
intrenchments, poured upon the enemy a most de- 
structive fire, completely demoralizing the charging 
line. The Confederates threw themselves upon the 
ground or piled into the picket-pits, and the One 
Hundred and Twenty- fourth, pouring over the works, 
made a sudden charge upon them. The Conlederate 
commander, Col. D. S. Troy, grasped from his stand- 
ard-bearer the colors of his regiment, and waved them 
frantically in vain eftbrts to reform his lines ; but ere 
twenty of his followers could rally around him a 
bullet pierced his breast. George W. Tompkins 
grasped from his hands the standard, and trailed it 
beneath the colors of the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth. One hundred and sixty-four men were cap- 
tured and six officers, while volley after volley was 
hurled after the remainder as they rushed pell-mell 
down the hill. Not a man of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth was killed or wounded, — a circum- 
stance scarcely paralleled in the history of the war. 
Private Tompkins received a medal from the Secre- 
tary of War for his capture of the enemy's colors. 

The original order of Gen. Grant was not appa- 
rently changed or its execution delayed by the Con- 
federate attempt upon Fort Stedman. On the 29th, 
30th, and 31st occurred the grand advance which 
ended with the victorious battle of Five Forks, on 
the 1st of April, when Sheridan held the place with 
five th)usand prisoners, and the entire right wing 
of Lee's army was fleeing westward, — in the language 
of Pollard, — " routed, demoralized, and past control." 
In this decisive action the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth was not engaged, but it had borne an important 
part in the three days' operations, holding perilous 
positions, and at one point, in a skirmish of some 
magnitude, silenced a Confederate battery. 

That same night, while the defeat at Five Forks 
was carrying consternation through all the Confed- 
erate lines. Gen. Grant ordered the bombardment of 



94 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Petersburg by all the available artillery in the grand 
circle of forts surrounding the doomed city. 

At a quarter of twelve that night the One Hundred 
and Twenty- fourth was ordered by Gen. De Trobriand 
to advance uj) to within two hundred and fifty feet of 
the enemy's works in their immediate front, open a 
vigorous fire, and maintain their position, if possible, 
for half an hour, but not to a.ssault their lines. This 
strange order (as it then appeared), and one full of 
peril, was promptly executed. A sharp midnight 
struggle ensued, so fierce that the commanding gen- 
eral sent the Seventy-third New York and the One 
Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania to tlie assistance 
of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. ' An aide 
soon after recalled the force. The One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth had several men wounded, and Capt. 
Edward J. Cormick, of Company F, was killed.' A few 
hours later the officers ofthe One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth learned that this midnight engagement was of 
great importance to the general movement, and that its 
object had been fully accomplished. Gen. Grant in- 
tended a general assault on the lines to the south and 
east of Petersburg for the next morning. Gen. Lee, 
supposing Grant's intention was to throw his forces 
next against the right wing, had withdrawn his army 
considerably from Petersburg, and night attacks like 
that made by the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
were to engage the enemy's attention and prevent the 
return of his forces to the defense of Petersburg. This 
strategy was successful. 

Early on the morning of April 2d the grand assault 
upon Petersburg was made as Grant intended. Parke 
on the Union right carried the enemy's outer lines, 
capturing several guns and a few prisoners, but found 
the inner lines so strong that he despaired of carrying 
them without additional forces, and therefore deserted. 
Wright with his own corps, the Sixth, supported by 
two divisions of Ord's, made an impetuous advance, 
losing heavily but carrying everything in his front, 
capturing a large number of guns and taking several 
thousand prisoners. Ord's remaining division forced 
the enemy's line at Hatcher's Run, and with the main 
body under Wright swung around and pressed for- 
ward from the west towards Petersburg. At length, 
about nine o'clock a.m., Humphrey advanced with 
the divisions of Mott and Hays, carried a redoubt, 
scaled the enemy's works in his front, and closing in 
on the left of Ord's men, pushed on with the vic- 
torious lines towards the fated city. In this advance 
a portion of De Trobriand's brigade, led by the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth, moved at a double- 
quick over one ofthe main roads leading into Peters- 
burg. Ahead was a demoralized, fleeing body of Con- 
federates, whose pace was occasionally quickened by 
hurling into them a few bullets. Several times a 
squad of the hindermost wheeled and returned the 
fire, but in so wild a manner that the Union men 
were not injured by it. The enemy was driven 
within his inner line of intrenchments, which it was 



no part of Grant's plan to assault at a fearful waste 
of life. 

The beginning of the end had come. Gen. Lee 
made a re-disposition of his forces about Petersburg 
that same afternoon in full sight of the Union army, 
but he was only covering his purpose to allow the 
Confederate leaders to evacuate Richmond. He knew 
he could hold neither Petersburg nor Richmond many 
hours longer. This was thg day when he sent the 
famous dispatch to Richmond, which was carried to 
Jefl'erson Davis seated in church ; and then followed 
that wild scene never paralleled on this continent: 
of a fleeing government, a city given up to riot and 
mob law, ending with a fearful conflagration, the last 
legacy of the dissolving Confederacy to its ill-fated 
capital. During the night following the 2d of 
April the Confederate forces stole silently out of 
Petersburg over muffled bridges, and on the morning 
of the 3d, Gen. Grant, pausing in his victorious 
career only to send a governor and a provost-guard 
into the city, set his army in motion after Lee's flee- 
ing veterans. 

The Confederate forces, after their hasty flight from 
the lines which they had so long defended around 
Richmond and Petersburg, concentrated at Chester- 
field Court-House, about eight miles west. From 
that point the Army of Virginia, still forty thousand 
strong, moved rapidly westward along the northern 
shore of the Rappahannock River some thirty miles, 
to Amelia Court-House. By a misunderstood dis- 
patch, three long trains of supplies, which had been 
telegraphed to meet ( ten. Lee at Amelia Court-House, 
were sent forward to Richmond the very day of the 
evacuation, and were burned in the great fire set by 
the Confederates as they were leaving. 

In the pursuit which Sheridan with his cavalry be- 
gun on the morning of the 3d before the sun was up, 
the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth took a part, 
their brigade having the advance of the Second Corps. 
During the day they marched about twenty miles, 
capturing two hundred dismounted Confederate cav- 
alry and one brass field-piece. 

On the morning of the 4th they were aroused from 
slumber at three o'clock and were on the march at 
four. About ten o'clock a halt of Gen. Humphrey's 
corps was ordered, and Gen. De Trobriand sent the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth out to forage a meal 
for the brigade. They were successful, notwith- 
standing the war-swept condition of the neighbor- 
hood, in finding a mill, which they set to grinding 
grain found there, and which stopped finally by the 
upper millstone being hurled from its spindle and 
thrown through the side of the building. They also 
secured fowls, cattle, sheep, and pigs, though most of 
them were fearfully lean. The foraging and eating 
used up most ofthe day, but they moved three miles 
farther just at night. At three o'clock in the morn- 
ing of the .5th they were on the march again ; a very 
welcome supply-train overtook them with three days' 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



95' 



rations. At dusk the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth joined Sheridan at Jettersville, where he held 
the Danville Railroad, cutting oflf one more of Lee's 
lines of communication. During the day a severe 
engagement had taken place there, resulting in a loss 
to the Confederates of a foraging train of one hun- 
dred and eighty wagons, together with a battery of 
artillery and a hundred prisoners. 

On the morning of the 6th the pursuit was resumed, 
the brigade of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
again leading the advance of the Second Corps. 
They soon came up with Lee's rear-guard at a point 
where the road crossed a small stream. The Twen- 
tieth Indiana was deployed as a heavy skirmish line, 
and soon became hotly engaged. The One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth was ordered to the front, and 
moved off on a run. Gen. Mott added, " Deploy as 
soon as you cross and take that train." The train 
was not in sight. As Gen. Mott rode up to the colonel 
of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth and com- 
menced to give an additional order, he was wounded 
and borne from the field. A delay of ten minutes oc- 
curred, when the advance was resumed, with the 
entire division to which the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth belonged in battle line, but the enemy 
had fled. The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth was 
sent to relieve the Twentieth Indiana, and that 
brought the Orange County boys to the front and in 
sight of the wagon-train which Gen. Mott had di- 
rected them to take. They were soon able to open an 
effective fire on the teamster.s, and compelled the 
abandonmgiit of fifteen or twenty wagons and two 
brass guns, which were being moved with them. The 
regiment was now wildly enthusiastic; the colonel 
was obliged to force his horse into a trot to keep up 
with the excited men. They soon came in sight of a 
line of rebel earthworks, which Capt. Travis would 
have charged immediately with his single company of 
thirty men had not the superior officers recalled him. 
The main line soon came up, a charge was made, and 
the enemy was driven from his works, losing a large 
number of men captured by the Union forces. Two 
hours later the advance came up with another Con- 
federate battle line, and this proved to be held by a 
considerable body of Lee's main army. The works 
were manned by a solid battle line, studded at inter- 
vals with artillery, and gayly decked with Confederate 
battle-flags. In a few moments the main line again 
came up. The entire division of which the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth was a part made one general 
charge, swept over the works, capturing several hun- 
dred prisoners, together with a number of battle-flags 
and five or six pieces of artillery. The Sixth Corps 
and Sheridan's cavalry were having severe fighting 
on the left; they met with strong opposition, were re- 
pulsed twice with serious loss, but eventually cap- 
tured nearly two-thirds of Gen. Ewell's corps, in- 
cluding Ewell himself and five of his general officers. 
After this engagement, known as the battle of Sailor's 



Creek, in which the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
Regimenttook twenty-eight prisoners and lost several 
men, there was a halt of nearly an hour. But when 
once under way again the enemy's rear-guard was 
soon overtaken. It was driven from hilltop to hill- 
top, prisoners by the hundred being taken, guns and 
wagons being abandoned, and this was only sus- 
pended by the darkness of the night. Lee had lost 
during the day nearly six thousand prisoners, four 
hundred wagons, and upwards of thirty pieces of ar- 
tillery. 

The pursuit on the 7th was continued. About 
eight o'clock in the morning they reached Highbridge, 
a small place six miles east of Farmville, and where 
the Appomattox is crossed by both a wagon road and 
a railroad bridge. The rebels had fired the bridges, 
and had quite a formidable force to resist the passage. 
Gen. Barlow's division, then in the advance, dashed 
over the burning wagon bridge, scattered the defend- 
ing force, and captured, with a number of prisoners, 
eighteen pieces of artillery. Barlow then moved off 
in the direction of Farmville on similar service. 
From Highbridge, Humphrey's division and De Tro- 
briand's, including the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, moved on over the old -stage road towards 
Appomattox Court-House. About five miles beyond 
the river they came up to the main body of Lee's 
army, so strongly posted that it was not deemed pru- 
dent to attack. A short time afterwards, on the sup- 
position that Lee was again retreating, an attack was 
made by several regiments of Miles' division, which 
was repulsed with a Union loss of six hundred. 

But the end had come. Lee was surrounded. 
Sheridan's cavalry and the Sixth Corps had swept 
around his lines far to the west, and now held Ap- 
pomattox Station on the Lynchburg Railroad, ex- 
tinguishing Lee's last hope of escape. At eight on 
the morning of the 9th of April the order to renew 
the advance was obeyed by a slow but steady march, 
but at noon orders were passed down the column to 
move from the road and rest. The now famous and 
historic interview between Grant and Lee was being 
held, and the terms of surrender adjusted. 

The paroled rebels disappeared, the Army of North- 
ern Virginia was no longer in existence. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth soon after- 
wards moved to Burkesville Junction, where it received 
the news of Lincoln's assassination. Resuming soon 
after their northern march, they moved leisurely 
along. About the middle of May they were again in 
sight of Washington. The One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth was in the grand review, and immediately left 
for home. They were delayed about a week on Hart's 
Island, after which they took the steamer " Mary 
Powell" for Newburgh. 

Well might the Newburgh Daily Union, a few days 
previous, say, — 

" This regiment of heroes, for such they have proved 
themselves to be, are expected home soon. They 



96 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



have made as noble a record as any regiment in the 
field. They have poured out their blood on dozens 
of historic fields, and have a roll of heroic dead 
whose memory should be precious to old Orange 
forever." 

From the Newburgh Daily Union of June 14th we 
take the following paragraphs relating to the welcome 
in that city : 

" Wlieii the cannon on the long dock heguii to roar, the boys involunta- 
rily setupaslioutof delight, as if they recognized the toriesofan old friend. 
But the belching, bellowing tube Bent out no missiles of death auioog tbeni 
thiB time,— nothing but the notes of a glorious welcome. The sight that 
greeted tlie eyes of those who were on tlie ' Powell' as she neared our 
village can hardly ever be forgotten by them. Everv place which com- 
manded a view of the river seemed to be crowded with eager spectators. 
Flags were flying, bells ringing, cannon booming, innumerable handker- 
chiefs waving, and the whole village seemed bent on making itself seen 
and heard. The boys looked on all this display with undisguised delight, 
and gave vent to their feelings in repeated cheers. They were marched 
to the corner of First and Front Streets, through the immense tlirong 
which had assembled to do them lionor, and between open files of the 
firemen and Union League, who stood with heads uncovered. The pro- 
cession then formed in the following order: First the firemen ; then the 
trustees of the village and distinguislied citizens ; tlien the Union League, 
accompanied by Eastman's splendid band of Poughkeepsie ; then came 
the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. Tlie procession moved up Front 
Street to Water, up Water to South, up South t*.i Grand, down Grand to 
■Western Avenue, up Western Avenue to Liberty, down Liberty to Wash- 
ington's headquarters. Every flag was out all along the route, and the 
sight of the bullet-torn battle-flag of the regiment seemed to be regarded 
with intense interest. Before the boys got around the route they were 
well furnished with bouquets from the hands of the fair ladies of New- 
burgh. Every soldier had a bouquet in the muzzle of his rifle. What a 
change ! The weapons from which, for the past three years, had been 
issuing the deatli-dealing bullet now decorated willi the floral tribute of 
victory and peace. They were distributed by a flower brigade, led by 
Miss Travis, and organized by Mr. J. T. Sloan. 

" The firemen and Leaguers on reaching the headquarters formed in 
front of the stand in a hollow square, into which the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth marched. The ciowd ou the ground was immense, entirely 
coveting the lawn from the house to the eastern limits. There could 
not have been less than ten thousand persons present. 

" The regiment was welcomed by Judge Taylor in an eloquent address, 
of which we can only quote detached passages : 

"' On behalf of the citizens of the county of Orange, I bid you a warm 
and cordial welcome to your homes again. You come to us war-worn 
and scar-worn from the hundred battles of the Army of the Potomac, 
and you come to us too at a time when peac;e rests upon our beloved 
country. With proud hearts we welcome you. But that pride is mingled 
with somewhat of sadness when we remember tlie tliousand comrades 
whom you have left upon the battle-fields of the sunny South. . . . But, 
my friends, yon come home to us having comideted your work and 
completed it nobly. To-day our beloved country, which for four long 
years has been threatened with destruction, is saved by the valor of your 
arms, and those glorious institutions whicli our fathers purchased for us 
with their blood, have been preserved, though threatened by traitorous 
hands and rebel foes. . . . You have presented to us anew our glorious 
Union, more pure, more elevated, more perfect than before. You will 
have enabled us on the ensuing Fourth of July, the anniversary of our 
national independence, to celebrate the absolute fact that all men are 
*born free and equal,' that the 'Stars and Stripes' wave over none but 
freemen, and that the contradiction which has existed for the last three- 
quarters of a century that four millions of bondmen were held under the 
starry flag no longer exists, but that all, of whatever color, birth, or nat- 
ionality, when they come upon the soil of the United States, under the 
sbaikiw of that glorious banner are freemen, and entitled to its protection 
untier all circumstances.' 

'■ The address of welcome woe appropriately responded to by Col. Wey- 
gant. The great assembly dissolved, the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
was disbanded, and the record of ita glorious achievements passed forever 
into the arcliives of history." 

The report of the adjutant-general for 1868 pre- 
sents the following summary statement of the battles 



which the regiment was authorized to inscribe upon 
its banners: 

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kel- 
ly's Ford, Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spotts- 
ylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Boydton Road. 

Col. Weygant's history does not show that they par- 
ticipated to any extent in the battle of Cold Harbor, 
while Boydton Road, Deep Bottom, and others in 
which they did participate are not named in the 
above. 

We add the following official record of the com- 
missioned officers, also from the adjutant-general's re- 
port of 1868 ; the date of commission being first given, 
followed by the date of rank. 

Colonels. 

A. Van Horn Ellis, Sept. lu, 1862 ; Aug. 23, 1862; killed in action at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 2, 18G3. 

Francis M. Cummins, Oct. 10,1863; July 2,1863; discharged Sept. 19, 
1864. 

Charles H. Weygant, Jan. 11, IStlo ; Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered. 

Lieute^unil-ColoneU. 

Francis M. Cummins, Sept. 10, 1863 ; Aug. 16, 1802 ; promoted to coloael 
Oct. 10, 1863. 

Charles H. Weygant, Oct. 10, 1863 : July 2, 1863 ; mustered out with reg- 
iment June 3, ISGJ^ (brevet colonel, U.S.V.). 

Henry S. Murray, Jan. II, 1805 ; Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered. 

Miijors, 

James Cromwell, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20,1862; killed in action at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Charles H. Weygant, Sept. 14, 1863; July 2, 1863; promoted to lieuten- 
ant-colonel Oct. 10. 1863. 

Henry S. Murray, Oct. 10, 1863; July 2, 1863; mustered out witli regi- 
ment June 3, 1865. 

James W. Benedict, Jan. 11, 1865; Sept. 19, 1864; not mustered. 

AdjutanU. 
William Sillimaii, Sept. 10, 1862; July 16, 1862; promoted to captain 

Oct. 3, 1862. 
C. Depeyster Arden, Oct. 3, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; discharged Jau. 14, 

1863. 
William Browuson.Feb. 20,1863; Dec. 31,1863; resigned Sept. 17, 1863. 
William B. Van Houten, Oct. 10, 1863; Sept. 17,1863; discharged Jan. 

23, 1865. 
Wines E. Weygant, Jan. 31, 1865 ; Jan. 31, 1865 ; not mustered. 

Quariermitslers. 
Augustus DennistOD, Sept. 10, 1862; July 15, 1862; resigned Jan. 14, 

1863. 
Henry F. Travis, Feb. 27, 1863 ; Jan. 14, 1SG3; promoted to captain Aug. 

20, 1863. 
Ellis Post, Aug. 20, 1863; April 21, 1863; mustered out with regiment 

June 3, 1865. 

Siirgewis. 
John H. Thompson, Sept. 10, 1862; July 26, 1862; dismissed Nov, 25, 

1864; disability, removed by order of the President, Jan. 14, 1865. 
John H. Thompson, Feb. 15, 18G5 ; Feb. 15, 1865; failed to muster. 
Robert V. K. Montfort, March 22, 1865; March 22, 1865; mustered out 

with regiment June 3, 1865 

Asaistant Surgeons, 
Edward G. Marshall, Sept. 10, 1862; Sept. 5, 1862; dismissed Aug. 7, 1863. 
Robert V. K. Montfort, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Sept. 10, 1862 ; promoted to sur- 
geon March 22, 18G5. 
Edward C. Fox, April G, 1865; April 7, 1865; mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 1865. 

Chaplain. 
Thomas Scott Bradner, Oct. 21, 1862; Aug. 23, 1862 ; mustered out with 
regiment June 3, 1805. 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



97 



Captoitis. 

Charles H. Weygant, Sept. 10, 1S62 ; Aug. 12, 1862; promoted to major 
Sept. 14, 1861). 

Charles B. Wood, Oct. 10, 1863 ; July 2, 180:! ; di.^cliarged Sept. 21, 1864. i 

Thomas Tafr, Nov. 15, 1864 ; Sept. 21, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment 
June.'), 1865. 

Henr.v S. Murray, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 14, 1862; promoted to miyor Oct. 
10, 186:i. 

William E. Mapes, Dec. 17, 1863; July 2, 1863; discharged Dec. 15, 1864. 

Robert J. Malolle, Dec. 17, 1864 ; Sept. lo, 1S64 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 1865. 

Jauies Cromwell, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 15, 1802; promoted to ma.jor .Sept. 
10, 1862. 

William Sillimau, Oct. 3, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; promoted to colonel 20th 
U. S. C. T. Fell. 1, 1864. 

James Finnegan, Feb. 0, 1864; Feb. 1,1864; died of wounds Oct. 28, 1804. 

James A. Giier, Nov. 15, 1864; Oct. 27, 1804; not mustered. 

James W, Benedict, Sept. 10, 1802; Aug. 10,1862; mustered out with 
regiment June 3, 1863. 

John C. Wood, Feb. 18, 1865 ; Jan. 1, 1805 ; mustered out with regiment 
June 3, 1865. 

William A. McBurney, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. lit, 1862; resigned March 9, 
1863. 

Daniel Sayer, Dec. 17,1863; Marcli 6,1863; mustered out with regiment 
June 3, 1865. 

Isaac Nicoll.Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg, 
Pa., July 2, 1863. 

James 0. Deuniston, Aug. 20, 1863; July 2, 1862; not mustered. 

Henry P. Ramsdell, Dec. 12, 1863; Oct. 7, 1863; not mustered. 

Thomas J. Quick, Dec. 17, 1863; Dec. 10, 1863; mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 1865. 

Ira S. Bush, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned Juno 21, 1864. 

John W. Houston, July 15, 1864; June 21, 1864; not mustered. 

Edward J. Cormick, Nov. 15, 1864 ; Aug. 10, 1864 ; killed in action near 
Petersburg, Va., April 1, 1865. 

Lander Clark, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned May 13, 1863. 

Henry F. Tjavis, Aug. 20, 1863 ; April 21, 1863 ; must, out with regiment 
June 3, 186.5. 

William A. Jackson, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 23, 1862; killed in action near 
Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. 

Lewis M. Wisner, July 15, 1864 ; July 14, 1864 ; not mustered as captain. 

Thomas BradJey, Nov. 15, 1864; Aug. 2, 1864; mustered out with regi- 
ment Jhne 3, 1865. 

David Crist, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 23,1862 ; killed in action May 30, 1864. 

Theodore M. Robei-son, Feb. 18, 1865 ; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with 
regiment June 3, 1865. 

Fir^l Lieiitenttntn. 

Charles B. Wood, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 12, 1862 ; promoted to captain Oct. 
10, 1863. 

Charles T. Cressy, April 19, 1864; May 1, 1864; not mustered. 

Thomas Taft, Aug. 2, 1864 ; July 20, 1864 ; promoted to captain Nov. 15, 
1864. 

Davirl U. Quick, Feb. 18, 1865 ; Jan. 1, 1865; mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 1805. 

Wines E. Weygant, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 14, 1862 ; resigned Feb. S, 1863. 

William E. Mapes, Feb. 27, 1863; Feb. 8, 1863; promoted to captain Feb. 
27,1803. 

Edwar.l J. Cormick, Alarcb 23, 1864; March 17. 1864 ; promoted to cap- 
tain Nov. 15, 1864. 

Abram P. Francisco, Feb. 18, 1865 ; Jan. 1, 1865 : mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 186,"i. 

William Brownson, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 15, 1862; promoted to adjutant 
Feb. 211, 1863. 

Henry P. Ramsdell, Feb. 20, 1863; Dec. 31,1862; discharged Dec. 13, 
1863. 

Daniel Sayer, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 16, 1862; promoted to captain Dec. 
17, 186.3. 

John W.Houston, Dec. 17, 1863; March 6, 1863; discharged Dec. 13, 
1803. 

Ebenezer Holbert, July 15, 1864 : June 21, 1K(;4 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment June :t, 1865. 

Wm. A. Verplauck, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 10, 1862; discharged Sept. 23, 
1863. 

Theodore M. Roberson, Dec. 17, 1863 ; Sept. 25, 1803 ; promoted to captain 
Feb. 18, 1865. 

Woodward T. Ogden, Feb. 18, 1865; Jan. 1, 186.'.; not mustered. 



James 0. Deuniston, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 20,1862: discharged Oct. 17, 
1863. 

William H. Benjamin, Feb. IS, 18135; Jan. 1, 1805; mustered out with 
regiment June 3, 1865. 

Thonms J. Quick, Sept. 10, 18(i2; Aug. 20, 1862; promoted to captain 
Dec. 17, 1863. 

.lames A. Grier, Dec. 24, 1863; Dec. 10, 1863; not mustered. 

John B. Staubrough, Sept. 10,1862; Aug. 2", 1862; resigned Nov. 12, 
1862. 

Isaac M. Martin, Dec. 30, 1802; Nov. 12, 1862; dismissed May 15, 1863. 

Wm. B. Van Houteu, Aug. 20, 1863 ; May 15, 1863; promoted to adju- 
tant Oct. 10, 1863. 

Charles Stuart, Oct. 10, 1803 ; Sept. 17, 1863 ; discharged May 15, 1866. 

James H. Roosa, Sept. 10, 1862 ; .\ug. 23, 1862 ; resigned March 7, 1863. 

James Finnegan, May 26, 1863; March 7, 1863; promoted to captain 
Feb. 9, 1864. 

Lewis .M. Wisner, Feb. 23, 1864; Feb. 1, 1864; discharged Aug. 5, 1864. 

Jolin C. Wood, Nov. 15, 1864; Aug. 1, 1864; promoted to captain Feb. 18, 
1865. 

Thomas Hart, Feb. 18, 18fKi; Jan. 1, 1805; mustered out with regiment 
June 3, 1865. 

Henry Gowdy, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 22, 1863; died May 11, 1863, of 
wounds. 

John R. Hayes, Dec. 17, 1863; May 10, 1863 ; not mustered. 

Thomas Bradley, Sept. 27, 1804; Aug. 1, 1864; promoted to captain 
Nov. 15, 1864. 

John S. King, Dec. 17,1804; Sejit. 15, 1864; mustered out with regiment 
June 3, 1865. 

iSV'OHrf LietUenaiiljt. 

Charles T. Cressy, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 12, 1862 ; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant April 19, 1864. 

Jonathan Binlsall, Aug. 2, 1864; July 20,1864; killed in action near 
Petersburg, Va., Oct. 22, 1864. 

Gabriel Tutliill, Feb. 27, 1863 ; Feb. 8, 1863; discharged Feb. 23, 1864. 

Henry P liiimsdell, Sept. 10, 1862 ; Aug. 15, 1862 ; promoted to tirst lieu- 
tenant Feb 27, 1863. 

James A. Grier, Feb. 20, 186:', ; Dec. 31, 1862; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Dec. 24, 1803. 

Thomas Hart, Nov. 15, 1804; .Tilly 21. 1K64 ; promoted to first lieutenant 
Feb. 18, 1866. 

John W. Houston, Sept. 10, 1862; Aug. 16, 1802; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant Dec. 17, 186i. 

Ebenezer Holbeit. April 2. 1864; July 20, 1864; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant July 15, 1804. 

Thomas G. Mabie, Nov. 15, 1864 ; .Inly 26, 1864; mustered out with regi- 
ment June 3, 1865. 

Adolplius Wittenbeecber, Sept. 10, 1802; Aug. 19, 1862; dismissed March 
19, 1863, 

Theodore M. Uolierson. May 20, 1863 ; March 6, 1863; promoted to first 
lieutenant Dec. 17, 1863. 

Woodward T. Ogden, N.>v. 15, 1864; .Inly 21, 1864 ; mustered out with 
regiment. Tune 3, 1805. 

Sylvester Lawson. March 14, 1865; March 3, 1865; mustered out with 
regiment .Tune 3, 1805. 

David Gibbs, Sept. 1". 1802 ; Aug. 20, 1862 ; resigned Feb. 25, 1863. 

Wm. H. Benjamin, May 26, 1803 ; Feb. 26, 1863 ; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant Feb. 1.8, 18(i5. 

Joshua V. Cole, Feb. 18, 1865; .Ian. 1, 1865; not mustered. 

Samuel W.Hotcbkiss,Sept. Ill, 1802; Aug. 20, 1862; resigned April 2,1864. 

David U. Quick. Nov. 15, 1864; July 21, 1864; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Feb. 18, 186.5. 

Lewis T. Sliultz, Feb. IS, 1865 ; Jan. 1, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment 
June 3, 1365 

Isaac M. Martin. Sept. 10. 1802 ; Aug. 20, 1862 ; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Dec. 20, 1802. 

Milnor Bn>wn, Dec. 30. 1862 ; Dec. 30, 1862 ; killed in action at Gettys. 
burg. Pa., .Inly 2. 1863. 

Charles Stuart, Aug. 20,1803; July 2,1863; promoted to first lieutenant 
Oct. 10, 1803. 

William W. Smith, April 10, 1864; Sept. 17, 1863; not mustered. 

James Finnegan, Sept. 10, 1862; .\ug. 23, 1862; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant May 20, 1863. 

Jacob Denton, May 26, 1803 ; March 7, 1803; not mustered; killed in ac 
tion Jlay 3, 1803. 

Lewis M. Wisner, Aug. 2il, 180.3 ; May 3, 1803; promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Feb. 23, 18IVt. 

John R. Hayes, Sept. 10, 1802 ; Aug. 22, 1802 ; discharged April 8, 1864. 



98 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Col. William Silliman was born at Canterbury, 
Orange Co., on Oct. 18, 1837, and was the only child 
of Rev. Jonathan Silliman, for nearly thirty years 
pastor of the Presbyterian ('hurch of Canterbury. 
His childhood was mostly passed in the society of his 
parents, his weak physical constitution precluding 
his attendance upon the schools of his day for any 
length of time. His early education was received at 
home. He acquired knowledge with great facility, 
and his memory was so tenacious that what he once 
learned he seemed never to forget. His mind was 
inquisitive, active, and discriminating, and he was in- 
terested in almost every branch of art and science. 

When he was about fourteen years of age his father 
purchased a farm in the neighborhood with a view of 




xv->^^r = - 




educating his son as an agriculturist, and two years 
later the family took up a residence upon the farm. 
After some time spent in agricultural pursuits Mr. 
Silliman formed a desire to study engineering, and 
he spent two winters in the pursuit of that branch of 
science at the school of Rev. A. C. Roe, in Cornwall. 
He afterwards spent a term in the normal school at 
Montrose, Pa., and later engaged in school-teaching 
for a time. Having finally determined to make the 
practice of law his life-work, he entered the Yale Law 
School at New Haven, Conn., in the fall of 1858, and 
spent one year at that institution. The following 
year he entered the Albany Law School, with a view 
of admi.ssion to the bar in New York State, and con- 
tinued a regular and diligent scholar until his gradu- 
ation in 1860. He subsequently located at Newburgh, 



where he acquired considerable reputation for his 
knowledge of the principles of the law, and for his 
skill in managing his causes. 

It was at this time that the civil wav of ISiil broke 
upon the country and stirred to the bottom the pa- 
triotism of the young lilood of the North. An ardent 
Republican, feeling a warm interest in the preserva- 
tion of the institutions of his country, and a devotion 
to the cause of liberty, the first gun that opened upon 
the walls of Sumter seemed to arouse all the latent 
fire of patriotism that burned in the bosom of young 
Silliman, and made him eager to enter the ranks of 
the Union army to battle for his country's rights. The 
battle at Bull Run made him still more restless, and 
he soon after participated with others in raising a 
company for service under Col. Morrison in the Sec- 
ond New York Cavalry. The work of recruiting was 
commenced Sept. 15, 1861, and on October 9th, Mr. Sil- 
liman went into camp with the rank of second lieu- 
tenant. The captain of the company, James Crom- 
well, a friend of his boyhood days, being taken ill, 
the labor of drilling fell upon Lieut. Silliman. He 
was very prompt and active in the performance of 
his duty, and on Oct. 31, 1861, received a commission 
as first lieutenant of the company. Soon after the 
regiment entered the field, but after lying in camp for 
several months at Washington, was disbanded, owing 
to the reduction of the cavalry force, and the officers 
returned home. Lieut. Silliman resumed the practice 
of law, this time in his native village. He continued 
his business until the President's call for three hun- 
dred thousand volunteers, in July, 1862, when he ac- 
cepted the adjutancy of the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth New York Volunteers, then being recruited by 
Col. A. Van Home Ellis in Orange County. Capt. 
Cromwell, of Company C, having been promoted to 
be major of the regiment soon after, Adjt. Silliman 
was made captain of that company, but continued 
to discharge the duties of the adjutancy until the 
regiment left for Washington, on Sept. 6, 1862. 

It is not the purpose of this paper to detail all the 
movements of the regiment to which Capt. Silliman 
belonged, nor how at Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Beverly's Ford, Gettysburg, and on other bloody 
fields its members distinguished themselves for bravery 
and personal courage. In all the engagements in which 
Capt. Silliman participated he manifested the courage 
of a brave and efficient soldier, and frequently elicited 
the warmest commendations of his superior officers. 
Of his conduct at the battle of Chancellorsville Wey- 
gant's " History of the New York State Volunteers" 
says, " Capt. Silliman, conspicuous for his height, dis- 
played great gallantry ; waving his sword above his 
head he ever encouraged his men, and kept his eye on 
the colors, of which he had charge, his being the color 
company." Farther on, the same authority adds, "A 
braver <ifficer than he showed himself to be on the 
battle-fields of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg has 
seldom drawn a sword." At the battle of Gettysburg 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



99 



Capt. Silliman commaiickMl liis ivgimcut, the colonel 
and major having been kiUed, and the lieutenant-col- 
onel wounded. He manifested great coolness and 
courage, and assisted by his lieutenant, James Grier, 
virtually saved the fortunes of the day. 

Ou July 22, 1863, Capt. Silliman was detailed to 
proceed North for the drafted men who should be as- 
signed to his regiment, and was stationed on Riker's 
Island, near New York City. He was subsequently 
detained by the post-commandant, because of his use- 
fulness in organizing the new material for the army, 
and first drilled some of the white conscripts, and 
when the Union League of New York City began to 
send their colored recruits to Biker's Island, he asked 
and obtained permission to drill them. He continued 
in this occupation until the middle of January, 1864, 
when he was ordered back to his regiment. He re- 
mained with the regiment until February 5th follow- 
ing, when he received a commission as colonel of the 
Twenty-sixth United States Colored Troops, having 
previously passed a creditable e.xamination before tlie 
examining board at Washington. He at once repaired 
to New York and spent several weeks in drilling his 
regiment. On March 18, 1864, he was married to 
Mary L., daughter of Hugh F. Randolph, of Bloom- 
field, N. J., and a short time later went into camp, 
first at Annapolis, Md., and finally near Beaufort, 
S. C. The regiment subsequently engaged in the 
campaigns near Hilton Head, and in one engage- 
ment, while at the head of his regiment. Col. Silli- 
man was stricken down by sun-stroke and carried 
from the iield. He obtained a short furlough soon 
after ana made a visit to his home, returning to his 
command on Aug. 18, 1864. He participated in the 
further movements of the army in South Carolina, a 
part of the time in command at Beaufort, and ever 
performing the part of a gallant and true soldier, 
until Dec. 9, 1864, when he received a severe wound 
in the thigh while commanding the attacking brigade 
dispatched to cut the Charleston and Savannah Rail- 
road near Pocotaligo. He was carried to the rear, 
his leg amputated, and was finally removed to Beau- 
fort, where he soon after died from the effects of his 
wound. His young wife was near him to the last, 
and as the strong soldier bade adieu to life a smile of 
triumph illumined his face, and he passed quietly 
away to join the shadowy army of heroes who had pre- 
ceded him to the j)eaeeful realms of the far beyond. 

It is the record of this young soldier that he per- 
formed his duty ; his glory belongs to the Republic, in 
whose service he died and in whose story he must 
ever live. His death caused great grief in his regi- 
ment, so highly did his men appreciate all that he 
had done in their behalf. His remains were accorded 
military honors in the field, and were finally brought 
North and, in accordance with the wishes of his 
widow, interred at Bloorafield, N. J., where a simple 
white monument marks the last resting-jilace of a 
mother's gift to her country. His aged and afflicted 



parents still live to mourn the loss of an only child, 
the hoped-for comfort of their declining years, and a 
faithfiil wife still mourns in solitude the loss of a 
kind and dear liusband. 

The following extracts are made from a letter written 
to his widow on March 14, 1865, by Brevet Maj.-Gen. 
Rufus Saxton, under whom he served at the time of 
his death : 

" During nearly the whole of his service in this 
department as colonel of the Twenty-sixth United 
States Colored Troops he served with me and under 
my command. I loved him very dearly as a friend, 
companion, and counselor, honored him as a brave, 
skillful, and accomplished soldier, and sorrowed 
deeply for his loss. He was one of those gifted men 
who are equal to any position they may be called to 
fill. He was one of the most efficient colonels I have 
ever known in service, as the bearing and deeds of his 
splendid regiment have ever borne evidence. His acts 
bear witness to his faith in God and humanity, and 
that black muster-roll which he headed in her cause 
shall be to him a crown of glory. I have seen him 
in battle when the danger was most imminent, and 
he ever seemed as collected as if upon ordinary duty. 
He fell at his post in action, with his face to the foe, 
bravely battling for the freedom and country that he 
loved, and soon another hero had gone. Of all that 
long muster-roll of heroes whose lives this war has 
cost the nation, there was no braver, truer, or more 
worthy one than Col. William Silliman. A grateful 
country should cherish his memory, for he served her 
faithfully and honorably, and at last gave up his noble 
life to her cause." 

SEVENTY-FIRST MILITIA— CO. I. 

Company I, Seventy-first Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., 
was recruited in Newburgh, principally from Company 
L, Nineteenth Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., between the 
20th and 31st of May, 1861, by Capt. A. V. H. Ellis. 
There was, of course, the usual red-tape connected 
with the organization. Col. Brown, of the Nineteenth, 
readily gave his consent, but Governor Morgan refused 
to permit the company to leave the State. Capt. Ellis 
thereupon took the company on his own responsibility 
to New York. Col. Vosburgh, of the Seventy-first, 
with whom Capt. Ellis had made his arrangements, 
having died, it was for some days a matter of doubt 
whether the company would be accepted. The com- 
pany was furnished transportation to Washington, 
however, and after its arrival, through the efibrts of 
Secretary Seward, it was accepted, and mustered in 
the service for three months. After being stationed 
at the navy-yard at Washington until June 28th, it 
was sent with Company F, of same regiment, to 
Chapel Point and Port Tobacco, but returned without 
encountering the enemy. The company had in the 
mean time been furnished with U. S. rifles. Harper's 
Ferry, 1850, pattern. Left navy-yard July 16th, ar- 
rived in Washington, and was brigaded with the First 



100 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and Second Rhode Island Infantry, Second Rhode 
Island Battery, and Second New Hampshire Infantry, 
under Col. Burnside. The company was placed in 
charge of two twelve-pound boat howitzers, July 4th. 
To these guns prolongs were attached, and they were 
drawn all the way by hand (twenty men to each) to 
Bull Run battle-field, and eight miles on the return 
march. Crossed Long Bridge July 16th, and reached 
Ball's Cross-Roads ; on the 17th reached Fairfax Court- 
House ; 18th, reached Centreville ; arrived on Bull 
Run battle-field at 11 a.m. on the 21st, and entered 
action supported by Second Rhode Island Battery and 
Seventy-first Infantry ; fired 232 shots (shrapnel and 
canister) ; drew out of the conflict on order at 3 p.m. 
with the loss of one man killed, private Samuel 0. 
Bond; two wounded, James C. Taggart and John W. 
R. Mould, the latter taken prisoner. At 5 p.m. ordered 
to leave the field; reached Centreville at 10 p.m., and 
marched thence for Washington. Left Washington 
for New York July 24th, with rifles; arrived at New- 
burgh 27th, and mustered out on the 30th. The offi- 
cers of the company on this service were: 

A. Van Home Ellis, cajitain ; George W. Hawkins, 
second lieutenant; Wm. H. Garrison, second sergeant; 
John McMeekin, third sergeant; James D. Hamilton, 
fourth sergeant ; Charles Decker, first corporal ; Mar- 
shal M. Van Zile, second corporal ; Henry F. Travis, 
third sergeant; Thomas Riley, fourth sergeant. 

May 28, 1862, the company was again recruited, only 
seven hours being required for the purpose. Its period 
of service was again three months, spent on guard duty 
in and around Washington. The officers were: 

A. Van Home Ellis, captain ; Wm. H. Garrison, 
first lieutenant; James C. Taggart, second lieutenant; 
John W. Forsyth, first sergeant; Henry F. Travis, 
second sergeant; John McMeekin, third sergeant; 
Jas. B. Montgomery, fourth sergeant; Thos. Riley, 
fifth sergeant ; Robert Acheson, David M. DeWitt, 
Wm. M. Verplanck, Edward J. Hall, corporals. 

Capt. Ellis resigned, and came home to organize a 
regiment in 1862, when Garrison was promoted cap- 
tain ; Taggart, first lieutenant; Acheson, second lieu- 
tenant, and Edwin J. Marsh, corporal. 

One of the most remarkable features in the history | 
of the company was the large number of officers and 
privates who went from it to more extended terms of 
service. Capt. Ellis became colonel of One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth; Travis, captain One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth ; Richard M. and Frank Hines, 
captains in Fifty-sixth ; Chas. B. Wood, captain One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth ; James A. Grier, lieu- 
tenant One Hundred and Twenty-fourth ; B. F. Cham- 
berlain, major First Virginia Cavalry ; Van Zile, cap- 
tain One Hundred and Sixty-eighth ; Geo. C. Morton, 
captain Ira Harris Cavalry. But the list is too long 
for further repetition. The enthusiasm of its mem- 
bers continued from May, 1861, to the close of the 
war, quenched only in many by an honored death on : 
the field of battle. I 



NINETEENTH REGIMENT MILITIA— ONE HUNDRED 
AND SIXTY-SIXTH REGIMENT— ONE HUNDRED 
AND SIXTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT— ONE HUNDRED 
AND SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 

On the 26th May, 1862, Col. William R. Brown, 
commanding the Nineteenth Regiment Militia, re- 
ceived orders to march with his regiment to Washing- 
ton, D. C. Many of the members having previously 
enlisted in volunteer regiments, it was found necessary 
to recruit the ranks of the regiment, which was done, 
and the regiment left Newburgh for the seat of war 
on the 4th of June, by way of Jersey City, Philadel- 
phia, and Baltimore. On its arrival in Baltimore 
(June 6th) the regiment was ordered to Mount Clare. 
The next day orders were received to proceed to Stu- 
art's Hill, and to establish a camp at that place on 
the grounds previously occupied by the Seventh N. 
G. S. N. Y. The regiment remained here until the 
2d of July, when orders were received from Maj.-Gen. 
Wool for two companies to proceed to Fort McHenry, 
and the remainder to go to Fort Marshall. On the 
14th of July four companies were ordered from Fort 
Marshall to Fort Delaware, where they remained 
until the 10th of August, when they returned to Fort 
Marshall. Orders were then received for the compa- 
nies at Fort Marshall to proceed to Havre de Grace, 
Md., for the purpose of guarding the railroad from 
that place to Baltimore. On the 28th of August the 
companies at Fort McHenry were ordered to report to 
Col. Brown, when the whole regiment jiroceeded to 
New4)urgh, where it arrived on the 30th of August, 
and was mustered out of the service of the United 
States on the 6th of September. The oflicers were: 

Field and Staff. — William R. Brown, colonel ; James 
Low, lieutenant-colonel ; David Jagger, major ; George 
Waller, quartermaster; Wm. M. Hathaway, adjutant. 

While in the field the officers of the regiment learned 
that the quota of the county under the July call had 
not been filled, and that nine months' meu would be 
accepted. On the 14th of August Col. Brown left 
Havre de Grace and proceeded to Albany, and there 
tendered to Governor Morgan the services of the regi- 
ment for nine months. It was not accepted. On the 
arrival of the regiment at Newburgh (August 30th) 
the tender was renewed and again refused. On the 
17th of September Col. Brown made a third tender, 
which was formally accepted on the 18th. In the 
mean time Governor Morgan gave an acceptance and 
an authorization to Isaac Wood, Jr., of Newburgh, to 
raise a regiment — to be known as the One Huudred 
and Sixty-sixth — for three years' service. Thus au- 
thorizations were given for the raising of two regiments 
in the same district, — one under Col. Wood for three 
years, and one under Col. Brown for nine months. Col. 
Wood and his friends thinking that he could meet 
with better success if the term of his regiment was 
reduced to nine months, made application to the Gov- 
ernor and received an order to that eflect, which still 
further complicated the situation and made the rivalry 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 



101 



more complete. It soon became evident that both 
could not succeed, and Col. Wood, after recruiting two 
hundred and seventy-two men, abandoned the field, 
and his volunteers were consolidated with the " Iron- 1 
sides," or One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment, 
and mustered into the service of the United States at 
New York City, Nov. 20, 1862. 

Recruiting for the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth 
began Sept. 18, 1802, and ended Feb. 11, 1863. In 
December, 1862, it barely escaped consolidation with 
some other regiment, and but for a change in the 
State administration would never have taken the field. 
The regiment left Camp Sprague, at Newburgli, Feb. 
2, 1863, with seven hundred and fifty men, and left 
Park Barracks, New York, Feb. 18, 1863, with eight 
hundred and thirty-five men. It reached Yorktown, 
Va., February 18th, where it was assigned to the 
Fourth Army Corps, Maj.-Gen. Keyes ; Gen. Richard 
Busteed's brigade ; Second Division, Gen. Rufus 
King. It remained at Yorktown on garrison and 
provost duty during nearly the full term of its ser- 
vice. In June one hundred and forty men under 
Capt. Daniel Torbush, in company with detach- 
ments from other regiments, proceeded on a gun- 
boat uj) the York River to West Point, and from 
thence to the Mattapony River, and landed at Walker- 
town, where the detachment from the One Hundred 
and Sixty-eighth was ordered to a position on the 
Richmond road and ordered to hold it under any 
circumstances, while the remainder of the force went 
in another direction. As anticipated, the detach- 
ment was attacked by a company of cavalry and 
infantry, who were repulsed with a loss of fourteen 
killed. The detachment lost one killed (William 
S. Avery, of Co. A), five wounded, and two taken 
prisoners. The other portion of the expedition did not 
meet the enemy, but having accomplished the object 
in view, the whole party returned to Yorktown. 

On the 26th September as part of the Second Bri- 
gade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps, the 
regiment was placed era route for Chattanooga ; reached 
Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained on picket and 
guard duty until October 14th, when it left Bridge- 
port en route for Newburgli, where it arrived on the 
20th, and was mustered out on the 31st. The casual- 
ties of the regiment were as follows : 

Killed in Imttle 1 

Dieil of sicliuess 18 

Discharged for disability 15 

" by civil authority 2 

" " court-martial 1 

Resigned 1 

Taken prisoners 13 

Deserters 184 

Mustered out 600 

Total 835 

The large number of desertere was accounted for by 
the fact that many claimed that their period of enlist- 
ment had expired. Many of the men were in camp 
and field duties nearly or quite one year, and some 
for a longer time. 

Following is the roll of commissioned officers, from 



the adjutant-general's report of 1868, the date of com- 
mission being first given, followed by the date of rank : 

Colonel. 
Wm. R. Brown, March 17, 1863 ; Feb. 11, 18Ca ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Lieittenntit-ColoneU. 
James Low, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Nov. 26, 1862; resigned Aug. 27, 1863. 
James C. Rennison, Nov. 3, 1803 ; Aug. 27, 1863 ; not must, as lieut.-col. 

Majors. 
George Waller, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 12, 1863; dismissed June 9, 1863. 
James C. Rennison, Nov. 3, 1863 ; June 9, 1863 ; not mustered a.s major. 
Daniel Torbush, Nov. 3, 1863 ; Aug. :i7, 1863 ; not mustered as major. 

.idjutittlt. 
Wm. M. Hathway, Feb. 2, 1863; Sept. 29, 1862 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Quartermasters. 

Jas. H. Andei"son, July 1, 1863 ; mustered out with regiment Oct.31, 1863. 
George C. Spencei', Feb. 2, 1863 ; Sept. 27, 1862 ; mustered out at expi- 
ration of term of service July 1, 18G3. 

Sttrgeon. 
Jacob M. Leighton, mustered out with regiment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Assistattt Surgeon. 
Edward B. Root, April 30, 1863 ; April 17, 18G3 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Chajilain. 

E. Howard Wallace, March 17, 18(j3; Feb. 11, 1863; mustered out with 
regiment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Ctiptuiiis. 

William H. Terwilliger, Feb. 2,1863; Jan. 9, 1863; mustered out with 
regiment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Daniel Torbush, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Dec. 2, 1862 ; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31, 1863. 

James H. Anderson, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 20, 1863 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Isaac Jenkin,son, Feb. 2, 1863; Jan. 20, 1863 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Bennett Gilbert, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Nov. 14, 1862; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

George McCleary, Feb. 2, 1803; Dec. 22, 1862 ; mustered out witli regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1803. 

Samuel Hunter, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 12, 1862; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31, 1S63. 

John D. Wood, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 21, 1862; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31, 1863 (brevet major N.Y.V.). 

James C. Rennison, Feb. 2, 1803 ; Nov. 20, 1 862 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Myron A. Tapi>an, April 27, 1863 ; Feb. 11, 1S63 ; resigned June 3, 1863. 

Marshal Van Zile, Sept. 14,1863; July 1,1803; must, out with regiment 

Oct. 31, 1803. 

First Lieutetiants. 

Nathan Hubbard, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 9, 1863; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31, 1803. 

Oliver Taylor, Feb. 2, 1863; Oct. 25, 1862 ; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31,1863. 

Jacob K. K. Oakley, Feb. 2, 1863; Nov. 25, 1862; mustered out with reg- 
iment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Archibald Ferguson, Feb. 2, 1863; Nov. 25, 1862; mustered out with 
regiment Oct. 31, 1863. 

James H. Searles, Feb. 2, 1863; Nov. 14, 1862; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1803. 

Lawrence Brennan, Feb. 2, 1803 ; Nov. 3, 1862 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

James T. Chase, Feb. 2, 1863; Jan. 12,1863; mustered out with regiment 
Oct.31, 1863. 

DeWitt C. Wilkin, Feb. 2, 1863; Jan. 21, 1863; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Wm. D. Dickey, Feb. 2, 1863; Nov. 26, 1862; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Marshal Van Tile, April 27,1863; Feb. 11, 1863; promoted to captain 
Sept. 14, 1863. 

George R. Brainsted, Sept. 14,1803; July 1, 1863; mustered out witii 
regiment Oct. 31, 1863. 



102 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Second Lieutenants. 

Thomas P. Temilllger, Feb. 2, 1863; Jan, 9, 1863; must, out with regi- 
ment Oct. .■11, 1863. 

Isaac N. Morehouse, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Nov. 17, 1862 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

James H. Andereon, Feb. 2, 1863; Jan. 20, 1863; promoted to quarter- 
master July 1, 1863. 

George C. Marvin, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Jan. 20, 1863 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Andrew J. Gilbert, Feb. 2, 1863 ; Nov. 14, 18B2 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Samuel C. Wilson, Feb. 2, 1863; Nov. 20, 1862; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 1863. 

Peter Terwilliger, Fob. 2, 1S03; Jan. 12, 1863; mustered out with regi- 
ment Oct. 31, 18G3. 

George W. Ilenniun, Feb. 2, 1863 : Jan. 21, 1863 ; died Sept. 21, 1863, at 
Manassas Junction. Va. 

Daniel Low, Jr., Feb. 2, 1863 ; Nov. 26, 1862 ; mustered out with legiment 
Oct. 31,1863. • 

George R. Brainsted, April 27, 1863 ; Feb. 11, 1863 ; promoted to first lieu- 
tenant Sept. 14, 1863. 

Bartley Bi-own, Sept. 14, 1863 ; July 1, 1863; mustered out with regiment 
Oct. 31, 18G3. 

Lester Genung, ; Julyl,lH63; mustered out with regiment Oct. 31, 

1S63. 

The records of the three regiments (One Hundred 
and Sixty-sixth, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth, and 
One Hundred and Seventy-sixth) are made more com- 
plete by adding that the One Hundred and Seventy- 
sixth was sent to the Department of the Gulf as part 
of the Nineteenth Corps, and participated in the Red 
River campaign in 1864 ; subsequently in Gen. Sheri- 
dan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., in 
the summer and fall of the same year, and in Georgia 
and North Carolina in the winter and spring of 1865. 
Its nine months' men were mustered out in Novem- 
ber, 1863, and the regiment finally April 27, 1866, 
having been kept in the field by its three years' men 
and drafted men and substitutes. A considerable 
percentage of the Orange County men were for three 
years. T. Henry Edsall, of Goshen, adjutant, was 
mustered out in November, 1863, but, with his com- 
rades from the county, had some rough experiences in 
Louisiana. A letter of June 26, 1863, states that 
after remaining at Brashear City for a month, the 
regiment was sent to Thibodeaux, where it was at- 
tacked by a force of cavalry, and lost ten killed and 
twenty wounded. They had the satisfaction of rout- 
ing the enemy (the Second Texas) and capturing 
thirty prisoners. The day succeeding this action 
{June 23d), learning of the approach of a vastly supe- 
rior force of the enemy, the regiment fell back to 
Brashear City, retreated from that place, and barely 
escaped to New Orleans without annihilation, one 
hundred and forty men only reaching the point of 
safety, the remainder having been taken prisoners. 
The casualties in Company D at Thibodeaux were 
Nelson Smith, corporal, of Chester, mortally wounded 
and taken prisoner ; J. E. Redner, private, of Chester, 
wounded through the wrist ; William H. H. Hall, of 
Chester, wounded and taken prisoner; George Slau- 
son, of Monroe, wounded and taken prisoner ; S. K. 
Wood, sergeant, of Newburgh, accidentally wounded 
in jaw. 



As in other cases, the names of the volunteers in 
the regiments named will be found in the town lists. 
In the official roster we recognize the names of the 
following officers : 

T. Henry Edsall, adjutant, Dec. 18, 1862; mustered out by expiration of 

tei-ni Nov. 16, 1863. 
Spragne K. Wood, sergeant ; promoted second lieutenant Dec. 21, 1863 ; 

tilflt lieutenant, April 13, 1865; captain. May 29,186.5; mustered 

out with regiment April 27, 1866. 
Joseph Guodsell, second lieutenant, Dec. 19, 1862 ; first lieutenant, Sept. 

29, 1863 ; captain, Feb. 23, 1864 ; dismissed June 22, 1864 ; disability 

removed Jan. 17, 1865 ; resigned. 

FIRST MOUNTED RIFLES— CO. C. 

This company, known locally as the " Middletown 
Cavalry," was recruited by Morris I. McCornal, at 
Middletown, as part of Col. Van Wyck's "Tenth 
Legion," in the autumn of 1861. It was detached from 
the Legion and mustered as Co. C, First Mounted 
Rifles, with ninety-five men. The officers were : Morris 
I. McCornal, captain ; Charles F. Allen, first lieu- 
tenant ; Arthur Hagen, second lieutenant ; Ardice 
Robbins, orderly sergeant ; C. R. Smith, (Uiartermaster 
sergeant. The company served its term of three years, 
and quite a number of its men re-enlisted. Lieuts. 
Allen and Smith resigned, and died in civil life since 
the war. Quartermaster-Sergeant Smith was promoted 
lieutenant, as were Sergts. James Eaton, Frank Mills, 
and Fred. Penney. Capt. McCornal resigned in 1862, 
and re-entered service in Fifteenth Cavalry in 1863. 

SECOND REGIMENT C.4VALRY (HARRIS LltillT). 

This regiment was organized at New York City to 
serve three years. The companies of which it was 
composed were raised in the counties of New York, 
Queens, Rensselaer, Washington, and Orange, in this 
State, and the regiment also included two companies 
from Connecticut and two from Indiana. The vol- 
unteers from Orange were mainly in Company B, of 
which Charles E. Morton, of New Windsor, was first 
lieutenant. 

It was mustered into the United States service from 
Aug. 9, 1861, to Oct. 8, 1861. The original members 
were mustered out Sept. 10, 1864, and the veterans 
and recruits organized into four companies. During 
the months of September and October, 1864, eight 
new companies were raised in the central part of the 
State to serve one year. The regiment was mustered 
out June 5, 1865. 

The regiment was first known as the Seventh 
(Harris Light) New York State Volunteers, and was 
changed to Second Regiment (Harris Light) Cavalry, 
New York Volunteers, Dec. 31, 1862. Alanson M. 
Randall, U.S.A., was colonel of the regiment from 
November, 1864, to muster out in 1865. He was a 
native of Newburgh. 

The names of those from Orange County who be- 
longed to this regiment may be found to some extent 
in the soldiers' lists at the close of the chapters upon 
the several towns. 



ORANGE COUNTY IN THE IIEBELLION. 



103 



FIFTEENTH CAVALRY. 

This regiment received some of its members from 
Orange County, but was largely from other parts of 
the State, the list of counties represented comprising 
Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Oneida, Chatauqua, Cat- 
taraugus, Genesee, Tompkins, and Erie. It was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States from Aug. 
8, 1863, to Jan. 14, 1864. It was consolidated with 
the Sixth New York Cavalry June 17,. 1865, and the 
consolidated force was designated the Second New 
York Provisional Cavalry. 

Recruits were obtained for the regiment in the fall 
and winter of 1863-64 by Capt. Morris I. McCornal, 
of Middletown, who had recruited the Middletown 
Cavalry, in 1861, for the Tenth Legion, and which 
was made a company of the First Mounted Rifles ; 
and also by Lieut. Charles H. Lyon, of Newburgh. 
McCornal was first lieutenant, Jan. 6, 1864 ; captain, 
Nov. 9, 1864; discharged by consolidation, June 17, 
1865. Lyon was first lieutenant, Jan. 6, 1864; pro- 
moted adjutant, June 7, 1865, but not mustered ; dis- 
charged by consolidation, June 17, 1865. For names 
of volunteers see town lists. 

FIFTEENTH HEAVY ARTILLERY— CO. M. 

This company was recruited in the winter of 1863 
-64. mainly 'in Orange County. It was mustered into 
service at Fort Lyon, Va., Feb. 3, 1864, with the fol- 
lowing officers: William D. Dickey, of Newburgh, 
captain ; Alfred Newbatt and Julius Niebergall, first 
lieutenants ; John Ritchie and Robert B. Keeler, of 
Newburgh, second lieutenants. It remained in Fort 
Lyon until March 27th, when it was ordered to Brandy 
Station, reported to the commanding officer of the 
Army of the Potomac, and was assigned to duty in 
the Artillery Reserve. The regiment was brigaded 
with the Sixth Heavy Artillery. They moved with 
the army on the 4th of May, acting as guard for the 
ammunition train until JJay 5th,— just one day, — when 
the regiment volunteered to "go in," and accordingly 
on the 6th it " went in," and participated in the 
battles of the 6th and 7th. 

At this time the brigade was made a flying column, 
for the purpose of reinforcing any part of the 
line needing! assistance. In this capacity it passed 
through the sanguinary battles around Spottsylvania, 
at Laurel Hill, Todd's Tavern, and Haines' Tavern, 
and for its gallant conduct in this last engagement 
was complimented by Gen. Meade in a general order. 
At the crossing of the North Anna River the regi- 
ment, though not actually engaged, yet sustained 
a very heavy fire, and lost severely in killed and 
wounded. At Bethesda Church and Tolopotomy 
Creek it was engaged, and its numbers were here 
again greatly reduced. 

While near pold Harbor the brigade was perma- 
nently attached to the Fifth Corps, and led the ad- 
vance of the army until the Chickahominy was 
crossed, and then acted as rear-guard from that river 



until the James River was reached. On June 17th it 
arrived in front of Petersburg, and took part in the 
numerous engagements which occurred near that city. 
On the 15th of August Capt. Dickey was placed in 
command of the Third Battalion, its commanding 
oflicer being incapacitated by sickness, and the com- 
mand of Company M fell upon Lieut. Ritchie, who 
led it through the bloody engagements that took place 
in the struggle for the possession of the Weldon 
Railroad, in one of which the company lost one-third 
of its men in killed and wounded. The regiment 
was again com])liniented by Gen. Meade for gallant 
conduct. The following are some of the engagements 
in which Company M specially participated : Peebles' 
Farm, or Poplar Spring, Chapel House, Hatcher's 
Run, the famous raid down the Weldon Railroad, 
Dabney's Mill, etc. The loss of the company in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners in their year of service 
was three officers and ninety-five men, — over half 
their number. It was mustered out in July, 1865. 

The following promotions of members of Company 
M were made, viz. : Capt. William D. Dickey, to be 
major ; Second Lieuts. Keeler and Ritchie, to be first 
lieutenants ; Sergts. Joseph M. Dickey and Riemann, 
to be second lieutenants. 

SEVENTH INDEPENDENT BATTERY. 

The Seventh Independent Battery was recruited by 
Capt. Peter C. Regan as a part of the " Tenth Legion." 
It left Newburgh with the Legion on the 7th of No- 
vember, 1861 ; arrived in Washington on the 11th; 
was organized as an independent battery Jan. 10, 
1862, and assigned to Casey's division, subsequently 
Peck's division, and afterwards to the Seventh Corps. 
When the Eighteenth Corps was organized the bat- 
tery wiis included in it as part of the Second Division. 
It served also a short time in the Tenth Corps at Ber- 
muda Hundred. When mustered out it formed part 
of the artillery brigade of the Twenty-fourth Corps. 

The battery participated in the siege of Yorktown, 
battles of Williamsburg, Savage's Station,, Fair Oaks, 
and Malvern Hill ; sustained the fire of a rebel bat- 
tery at Harrison's Landing ; was engaged in the siege 
of Suffolk, at Bermuda Hundred, and in action at 
Petersburg, Dutch Gap, Fort Harrison, Hatcher's 
Run, and Port Walthal. It was on garrison duty at 
Norfolk eighteen months; also at Fort Drewry, Man- 
chester, and Suffolk, and in the investment of Peters- 
burg and Richmond. Its first active service was on 
the 24th of May, 1862, near Seven Pines, where it was 
engaged with the batteries of the Washington (New 
Orleans) Artillery, and lost one man wounded, and 
one horse killed. The enemy were exposed, and lost 
a considerable number in killed and wounded. At 
Fair Oaks, May 31st, after Casey's division had been 
engaged and driven back, and after Battery A, First 
N. Y. Artillery, had lost all its guns, and another bat- 
tery two guns, the Seventh was brought up and held 
the road for more than an hour without support. 



104 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Here it had ten men killed and wounded, and thirty- 
seven horses killed, and lost a battery-wagon, forge 
and one caisson, but recovered them the next day. 

The battery was three times recruited by transfers 
from other organizations, veteran re-enlistnients, and 
new recruits, and maintained an lionorable record 
until the war closed. It was mustered out .July 22, 
1865. Its members from Orange County will be found 
in the town lists. The official roll of its commissioned j 
officers is as follows, the first date given being that ! 
of commission, followed by the date of rank : 

Ctiptain. 
Peter C. Regan, Jan. 10, 18G2 ; Oct. 1, 1861 ; mastered out with battery 

July 22, 1866. 

First Lieuteiitints. 

Eugene Sheibner, Jan. 10, 1802; Nov. LI, 1861 ; resigned June 26, 1862. 

Ahram Kniffin, Dec. :iO, 1862 : Nov. 1, 1862 ; mustered out on expiration 
of service Oct. 20, 1864. 

Martin V. Mclntyre, June U, 1862; Feb. 14, 1862; mustered out with 
battery July 22, 1S05. 

John S. Bennett, enlisted .\ug. 15, 1861 ; served two years; re-enlisted 
Oct. 23, 1863; promoted to first sergeant May 1, 1864; first lieu- 
tenant, Jan. 9, 1865 ; mustered out with battery July 22, 1865. 

Second LietUenayiU. 

Abram Knifiin, Jan. 10, 1862; Oct. 1, 1861; promoted to first lieutenant 
Dec. 30, 1862. 

Charles S. Harvell, Dec. 30, 1862 ; Nov. 1, 1862 ; mustered out on the ex- 
piration of liis term of service Jan. 19, 1865. 

Abram Smith, March 14, 1805; Feb. 25, 1865; mustered out with battery 
July 22, 1865. 

■William H. Lee, Jan. 10, 1862 ; Oct. 2, 1801 ; resigned May 14, 1862. 

Edward Kelly, June 20, 1863; March 1, 1863 ; dismissed April 18, 1865. 

John B. Broseu, Jr., Dec. 29, 1864; Dec. 1,1864; mustered out with bat- 
tery July 22, 1865. 

FTRST REGIMENT OF ENGINEERS. 

This regiment, known as Serrell's, was organized in 
New York City to serve three years. It was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States from Sept. 
10, 1801, to Feb. 12, 1862. The original members, 
except veterans, were mustered out by detachments 
on the expiration of their terms of service, and the 
regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, retained 
in service until June 30, 1865, when it was mustered 
out in accordance with the orders of the War Depart- 
ment. 

This was a large and important regiment in a neces- 
sary department of the service. It is said to have 
had from three hundred to four hundred men from 
Orange County. Some of their names may be found 
in the lists accompanying the chapters upon the 
several towns. 

NINETY-EIGHTH REGIMENT— CO. C. 

Company C, Ninety-eighth Regiment of infantry, 
was recruited mainly in Newburgh, in the winter of 
1863-64, by Capt. James H. Anderson and Lieut. J. 
K. R. Oakley, then recently returned from a terra of 
service in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regi- 
ment. Lieut.-Col. Wead, then commanding the 
Ninety-eighth, proposed that a person should be se- 
lected for second lieutenant and a full company raised. 
Josepli A. Sneed, formerly of Company B, Third New 
York Infantry, was accordingly selected for second 



lieutenant, and early in February, 1864, over eighty 
men reported for duty at Riker's Island. 

On arriving at the rendezvous of the regiment, 
however, a difficulty arose. Col. Wead had intended 
to consolidate his smaller companies to make room 
for the new ones. To do this it was necessary to pro- 
cure an order from department headquarters. This 
order he was unable to obtain in time to take the field, 
and hence sixty of the Orange County recruits were 
assigned to Company C, making, with the thirty-five 
already in the company, ninety-five men, under com- 
mand of Capt. Anderson and Li cuts. Oakley and 
Sneed, and twenty-four men were assigned to Com- 
pany I, Capt. E. M. Allen. 

The subsequent history of the company is, of course, 
blended with that of the regiment. At Drury's Bluff 
the regiment saved, by its coolness and firmness, the 
right wing of Gen. Butler's army from a very dan- 
gerous flank attack, which had already demoralized 
one brigade; at Cold Harbor, from June 1st to 12th, 
it was constantly under fire, and in the cliarges of the 
1st and 3d lost over one hundred men in killed and 
wounded. At Petersburg, June 1.5th, it charged and 
cajjtured the outer line of works defending that city, 
and from that time until August was almost constantly 
under fire. The colors of the regiment were the first 
to be planted on Fort Harrison, September 29th, and 
it was the first regiment to enter Richmond after the 
evacuation by Lee's army, April 3, 1865. After the 
surrender it was on post and garrison duty at Rich- 
mond, Manchester, Burkesville, Danville, and other 
points in Virginia, until the 31st of August, when it 
was mustered out of service at Richmond. 

Out of the eighty-four men who went out with Capt. 
Anderson, thirteen were killed or died of wounds re- 
ceived in action, twenty-three were wounded, more 
or less severely, and five died of disease contracted in 
the service. Capt. Anderson resigned, and was hon- 
orably discharged in September, 1864, on account of 
physical disability. Lieut. Sneed, having sufi'ered some 
months from fever, resigned in January, 1865. From 
May 24th until November 19th the company was 
under command of Lieut. Oakley. He was then ap- 
pointed adjutant, and the command fell upon Orderly 
Sergt. Clark B. Colwell, who, on the 2d of December, 
received a commission as first lieutenant, — a well- 
earned promotion, and one that gave the greatest satis- 
faction. Lieut. Oakley was commissioned captain at 
the same time, but, preferring the position of adju- 
tant, did not muster. 

The personal record of a very large percentage of 
the officers and privates of the volunteers under Capt. 
Ander.son will be found in the Newburgh list. 

MONEYS EXPENDED BY THE TOWNS AND BY THE 
COUNTY FOR WAR PURPOSES. 

The following is an abstract of reports from super- 
visors of towns and treasurer of county, showing 
amount of monevs received for bounties and war ex- 



COMMERCIAL HISTORY. 



105 



penses, and from what sources received, in the years 
1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865. 

Blooming-Grove.— From town taxes 1864, $10,000; 
1865, .^9900; from town loans 1868, 131,000; from 
State, through paymaster-general, $10,000; total, 
$60,900. 

Chester.— From town taxes 1864, $7916.26; 1865, 
$9009.88; from town loans 1863, $4200; 1864, $21,200; 
from State (bonds), $11,866.53; total, $54,192.67. 

Cornwall.— From town taxes, 1864, $69,200; total, 
$69,200. 

Crawford.— From town taxes 1864, $7901.75; 1865, 
$18,258.02 ; from town loans 1864, $27,812.62 ; 1865, 
$15,992.50; from State, cash $700, State bonds 
$13,000; interest on State bonds, $487.25; miscella- 
neous, $85; total, $84,187.12. 

Deerpark.— From town taxes 1864, $19,465.50; 
1865, at one time $24,092.39, at another $25,573.94; 
from town loans 1864, $146,950 ; from State, cash 
$26,900; total, $242,981.83. • 

Goshen. — From town taxes 18G5, at one time 
$111.12, at another $9923.43; from town loans 1864, 
$40,09(; ; 1865, $2800 ; from State, cash $4450, State 
bonds $25,000, interest on State bonds $782.50, other 
sources $70 ; total, $83,233.05. 

Greenville.— From town taxes 1864, $4010.89 ; 1865, 
$6822.45; from town loans 1864, $25,159; 1865, 
$8132.50; from State, cash $2650, bonds $8000, inter- 
est on bonds $231.67. 

Hamptonburgh.— From town taxes 1864, $21,000; 
total, $21,000. 

Minisink.— Fv<<in town taxes 1864, $1234.26; 1865, 
$7071.12; from town loans 1863, $118.70 ; 1864, $23,- 
830.49; 1865, $12,288.94; from Slate, cash $4500, 
bonds $8000, interest on bonds $222.11 ; total, $57,- 
271.62. 

Monroe. — From town taxes 1864, $22,271.90 ; from 
town loans 1864, $66,420.84; 1865, $38,775.91; from 
State, cash .$500, bonds $33,000 ; total, $160,968.65. 

Montgomery.— From town taxes 1862, $3000 ; 1864, 
$.54,250; total, $57,250. 

Mount Hope.— From town taxes 1865, $11,034.68; 
from town loans 1864, $35,475 ; 1865, $4978.56 ; from 
State, cash .$3400, bonds $8000 ; total, $62,888.24. 

Newburgh.— From town taxes 1862, $24,931 ; 1864, 
$25,368 ; 1865, $21,538 ; from town loans 1862, $29,9.50 ; 

1864, $180,.550; 1865, $86,100; from State, bonds, 
$97,200 ; total, $465,637. 

New Windsor.— From town taxes 1864, $29.56.39 ; 

1865, at one time $1650.45, at another $2221.84; from 
town loans 1864, $26,886.87 ; from State, cash $15,000; 
total, $48,715.55. 

WallkilL— From town taxes 1862, $4000; 1864, 
$91,100; total, $95,100. 

Warwick.— From town taxes 1863, $2000; 1864, 

$11,960; 1865, $19,725; from town loans 1862, 

$2000; 1864, $71,.575; 1865, $47,760; from State, 

cash $4300, bonds $40,000, interest on bonds $1750; 

total, $201,070. 
8 



Wawayanda.— From town loans 1864, $26,800; 
1865, $12,450; from State, cash $4500, bonds $8000; 
total, $51,750. 

Total for all the towns. — From town taxes 1862, 
$31,931; 1863, $2000; 1864, $.348,634.95 ; 1865, $166,- 
932.32; from town loans 1862, $31,9.50; 1863, $35,- 
318.70 ; 1864, $692,761.82 ; 1865, $229,278.41 ; from 
State, cash $76,900, bonds $252,066.53, interest on 
bonds $3473.51, other sources $105; total, $1,871,- 
352.24. 

By the County.— From taxes 1864, $1800; 1865, 
$90,649..50; from loans 1864, $421,000; total, $513,- 
449,50. 

Towns and County.— From taxes 1862, $31,931; 
1863, $2000; 1864, $350,434.95; 1865, $257,581.82; 
from loans 1862, $31,950; 1863, $35,318.70; 1864, 
$1,113,761.82; 1865, .$229,278.41; from State, cash 
$76,000, bonds $252,000.53, interest on bonds $3473.51, 
other sources $105 ; final total for towns and county, 
$2,384,801.74. 

All these sums were raised by ofiicial action. The 
donations of supplies and the cash subscriptions (the 
latter especially heavy the first year) are not included 
in the statement. 

The draft exemption of three hundred dollars, paid 
by a large number, may also be taken into the ac- 
count, swelling the aggregate of the moneys expended 
for war purposes by the people of Orange to an im- 
mense sum. 



CHAPTER IX. 

COMMEBCIAL HISTOEY-ORIGINAL ROADS- 
TUKNPIKES — RAILROADS AND CANALS- 
PDANK-ROADS-BANKING -AGRICULTURAL 
AND MECHANICAL STATISTICS, ETC. 

COMMERCIAL HISTORY. 

From a very early period in its history the com- 
mercial business of the river towns of the county has 
been a feature of no sm.all importance, although, 
viewed from the stand-point of a large commercial 
port, it would perhaps be regarded as scarcely worthy 
of notice. Introduced by the skippers of Holland, 
in the exchange of rum and trinkets for the beaver- 
skins of the Indians, it was subsequently prosecuted 
with advantage by the West India Company for half 
a century. From New York to Albany — New Am- 
sterdam to Fort Orange perhaps we should say — • 
this company had but one trading-post, that at Wilt- 
wick or Kingston, although there were no doubt 
points along the Hudson at which their trading 
vessels stopped for traffic. At a later period, and 
especially during the early years of English colonial 
administration, individual ventures were made in 
trading posts, which were conducted in form and 
manner familiar to many in connection with the 
present Indian tribes of the West, and perhaps with 



106 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



quite as much fraud and debauchery. In 168(5, David 
Toshack and his servant, Daniel Maskrig, from Scot- 
land, established one of these posts at the mouth of 
Murderer's Creek, and continued it until Toshack's 
death, ten years later. It is not improbable that this 
post became the foundation of the subsequent com- 
mercial business of the Ellisons at New Windsor. 
John Ellison, an immigrant from England in 1()S.'!, 
established himself as a merchant in New York, 
where, in 1703, he built a store and wharf at the foot 
of Little Queen Street. With sloops constructed for 
the purpose, he sent his goods up the Hudson for trade 
with the European settlers as well as with tlie In- 
dians, very much in the manner pursued by the Hol- 
land merchants who liad preceded him. The old 
Murderer's Creek post was regularly visited, and at 
a later period the European settlers united in erecting, 
at what is now New Windsor village, a store- house 
for their mutual accommodation. Here they brought 
whatever they might have to sell or exchange and de- 
posited it until such time as the trading sloop should 
arrive, which may have been three or four times in 
a year or oftener. To a certain extent a banker as 
well as a merchant, Ellison loaned money to his cus- 
tomers, and among others to William Sutherland, in 
1718, and took a mortgage on Sutherland's land, and 
soon after came into its possession. On the property 
thus acquired his son, Thomas Ellison, built a dock 
and store-house as early as 1725, and established a 
reguhir sloop line from thence to his father's wharf 
at the foot of Little Queen Street. Similar ventures 
were made by others at different points in the limits 
of the present county, and e.specially at Newburgli, 
where a union store-house was erected in 1730, and a 
sloop line established by Alexander Golden. Pre- 
cisely what constituted tiie products of the people of 
the county at that time is a matter of conjecture. 
Butter, pork, and grain, so many years staples, were 
probably the principal part of the yield of the farmers. 
The great business of the period, however, was lum- 
bering, for which avocation the dense woodlands in 
the vicinity of the river gave abundant opportunity 
for saw-mills and sturdy woodsmen, whose pathway 
is still marked by deserted mill privileges, and who 
fdund little difiiculty in obtaining advances from the 
mercliant traders. Very large for its times was the 
trade of Cadwalader Golden, Jr., of Coldenham, in 
this field of commercial enterprise. In 1767 it is 
written of the commerce of Newburgh that " many 
people from the back parts of the country bring their 
produce to send to New York, having at least three 
boats belonging to the place that constantly go from 
thence to New York and return back again with goods, 
which creates a very considerable trade." 

From the small beginnings thus briefly referred to 
local traffic accumulated until Newburgh Bay was 
white with the sails of vessels bearing to the sea-board 
the products of farmers, not only of Orange County, 
but of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Western New 



York, who found through them the most direct route 
to a market. For over a hundred years New Windsor 
was a chief mart in this traffic ; for over one hundred 
and fifty years Newburgh was, and still is, largely en- 
gaged in the carrying trade, while Cornwall for a time 
was a successful competitor. And there were other 
commercial ventures. Newburgh was a port of some 
importance in colonial days in the whaling trade, in 
coasting, and in traffic with the West Indies. All this 
went down during the Revolution. After the war 
ships were built and manned for the Liverpool trade ' 
and cleared through the New York custom-house, — 
the " Liverpool Packet," the "William Penn," and 
the " Ontario," the latter of five hundred tons, and 
the largest ship cleared at New York at the time of 
her construction. Under the embargo and the war of 
1812 these ventures were closed, and though whaling 
was renewed at a later period by the Newburgh 
Whaling Company (1831), and a lumber trade carried 
on with Liverpool and Australia as late as 1877, no 
ocean trade is now prosecuted. 

Adverting more ])articularly to those who have 
been engaged in commercial undertakings, it may be 
remarked that although Col. Thomas Ellison, of New 
Windsor, was the first to establish himself there, he 
was not without early contemporaries. Joseph Sack- 
ett, Jr., had there a dock and store-house as early as 
1742 ; Matthew DuBois was similarly located prior to 
1765, and in that year united with Ellison in resisting 
the order of the officers of customs requiring all sloops 
trading on the Hudson to enter and clear at Albany 
or New Y'ork, while the name of William Jackson 
stands associated with the era of the Revolution. The 
business of the Ellisons, however, was for many years 
far in excess of that of their contemporaries. After 
the Revolution, among those in the trade may be noted 
the names of Ellison, Isaac and Abraham Schultz, 
Gillespy & Scudder, Isaac Schultz & Son, Joseph Mor- 
rell, Samuel M. Logan, William Walsh, Reuben Rey- 
nolds, Samuel Floyd, and Daniel Borden. In 1832, 
Knapp, Dalson it Co. sailed the steamboat " Norfolk," 
Capt. Jacob Wandell, and the sloop " Spy," Capt. 
George L. Sherwood. ■ The barge " Experiment," 
built as a steamboat at New Windsor in 1828, for the 
Cornwall trade, subsequently sailed from New Wind- 
sor under command of Capt. Dyer Brewster. The 
latest advertised enterprise (1850) was that of Joseph 
Carpenter, who sailed the "Norfolk," Capt. Lewis O. 
Carpenter. Though at one time the trade at that 
place was drawn from a large section of country, it 
steadily decreased under the influence of the superior 
roads leading to Newburgh, and was wholly destroyed 
by the construction of the Erie Railroad and the 
Newburgh branch. 

From Newburgh the first shippers were Alexander 
Golden, who came to be the owner of the old union 
store-house and wharf as early as 1740. At a later date 
Maj. Isaac Belknap, Capt. Donaghy, William Hard- 
ing, Nehemiah Denton, Jlichard Buckingham, and 



COJVIMEKCIAL HISTORY. 



107 



Lewis Clark were probably engaged in sailing sloops 
to New York. Belknap was the successor of Golden, 
and Nehemiah Denton sailed from a wharf near Balni- 
ville, where he had a grist- nnd flour-mill. Their 
business was suspended during the Revolution, as 
well as that of Capt. Coleman, who was engaged in 
trade with Nantucket. From 1798 the record is more 
complete. From the Colden Whart^ — George Gardner, 
1798 to 1809 ; George Gardner & Son, 1810-22 ; Henry 
Robinson, 1828-26 ; T. Powell & Co., 1835-14 ; Reeve, 
Moore & Co., 1845; Powell, Ramsdell & Co., fall of 
184.5-57 ; H. Ramsdell & Co., 1858-65. From Walsh's 
Wharf— Hugh Walsh, Derick Amerman, Crawford et 
Harris, and others, until 1808 ; F. Crawford and C. 
Belknap & Co., 1809-17; F. & D. Crawford, 1817-30; 
D. Crawford & Co., 1831-37 ; Crawford, Mailler & 
Co., 1838-54; W. K. Mailler & Co., 18.5.5-57; W. K. 
Mailler & Son, 18.58-59; W. O. Mailler, 1860-69; W. 
O. Mailler & Co., 1870-73.* From Anderson's Dock, 
foot of Third Streets-John Anderson, 1798 to 1803. 
From Ludlow's Dockf (formerly John Anderson's) — 



1843^4.t From dock foot of Fourth Street — Farmers' 
Company,^ 1806-13; B. & I. Case, 1814-20; Abm. 
Stagg & Co., 1820-24; John Mount & Co., 1825-26; 
and by Oakley & Davis, 1827-39. From Carpenter's 
Dock, south of Second Street — Caleli Coflin, 1800; 
Jacob and Leonard Carpenter and B. Carpenter & Co., 
1802-64; Homer Ramsdell & Co., 186.5-76. From 
Balmville — Daniel Smith and others until 1818 ; H. 
& J. Butterworth, 1819; Selah Tuttle & Son, 1820, 
who were the last occupants. In 1845 the firm of 
Wardrop, Smith & Co. was organized and commenced 
business from a dock and store-house erected by J. 
Beveridge & Co. at the foot of Fifth Street. "This 
firm was continued until 18.58, when C. C. Smith sold 
his interest to Hiram Falls. On the death of Mr. 
Wardrop the firm was dissolved, and Falls & .John- 
ston became its successors. On the death of Mr. 
Falls, .Johnston i^ Alsdorf continued the business un- 
til 1870, when it passed to Alsdorf & Skidmore, who 
sold to Homer Ramsdell in February, 1872, and re- 
tired from the trade. On the 1st of February, 1865, 



.1^ 






- ,j.^i!ii|i|ii 




.STORE-HOUSE OF HOMER RAMSDELL * CO. 



Alexander Falls and Jonathan Hedges sailed sloop 
" Favorite," Benjamin Case, Jr., master, in 1799. 
Their successors were Jacob & Thomas Powell, 1802- 
13; Selah Reeve and AVilliam H. Falls, 1814-24; Se- 
lah Reeve & Son, 182.5-26; Christopher and George 
Reeve, 1827-29 ; C. Reeve, 1831, who sold to D. Craw- 
ford & Co. From DeWint's Dock, north of Third 
Street — George Gardner, 1815-21 ; Miller & Smith, 
1822-24; E. Case, 1835; Houston, Johnston & Co., 
1838 ; Christopher Reeve, 1842 ; Reeve, Moore & Co., 



* The barge "Newburgh," then owned by this firm, together with a 
fnll cargo of freight, anfi also their store-house, etc., were destroyed by 
lire in .Tune, 1873, and at the close of the season the firm retired from 
the freighting business. 

t Robert Ludlow, father of Charles, Robert C, and Augustus C. Lud- 
low, of the United States navy, and of Mi-s. Thomas Powell, bought the 
property from Water Street to the river in 1706, and built a store on 
Water Street and a new dock in the rear. During its ownership by the 
Powells it was called Powell's Dock, and subsequently Reeve's Dock. 
The old store-hoTlse was moved to Crawford's Dock and consolidated with 
that of D. Crawford & Co., and was destroyed in the fire of 1872. 



Homer Ramsdell bought the dock property and barge 
of B. Carpenter & Co., and consolidated the business 
of that firm with the firm of Homer Ramsdell & Co. 
During the season the large store-house of the firm was 
removed to a new foundation, and the store-house of 
Ramsdell & Co. removed and united with it, forming 
by far the largest and most complete structure on the 
Hudson. The firm of Homer Ramsdell & Co. is now 
the only freight line between Newburgh and New 
York ; their barges have a carrying capacity of five 
hundred tons each ; their daily freights probably ex- 

I The DeWint store-house and the Oakley & Davis store-liouse adjoin- 
ing were destroyed by fire Dec. 18, 1848. 

g This company appeare to have been a regularly organized association ; 
its business was conducted by directors who were generally changed an- 
nually After the dissolution of the company, a similar association was 
organized by an act of incorporation, passed by the Legislature, April* 
1825. This company originated, it is said, with Mr. Jonathan Haabrouck* 
who was its principal manager. The *' Chancellor Livingston" was run 
for a few tiips, in the name of the company, from the old red store-housei 
and then the project was abandoned. 



108 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ceed the weekly freights of twenty years ago, being 
greatly augmented by the trade of the entire eastern 
division of the Erie Railroad. 

The business was conducted entirely by sloops until 
1830. The introduction of steam vessels, however, 
was proposed in 1825, at a meeting of sloop-owners 
(June ()th), and a committee appointed for the pur- 
pose of making inquiry " relative to the building of a 
good and sufficient steamboat or boats, for the pur- 
pose of conveying freight or passengers from this vil- 
lage and landings adjoining."* This action was 
doubtless intended to allay the feeling against sloop 
navigation which had grown out of the disaster of 
the '• Neptune," in November of the previous year.f 
Here the matter rested until the winter of 1829-30, 



* *' A meeting of sloop-owners was Iield June 6, 1825, — Selah Reeve, 
cliairman, and David Crawford, secretary, — to consider the expediency of 
placing a Rtcanilmat on the Newhurgh line. After disuujisinn, it was 
^ Re.-<olcedy That a coniniittee, consiisting of James Wiltme, John P. De- 
Wint, Uriah LcH-kwimd, Julm Wilti-ie, Chiistupher Reeve, and David 
Crawford, he authnrized to make thp uecessaiy inquiry and obtain all 
the intoiniaHon in their power relative to ilie bnilding of a gi'od and 
sutticient fiteaniln)at or boats, for the pnrpose of conveying freight or 
passengers from this village and landings adjoining.' " — Imirx, June 7. 

t " Loss OF THK Sloop Nf.ptunk.— On Novemlier 24th, about noon, the 
sloop ' NeptUHe.* on her way from New Yt»rk to this village, a short dis- 
tance below Pallopel's Island, was upset, filled, and sunk. At the time of 
this melancholy event it isunderaloud she had on board from fifty to fifty- 
five pKHsengers, a majority of whom were drowned. It appeiti-s that the 
vessel left New Yiirk under command of her fiist hand, Blr. John Decker 
(Captain HaLstead being detaineil in the city), with from forty to fifty 
tons of plaster and some eight or ten tuns of merchandise on board. 
About half of the plaster was put in the hold and the remainder piled 
on the deck. In the Highlands the wind was iijgh, which induced the 
commander, when below West Point, to take a double reef in the main- 
sail and other measures of caution for the safe delivery of his charge. 
When off Little Stony Point, with very little way ou the vessel, a flaw 
struck her and hove her down. This caused the i)Iawter on deck to shift 
from windward to leeward. Most of th>' male passengers were on deck, 
and one or two of the fenndes, and sonie t**n or twelve women and six 
or seven children in the cabin. Tlie shifting of the plaster created the 
utmost confusion on board. The water rushed into the scuttle of the 
forecastle, whicif was to leeward, then into the cabin, and consternationt 
dismay, and death presented their appalling features to all on board. In 
a few minutes she filled and plunged headlong to the bottom. All in the 
cabin perihhed. Those on deck were j^lunsed into a cold and turbulent 
element or had been carrietl down with the vessel. The boat was afloat, 
and when the sloop was going down was occupied by Decker and VVtud- 
sey, but without oars, — they were supplied by Mr. Storm, wliose oyster- 
boat was just ahead of the sloop, atid they made utmost exertions to 
save the unfortunates. Seventeen persons were rescued by them and 
the othei- boats which came to their assistance, but the rest perished. 

" The folltiwing are the names of those who were saved ■ John Decker. 
Levi D. Wuolsey, Mr. Tlinrne, of Newbnrgh ; Joseph Mullock, A. Carey, 
Jesse Green, of Miiiisink; Allred Crawford, Alexander Crawford, Joliu 
Rose, of Crawford ; Mr. Sprague, Mi's. Bowers, Mr. Smi"ley, Mr. Ander- 
son, of Sullivan County; Lewis Broom, Patrick Kelley, of Wallkill ; A. 
Pierson, of Montgomery; and a lad fiom Bbtomiiig-Grove. Totil, 17. 

"The following persttiis were known to have been on board the sloop: 
Mrs. Couch and two children, J. Loveland. and J. Smiley, I'f Sullivan 
County; Mrs. Graham and two children, of Crawford ; John Leailer, of 
Blooming-Grove; Samuel Carlisle, Jacob Polbemus, Mrs. McClangheiy, 
of Newburgh ; Mrs. Rush, of Wallkill; Messrs McCurdy, Weed, Hens- 
ler, Mrs. Churchill and Cochrane, of Montgomery: John Greenleaf, 
George Eveitson, Matilda Helms, William Kelley and child, of Mini- 
sink; Mib, Dean, of Cornwall ; F. W. Del'oudres and Mre. Ti'out, of New 
York. Ti.>tal, '26 It is supiiused that a numb'-r of others were on board, 
which would make the whole eijual to tlie number stated, wiiose names 
and connections have not yet lieen discovered. The sloop sunk in fitty 
or sixty feet of water. The ownere, Messrs. Miller & Suiith, succeeded 
in raising her." — /wdex, Nov. 1824. 



when Mr. Christopher Reeve purchased the steamer 
** Baltimore," which was placed on the Newburgh line 
in the spring of 1830, J and ran from tlie wharf of the 
Messrs. Reeve and that of D. Crawford & Co. Rude in 
model as was this steamer, her appearance was hailed 
with every demonstration of popular regard ; the 
newspapers recorded her advantages, and the brush 
of the painter traced her outlines on many sign-boards. 
But her triumph was short; her purchase had not 
been made when Mr. Benjamin Carpenter laid the 
keel at the sliip-yard of Cornelius Carman, Low Point, 
of the steamer " William Young." This vessel was 
launched July 17, 1830, and commenced running in 
September of the same year.^ Though of nearly the 
same appearance as the " Baltimore," she was re- 
garded as of better model, and her owner claimed 
that she had "power sufficient to make her average 
trips in about six hours;" but his antici[>ations were 
very tar irom being realized. 

Messrs. Reeve and Crawford continued the " Balti- 
more" one year, when, some dissatisfaction arising, 
Mr. Reeve sold his interest to Mr. Crawford, who con- 
tinued her on the line until 1885, when she was trans- 
ferred to the route between Newburgh and Albany. 
The Messrs. Reeve (1832) supplied the place of the 
"Baltimore" in their line with the steamer "Legis- 
lator;" and during the same season Oakley & Davis 
put on their line the " Providence." || In the sum- 
mer of 1833, D. Crawford & Co. built the steamer 
" Washington," and commenced running her in No- 
vember of that year.^l This boat was far superior to 
any in the trade, and the competition which she 
created aroused the energies of Mr. Carpenter, who 
built in 1835 the " James Madison," a boat superior 
in many respects to the " Washington ;" she was the 
first beam-engine steamer in the trade. During the 
same season Oakley & Davis changed the " Provi- 
dence" for the "Superior;" and Mr. Powell, who for 
several years had been living in retirement, how again 
entered the list of competitors, and built the steamer 



I " Half of the excellent steamboat ' Baltimore' has been purchased by 
D, Crawford & Co., and we nuderstand that she will start alternately 
frtim Reeve's and from Crawford's Docks, towing a sloop and taking pas, 
eengei-s from each dock twice a week. We have alieady spoken of a 
steamboat in a state of forwardness, owned by Benjamin Carpenter; and 
probably the othersloop-owuers will make similar arrangements." — Gaz- 
ette, Feb. 7, 183U. 

^ Though not the fii-st steamboat in the Newburgh trade, as lia>; been 
claimed, the ■'William Young" was the fii-st built expressly for that 
trade. She was more complete in her accoumiodations for passengers 
than her preileces^or, the *' Baltimore," and had more of the character 
of what W!is then regarded asa first-class steamer. 

II " Farmers and freighters will be abundantly accommodated with 
steaniboats this season. In addition to the * t illiam Young,' which 
will continue to run from Carpenter's, and the ' Baltimore,' which 
will run this season from Crawford's Dock, will be added the ' Legis- 
lator,' which will tow from Reeve's Dock, and the ' Providence," fnim 
Oakley & Davis's. We understJind vessels will depart from this village 
on Tu' sdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tlie 
enterprising spirit evinced by tliese arrangements deserves, and we 
conflden ly hope will meet with, a corresponding liberality fiom the 
public.'— (?'f3e/^c, Feb. 26, 18:i2. 

^ *' The "Baltimore" aud the "Washington" were run by this firm 
during the season of 1834. 



COMMERCIAL HISTORY. 



109 



" Highlander," which commenced running in Sep- 
tember. Slie was a boat of the first chiss in speed, 
her only rival being the "Rochester," then on the i 
New York and Albany line. As their days of sailing 
from New York were the same, racing was always in ' 
order; and the story is that in order to settle the point 
of speed a bet of one thousand dollars a side was 
made. The race came oft" and the '' Higlihinder" lost 
by half a minute on a straight run from New Y'ork to 
the Newburgh wharf. The " Osceola," a neat and 
swift craft, next attacked the " Highlander." Both 
boats ran on the morning line, — the former from 
Poughkeepsie, and the latter from Newburgh and 
Fishkill; but the " Highlander" was victorious. In 
1846, Powell, Ramsdell & Co. built the "Thomas 
Powell," and placed her on the morning line."* She 
was subsequently sold to Capt. Anderson and placed 
on the morning line between Eondout and New York, 
and was the last of the Newburgh steamers. 

The first barge — the " Minisink" — was placed on 
the line by Crawford, Mailler & Co. in 1841, in lieu of 
the " Washington," which was put on the New York 
and Albany line as an opposition boat, and subse- 
quently sold to the Peojjle's line. In 1842, Christo- 
pher Reeve re-entered trade with the barge "Union." 
In 1845, Wardrop, Smith & Co. put on the steam- 
barge "Caledonia," and in 1851 the barge "Wall- 
kill." Johnston & Falls took out the boilers and en- 
gine of the "Caledoni^" and changed her name to 
" Union," and Alsdorf & Skidmore exchanged her for 
the propeller " Thomas McManus," and made three 
trips a week during the season of 1870-71. B. Car- 
penter & Co. sold the " James Madison" in 1846, and 
purchased the barge " Superior." In 1848, Powell, 
Ramsdell & Co. built the barge " Newburgh," and 
substituted her for the " Highlander;" in 1851 they 
built the barge "Susquehanna," and ran her in con- 
nection with the "Newburgh." Subsequently the 
" Newburgh" was transferred to Wm. K. Mailler & Co., 
and the " Minisink" to B. Carpenter & Co. In 1870, 
Homer Ramsdell added the barge " Charles Spear" to 
the line of Homer Ramsdell & Co., who ran her in 
connection with the barges "Susquehanna" and 
" Minisink," each boat making two trips a week, 
forming a daily line. The latter was withdrawn in 
1873, and daily trips made with the "Spear" and the 
" Susquehanna." 

The early steamboat captains were: "Baltimore," 
Robert Wardrop, 1830-32, Samuel Johnson, 1833; 
" William Young," Seth Belknap, 1830, Whitehead 
Halstead, 1831, Charles Halstead, 1833; "Provi- 
dence," Levi D. Woolsey, 1831-33, Samuel R. Logan, 
1834; "Washington," Robert Wardrop, 1834; "Su- 
perior," James H. Leeds, 1835; "Madison," Eli Perry, 
1835; "Highlander," Robert Wardrop, 1835. In 
nearly all cases the persons named were jjreviously in 
command of sloops. 



• On the IBth July, 1846, the •' Thomas PowpU" miide the trip from 
New York to Newburgh iu two hours and forty tuiuuteB runiiiug time. 



Trade from Cornwall was probably early centred 
with the Ellisons of New Windsor, and with the 
Hazards at Orangeville (now Moodna). The latter 
was perhaps on the precise site which was occupied 
by Toshack in 1686. The land was subsequently 
patented to Mary Ingoldsby, from whom it was pur- 
chased (1728) by David Mandevill, who sold a por- 
tion of it to Samuel Hazard, who, in company with 
his brother Nathaniel, laid out a township plot under 
the name of Orangeville, erected a flouring-mill and 
store, and constructed a wharf at Sloop Hill (in Corn- 
wall), from which sloops were sailed. Large quanti- 
ties of grain, converted into flour at their mill, found 
its way to New Y'^ork by their sloops. Indeed, flour 
was one of the staple products of the county for 
many years. The Hazard mill, Hasbrouck, Denton, 
and Belknap mills at Newburgh, and the Ellison, 
Schultz, and Trimble mills in New Windsor, were 
quite as celebrated in their day as some of the favor- 
ite Western brands of the present time. 

The freighting business at Cornwall proper began 
at about the commencement of the present century, 
when Capt. Daniel Tobias sailed a sloop and kept 
a store. His brother, Isaac S., continued the business 
after 1807, and constructed a dock and built the sloop 
" Hector." Capt. Nathaniel Ring was Tobias' con- 
temporary. In 1810, Capt. Reuben Reynolds, of New 
Windsor, removed to Cornwall, and built, in company 
with Tobias, the sloop " Hamlet." In 1812, Capt. 
Tobias sold out to Isaac Van Duzer, who sailed the 
sloop " Exchange," Capt. John Gifterth. In 1828, 
Mr. Van Duzer built the first steamboat for freighting 
purposes ever constructed on the river. She was 
built by Silas Corwin, of New Windsor, and her 
boiler and engine were furnished by Isaiah and John 
Townsend, of Albany. She was named the " Experi- 
ment," run for several years by Mr. Van Duzer, and 
then sold to Weeks & Griffin, who sold Jier to Henry 
Bertholf & Co., who ran her four or five years. She 
next became the property of Hudson McFarland, Mr. 
Mitchell, Dr. Morrison, and Captain Tobias. The 
latter ran her for a year, when her engine became 
broken, and she was dismantled of her machinery and 
converted into a barge, and was sailed as such from 
New Windsor by Capt. Dyer Brewster. The steam- 
boat " Wave" succeeded the " Experiment," and sub- 
sequently the " Union" was put on and officered by 
Capt. Tobias. Then came the " General Jackson," 
followed by the "Gazelle" and the "Caledonia," the 
two last named merely stopping at Cornwall for 
freight. About 1856, Henry Clark bought the pro- 
peller " Orange County," and put her on the line un- 
der Capt. Joseph Ketchum. Her trips were continued 
until 1864, when the commerce of Cornwall, except 
by river boats of other lines and by the branches of 
the Erie road, was numbered with that of New 
Windsor.! 

f Beach's Cornwall. 



110 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ORIGINAL ROADS. 

The early carrying trade from New Windsor, New- 
burgh, and Cornwall was due to their positions as 
natural entrepots. They were the most accessible 
points through which New York could be reached by 
the people of the district, as well as by those residing 
in northeastern New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and 
in their direction all the early roads tended. These 
roads were, first, the king's highway or public road,* 
from Kingston to New Paltz, and from thence to 
Shawangunk " and the neighborhoods annexed to 
New Paltz," and from New Paltz to the Palatine 
parish of Quassaick, and from thence through New 
Windsor, Cornwall, the Clove, and northeast New 
Jersey to Fort Lee ;t second, the old Goshen road, 
which intersected the road last described and ran 
from New Windsor to Goshen, and from thence west 
to the Peenpack settlements on the Delaware, where 
it intersected (third) the old Mine road from Kingston 
to the Minisink country of New Jersey and Pennsyl- 
vania ; fourth, the king's highway from Shawangunk 
through Montgomery to Goshen, and thence through 
Florida and Warwick to Sussex, N. J., intersecting 
the king's highway to Fort Lee ; fifth, the Little 
Britain road, running almost directly west from New 
Windsor to the Wallkill, and intersecting the road 
from Shawangunk to Goshen, and with a branch on 
its eastern extremity, called the Wallkill road, to 
Newburgh. From four points of the compass, cov- 
ering an arc of not less than three hundred miles, 
these roads all came together at New Windsor on 
lines almost as direct as a bird would fly. Newburgh, 
lying north of this centre, shared only in the travel 
of the routes to the north and northwest, with a single 
road running west through Coldenham to Mont- 
gomery, which had been constructed by the Coldens. 
To these facts New Windsor was indebted for its early 
commercial supremacy. 

At what precise period the main lines described 
were opened it would be diflicnlt to determine ; it is 
fair to presume, however, that they did not antedate 
settlement, and it is also fair to presume that they 
were substantially based on trails which had been 
followed by the Indians for ages, except, perhaps, the 
Little Britain road. A crude network of main and 
divergent paths through the forests these Indian trails 
were, but in the absence of better routes they were 
traveled by the first settlers until they became well 
known, and ultimately lost their original character 
by enlargement and improvement. The " old Mine 
road," to which reference has been made in another 



* A king's highway was simply a road opened aud worked accord! Dg 
to law as public roads now are. 

t A branch from this road ran from Fort Lee to Stony Point, where 
the Hudson was crossed by the king's (public) ferry to Peekskill. The 
roiid tlien ran down through Westchester and crossed the king's (public) 
bridge at Harlem. Before the Revolution it was a much-traveled route 
to Philadelphia from New England, and it was this fact that led to the 
fortifications at Verplanck's aud Stony Point. 



[ chapter,J may be cited as an example. It was origi- 
nally the great trail from the Minisink country to 
Esopus, with thousands of intersecting paths. Whether 
the trail was known to the Dutch settlers of Esopus 
at the time of the last Indian war (1064) is not a 
question which can affect its title to antiquity, nor 

I the fact of its early travel, of which its " Yagh houses," 
or resting-places, are sufficient evidence, and which 
were in existence in 1704. Between 1704 and 1734 
it became a king's highway under colonial law, and 
as such was the subject of petition to the General 
Assembly, of which it is said in the journal of pro- 
ceedings : " The petition of Jacobus Swartwout, Wil- 
liam Provost, William Cool, and others, freeholders 
and inhabitants residing and living in Minisink, in 
the county of Orange and Ulster, was presented, 
setting forth that several persons in West New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania having no other way to transport 
their ]iroduce than through the Minisink road, and 
there being about forty miles more to repair before 
they came to Esopus, that they (the persons referred 
to) be compelled to work on said road and assist in re- 
pairing it to the house of Egbert DeWitt, in the town 
of Rochester, in the county of Ulster." In other 
words, the petitioners intended no doubt to have it 
understood that as they had made the road, it was 
but just that those who used it should help to main- 
tain it. It was an important road, and the link which 
was made to intersect it from Goshen was also an 
important one, as it shortened by many miles the 
route to tide-water. That the king's highway from 
Kingston to New Paltz and Newburgh, and thence to 
Fort Lee, was substantially on an original Indian 
trail is presumed from the fact that it was a line of 
travel by the Indians. Throughout the entire dis- 
trict all the trails ran to the Dans Kammer, the 
temple in which the Indians worshiped their god 
Bachtamo. The branch from New Paltz to Goshen, 
or Shawangunk to Goshen,^ was substantially the 
" Chawangon trail," which is met in some early deeds. 
The line from Sussex was as clearly one as any of the 
others, and also its intersecting line to Goshen. The 
known points in communication are the guides to 
this conclusion, — the Wawayanda castles, and that of 
Maringoman on the Schunemunk. That Sarah Wells, 
the traditional first white woman on the Wawayanda 
Patent, passed over the bed of the old Goshen road, 
or substantially .so, we have little doubt. 

Whatever may have been their connection with 
original trails, or whatever the date of their construc- 

t See Chapter II. 

g This road was opened in IT^lo by Zacliarias Hoffman, Benjamin 
Smedes, and Johannes Decker, commissioners uf highways "for the pre- 
cinct of Shawangunk and tlie neighborhood of "Walikill." It ran "by 
or near" Goodwill church, and through Neelytown to tbe Goshen line, 
or " until it meets the road laid out by tbe inhabitants of Goshen to the 
south line of the said county of Ulster." It vvas laid out uuder an act of 
tbe Assenil'ly, entitled "An act for the continuing of an act entitled an 
act for tbe better clearing, ascertaining, and further laying out public 
high roads in the county of Ulster." 






TUKNPIKES. 



Ill 



tion, they were famous old roads in their day. The 
militia moved over them in the French and Indian 
war, and tliey were traversed by them and by the 
" ragged Continentals" during the Revolution. Mrs. 
Washington, with her carriage, servants, and escort, 
en route for New Windsor and Nevvburgh, Morgan 
and his riflemen en route for Boston in 1774, congress- 
men from New England en route for the Continental 
Congress,* prisoners en route for Eastou, passed over 
the line from New Windsor or Newburgh to 'Sussex 
Court-House, and from thence to their destination, 
while the first mail-routes through the district ran 
over the king's highway from Rhinebeck and Kings- 
ton to New Paltz, and from thence via Shawangunk, 
Goshen, and Warwick to Susses. " The establishing 
of this post-road," wrote Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, 
who then (1792) represented the Orange and Ulster 
district in Congress, " will, I am in hopes, conduce 
much to the circulating of newspapers and other use- 
ful information through our State on the west side of 
the Hudson, the inconvenience attending which we 
have long experienced." Surrounded by the facili- 
ties of tlie present era, and educated to their con- 
veniences, it is difficult to realize that it was not 
always so, — that mail matter was first delivered to the 
people of Newburgh at Ward's Bridge, in the town 
of Montgomery, and continued to do so until some 
time in 17i>5.t From whatever point they may be 
viewed, these old roads are clothed in a halo of local 
historic interest, — even their roughest stones have ser- 
mons in them. Our reference to them here, however, 
has a definite purpose, and that accomplished, we 
may not wander into other fields. 



* The foUowing, from the diary of William Ellery, member of the Con- 
tinental Congress from Massachusetts, who left Diglitou on horseback, 
Oct. 20, 1777, for York, Pa., is of interest in this connection: 

*' Nov. lilt, — Breakfasted at Adriance's, and sat off for Fislikill where 
we arrived at noon. Could get no provender for our horses, but at tlie 
Contl (Continental, i.e., military) St^ildes. Waited upon Gen. Putinim 
who was packing up and just about setting otf for White Plains. Chatted 
with him a while, and then [tut ott for the Contl Feiry at the North 
Kiver. (Fishkill is eleven miles from Adriance's, and the terry six miles 
from Fishkill.) In our way to the Ferry we met President Hancock in 
a sulkey, escorted by one of his Secretaries and two or tliree other gen- 
tlemen, and one Light-horseman. This escort surprised us as it seemed 
inadequate to the purp ise either of defence or parade. Bnt oui" surprise 
was not of long contiiiviauce, for we had not rode far beft)re we met si.v 
or eight Light-hursenien tm the canter, and just as we reached the Ferry 
a boat arrived with many more. These with the Light-horsemen and 
the gentlemen before mentioned made up the escoitof Mr. President 
Hancock. — Wlio would not be a great man? I verily believe that the 
President, as lie passed through tlie Conntiy thus escorted, feels a more 
trinmpliant satisfactiun than the Col. of the Uneen's Regiment ot Light 
Dragi>ons allended by his whole army and an eSLort of a thousand 
Militia. We liad a pleasant time across the Ferry, and jiigged on to 
Major Dubois a Tavern about \) ov 10 miles from thence, where we put 
up fur the niglit. We were well entertained, had a good dish of tea, and 
a good beef-steak. We had neither ate nor drank before since we break- 
fasted. Dr. Cutter invited us to dine with him at Fislikill ; but it was 
not then dinner-time and we were anxious to pass Hudson and get on." 

" Travels in North America," by M. de Chastellu.K, may also be re- 
ferred to. 

t The date of the establishment of the post-office at Ward's Bridge 
has not been ascerUiined. Fiom an advertised list of letters it appears 
that John Mcliinslry was postmaster in 1793. 



TURNPIKES. 
With the opening of the present century came a 
new era in roads, — the construction of turnpikes, of 
which the Orange turnpike was the first (1800). The 
incorporators to the company were William Wickham, 
John Steward, James Everett, James Carpenter, 
Thomas Waters, James W. Wilkin, David M. West- 
cott, Anthony Dobbin, Jonathan Sweezy, John Wood, 
Solomon Smith, and .lohn Gale, Jr. Its capital stock 
was S6250, and its line ran " from the house of Moses 
Cunningham, in the town of Chee-scocks (Monroe), 
to the intersection of the roads leading from Stirling 
Iron-Works, near the house of Stephen Sloots," run- 
ning in the bed of the old road as far as circumstances 
permitted. By act of 1806 the capital was increased 
$46,750, and permission granted to the company to 
extend the road "southerly to the line of the State 
of New Jersey, on the route to the city of New 
York, and also to construct a new road from the 
northerly part of said turnpike-road to the intersec- 
tion of the Warwick road, near the village of Chester, 
on the route to the city of Albany," the entire two 
taking the name of the Orange turnpike. 

An undertaking of greater magnitude followed in 
1801, — the Newburgh and Cochecton turnpike. In 
reciting the history of this enterprise some traditional 
errors may be repeated, but in the main our glean- 
ings will be found substantially correct. At the time 
of its incorporation there had grown up in Newburgh 
a body of active and enterprising men, who, finding 
themselves in the possession of advantages which New 
Windsor did not enjoy, determined to make the best 
possible use of their opportunities. In this they were 
favored by circumstances in a remarkable degree. 
The ancient rivals of their town — Kingston and New 
Windsor — bad grown fat in trade, and became slug- 
gish and indiflferent, while they were fresh and ready 
for venture. In the western part of Ulster were large 
unoccupied sections of the Minisink and Harden- 
burgh Patents. In these lands John DeWitt, of Du- 
chess, became interested, and, after examining them 
with a view to their sale, resolved upon the expedient 
of opening them to market by means of a turnpike- 
road to tide-water. Failing to enlist the people of 
Kingston in his plans he came to Newburgh, where 
he met with that encouragement which induced him 
to remove his family thither and to embark in the 
undertaking, in which he was especially joined by 
j Johannes Miller, of Montgomery, who was also a 
large holder of lands in the new district. Under their 
eftbrts a company was organized aud application 
made to the Legislature for a charter, which was 
granted March 20, 1801, constituting Robert Bowne, 
John DeWitt, William Seymour, Levi Dodge, Johan- 
nes Miller, Hugh Walsh, George Clinton, Jr., Wil- 
liam W. Sackett, Jacob Powell, John McAuley, 
Charles Clinton, Samuel McCoun, George Gardner, 
and all such others as should associate for that pur- 
pose, a body corporate and politic by the name of 



112 



HISTOEY OF ORANGE COUMTY, NEW YORK. 



" The President, Directors, and Company of the New- 
burgh and Cochecton Turnjiike Road," with a capital 
limited to $80,000, and authority to construct a turn- 
pike-road "in the nearest, most convenient, and di- 
rect route from the village of Newburgh, on Hudson's 
River, to Cochecton, on tlie Delaware River." The 
stock was soon taken and the road constructed, run- 
ning a line of sixty miles, with substantial bridges, and 
all the appointments of a good road. Though for a 
time unprofitable to the holders of its stock, who were 
ready to sell at a loss of fifty per cent., though De- 
Witt lost his life in the work, and Miller became 
financially crippled, the road ultimately resulted in 
immense advantages to Newburgh and to the district 
which it opened. It may have been the outgrowth 
of a land speculation, but itgave population and legal 
being to the county of Sullivan (1809), as well as 
birth to other' undertakings of a similar character, 
which as justly deserve the title of internal improve- 
ments as the most substantial of modern railroad 
systems. 

The Cochecton turnpike was followed, in 1805, by an 
act incorporating " The President and Directors of the 
Newburgh and Chenango Turnpike Road Company." 
Its incorporators were Richard B. Church, Asa Sto- 
wel, Nathaniel Locke, David Cooper, Anson Carey, 
Elijah Stowel, and all such others as should be asso- 
ciated with them, who were authorized to issue stock 
to the amount of $162,000, and to construct a turnpike- 
road " from the village of Oxford, in the county of 
Chenango, and run by the most direct, jjracticable 
route to the Susquehanna River, at the place desig- 
nated by law for the Jerico toll-bridge; thence across 
the same to the road leading to the court-house ; 
thence to the west branch of Delaware River, at or 
near the house of Coenrad Edict, and from the oppo- 
site side of the said branch to the east branch of said 
river, and from the opposite side thereof by the most 
direct practicable route to intersect the Newburgh 
and Cochecton turnpike-road." The object of the 
projectors of this road, who were residents of Che- 
nango County, was to open to settlement the military 
tracts, and especially the " twenty township" tract, 
purchased for the State from the Indians in 17SS. 
We include it in this review as a part of the con- 
necting road of the Cochecton. 

And it may be noted here that the opening of the 
military tract to settlement was a matter in which 
there were many interested parties. As a reward for 
services in the Revolution, these lands had been given 
to officers and soldiers, to many of whom they were 
practically worthless, and who sold their locations for 
merely nominal sums. Gen. James Clinton, of New 
Windsor, was a large original holder, as well as a 
subsequent purchaser, as well also bis nephew, Sur- 
veyor-General Simeon DeWitt, and there were not a 
few Newburgh capitalists who had made simil.ar in- 
vestments. Clinton had had large experience in bring- 
ing lands into market in Orange and Ulster, and from 



that experience he had, long previous to the Che- 
nango extension, advocated a similar project. When 
the Cochecton road was nearly completed, he ob- 
tained a hearing from his Newburgh neighbors. His 
proposition embraced a road crossing Sullivan County 
to Oxford, Chenango Co., and thence westward, to be 
known as the " National Appian Way." In 1807, 
Newburgh sent John DeWitt, Francis Crawford, 
Samuel Sackett, and Daniel Stringham to explore 
the route, at least in part, and report upon its feasi- 
bility. After performing their tasks, the committee 
submitted a favorable report ;* but it was deemed 
that the county was then too weak to engage in a 
work of such magnitude, and its further prosecution 
was dropped, although by the Cochecton and its sub- 
sequent connections it was partially accomjjlished. 

Aroused from their indifference to progress, parties 
in Kingston determined if possible to counteract the 
enterprise of Newburgh, and to that end oljtained in- 
corporation for the " First Southwestern Turnpike 
Company." But scarcely was their undertaking under 
way when the "Ulster and Orange Branch Turnpike 
Company" was chartered (April 11, 1808), the act for 
the incorporation of which authorized Walter Bur- 
ling, Elnathan Sears, Henry Patmore, Jr., David Mil- 
liken, Elias Miller, Charles Johnston, John Crosby, 
Alexander Thompson, Jr., and their associates to 
build a turnpike-road from the Newburgh and Co- 
checton, in the town of Montgomery, to the " Great 
Southwestern," in Liberty, by the way of Newkirk's 
Mills, on the Shawangunk River, Roosa's Pass, and 
the falls of tlie Neversink. The capital was fixed at 
$80,000. With the " Great Southwestern" as the ob- 
jective-point, the "Newburgh and Sullivan Turnpike 
Company" followed in 1810, with a capital of $3o,000. 
James Rumsey, Cornelius Bruyu, Abraham Jansen, 
John D. Lawson, John McAuley, Moses Rosenkranse, 
Nicholas Hardenburgh, and Johannes T. Jansen, its 
incorporators, and their associates, were authorized to 
construct a turnpike " from the northern part of the vil- 
lage of Newburgh," on the most direct and convenient 
route, "through Rocky F'orestand New Hurley, cross- 
ing the Wallkill at or near Bryan's bridge, thence on 
either the southerly or northerly bounds of lot No. 2, 
granted to Gerardus Beekman, where the ground will 
admit, to the Hoag-bergh road ; thence to the Sha- 
wangunk Kill, crossing the same at or near Nicolas 



* " Erpemea of Appian Way. 
" Hugh Walsh, chairman of the Dieeting of the inhabitants of New- 
burgh in account with Joliu DeWitt, Fraueis Crawford, Samuel Sacket, 
anil Daniel Stringliain : 

" 18U7. June 24, to ani't uf our expenses for 

ourselves and hoi'ses £16 lOs. %d. 

To cash paid shoeing Sacket's horse 7 6 

To cash paid setting shoes, Mr. Crawford's 

horse 2 

To one State map 14 

To cash paid Uiram Weller for the use of his 

horse per. I. D. W. 15 days 6 

To cash paid Sacket 5 9 10 

£30 
1807. June 10, By cash received by Jacob 
Powell («7oJ £30 0" 



^1 



TURNPIKES. 



113 



Jansen's saw-mill ; thence on to Shawangunk Moun- 
tains, crossing the same at or near Sam's Point, or 
pass thence through Wawarsinlc, to a point at or near 
Neversink Falls." The expressed object of the com- 
pany was "to open a communication through the 
western country," but its true purpose was to tap the 
" Great Southwestern," which had been extended to 
Chenango Point, wliere a bridge was to be constructed. 

In 1809 an imi>ortant connection with the New- 
bnrgh and Cochecton turnpike was chartered under 
the name of "The President, Directors, and Com- 
pany of the Minisink and Montgomery Turnpike 
Road." Its incorporators were James Finch, Jr., 
Reuben Neely, Benjamin B. Newkirk, Benjamin 
Woodward, David G. Finch, Jacob Mills, Alsop Vail, 
Jr., Jacob Cuddeback, Richard Shinscr, and their 
associates, and its capital $35,000. The line of the 
road began "at the New Jersey State line, near the 
house of Benjamin Carpenter, in the town of Mini- 
sink," and from thence ran "across the Shawangunk 
Mountains to the house of David G. Finch, in the 
town of Deerpark ; from thence to or near the house 
of Benjamin Woodward, in the town of Wallkill, and 
thence on the most direct and eligible route to inter- 
sect the Newburgh and Cochecton turnpike-road west 
of the eastern line of Union Street, in the village of 
Montgomery." 

A northwestern branch or connection with this 
read was chartered in 1812, under the name of the 
" Mount Hope and Lumberland Turnpike Company." 
The capital of this company was $35,000, and its in- 
corporators were James Finch, Jr., Elisha Reeve, 
William A. Cuddeback, William Young, Jr., Rich- 
ard Penny, Charles Murray, Thomas Everson, and 
Lebius Godfrey. The line of the road began " on the 
Minisink and Montgomery turnpike, between the 
dwelling-house of Dr. Benjamin B. Newkirk and the 
store occupied by Benj. Dodge, in the town of Wall- 
kill," and ran thence across the " Shawangunk 
Mountains at the pass near Jonathan Sares', in the 
town of Deerpark ; thence to the Bu.sh Kill landing 
on the Neversink River, in the county of Sullivan; 
and thence to the Big Eddy, or Narrows, on the 
Delaware River, or to intersect the contemplated 
road from Big Eddy to Snooks' bridge over the Nev- 
ersink River." Mr. Quinlan states that George D. 
Wickham, of Goshen, who owned three-fourths of the 
land in the present town of Tusteu, was the father of 
this road, and himself and John Duer, of Goshen, 
Benjamin Woodward, Benjamin Dodge, and Benja- 
min B. Newkirk, of Mount Hope, and William A. 
Cuddeback and Abraham Cuddeback, of Deerpark, 
were its directors. Work was not commenced until 
after the war of 1812 had closed, when the road was 
completed as far as Narrowsburgh, and under an act 
of the Legislature of Pennsylvania was extended to 
Honesdale. Two years previous to its charter (1810) 
a charter was granted to the " Narrowsburgh Bridge 
Company," — Jeremiah Lillie, Jonathan Dexter, 



Chauncey Belknap, Thomas Belknap, Samuel F. 
Jones, William A. Thompson, William W. Sackett, 
Samuel Preston, and Francis Crawford, directors. 
The company was authorized to build a substantial 
bridge, twenty-five feet wide, "across the Delaware 
Rivfir at the Narrows, in the Big Eddy, in the county 
of Sullivan," and to collect tolls. It was the con- 
necting link between the Mount Hope and Honesdale 
roads, and although both have ceased to be turnpikes 
the bridge company and its bridge remain, the pres- 
ent structure having been erected in 1847. " These 
improvements," Mr. Quinlan adds, " were for the 
double purpose of providing an outlet for a territory 
of Sullivan rich in valuable timber, and to bring 
towards the Hudson the agricultural products of the 
• county between the Delaware and the Susquehanna, 
to be exchanged for merchandise." 

The construction of turnpikes was by no means 
confined to the Sullivan County lines. " The New 
Windsor and Blooming-Grove Company" was char- 
tered April 3, 1801, — capital $7500. Its incorporators 
were .lohn Chandler, Richard Goldsmith, William 
Adams, James Carpenter, William A. Thompson, 
Abraham Schultz, Hezekiah Howell, Johannes 
I Decker, Jonathan Brooks, Jr., Thomas A. Thompson, 
j Isaac Schultz, and John Gale, Jr. The line of the 
road was " from the village of New Windsor to the 
I intersection of the Goshen and Warwick road." In 
' 1809 the "Goshen and Minisink Turnpike Company" 
was chartered, — capital $20,000. Incorporators, Wil- 
1 liam Thompson, William Wickham, Reuben Hop- 
kins, George D. Wickham, Peter Gale, James Eldred, 
Increase B. Stoddard, and Benjamin Sawyer. The 
line of the road " began at the Delaware River, near 
the house of Benjamin Carpenter, in the town of 
Minisink, and ran from thence to or near the house 
of Increase B. Stoddard, and from thence on the most 
eligible route to the court-house in Goshen, intersect- 
ing the Wallkill River near the outlet bridge." June 
1, 1812, the company was authorized to extend the 
road from Goshen to the New Windsor and Bloom- 
ing-Grove turnpike. In 1816 the "Blooming-Grove 
and Gray Court Turnpike Company" was incorpo- 
' rated, — capital $60,000. Incorporators, Hector Craig, 
Samuel MofFatt, Selah Strong, John Brooks, and 
their associates. The road ran from the Blooming- 
Grove and New Windsor turnpike, " near the dwell- 
ing-house of Samuel Moffatt; thence to or near the 
Blooming-Grove church," etc., "keeping the track 
of the present road as nearly as may be convenient," 
to the dwelling-house of Joseph Brewster; thence 
to the grist-mill of Hector Craig, and thence to 
the Warwick road. In 1810 " the Warwick and 
Minisink Turnpike Company" was chartered, — cap- 
ital $22,500. Incorporators, John Hathorn, John 
Wheeler, Jacobus Post, Robert Farrier, Cornelius 
Lezear, Jeti'ry Wisner, John Wisner, Jr., Increase B. 
Stoddard, David Christie, Richard Whitaker, and 
their associates. The line began " between the 



114 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



twenty-ninth and thirtieth inile-stone" on tlif l)oiin(l- 
ary line of New York and New Jersey, and ran 
thence northwesterly through the village of Amity to 
the Pochuck bridge; thenee to the southerly margin 
of the Drowned Lands; an<l thence "on the most 
eligible and direct route to intersect the Goshen and 
Minisink turnpike-road on the east side of the Slia- 
wangunk Mountains, between the house of Increase 
B. Stoddard and the great bog-meadow, commonly 
called Green's bog-meadow." In 1812 the "Goshen 
and Westtown Turnpike Conqiany" was incor|)orated, 
— cajiital $1 7,50(1. Incorjiorators, Reuben Hopkins, 
Freegift Tuthill, Benjamin Strong, Stephen Jackson, 
James Carpenter, David M. Westcott, John G. Hur- 
tin, and their associates. The line began " at the line 
which divides tlie States of New York and New Jer- 
sey, between the fortieth and forty-first mile-stone," 
and extended thence to tlie village of M'csttown ; 
thence to Rutgers' Kill, near the mill of Jones & Van 
Cleft; thence to Pellet's round bill, near the edge of 
Wallkill ; and theuce on the most eligible route to 
intersect the Goshen and Minisink turnpike near the 
village of Goshen." It will readily be observed by 
those familiar with the lines described that the New 
Windsor and Blooming-Grove turnpike, through its 
connections, became a trunk line from Minisink to 
the Hudson, with intersecting branches traversing an 
extensive district in the wowtern ])art of the county. 

The " Newburgh and New Windsor Turn]nke Com- 
pany" was chartered April 2, 1806, — capital $5000. 
Charles Clinton, Daniel Stringham, John McAuley, 
George Monell, Hugh Walsh, Isaac Hasbrouck, Selah 
Reeve, Joseph Morrell, Abraham Shultz, Richard 
Trimble, Jonas Williams, John D. Nicoll, and Haniuel 
Lockwood were its incorporators. The road ran from 
the south side of Renwick Street, in the village of 
Newburgh, "along the margin of Hudson's River," 
to the village of New Windsor, with atoll-bridge over 
Qaussaick Creek. In 1801) the " New Windsor and 
Cornwall Turnpike Company" was chartered, — ca|)- 
ital $30,000. Its incorporators were Michael Smith, 
William A. Clark, William Jackson, Nathaniel Sands, 
Joseph Morrell, Zebulon Townsend, John Coffey, and 
those who should be associated with them. Its line 
ran " from the south end of the Newburgh and New 
Windsor turnjiike, in the village of New Windsor; 
thence crossing the Murderer's Creek at or near where 
the toll-bridge now stands ; thence through the village 
of Canterbury, near the bouse of Stephen Crissey ; 
thence through the town of Monroe, passing near the 
mills of ZebuloM Townsend, till it shall intersect the 
Orange turnpike-road at or near the house of Adam 
Belcher, in the said town of Monroe." For the con- 
nection which this road establisluMl reference can be 
made to the Orange turn])ike, (be (Joshen and Mon- 
roe turnpike, and the Monroe and Haverstraw turn- 
pike. 

In 1810 the "Newburgh and Plattekill Turnpike 
Company" was chartered, — capital $14,000. Jacob 



Powell, Daniel Smith, John Wells, Jonathan Bailey, 
Justus Cooley, and Henry Butterworth were its in- 
corporators. Its line ran north from Newburgh to 
Plattekill, in Ulster County, where it was connecteil 
with the New Paltz and Plattekill and the Marlbor- 
ough and Plattekill turnpikes, the main line through 
New Paltz extending to Kingston. 

In 1815 the "Snake Hill Turnpike t!ompany" was 
chartered, — capital $14,000. Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
William Taylor, Hiram Wheeler, Nathaniel DuMois, 
and Jonathan Hedges were its incorporators. Its line 
ran from the Cochecton turnpike to DuBois' grist- 
mill at West Newburgh, and thence along the foot of 
Muchattoes Hill to the New Windsor and Blooming- 
Grove turnpike. In 1819 its line was extended by 
the " Clove Turnpike Koad," — capital $3000; inccn-- 
porators, Nathaniel DuBois, Jacob Carpenter, Jona- 
than Hedges, and Jonathan Hasbrouck, — which ran 
from the point where the Snake Hill turnpike-road 
intersected the New Windsor and Blooming-Grove 
turnpike-road, and thence to the New Windsor and 
Cornwall turnpike-road at the foot of the mountain, 
near the house of Samuel Seaman. The entire line 
crossed every road from the west to the village of New 
Windsor. Its special object was to develop the lands 
of Nathaniel DuBois and Jonathan Hasbrouck, who 
were incori)orators in both companies. 

In 1800 the " Dunderlierg and Clove Turnpike 
Company"' was chartered, — capital $20,000. Incor- 
porators, Alexander McComb, William Bell, John 
Coffey, Thomas Donavan, liobert Lamoreux, and 
Zebulon Townsend. Its line began "at Joshua Cald- 
well's ferry, at the east point of the Dunderberg 
Mountains," and ran along the west side of Hudson's 
River to or near Doddletown ; from thence to 
Queensborough Furnace; and from thence northwest- 
erly to the road running through Smith's Clove at or 
near the house of Robert Lamoreux, in the town of 
Monroe. By subsequent legislation the company was 
authorized to extend the road " from the northwest 
end thereof to the stage road leading from Albany to 
the city of New York, to intersect the said stage road 
at or near the dwelling-house of John Smith, in the 
town of Monroe." 

The "Fort Montgomery Turnpike Company" was 
chartered April 9, 1814. Its incorporatin's were 
Nathan Smith, Benjamin Roosa, Sclah Smith, Robert 
Davenport, David Havens, and James Davis. Its 
capital was $10,000, and its road began "at or near 
Fort Montgomery, and near the landing" then "occu- 
pied by Nathan and Selah Smith," and ran from 
thence northwesterly "to the Fore.st of Dean mire- 
hole; thence southwesterly to the Dunderberg and 
Clove tuinidkc, near or at the hou.se of Isaac Hollet, 
in the town of Monroe." 

In 1810 the " Bellvale and Monroe Turnpike Com- 
pany" was chartered, — capital $9000. Incorporators, 
William Noble, Isaac Vander Zer, Joel Wheeler, 
Stephen Bartholf, and associates. The line of the 



I 
I 



TURNPIKES. 



115 



road began " at or near Bellvale mills, in the town of 
Warwick, and from thence on the most eligible route 
to the Orange turnpike, to intersect the same at or 
near tlie dwelling-house of Benjamin Bennett, in the 
town of Monroe." 

In 1812 the " Merritt's Island Turnpike Company" 
was incorporated, — capital $10,000. Incorporators, 
John Wheeler, William Thompson, Joshua Sayre, 
George D. Wickham, Michael A. Jones, Robert 
Ferrier, Moses Wisner, and those who should be asso- 
ciated with them. The line of the road began "on 
the east side of the Drowned Lands, in the town of 
Warwick," and ran from thence to Pine Island ; 
thence to Pochuck Creek, near the house of Moses 
Wisner; thence to Merritt's Island ; and thence across 
the Wallkill to the mainland on the west side of the 
Drowned Lands, in lot No. 4 in the first division of 
the Drowned Lands. 

April 9, 1813, the "Great Island Turnpike Com- 
pany" was chartered. Its capital stock was .i!l5,000. 
Incorporators, Reuben Hopkins, Gideon Jennings, 
Daniel Millspaugh, Archibald Owen, and Nathaniel 
Wheeler. The line of the road began " on the road 
leading from the Goshen court-house to Florida, at or 
near the place where the south line of the Goshen 
town-lots cross the same, and ran " from thence across 
the Little an<l Great Islands, and from thence to the 
line of the State of New Jersey, to intersect the same 
between the thirty-fourth and tliirty-cighth mile- 
stone." 

In 1818 the "White Oak Island Turnpike Com- 
pany" was chartered, — capital $5000. Its incorpo- 
ratfirs were Samuel S. Seward,' Jesse Jayne, Thomas 
Sweezy, Samuel Tuthill, John Curtice, James Vail, 
John W. Vanderolf, Robert Carr, William A. Smith, 
and Horace Dibble. Its line began " at or 'near the 
church in the village of Florida," and ran from thence 
to the northwest point of Round Hill, and from thence 
to the Great and Merritt's Islands turnpike, on White 
Oak Island. The "Gardner's Island Turnpike Com- 
pany" was chartered the same year, — capital $1.5,000. 
Incorporators, William Thompson, John Bradner, 
Jesse Woods, Roger Howell, and George D. Wickham. 
The line of the road began "at or near the intersec- 
tion of the Merritt's Island and Great Island turn- 
pike on Pine Island," and ran from "thence across the 
Drowned Lands and Pochuck Kill to Gardner's 
Island, and from thence across the Drowned Lands, 
by or near the house of Jesse Woods, to the Jersey 
line." 

In 1823 and '24 two additional connections were 
made with the Orange turnpike. First, the " Goshen 
and Monroe Turnpike Company," chartered in 1823, — 
capital $7000. Its incorporators were Roger Par- 
mele, John Wallace, Thomas G. Evans, Lewis H. 
Roe, Nathaniel Roe, Cornelius Board, and those who 
should associate with them. The line of the road 
began " at the court-house in Goshen," and ran thence 
to Chester; thence to the "Orange turnpike between 



the first and second mile-stones." The second, "The 
Monroe and Haverstraw Turnpike Company," was 
incorporated in 1824, capital not stated. Its incorpo- 
rators were Roger Parniele, Joseph Blackwell, Henry 
McFarland, George Kyle, Robert Parkinson, Samp- 
son Marks, Abraham Gurnee, Abraham Goetchius, 
George Wyant, ^Matthew Benson, Walter Brewster, 
Samuel Brewster, Samuel Goetchius, Samuel Smith, 
John Suft'ern, Edward D. Noyelles, Lawrence D. 
Noyelles, John F. Smith, Adam Dater, .lacob Marks, 
Elias Gurnee, John B. Secor, John Rose, Jacob Odell, 
Harraan Felter, " and their heirs and assigns." The 
road ran from the Orange turnpike, " near Parmele's 
slitting-mill," to the " creek landing on Hudson's 
River, in the town of Haverstraw." 

The list of turnpikes is completed with the " Otis- 
ville Turnpike Company," which was chartered Feb. 
19, 1828. The capital of this company was $6000. 
Its incorporators were Stacey Beakes, Isaac Otis, Levi 
Wcstbrook, and Abner P. Gillet. The line of the road 
began " at or near the dwelling-house of Isaac Otis, 
in the town of Calhoun" (MountHope),and ran thence 
" along the centre of the old road to the dwelling of 
said Isaac Otis, and from thence to Westbrook's basin 
on the Hudson and Delaware Canal, in the county of 
Sullivan." 

From this enumeration it will be seen that during 
the first quarter of the present century, and principally 
within its first decade, the people of the county in- 
vested not less than half a million of dollars in the 
construction of turnpikes. Viewed from the stand- 
jioint of the present, the sum was not large ; but con- 
sidered in connection with the condition of the people 
and the value of money at the time when the expen- 
diture was made, when the population, ranging from 
thirty thousand to forty thousand, had scarcely 
emerged from the poverty entailed by the Revolu- 
tion, and when they were suffering from the embarass- 
ments of the embargo and the war of 1S12, it assumes 
a different aspect, and clearly establishes the extent 
of the traffic which demanded the outlay and the 
energy with which it was undertaken and consum- 
mated. As already remarked, the results of the 
system were largely to the advantage of Newburgh, 
changing, as it did, the commercial centre from New 
Windsor, and establishing at Newburgh extensive 
connection with western New York. In 1819 the 
trade of Newburgh had reached Canandaigua by turn- 
pikes, over which passed stage-coaches conveying 
])assengers, and freight wagons laden with goods. 
During the summer of that year a company was or- 
ganized for the construction of a steamer on Cayuga 
Lake, with a view to extend the route southward to 
Ithaca. The first meeting of the stockholders of this 
company was held at Ithaca, December 20th, when 
David Woodcock, Oliver Phelps, James Pompelly, Jo- 
seph Benjamin, and Lewis Tooker were chosen direc- 
tors, who aj^pointed David Woodcock, president, 
Charles W. Conner, treasurer, Charles Humphrey, sec- 



IIH 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



retary, and Oliver Plielps, agent. The people of New- 
burgh were asked to contribute thesum otone thousand 
dollars to the enterprise. Nineteen hundred dollars, 
however, were immediately subscribed and paid; and 
in 1820 the first steamer on Cayuga Lake |)lied in 
connection with stage lines from Newburgh, "per- 
forming the route to Ithaca in two days." In 1834 
the line was extended to Geneva and Buffalo, and the 
entire route from New York via Newburgh to Buf- 
falo was performed in sixty-five hours, " the shortest 
and most expeditious route from the Hudson River to 
the western country."* 

This western commerce was materially impaired by 
the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, while that 
which was less remote was similarly ati'ected by the 
Delaware and Hudson Canal in 1828. The latter, 
extending from Rondout to Port Jervis, and from 
thence to Honesdale, crossed the track of all the turn- 
pike connections with Sullivan County west of the 
Shawangunk Mountains, and was fatal to several of 
them. The statement made by Mr. Quinlan — " the 
territory that this road would have accommodated 
would have supported the turnpike had it not been 
for the construction of the Delaware and Hudson 
Canal" — has a more general application than to the 
Mount Hope and Lumberland road. In common with 
other residents in the southern tier of counties, the 
people of Orange felt that injustice had been done to 
them in the construction of the Erie Canal, and were 
ready to ask the State for aid to counteract the in- 
jurious results of that enterprise which they were ex- 
periencing. At this juncture McAdam had satisfac- 
torily demonstrated to many that a stone road was 
superior to all others, and it was urged that the State 
should build one from Buffalo to the Hudson. The 
proposition was favorably considered by the Legis- 
lature, and commissioners were appointed to survey 
the different routes. Perhaps the road would have 
been built could there have been a satisfactory termi- 
nus on the Hudson selected, but Catskill, Pougli- 
keepsie, and Newburgh labored to secure it.t The 
commissioners reported in favor of Catskill, and the 
remainder of the story is soon told: the bill author- 
izing the building of the road was defeated in the 
Legislature in March, 1826. But the seed planted 

* The following items arc from "Williaine' Annual Register" for 
1834: 

'* Stage Lines. — Newburgh and Geneva mail stage, nia Binglianiton, 
Owego, ami Ithaca, leaves Newburgh daily at 2 oV-louk A.M. (after ar- 
rival of night boats frura New York and Albany). Newlmrgh and 
Qoslien stage daily at 9 a.m. 

^' Distances from Netchuryh to Ithncn, Genevtiy and Bvjfalo. 

Mojitrose 20 110 

New York State Line 23 l:i3 



Montgomery 12 

Bluomiugbnrgh 12 24 

Rome 3 27 

Monticello 1» 40 

OiehfCton 20 HO 

Mount Ph'a.sant 2.i 83 

Tuuchannotk 7 90 



Owego K 141 

Itha.a 29 170 

GiMieva 46 195 

BuHalo loij 301 

Portland on Lake Erie 60 361 



by Gen. Clinton in his grand "Appian Way," and 
partially brought to fruit in tlie Newburgh and Co- 
checton turnpike and its western connections, had 
not been seconded by McAdam with utterly barren 
results, — it made the construction of the Erie Railroad 
possible. 

But while commercial relations with the west were 
impaired by the Erie and Delaware Canals, the terri- 
tory unaffected by those avenues had received in- 
creased development through the turnpikes which 
had been constructed, and poured its abundant har- 
vests upon the Hudson River entrepots. The trade of 
Cornwall and New WindsorJ was large, while that of 
Newburgh was unprecedented in its previous history. 
The years 1835, 1836, and 1837 were especially 
marked by substantial business activity, as well as by 
that which formed a part of the unsubstantial ven- 
tures of the times. Speaking of this period, the Rev. 
James R. Willson, in an address delivered before the 
Newburgh Literary Association, remarked, "The 
average arrivals and departures daily, estimated to- 
gether, cannot fall much short of three hundred, or 
eighty-four thousand in one season. The sections of 
country in the interior, occupied by these travelers, 
are generally connected with this village by some 
commercial ligament. Great numbers of these trans- 
act much business here. From late estimates of the 
daily amount of exports from Newburgh, it would 
seem that in one season they cannot fall much below 
four and one-half millions of dollars." But this 
flood-tide of fortune was practically the close of the 
old era of trade and commerce, an era which now 
lives only in traditions of turnpike travel, and of long 
caravans of farmers' wagons — the .lersey wagons, 
the Pennsylvania wagons, the county wagons, and 
the Ulster and Sullivan County wagons — laden with 
produce for market, or returning with merchandise, 
many of which stopped short at Goshen when the 
Erie road reached that village in 1841, and gave to it 
a temporary activity, and which, as a peculiar feature 
of that era, few persons now living remember as a re- 
ality with which they were familiar, but which many 
do as the source of the wealth which they have in- 
herited. 

INTERNAL IMPROVE.MENTS. 

It is not our [lurpose to discuss the question of the 
origin of the system of internal improvements in the 
State, or to attach to any one jierson the honor due to 
many in their development. They were eminently 
the outgrowth of what may be termed natural causes. 

X Practically the commerce of New Windsor entered upon its decay at 
the opening of the century, and continued witli decreasing volume until 
it closed. Tlie census gives the following compaiative figures : 

Aeip Windsor. 

Population, 1782 1,132 

1790 1,819 



f David Riiggles. Selah Reeve, Jonathan Fisk, Ward M. Gazlay, and 
Thomas Phillips, .Jr., wel'e appointed a committee to take chai-ge ot the 
interests of Newburgh in the nuitter, at a public meeting in January, 
1826. 



Neichurgk. 

Population, 1782 1,487 

1790 2,365 

ISOll 3,2.'i8 

1810 4.li27 

" 1820 5,812 

" 1865 12,773 

1875 (city) 17,322 

" 1875 (town) 3,538 



1800 2.001 

1810 2,331 

1820 2,425 

1855 2,6.65 

1875 2,465 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



117 



Going back to the colonial era, we find tlie province 
peculiarly fortunate in its natural system of water- 
communication. Then, to the iiortli, at tlie head of 
boat-navigation, the Hudson was connected by an 
easy portage with Lakes George and Champlain, and 
through them with the St. Lawrence, the great river 
of the Canadas ; whilst to the west the Mohawk, 
the principal affluent of the Hudson, gave easy access, 
scarcely interrupted by a lew short portages, to the 
basin of the great lakes and to the magnificent river 
system of the Mississippi. Like many of our old 
roads, these water-routes had been followed by the 
Indians in their canoes for ages. Iinjiortant beyond 
present appreciation for the purposes of either com- 
merce or of war during the colonial era, their improve- 
ment became a matter of earnest thought before the 
war of the Revolution came on, nor was it lost sight 
of during that eventful period, for we find Governor 
Clinton, in 1780, inviting Washington to a survey, and 
the latter accompanying him to Albany and Saratoga, 
that he might, from personal inspection, be able to 
contribute practical suggestions. In 1792 we have 
the report of a committee appointed by the directors 
of the " Western Iidand Lock-Navigation Company" 
to examine the Mohawk River from Schenectady to 
Fort Schuyler, who found that tlie uninterrupted lock- 
navigation could be secured by an expenditure of one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In 1800, Gover- 
neur Morris suggested a direct canal from Lake Erie 
to the Hudson, through the centre of the State. His 
plan was to tap the lakes and have a continuous slope 
therefrom to the highlands bordering the Hudson, and 
a series of locks thence to the river. The subject was 
discussed until in 1808, James Geddes was appointed 
to survey a canal route. His report excited general 
attention, and .secured the ready apjiroval of DeWitt 
Clinton, who, through his connection with his uncle, 
Governor George Clinton, and his conversations with 
his father, James Clinton, was already thoroughly in- 
doctrinated with the object the accomplishment of 
which was sought. In 1810 commissioners, of whom 
DeWitt Clinton was the head, were appointed to ex- 
plore a canal route through the centre of the State. 
The commissioners reported in 1811, and presented 
the importance of the improvement so forcibly that 
they were continued and authorized to borrow and 
deposit money and take cessions of land. During the 
war of 1812 the project was held in abeyance, but in 
1811) a definite survey was authorized, and on the 4th 
of July, 1817, the work of construction was begun at i 
Rome. On the 26th of October, 1825, DeWitt Clin- [ 
ton, then Governor, and who for fifteen years had de- 
voted the best efforts of his life to the accomplishment | 
of the work, entered the canal on his packet-boat at 
Buffalo, and arrived at New York on the 4th of No- 
vember, his coming heralded by signal cannon and 
blazing beacon-fires. But great as was the work which 
had then been accomplished, it was found crude and 
imperfect, and improvement after improvement has 



been added to it, until, with its connections, its orig- 
inal cost has been multiplied many times, but can 
never exceed the great fund of wealth and develop- 
ment which it has given to the State. 

No doubt there were many men who regarded the 
construction of the Erie Canal as a visionary project ; 
and we are not sure that had we been living at that 
time we might not have been one of the number, and 
still less are we sure that we might not have regarded 
the project of Maurice Wurtz — who proposed to tap 
the coal-fields of Pennsylvania with railroad and canal 
and place a hundred thousand tons of anthracite coal 
on the New York market annually, at a time when 
six thousand tons would glut all the cities on the 
Atlantic coast^ — as a monomaniac; yet Maurice Wurtz, 
with the aid of his brother William, and some people 
who are now regarded as eminently sensible and far- 
seeing, accomplished the task whereunto he was called. 
Directly touching the county of (grange, the Dela- 
ware and Hudson Canal was the first of the system 
of improvements which now intersect and bisect it in 
almost all directions — the trunk lines of railroads and 
their connecting branches, which have revolutionized 
its commercial avenues and placed it in the first rank 
of wealth and development. After many fruitless 
surveys to find a practical route to the Hudson, being 
debarred from Newburgh by the Shawangunk Moun- 
tains, the old Indian trail (the Mine road route) was 
adopted. The company was incorporated April 23, 
1823, with a capital of *1,500,000, with the right to 
use $50,000 in banking until 1844, and the credit of 
the State was loaned for $800,000 in stock. The canal 
was begun in July, 1825, and opened for use in Octo- 
ber, 1828. Its length from Rondout to Port Jervis is 
fifty-nine miles ; from Port Jervis to the Lakawaxen, 
twenty-four miles ; from Lakawaxen to Honesdale, 
twenty-six miles ; thence by sixteen miles of railroads 
to the coal-fields. The original cost of the New York 
section was 11,424,994, and of the Pennsylvania sec- 
tion (under charter from Pennsylvania), $612,123. 
The first locomotive engine in America was imported 
from England, and used on the road from Honesdale. 
The canal runs through the town of Deerpark, from 
Port Jervis at the south, on the Delaware, to Cudde- 
backville, and on to the line of the town on the north, 
and adds $300,000 to its real estate valuation. 

With a view to counteract the detrimental effect of 
the opening of the Delaware Canal, the people of 
Newburgh, in 1820, united in the organization of a 
company for the construction of a railroad to connect 
with the coal-fields of Pennsylvania, and on the 30th 
of April, 1830, the Legislature pa-ssed an act consti- 
tuting and appointing David Crawford, Christopher 
Reeve, John P. DeWint, Thomas Powell, Joshua 
Conger, Charles Borland, William Walsh, John 
Forsyth, and their associates, "a boily corporate and 
politic by the name of the Hudson and Delaware 
Railroad Company," for the purpose of constructing 
a single or double railroad or way from any part of 



118 



HTSTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the village of Newburgh, through the county of Orange, 
to the Delaware River. The ca]iital of the company 
was fixed at §500,000, with power to increase the same 
to $1,000,000, if necessary; and David Crawford, 
Charles Borland, Peter Cuddeback, Thomas Powell, 
J. P. DeWint, Joseph Kernochan, Peter H. Schenck, 
and John W. Knevels were appointed commissioners 
to open subscriptions. This act, however, became 
void, no eft'ort having been made to build the road 
" within three years" after the time of its passage. 

Meanwhile, the present New York, Lake Erie and 
Western Railroad was struggling into being. As 
already intimated, this project was the outgrowth of 
Gen. Clinton's " Appian Way" and McAdam's stone 
road ; but it may be added that the Baltimore experi- 
ment of 1829, of cars furnished with masts and sails 
and propelled by wind, had not a little to do in finally 
cradling it. Aroused by a pamphlet issued at that 
time, in which the writer, advocating an "Atlantic 
and Mississippi Railway," running at least partially 
on the present line of the Erie, a convention of dele- 
gates from all the southern coinities of the State, ex- 
cept Orange and Rockland, was held at Owego, on the 
20th of December, 1831, at which it was resolved to 
apply to the Legislature for a charter for a railroad 
from Lake Erie to the Hudson. We say a railroad, 
but not in the sense that the term is now understood, 
for the proposition was to make a road suitable for the 
use of horses, so that the inhabitants who lived along 
the route could employ their own cars and motive- 
power. "Animal power," said the manager, "may 
be considered the natural power of the country ; and 
on long routes, where great inequalities in the amount 
of transport and travel will occur, where the com- 
modities to be conveyed, instead of jiresenting a reg- 
ular supply, will probably amount to many times as 
much some months as others, the use of horses may 
be expected, for a time at least, to be practically 
cheaper than steam." A road for locomotives, it was 
agreed, would cost from twelve thousand to fourteen 
thousand dollars per mile, while one for animals could 
be made for five thousand or six thousand dollars, and 
on the latter the company would be at no expense for 
engine.s, carriages, etc. To carry out this magnificent 
plan one million of dollars was all that was asked. 
Books of subscription were opened July 9, 183.3, and 
the amount subscribed. Unfortunately, however, a 
large part of the stock was taken by one William G. 
Buckner, who, on the last day and at the last moment, 
took all that was not secured by others. A year 
passed, during which the company did not i-eceive 
enough from its stockholders and others to make ne- 
cessary .surveys. In 1834 the Legislature was ap- 
pealed to to grant fifteen thousand dollars to enable 
Benjamin Wright and his subordinates to examine 
the route. The amount asked was granted, and the 
survey made, but it failed to give vitality to the pro- 
ject. In 1835 the Legislature was petitioned to ena- 
ble the State to become a stockholder. 



It was at this point in the history of the road that, 
on the ■30th of November, 1835, a meeting of the citi- 
zens of Newburgh was held at the Orange Hotel (pur- 
•suant to a call signed by David Ruggles, John For- 
syth, Nathaniel DuBois, Charles H. Bellows, Oliver 
Davis, and David Crawford ), of which Gilbert O. 
Fowler was chosen president, Nathaniel DuBois, vice- 
president, and John W. Knevels, secretary. The sub- 
jects discussed at this meeting were mainly these 
two, viz. : What course should be pur.-)Ued in refer- 
ence to an application to the Legislature for a sub- 
scription on the part of the State to the New York 
and Erie Railroad Company; and, the feasibility of 
uniting the Hudson and Delaware road with that of 
the New York and Erie. The meeting 

'* H&toh^ed, Thnt we will unite in tlie application to tlie Legislature for 
a suliscription on the part of the State to the stock of the New York and 
Erie Railroad Compauy. That we will also juin in a petition to the Leg- 
islature for the grant of a chai ter upon liheral terms incorporating a 
company to construct a railway from this village to the Delaware Kiver, 
and that we will hear our proportion according to our several means in 
suhBcription to the stock. 

" Heaolaed, That a committee of five pei'sons be appointed to coniniu- 
niCHte with the directors of the New York and Erie Railroad Company, 
and present to them a proposition (as detailed to the meeting) for uniting 
tlie efforts of the inhabitants of this vicinity with that company iu the 
successful prosecution of the project for constructing a railroad from Lake 
Erie to the Hudson River." 

On this committee the following persons were 
placed, viz.: John W. Knevels, Nathaniel DuBois, 
Oliver Davis, and G. O. Fowler. The following reso- 
lution was unanimously concurred in, viz. : 

" RemU'ed, That a committee be appointed whose duty it shall be to 
give the required legal notice in the puplic newspapers of our intention 
to apply for an act of incorporation for the construction of a railway 
from the village of Newburgh to the Delaware River; to prepare and 
circulate petitions to the Legislature in behalf of this application ; to 
draft the act of incorporation, and report their proceedings to the meet- 
ing at the time to which it shall stand adjourned." 

The following persons were appointed upon the last- 
mentioned committee, viz. : John W. Knevels, Abra- 
ham M. Smith, John Forsyth, John Thayer, Benja- 
min H. Mace. 

Now began the struggle to secure the eastern ter- 
minus of the Erie at Newburgh ; and the interests of 
the Delaware road, as a distinct project, awaited the 
issue. We cannot now intelligently review, perhaps, 
the discussions involved in the proposition ; nor is it 
necessary in view of the experiences of the Erie, 
which soon demonstrated that neither Newburgh nor 
, Piermont was the proper outlet for the road, and that 
j the line over the Oxford grade should never have 
i been adopted. Practically, the discussion assumed 
this phase, viz.: the route to Newburgh cut ofl' Goshen 
from the main line; to run through Goshen made the 
Piermont outlet a necessity. The adoption of the 
Piermont outlet settled the controversy, and was at 
that time, perhaps, the wisest course that could have 
been pursued, a.s it at least gave the nearest connec- 
tion with New York City without passing out of the 
State, and made the present connections through New 
Jersey more iiumediately possible. In the course of 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



119 



time, tlie line through Goshen, the Oxford grade, and 
the Shawiingunk Mountains will share the fate of 
Piermout. 

When it became known that those who were most 
attive in the Erie Company had decided in favor of 
the Piermont route, the citizens of Newburgh again 
took up the Delaware project, aud on the 21st of April, 
183G, the Legislature passed an act "to renew aud 
amend'' the original charter. B}' this act " David 
Crawford, Christopher Keeve, Oliver Davis, John For- 
syth, Thomas Powell, Joshua Conger, David Ruggles, 
Benjamin Carpenter, and their associates" were consti- 
tuted a body politic and corporate, by the name of " The 
Hudson and Delaware Railroad Company," for the 
purpose of constructing a road " commencing in the 
north part of the village of Newburgh, and running 
from thence along the Hudson River in front of said 
village as far a-s the trustees of the said village" 
should determine, and thence to the Delaware River. 
The capital stock of the company was fixed at 
$500,000, and Gilbert O. Fowler, Charles Borland, 
John Forsyth, Thomas Powell, Benjamin H. Mace, 
John P. DeWint, Abraham M. Smith, James G, Clin- 
ton, and John W. Knevels were appointed commis- 
sioners to open subscriptions. 

On the 15th of June, 183G, the first election for di- 
rectors under the amended act was held at the Or- 
ange Hotel, when Thomas Powell, John Forsyth, Da- 
vid Crawford, Benjamin Carpenter, John P. DeWint, 
John Ledyard, Christopher Reeve, Gilbert O. Fowler, 
James G. Clinton, Nathaniel DuBois, Samuel G. Sne- 
den, David W. Bate, and Oliver Davis were chosen. 
At a subsequent meeting of the directors Thomas 
Powell was elected president; David W. Bate, vice- 
president ; John Ledyard, treasurer ; and James G. 
Clinton, secretary. 

A survey of the route was made soon after by John 
B. Sargeant, who reported tlie length of the jirojiosed 
road as thirty-eight miles, aud the cost as ten thou- 
sand dollars per mile. Stock to a sufficient amount 
having been subscribed, steps were taken to grade the 
section between Washingtonville and the Quassaick 
Creek. Ground was broken on the 3d of November, 
183(5, with appropriate ceremonies, and the auspicious 
event was celebrated by a general illumination of the 
village. In response to a petition on the part of the 
citizens interested in the road, the Legislature, in the 
early part of the session of 1837, passed an act ena- 
bling the trustees of the village to purchase at par 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of the 
stock. The subscription was made in accordance 
with the provisions of the act; and on the 10th of 
January, 1838, the trustees paid their first and last 
installment of ten thousand dollars. 

The financial reverses of 1837 prostrated the enter- 
prise ; and although a considerable portion of the 
section placed under contract in August. 1836, was 
graded, the work was not continued. However, in 
1840, the Erie Company having asked the aid of the 



State, the whole influence of the citizens of Newburgh 
was exerted to compel that company, as a condition 
of aid, to construct a branch road to Newburgh.* 
The effort was unsuccessful ; the Erie Company re- 
ceived a loan of tlie credit of the State to the amount 
of three million dollars. The embarrassment of the 
Erie Company culminated in 1842, and its affairs 
were placed in the hands of assignees. In 1845, the 
company having again applied to the Legislature for 
aid, the citizens of Newburgh again, and this time 
with success, pressed the proposition for a branch 
road. Their efforts led to a conference with the Erie 
Company, which resulted in the submission of bills to 
the Legislature, — the first releasing the comi)any from 
the payment of the three million dollars loan, on con- 
dition that a bona-Jide subscription to that amount 
should be secured within eighteen months ; the second, 
requiring the company to construct a branch to New- 
burgh within six years after the passage of the act. 
To more certainly secure the latter, a written agree- 
ment was made, on the 19th of March, lietween the 
directors of the Hudson and Delaware Company and 
the directors of the Erie Company, by which the for- 
mer conveyed to the latter " all the grants, lands, im- 
munities, franchises, improvements, rights, privileges, 
maps and charts, and all of the real aud personal es- 
tate of every kind whatsoever belonging" to that com- 
pany under and by virtue of its charter, in consid- 
eration of the sum of not less than forty thousand 
dollars ; the Erie Comi)any agreeing as a further 
consideration that on the passage of the bill, then 
before the Legislature, authorizing the company 
to construct a Branch Road to Newburgh, and also the 
bill releasing the company from the payment of the 
three millions loaned to it by the State, that then, 
upon the bona-Jide subscription of tlie Hudson and 
Delaware Company of one hundred thousand dollars 
to the capital stock of the Erie Company, the latter 
would construct the branch to Newburgh and issue to 
the Hudson and Delaware Company stock to the 
amount of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. 
On the payment of twenty-five per cent, of the sub- 
scription of one hundred thousand dollars, " the same, 
together with a sum equal to twice that amount," to be 
furnished by the Erie Company, was to be " actually 
expended" upon the branch " simultaneously with 
and as rapidly" as that company should progress 

* At a meeting of the citizens of Newbvirgii, held March 4, 1840, — 
Moses H. Belknap, president, and Solomon TutluU, clerk, — it was 

*^ResoUeil, That if the Legislature shall grant further aid to the New 
York aud Erie Railroad Company by any former or future law, to be 
passed for that purpose, in such case the expenditure thereof shall be 
made under the more immediate supervision of the State; and upou the 
middle and western sections of said road, where tlie same would connect 
with works already constructed, such as the Delaware and Hudson, the 
Chenango and Cliemung Canals, and the Ithaca and Owego Uailroad, 
and yield an immediate profit, which cannot be eflected by constiucting 
the eastern end of said road in the fii-st place, as is now being done. 

" Resolved, That no such further aid be granted, unless it be ,lccompa- 
nied by legislative provision for the construction of a branch of said 
road terminating at Newburgh," 



120 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



with its main line ; and tliis ratio of payments and 
expenditures was to continue until three hundred 
thousand dollars was expended. In case that sum 
did not complete the branch, then further subscrip- 
tions, by the Hudson and Delaware Company, if 
made, should " be immediately applied to the con- 
struction of said branch and the putting of the same 
in operation." The interests of the roads being thus 
harmonized, the bills referred to were passed by the 
Legislature on the 14th of May following. The stock 
subscription required from the Hudson and Delaware 
Company under the agreement was soon raised, and 
fifteen thousand dollars in addition, — in all, one hun- 
dred and fifteen thousand dollars. The following are 
the names of the subscribers, and the number of 
shares taken by each, as nearly as can be ascertained : 

shares. 

Atwood, Williiiu) 1 

Agliew, William 25 

Ban-lay, Pavid H 5 

Belknap, A. & M. H 5 

Betts, Fre'lerick J 20 



Belknai', Aaron 10 

Beveridgf, J. & Co 100 

Breiiiian, Patrick [> 

Bennett, Hiram 10 

Bri.«n, John W 5 

BnckiiiKhani, B. F 2 

Buchanan, H. P 2 

Bonton, Lewis S 5 

Barker, Jolin 3 

Chandlers, James 15 

Chandlers, John 5 

Cal.ver, Daniel K 2 

Crawford, David 50 

Crawford. Mailler 4 Co 60 

Cleary, William 'S 

Coriiwell, Geoi-ge 5 

Corwin, Halsey & Co 8 

Clnpston, John 3 

DeWint, John P.. 
lleOroff. James.. 



100 
3 

DnBois. Nathaniel 20 

Falls, Hiram 3 

Karriiigton, Daniel 20 

Felter, Theron. 2 

Fonler, Jacoh V. B 5 

Fowler, M.V. B 5 

Gardner. .Silas D 2 

Gerard. Franklin 3 

Gowdey, James 1 

Gorham, John R 3 

Hashi'uuck, Wm. C 5 

Harris, .lohn 10 

Halsey, Walter 10 



Shares. 

Haabrouck, Eli 5 

Halstead & Co 5 

Hathaway,' Odell S 10 

Hawkins, Wni. H 1 

Horton 4 McCanjly 10 

Johnes, Edward R 10 

Kemp, Robert D. 3 

Kernochan, Joseph 50 

Lander, Tohias D •> 

Little, John 2 

Little. Thomas 2 

Mecklem, George 5 

Miller, C. B 15 

Slonell, John J 5 

Moffat, D. H 5 

^'iven, T. M 10 

Nicoll,Wm. C 1 

Oakley, Isaac K 4 

Powel'l, Thos. & Co 2.50 

Purdy, Henry L 2 

Robinson, t'apl. Henry 50 

Stanton 4 Clark 3 

Sneed. George 3 

.*^pier & Wilson 2 

Smith, Corns. C 10 

Smith, Wm. P. C 5 

Smith 4 Bo<ith 5 

Smith, Orville M 3 

Storm, Garret 60 

Tyler, Benjamin 10 

Van Nort, Benj. W 10 

Weed, Harvey 50 

Williams, Samuel 3 

Walsh. Henrv 5 

Zaiiriskie, A. G 3 

Wiley, John 5 

Wanuh, James S 2 

Whited, J. J. & Co 3 



On the fulfillment of this stock .subscription by the 
citizens of Newburgh, it was their prerogative to be 
represented in the board of the Erie Company by a 
local director, and Homer Eamsdell was accordingly 
nominated by the subscribers, and elected as buch di- 
rector in the summer of 1845. The first contracts 
made by the Erie Company upon its reorganization 
under the amended act of 1845 were those for con- 
structing the Newburgh branch and that part of the 
main line between Middletown and Otisville. The 
work was carried forward under the agreement until 
in 1847, when, by reason of enormous expenditures 
upon the main line between Otisville and Bingham- 
ton, and when only about one hundred and fifteen 
thousand dollars (the amount subscribed at New- 
burgh) had been expended upon the branch, the Erie 
Company was so pressed for money that a suspension 
of the work upon the branch was deemed imperative. 
To prevent this and to bridge over the necessities of 
the hour, the Newburgh director agreed to negotiate 



the acceptances of the company for each successive 
monthly estimate until January, 1849, at which time 
all were to mature. During this time the further sum 
of one huiidred and thirty thousand dollars was ex- 
pended upon the branch. 

The opening of the main line of the Erie to Bing- 
hamton, on the 27th of December, 1848, was attended 
by a cost far exceeding the estimates, and the finances 
of the company were correspondingly embarrassed. 
Added to this were heavy drains for work then being 
vigorously pushed upon the Susquehanna division, so 
that the directory, in January, 1849, deemed them- 
selves forced to discontinue the expenditures upon 
the branch. At this juncture the Newburgh director 
proposed to raise the sum of one hundred and forty- 
five thousand dollars upon theacceptancesof the com- 
pany, to mature May, 1851, and to pay the same to 
the company, provided responsible parties in New- 
burgh would indorse the acceptances, and also pro- 
vided the company would execute a mortgage upon 
the branch as security for the amount. In view of 
the compulsory clause in the act of 1845, releasing 
the com])any from the payment of the three million 
dollar loan, conditioned upon finishing the road to 
Dunkirk and also the Newburgh branch, in May, 
1851, and as a financial measure, the board of direc- 
tors accepted the projiosition and adopted the tbl- 
lowing preamble and resolution : 

"At a meeting of the directoi's of the New York and Erie Railroad 
Company, the following preamble and resolnlion were unauimonsly 
adopted (Jan. 10, 1849i: 

" ir^ere(w, There has already been e.\pended upon the Newburgh 
branch, in conforniity to agreement, about the sum of two hundred and 
forty-five thousand dollars, which, together with the sums necessary to 
complete the present contiacts, say twenty thousand didlars, will nearly 
make up the amount required to be advanced by this company toward 
the constrUL tion of said branch road, as jier agreement of 19th of March, 
1S45 ; and whereas, the inhabitants of Newbnigh. in order to secure the 
completion of the said road by the first day of September next, propose 
to advance upon the acceptances of this company one hundred and forty- 
five thousand d. liars for that purpose; and whereas, upon the extension 
of the main line of our road to Elniira. if not earlier, said branch road 
will be of great value if completed ; therefore 

"liesitlcfd. That the super intending engineer n])on the Newburgh branch 
is hereby authorized to draw upon the treasurer of this company in sums 
not less than live hundred dollai-s to an amount in the aggregate of one 
hundred and forty-five thousand dollais, which drafts shall be payable 
in May, ^H5l (the time prescribed by the law of this State for the com- 
pletion of said branch road), and bear inteiest at seven per cent, per 
annum payable half-yearly; and that Horner Kanrsdell be airthorized to 
procure the money upoit said acceptances and deposit it witlr the treas- 
urer to he applied towar-d the ptti-chase of irotr rails and completion of 
said branch road as aforesaid; arrd that the president is hereby airthor- 
ized to issue such orders as shall be rtecessary to carry out the intention 
of the foi-egoiug preamble and resolution. 

'* A true copy, Nathaniel Marsb, Secy." 

" In consideration of and in conformity to" this 
preamble and resolution, the following persons made 
written agreement, on the 15th of January, 1849, to 
indorse the acceptances of the Erie Company for the 
sums set opposite their names : 



H 



T. Powell & Co J45.000 

J. Beverrdge 4 Co 2,5,(100 

.lohn P DeWint 25,IHiO 

B. Carperrter A Co 10,iKrO i 

Adam Lilburn 1,0110 



Crawford, Mailler,*; Co S20,I100 

J. v. B Fowler Si Co l.OIK) 

F. Gerard and Jas. DeGroff. 1,000 

Wm. C. Hasbronck 1,000 

N Reeve 1,000 



INTERNAL IMPllOVEMENTS. 



121 



fieorpe Mecklt^m 

Siiii-i& Wil*ui 


JfiOO 




.'ilM) 


odcll S. Iliitliitwav 

Oliri»t.il.hi-r H. Miller 

Auioll U. Uelktliip 


• 2.CHI 1 
1,1110 



Ciiriiii. C. Suiitti $l,noo 

Stulit.ui, (lurk &Cii l.(H«l 

Bi-rij. Tyli-i- l.KK) 

Dill, i. -I Kariini:l"ii l.HKl 

A.,tiM II. li.lkiinp I.IMK) 

.111.. .1. Sl.iliell , 1.1 nil 

Cilnill. Illlls.-.v4 Co I.IKKI 

liic-liiinl (J. Sliiitll l.llOoi $I4."|,500 

Tlie.se acceptances were also all indorsed by Thomas 
Powell & Ci>. Oil tlie 23d of February following, 
^Messrs. Powell, Ramsdell & Co. and J. Beveridge & 
Co. purchased two thousand tons of railroad iron, 
then in the liands of Davis, Broolcs & Co., at forty 
dollars per ton and duties thereon, for which the notes 
of Powell & Co. were given for fifty-five thousand 
dollars, and the notes of Beveriilge & Co. for twenty- 
three thousand dollars. In addition to the iron, 
Homer Ramsdell purcha,sed the depot-grounds, — -em- 
bracing the river-front between the Whaling Com- 
pany's dock and the north line of Western Avenue, 
and also a lot south of the dock of Jolin W. Wells, 
fronting one hundred and sixty-five feet on Water 
Street and the river, — paying for the same twenty 
thousand dollars. The property of John W. Wells, 
ninety-one feet on the river, with a quit-claim to one- 
half of Western Avenue, was condemned and taken 
on the award of commissioners at forty thou.sand dol- 
lars. On settlement in June, it was found that Powell 
& Co. were at that time, through indorsements, ac- 
ceptances, and advances, responsible for two. hundred 
and two thousand two hundred and nineteen dollars. 
The capital thus furnished completed the branch, and 
on the 9th of January, 1850, its ojjcniiig was cele- 
brated with appropriate festivities. 

The old Delaware and Hudson Company left be- 
liind, as niemorials of its existence, a partly-graded 
track and the stock subscription of the village of 
Newburgli (§10,(100), upon the debt for which the 
interest was annually paid until the village became a 
city. The details of its history, as well as those of 
the construction of the branch, now serve as monu- 
ments to the memory of those who were their projec- 
tors and supporters. The effort of 1837 is now an 
accomplished fact: the coal-mines of Pennsylvania 
are in connection with Newburgli by rail ; but the ad- 
vantages of the earlier enterprise ])a?.sed away, to a 
A'ery large extent, with its opportunity. 

The time may not be distant, however, when more 
direct connection with the coal-fields than by the 
main line of the Erie and the Newbuigh branch will 
be effected through the Warwick Valley Railroad and 
the Wawayaiida Railroad and its connections in New 
Jersey. The Warwick Valley Railroad was the out- 
growth of a proposition, made soon after the comple- 
tion of the Newburgh branch, to extend its line to 
the Delaware River, for which a survey and maps 
were made and there rested. In 1859, Mr. Grinnell 
Burt and other residents of Warwick practically re- 
vived the project by organizing the" Warwick Valley 
Railroad C(nnpany," under the following board of 
diicctors: Grinnell Burt, John Rutherford, Thomas 
B. DeKay, Ezra Sanlbrd, James B. Wheeler, Milton. 
9 



McEwen, James Burt, John H. Brown, John L. Wel- 
ling, William Herrick, JamesP. Houston, and Nathan 
R. Wheeler. On organization, the directors elected 
Grinnell Burt, president; Milton McEwen, vice- 
president; James B. Wheeler, treasurer; William 
Herrick, secretary. The capital stock was $100,000, 
of which Newburgli furnished §10,500. When the 
road was completeil, the bonded and floating debt 
amounted to a little over one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, forty per cent, of which has since been paid out 
of the earnings of the road, and a surplus of an equal 
amount has been expended to extend the road to the 
New Jersey State line. In consideration of these 
payments and to create a surplus fund, a stock divi- 
dend of one hundred per cent, was declared to the 
stockholders in 18G7. Regular annual dividends of 
seven per cent, have been paid from the earnings of 
the road, showing that, aside from the advantages 
which it has conferred upon the district which it tra- 
verses, it has been a pecuniary success. The company 
was consolidated, in the fall of 1879, with the Wa- 
wayanda Railroad of New Jersey, by which its line 
is extended to McAfee, N. J., on the Sussex Rail- 
road. 

The Newburgh and New York Railroad Company 
was organized in the city of New York, Dec. 20, 1864, 
— Samuel Marsh, Daniel Drew, John Arnot, Isaac N. 
Phelps, Robert H. Burdell, Dudley S. Gregory, Am- 
brose S. Murray, J. C. Bancroft Davis, H. L. Pierson, 
Alexander S. Diven, Thomas W. Gale, John J. Mo- 
nell, Thomas H. Bate, directors; J. C. Bancroft 
Davis, president ; Horatio N. Otis, secretary. The 
capital stock was fixed at $500,000, of which over 
one thousand dollars per mile was immediately sub- 
scribed and paid up. The project was based on a 
proposition for a west shore road from New York to 
Albany, which, by its construction, would only lack 
sixty miles of completion. A.side from the directors 
named, who subscribed ten shares (one hundred dol- 
lars) each, George Clarke and Enoch Carter, of New- 
burgh, subscribed one share each ; F. A. DeWint, of 
Fishkill, one; and John Hilton, H. N. Otis, Charles 
Minot, L. E. TiUotson, J. W. Guppy, William R. 
Barr, N. Finch, E. W. Brown, and J. D. White, of 
New York, each one. The road being less than fif- 
teen miles in length, the number of directors was re- 
duced to seven, in conformity with the general rail- 
road law, in December, 18G7, when John S. Eldridge, 
Jay Gould, John C. B. Davis, Daniel Drew, A. S. 
Diven, Henry Thompson, and Homer Ramsdell were 
elected. On the 1st of August, 1868, Mr. Ramsdell 
was elected president. He resigned July 7, 1869, and 
James Fisk, Jr., was elected. The line was surveyed 
by John W. Hcaiston, engineer; the contract for con- 
struction was awarded to Peter Ward and William 
Leary, of Newburgh, Aug. 1, 1868, and the work com- 
pleted Sept. 1, 1869. The road was subsequently 
leased to the Erie Company, that company supplying 
the capital required for its constructiou. 



122 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The understood willingness of the company to 
second any effort to extend the connections of the 
road gave rise to what have been called "the New- 
burgh paper railroads," the first of which, the New- 
burgh and Wallkill Valley Railroad, took the form 
of a company to construct a road from Newburgh to 
Walden, connecting at Vail's Gate with the Erie 
branch and with the Newburgh and New York road. 
The company was organized in the winter of 1867- 
68 by the election of directors and officers. In May 
following (May 9th) the Legislature passed an act 
making it lawful " for the Common Council of the 
city of Newburgh to borrow, on the faith and credit 
of said city, the sum of three hundred and fifty thou- 
sand dollars," to aid in the construction of the road, 
and to issue the bonds of the city therefor, — on con- 
dition that the consent should first be obtained, in 
writing of a majority of the tax-payers of the city, 
who should also own or represent more than one- 
half of the taxable real and personal property of the 
city. At the time the project was undertaken, the 
disposition of the Newburgh and New York Com- 
pany to second the enterprise was not generally un- 
derstood as a tangible agreement, and this fact, 
coupled with an expressed opposition to the Vail's 
Gate route on the part of several leading citizens, 
led to a failure in obtaining the consent required to 
bond the city, and necessarily to a suspension of the 
further prosecution of the undertaking. 

The second of the series, the Newburgh and Mid- 
land Railroad, advanced several steps beyond the 
point reached by the Newburgh and Wallkill Valley 
road. The proposition was to construct a road from 
the vicinity of West Newburgh to Walden and 
thence to Fair Oaks, there to connect with the New 
York and Oswego Midland, and took definite form in 
the organization of the " Newburgh and Midland 
Railway Company," — George Clark, president; Odell 
S. Hathaway, vice-pr&sident ; Alfred Post, treasurer; 
John Dales, secretary ; George Clark, Abram S. Cas- 
sedy, A. T. Rand, Bradbury C. Bartlett, Odell S. 
Hathaway, Seth M. Capron, David Moore, James W. 
Taylor, Alfred Post, William R. Brown, William J. 
Roe, Jr., Lewis M. Smith, William O. Mailler, di- 
rectors. To build this road effort was made to bond 
the city of Newburgh for five hundred thousand dol- 
lars, under the general act authorizing municipal 
corporations to aid in the construction of railroads. 
What was jiresumed to be the consent of a majority 
of the tax-payers, and also of a majority of the tax- 
able property of the city, was obtained. On exami- 
nation of the list before Hon. Thomas George, county 
judge, it was held by him that while the petition for 
consent to bond was signed by a majority of the tax- 
payers, the signatures did not represent a majority of 
the taxable property of the city, — $555,099 of the 
amount being held by executors, administrators, etc., 
whose right to thus represent the trusts which they 
held was denied. An appeal was taken to the Su- 



preme Court, which, at general term, January, 1872, 
affirmed the decision of Judge George, — Justices 
Tappen and Gilbert concurring. Justice Barnard dis- 
senting. This decision ended the undertaking. 

After two or three years spent in discussions and 
surveys the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad 
Company was formally organized at a convention of 
delegates from Oswego, Onondaga, Madison, Cort- 
land, Chenango, Delaware, Sullivan, Orange, Otsego, 
and Ulster Counties, and New York City, held at 
Delhi, Oct. 4, 1865. At this convention D. C. Little- 
john, of Oswego, reported articles of association or- 
ganizing the company with a capital of $10,000,000. 
DeWitt C. Littlejohn, John Crouse, Elisha C. Litch- 
field, Joseph W. Merchant, Edward I. Hayes, John 
A. Randall, A. C. Edgerton, Samuel Gordon, Henry 
A. Low, Edward Palen, Homer Ramsdell, Nathan 
Randall, and G. P. Kenyon were named as directors. 
The location of the route, whether by way of Pine 
Hill to Rondout or Newburgh, or through Sullivan 
County to Middletowu and thence through New 
.Jersey to New York, was subsequently determined 
in favor of the Middletown and Sullivan line, and, 
under authority of an act of the Legislature, the 
towns of Wallkill and Minisink, in common with 
other towns along the route, issued town bonds in aid 
of construction, — Minisink seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars, and Wallkill three hundred thousand dollars. 
Sections of the road in Orange were put under con- 
tract,— Middletown to Centreville, Sept. 28, 1868; 
Ellen ville Branch, Sept. 28, 1868; Centreville to 
Westfield Flats, Feb. 3, 1869. On the 9th of July, 
1873, near Westfield Flats, the last rail was laid, and 
the last spike driven by the late E. P. Wheeler, of 
Middletown, a former vice-president of the company. 
After a stormy existence of six years the road was 
sold under foreclosure, Nov. 9, 1879, and its title 
changed to New York, Ontario and Western Rail- 
road. 

The construction of the Midland was the occasion 
of the building of the Middletown and Crawford and 
the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap roads, 
and at least indirectly of the Monticello and Port 
Jervis branch of the Erie. The latter project origin- 
ated, we believe, in Monticello, where it was feared 
that the Midland would result in disaster to that 
village unless a road was opened to Port Jervis con- 
necting with the Erie. The project, however, was 
really much older than the Midland, having had its 
origin in connection with the Erie Company's efl'orts 
to secure a State loan in 1835-36, the loan advocates 
then promising to construct a branch to Monticello. 
The company was organized in 1868, and the road 
opened in 1871. The town of Deerpark issued two 
hundred thousand dollars in bonds to aid the con- 
struction. The road was sold, and reorganized as the 
Port Jervis and Monticello in 1875. 

The Montgomery and Erie was the first link in the 
Wallkill Valley line. It was opened from Mont- 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



123 



gomery to Goshen in 1867, and constructed by stock 
subscriptions and bonds of the first election district 
of Montgomery for fifty-one thousand dollars. The 
line was continued to Walden and Ulster County as 
a part of the Wallkill Valley Road, and fifty-one 
thousand dollars in bonds were issued by the second 
election district in its aid. It had its inception in a 
desire on the part of the leading men of Montgomery 
to secure railroad connection, and after having sought 
in vain for that assistance from the capitalists of New- 
burgh which would have given to the line a different 
direction. This remark will also apply to the Mid- 
dletown and Crawford road,* for the construction of 
which the bonds of the town of Crawford were issued 
for eighty thousand dollars. More detailed informa- 
tion in regard to these and other roads has been 
solicited without answer. The following abridged 
statement of the railroads in the county is from 
" Poor's Manual" for 1880 : 

Aew York, Lake Erie avd Weslerv. — Jersey City to Dunliirk, 460.03 
znilos; liraiiches, lOU.SO miles; total, ■'i''n 8'i miles. Its b?'iinches leased 
or owned in Orange County lire tlie Newbnigh and New York, 12.59 
miles; Newliurgh Branch, 18.73 miles; Montgomery and Erie, 10.22 
miles: Goshen and Det.kertoun, 1 1 .(j-'i miles. Connetliiig roails, War- 
wick Valley at Gray Court, Wallkill Valley at Goshen, and Port .lervis 
and Monticelln at Port .Jervis. Connection is also made with the Stirling 
Mountain andSonthfieM Branch in Monroe,and at Miildletown with the 
Middletown and Crawford, Middletown and Uuionville, and New York, 
Ontario and We-tern. 

The conipiiny was chartered April 24,183*. Construction was com- 
menced ill IS3fi, and the same year the credit of the Stnte was grauteii to 
the extent of ^1.000,0(10. In 1841 (Seplemher) the first seclion, from 
Piermout to Goshen, was opened, the ctn)nei.tion between Pierniont and 
New York heioghy steamers and freight barges. The company becoming 
embarrassed, the undertaking was placed in the handsofasBignees, under 
whose management the road was opened to Middletown, Jan. 3, 1843. 
The cost ti) Feb. 1. 1844, had been $1.7 Jr.,049. of which 52,.'i9\514 had 
been derived from the State loan. In 184.5 the State released tlie prop- 
erty of its mortgage, provided tlie company should complete the road to 
Lake Eiie in six years, and the old stoL-U holders surrendered one-half of 
their stock. Construction was resumed, and the road opened to Port 
Jervis, Jan. G, 1^48; to Bin-rhamton, Dec. 28, 184S; to Union, Oct. 10, 
1849; to Horuellsville. Sept. 3. 185(»:at.d to Dunkirk, April 22, 1851. By 
act of Legislature the company was also required to constrnct a branch 
line toNewbnrgli. which was opened in ISiiO. The company wns required 
to run its oiigiual line within the limits of the State, and hence its first 
outlet on the Hudson at Piermout. Thispait of the line is now operated 
as a branch, wliile by lejise of the Union Railroad, connecting the main 
line witli the Paterson and Kamapo and the Paterson and Hudson Rail- 
roads (Sept. 10, 1852) Jei-sey Ciiy was made the niHiu terminus. In ad- 
dition to the as^ignment of 1843, the property went to the hands of a 
receiver in 1859, and again in 1875. By the lasi it wns sold under fore- 
closure, and its name changed from New York and Erie to its present 
title. 

JVeivburyh and New York. — Vnil's Gate Junction to Greenwood -Tuiiction, 
12.59 mili-s. Organized in 18G3, and opeiied in 18GG. Leased to Erie 
Railroad Company. Capital. 8.500,000; funded debt, S250,muo. Cost of 
road, ff:^5(M'00. Hugh J. Jewett, president 

Wnririck V"llefi. — Warwick to Gray Court, 1 '.IG miles. Chartered 
March 8, 18Gn, and n-ad openetl April 1. 18G2. Earnings, year 'Muliiig 
Sept. 30, 1S79.— passengers, $'')5 10. i4; freight, S28.32G.31 ; other, $3141 27; 
total, 8a,n(IS.12. Operaliug exin-nses, $2(t.0(;7.52. Capital stock, $225,- 
OOO; funded debt. $GO,OtlO. (.'onsolidated in fall of 1879 with the Wawa- 
yanda Railroad Company of New Jereey, the new conipnny retaining 

* In the final determination of (he piojection of this road the possi- 
bility of ultimately bi-coming a part of the line, via Poughkeep-ie and 
the I'oughkeepsie bridge, from the coal-fields to the Eantern Stales, was 
perhaps an important consideration, but had the Newbnrgh and Wallkill 
Valley or the Newbnigh and Midland been consti'ucted the CYawford 
connection would have been made with it rather than at Middletown. 



the same name. Under this organization, the new Hue extends from 
Gray Court to McAfee, N. J., on the Sussex Railroad, 22 mites, of which 
14.5 is in Orange County, and 7.5 in New Jersey, which was completed 
in April, 1880. Combined capital stock, $340,000 ; bonded debt, $ilO,000. 
A branch from Warwick to the iron-mines will also be built. Diiectors, 
December, 1879, Grinnell Burt, James Bnrt, John L. Welling, Richard 
Miner, C. U. Demarest, S. C. Welling, and Ezra Saufoid, Warwick: J. 
H. Brown, Wawayanda ; James C. Houston, Bellvalc ; H. B. De Kay, Ver- 
non, N. J.; W. C. Sheldon and D. B. Halstead, New York City; Homer 
Ranisdell, Newburgh. Griniiell Burt, president and superintendent; 
James Burt, vice-president; Norman Bnrt, treasurer; C. U. Demarest, 
secretary. 

Mnntgomerii and Erie. — Montgomery to Goshen, 10.22 miles. Ohai tered 
Jan. 2, {8(iG : opened in 1867. Leased to and operated by New York, Lake 
Erie and Western Railroad Company. Capital stock, $150,000; bonds, 
$170,500. Cost of road, $288,930.83. J. M. Wilkin, president; C. J. Ev- 
erett, treasurer, Goshen; W. J. Mead, secretary, Montgomery. 

Goshen and Deckntoicn. — Goshen to Pine Island, 11.65 miles. Organ- 
ized Feb. 22, 1867 ; opened April 10, 1869; leased to Erie Railroad Com- 
pany for fifty years. Capital stock, $105,800; bonds, $246,500— total, 
$352,500. Construction, $291,700.75. James K. Houston, president, 
Florida, N. Y. ; George W. Murray, secretary and treasurer, Goshen. 

Wallkill Valley. — Montgomery to Kingston, 33.46 miles. Organized 
April 2fi, 1866, and opened in 1872. Operated by Erie Railroad Company 
to June G, 1877, when it was sold nuderforeclosure, and reorganized July 
2,1877. Cost of road, $970,691.96; sold for $128,000; additional construc- 
tion. $17n,798..50— total, $298,798.59 Stock and bonds issued on reor- 
ganization, $fi6n,0ii0 ; sundry assets, $11,893.37— total, $970,601.96. Thomas 
Cornell, president, Rondout. 

Siirliny Mointtain. — Stilling Junction to Lakeville, 7.6 miles. Organ- 
ized May IS, 1SG4 ; opened Nov. 1, 1865. Capital stock. $80,000; fnnded 
debt, $350,0110. Cost of road and equipments, $5ii0,857.02. A. W. Hum- 
phreys, president, New York City; George C. Clark, treasurer; J. C. 
Missimer, Stirling Junction, superintendent. 

Southfield Branch. — Southfield to Southfield Furnace, 1.5 miles. Built, 
owned, and otficered by same parties as the Stirling Mountain Railroad. 
Connects with the Erie. 

Pmt Jervis and Jl/bi(iice/^o.— Port Jervis to Monticello, 23.75 ffiiles. Or- 
ganized as Monticello and Port Jervis Railroad Company Sept. 3, 1868, 
and under existing title July 16, 1875. Road opened Jan. 23, 1871. 
Capital stock issued on reorganization, $724,276.93. Cost of road and 
eqiiipmen IS, $1,1 24,080.47. Frederick J. DePeyster, president, New York 
City ; Henry Day, vice-president ; Gordon Morrie, treasurer ; J. W. Hay- 
ward, secretary, all of New York City. M. V. Heller, manager. Port 
Jervis. Earnings, year ending Sept. 30,1879 — passengers, $944(t.24; 
freight, etc., $1G,3G6.G0. 

Neiv York, Ontario and Western.— Oswego to Middletown, 344 miles. 
Oiganized as New York and Oswego Midland Railroad, January, 1866. 
The New Jersey Midland and Middletown and Uuionville roads were 
originally leased to complete the line to New York. The road was sold 
under foreclosure Nov. 9, 1879, and reorganized under present name. 
The Crawford and Middletown and Middletown and Unionville connec- 
tions are maintained, as well as that with the New Jersey Midlaml. A 
branch of the road from Middletown to Ellenville is also in operation. 

Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap.— Middletown, N. Y., to Union- 
ville, N. J., State line, 13.30 miles. Organized May 25, 186G, and road 
opened June 10, 1868. Leased and operated by New Jersey Midland 
Railroad Company f Capital stock, $123,850, and funded debt, $400,000 ; 
total stock an<l bonds, $.523,8.')0; cost of road and appurtenances, $350,- 
476.47. Griniiell Bnrt, Warwick, president: W. H. Clark, Westtown, 
treasurer; Joseph N. Proiik, Middletown, secretary. 

Middletown and Cra«/"rt/.— Crawfoid Junction to Pine Bush, 10.22 
miles. Chartered Aug. 3, 18G8, and road finished Dec. 14, 1871. Leased 
to New York and Oswego Midlaud, and subsequently to New Jereey 
Midland, until March IS, 1875, but now operatetl on its own account. 
Capital stock paid in, $122,300; funded debt,$79,.300; bills payable, $787.- 
68 ; total. $202,387.68. Cost of road, etc., $202,387.68 ; earnings, 1879, pas- 
sengers, $;Hi94 03 ; freight, $17,162.94; mail, express, etc., $689.71 ; total, 
$21,54ii.G8. Diiectors, Aug. 12, 1879, E. M. Madden. S S. Conklin, H. R. 
Wilcox, and Albert Ball, Middletown; Harrison Bull, Circleville; Sam- 
uel Roberson and Horace Bull, Bullville; Daniel Thompson, R. M. 
Thompson, R. M. Crosby, and Alexander Thompson, Thompson Ridge; 
I. J. Whitten, H N. Van Kenren, and J. E. Jansen, Pine Bush. Daniel 

+ New Jersey Midland runs from West End, N.J,, to Unionville (New 
York line) ; connection with Jersey City ; length of road from Unionville 
to Jersey City, 88 miles. 



124 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Thompson, presiileiit nnil superintendent; E. M. Mnilden, vice-preisiilent 
and general uiuiiager; G. A. Thunil>sun, secrelury; Isuac P. Madden, 
treasni'ur. 

TOWX BONDS ISSUED FOR RAILROAD CONSTRUCTION. 

Miiii-iiik, r..r Oj.\\cl'i> iMMIuiid $7."i,l'00 

Wiillhi 1. r,.r Os".-;:.. MLIIiiiul ;lllll,u(K) 

]H-i-i|iiiih, tor .Miinlkcll. ami Port .lei vis. •.;U'i,ihH) 

Cniwlc.nl, f.ir Mi'lill.'lou ii all. I c'rawlMril Ml.OHO 

M.riilguluiT.v, lor Wont, and K. an. I Wal. Vul Idj.iillll 



f7.')7,l)lJO 
TaMil'le vnliiiitioii of real and personal railroad estate, and Delaware 
and Hud.4on Canal, in tiie county, $l,7'J:i,7U(). 

PLAN K-KO ADS. 

The New York and Ellenville Plank-roarl Company 
was organized March 24, 1850. The capital stock was 
$100,000, but only $79,770 was paid in. By special 
act of the Legislature $44,000 preferred stock was 
issued, and the whole capital fixed at $124,000. The 
road was completed to Ellenville Dec. 22, 1851. 
Charter extended to 1890. 

The Newburgh and Shawangunk Plank-road Com- 
pany was orgtinized in March, 1850, and the road 
completed in December, 1851. The capital stock paid 
in was $30,000. 

The Middletown and Blooiningbui-gh Plank-road 
was constructed in 1853. Ctipital stock, .§30,000. 

The Middletown and Unionville Plank-road was 
constructed in 1853. Capital stock, $30,000. 

BANKING. 

The Bank of Newburgh — the first bank in this 
county — was incorporated by act of the Legislature, 
passed March 22, 1811, on the petition of Jacob Pow- 
ell, John McAulay, Chancy Belknap, and Jonathan 
risk. The capital named was $120,000, in shares of 
$50 each, and the State reserved the right to sultscribc 
to the stock any amount not exceeding one thousand 
shares. The Branch Bank of Newburgh, tit Ithaca, 
■was organized 1820, and continued until 1830. 

The Bank of Orange County, at Goshen, was incor- 
porated April 6, 1813, on petition of Reuben Hopkins, 
George D. Wickhani, and others. James W. Wilkin, 
George D. Wickliam, David M. M'estcott, John G. 
Hurtin, James Wheeler, John Barber, and James 
Finch, Jr., commissioners to receive stock subscrip- 
tions. Capital $49,000, in shares of $50. 

Tlie Highland Bank of Newburgh was incorpo- 
rated April 26, 1834. Capital $200,000. 

Under the gencnil banking hiw of tlie State, passed 
April 18, 1838, the Powell Bank of Newburgh (18381, 
the Middletown Bank (1839), the Wallkill Bank of 
Middletown (1857), the Quassaick Bank of Newburgh 
{1851), the Bank ol' Port Jervis, the Bank of Chester, 
and the Goshen Bank were oi-ganized. All the banks 
of the county, by conversion or reorganization, are 
now under the national banking law, in the following 
order : 



Ciipitiil. 

First National Banit of Port .tervis. No. 04 SllHi.iHX) 

Fii-I National Bank of Warivi.k, No. :il4 li«i,lHil) 

NiilioMal Bank of NeHlmrgli, No. 4118 son.iHMt 

VimX National Bank of Miililletow n. No. .S-i.: liHi.iHii) 

lliifhlaiiil National Bank ot Newl.iii j;h. No. Ilnil 4-Mi,IMll) 

tinassiick National Bank of Newl.iirgli, No. I2l:( :ilHl.(HH1 

Blililletowii National Bank, No. I;i70 20ii.i'IKI 

Clii-sler Xati .iial Bank, No. IW.I li'..iKIK 

Niili 1 Bank of Port .l.-riis No. I.;l!:i 1 II I.I mu 

Nalional Hank of Orange Coniilv, (ioshen. No. l.liP'J lIii.iKlil 

(Josheli Nalional Bank. No Ull» IIIMHK) 

Walilen National Bank, No. 2348 So.IKH) 

Total ca|iital $.V'"5,IHI0 



The individual deposits in the several banks, as 
shown in the annual report of the comptroller of 
the currency, December, 1879, was $2,3(54,148.35 ; the 
loans and discounts, .$3,1 11,789.73; and the aggregate 
of liabilities and resiiurces, $7,871,445.90. 

The following arc the savings banks of the county: 

Cornwall Savings Bank, Coniwall-on tlie-llndson ; inciu- 

poralrd 1.^71 ; dm- de|i...«itor.< $:l, 180.31 

Goshen Savings Bank, Uuslien; incorporated Ib7l ; dne lU- 

po»itoiK 181.510.87 

Middlvtou II Savt litis Bank, Middletown; incorpuraUil IMU; 

doe depo^itoix 4.111,000.1)9 

Newbiiigli Saviiig-s Bank, Newliirgli; iiicorjiinated l.'^iVJ; 

dnede|«.ailors •.;,«.'.7,:il 1.11 

Port Jeivis Sa\iiigs Bank, Poll Jervi?*; incorporated IKOO; 

dill- tk'iio(,ii,.iH 5f»,.'>8;i.43 

Walden Savings Bank, Waldeli; incorporaled IMi2; dne 

ile|«i-ilois 111.7011.00 

Warwick Savings Biink, Warwick; incorporated I87.'i; duu' 

deliosilurs ; 141.I04.J3 

Total due deiKjsitors Sl,»-n,0'So.23 

AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL STATISTICS. 

In population the county ranks the eleventh in the 
State. In the value of its farms it is the ninth; in 
farm buildings it is third ; in average yield of hay it 
is second; in buckwheat, third ; in corn, second; in 
winter wheat, third ; in potatoes, third ; in milch 
cows it is first, and first in average yield per cow ; in 
wool it is fourth ; and it has twenty-three butter and 
cheese factories, which, in 1874, converted 8,088,498 
pounds of milk into 222,548 pounds of butter and 
751,515 pounds of skimmed-milk cheese, — if the 
latter fact may be worthy of special notice. In its 
product of old-fashioned " Orange County butter," 
made in families, it has fallen from 3,285,587 pounds 
ill 1805 to 1,225,598 pouiuls in 1874, and in another 
decade that item may disappear entirely Irom the 
enumerator's list, thanks to the railroads, which have 
brought in the increasing traflSc in milk. Value of 
dwellings, $32,200,519; of farms, $31,130,188; <.f farm 
buildings other than dwellings, $4,031,345; of farm 
stock, tools, etc., $4,730,929; total, $72,093,981. Its 
banking capital is $2,575,000; valuation of railroad 
property other than capital, $1,792,700; capital in 
manufacturing and mechanical industries, $5,413,620, 
making a total of $82,475,301, although the board of 
supervisors say that the whole value of real and per- 
sonal estate is only $38,531,332. The following tables 
are from the State census of 1875 : 



AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL STATISTICS. 



125 



FARMING LANDS, BUILDINGS, ETC. 



Blnoniiii(t-Gri»ve. 

Clii-.tir 

r.iiuwiill , 

(;ia»l..iil 

Itffipjirk 

G..«li.-n , 

Gn-Oliville 

Hiiiiiptniiliitrgli .. 

Ili;:lilaiiils , 

Miiii'.ink 

MnliLiL- 

M<mtpiiiiiM-.v. .... 

Mnuiit llnpl' 

NfWlilll'^Il 

Newlni'irli < ity. 
NVw ttiiicU..!-.... 

Wallkill 

Wnr wi.k 




Vrtlue Dwftl- 
inp4 <itlit*r tliiili 
Funii Buililiiigs. 



ri(iri,5."u 
l,:).T«.il44 

3.4!llP.lol 
l,74l.(i:lO 
I7f>.27.'j 
i;(ll.4S0 
8flx,'.l!lo 
2(17,11(10 
il7.'i.(H7 

l,'i'K>,210 

:Vil.!P-.'.T 

l.(i(l."i,l(l.5 

10,nO(l,ilnO 

ddS.*!,') 
4..5SK.fl4.') 
2 1(UI.!127 

41UU40 



Improved 
Acres. 



n.ir,i 
ll.l-'l 

8.-.il(l 
lfl,:)(i7 

S,(i35 
21,iKl 
l:i,4!)!P 
14,4'.i:) 

I.IHiO 

11. Mir, 
:i(i.lsl 
27.(117 
12.1I7U 
10,5118 
4.-.2 
1.1..')(I4 
ait.dllll 
37,liii7 
17,ll!8 



Land. 



Other 
Luiids. 



;),.^7:i 
1.(1(111 
0.718 
H.dlll 
K,M12 
1,71G 
:i.7r.lP 
i,;i7i 

l.l)^3 
2.'.,.-i.'>.i 
3,1(1(1 
l.idr, 
2.dl(l 

I, a 

2,(134 
.1.(11:7 



Acrex. 

^.I't 

1,411 

(111 

1,374 

10,751 

47(1 

475 

258 

3,242 

401 

17,31<li 

:M 

2.0 

3,514 

13 

3,307 

322 

11,.'>8H 

2,184 



Value of 
Kuriiis. 



SI .1011.1 5(1 
1,1 711.5! 19 
2.0(18.(175 
l,21-',i'MI 

7l(l.mo 
2,137.81(1 

7114,(1(10 

1,(Klll,IOII 

31li.(MKJ 

1.110,MI(1 

2,473,170 

2,lll,Vi5 

8.51(31(1 

3,335,.5!I0 

147.i(Hl 

1,415,110 

2.(ll.-<.il-0 
4,474.300 
1,414 230 



^*lllue Farm 
Bdildiiipi other 
tliau Uuellillgij. 



C0,5(i4 $31,130,188 



$318,700 
1.57.10.5 
234.070 

;;i7.iro 

87 4115 
382,0.'iO 
1 13,(1.50 
12il,7'iO 

211,575 
1 13,400 
3111,370 
31-.',230 
l-.;0,430 
48i;,:ilB 

21.(15(1 
24d,(i.'JI 
41(1,8W) 
628,075 
253,150 



$4,631,345 



Value of 
SLick. 



J.'2' 1.295 
1.54,875 

92,(125 
204 345 

82,472 
271- ,1(1(1 
130,750 
17KO30 

21,123 
133,(170 
:'40,(I88 
3 1-' ,975 
13ll.5.-,(l 
257,^3(1 
8,-J-.;5 
173.735 
48i,l!74 
4dl,l.5(> 
25(1,800 



Valdo of 
TomIs. 



$,3,(J1 8,978 S811,951 



?1 1.9.51 
4ii,097 
31,o;7 
27,495 
4-z.li.'.0 
23.310 
32,14" 
II- ,7.5(1 
22,4C5 

5,(1 5 
2(1.205 
49.1(11 
84 9-55 
34,920 
89.1(8 

3,530 
63,(i-i5 
89.228 
97,990 



Aggregate value of famis, buildings, stuck, and tools $40,404,462 

" " '• " " 1805 25,.599,I31 



Nuiiil'er of 
of hII hisses. 


Under Three 

Acres. 


Fivp and under 
Ten Acres. 


Ten and 
under Twenty. 


Tv*-pnty and 
under Fitly. 


Fifty and under 
One Hundred. 


One Hundred 

and undtT 
FivellunUu'd. 


Five Hundred 

and under 
One Thuui^and. 


One Tlinneand 
und over. 


401 (J 


41 


293 


281 


508 


1082 


1770 


25 


10 



DAIRY PRODUCT. 



BloMniinK-Grove. 

Oiester 

Cnniw.ill 

Criivvf(U'>l 

l>eerpaik 

Gnslieti 

Greenville 

Haiu|>tnnl>urgh . 

HighlaiMls 

Sliiiir^ink 

Miuiroe 

MonlK-'mt-ry 

Mdunt Hope 

Newliurgli 

Nevvlnnth Hty.., 
New Windsiir.... 

AVnllkill. 

Warwi.^k 

Wuwayauda 

Total 



= » u 
m # S 



t:6a 

ia.= 






671 



21 



1,207 

4(10 

1,819 



I Ptniilds. 
45 I 24.2!)() 
8,716 
33,.5H(1 
210,421 
47,(1 15 
12,2i(l 
111, 20 
121.10, 
7,885 
30,327 
7.',88) 
171,3S0 
■.;5,378 
118,680 
850 
1011.98 
97,848 
68,484 
65,110 



1,046 

6 

401 

213 






1,139 
4,518 



44,287 12,852 



3,900 



1,225,598 3,300 



Oallom. 

1,267,425 
953.7'.I8 
121,400 
17.5.2J1I 
179 946, 

1,375.5S5 

1(14,919; 

9(12.280 

13.320! 

488.070 

1,1.53780 
086,710 
681.278 
200,9101 
912, 
319,0116 

1,795,3 19 

1,353.813 

1,035,71.01 



BUTTER AND CHEESE FACTORIES. 



d 


i 

a 






± a ■- IS 

S Jit —-^ 


= 1. . 

Ill 
=0 = 
0, 


lifi 


23 


$124,000 


9,272,498 


584,000 


Pnuiid'. 
73,000 8,688,498 


222,548 


751,615 



PKINCIPAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIOXS. 



Pnitvdx. 

77.001 

58.7^5 

511 s70 

3011,878 

(13.010 

58.875 

100,1148 

72,570 

5,825 

68.1185 

124. 1110 

322. (12 

44,713 

243,814 

8110 

147.990 

194,8.53 

106,2119 

40,-.;60 



13,530,709 2,160,098 



Towns. 



BloomiiiR-Grove 

chewier 

(.'iirnwrtll 

Crawfiicd 

Iteerpjirk 

G..b1ii-i, 

Greenville 

Ilfdiiptdliliiirgh. 

Ili:£lih(ii(ls 

niiiiishik 

ISIoiii'ue 

Miiiitpinier.v 

Mnutit Ihipe 

Newliiirpli 

Newl.iiiKli City. 
New Winilsor.... 

W:,llkill 

Warwi.k 

Wuwii.Vionia 









T3 














*i 




1^ 




6 


La 




S 








P3 


a 




Tovn. 


r.unh. 


B«»*. 


KM 


210 


21.9JO 


0,7(16 


475 


12,3.57 


2.01-8 


611 


9.960 


7.199 


1,7 


31,175 


2.52(1 


3,738 


17.4 ;8 


11.083 


no 


2.I.2..7 


4.935 


•2,61 1 


I9.-2118 



6,7-z9 . 
8 8 

4.("12 

9,.5.5S 
11.838 

4.009 

8,7110 
1 :r. 

7.093 
13.11114 
18,650 

8,482 ! 



33 
1.078 
1 ..563 
1,922 
2.472 
4,157 
30 

258 
1.837 
2,073 

993 



19.90(1 
1.3- 
29,5.5(1 
24,1.59 
1 8.397 
10.038 
38,342 
1,100 
2.5,.545 
4(1,.501 
71, •2-23 
17,017 



Total 137,694 26,417 487,233 



lillth. 
12.-223 

(1,.5(11 

7,154 

3(1,419 

7,1175 

10,914 

13,. 92 

14,981 

157 

14.479 

15.579 

46.135 

1-',33(1 

-2.1,>9< 

374 

19.MI6 

311,471 

49.975 

15,943 



Bmh. 

4,758 
889 
1.03(1 
11,l«lO 
I 412 
4 (..53 
2,58-i 
6,-.'.53 

3,270 

8.I-26 

3,610 

822 

3,383 
13,339 
16.748 
j 5,105 



nmh. 
11.9.58 

9,4113 

4.1.36 
16.11-7 
I6.^dll 
l(;.0K5 
1-2.(148 
10(179 
048 

4.780 
1 8..55 1 
34,f43 

9.289 
4 ,134 

2. '.55 
20.972 
•.4..'.77 
19.542 
13,130 



28,038 
21,497 
l8,-i1l 
34,130 
12.7-28 
4(l.--'.50 
-.0,407 
15.624 
(I.OIO 
37.010 
3.',4li5 
44.502 
-iO,206 
48,754 
70 
32,412 
73,876 
1.53.1.53 
34,103 



344,804 90,437 288,077 683,581 



The gross sales of farm products in 1874 were 
13,541,488. 

The census is, unfortunately, almost entirely silent in 
regard to the mechanical industries of the State, as 
well as in regard to mercantile pursuits and the capi- 
tal invested therein, and many other branches of in- 
quiry falling properly within its line. Whether the 
apology offered by its superintendent for this omission 



126 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



is sufficient is not a matter for discussion here. The 
United States census for 1870 is much more complete, 
but in its preparation many details were omitted, 
while in others classification by counties was evidently 
rendered impracticable from the magnitude of the 
labor involved. From its ''selected statistics" of the 
mechanical industries ot the county at the time it was 
taken (1870) the following table is copied : 

MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. 



Business. 



Baskets 

Book-liiuding. 

Boots !tud shoes 

Bread and bakery products.. 

Brick 

Brushes 

Carpels — rag... 

Carriages and wagons 

Cheese-lactories 

Cider 

Clothing — men's 

Women's.. 

Coffee- and spice-mill 

Confectinuery 

Cooperage 

Cotton goods 

Cutlery 

Drain-pipe 

Files 

Flouring-Qiills' prodncts 

Food preparations — animal.. 

Furniture 

Gloves and mittens 

Gas.., 






29 1 
3 
14 
31 

5 1M| 

ll 45 
5 1 48l 
48 207 
Hi 23 
9 l:i! 
16 143 
8 28 
11 4 

! 4I 9 
I 9 33 

2 386 
' 1 116 

1 4 



ll 



Gunpowder 

Hats and caps 

Hosiery 

Iron — nails, etc 

Pigs 

Casting 

Stoves, heaters, etc 

Leather — tanned 

Curried 

Lime 

Liquors— distilled 

Malt 

Lumber — planed 

Sawed 

Machinery — general 

Railroad repairs 

Engines and boilers 

Marble — general , 

Tombstones 

Maaoury , 

Meat— packed 

Mining — iron ore , 

Stone 

Oil flooi-cloths., 

Paints. 

Paper — printing 

Writing 

Plaster — ground , 

PrinliuL: and publishing , 

Newspapers , 

Rooting materials 

Saddlery and harness 

Sash, doors, etc , 

Saws 

Silverware , 

Soap and candles , 

Steel — cast 

Tin, copper, and sheet-iron ware, 
Tobacco and cigars 

Cigars, 

Upholstery 

Woolen goods 

Worsted goods 



. 25 72 

1 



41, 
16' 
22j 

3 271)1 
2 67 

1 42 

4 175 
6 202 

2 22 

II 97 

III 57 
51 47 

14 411 



6 307 
1! 22 
6 32 
7, 91 
1 4 
5,268 



825,000 

3,500 

2,50tl 

24,975 

36,9I» 

10,000 

47,1100 

134,8.50 

29,350 

7,360 

92,200 

13,30M 

15,000 

3,9001 

9,500! 

123,500 

60,000 

10,000! 

75,000 

223,470 

1,500 

61,875! 

4,000 

97,000 

60,000 

1.54,000 

76,200 

100,000' 

449.000 

137,900 

33,000 

150,200 

76,550 

43,400 

43,:J4" 

76,000 

1,000 

426,000 

00,1100 

60,000 j 

2.53,000] 

18.000, 

34,200| 

13,2001 

2,000 1 

I 255,000! 

3,025] 

70,1100, 

66,000! 

60.000 i 
140,00<l] 

53,000 
46,000 
40,700] 
15,000, 
43,850 ! 
43,600 

200,000 
50,000 
15,600 
25,000 

123.100, 

11. 000 1 
7,400! 
5,000 

671,500 
10,000| 



$6,4.50 

l.vOO 

4,700, 

9.750 

22,041 

S.OOO 

9,750 

77,162 

2,6.50 

624 

46,120 

4,476 

1,000 

2,190 

8,814 

106,000 

.55.713 

1,500 

3J,20O 

23,2.54 

100 

36,.550 

6,000 

6,600 

10,000 

11.0,000 

24,700 

26,0110 

92,170' 

84,1.62! 

1 2,260 ; 

41,700 

13,900 

19,787 

4,351 

30,000] 

1,000' 

36,200 1 

4 1,2' 10, 

36,000 1 

201,963 

24,000 

13.500 

60,700 

I, .600 

122,666 

1,6.60 

28,938 

12,000 

1,8001 

36,000 ] 

3,150 

14,0OOJ 

20,000, 

12,600 

20.588 

67,268 

67,100 

6,000 

3,800 

12,000 

48,910 

7,700 

7,200 

2,000 

130,ii:i3 

8.000 



rr,197 
21,600 
3,900, 
46,229 
12,504 
9,600 
2i,676 
60,101 
63,803 
9,415 

135,664 

15,900 

20,200 

7,004 

13,100 

271,121 

25,500 

7,000 

36,400 

497,062, 
600 
42,256 
10.000 
21,725] 
17,7.60' 

348,7.501 
37,026 
49,.' 00' 

406,005 

138,160 
27,300 

233,90.". 

29.;,2.59 
23,469 
36,154 

120,000 
26.3(KI 

406,800 
86,938 
44,680 

6»8,«77 
30,000 
2:;,425 
68,890 
20,062 
14,000i 
508 

101,000, 
68,500 
69,760' 

107,300 
23,668 
34,500 
17,250, 
23.000: 
20,902 
64,076! 
71,800 
25.000 
2.5,000 
28,700 

115,626 
15,200 
7,983 
4,(KX) 

379,434, 
6,000' 



$16,714 
23,800 
11,000 
74,882 
6.-,,558 
24,000 
59,li38 

2'i2.s.52 
64,990 
18,500 

232,030 
30,(i()0 
24,000 
15,340 
28,475 

407,800 
87,750 
20,000 
83,000 

587,814 
10,2.50 

101.084 
17,500 
49,423 

1 Ml 1,000 

804,000 
70,500 
80.0110 

62.^,069 

242,488 
41,900 

285,087 

327,681 
62,800 
86,594 

209,800 
29,000 

470,900 

209,800 
80,584 

844,860 
64,000 
52,763 

171,000 
23,600 

180,900 
8.930 

140.000 
86,000 
84,000 

175,000 
63,937 
90,000 
49,500 
60,000 
74,931 

1.56,300 

143,000 
37,000 
38,300 
42,000 

222,813 
39,000 
22,622 
18,000 

656,975 
25,000 



Number mechanical and inanufaoturing establish- 
ments, 574; engines 68, horse-power 2265; water-wheels 
85, horse-power 2185; hands employed, 5234; capital, 



$5,413,620; wages paid, $2,125,870; materials used, 

§6,060,125; product, -fil 0,409,348. 

The growth of the manufacturing interest of the 
county will more clearly ajipear from the following 
statement in Williams' " New York Register" for 
1834: 

"Orange : FranHin Cumpmiy. This factory is situated in Walden, on 
the Wnllkill River, near the falls, for the manufarture of flannels, and 
is the most extensive in the State (1S;14) ; capital, SlOO,iinO, which is ail 
invested. The establisbment consumes r.o.OfJO to 70,(XK> pounds of wool 
per annum, and manufactures about 240,Ono yanis of white and colored 
flannels. 

*' Wnllkill Onnpanij, at AViiIden. This factory consumes about 120,000 
pounds of cotton, and makes about 360,iiO(i yards of sheeting per annum. 

" Oranye O'lnpany, also at WaMen. They manufacture about 30,000 
yards of low-priced broadcloths per annum. 

*' A woolen manufactory at Warwick. 

" Parmele it Co. 's iron-works, for the manufacture of nails, etc.; an 
extensive establishment. 

" A number of works for umkiug iron from ore, at Monroe. 

"Craig's paper manufactory, and Oakley's paper manufactory at 
Bloomiiii'-Grove, 

*'Townsend'8 cotton manufactory, and Townsetid's paper manufactory, 
at Cornwall. 

"Walsh's paper manufactory, and Rogere' powder factory, at New- 
burgh. 

*'Two woolen manufactories at Wallkill, one of which is owned by 
Messrs. Phitlips. 

" The village of Walden is situated at the falls of the Wallkill, eleven 
miles West of Newburgh, and is surrounded by romantic scenery. Here 
is extensive water-power for manufactories ; a part of the sites o ly are 
occupied. A company was incorporated by the Legislature in 1832, 
called the Walden Company, with a capital uf 8500,(KX), for the purpose 
of purchasing, holding, and improving the water-power and mill-sites of 
the village, and for manufacturing purposes." 



CHAPTER X. 

CHURCHES-RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT 
SOCIETIES. 

The early settlers of the district now embraced in 
the county were mainly Christians, and brought with 
them their Bibles, and in some instances their relig- 
ious and secular teachers. In other cases itinerant 
ministers passed through the forest-paths in visitation 
of the scattered settlers, who were led, as their num- 
bers increased, to form societies, composed perhaps of 
those who held different denominational views, and 
who subsequently separated into societies in accord 
with their faiths; but in one way or the other, wher- 
ever population centred, the foundations of moral in- 
fluence through religious worship were laid, and in 
no county has this influence been more fully sustained, 
the census of 1865 returning one hundred and fifteen 
churches, with a seating capacity of forty-seven thou- 
sand five hundred and eighty-four, to a population of 
seventy thousand, a ratio higher than that of the city 
of New York. In the order of their introduction, the 
first denomination in the field was the German Lu- 
theran ; the second, the Presbyterian ; the third, the 
High Dutch ; and the fourth, the Church of England. 
Numerically, there were ten churches in the district 
prior to 1750, viz. : two Lutheran, three Presbyterian, 



CHURCHES. 



127 



two High Dutch, and three Episcopal or Church of 
Enghmd. In 1764 the Baptist Church came in 
through settlers from New England, but with this ex- 
ception the denominations stated were without rivals. 
Receiving strong and influential accessions from Scot- 
land and Ireland, the Presbyterian Churches became 
the most numerous at the outbreak of the Revolution, 
and gave to that movement a support which has never 
been challenged. Reserving more especially to the 
towns in which they were located detailed histories of 
present church organizations, we notice the earlier 
steps in the introduction of the leading denomina- 
tions. 

T}IE LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

Lutheranism was brought to Newburgh by the 
Palatine immigrants of 1709, who were granted, in 
addition to farm-lots, a glebe of five hundred acres 
for " the sole and only proper use, benefit, and behoof 
of a Lutheran minister to serve and have the care of 
the inhabitants and their successors forever." Joshua 
Kockerthal, who accompanied the nine families of 
immigrants as their minister, did not locate per- 
manently with them, but removed to Columbia 
County. Justus Falconier, minister of the Lutheran 
congregation of New York, served the people by an 
annual visit, and, it is written, administered the rite 
of baptism " in the house of one of the trustees, the 
19th April, 1710." This is the first baptism of record 
in the county. Falconier died in 1723, and in 1725 
William Christopher Berkenmeyer became his suc- 
cessor in visiting the settlement, it being agreed, in 
1730, that he should receive as compensation "thirty 
shepels of wheat." His successor was Michael Chris- 
tian Knoll, who served similar congregations at Hack- 
ensack and Wappinger's Creek until 1749, at which 
time it is stated that " there lived" as tenants upon 
the glebe and thereabout, on both sides of the river, 
" more than thirty families" of that " Protestant Con- 
fession." Their house of worship was erected be- 
tween the years 1726 and 1731, and was adorned by a 
bell which had been given to them by the govern- 
ment, but which, in the early years of their parish 
history, they had loaned to the Lutheran Church in 
New York. In the course of the forty years which 
had passed since their settlement many changes had 
taken place among them, and in 1749 they were largely 
outnumbered by those who had been added to the set- 
tlement, and who were termed " Dutch and English 
new inhabitants of other Confessions." Availing 
themselves of the provisions of the charter of the 
glebe providing for an annual election of trustees, 
the latter class, at the election in 1747, elected those 
who were not Lutherans, and closed the doors of the 
church to a minister of that denomination except by 
consent. The last recorded services were held July 
3 and Oct. 2, 1748. The record closes : " This year, 
1749, our minister has not been there on the shore, 
and the church being locked up." The Lutherans 
appealed to the Governor and Council to restore to 



them the franchise, and the new trustees made peti- 
tion to vacate the charter. The latter were success- 
ful, and in 1751 a new charter was issued confirming 
the income of the glebe to the support of a " minister 
of the Church of England as by law established, and 
of a schoolmaster to teach and instruct the children 
of the inhabitants" of the parish, the name of which 
was then changed from the " Palatine Parish of Quas- 
saick" to the " Parish of Newl)urgh." 

The second Lutheran Church was in the present 
town of Montgomery. Among the patented lands in 
the old precinct of Wallkill was one to Francis Har- 
rison, Oliver Schuyler, and Allen Jarrat (known as 
the Harrison Patent), issued July 7, 1720. Soon after 
its issue it was divided in farm-lots and an effort made 
to obtain settlers. What were known as Palatines 
supplied the materials. These immigrants were of 
three classes : first, those who found their way to 
England in 1708 and were sent to Quassaick ; second, 
those who had formed part of the "Swiss contingent" 
in the allied army under the Prince of Orange, ten 
thousand of whom were sent to America by England 
and mainly located in Columbia and Ulster Counties; 
and, third, those who were induced by the represen- 
tations of emigrant agents to accept of homes in the 
New World. From one of the two last classes a col- 
ony was obtained for the Harrison Patent, i'or whose 
encouragement a village was laid out under the name 
of Germantown and a log church erected, which was 
long known as the " Harrison Meeting-House." The 
first colony was located in or about 1722, and was 
composed of Hans Newkirk, Hendrick Newkirk, 

Mattias Slimmer, Peter Kysler, Krans, 

Brandos, to each of whom a deed for a farm tract was 
given. The church building, it is said, was blown 
down after the war of the Revolution, and the Lu- 
theran element in the settlement and adjoining not 
being sufliciently numerous to erect another, the con- 
gregation became absorbed in other denominations. 
The ancient graveyard is the only remaining witness 
of the site, and in it but a single monumental inscrip- 
tion: "Born 1686, died 1759. A. M. M." The records 
of the church, if any there ever were, perished with 
its early members, some of whom are still represented 
by descendants residing in the town in which the an- 
cient church was located. 

As being among the earliest pioneers in civilization, 
and certainly the earliest in introducing the ordi- 
nances of religion, the Palatines, or Lutherans, of 
Quassaick and Germantown deserve recognition in 
the annals of the county. 

There are now two German Lutheran Churches in 
the county, viz. : 

St. Peter'f,, Port Jervis Rev. B. Kiilin. 

St. Paul's. Newburgh Rev. W. R. Buebler. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
From the deeds on record the fact is clearly estab- 
lished that the Presbyterian Church at Goshen was 
the first of that denomination in the present county. 



128 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



By the terms of the agreement under which the town- 
ship of Goshen was founded, tiie proprietors of the 
Wawiiyandii Patent agreed to give a farm-lot of two 
hundred acres to sucli minister as the purchasers of 
the tciwiisiiip lots should elect, while the purchasers 
were taxed ten acres on every hundred held by them 
for higiiways and for a parsonage, a burying-gmund, 
and other public uses. The latter stipulation was 
complied with on the 17th of July, 1721, and deeds 
for three parcels given (one parcel containing seventy 
acres, one sixty-one acres, and one nine acres) to John 
Yelverton, in trust, who fcertified that a minister, the 
Rev. John Bradner, had been settled, that a parson- 
age-house was then being erected, and that it was in- 
tended to build a meeting-house. The deed from the 
proprietors was executed April 17, 1721, to Bradner 
and his heirs, iis a consideration "over and above the 
salary and |)erquisites" which should be given to him, 
he being recognized as " the first minister of the pre- 
cinct of Gosiien." Bradner died in 1732. Hewassuc- 
ceeded by Rev. Silas Leonard, who served until his 
death in 1754. Rev. Abner Brush served from 1758 to 
176(), when the Rev. Nathan Kerr was installed. He 
was not the "successor" of Mr. Bradner, as has been 
erroneously stated, although he may have been in the 
esteem of the people, in whose charge he remained 
until his death, in 1804.* The first church edifice 
stood on the site now occupied by the court-house, 
facing the Westcott house, which was the original 
parsonage. The first rude stone erected in the grave- 
yard had the inscription, "J. Finch, First Grave, 
171(3," showing that interments had been made prior 
to the formal deeds, the lot having been one of the 
three reserved in the survey. 

The second Presbyterian Church was that known as 
Goodwill, in the town of Montgomery. The precise 
date of its organization cannot be fixed, the earliest 
record evidence in relation to it being under date of 
Sept. 20, 1729, at which time John McNeal presented 
an application to the Synod of Philadelphia for sup- 
plies of preaching. The traditional evidence in re- 
gard to it is tliat it was originally composed of "about 
forty families that had emigrated from diflerent parts 

*Mr. KftT liHS Iteori preserved iu sevenil liistoricitl nspectttj and enpe- 
cially lt,v Mr. Ilt'jullt'.v in his " C'lf ifry i>f the Kevnlntinn." Theftilluw- 
in;: Hiiec'l'ile tViiin lUvin^t-tn'tt Ac*c Yi-rk llitzette, ivLlw "JI, 17->0, hIiuwb 
ttnit he ctinM he I'Hieljuns us wvU as patiiotic : 

*' Niithun Kerr, the pa-toi- of Gohhen, in New York, iu a serinon tle- 
livereil the hittt shi-ariii^-Iinie to his t1>>ck, previonH to the geiidin;; his 
deaeonNani'Ml^ them to coMeet (he tieeee, liseil Inan.v cm ions and piitlielic 
argnnn'nts to induce them to pay in their seveial 8nlMcri|iti<>n!i with a 
pri'per aMowance for the depreciation of tiie paper cnireney. He com- 
plained much of the injuEtice of a ciuitiiiiy conduct, and cliar^ed (lie neg- 
lect ot the ndid>teiB in thi.4 respect upon them, a:< one of tinise crying 
sins which had called down so nuiny heavy juitgno-nls lui their heads. 
Thai these nii;;ht be removed, he strongly reconmiended to them to le- 
pent paitjinlap ly of the hcinons sin of ilefi'ainiin;; the inirdstei's. Then, 
with uplifted eye- and hands, and plaintive voice, addressetl himself to the 
Alnn^hty in neatly the lollowjng words: * U (iod I onr colli is hlasted' 
our fruit is all cut i>H I our flux is caught under the snow, so that we shall 
Boon have neither sliift nor shirt! And what, oA, Uod! dost tiiou t«- 
tend to tlu with thy people next?'" 



of Ireland, but principally from the county of Lon- 
donderry," and who, in their new home, were called 
"the people of Wallkill." Its first church edifice 
was erected in 1735, and its first pastor, the Rev. Jo- 
seph Houston, was settled in 1735. The original 
meeting-house gave place to a new one in 17(55, and 
the latter, after sheltering the congregation for over 
one hundred years, was converted into the present 
edifice in 1875. During its existence not less than 
five congregations have sprung from its loins, — the 
Neelytown Church, Hamptonburgh Church, Hope- 
well Church, Graham's Church, Berea Church, and 
Montgomery Village Church, and several other soci- 
eties have been recruited from its ranks. 

The third Presbyterian Church was the Bethlehem, 
of Cornwall, designated in some early church records 
by the name of Highlands, from the precinct which 
it immediately adjoined, and in which a large per- 
centage of its active members resided. The date of 
its organization is not certain, but it was probably 
some time about 1730,t in which year its three first 
elders, Thomas Smith, Sr., Charles Clinton, and .James 
Given, located in the district. Its first pastor was the 
Rev. Mr. Chalker, in 1734, who appears to have ac- 
cepted the charge under an agreement by which he 
was also to serve Goodwill Church " as pastor of both 
congregations," but which agreement Goodwill sub- 
sequently declined to execute. Its first church edifice 
was probably erected in 1731 ; the deed for the land 
on which it was situated was given by Dr. John 
Nieoll in 1739, at which time Thonuis Smith, Sr., 
Charles Clinton, and John Given were its elders. 
During the early years of its existence the church had 
a wide-spread congregtition, embracing Cornwall, 
Blooming-Grove, New Windsor, and Newburgh. The 
First Presbyterian Church of Newburgh and the First 
Presbyterian Church of New Windsor were planted 
under its care. 

There are now thirty-three Presbyterian Churches 
in the county, viz. : 

Amitv Kev. D. D. Timlnw. 

licthieh.'in •' David J Atwater. 

Cenlieville " Chai les \V. Cooper. 

(hotel- " Theoilole A. Legged. 

Circleville " Charles II. I'uik. 

Cornwall " George I*. Nol.le. 

Canierhnry ** Lvman Ahhott. 

lli-nton....'. Vacant. 

Floiida, Kirst Kev. Asaliel A. flark. 

Second •' Henry A. Hallow. 

Goshen " Witlimn I». Snodgrass. 

liainptotihiirgh '* Shd.-i c. Ilephiirn. 

Ili^'lilaiid Kails " Al.ijah Greene. 

Ih.pewidl " .loh 11 Turner. 

Liille liiituin " H. Hiiwaid Wallace. 

Middlehope " Vacant. 

Rliddlelowu. Fiist " Nuliianiel Klmer. 

" Second " Charles Beatlie. 

Monroe " Daniel A. Kieel 1. 

Montgiiniery {Goodwill^ " .lames M. Dicksnn. 

Monlgomery (.Villagel " James G. Fol-syth. 

t The date is not certain, some authorities Iiolding that the orgHni/.a- 
tion was in Mtt't. In the records of the church, uinler date of I8'J7, it is 
wiitten : '* According to the hcsl inforniatioii, it (tliechnicli edifice) in list 
have been erected about the year 1731." which would imply a previous 
orgaiiizalion of the society, at least infornially. Thomas Smith, Sr.,aiid 
Charles Clin(on, who appear in the deed of 1739 as elders of the society, 
were not iu the district uutil 1730. 



CHURCHES. 



129 



Mniml Hiipc Itcv. T.iulier T.ittcll. 

NrwI.uigli (FIrxt) " WilliKlii K. Hull. 

" (''ttlvHry) *' .I<Ti*iuii(li Si-Hilf. 

" (Ulliollj " Fleilelick li, Siiviige. 

New WiiitltHir Vju'Hitt. 

(lliavill^ H.'V lii.l.mt II. Oniiir 

I'url .l.-ivis " Allivil 1'. llMtsloril. 

Hi.liri'l.iir.v " Tli.-.»l,.ri' lluttiiii]. 

Si-.ilrlit"vvn *' Piiviil Rr-nt1ii'. 

Uiii'>nvillv " lIcMiiy F. Wwlm-Milh. . 

Wastiiiigloiiville (Firat) '* .Ijtllif..* B lk'ainii"iil. 

'• (Sfcoud) " Nnlliiin M. .sh. rwo k1. 

Wesltowii " Limri'nsT. Sliiiler. 

CHURCH OF KN(7I,.AND. 

In " a summary account of tlie state of the church," 
made by William Vesey, rector of Trinity, in 1704, 
it is written : " In Orange County there are aliout 
sixty families of several nations, who have no min- 
ister nor are able to raise a salary for one," — the refer- 
ence being to the county as originally constituted. In 
the annals of the London " Society for the Propaga- 
tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" it is written 
(1728) : "The Society have received many fresh ap|)li- 
cations from congregations of people in the Planta- 
tions to have missionaries sent to them ; 'particularly 
from the inhabitants of New Windsor, in Ulster 
County;" and during the following year (1729), that 
"the Society have received a letter from the Rev. Mr. 
Vesey, at New York, inclosing one from Francis Har- 
rison, Esq., one of his majesty's council of that Prov- 
ince, wherein he acquaints that, pursuant to the de- 
cree of the Society, he had inquired into the number, 
cf>ndition, and circumstances of the inhal>itants of 
New Windsor and parfs ridjarnif, and is informed this 
district is twenty miles from north to south and six- 
teen from east to west, and contains about four hun- 
dred inhabitants; that the chief of them live in good 
credit and reputation ; but that there is no clergyman 
to officiate among this large body of people within 
eighty miles' distance." In response to this petition 
the society sent out tlie Rev. Richard Charlton, who 
entered upon his duties in 17.31. He was soon after 
succeeded by the Rev. W. Kilpatrick, who served 
until 1734, from which time until 1744-4.'5, when the 
Rev. Hezekiah Watkins was appointed, the parish 
was vacant. The latter established three stations in 
the parish, — one at New Windsor; one on the Otter- 
kill, known as St. David's,* and one on the Wallkill, 
known as St. Andrew's. The New Windsor station 
w'as changed to Newburgh in 1747, where, soon after, 
the glebe which had been set apart for the support 
of a Lutheran minister passed into its possession, 
and where it became known (1751) as the Newburgh 
mission, and in 1770, by letters of incorporation, as 
St. George's. During the war of the Revolution it 
practically ceased to exist, but was revived in 1815, 
under the Rev. John Brown, who, during that year, 
administered " the Holy Communion for the first time 
in the parish since the Revolutionary war, to the 
small number of three." The mission station at St. 
David's was also incorporated in 1770, and erected, in 

* Tli« graVHVard at Buniside, in wliich repose the reDmilis of Rev. 
Hezekiah WatkiuB, marks t)ie audeiit site. 



1774,t a church edifice, but never completed it. The 
congregation was almo.st entirely dispersed during the 



i It is iiiferrcii tluit a clinrcli edifice nf sunn* ilfscriptiiui was erected 
prinr til the dnte her- Liv>-u, ami that the hiiihliiig nf 1774 wjih a settoud 
stimtiin'. When the Ki'V. .lohli Suyrecanie into the fii-hl sis the Slleces- 
snr nf Mr. Wiitkiiis, he f.iiiiiil thi-i ntl ulmrch, aa well as the nne in ni- 
cupalinii al Newlaiigh ati<l that at St. \iiiln-\v's. None nf them seemed 
^l eniirnilii t.i his sl mliiid, a'ld his fiist eflnrls. aft'-r securing fnr eaeh 
<Iivisinii nf the I'Hiish a i-nyul uliaiter, under the titles of St. Daviil's, St. 
George V, ami St. Andrew's, was tn hiiild ajtarisli cliiireli at New Windsor, 
whel'e there hail never heeli one, which shniiM he what h ■ calli (1 the 
"caiiitnl"' of Ihe parish. An has In-en st.'teil alsivi*, the i>atish had heeil 
known as the ** l*arish of New VVimlsnr" from its fmimling nnlit 1752, 
when, nioler the ro'W chattel- of tli^ Clel.e. it was cliaiigeil to the " I'ar- 
i:-li of Newhnrgh." Mr. Sayte iiiged that New Winilsor wa-* entitled to 
the ** rafltnl * hy reasnii of oi igimil de.lii-atinn. and frnin the fait that it 
Inid lint only "had all the hurlheti of the two tiivt liiissionaries,'' hut 
wiiN still known as the "palish nf New Windsor" hy the Sniiety for 
Propagating tlie Gospel, to the reconls nf which the til le sin at hi euidoriii. 
A part <if his plan was to ohtaili an alilemlment to the new Gleheciiarter 
changing the name to New Windsor, and applwiig the revenues In the 
pariah ciiiircli. Theoflici il memheiTiol the parish nf Niovlaiigh eniisented 
tn unite ill luilding a church "near New Winds tr,' hnt when siihse- 
qilently asked to itn sn lehised to agree to the proposed amendment nf the 
tilehe chatter, saying (hat they wmilrl not have given their assent to the 
hililding Innl they lia.l " tin- most distant thought" that it would " have 
tended tn alH.x thi' Glehe at Xewhiiigh toachiilvh at New Windsor." and 
" urged Ihi-ir fear of the people of New hurgh iftheyshniild consent to siudl 
a step, and it would he unsafe for them to ride the I'nadsfor fear of assassi- 
initi III " The matter of changing the ciiarter seemed In have heen drnpped, 
hut a huhsciipti III for hiiihliiig a church was raised. This siihs4'ri|>tioti 
W1U4 made payalde to tin* " lei:tor and menihel's of St. Ilavid's Chiircti, in 
the precinct nf Cornwall," on the condition that the hnihliiig Hhoiild ho 
erected " on a spnt of ground t<' he agreed upon ami Jiincnied" on the 
Boll til si.le of Cliamliers* Cieck, " so that the same shall he nut and inde- 
pendent of tin- jiii s liclion of the trustees of the pai ish nf Newhnrgh." 
Whether tlie hiiihliiig was erected doi's not appe.ir. nor where it was loca- 
tetl if erei led ; hill as there is no lecord ofaiiy other stnictine than that 
klinwn as St Daxid's, it is inferred, as slated, that it is the one referred 
to ill the le.Nt. Tile following were (he siihsciiptions: 

£ », .(. , £ «. il. 

.I.diii Savre, .Ir !> 

il 11 



Kllisoii KKi 

Win. Kllison -.'.5 

.Inhii Kl isnn '2ri 

.Saiiil. Whiliiiore 2 



Flal 

.h,hn Nic II 

.Inhli liatt<ni 

William Williams 

Cilhinl Peet 

Olunli.ihSniilh 

Jeih 1 lalk 

Cilhanl liaiton 

Henjalnin Case 

Sam. Ailhiir 

Aiidlew Sherwiaal 

UellI.en I'lalk 

I'at'i. k McCamriel.... 
Piivi t Soiilheiland, Sr 

.Inhll Cellev 

David Maiid.vil 

Aiiins Mills 

L»avid Suite 

.lames Sntteii . 

Tl iihilus Cnrwiii.... 

.h.liannah Kleek 

Itohert Newsoli 

Mark Car 

James Ctinhill 



I Vincent Matthews 

II Geor Cliutnii :) 

II II Leonard Ni.oll 2 

« U ' Nathan el l.isconil Ill 

II II I John IhdI.iW II 


2 
1 



.Maodevill 1 10 II I hiislopher Gnllow.. 



I 111 U 

II 2 II 

Hi II 
II Hi 

1 III II 
1 II II 
2 II 

S 

1 111 II 
S II 



II 

II 

U 

u u 

4 

4 U 

II u 

II 

8 

II 

II 







II II 

II II 

II II 

4 II 

» 

8 (I 

K 

II S II 

I 10 

II 4 
U 111 II 
II 4 
I 10 II 



Isaac Stoii house.. 
Isaac Sehnltz.. 

Henry K llsirii II 

William .lacksoii I 

.lames .lackson, Jr I 

Samuel l,o;!aii 111 

Uelljamill Hnniali 8 

Silas While 8 

llavid llallidav 8 

Jlldah llailnw lli 

S\lvaiiiis lln.siiiheiTV 1 HO 

Samu 1 Thorn.. 5 

John Jnhnsnii 10 

S 1. Brewster 3 II 

Sand, liiowsler, Jr n In 

Joseph Smith 8 

.lani s I'eeters .5 

Tl as.lacks.ui 80 

Leonard Suiilll 3 

William Ednionston 1 II 

Stephen Peek 1 10 

Josei.h Wood HI 

Joseph 1)1 like 1 



In coiiiiecliou with this suhject we give the following e.xtract from the 
records of St. Andrew's Church, which has heen kindly furnished hy 
Itev. O. Applegate. The statement lieai-sevidence of lull ing heen written 
at a date ciuuparatively recent and on tradition, but it is nevertheless not 
without value : 

" In 17^12 or '3, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For- 
eign Parts sent Kev. Richard Charlton to New Windsor, in Ulster Co. 
That part of the county was new and thinly settled, hut some families 
of the church at New Windsor, viz. : the Alsops, Ellisons, Chamhers, 
Lawrences; in the interior part of the county, the Ciddens, Matthews, 
\Mlemaii8, MacKentosh. Unll, etc. The parish of New Windsor was then 
said to include all these. Mr. Charlton ufBciated fur some time in pri- 



lao 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Revolution, and the building occupied as a hospital 
by the army. It was subsequently partly blown over 
and permitted to decay. A church organization, how- 
ever, was maintained until a comparatively recent 
period, and possession of the location and burying- 
ground* is still retained. St. Andrew's has a some- 
what brighter record, having escaped dissolution 
during the Revolution, although greatly weakened. 
It is said to have been the first of the three stations to 
erect a house of worship, — a log building with a fire- 
place, — which was located at the fork of the road now 
leading from St. Andrew's to Shawangunk and Wal- 
den. Soon after its incorporation in 1770, the con- 
gregation erected what was considered a very fine edi- 
fice, and also a parsonage-house, and was presented 
with ten acres of land by Peter DuBois, and by Rich- 
ard Bradley, attorney-general of the province, with a 
farm of two hundred ajid twenty acres. The Rev. 
John Sayre, who had been appointed tn succeed the 
Rev. Hezekiah Watkins, and who had been instru- 
mental in obtaining the incorporation (if the three 
parishes named, resigned liis position in 1775, through 
attachment to the crown, and the rectorship remained 
vacant until 17911. The church is now known as St. 
Andrew's of Walden. 



Tale houses, but he soon got tireil of the country, and being a young man 
formed an attachment in New York, married and left. The Society for 
the Propagation of tlie Gospel tsuiip ied his place b,v removing tlieir mis- 
sionary, Kev. Mr. Kilpatrirk, from Cape Fair, in Newfoundland, to 
New Windsor; but he having a large family and being a cnrpulent man 
soon got tired of the onuutry, as well as they of him. The mission was 
vacant until 17.14, when Di. .lohnson, of Connecticut, recommended Mr. 
Hezekiah Watkins as a prnpei' person to be sent home fur OrdeiB. A 
small subscription was raisetl for him, and he went to England; Wiis ol- 
dained and appointed by the .Society as missionary with a salary of 
only £-'iO, to otliciate at tbr<-e divisions of the mission, viz : At New 
Windsor on the Hudson Biver, at the Otterkill in Orange (Jo , and at the 
Wallkill in Ulster Co. Watkins was a single man of easy and inoffensive 
disposition, so that he lived happily with his people till the day of his 
death. During this time no place of wni^hip was built except at the 
Wallkill division, where they put up a temporary log cabin with a fire- 
place in it. In 1750 the inhabitants of Newburgh applied for and ob- 
tained a grant of 5U0 acres, which bad formerly been granted by Queen 
Ann to a number of Lutherans, these Lutherans having all but one or 
two sold their rights and removed out of the county. Th. se that re- 
mained surrendered their right in the Glebe to the Crown ithis is an 
error — Ed.), and it was regranted by charter. After obtaining the char- 
ter Mr. Watkins was put in possession of the 100 acres set aside for the 
minister, and he after that officiated every third Sunday in a small church 
on the Glebe built by the Lutherans. This church was before that kept 
at the town of New Windsor, and his moving to Newburgh gave offence 
to the heads of the church at New Wiudsor, and caused an unhappy rup- 
ture that was detrimental to the prosperity of the church (hereafter. 
In 17(J8 or '9 the Rev, John Sayre was appointed to this inis-iun, now 
by the name of Newburgh, aud parts adjacent. He took possession of 
the Glebe, and brought matters which had been neglected into a little 
better regulation. He preached alternately at Newburgh, the Otter- 
kill division, and Wallkill Division or log church. He was a popular 
preacher, and obtained a charter of incorporation for each church, viz. : 
St. George's, St. Andrew's, and St. David's, all dated July :iO, 1770." 

* In this liurying-ground, now entirely neglected, and from which it 
is said many headstones have been removed and converted into door- 
stones, lie the remains of Kev. Hezekiah Watkins, and also of his 
mother, .loanna, widow of Ephraim Watkins, and of several members 
of his father's family, — Abel, Joseph, Joseph (2d), Hezekiah, Jesse, and 
Submit, wife of Samuel. The inscription on the headstone of Rev. Hez- 
ekiah is as follows: " Sacred to the memory of the Kev. Hezekiah Wat- 
kins, who departed this life on the lOtli day of April, 1765, aged 57." 



Under the rectorship of Rev. Frederick Van Horn, 
St. Andrew's made .some progress after 1790, and 
throiigii his efforts established a congregation (now 
St. James') at Goshen, but it was not until after the 
settlement of Rev. John Brown at.Newburgh, in 1815, 
that the Episcopal Church — the successor of the 
Church of England — began to recover the ground 
which it had lost during the Revolution. Although 
deprived of the income of the glebe, which, in the 
absence of "a minister of tne Church of E^nghind, as 
by law e.-itablished," had been, by act of the Legis- 
lature in 1804, permanently applied to the mainten- 
ance of a school, Mr. Brown succeeded in reviving 
St. George's Church under its old name, and subse- 
quently in organizing St. Thomas' at New Windsor. 
Missions under his care were also founded at Port 
Jervis (now Grace Church , and at Monticello, Sul- 
livan Co. (now St. John's Church), in which latter he 
performed divine service once in three months for 
about ten years. In 1860, St. George's parish was 
divided and St. Paul's Church established. 

The following are the Episcopal Churches and mis- 
sions in the county at the present time, with the date 
of their admission to the Diocesan Convention : 

1785.t St. George's, Newburgh; Rev. John Brown, D.D., Rector Emer- 
itus ; Rev. Octaviua Applegate, Rector. 

1785.t St. Andrew's. Walden Rev. Francis Washburn. 

1785.f St. David's, Washingtonville " G. Van Horn, missionary. 

1S03. St. James', Goshen " Wm. H. DeL Grannis. 

1818. St. Thomas', New Windsor " H. McKiin, Jr. 

1845. Grace, Middletown " G. D. Sillinian. 

1850. Holy Innocents, Highland Falls " W. R Thomas. 

1854. Grace, Port Jervis " Alex. Capron. 

18.S8. St. John's, Canterbury *' Wm. E. Snowden. 

1860. St. Paul's, Newburgh '' Rufus Emery, 

186C. Christ, Warwick, vacant at present; last rector. Rev, Alf. Gobls- 
bo rough. 

1868. St. John's, Greenwood Rev. Samuel Moran. 

1869. Grace, Monroe " H. A. Dows 

1871. St, George's Mission, Newburgh " A. O. Hoehing. 

REFORMEJI DUTCH I'llLRtll. 

At an early date — one authority says August, 1716 
— the Rev. Petrus Vas, pastor of the Reformed Dutch 
Church in Kingston, visited the settlements which had 
been founded on the Delaware River, and which were 
mainly composed of German, Dutch, and Huguenot 
immigrants, who had found their way thither from 
King.ston and New Paltz. How far his circuit ex- 
tended is not known ; but prior to 1737 at least four 
informal societies were in existence, and in that year 
were organized as the "united churches of Mini- 
sink." These churches were the Walpack Church, 
in the Walpack bend of the Delaware; the Shapenac 
Church, seven miles above ; the Minisink Church, 
twelve miles farther on ; and eight miles farther up, 
in the forks of the Delaware and Neversink, the 
Maghaghkemek Church. Dominie Vas was succeeded 
by Rev. George Wilhelnms Mancius, in 1732, and 
continued the work which his predecessor had inaug- 
urated, having, prior to 1741, baptized over one hun- 
dred children in the Maghaghkemek Church. The 
first settled pastor of the four churches was Rev. 
Johannes Casparus Fryenmoek, in 1741. The first 

■(■Organized 1782; chartered l'?70. 



CHURCHES. 



131 



church edifice of the Maghaghkemek congregation 
was erected in 174;{, — a I0.2; structure of perhaps tliirty 
feet square. This building was burnt by Brant in his 
raid in 1779. Its successor was a building forty feet 
square, two stories high, and stood on the site of the 
original edifice by the roadside, near what is now the 
junction of Main Street and Jersey Avenue in Port 
Jervis. This building served the purposes of the 
congregation until 1833, when it was taken down and 
a larger one erected, and formally dedicated as the 
"Reformed Dutch Church of Deerpark." The edi- 
fice now occupied was erected in 18(38. 

All the ministers named in connection with the 
church at Maghaghkemek apjiarently performed no 
little itinerant work, not only on the Delaware River, 
but in the Wallkill Valley. It is at least presumable 
that Dominie Vas especially made the present town 
of Montgomery one of liis stations, as his successor, 
Dominie Mancius, found therein 1732, if not a society, 
those who were ready to be organized as such, and gave 
them constitution under the name of the German 
Reformed Church of Wallkill, of which Johannes 
Yong Bloet (Youngblood) was the first elder, and 
Jacob Broch Slaber (Bookstaver) the first deacon. Its 
first church edifice was a log building, which is said 
to have been so " constructed that the upper story 
projected on all sides beyond the lower one, and 
served as a block-house for defense against attacks 
from the Indians, as well as a house of worship. The 
only way of entrance was by means of a ladder, and 
the hour of service was announced by blowing a tin 
horn."* This tradition may or may not be true; if 
true, the probabilities are that the building was 
erected for a block-house during the Frencli and In- 
dian war of 1756, when a number of such structures 
were made in Ulster and Orange, and that it was sub- 
sequently occupied by the society. Whatever may be 
the actual facts, it was known and recognized as a 
church in 1758, — Ballard Beekford, of New York, 
giving to the society, in that year, four acres of land 
described as being " on the west side of Wallkill 
River, lying a little above the mill known as Mingus' 
mill,t where the High Dutch church now stands," 
the land to be converted into a burying-ground. In 
1760 the log church was taken down and a frame 
structure erected, which was occupied until 1803, 
when it gave place to the present brick edifice. The 
first baptisms were in 1734, by Dominie Mancius. 
The first settled minister of the society was Rev. John 
Michael Kern in 1772. 

While the Dutch ministers at Esopus were itinera- 
ting in the Wallkill and Delaware Valleys, a society 
of the same faith had been founded at Orangetown, 
In the extreme southeastern portion of original 
Orange. It was organized Oct. 24, 1694. Its first 

* Jacob Fr.ink Howe, " American Historical Reconis," January, 1873. 

+ Mingus' mill was erected in 1722-23, by Johannes Mingus, who, it 
is 6ai«l in an old MSS., " misfortunately happeiied to be killed soon after." 
Mattis Miltzbaugb married bis widow, and continued the mill. 



minister was the Rev. Guilliam Bartholf, and its first 
church edifice was erected in 1716. How early mem- 
bers of this society found their way to the Wawayanda 
Patent cannot be stated, but the fact is well ascertained 
that the families of Blauvelt, Demarest, Bartholf, 
Cooper, Van Houton, and DeHart, who were located 
in Warwick prior to 1760, were of the Orangetown 
stock ; and the conclusion is not improbable that they 
maintained the faith of their fathers, and received 
pastoral attention from the Orangetown Church. It 
is stated, however, that not being in sufficient number 
to maintain a society, and being desirous of living in 
harmony with their neighbors, they consented to unite 
with the Presbyterians in founding a church at War- 
wick in 1764 or '65. In 1770, John Morin Scott, 
whose career during the Revolution is not unfamiliar, 
and who was then interested in the Wawayanda 
Patent, gave land for the erection of a Presbyterian 
church and for a burial-ground, and William Wick- 
ham added one acre to the gift. In 1773 or '74 a 
building was erected and inclosed, but was not com- 
pleted until 1792. Presbyterian service was main- 
tained until 1803, when, the Dutch element being the 
most numerous and influential, it was agreed that, aa 
the deed of the property was in the Presbyterians, it 
should continue to be held by Presbyterian trus- 
tees, while the Reformed Dutch Consistory should 
have charge of all the spiritual interests of the church. 
It was also agreed that the name should be the " Pres- 
byterian and Reformed Dutch Church of Warwick." 
These preliminaries having been settled, application 
was made to the Classis of Paramus for constitution, 
in response to which that duty was performed by 
deputation from the Classis, Jau. 7, 1804. Andrew 
Ackerman and Cornelius Demarest were the first 
elders; Aaron Taylor and John G. Ackerson the 
first deacons; and Rev. Charles Hardenbergh the first 
settled pastor. Under its title of 1804 the church re- 
mains at the present time, although practically classed 
as one of the American Reformed (Dutch) Churches 
of the country. 

There are now in the county seven American 
(Dutch) Reformed Churches, viz. : 

Cuddebackville, Deerpark Rev. John DnBois. 

Deerpark, I'ort Jervis " Henry M. Voorheea. 

Montgomery " H. S. Sclienck. 

'■ " Berea *' J. Milliken 

Newburgh " J. Halst*^d Carroll. 

Walden " Martin V. Sclioonmaker, 

Warwick " Vernon Carol. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
Although never obtaining any considerable foot- 
hold in the county, Congregationalism has its rank 
among the early religious organizations, having been 
established in the Blooming-Grove Church in 1759, 
but whether as the result of agreement among settlers 
of different denominations who united in that form, 
or whether absolutely founded by Congregationalists 
of the New England type, cannot now, perhaps, be 
definitely ascertained, although it maintained the 
former character for many years and proved very sue- 



132 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



cessful in minding its own business. Its first house 
of worship was erected in 1759; that now occu[)ied 
by the .society was erected in 1823. The t'oHowing 
are the Congregational Churches in the county : 

BlMoniioK-firove Rev, M'arroii Ilntiiiiway. 

Howi-ITh •• (;. li. Wilkin 

Mi<l(Jk*tn\vti " F. K. Miirvin. 

ASSOCIATE AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBY- 
TEIUAN CHURCHES. 

Members of both the Associate and the Associate 
Reformed Presbyterian Churches were among tlie early 
immigrants of New Windsor and Wallkill. Perhaps 
too weak in numbers to maintain societies of their 
own, tliey attached themselves to the Presbyterian 
Church of Goodwill, or to Bethlehem. In 1752 the 
Rev. John Cuthbertson, of the Associate Presbytery 
of Scotland, was sent to America by that body, and in 
1753, Revs. Galletly and Arnot, representing the As- 
sociate Reformed, followed Cuthbertson. Very soon 
after his arrival Cuthbertson visited the Wallkill 
country, a-id organized (1753) one of the "praying 
societies" then in vogue in the church which he rep- 
resented, and which, in 1795, became the " Reformed 
Presbyterian Church of Coldenham." At a later 
period immigrants of the same faith established a 
" praying society in Newburgh, which, in 181G or '17, 
became the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of 
Newburgii," and from its loins sprang the " Second 
Reformed Presbyterian Church," in 1854. 

It is not of record that either Galletly or Arnot 
visited the district, although it is possible that one or 
the other of them may have done so and inaugurated 
a society of the Associate Reformed Church at Little 
Britain. Well-ascertained facts, however, seem to 
indicate that that denomination had its introduction 
here through the missionary labors of Rev. Robert 
Annan, who came over from Scotland in 1761, and 
who, before the expiration of ten years, established 
preaching stations throughout the Wallkill country 
from Little Britain to Blooniingburgh. In 1765 so- 
cieties had been formed at Little Britain and in Wall- 
kill of sufficient strength to erect houses of worship, 
and to warrant the calling, in 1767, of Mr. Annan to 
become their settled pastor, in which relation he was 
installed Oct. 2, 1772. The informal societies of 1765 
became the " Associate Reformed Church of Little 
Britain" and the "Associate Reformed Church of 
Neelytown." From the latter a colony organized what 
is known as "Graham's Church" of Crawford, in 
1809; but after that event it dwindled away, and in 
1831 what remained of it was incorporated in the 
Presbyterian Church of Haniptonburgh. Meanwhile 
a number of the members of the Little Britain Church 
who had removed to Newburgh took steps to organize 
a church at the latter place, which was accomplished 
in 1797, under the title of the " First Associate Re- 
formed Church of Newburgh," from which a colony 
organized, in 1837, the " Union Associate Reformed 
Church." The Little Britain Church and the Union 



Church are now attached to the Old School branch of 
the Presbyterian Church. Tlie " First Associate Re- 
formed Church of Newburgh" alone maintains its 
ancient faith, having refused to accept the union of 
the A.ssnciate and the Associate Reformed Churches 
by which the United Presbyterian Church was formed 
in 1859, or to follow the lead of its associate churches 
and attach itself to the Old School Presbytery. A 
number of its dissenting members, however, accepted 
the Associate and the A.ssociate Reformed union, and 
organized, in 1859, the " First United Presbyterian 
Church of Newburgh." 

The following are the churches of these several 
denominations at the present time: 

Hejormed PresUiflerutti. 

Col.lPiiliam Ilcv. .r W. .SliHW. 

Ki'mIiiukIi (Kirnt) " Sairil. <'<ii li..|e. 

Nuwbiirgli (Seuutid) " J Heiiwicli Tliompson. 

Uniwd Pt'e^i/tfrian. 

Ni.wbiirali (Firel) Rev. .1. O. D Fiiiiliey. 

Graliaui (Crawl'orJ) " Jultii KiKkiuu. 

Amocitte llefitntiei}. 
Newburgh (First) Kev, .1. Macnaugliton. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 
Baptist missionaries were in the county, on both 
its northern and southern border, as early probably as 
1740. From 1740 to 1780 the Rev. Mr. Halstead, 
then pastor of the church at Fishkill, performed mis- 
sioiuiry labors at difl'erent places in Duchess and 
Ulster Counties, and in 1782 succeeded in organi- 
zing a branch of the society in the precinct of New 
Marlborough, then recently a portion of the precinct 
of Newburgh. At a regular meeting of this branch 
church, held on the 24tli of May, 1785, at the house 
of Reuben Drake (Elder James Phillips pre-siding), 
a petition was presented by Nathan Ellet and Wil- 
liam Purdy, on behalf of themselves and others, ask- 
ing that " the society be constituted a separate church, 
and that Jonathan Atherton be ordained pastor." 
The application was granted. The ordination as well 
as the services constituting the church were held on 
the 27th of May. The minutes state that Elder 
Dakens preached the ordination sermon from Timo- 
thy iv. 8. After prayer by Elder Cole, Ekler Dakens 
gave the charge to the pastor and to the church. 
" Elder Phillips gave Bro. Atherton the hand and 
said, in presence of the whole congregation, that he 
owned him as an elder; and so Elder Phillips went 
to prayer. When done they sang a psalm, went out, 
and now we are left to ourselves." The organization 
thus formed was called "The Baptist Church of 
Pleasant Valley." In 1789 a branch church was es- 
tablished at Latingtown, and another at New Paltz. 
On the 24th of April, 1790, " a number of members 
were set off by themselves," and on the 2d of June 
following were constituted the " Church at New- 
burgh." In 1806 the society last named erected 
what was called the " Stone Meeting-house," near 
Luptoudale, in the town of Newburgh, and estab- 



CHUKCHES. 



133 



lished a burial-ground. William Brundage served us 
its po-stor from 1790 to 1795; Levi Hall, from 1796 to 
1799; Jetliro Jolinson, from 1796 to 1803; Luke 
Davis, from 1803 to 1811; William C. Thompson, 
from 1812 to 1815; and John Ellis, from 1815 to 1817, 
— in which latter year the society united with the 
Pleasant Valley Church, under the title of the " Union 
Cluirch of Pleasant Valley and Newburgh," with al- 
ternate services, an arrangement which was continued 
until 1832, wlien the Newburgh branch ceased to 
exist, leaving as its only visible record at the i)resent 
time the walls of its meeting-house and the burial- 
place of its dead. 

The introduction of the denomination at Warwick 
was through the early settlers who renioved thither 
from Connecticut, who in 1764 organized what is 
now known as the Old-School Baptist Church of 
AVarwick. Several of the members of the society 
having acquaintance with Rev. James Benedict, of 
Strattield, Conn., a licentiate of the Baptist Church 
at that place, he was invited to accept the pastoral 
charge of the society. He visited Warwick under 
this invitation in November, 1764, and in March, 
1765, entered upon the psistorate, continuing in that 
relation until 1777, when he resigned and removed to 
Westmoreland, Pa. The church thus founded was 
the first of any denomination in Warwick, and its 
services, which were held for some years at private 
houses, were attended by all the church-going people 
of the neighborhood. In 1774 a house for public 
worship was erected on what is now the corner, at the 
junction of the road leading from the village of War- 
wick and the road leading from the Welling school- 
house to Bellvale. In 1809-10 the society inirchased 
land in the village of Warwick, and erected the edi- 
fice which it now occupies. Pastor Benedict's suc- 
cessor was the Rev. Thomas B. Montague, 1788, who 
was succeeded by Thomas Stevens, who was suc- 
ceeded by Lebbius Lathrop, and continued in charge 
until 1819, during which period the church became 
substantially established in its new location. 

Although at one time comparatively numerous and 
influential, there are now but three organizations of 
the Old-Sjhool branch of the Baptist Church in the 
county, viz. : 

Mi.lilli'tciwii Eliler Gillicrt Tioclio. 

Ki-w V.-inoN (M..lliit Hoi"-) ■' tiilliirt liii'lii.. 

Wiiiwuk " Williuni I'ull.ild. 

The New-School Baptist churches came into the 
county in 1817, through missionaries appointed by 
the Hudson River Baptist .Association, who founded 
. societies at Newburgh in 1821, and Cornwall in 1823. 
Ol that branch of the denomination there are now six 
churches, viz. : 

('nniwiiU Rev. . 

JU.l.llil,.iHi ■• W. K. Wii;;lit. 

NiM\l»iiifrli " Altlilir.luiM'M. 

Oriiiij:f(Uiii.»iivillf) '* .Imf«-|>Ii N.Atlams. 

I'"i-I .Iui\i^ •* Will. McKiiiii(-y. 

Wuruk'k •' D. C. Lilta-fieM. 



METHODISM. 
The history of the origin of Methodism, and that 
of its founders, John and Charles Wesley, and their 
associates, is too well known to require notice in these 
pages. A brief review of the progress of the society 
in this country, and of the system which was adopted 
to carry forward its nussionary labors is, however, 
perhaps necessary to a proper understanding of the 
manner in which it was introduced in the county. 
In 1766 a company of Irish emigrants, of whom 
Philip Embury was one, organized a society in New 
York, and in 1768 they erected in that city the first 
Methodist church in America. About the same time 
Robert Strawbridge, who was also a native of Ireland, 
organized a society in Maryland, and built a log 
meeting-house near Pipe Creek, in that province. 
Other immigrants from the British Isles, who had 
settled in Philadelphia, laid the foundations of a so- 
ciety in that city, which soon rivaled, in point of 
numbers and active zeal, the one in New York. En- 
couraged by the progress of the sect in America, Mr. 
Wesley sent over two additional laborers in 1769, 
viz. : Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, the 
former being stationed at New York, and the latter 
at Philadelphia. In 1771, Francis Asbury and Rich- 
I ard Wright were added to the work ; and in 1773, 
Thomas Rankin and George Shadford. Rankin was 
appointed by Mr. Wesley "General Assistant of the 
Societies in America," and soon after his arrival he 
issued a call for " a conference of all the preachers in 
America," with a view to systematize the work. The 
meeting was held at Philadelphia, July 4, 1773, and 
was the first "conference" that ever assembled in this 
country. The society then embraced eleven hundred 
and si.xty members, of whom five hundred were in 
Maryland. 

During the war of the Revolution the society grad- 
ually decreased in New York and Philadel])hia, but 
continued to spread rapidly in the Southern States, so 
that while its total membership at the close of the war 
was thirteen thou.sand seven hundred and forty, only 
about eleven hundred were resident north of Phila- 
delphia. After the peace Wesley suggested to his 
followers in the United States that they should make 
an organization independent of the society in Eng- 
land. This was accordingly done in 1785, and the title 
of the "Methodist Episcopal Church" wiis adopted 
to designate the new denomination. Thomas Coke 
and Pliilip Asbury were appointed bishops, or super- 
intendents, and the society was divided into districts, 
over which "elders" were stationed, under whose 
charge two or more preachers were placed. The 
])reachers were then styled " assistants," and the fields 
in which they labored were called " circuits." The 
itinerant jirinciple, which is still one of the distinc- 
tive features of the Methodist Church, was adopted, 
and the preachers held their "circuits" only for a 
year. In this way the work was zealously prosecuted, 
often amid extreme hardships, and the society re- 



134 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



gained the ground which it had for a time lost, and 
won new triumphs in the North as well as the South. 

in 178G, New York and New Jersey were divided 
into two " elder districts," one of which embraced the 
East Jersey, Newark, New York City, and Long 
Island " circuits," and formed the extreme northern 
limit of the society in the United States at that time. 
The East Jersey " circuit" bordered on Orange 
County, and had stationed on it as "assistants" John 
McClaskey and Ezekiel Cooper. While Mr. Cooper 
was on this circuit (1786), one of his public .services was 
attended by Col. David McCamley, who invited him 
to preach at his residence in the town of Warwick. 
Mrs. Arthur Smith, a sister of Col. McCamley, was 
visiting her brother at the time of the service there, 
and at her solicitation Mr. Cooper accompanied her 
to her residence in Middlehope, where he held the 
first Methodist service in the town of Newburgh. 
The date at which it was held cannot now be ascer- 
tained, but it was probably in October, 1786. Mr. 
Cooper, accompanied by Samuel Purdy, also visited 
at this time John Woolsey, near Milton, and having 
established here an outpost for missionary labor far 
beyond the bounds of his circuit, he returned to New 
Jersey. Six weeks later, John McClaskey and John 
Cooper passed over the same route, and extended the 
new circuit to the Paltz, where they held services at 
the residences of Hendriek Deyo and AndricsDuBois. 
They also stopped in the village of Newburgh, and 
preached in the house of Elnathan Foster, where a 
" class" was soon after formed. In January, Ezekiel 
Cooper again visited the district, and held service iu 
the house of Samuel Fowler in Middlehope, which 
was henceforth a regular preaching station until 1813. 
From 1813 to 1822 the meetings were held in the 
summer in a barn owned by Daniel Holmes, and in 
the winter in Mr. Fowler's house. 

The success which had attended the efforts of Mr. 
Cooper and his associates led to the organization, in 
1788, of the Flanders (N. J.) circuit, which embraced 
this section of country. Of this circuit James O. 
Cromwell was elder, and his assistants were Jesse 
Lee, Aaron Hutchinson, and John Lee. It had five 
hundred and forty-three members. In 1789 it was 
again divided and the Newburgh circuit established, 
its preachers being Nathaniel B. Mills and Andrew 
Harpending; James D. Cromwell, presiding elder. 
It embraced two hundred and sixty-one of the mem- 
bership of Flanders circuit, and was divided into the 
following "classes" or informal societies, viz.: 

John Ellison's, New Windsor. 

Liitt Smith's, near Marlhorough. 

Diivid Ostnuuier'e, PlHttekill. 

David Stepliens', in tlie Clove. 

RlLhanl Gariisun's, in the Clove. 

Sunil. Ketcham'^, near Sugar Loaf. 

Arter's. 

Barton's, 

John McWhorter's. 

Long Pond. 



Siiml. Fowler's, JlidJleliopo. 
Elnathan Foster's, Newhurgh. 
Mnnson Waitl's, Fusleitown. 
George Stanton's, Gardnertown. 
Daniel lloliiii's', IliJillehupe. 
Jacob Havtoh's, near Latiugtown. 
Latingtown, Latiiigtown. 
Saumel \\.vaU'», Kejlown. 
Schnltx', Dolsentuwn. 
Widow Allison's, I'ocbuck. 
■Warwick, Warwick. 



These classes continued to be visited by the circuit 
preachers until they ripened into societies of sufficient 
strength to support located ministers, or until that 
end was attained by the union of two or more classes. 
The following preachers appear on the record in con- 
nection with what was then known as the Newburgh 
circuit : 

1790. — Benjamin Abbott, Joseph Lowell, Samuel 
Martindale. 

1791. — Jethro Johnson, Joshua Taylor. 

1792. — Samuel Fowler, Lawrence McCombs. 

1793. — Lawrence McCombs, Smith Weeks. 

1794. — Samuel Fowler, Moses Crane, William 
Storm. This year Marbletown circuit was connected 
with Newburgh, and appointments for preaching made 
at Woodstock, Hurley, Shokan, Tongue (or Clove), 
Shandaken, and Beaverkill. 

1795. — Matthias Swain and David Buck. 

1796. — Jacob Egbert and John Finnegan. 

1797. — Samuel Fowler, Thomas Woolsey. 

1798-99.- -Robert Green, William Storms. 

1800.— Samuel Fowler, Elijah Woolsey. 

1801. — Samuel Fowler, Matthias Swain, D. Buck. 

1802. — James Herron, Thomas Stratton. Ulster 
circuit was taken from Newburgh and reported sepa- 
rately. 

1803.— Thomas Stratton, Mitchell E. Bull. 

1804. — Robert Dillon, Isaac Candee. Haverstraw 
was added to the circuit appointments. 

1805. — Zenas Covel, Isaac Candee. Haverstraw 
withdrawn from the circuit and church organized. 
Rev. W. Vredenburgh appointed minister. 

1806. — Asa Cummings, William Keith. 

1807. — William Keith, John Crawford. 

1808. — John Robertson, J. Coleman, and William 
Jewett. The Elnathan Foster class organized as the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of the parish of New- 
burgh, and steps taken to erect a church edifice, 
which was first occupied in 1810. Robertson planted 
Methodism at Florida, 1808. 

1809.— Seth Crowell, John Finnegan. The New- 
burgh circuit was divided, and New Windsor circuit 
formed, with Revs. Thomas Woolsey and James Cole- 
man, preachers ; Andrew Cunningham and Benjamin 
Westlake, local preachers ; Henry Still, James Ben- 
jamin, Thomas Collard, and Jonathan Stevens, ex- 
horters. The circuit embraced the following classes : 

Clmses. Leaders. 

New Windsor (John Ellison) 

Sugar Loaf (Samuel Ketchani) Henry Wisner. 

Smith's Clove Jacob Fredt^rick. 

Lower Clove Francis Wygaut. 

Oxford Zophar Ketcliam. 

Warwick Cornelius Jones. 

Aniitv James Benjamin. 

Butter Hill Daniel Wood. 

Ketchamtown (now Mountaiuville'*)... 

* Ketchamtown was settled about the time of the Revolution, by the 
grandfather of Becijaniin Ketchani, who erected what were long known 
afi Ketcham's mills. John Orr bought and rebuilt the mills, and when 
the Shortcut Railroad was opened, secured a station, to which he gave 
the name of Mountainville. It will be seen that the society there is one 
of the oldest in the county. 



CHUKCHES. 



135 



Clusses. Lenders. 

Pochuck (Widow Allison) I Hr,';few''Low„.berry. 

''-loundla.d jS^soSn,. 

Deprpark Beuj:iinin Brown. 

New Sliawangnnk (Bethel) Thonia-i Cullard. 

Harnlnirgh Natiian Benjamin. 

Bell vale James Cunningham. 

Vernon 

Cornwall 

The New Windsor class was supplied with a room 
over tlie store of John Ellison, at Vail's Gate, in 
1791, which was a regular preaching station until 
1807, when the old New Windsor church was erected, 
and the society organized as the Union Methodist 
Episcopal Church of New Windsor. This was the 
first regular Methodist Episcopal Church edifice in the 
county, if not the first on the west side of the Hudson. 

In 1819 the Sullivan circuit was formed from the 
Newburgh and New Windsor circuits, Revs. Horace 
Weston and James (.Juinlan, preachers in charge. 

In 1820, Newburgh village was taken from the New- 
burgh circuit, and Eev. Samuel Fowler appointed 
minister. Arnold Schofield and Josiah Bowen, 
preachers on the circuit. 

In 1823 the Newburgh circuit was divided, and 
Bloomingburgh circuit formed, embracing the preach- 
ing stations on the east side of the mountain, viz.: 
Bethel, Bloomingburgh, Middletown, Mount Johnson 
(now Crawford), Montgomery, Walden, Burlingham, 
Sam's Point, and Walker Valley. 

In 182.5, New Paltz circuit was taken from the 
Newburgh circuit. The class at Bellvale, on the 
New Windsor circuit, was broken up, and the appoint- 
ment discontinued until 183.3. 

In 1837, New Windsor circuit was divided, and 
Sugar Loaf circuit formed, embracing Sugar Loaf, 
Florida, Edenville, Bellvale, Chester, Monroe, Ox- 
ford, Satterlytown, Washingtonville, Blagg's Clove, 
Highland Mills, Little Long Pond, and Dutch Hol- 
low (Greenwood Lake), Revs. Seymour Landon and 
William Miller, circuit preachers, and Rev. Phineas 
Rice, presiding elder. 

Although Methodism had its introduction in War- 
wick, it was not until 1839 that a regular appointment 
wa-s made for Methodist preaching in the village of 
Warwick. From a Methodist stand-point the people of 
that village were thoroughly " joined to their idols," 
— i.e., Baptists and Presbyterian-Reformed- Dutch. Its 
firmest foothold wa.s gained in Newburgh and New 
Windsor, where many came to its ranks who had 
been connected with the Church of England, and 
who were then practically without church connection. 
This was especially true of John Ellison, who liber- 
ally encouraged the circuit preachers. In Newburgh, 
on the contrary, the most socially prominent defender 
of the new faith was EInathan Foster, a former Pres- 
byterian. Perhaps, however, the itinerant ministers 
would have been equally succe.ssful without these ad- 
ventitious aids. They were earnest, strong men, and 
sustained their faith under the most annoying perse- 
cutions and the most trying ostracisms. 



It is due to the denomination to say that the census 
of 1875 awards to it forty-four churches in the county. 
The number, however, evidently embraces circuit 
stations, which do not appear in the minutes of Con- 
ference, and also perhaps colored churches and all 
others claiming the name of Methodists, but which 
are not attached to the regular church organization. 
The following list is from Conference minutes : 

Crawford Bnllville. 

St. Paul's Middletown. 

Ridgebnry Wawayanda. 

Trinity Newlairgh City. 

St. John's " " 

Grace •' '* 

Gardnertown Newburgh town. 

Rossville " " 

Fostertown " " 

North Newburgh (Asbury Chapel). " " 

Walden Walden. 

Slontgomery Montgomery. 

Goslien Goshen. 

Chester Chester. 

Sugar Loaf Sugar Loaf (Chester). 

Florida Fl.nida (Warwick). 

Warwick .Warwick Village. 

EdenTJlle Edenville (Warwick). 

New Milford New Milford (Warwick). 

Bellvale Bellvale (Warwick). 

Monroe Monroe. 

Washingtonville Mashingtonville. 

Salisbury Mills Salisburv Mills. 

Highland Mills Highland Mills (Monroe). 

New Windsor Vail's Gate. 

Cornw.all Oanterbnry (Cornwall). 

Highland ville Cornwall. 

Fort Montgomery Highlands. 

West Point " 

Little Britain New Windsor. 

Drew Port Jei-vis. 

Otisville Mount Hope. 

Colored Methodists. 

African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) Newl-urgh. 

" " Middletown. 

" " (Bethel) 

" " Port Jerris. 

" " Goslien. 

Separate Methodists Goshen. 

In connection with this denomination, the following 
facts have been furnished by Rev. J. P. Hermance, 
P. E., in reference to the Newburgh District, which 
had its beginning in the Newburgh circuit. 

In 1789, Newburgh first appears in the minutes of 
the Conference. By a division of Flanders circuit, 
Newburgh circuit was formed, extending from Platte- 
kill and Marlborough on the north to Warwick on 
the south. (See list of " Classes," already given.) In 

1791, Newburgh stands first on the list of circuits, and 
is followed by Wyoming, New York, New Rochelle, 
and Long Island, which compose the district. In 

1792, Wyoming, Tioga, Newburgh, Flanders, Eliza- 
bethtown, and Staten Island circuits composed the 
district. 1794, Herkimer, Otsego, Delaware, Saratoga, 
and Albany circuits were added to the district. 1795, 
the district included Cambridge, Herkimer, Otsego, 
Delaware, Saratoga, Albany, Newburgh, and Flan- 
ders circuits. 179(i, Salem, Bethel, Burlington, Tren- 
ton, Freehold, Elizabethtown, Flanders, Newburgh, 
Delaware, Herkimer, and Albany circuits con.stituted 
the district. 1798, Albany, Herkimer, and Delaware 
circuits were taken out of the district. In 1801 the 
district, which had previously been known as the East 
Jersey District, received the name of the " New Jer- 
sey District." In 1802 the work was put into " Con- 
ferences," the Newburgh and Ulster circuits forming 



136 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



part of the New Jeiaey District of the Philadelphia 
Conference. A rearriingcmcnt was made in 1803, by 
which the Albany District was formed, embracing the 
Newl)urgli, Ulster, Delaware. All)any, Albany City, 
and Saratoga circuits. In 1804 the district was taken 
from the Pliiladel|)hia and placed in the New York 
Conference. It then embraced the Black River, 
Western, Herkimer, Saratoga, Montgomery, Albany, 
Delaware, Ulster, Newburgh, and Albany City cir- 
cuits. In 180.3, Havcrstraw was added. In 1808 the 
district was cut down to the Albany City, Albany, 
Sclienectady, Montgomery, Delaware, Ulster, New- 
burgh, and Haverstraw circuits. In 1810 the name 
was changed to the Hudson River District, and re- 
mained under that title until 1832, when it was di- 
vided, the southern portion receiving tlie name of the 
Newburgh District, embracing tlic following charges 
and circuits: Catskill, Saugerties, Kingston, Marble- 
town, Sullivan, Montgomery, Ilossville, Gardncrtown, 
New Windsor, New Paltz, and West Point. The 
various stations, which had previously been i)reach- 
ing-iihv'es in connection with contiguous charges, ap- 
pear in the published minutes at dates as follows: 
New' Windsor, 1809; Kingston, 1822; Bloomingburgb, 
and name changed to Montgomery, 1824 ; New Paltz, 
1831; Catskill and Saugerties, 183.'; Ilossville and 
Gardnertown, 1832; Roudout, 183G; Sugar Loaf, 
1837; North Newburgh, 1838; Milton and Marlbor- 
ough, 1840; Monroe, 184-'); Goshen and Soutlifield 
Mission, 1847; Esopiis, 1848; New Paltz Landing 
and New Paltz, 1850; Newburgh Second Ciuirch, 
1852; West Newburgh and Eddyville, 1853 ; Chester, 
18.54; Kingston Second Church, 1856; Milton, 1858; 
Glasco, 1859; Cornwall and Little Britain, 1863; 
Warwick, Belhale, Highland Mills, and Walden, 
1866; Washingtoiivillc, 1867; Florida, 1868; Salis- 
bury Mills, 1869; West Newburgh, 1870; Port Ewen, 
1873; Galeville, 1874. The district e-Ktends north- 
ward as far as Saugerties, southward to New Milford, 
westward to Goshen and along the \Vallkill Valley, 
northerly and easterly to Hudson's River. While cov- 
ering a considerable portion of Ulster, it fails to em- 
brace the entire county of Orange, and the following 
statistics must of course be received in connection 
with this fact, viz. : It has 36 charges ; 52 churches, 
valued at $364,400; 30 parsonages, valued at S68,100; 
7845 members; .57 Sabbath-schools, with a roll of 6268 
scholars and 925 teachers. The following is a list of 
the |)residing elders of the district from 1787: 

1787, Thomas Foster; 1788-89, James O. Cromwell ; 
1790, Thomas Morrell ; 1791-92, Robert Cloud ; 1793, 
Jacob Brush ; 1794-95, Tbos. Ware; 1796-98, John Mc- 
Claskcy; 1799, Freeborn Garrettson ; 1800-2, Solomon 
Sharp; 1803-6, Elijah Woolsey ; 1807-9-11, Henry 
Stead; 1811-14, D.iniel Ostrandcr; 181.5-18, P. li. 
Sanford; 1819-22, Eben Smith; 1823-26, Daniel Os- 
trander; 1827-30, Phineas Rice; 1831, M. Richardson; 
1832, William Jewett; 18,3.3-34, M. Richardson; 1835 
-38, Phineas Rice; 1839, William Jewett; 1840-42, 



Daniel Ostrander; 1843-46, M. Richardson ; 1847-50, 
William .lewett ; 1851, Stephen Martindale; 1852-54, 
A. M. Osbon; 185.5-58, L. M. Vincent; 1859-61, 
Phineas Rice; 1862-65, William H. Ferris; 1866-68, 
A. M. Osbon; 1869-72, Joseph B. Wakeley ; 1873-76, 
J. Y. Bates; 1877-80, John P. Hermance. 

RO.MAN CATIIOMCS. 
The history of the efforts for the introduction of 
Catholicism in this State during the colonial era pos- 
sesses a deep interest, embracing as it does the inci- 
dents of the French and Indian wars, which were 
waged from 1687 until the terminjition of F"rench 
rule in Canada. The work was commenced in 1608, 
and was attended with considerable success among 
the more northern Indian tribes. The effort for the 
conversion of the Si.x Nations, however, met with 
very little encouragement until alter the accession of 
James II. to the throne of England, who instructed 
the governors of the province to extend to the French 
missionaries every facility for the prosecution of the 
enterprise. The privileges thus granted were soon 
em|)loyed by the French to secure the ascendancy of 
their own national interest among the Iroquois, and 
compelled even James himself to materially modify 
the zeal which he had manifested for the projiagation 
of the faith which he professed. The accession of 
William and Mary was followed by an entire change 
in the policy of the English government. So great 
had been the inroads upon the trade of the English 
with the Indians, and so palpable the influence of the 
French priests in that direction, — so materially had 
the alliance between the English and the Iroquois 
been weakened, and so essential was the continuance 
of that alliance to England, — that even the toleration 
of Catholicism was forbidden, not through any feel- 
ing of hostility to that form of religion in itself con- 
siilered, but from political reasons. The most severe 
repressive measures were adopted; every Catholic 
priest coming voluntarily into the province was pun- 
ishable with death. This law remained in force until 
after the commencement of the war of the Revolu- 
tion, when it was so far relaxed, by the terms of the 
first constitution of the State, as to permit freedom of 
opinion to all who should subscribe the oath of alle- 
giance. The appeal which was made to Ireland for 
aid in the war, and the subsequent assistance of Cath- 
olic France, materially affected the prejudices of the 
jieople, and made it possible to engraft upon the 
Federal Constitution of 1787 the full and complete 
equality of all religion? fiiiths. Although the door 
was thus thrown open. Catholic authorities made 
little effort to propagate their faith until alter the 
Irish rebellion of 1798, which sent many Catholic 
emigrants to America. In 1808, Pope Pius VII. 
erected Baltimore into an archie|)iscopal see, with 
four suffragan sees, of which New York was one.* 



* The first iiricxt «tutioinMl in New Ytirk i It.v whs Ilev. Chat Ii.h Wluilen, 

II Iiiali Fnuic 8CIIII, who hud been eliuiilitin in the Krencli tieet niidur 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 



137 



The first bishop of New York, Rev. Luke Concanen, 
(lied soon after his consecration, and before lie entered 
upon his duties. His successor, Rev. John Conelly, 
was consecrated in 1814, and among his first work 
was that of establishing missions along Hudson's 
River, ostensibly "to prevent the children of Catho- 
lics conforming to the persuasions of their neigh- 
bors." In his diary occurs the following: "Jan. 
2',ith, 1818. — I answered the Rev. Arthur Langdill's 
three letters and sent him said Indult, and addressed 
the letter to the care of Mr. Mclntyre, New Burg." 
Rev. Langdill and Rev. Dr. Ffrench (the latter in 
1817 and the former in 1818) were the first Catholic 
missionaries in Orange County, and at Newburgh, in 
1826, St. Patrick's Church, the first Catholic church 
in the county, was organized. There are now fifteen 
churches and missions in the county, viz. : 

St. Paul's, Bullville, attended from Montgomery. 

St. Thomas', Cornwall, Rev. Stephen Mackin, Rev. James Kelly. 

■ , Goshen, Kev. John Keufran, Rev. S. J. Byrnes. 

St. JIal"y'H, Greenwood, attended from SufTerns. 

Sacred Heart, HiKhland Fall.-, Rev. Terranee J. Early. 

St. .losejih's, UliddletoH ti, Rev. Peter Prendergast, Rev. John Clancy. 

, Uliddlehojip, attende<l fri>ni Milton. 

Holy Name of Mary, Montj^onieiy, Rev. Patrick Brady. 

, Monroe, attended from Goshen. 

St. Patrick's, Newhurgli. Rev, Joseph F. Mooney, Rev. Hugh McCabo. 
St. Mary's, Newhurgh, Rev. Michael Phelan, Rev. M. Lane. 
Holy Name of Jesus, Otisville, attentled from Middletown. 
Immaculate Conception, P.nt .lei vis, Rev. E. .1. Flynu, Rev. Michael 

Sally. 
St. Stephen's, Warwick, attended from Goshen, 

, Washingtonville, attended from ('ornwall. 

, West Point, attended from Highland Falls. 

. , New Windsor, attended from Newhurgh. 

The academy of Our Lady of Mercy is located at 
Balniville, in Newhurgh, and St. Patrick's parochial 
school is connected with St. Patrick's Church in the 
city of Newhurgh. 

FRIENDS. 
Though not among the earliest of the sects in the 
county, members of the Society of Friends, " or the 
people called Quakers," have an early and honorable 
record in its annals. A considerable colony .located 
in the old precinct of Cornwall prior to the Revolu- 
tion, and soon after its close we find them in the 
northwestern part of the town of Newhurgh, and in 
the adjoining towns of Plattekill and Marlborough, 
in Ulster, both of which towns were originally cov- 
ered by the precinct of Newhurgh. From the pre- 
cinct of Cornwall we have the towns of Cornwall and 
Monroe, and in the former are two meeting-houses, 
and in the latter one. The Friends of Newhurgh 
unite with their brethren of Pleasant Valley in a 
meeting-house at the latter place. The original 
meeting-house in Cornwall was erected about 1790. 
The grounds on which it stands were deeded in 1789, 
by Langford Thorn, to Joseph Thorn, Nicholas Town- 

Admiral De Grasse. After the war he settled in this country. His 
brother, Dr. Joseph Whalen, purchased lot No. 1 1 of the Schuyler Patent 
in Montgomery, April 1, 1788. He was the father of the late Joseph V. 
Whalen, of Montgomery. 

10 



send, and William Titus, in trust for the " Cornwall 
Monthly Meeting." David Sands, a noted preacher 
of the sect, may be said to have been the founder of 
the society here. A division of the sect in 1827 
resulted in the " Hicksite" and the " Orthodox" 
branches, the former retaining the old building, and 
the latter erecting a meeting-house of their own in 
1828 or 1829. 

RELIGIONS SOCIETIES. 

The religious and benevolent societies of the sev- 
eral towns of the county have not been few in num- 
ber, nor without influence. It is believed that the 
county is older in the introduction of Sabbath-schools 
and Bible societies than its contemporaries. The first 
in the field was the Orange County Bible Society, 
which was organized in Goodwill Church on the 11th 
of June, 1811, over four years prior to the organiza- 
tion of the American Bible Society. At its first pub- 
lic meeting a constitution was adopted, and the 
following officers appointed, viz. : Rev. Andrew King, 
president; Rev. Moses Frceligh, first vice-president; 
Rev. Mathusaleh Baldwin, second vice-president ; 
Rev. John Johnston, secretary ; Rev. Arthur I. Stans- 
bury, clerk ; Dr. Charles Fowler, treasurer, and nine- 
teen other managers. As first constituted it was a 
Bible and Tract Society, but in 181G, when the Amer- 
ican Bible Society was formed, it became auxiliary to 
it, ceased its tract operations, and assumed the name 
of the Orange County Bible Society. 

Previous to the year 1835 the amount of money 
collected and expended by the society in its opera- 
tions cannot be stated with any degree of accuracy. 
In the report of 1832 it is stated that the amount col- 
lected up to June of that year, from 1816, was $3902, 
making an average for each year of 1240, which had 
been paid over to parent society in remittances for 
Bibles, or in donations. The amount collected up to 
June, 1847, including the amount already given, was 
$16,690.73. 

A complete list of the officers of the society is not 
contained in its record book, and hence we cannot 
give the names of the successors of Dr. King and his 
associate founders. Traditionally stated, the presi- 
dency was held by Rev. Dr. King, Rev. Mathusaleh 
Baldwin, Johannes Miller, Hezekiah Howell, Moses 
Crawford, and William Phillips, prior to 1834, since 
which time the officers have been as follows : 

1834. — Gen. James W. Wilkin, president; Hon. 
Nathan H. White, first vice-president ; Capt. Andrew 
Wilson, second vice-president ; Robert Denniston, 
corresponding secretary; John Wilson, recording sec- 
retary ; Gen. Charles Borland, Jr., treasurer. 

1835-36. — Andrew Wilson, president; Samuel 
Millsjjaugh, first vice-pii'sidcnt ; Jonathan Bailey, 
second vice-president; Daniel T. Wood, recording 
secretary ; Peter A. Millspaugh, trea.<urer ; Robert 
Denniston, corresponding secretary. 

1837. — Jonathan Bailey, president ; John B. Hor- 



138 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ton, first vice-president; Nathaniel Brewster, second 
vice-president ; Robert Deuniston, corresponding sec- 
retary ; Rev. M. N. McLaren, recording secretar)' ; 
Dr. P. A. Millspaugli, treasurer. 

1838-39.— David Hanford, M.D., president ; Charles 
Fowler, M.D., first vice-president; James Little, sec- 
ond vice-president ; Robert Denniston, corresponding 
secretary ; Rev. M. N. McLaren, recording secretary ; 
P. A. Millspaugh, M.D., treasurer. 

1841. — Charles Fowler, president; James Little, 
first vice-president ; (Jeorge Phillips, second vice- 
president; James D. Bull, corresponding secretary; 
Rev. Isaac C. Beach, recording secretary ; P. A. Mills- 
paugli, treasurer. 

1842. — Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary; no 
other change. 

1843. — Joseph B. Howell, second vice-president; 
no other change. 

1844. — Andrew Wilson, president; Joseph B. How- 
ell, first vice-president; Jesse Bull, second vice-presi- 
dent; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary; James 
D. Bull, corresponding secretary ; P. A. Millspaugh, 
treasurer. 

184.5. — Samuel Wait, first vice-president; no other 
change. 

1846—17. — James Wood, president ; Jesse Bull, first 
vice-president ; William Houston, second vice-presi- 
dent; James D. Bull, corresponding secretary; Theo. 
L. Jackson, recording secretary ; P. A. Millspaugh, 
treasurer. 

1848-4!1. — Robert Denniston, president ; William 
Houston, first vice-president; Moses Sawyer, second 
vice-president; James D. Bull, corresponding secre- 
tary ; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary ; P. A. 
Millspaugh, treasurer. 

18r)0. — Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, corresponding secre- 
tary ; no other change. 

1851. — Jolin S. Crane, JI.D., treasurer; no other 
change. 

1852. — H. M. Hopkins, second vice-president ; no 
other change. 

1853-54. — Alexander Thompson, president; Na- 
thaniel Webb, first vice-president ; Jesse C. Stewart, 
second vice-president ; Theo. L. Jackson, recording 
secretary; Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, corresponding sec- 
retary ; John S. Crane, treasurer. 

1856-56. — Robert Denniston, president; Andrew 
Wilson, first vice-president; Jesse C. Stewart, second 
vice-president; Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, corresponding 
secretary; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary; 
John S. Crune, treasurer. 

1858-65. — William S. Webb, president; Samuel J. 
Wilkin, first vice-president ; Charles W. Reevs, second 
vice-president; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding sec- 
retary ; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary ; John 
S. Crane, treasurer. 

1866-67.— William S. Webb, president; Rolsert 
Denniston, first vice-president ; Hugh B. Bull, second 
vice-president ; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding sec- 



retary ; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary ; John 

■ S. Crane, treasurer. 

1868-69.— Hugh B. Bull, president; A. H. Sinsa- 

1 baugh, first vice-president; William Evans, second 
vice-president; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding sec- 
retary ; Theo. L. Jackson, recording secretary ; John 
S. Crane, treasurer. 

1870. — Augustus F. Schofield, president; William 
J. Groo, first vice-president; Selah R. Corwin, second 

I vice-president ; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding sec- 
retary ; Rev. R. Howard Wallace, recording secre- 
tary ; David Redfield, treasurer. 

1871-72.— Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, i)resident; A. H. 
Sinsaljaugh, first vice-president ; William Evans, 
second vice-president ; Rev. 8. W. Mills, correspond- 
ing secretary ; Rev. R. Howard Wallace, recording- 
secretary ; David Redfield, treasurer. 

1873-76.— Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, president ; Wil- 
liam J. (iroo, first vice-president ; Selah R. Corwin, 
second vice-))resident; Rev. R. H.Wallace, recording 
secretary ; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding secretary ; 
David Redfield, treasurer. 

1879.— Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, president; John L. 
Servin, first vice-president ; Selah R. Corwin, second 
vice-president ; Rev. S. W. Mills, corresponding sec- 
retary ; Rev. R. Howard Wallace, recording secre- 
tary ; David Redfield, treasui-ei'. 

The Newburgh Bible Society was organized Sejit. 
9, 1818, when a constitution was adopted and the fol- 
lowing officers elected, viz. : Jonas Storey, president ; 
Isaac Belknap and Joseph Clark, vice-presidents ; 
Rev. Jolin Johnston, corresponding secretary; Charles 
Miller, recording secretary ; Benjamin F. Lewis, 
treasurer. The society still has an active existence. 

The Young Men's Christian Association of New- 
burgh was the first society of this class. It was or- 
ganized Sejjt. 15, 1858, — Arthur Potts, president. The 
present association is its successor. The Young Men's 
Christian Association at Goshen was organized in 
1866. Present officers: C. E. Millspaugh, president; 
J. H. Staats, corresponding secretary. The Young 
Men's Christian Association at Warwick was organ- 
ized in 1869. Present officers: Edwin S. Colwell, 
president ; George A. Sanfoi'd, corresponding secre- 
tary. 

Religious societies more directly connected with 
some one of the several churclies will lie noticed in 

the town where located. 

BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS. 

The Newburgh Home for the Friendless was organ- 
ized in the autumn of 1861, under the title of the 
Newburgh Union Female Guardian Society. In 18()2 
it was incorporated by a special act of the Legisla- 
ture. 

St. Luke's Home and Hospital, of Newburgh and 
New Windsor, is also an incorporated institution. 
It was organized Nov. 4, 1874, by ladies connected 
with the several churches. While the Home for tlie 



J 



BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS. 



139 



Friendless cares for " friendless or destitute girls under 
fourteen and over three years of age, and boys under 
ten and over three, until permanent liomes can be 
secured for them," 8t. Luke's provides" a home for 
the aged and the infirm, and a hospital for thesick." 
Both are creditably managed, and both, with similar 
institutions elsewhere, are silently but effectually ed- 
ucating the public to more humanitarian views in 
making jirovision for the support of those who may 
be objects of public charity. 

Without entering into details of the many benevo- : 
lent societies in the county at the present time, we 1 
notice briefly the Masonic and Odd-Fellows' lodges. 

Authoritative Masonry in the >State of New York 
dates back to the appointment of Daniel Cox, of New 
Jersey, Provincial Grand Master of the Provinces of 
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, June 5, 
1730. Lodges were constituted in New York City 
and in other parts of the province under this author- 
ity, and worked under the English ritual until 1776, 
when, by the outbreak of the Revolution, a new order 
of things came into existence. One of the results of 
the p'eriod was the organization of what were known 
as military lodges on the part of officers and others 
connected with the American army. The first of 
these, American Union Lodge, was warranted by 
Richard Oridlej', Esq., (Irand Master of Masons of 
Massachusetts, Feb. 18, 177(), with autliority to hold 
a lodge in the American army, then located at Rox- 
bury, Mass. Soon after receiving their warrant the 
portion of the army with which the members of the 
lodge were connected removed to New York, where, 
by permission of the Deputy Grand Master of the 
province, they assembled and petitioned the said Dep- 
uty Grand Master to confirm the warrant given them 
by the Grand Master of Massachusetts. Their peti- 
tion was not complied with, but a new warrant was 
granted them under the name of Military ITnion 
Lodge, No. 1. " This lodge was located," says John G. 
Barker, in his "Early History of Masonry," "on the 
Hud.son River, near West Point, during the summer 
of 1779, and at Newburgh from 1781 to 1783. The 
roll of the lodge is headed ' Members of Military 
Union and American Union Lodge.' " 

From Hayden's " Washington and his Masonic 
Compeers" we take the following : 

" Many Militao' Lodges existetl in tlie unny at this periuil, but the 
recorils of most of tlieni are lost. So well established had these camp 
lodges become, and so beneficial to the brethren, that, in providing tlie 
necessary conveniences for the truojis in their quiirtei-s on the Undson at 
this time, an jissembly-rooni or hall was built, one of the purposes of 
which was to serve as a lodge-room for Military Lodges. It was a rude 
wooden structure, forming an oblong square, foi-ty or sixty feet, was one 
story in height, and had but a single door. Its windows wore square, 
unglazed oi)ening8, elevated so high as to jirevent the prying gaze of the 
cowans. Its timbers were hewed, squared, and numbered for their places, 
and when the building wjis tiuished it was joyously dedicated. . . . 
American Union Lodge met in this room on the 24th of June, 1782, 
preparatory to celebrating the festival of St. John tlie Baptist, and pro- 
ceeded from thence to West Point, where they were joined by Washing- 
ton Lodge, when a procession was formed at the house of Gen. Pattevson, 
its first Master, and both lodges proceeded from thence tothe'Colon- 



nade,' where a dinner was provided and an oration delivered by Col. 
John Brooks, Mastei- of Washington Lodge, and afterwards Governor of 
Massachusetts. American Union Lodge then returned to their room and 
closed in good time."* 

The jiresent Grand Lodge dates from Sept. 19, 1783. 
It was some years before its authority was fully es- 
tablished. Some of the old provincial lodges re- 
tained their charters, and, in addition to this, the 
military lodges had organized (1781) a Grand Lodge 
of their own. About five years after the regular 
Grand Lodge was organized (June 4, 1788), a lodge 
was warranted by it at Newburgh, under the title and 
number of Steuben Lodge, No. 18, and other lodges 
in the county soon followed. From records in the 
Grand Lodge and from new.spaper files and other 
sources the following list has been compiled, which 
may or may not embrace all the lodges organized in 
the county jwior to 1826 : 

Steuben Lodije, No. 18. — Warrant granted June 4, 
1788; constituted at Newburgh, Sej)!. 27, 178s. Its 
charter was applied for by F. A. Morris and nine 
others. Its first officers were Ebenezer Foote, W. M. ; 
Francis Anderson Morris, S. W. ; Peter Nestell, J. W. 
Charles Clinton and Derick Amerman were its first 
adjoining members. Ebenezer Foote, Levi Dodge, 
and Charles Clinton were P. M.'s in 1797. The lodge 
was in quite a flourishing condition for a few years, 
but after 1792 it seldom held a meeting. The last 
mention made of it in the minutes of the Grand 
Lodge is 1800, but it seems to have had a nominal 
existence in 1806, as it is referred to in the petition 
for Hiram Lodge, in which it is said that the lodge 
had not had a meeting in the i)ast five years. Its 
charter and minute-book are now in the archives of 
the Grand Lodge. Gen. Baron Steuben was an hon- 
orary member. 

;S'i!. John's Lodge, No. 21. — Constituted at Warwick, 
March 26, 1790. The following were its officers (date 
not given) : John Smith, W. M. ; Wm. Holly, S. W. ; 
Abm. Dolsen, J. W. ; E. DuBois, Sec. ; Abni. Ge- 
nung, Treas. 

Orange Lodge, No. 4-5. — Warranted April 12, 179t>, 
t with the consent of St. John's Lodge, No. 21. Con- 
stituted at Goshen by John Smith, P. M. of St. John's, 
and Eben. Foote, P. M. of Steuben. Wm. Thompson, 
W. M. ; Seth Marvin, S. W. ; Anthony Dobbin,. 
J. W. 

Montgomcrji Lodge, No. 71. — This lodge was con- 
stituted at Montgomery, June 6, 1798, by G. M. De 
Witt Clinton, assisted by P. M.'s Levi Dodge and 
Chas. Clinton, of Steuben Lodge. John Smith, W. 
M. ; Jas. Fitzgerald, S. W. ; Ebenezer Howe, J. W. 
Warrant surrendered prior to June, 1818. 

St. James' Jjodgc, No. 65. — Constituted at MiiUlle- 
town, Jan. 6, 1798. Warrant surrendered prior to 
I June, 1818. 



* The building referred to was long known as " The Temple." It was 
situated on the cam])ing-ground in New Windsor, and is more particu- 
larly referred to in the history of that town. 



140 



IIISTOIIY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Olive Branch Lodf/e, No. 102. — Constituted at Min- 
isiiik, JuDe9, 1808.* 

Hiram Lodge, No. 131. — Constituted at Newburgli, 
Fell. 19, 1806. Jonathan Fisk, W. M.; Chas. Baker, 
S. W. ; John E. Drake, J. ^V. ; P. McKenna, Sec. 
This lodge was the successor of Steuben Lodge, No. 
IS. Its history was sj)ecia!ly marked by its participa- 
tiiin in the reception of Lafayette at Newburgh, in 
1824. Its charter was surrendered Dec. 10, 1834. 
Revived in 1842 as No. 92. Peter F. Hunn, W. M. ; 
Minard Harris, S. W. ; James Belknap, J. AV. ; D. 
"\V. (iridley, Sec. Charter surrendered in 184.'). 

Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 189.— Chartered at Wall- 
kill, Dec. 6, 1809. Asked remi.ssion of dues to Grand 
Lodge in consideration of having built a commodious 
lodge-room. Petition refused, Dec. 2, 1812. 

Lawrence I^odge, No. 230. — Chartered at Ward's 
Bridge, Montgomery, May 16, 1814. Oflicers installed 
by W. M. J. B. Reynolds, of Hiram Lodge, of New- 
burgh. 

Washington Lodge, No. 220. — Blooming-Grove, June 
10, 1813. Officers installed by W. M. J. B. Reynolds, 
of Hiram Lodge. 

Corner-Stone Lodge, No. 231. — Chartered at Mon- 
roe, May 26, 1814. 

Jerusalem Temple Lodge, No. 247. — ^Charter granted 
Sept. 9, 1815. Constituted at Cornwall, October 5th, 
by James B. Reynolds, W. M. of Hiram Lodge, at 
the house of Ebenezer Crissey. Warrant officers : 
Wyatt Carr, W. M. ; Abraham Mead, S. W. ; South- 
erland Moore, J. W. December 23d the following 
officers were chosen : Wyatt Carr, W. M. ; Abraham 
Mead, S. W. ; Southerland Moore, J. W. ; Nathaniel 
Clark, Treas. ; Samuel H. Purdy, Sec. ; William Wil- 
liams, S. D. ; Stephen Coleman, J. D. ; Obadiah 
Smith, Jr., Sr. M. C. ; Isaac B. Titus, Jr. M. C. ; Lewis 
Patterson aud John Arnold, Stewards; and Hugh 
Gregg, Tyler. William A. Clark succeeded Wyatt 
Carr in 1820. Mr. Clark was followed by Jonathan 
Morrill. In 1824, Oliver Farrington was elected 
Master, and held that position until April 22, 1826, at 
which time the record stops. Mr. Beach's "Corn- 
wall," from which the record of this lodge is taken, 
adds : " In the summer of 1826 the communications 
ceased, and the lodge became dormant for a period of 
forty-five years, until revived in the winter of 1871 by 
a tew old Masons, who obtained permission to meet 
under its old name and number. July 27, 1872, the 
old lodge was revived with a new number (No. 721), 
and constituted with its original paraphernalia."t 

* There is a discrepaucy in dates between the record entry in the 
Grand Lodge aiinutes and the dates given in an official list of lodges 
piepared in 1818, iu the case of this and several other warrants. The 
«late iu the latter is here given, although known (from other sources) to 
lie inaccurate. The petition for Olive Branch Lodge was made Dec. 7, 
1803, and the record shows that it paid dues to the Grand Lodge from 
Pec. 27th of lliat year. 

f When the hidge suspended, the paraphernalia were taken in charge 
by Mr. John II. Lane, and on his death, in 18t>3, they were preserved by 
Mr. Dyer Brewster. They are now seen in the lodge-room, and e.xcite 
the wonder of visiting brethren. — Beaches Cornwall. 



Hoffman Lodge, No. 300.— Constituted af Wallkill, 
Dec. 3, 1818. Its name was taken from Martin Hofl- 
man, D. G. M., who, in consideration thereof, pre- 
sented to it a Bible in 1818. This Bible is now in use 
in Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, of Middletown. The 
first officers of the lodge were John Kirby, W. M. ; 
Stacey Beakes, S. W. ; Isaac Otis, J. W. ; Isaac Mills, 
Treas. ; George Hill, Sec. ; Chas. Anderson, Tyler. 
The lodge closed its existence in 1832. 

In addition to the foregoing, the following charters 
were granted : 

Orange Mark Lodge, No. 51, Goshen. — Warrant is- 
sued, Feb. 8, 1809, to William Elliott, William A. 
Thompson, and Edward Ely. 

Orange Chapter, No. 33, Minisink. — Warrant issued, 
Feb. 6, 1812, to Uriah Hulse, James D. Wadswo^-th, 
and Malcomb Campbell. 

Hiram Mark Lodge, No. 70, Newburgh. — Warrant 
issued, Feb. 3, 1812, to Sylvanus Jessup, James Wil- 
liams, and George Gordon. Warrant was forfeited 
Feb. 8, 1816, on account of non-payment of dues to 
the Grand Chapter. 

Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52, Newburgh. — 
Warrant issued, Feb. 6, 1817, to James B. Reynolds, 
William Ross, and William P. Lot. Warrant for- 
feited, Feb. 10, 1821, for non-payment of dues to 
Grand Chapter. J 

The old Masonic lodges shared the fate of their 
associates in other parts of the State under the Anti- 
Masonic movements, which had their origin in the 
alleged abduction and murder of William Morgan, at 
Batavia, on the night of Sept. 11, 1826. Morgan, it 
will be remembered, was about to publish a book dis- 
closing the then obligations and ceremonies of the 
first degrees of the order. To prevent this, it was 
charged, a conspiracy was formed which resulted in 
his murder. Efibrts were made to detect the guilty 
parties, but without success, and in the end the entire 
fraternity was charged with guilty participation in 
the offense, although the Masons always denied that 
^Morgan had been murdered, or that the body which 
was identified as his was so in ftict, but simply used 
as "a good-enough Morgan until after the election." 
An excited and prejudiced Anti-Masonic feeling 
sprang up, which not only carried the order down, 
but effected changes which have had more or less of 
political influence from that time to the present, — the 
Anti-Masons and the National Republicans, or an- 
cient Federalists, falling into alliance under Adams 
in 1828, and Clay and Wirt in 1832, again.st Jackson 
and the Democratic party, with whom the Masons 
found refuge against a persecution as bitter and heated 
as that which the Tammany Society had hurled 
against the Society of the Cincinnati and the Fed- 
eralists. What the latter would have become under 
its hereditary features had it obtained the control of 

X Information by Charles H. Halstead, of Hudson Biver Lodge, New- 
burgh, to whom the writer is also indebted for many facts concerning 
tire early lodges. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



141 



the government, or what Masonry would have become 

had it escaped the chastening which it received, is 
not a question to be raised now that both have been 
essentially modified ; suffice it that Masonry, under 
changes in its obligations and ceremonies, has re- 
gained its original standing, althougli it is still re- 
garded with a traditional suspicion by many. 

Odd-Fellowship dates its existence in this country 
from Washington Lodge, No. 1, which was instituted 
at Baltimore, Md., April 26, 1819, under a charter 
obtained in England. A lodge had existed in New 
York prior to that time, but it had been disbanded. 
The Anti-Masonic excitement was a material aid to 
the introduction and permanent organization of the 
order, supplying, as it did, the loss which the Masons 
had" sustained in the disbandment of their lodges, 
although it shared to some extent in the general dis- 
trust of secret societies. Its spread in New York was 
quite rapid until it was disrupted, in 1850, on the 
question of "new" and "old" constitution, and two 
State grand lodges were formed. Some years were 
spent in demoralization, but from this it has now fully 
recovered. Prior to this disruption the following 
lodges were organized in Orange County, viz. : 

Highland Lodge, No. 65, at Newburgh, 1842. 

Orange County Lodge, No. 74, at Newburgh, 1842. 

Middletown Lodge, No. 112, at Middletown, 1844. 

Chester Lodge, No. 138, at Chester. 

Wawayanda Lodge, No. 157, at Goshen. 

Freeman's Lodge, No. 170, at Montgomery. 

Beacon Hill Lodge, No. 20.3, at Canterlniry. 

Hudson River Lodge, No. 281, at Newburgh, 1847. 

Myrtle Degree Lodge, No. 20, at Newburgh, 1845. 

Mount Carmel Encampment, No. 21, at Newburgh, 
1845. 

Mount Hermon Encampment, No. 34, at Goshen. 

Kossuth Lodge, No. 129, at Newburgh, 1850, and 
Gray Court Lodge, at Chester, were organized after 
the disruption as " new" constitution lodges. With 
the exception of Highland, No. 65, all the Newburgh 
lodges perished. Middletown, No. 112, and Free- 
man's Lodge, No. 170, of Montgomery, also escaped 
the general wreck. Since the reorganization fifteen 
lodges have been established, including Highland, 
Middletown, Freeman's, and three Eebecca Degree 
Lodges. 



CHAPTER XL 



BENCH AND BAR OP OEANGE COUNTY. 

The bench and bar of the county have, from the 
earliest period in its judicial history, been composed 
of men of the highest professional rank in the eras in 
which they lived, and of whom many have their 
names written indelibly upon the annals of the politi- 
cal and general history of the province and of the 
State. In preparing an abridged review the mere 



mention of names and dates is the only tribute which 

we can pay to the memory of many eminent in the 
profession in times past, while of others even our 
most complete sketches do not adequately convey an 
ample knowledge of their worthiness. Although a 
Court of Common Pleas and a Supreme Court were 
established in the original county in 1691, there is no 
record of proceedings until 1703, and it was some 
years later that the county had resident members of 
the legal profession. Indeed, there is an entire blank 
in existing records from 1703 to 1727, during which 
time litigation was apparently confined to the juris- 
diction of justices of the peace or to courts held else- 
where. It is with this latter year, therefore, that we 
commence our review.* 

1727. — Henry Wileman. He was formerly a 
resident of New York, where he was a coroner, and 
in 1701 a register in chancery. In 1712, in company 
with one Henry Van Bael, he received a patent for a 
tract of land in what is now the town of Montgomery, 
on which he founded the township plot of Wileman- 
town, in which he lived and died. He was the first 
resident attorney of whom we find any record. 

1729. — Phineas McIntosh. He was the holder 
of patented lands in the old precinct of the High- 
lands, his tract being in the original town of New 
Windsor. He was one of the partners in the town- 
ship of Newburgh plot in 1731, and erected his resi- 
dence there, which was known for many years as the 
"Mcintosh house." 

1734. — John Alsop. He located in New Windsor 
about 1724, and removed from the county about 1744. 
His son, John Alsop, Jr., was a member of the Con- 
tinental Congress of 1776, but resigned on the adop- 
tion of the Declaration of Independence. His daugh- 
ter was the mother of Governor John A. King. 

1735. — John Chamber.^. He was the son of Wil- 
liam Chambers, one of the resident holders of the 
Chambers and Southerland Patent in New Windsor 
in 1712. He removed to New York in 1730, where 
he was appointed member of the Governor's Council 
(1752-63) and associate judge of the Supreme Court 
(1751-66). His contemporary, Judge Jones, says of 
him, in his "History of New York," "Mr. Chambers 
had been regularly bred to the law in the province, in 
all the courts of which he had practiced for a long 
course of years, with universal applause and the fairest 
reputation as an honest, upright man. He was at this 
time (1760) one of His Majesty's Council. His reli- 
gion was that of the Church of England, of which he 
was not only a zealous professor, but an ornament 
and an honor to the religion he professed." 

1741. — Vincent Matthews. He was the son of 
Peter Matthews. He located in the present town of 
Cornwall in 1721, having purchased the Van Dam 



* The year prefixed is tliat of ailniission to the har of the county, as 
shown hy the court records. In all cases the names of known non- 
residents of the county have heen rejected. 



142 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Patent, to which he gave the name of Matthewsfield. 
He was clerk of the county from 172G to 1733, and a 
judge of Common Pleas in 1733. He was also colonel 
of Orange County militia 1738-58. 

1753. — Fletcher Matthews. He was a son of 
Vincent Matthews. Cadwallader Golden, Jr., of Col- 
denham, son of Governor Golden, was admitted the 
.same year. 

1759. — William Wickham, Goshen. 

1760. — David Matthewh. He was also a son of 
Vincent Matthews. He removed to New York, where 
he was appointed mayor by Governor Tryon in 177G. 
He was the father of Vincent Matthews (2), who was 
admitted in 1790 and removed to Rochester, where 
he was regarded as the " fatiierof the bar of Western 
New York." 

1767. — Gedrge Glixtox. He was the sen of 
Charles Clinton, who located in New Windsor in 
1731. He studied with Judge William Smith; was 
appointed clerk of Ulster County; was the first Gov- 
ernor of the State under the constitution of 1777, and 
died while Vice-President of the United States. It 
may with truth be said of George Clinton that he was 
to the State of New York what Washington was to 
the nation. In early life he gave promise of great 




GEORGE CLINTON. 

activity and counige; he left liis father's house and 
sjiiied in a privateer in the French war, and on his 
return demanded and received a place in the expedi- 
tion under his father and his brother against Fort 
Fronteuac. At the close of the war he settled down 
to :-tudy under Judge Smith. In 1759 he was ap- 
pointed clerk of Ulster County, but held that position 
for only about one year. He took an active i)art in 
colonial politics, and was elected to a seat in the 



Assembly in 1760, serving until the close of that 
body under the English government. In the discus- 
sions of that period no voice raised in the province 
was more consistent and firm in resisting the demands 
of the crown, nor was there of his contemporaries one 
whose energy and zeal was more devoted. In 1775 he 
was elected to the Continental Congress, and served in 
that body until after the adoption of the Declaration 
of Independence, that instrument, however, failing to 
receive, under instruction.?, from the Provincial Con- 
vention of New York, either his vote or his signature. 
He was appointed a brigadier-general in the army of 
the United States in 177IJ, and during the earlier 
years of the war was active in military aft'airs in New 
York, where he held, by virtue of appointment, com- 
mission as brigadier-general of militia ; subsequently, 
by virtue of his office as Governor, he was com- 
mander-in-chief of the army and navy of the State. 
In the former capacity he was in the field with his 
Ijrigade for the defense of New York City in 1770 ; 
and in the latter, held command of the forts in the 
Highlands at the time of their reduction by Sir Henry 
Clinton, Oct. 7, 1777, and marched to the defense of 
the Mohawk Valley in 1779. In April, 1777, he was 
elected Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, under the 
first constitution of the State, and was continued in 
the former oflice eighteen years. His duties were 
especially trying. The State was the battle-ground 
of the nation almost during the entire war of the 
Revolution ; invasions of the enemy swept in on the 
north and on the south, while the western frontiers 
were ravaged by savages and Tories; yet during the 
darkest hours of the heroic struggle he held the helm 
with a firm hand and an inspiring courage. His 
duties after peace was established were not less trying, 
though of a different type ; poverty and distress were 
in his borders, and crude laws required shaping to the 
changed political relations of the people. That his 
ailniinistration was wise no one will question. He 
was president of the convention assembled at Pough- 
keepsie to consider the Federal Constitution in 1788 ; 
was again chosen Governor in ISOl, and in 1804 was 
elected Vice-President of the United States, which 
position he held, by re-election in 1808, at the time of 
his death. In a sketch of this character nothing like 
justice to his public services can be rendered. He 
married Cornelia Tappen, only daughter of Petrus 
and Tyante Tappen, of Kingston, Feb. 7, 1770, and 
immediately thereafter took up his residence in New 
Windsor, where he remained until October, 1777, 
when, on the fall of the Higlilaud forts, he hastily 
removed to Little Britain, and from the latter place to 
Poughkeepsie in December. His children were Catha- 
rine, born in New Windsor, Nov. 5, 1770 ; Cornelia T., 
born in New Windsor, June 29, 1774 ; George W., 
liorn in Poughkeepsie, Oct. 18, 1778; Elizabeth, born 
in Poughkeepsie, July 16, 1780 ; Martha W., born in 
Poughkeepsie, Oct. 12, 1783; Maria, born in New 
York, Oct. 6, 1785. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



143 



1770. — James Sayre, residence not known ; Thomas 
Smith, residence not known. 

1773. — William Thompson, Goshen. 

William Thompson was the son of William 
Thompson, who settled in the present town of Goshen 
at an early period. He was one of the representatives 
of the county in 17SS, and was a State senator from 
1797 to ISOO. In 17.S.S he was appointed first judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas of the county, and held 
the office one term. Of his descendants we have no 
other information than that a daughter married Dr. 
Nathaniel Elmer, of Warwick, and had Dr. William 
Elmer, of Goshen ; Dr. Nathaniel Elmer, of Denton ; 
Jesse Elmer, of Bellvale, and a daughter who married 
Robert Armstrong. 

John W. Smith, residence not known ; Balthazar 
DeHart, Goshen. He was an active man in the early 
part of the Revolution. 

1788. — James W. Wilkin, Goshen. 

1790. — James Everett, Goshen ; Phineas Bowman, 
Newburgh ; Reuben Hopkins, Goshen ; Samuel Boyd, 
New Windsor; Vincent Matthews (2), Cornwall; 
Thomas Cooper, Oliver L. Kerr. 

Phineas Bowman served in the war of the Revo- 
lution as captain in a Massachusetts regiment, but 
was usually addressed by the title of colonel. He 
came to Newburgh with the army, and either remained 
here after its disbandment, as was the case with sev- 
eral of his contemporaries in the service, or returned 
here not long subsequent to that event. He was a 
man of high legal attainments ; was admitted to prac- 
tice in the courts of Ulster County in 1790; rose rap- 
idly in his profession, and rendered his constituents 
valuable service, as a member of the Legislature of 
1798, by securing the passage of the law erecting the 
present county of Orange. During the last few years 
of his life, however, he lost character and fortune by 
habits of intemperance ; and his memory is now pre- 
served only through the medium of anecdotes arising 
from occurrences in which he was a principal partici- 
pant. The date of his death is not known. He left 
one daughter, Mary, who married Benjamin Ander- 
son. His wife, Mary, died March 22, 1S13, in her 
fifty-eighth year, universally esteemed by all who en- 
joyed her acquaintance. 

Samuel Boyd was the son of Robert Boyd, the 
Revolutionary gun-maker of New Windsor. We be- 
lieve he removed to New York. 

1791. — Nicholas Evertson. 

1792. — Solomon Sleight, Newburgh ; John Wick- 
ham, Goshen. 

1793. — George Clinton, Jr., son of Gen. James 
Clinton, of New Windsor; Benjamin Smith, Jr., 
Newburgh. 

1794. — Abraham L. Smith. 

1800. — Jonathan Fisk, Newburgh ; Stephen .Tack- 
son, Newburgh; C. F. Smith, James F. Smith. 

Jonathan Fisk, perhaps the most distinguished 
of the early lawyers of Newburgh, was born at Am- 



herst, N. H., Sept. 26, 1773. He was the son of Jona- 
than Fisk, who subsequently resided at Williamstown, 
Vt., and became a member of the Legislature of that 
State, and judge of probate, as well as the founder of 
that branch of the family of which the late James 
Fisk, of Erie Railroad fame, was a member. He left 
the home of his father at the age of nineteen years, 
and commenced the occupation of school-teacher, 
qualified, according to a letter of recommendation 
signed by Moses Bradford, Dec. 12, 1792, to teach 
" writing, English grammar, and arithmetic." We 
next find him at Ware, N. H., in 1795, with a certifi- 
cate stating that he had lived for several months in 
the family of Amos Wood, of that place, where he 
had " read Greek and Latin, and attended to other 
branches of study, by which he appeared well qualified 
to teach a school," and that he " maintained a good 
moral character." In 179H or '97 he entered the oflice 
of Peter Hawes, in New York, and commenced the 
study of law. He was without other means of sup- 
port than such as his own industry could furnish, but 
he was enabled to complete his studies by occasional 
remuneration for services as an amanuensis, and by 
giving instruction to a class of young men in the 
evening. In 1799 he was admitted to practice in the 
Court of Common Pleas of Westchester County ; in 
1800, in the Supreme Court of the State, and during 
the same year, in the Courts of Common Pleas of the 
counties of Orange and Ulster. In 1802 he was ex- 
amined by Chief Justice Morgan Lewis, and " regu- 
larly admitted as a Counsellor of Law in all the courts 
of the State of New York." Mr. Fisk removed to 
Newburgh, Feb. 4, 1800. In 1809 he was elected rep- 
resentative in Congress from the Sixth District, which 
was composed of the counties of Orange and West- 
chester, and again in 1814. Parties were then known 
by the titles of Democrats and Federalists. Mr. Fisk 
was a Democrat, and an ardent supporter of the ad- 
ministrations of Jefferson and of Madison. While in 
Congress he sustained the war of 1812, opposed the 
recharter of the Bank of the United States, proposed 
a plan for a national printing-office, and during his 
whole career he commanded the confidence of his 
friends and the respect of his opponents. 

In 1815 (March 21st) he was appointed by President 
Madison attorney for the United States in and for the 
Southern District of New York, and this appointment 
was renewed Jan. 6, 1810. He was very diligent and 
efficient in prosecuting those who evaded the law in 
regard to the sale of foreign merchandise without a 
license, and so exasperated did this class of offenders 
become that they threatened him with personal pun- 
ishment. Failing to intimidate him, they appealed 
to Congress on a question of fees, for the purpose of 
securing his removal from office. The subject was 
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, who re- 
ported that, while Mr. Fisk's fees had been large, 
and in some instances unsustained by law, he had 
nevertheless been governed by the usage of the former 



144 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTl", NEW YORK. 



incumbents of the office, and the suliieot died "on the ! 
table." He remained undisturbed until the expira- ' 
tion of Madison's administration, in 1820, when his 
successor was appointed. 

As a citizen, Mr. Fisk was highly esteemed. The 
tpwn records, the files of the public journals, and his 
own manuscripts bear testimony to the commanding 
position which he occupied, and to the superiority of ! 
his abilities. The most important legal cases were 
submitted to his care, while on the various local ques- 
tions of the times his views received the highest con- 
sideration. In person, he was large, and of a presence 
that impressed all with whom he had intercourse with 
a sense of his superiority, — 

" A cuinbiiiation, anJ a form inileed, 
"Whei'e evei'y God did seem to set his seal, 
To give tlie world assurance of a man !" 

His wife was a lady of more than ordinary personal 
attractions, lively, witty, and not without fair literary 
abilities. His family record is as follows : Jonathan 
Fisk, born Sept. 26, 1773 ; died July 13, 1832. Sarah 
Van Kleek, wife of Jonathan Fisk, born March 18, 
1773 ; died June 6, 1832. Children : Theodore S., 
found dead in the street in Xew York in 1854 or '55 ; 
James L., died at Pensacola in 1835 ; Delaphine R. E., 
married J. C. Bisbee, died July 22, 1846 ; Mary M., 
died June 8, 1822; and an infant son, who died at the 
age of two months. 

1801. — Jonas Storey, Newburgh ; Isaac Hamilton, 
Newburgh ; William Koss, Newburgh. 

Jonas Storey was born in Norwich, Conn., July 
11, 1778 ; died Sept. 22, 1848. He was a graduate of 
Williams College ; taught school at Poughkeepsie, 
and from thence removed to Newburgh, where he 
maintained for forty years a distinguished place 
among the members of his profession. He was quite 
active in politics in the earlier part of his career, and 
the candidate for Congress of the Federal or anti-war 
party in 1814, against Jonathan Fisk, by whom he 
was overwhelmingly defeated. He gave no little at- 
tention to religious matters, so much so indeed that 
he might jiroperly be called a theologian as well as a 
lawyer. He. retired from the active duties of his pro- 
fession a few years previous to his death, but the 
change was disastrous. His mind, released from its 
long routine of toil, appeared to turn inward upon 
itself, and reason forsook its throne. His wife was 
Mary, daughter of Isaac Schultz, of New Windsor. 
His children were, — 1. Henry E., who married Re- 
becca Cook, is now deceased ; 2. Edwin, who married 
Abbey Basset Clark, is now deceased ; 3. Helen E., 
who married Orville M. Smith, is now deceased ; 4. 
Mary B., who married Daniel Smith; 5. Nathan S., 
who married Harriet Smith, is now deceased. 

WiLLl.iM Ross, perhaps the most prominent mem- 
ber of the class admitted to the bar in 1801, was the 
son of Robert Ross, of Rossville, Newburgh. He was 
elected member of Assembly in 1808, 1809, 1811, 1812, 
1813, 1814, and chosen Speaker of that body in Feb- 



ruary, 1811. During the same month he was ap- 
pointed a master in chancery. Hammond, in his 
" Political History of New York," speaks of him as 
an "honest and kind-hearted man," and as being 
" sincerely and warmly attached" to the Democratic 
party; but affirms that he was vain and lacked real 
talent. In the absence of any knowledge upon the 
subject of Mr. Ross' qualifications, we cannot pro- 
nounce judgment for or against Mr. Hammond's criti- 
cism. Whatever may have been his failings he en- 
joyed the esteem and confidence of his constituents, 
who sufficiently attested their appreciation of him by 
transferring him from the Assembly to the Senate, 
where he served from 1815 to 1822, and while in that 
position was designated by the Assembly as a memy)er 
of the Council of Apportionment, and served from 
1816 to 1819. He died Sept. 5, 1830, in his fifty-fifth 
year. His wife (first), Mary S., daughter of John 
McLean, died March 31, 1812, aged twenty-six years. 
His eldest daughter, Mary McLean, married John F. 
Butterworth. His second wife was Caroline Middle- 
brook, of Connecticut. 

1802.— Henry G. Wisner, Goshen ; Walter Case, 
Newburgh. 

Henry G. Wisner. — Probably no name was more 
closely identified with the early history of Orange 
County in its relations to the New York Colony, for 
many j'ears prior and subsequent to the Revolution- 
ary war, in the early develo])ment of its material re- 
sources, and also as one of the founders of the Ameri- 
can republic, than that of Henry Wisner, grandfather 
of our subject, son of Hendrick Wisner, the first settler 
of the family in Orange County about 1714, and grand- 
son of Johannes Wisner, a subaltern officer in the 
Swiss contingent of the allied army commanded by 
the Prince of Orange against Louis XIV. of France, 
who came to America as a colonist, and settled on 
Long Island about the time of the Peace of Utrecht, 
concluded during the reign of Queen Anne, in 1713. 

Henry Wisner married Miss Sarah Norton, of 
Queens Co., L. I., and settled in Goshen, N. Y., where 
he acquired property and weight of character. He 
was elected and continued a member of the Colonial 
Assembly of New York from 1759 to 1769 ; was a 
member of the first county committee to consider the 
gnmnds of difficulty between Great Britain and her 
American colonies ; a member of the first Congress 
that convened at Philadelphia in the autumn of 1774, 
and signed the non-importation agreement ; was elected, 
with Peter Clowes, at the annual town meeting held 
at Goshen, April 4, 1775, a delegate to the Provincial 
Convention in New Y^ork City, and by that body, on 
April 21, 1775, he was chosen one of the delegates to the 
Second Continental Congress, where he took part in its 
patriotic measures, including the wonderfully fortu- 
nate selection of a commander-in-chief of the Ameri- 
can armies. 

In 1775, feeling the disadvantage tiie colonies labored 
under for want of ammunition, he applied himself 



BENCH AND BAH. 



145 



to thdso necessary arts of making saltpetre and gun- 
powder, and erected a powder-mill in the south end of 
Ulster County, which he soon after gave up to his 
son, Jlaj. Henry Wisner, and erected two other pow- 
der-mills in Orange County, in May, 1776. 

By letters dated Dec. 21, 1775, and March 28, 1776, 
addressed to the Provincial Convention, he strongly 
recommended to the country at large the consideration 
of this important subject. 

He was one of the committee appointed to report 
the first constitution of the State, and under it was 
chosen a State senator from the Middle District at the 
election in 1777, and served until 1782. 

In January, 1778, he was one of a committee of four 
to repair to the Highlands to fix on the place for build- 
ing fortifications; the result was the erection at West 
Point of Fort Arnold and its outworks, including Fort 
Putnam, the impregnable key to the strategic lines of 
the army of the Eevolution. 

After the triumphal close of the Revolution the only 
public service of Henry Wisner was in the New York 
Constitutional Convention of 1788, whicli ratified the 
United States Constitution. 

Henry Wisner was a man, though without superior 
education, of a clear, strong mind, active and useful, 
devoted to his country, and very efHcient in its early 
councils, trusted by his fellow-citizens, and the com- 
panion and friend of its leading patriots. 

If his name has disappeared from the records of 
churches and the stones of graveyards, so that neither 
his birth nor death can be accurately fixed, and if it 
does not stand where it really belongs, among the 
original signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
it is not likely to be forgotten while many t)atriotic 
and honorable descendants remain, and while history 
still continues busy in hunting up the records of those 
whose hearts and lives contributed sensible support to 
the trembling tree of our natiimal liberty when it was 
first planted and in danger from every breeze of selfish 
cowardice or calculating distrust. 

In 1779, Henry Wisner lost his younger son, Lieut. - 
Col. Gabriel Wisner, in the battle of Minisink, whom, 
according to the account in Stone's " Life of Brant," 
that savage tomahawked after the battle. 

Gabriel Wisner married Elizabeth Waters, and his 
tliree sisters were Elizabeth, wife of John Denton; 
Mary, wife of Phineas Helmes ; and Sarah, wife of 
Moses Phillips. 

Henry G., son of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Waters) 
Wisner, was born on the homestead near Goshen, in 
1777. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Samuel and 
Phebe Talman, of New York, born in 1784, died in 
April, 1874, and whom he married in December, 
1805. 

Their children are William H. ; Elizabeth, widow 
of John E. Phillips; Mary, wife of George C. Miller, 
of New York; Samuel T., died in inftincy; Frances, 
wife of Hon. Ambrose Spencer Murray, of Goshen ; 
Gabriel H., of New York ; Sarah A., wife of Joseph 



H. Coates, of New York ; Alma T., died unmarried ; 
George T., of Goshen ; and Martha. 

Mr. Wisner was prepared for college at Farmer's 
Hall Academy, Goshen, then conducted by the emi- 
nent teacher and lexicographer, Noah Webster, and 
was graduated at Princeton in the class of 1799, de- 
livering the valedictory oration. He read law with 
George Griffen, Esq., of New York, was admitted to 
the bar in due course of time, and opened an office for 
the practice of his profession in tliat city. 

About the year 1810, Mr. Wisner removed with his 
family, consisting of his wife and two children, and 
settled at Goshen, where he opened a law-office, and 
continued a successful practice until his death, which 
occurred Feb. 20, 1842. Soon after his settlement at 
Goshen he was elected county clerk, and w-as tlie in- 
cumbent of that office during the war of 1812. 

As a member of the bar he stood among the first in 
his native county, while he had but few equals in the 
State. Possessed of a clear and lofty intellect, he was 
enabled to grapple successfully the most difficult ques- 
tions of law ; endowed with an unusual share of moral 
courage, he was induced on all occasions fearlessly to 
pursue the path of duty, regardless of popular favor, 
while a keen discrimination, with a graceful and con- 
vincing style in argument, rendered him a most able 
and successful advocate. 

In the discharge of his duty to his client he never 
forsook the path of honor nor sought to take undue ad- 
vantage of his adversary. His great legal knowledge, 
unbending integrity, and. frank and honorable course 
won for him the respect and esteem of his brethren of 
the bar, and gave great weight to his opinions with the 
court. 

As a citizen he was spirited and enterprising, always 
ready to contribute of his time, talents, and means to 
the advancement of the public interest and to the good 
of his fellow-men. The spirit of benevolence ever 
prompted him to acts of kindness and charity. To the 
indigent he was, indeed, a friend and a counselor, whose 
aid was never invoked in vain. The generous im- 
pulses of a noble heart were obeyed without ostenta- 
tion. 

As a Christian he was consistent, zealous, and de- 
voted ; and, in generous support and counsel, he was 
ever foremost in the promotion of every good work 
that would contribute to the advancement and pros- 
perity of the church. 

Walter Case, of Newburgh, was the son of Rev. 
Wheeler Case, of Duchess County, who has some rep- 
utation among antiquarians through his " Revolution- 
ary Memorials," embracing poems, published in 1778. 
He was member of Congress, 1819-21, and surrogate 
of the county, 1823-27. He removed from Newburgh 
to Fishkill, where he died. His wife was Sarah, 
daughter of Jonathan Hasbrouck (2), of Newburgh. 
His grandson, Walter C. Anthony, is a practicing 
attorney in Newburgh, and is now serving his second 
term as district attorney of the county. 



14t) 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1804.— William \V. Bro\vii, AVashingtonville. 

1805. — Charles Baker, Newburgh ; John Duer, Go- 
shen ; Benjamin Anderson, Jr., Newburgh; Joseph 
J. Jackson. 

Benjamin Anderson, Jr., of Newburgh, had, we 
are told, his principal consequence from the fact 
that he married the daughter of Phineas Bowman. 
Charles Baker and John Duer were strong men, 
although Mr. Baker destroyed his opportunities 
through intemperance. He was a native of Wind- 
ham Co., Conn. He graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1760, and immediately removed to Sullivan 
County, where he engaged in school-teaching. A 
few years later he became a student in the office of 
William Ross, at Newburgh, and after his admission 
to the bar returned to Sullivan County, and opened 
an office in Bloomingburgh. " He was," says Mr. 
Quinlan, " a man of undoubted talent, of more than 
average learning as a lawyer, and mueli addicted to 
original thought and expression. So unusual and 
amusing were his sayings that he was the central 
figure, to which all eyes were directed, in whatever so- 
ciety he appeared." His career is fully sketched in 
Mr. Quinlan's history. He removed from Sullivan 
County to Newburgh in 1835, and died there Mav 7, 
1839. 

John Duer was one of the three sons of Col. Wil- 
liam Duer, of the army of the Revolution, and was 
born at Albany, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1782. His mother 
(Col. Duer's wife) was Catharine Alexander, daugh- 
ter of Maj.-Gen. Alexander (Lord Stirling), well 
known in Revolutionary annals. William A. Duer, 
the older brother of John, was a distinguished lawyer, 
and for many years judge of the Supreme Court cir- 
cuit of the State of New York. At the age of six- 
teen years John Duer entered the army, but aban- 
doned it after two years' service, and commenced the. 
study of law at Goshen, whither his family had re- 
moved. Upon the completion of his studies he com- 
menced the practice of his profession at Goshen, 
where he was subsequently joined by his brother, 
Alexander Duer, who lived but a few years, and 
left two daughters, now Mrs. J. V. Beane and Mrs. 
David F. Gedney. He removed from Goshen to 
New York about 1820, and soon took a prominent 
position at the bar of that city. Upon the passage of 
the law providing for a revision of the statutes of the 
State, he was appointed a member of the commission 
charged with that important work. He was elected 
a justice of the Superior Court of the city in 1849, and 
in 1857 became presiding justice. He was the author 
of a valuable treatise on the " Law and Practice of 
Marine Insurance," which is regarded as authority 
not only in the State, but by the bench and bar 
throughout the United States. He was also the au- 
thor of other works on legal subjects, and the editor 
of a series of Superior Court Reports. His death oc- 
curred Aug. 8, 1858. In person he was of tall and 
commanding stature, a noble and highly intellectual 



countenance, and possessed rare jiowers of forensic 
eloquence. An extraordinary fluent delivery, great 
command of language, and a rich, full, deep-toned 
voice, with a dignified, noble carriage, imparted to 
his style of eloquence a most impressive effect. While 
a resident of this county his peculiar qualifications 
not only gave him high rank in his profession, but 
drew him into the politics of Ihe times. In this field 
he unfortunately formed an alliance with the oppo- 
nents of the war of 1812, and, notwithstanding his 
abilities, found himself in an overwhelmed minority. 
With others he sought to regain political standing by 
stepping to the front after the burning of the national 
capital (1815), but it was then too late. He was quite 
active in local undertakings, and gave tone to Goshen 
society through his family associaticms and his per- 
sonal accomplishments. His wife was Annie Bun- 
ner, of the city of New York, sister to Rudolf Bunner, 
who was his first business partner after he located in 
Goshen. Another brother-in-law, Morris Roliinson, 
the first cashier of the Bank of Orange County, was a 
son of Beverly Robinson, of the British army, whose 
father was Col. Beverly Robinson, one of the historic 
associates in the treason of Benedict Arnold. 

1807. — Edward Ely, Goshen ; Benjamin T. Case, 
Herman Ruggles, Edward W. James. 

Edward Ely was member of Assembly in 1815, 
and surrogate from 1815 to 1820. 

1808. — Jonathan Cooley, Newburgh. He was 
a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1815. 

1809.— Hezekiah Belknap, Newburgh; Rudolf Bun- 
ner, Goshen. 

Hezekiah Belknap was born in 1781, and died 
in 1814, his death following his election (April) to the 
next Assembly (1815), of which his name appears on 
the roll. 

Rudolf Bunner, the associate of John Duer, re- 
moved to Newburgh and subsequently to Oswego. 
He was representative in Congress from the Oswego 
district, 1827-29. 

1810.— Samuel R. Betts, Newburgh; Gilbert 0. 
Fowler, Newburgh ; David Ruggles, Newburgh ; 
Beverly Kain, Montgomery ; Aaron Belknap, New- 
burgh. 

Samuel R. Betts was circuit judge in 1823. 

Gilbert O. Fowler was son of Dr. David Fow- 
ler, of Newburgh. He graduated with honor at Co- 
lumbia College, and subsequently pursued the study 
of law at Newburgh, with Solomon Sleight. He was 
licensed to practice in 1810 ; appointed master in 
chancery in 1816 ; judge of Orange Common Pleas in 
1828. and first judge of that court (in place of Samuel 
S. Seward) in 1833. In the autumn of 1833 he was 
elected to the Legislature, and as a member of that 
body was instrumental in securing the passage of the 
charter of the Highland Bank, and also of the Dela- 
ware and Hudson Railroad. He was elected presi- 
dent of the Highland Bank on the organization of 
that institution, and occupied that jiosition until his 



BENCH AND BAR. 



U7 



death. He also held several iiiiportant military coin- 
missions: was aide-de-camp to (Jen. Leonard Smith in 
1S13 ; quartermaster of Tliirty-lburth I5riga<le in 1815; 
aide-de-camp to the major-general of the second divis- 
ion of infantry in 1816; brigade major and inspector 
in 1818; brigadier-general of Thirty-fourth Brigade 
in lS2fi (elected in 1825) ; and major-general of Fifth 
Brigade in 1827. Few men enjoyed to a greater de- 
gree the confidence of his fellow-citizens or more 
worthily performed the duties of the public stations 
which he held. He died in 1843. His sons were 
Isaac v., lawyer of New York ; James W., surrogate 
of the county, 1851 ; and David E., who served as 
quartermaster under Gen. Sherman. Isaac V. and 
David E. are now deceased. 

Aaron Belknap was of the old Belknap stock of 
Newburgh. Samuel R. Betts was associated with him 
in practice. Aaron Betts Belknap, of New York, 
recently deceased, was his only surviving son. 

1811. — Joseph H. Jackson, Goshen; John Antill, 
Ciildenham; John Neiffle, Montgomery; David W. 
Bate, Newburgh; Charles White, Jr., Philo T. Bug- 
gies, Newburgh ; Thomas Swezey, Goshen ; Joseph 
Chattle, Mount Hope. 

David W. Bate was the most prominent lawyer of 
this group. Of his family history very little is known , 
beyond the fact that he was son of James Bate, A. il. G. 
of the army of the Revolution, and that he was born 
in Shawangunk, Ulster Co. During the war of 1812 
he was appointed brigade-major in Gen. Hopkins' 
brigade, and went to the lines. The dissolution of 
the brigade destroyed his usefulness in that station, 
and he volunteered under Gen. Hampton. In an en- 
gagement with the enemy under Gen. Provost (Oct. 
27, 1813) he was severely wounded, and recovered 
with considerable difficulty. ( )n his return from the 
army he resumed practice with William Ross (Ross 
& Bate), and continued in his i)rofession until a short 
time before his death, as the senior member of the 
firm of Bate & McKissock. He was for several terms 
supervisor of the town, and was especially useful as a 
member of the board in the matter of the construc- 
tion of the present court-houses of the county. In 
1847 he was elected county judge under the new con- 
.stitution, and served with credit to his profession. 
His first wife was Harriet M. Isaacs ; his second, Mrs. 
Polhamus, who survived him. He left no children, 
and the bulk of his property went to his nephew. 

1813. — Samuel W. Eager, Montgomery ; William 
W. Sackett, Newburgh; John B. Booth, Goshen. 

Samuel W. Eager was a native of Montgomery, 
and he commenced practice there. He was a man of 
excellent natural and acquired abilities, but having 
been unfortunately appointed a justice of the peace 
when a young man, he acquired habits of indolence 
that were his besetting sin through life. He was 
elected to Congress for the unexpired term of Hector 
Craig in 1830. This, aside from local stations, — post- 
master at Newburgh, police justice of Newburgh, 



justice of the peace, etc., — was bis only public official 
service. As a man and a citizen his character was 
blameless. Through his " History of Orange County," 
prepared in 1847, his name and memory have been 
preserved in many households in his native county. 
His wife was Catharine, daughter of John McAuley, 
a merchant of Newburgh. He had four sons, — John 
M., who practiced law in Newburgh, St. Louis, and 
New York; Samuel W., now (if Racine, Wis. ; Frank, 
and another. 

William W- Sackett removed from Newburgh 
to Sullivan County. He was more of a surveyor than 
a lawj'er, and found in his new home successful em- 
ployment. 

John B. Booth, of Goshen, is referred to in another 
connection. He was surrogate of the county from 
1831 to 1840. 

1814. — Peter F. Ilunn, Newburgh ; Charles Bor- 
land, Jr., Montgomery. 

Peter F. Hunn was the son of John S. Hunn and 
Margaret Frenau, and was born May 20, 1794, at 
Mount Pleasant, N. J. His ancestor, on his father's 
side, was from Holland. His grandfather, Thomas 
Hunn, married Catharine Van Emburgh, daughter of 
Peregrim Van Emburgh and Amelia Provost, the 
latter daughter of Bishop Johu Provost. On his 
mother's side he was a descendant of Andre Fresneau 
(now Freneau), who, with a large number of French 
families, left France on the revocation of the Edict 
of Nantes, in 1685, and settled in New Jersey. The 
editor and poet Freneau of the Revolutionary era 
was of this stock. He graduated at Columbia Col- 
lege, and studied law in the office of Nathan San ford, 
afterwards chancellor of the State. His father having 
received the appointment of cashier of the Bank of 
Newburgh (1811), he removed to Newburgh with him 
and entered the office of Jonathan Fisk, where he re- 
mained until admitted to the bar, when he removed 
to Sullivan County and commenced the practice of 
his profession. He was subsequently surrogate, mas- 
ter in chancery, and district attorney of that cbunty, 
the duties of which stations he ably and satisfactorily 
performed. He removed to Newburgh in 1837, where 
he remained until his death, pursuing his law practice 
and discharging the duties of justice of the peace. 
When not otherwise engaged he devoted attention to 
the construction and copying of maps, and perfected 
some wdiich were valuable. He was a man of varied 
talents and attainments, and though he did not excel 
in any particular branch, he exhibited excellence in 
many. Had he not been a man of extreme modesty and 
diffidence — evils that formed a part of his very nature 
and attended him through life — he would have been 
eminently successful either as a lawyer or a surveyor. 
He enjoyed the respect of the community and all who 
had his acquaintance. He died July 31, 1847, in his 
fifty-fourth year. His wife was Maria T. Griffing, of 
Monticello, by whom he had five children, — Mary, 
Margaret, Catharine, Freneau (druggist in New York), 



148 



IIISTOllV OF ORAN'GK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and John T. (at one time elerk in Tradesmen's 
Bank). 

Charles Boulan'd, Jjt.. of Montgomery, was a 
descendant of one of the early settlers (]73(S) of that 
town, and was for many years one of its most reputa- 
ble citizens. He was surrogate in 1844, and special 
surrogate in 1855. In 1821, and again in 1836, he was 
elected member of Assembly. 

1815.— Charles Monell, Goshen; Wheeler Case, 
Newburgh ; Charles Humphrey, Newburgh ; L. W. 
Buggies; Samuel J. Wilkin. 

Charle-s Monell was a master and examiner in 
chancery in 1830. He practiced at Goshen for many 
years. 

Wheeler Case and L. W. Euggles are not known 
to have practiced law in the county, a remark which 
will apply to others who were admitted to the bar. 

Charles Humthrey removed to Ithaca on the 
organization there of the Branch Bank of Newburgh, 
with which he was connected. He was member of 
Congress from the Tompkins district in 1825-27, and 
member of Assembly, 1834-36, 1842. His wife was 
Ann Eliza, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Belknap, 
of New Windsor, of which town his ancestor, John 
Humphrey, was one of the first settlers. 

1816. — Leonard Mason ; Charles H. Buggies, New- 
burgh; AlexanderT.Bodle, Goshen; Alexander Duer, 
Goshen; Archibald Smith, Montgomery. 

Leonard Mason removed to Poughkeepsle. 

Charles H. Ruggles was circuit judge in 1831 ; 
residence, Ponghkeepsie. 

Alexander Duee was the brother of John Dner, 
and has already been spoken of. 

Alexander T. Bodle and Archibald Smith 
enjoyed no special reputation. 

1817.— George F. Tallman; Samuel G. Hopkins, 
Goshen. 

1818.— Thomas McKissock, Newburgh ; Albert S. 
Benton, Goshen ; Alpheus Dimniick, Goshen ; James 
Dill ; Ogden Hoffman, Goshen. 

Thomas McKissock was the son of Thomas Mc- 
Kissock, of Ayrshire, Scotland, who settled in Mont- 
gomery prior to the war for independence. He was 
born in Montgomery about 1790, and at the projjer 
age commenced the study of medicine. This profes- 
sion he abandoned, however, for that of the law, and 
entered the office of Ross & Bate in 1815. Subse- 
quently for many years he was associated with Judge 
Bate, his tutor, under the firm-name of Bate & Mc- 
Kissock. In 1847 he was appointed judge of the Su- 
preme Court to close up the business of that court 
under the old constitution, and discharged tlie duties 
devolving upon him with great credit. In 1849 he 
was elected representative in Congress. Very few 
men enjoyed more fully the confidence of men of all 
parties, and none to whose legal opinions greater 
deference was conceded. Candor, ingenuousness, 
manliness, and moral integrity were predominant 
traits in his character. His wife was Elsie, daughter 



of Joseph Belknap (sister to Mrs. Charles Humphrey). 
She died in 1843. He had two children, — Thomas, 
who removed to St. Louis, and Sophia (Mrs. Low- 
den), who removed to Brooklyn. He died at St. An- 
drew's, aged seventy-sixty years, two months, and nine 
days. 

Ogden Hoffman. — The name of Ogden Hofiman ' 
deserves special notice among the eminent men who 
have conferred lustre upon the Orange County bar. 
Although for the last thirty years of his life a resident 
of the city of New York, he is justly claimed also by 
Orange County, from the tact that here he pursued his 
legal studies, and commenced his brilliant professional 
career. Ogden Hoffman was the son of another verj^ 
eminent lawyer, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, and was born 
in the city of New York in the year 1793. He had 
commenced studying in his father's office when the 
war of 1812, between the United States and Great 
Britain, broke out, and at the first bugle-blast young 
Hoffman entered into the service of his country as a 
midshipman. He was the favorite midshipman and 
aide to the gallant Decatur, and acquitted himself so 
bravely as to have merited the highest encomiums of 
that brave commander and his fellow-officers. He 
was on board of the " President" with Decatur, in 
January, 1815, when she was attacked by the " Endy- 
mion," "Pomona," "Taredos," and "Majestic," not 
far from the port of New York, and after an eight 
hours' fight compelled to surrender. Hoffman was 
sent to England as a prisoner, and was there confined 
for six months. He subsequently served under De- 
catur in the United States frigate " Guerriere" (forty- 
four guns), in the war with the Algerines. In the 
battle with the Algerine ship, the "Mesora" (sixty- 
four guns), June 16, 1815, he was second in command 
of the cutter which first boarded the Algerine, and 
with his comrades was fighting the enemy on his own 
decks when tlie other cutters came to their assistance. 
On leaving the navy he came to Goshen, and pursued 
his legal studies under John Duer, and immediately 
upon his admission to the bar took a high stand in 
his profession. He was soon appointed district attor- 
ney of Orange County (1823), and also represented 
that county in the State Legislature as member of 
Assembly for one term (182G). In 1826 he removed 
to the city of New York, where his brilliant talents 
soon commanded for him the highest position. He 
at first became a law partner of Hugh Maxwell. In 
1828 lie was elected a member of the State Legisla- 
ture for New York City, and rendered material ser- 
vices in the revision of the statutes. From 1829 to 
1836 he held the office of district attorney by appoint- 
ment of the New York Common, Council. He was 
then elected to Congress, and served two terms in the 
House of Representatives. In 1841 lie was appointed 
to the office of United States district attorney for the 
Southern District of New York by President Harri- 
son. Again, in 1848, he was elected to Congre.ss, and 
subsequently filled the office of attorney-general of 





c£ykix:z:> 



BENCH AND BAR. 



149 



the State from 1854 to 1855. His active ami iisdul 
career was terminated, May 1, 18")G, by ilcatli. Mr. 
Hodinaii had no equal as an eloi)uent advocate, and 
combined in his com]iosition all those eiigagiiif!; quali- 
ties of heart and mind which nuike up the character 
of the true gentleman. No man ever was more 
lieartily loved by his fellows, or more sincerely 
mourned. During his residence in Goshen he mar- 
ried Emily, daughter of Jonathan Burrill, who at 
that time was cashier of the Orange County Bank. 
She was one of three sisters very celebrated in their 
day for their beauty and attractions, one of whom, 
Frances, married Murray Hoftman, and the other, 
Caroline, became the wife of Henry Hone. The son 
of .Mr. Hofl'man, Ogden HoH'man, Jr., is United States 
district judge in California, and a second is Charles 
Burrill HoH'man, now living in the city of New 
York. 

Albert S. Bexton was county clerk in 1838. 
Concerning him we have no other information. 

1822.— Gabriel W. Ludlum, Goshen; John W. 
Knevels, Nevvburgh ; John VV. Brown, Nevvburgh. 

John W. Knevels was the son of Dr. Adrian 
Knevels, of Santa Cruz, W. I., and came hither with 
his father, whose family was composed of John W., 
Isaac, Augustus, Granville, and Maria. He studied 
law under William Ross, and was for a time a.ssoci- 
ated with him. Subsequently he gave no little atten- 
tion to horticulture, established a nursery, and pub- 
lished a monthly under the title of Tablets of Rural 
Economy. He also edited the Newburgh Oazette, and 
embellished his editorial articles with Greek types. 
He failed in 1737, and removed to Fishkill, where he 
died. His wife was Elizabetli, daughter of Daniel 
Cromeline Verplanck, and sister of Gulian C. Vcr- 
jjlanck. 

John W. Brown was the strong man of the class 
of 1822. He was born at Dundee, Scotland, Oct. 11, 
1796 ; was brought to this country in 1801 by his 
father, who settled first in Putnam County, but soon 
after removed to what is now known as West New- 
burgh, where he conducted a fulling-mill. Receiving 
a good common-school education, but evincing stu- 
dious habits and an inclination for the profession of 
law, he entered the office of Jonatlian Fisk. For a 
time, both before and after his admission to the bar, 
he took considerable interest in military matters, be- 
came captain of the " Bell-Button Company," and 
subsequently colonel of the. militia of the district. He 
was early appointed justice of the peace, and from 
1821 to 182.5 was clerk of the board of village trus- 
tees. In 1832 he was elected member of Congress, 
and re-elected in 1834. He was a faithful, but not 
especially a brilliant, representative. In the political 
discussions following his last election he became a 
strong opponent of the " Albany Regency," which 
controlled the Democratic party. The Constitutional 
Convention of 1840 was the outgrowth of this dis- 
cussion, and in that Convention he took an active 



part as one of the delegates from Orange (!ourily. In 
1849 he was elected justice of the Supreme Court for 
the Second Judicial District for the term of eiglit years. 
In November, 1857, he was re-elected, and served an 
additional term of eight years, the last years of each 
term having been spent as an a.ssociate judge of the 
Court of Appeals. Not one of his decisions as judge 
was ever reversed by the C!ourt of Api)eals, notwitli- 
standing the I'act that in several instances doubtl'ul 
and intricate points of law were involved. His de- 
cision in the case of the seven million canal loan was 
especially in opposition to a strong element in public 
opinion. Distinguished as he was as an advocate, lie 
became far more distinguished as a judge. In many 
resjiects he was ])eculiar. Very few men had a keener 
appreciation of the value of money than he, and it 
was for this reason that he was a moderate man in his 
charges for legal services, and equally moderate in his 
expenditures. Penurious he never wa.s, — the rapacity 
of many was not in his composition; had it been, 
abun<lant wealth, instead of a simi)le competency, 
would have resulted I'rom his jiracticc. He was a 
gentleman in the strictest sense, and all his business 
intercourse with his fellow-men was marked by the 
most thorough integrity. Astrong man when aroused 
in any emergency, — one who could sway a jury and 
awe a mob, — he was remarkably kind and sensitive. 
His wife was Eliza, daughter of Selali Reeve, ("has. 
F. Brown, at present judge of the County Court, is his 
son. 

Samukl Jones Wilkin.— The progenitor of the 
Wilkin family in Orange County, N. Y., of whom the 
subject of this sketch is great-grandson, was John 
Wilkin, who was of Welsh birth, and settled at or 
near Enniskillen, Ireland, soon after the conquest of 
that country by William, Prince of Orange, in l(i88. 
In 1728, with his wife and three children, William, 
James, and Ann, he settled in the town of Shawan- 
gunk, Ulster Co., N. Y. (now town of Montgomery, 
Orange Co.), on a tract of .500 acres of land. He had 
born to him, after his arrival in America, children, — 
John, George, Joseph, Jason, Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, 
Mary, and Susan. He died in the occupation of his 
farm. 

William, eldest son, born .Ian. 20, 1720, married 

Elizabeth, daughter of John Rogers, who married a 

I Miss Ogden, and who removed from Rye, Westchester 

Co., and settled in Wallkill, when their daughter was 

young. 

After his marriage William Wilkin settled in Wall- 
kill. He was a man of limited education, but pos- 
sessed a strong mind, a retentive memory, and in 
those days of real log cabins he was very much 
esteemed by his neighbors, and often served them in 
settling their accounts when difficulties arose among 
them. 

He reared a large family of children, who married 
with members of the oldest and most respectable 
families of Orange County, and many of their de- 



150 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



scendants have been prominent and influential mem- 
bers of society. The family of William Wilkin were 
among the early members of the Creeder Church at 
Neelytown. 

The children of William Wilkin were Sarah, John, | 
William, Jane, Daniel, George, Gen. James W., 
Robert, Joseph, and Elizabeth, most of whom lived 
to old age. 

One brother of William Wilkin, George, was taken 
prisoner at Fort Montgomery, and died in the old 
Sugar-House prison in New York during the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

Gen. James W., son of William Wilkin, was an 
influential citizen and lawyer during the early days 
of the Republic, and was prominently identified with 
the civil, political, and military history of Orange 
County nearly his whole life. He was graduated at 
Princeton under President Witherspoon. 

He was appointed captain-lieutenant of a com- 
pany of artillery in a brigade of Orange County 
militia, July 3, 17S7, by Governor Clinton, and again 
March 16, 1792. He was appointed by the same Gov- 
ernor lieutenant-colonel of a regiment of artillery. 
May 19, 1803, and subsequently, by Governor Mor- 
gan Lewis, brigadier-general of the Second Brigade of 
Artillery. 

He was appointed an attorney in the Ulster County 
Court of Common Pleas in 1789 by Judge Derk Wyn 
Koop, having been admitted to practice law in Orange 
County the previous year. 

He was State senator from the Middle District in 
1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, '11, 12, '13, and '14, and by 
virtue of his position as senator he was elected by the 
Assembly a member of the " Council of Appointment," 
Jan. 30, 1802, again on Jan. 30, 1811, and a third 
time Jan. 12, 1813. 

He was a member of Assembly from Orange in 
1808, 1809, and for the latter session was chosen 
speaker of the House. 

Gen. Wilkin was president of the Legislative caucus 
which nominated De Witt Clinton for President of the 
United States, and was a member of the Fourteenth 
and Fifteenth Congresses of the United States from 
Orange, and after the close of his Congressional career 
he served Orange County from 1819 to 1821 inclusive 
as county clerk, and also for several years as county 
treasurer. 

He was a candidate against Rufus King for the 
United States Senate, and was defeated for the nomi- 
nation by a single vote. 

He was a large man of fine presence. He was a 
man of strictly moral character and temperate habits, 
and was one of the pillars of the Presbyterian Church 
at Goshen, of which he was for many years an elder. 
He was exceedingly courteous and polite in manners, 
and generally amiable, although possessing a terrible 
temper when aroused. He was always deferential to 
the ladies, for whom in general he entertained the 
highest respect. 



His wife was Hannah, daughter of Roger Town- 
send, of Goshen, who bore him the following chil- 
dren: William, a private secretary of one of the Gov- 
ernors of the State ; James W. ; Eliza Maria, wife of 
Wheeler Case, a lawyer at Goshen, and surrogate of 
Orange, 1823-27; Sally, who died unmarried; Caro- 
line, wife of Hull Tuthill, a lawyer at Goshen, and 
after his death wife of John W. A. Brewster, of Maine, 
who died, leaving an only son. Rev. Charles A. Brew- 
ster, of Newark, N. J.; Samuel J., subject of this 
sketch ; Frances, wife of John I. Thompson, of Go- 
shen, who has one son. Rev. J. J. Thompson, a grad- 
uate of Princeton College. 

Samuel J., sou of Gen. James W. Wilkin, was born 
at Goshen, Dec. 17, 1793, and died March 11, 1866, in 
his native place, where he resided his whole life, ex- 
cept a short time, about the year 1838, spent in the 
city of New York, where he resided and practiced his 
profession ; but owing to failing health he was obliged 
to return to his native county. 

He married, July 18, 1816, Sarah (r., daughter of 
Col. David M. Westcott, one of the early journalists 
of Goshen. She was born May 29, 1796. 

Their children were Mary, wife of Joseph G. Ellis, 
of Mobile, born Oct. 14, 1817, died shortly after her 
marriage, Oct. 10, 1842; Col. Alexander, born Dec. 1, 
1819, was a lawyer in New York City. He served as 
captain in the Mexican war, and in 1849 settled at 
St. Paul, Minn., and resumed the practice of the law. 
He was there appointed Secretary of the Territory, 
and held the office until the incoming of President 
Pierce's administration in 1853. L^pon the breaking 
out of the Rebellion in 1861 he was elected to the 
captaincy of the first company of the first regiment 
raised in the State for the war ; for gallantry at tli^ 
battle of Bull Run was made captain in the regular 
army; subsequently was appointed major in tlie Sec- 
ond Regiment, then its lieutenant-colonel, and upon 
the organization of the Ninth Regiment he was ap- 
pointed, by Governor Ramsey, its colonel, which posi- 
tion he was gallantly filling at the time of his death, 
although acting, as he had done for some time, as a 
brigadier-general. He was a brave soldier and an 
accomplished gentleman, and was killed July 14, 
1864, at the battle of Tupelo, Miss. 

The remaining children were Charles, born Jan. 9, 
1822, was killed accidentally while out hunting, Oct. 
22, 1839; Westcott, born Jan. 4, 1824, a graduate of 
Princeton in the class of 1843, is now serving his third 
term, of seven years each, as judge of the District 
Court of Minnesota, and was a candidate on the 
minority ticket for chief justice of that State in 1874; 
William, born March 20, 1826, died May 12,1839; 
Samuel Jones, died young; Hannah, born July 23, 
1829, died May 22, 1839; and Sarah Westcott, born 
Jan. 2, 1838, is the wife of Roswell C. Coleman, a 
lawyer of Goshen, who, as a meniberofthe "American 
Rifle Team" which visited Ireland in 1875, took first 
rank among the marksmen of the worlil. 



BENCH AND BAIL 



151 



In the profession to which Samuel J. Wilkin devoted 
most of his active life, he was eminent as a successful 
and eloquent advocate, an able and a learned and skill- 
ful lawyer. He was all through his life marked as a 
man of sterling virtues and liigli-toned integrity of 
principle. None who knew him well could doubt 
either the incorruptible honesty or the stainless honor 
of the man. 

He was carefully and thoroughly educated, and 
graduated at Princeton College before reacliing his 
majority. He studied law with his fethor, was ap- 
pointed an attorney, Oct. 26, 1815, by Hon. Smith 
Thompson, chief justice of the Supreme Court, and 
counselor and solicitor by Chancellor Kent, Feb. 1, 
1822. 

He very soon attracted notice by his skill as an 
advocate, and at an age when most young meu are 
climbing slowly up the first steps of the ladder of dis- 
tinction he had already won an enviable reputation 
as a member of the bar of his native county. His 
first efforts were made against some of the ablest and 
most eloquent men of the State, and he was suc- 
cessful. 

While still a young man he devoted much attention 
to political matters, and became a leader of his party 
in the county. He was elected member of Assembly 
in 182-1—25, when such an election was sought by the 
ablest men, and held a high position for talent in that 
body. 

He was engaged mainly after this in his profes- 
sional labors at Goshen until he was elected a member 
of the Twenty-second Congress of the United States, 
where he served with honor. He resumed his prac- 
tice after the close of his term in Congress, which he 
continued until 1S48-49, when he served as State sena- 
tor, and in that body became the acknowledged head 
and leader of hia party. His record in the senate 
journal is bright with exhibitions of eloquence and 
talent of a high order. 

This was the end of Mr. Wilkin's official career, 
except to serve as canal appraiser, appointed July 1, 
1850. 

In 1844, Mr. Wilkin was a candidate for Lieutenant- 
Governor of the State on the Whig ticket, with Mil- 
lard Fillmore as candidate for Governor, but the 
Locofoeo ticket prevailed that year, and Silas Wright 
and Addison Gardner were elected for these oflices. 

The talents of Mr. Wilkin were of a high order as 
an advocate, and some of his addresses to juries in 
important cases were fine specimens of professional 
skill and impassioned eloquence. 

He was a ripe and sound lawyer, and had carefully 
studied and mastered tiie foundation principles on 
which the science of the law reposes. 

He brought into the practice of the profession the 
highest style of integrity, and never swerved from it 
under the presence of temptation. 

He was a close classical student, and Ibuud time to 
]iursiie the studies wliich had deliglited his vouth in 



I the midst of his jirofessional labors. He studied the 
principles of government and politics with great care 
and eminent success, and always took a deep interest 
in public affairs. He was a man eminently simple in 
his tastes, manners, and habits of life, kind and genial 
in his intercourse, and a devoted member of the 
j Presbyterian Church at Goshen, of which he served 
for many years as elder. 

John G. Wilkin. — William, son of William Wil- 
kin referred to in the sketch of Samuel J. Wilkin, 
and brother of Gen. James W. Wilkin, was grand- 
father of our subject, succeeded to a part of the home- 
stead in Wallkill, now Hamptonburgh, containing 
! 200 acres, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits 
during his life, and then died about 1823 aged seventy- 
four years. He commanded a company of militia 
during the Revolutionary war, and ajjpears to have 
acted as a minute man, ready to be called out for ser- 
vice upon the shortest notice. 

His wife, Sarah Crans, was of Huguenot stock, her 
ancestors settling in Ulster County, from Holland. 
Both were buried in the old grayeyard at Neelytown, 
where they were members of the church. 

Their children were John, Joseph, Adam, Daniel, 
Marshall, Mary (wife of Gawn Mackinson), Sally 
(wife of Adam Shafer), Esther (wife of Benjamin 
Hornbeck), Susan (wife of Luther Hornbeck), and 
Eliza, who married a Mr. McKinney. 

Of these children, Daniel, father of Judge John G. 
Wilkin, was born in 1784, and died in 1860. He 
served as a soldier in the war of 1812 on Staten 
Island. 

For five years following his marriage he resided in 
Shawangunk, Ulster Co., after which time until his 
decease he resided upon a part of the homestead of 
his father, to which he succeeded by inheritance. He 
led a quiet and uneventful life as a farmer, was never 
ambitious for political place in his town, was a pro- 
moter of religious work and good society, and both 
himself and wife were members of the Associate Re- 
formed Church at Neelytown, of which his ancestors 
had also been members, and afterwards of the Cov- 
enanter Church at Coldenham. 

His wife was.Harriet, daughter of John B. Haines, 
of Coldenham, Orange Co., formerly from Connec- 
ticut, afterwards from Long Island, and whose ances- 
tors were of English birth. She died in 1870, aged 
seventy-six years. 

Their children are Susan A., widow of John A. 
McWilliams, of Elmira; Abbey (deceased), was the 
wife of Cornelius Hornbeck, of Ulster County ; Judge 
John G. ; Moses B. ; Daniel F., a lawyer in Nashville,. 
Tenn. ; and Joseph M., a lawyer at Montgomery, 
Orange Co. 

Judge John G. Wilkin was born Oct. 22, 1818. As 
early as eight years of age young Wilkin, under the 
advice of his teacher, was set to learning the rudi- 
ments of the Latin language, with the supposed in- 
tention of his parents of eventually preparing him 



152 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



for the ministry. This study he pursued dilijjently 
for four j'ears, and made such rapid progress that, 
under the old preparatory course, he had read as far 
as Horace when his teacher removed to other parts, 
and for tlie time being the Latin was virtually aban- 
doned. For several years afterwards he remained at 
home engaged in farm work. At the age of seven- 
teen he was called from Montgomery Academy, where 
he was attending school, to take charge of the school 
at home as teacher, which he successfully conducted, 
and for a part of three years thereafter further prose- 
cuted his studies at the academy, going from home 
daily on horseback and on foot, a distance of four 
miles. He was subsequently a teacher at Monticello, 
N. Y., and while there, in 1838, began the study of 
law in the office of Judge Wm. B. Wright, of that 
place, who afterwards became a judge of the Supreme 
Court and of the Court of Appeals in this State. 
Alter two years' study with Judge Wright, Mr. Wil- 
kin became a law student with Gen. A. C. Niven, of 
Monticello, one of the most eminent lawyers of the 
State, where he completed his law studies, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar at the October term of the Supreme 
Court, held at Rochester, N. Y., in 1842. He was 
admitted as counselor in 184-5. 

On the Ifith of January, 1843, following his ad- 
mission as attorney, he opened a law-office in Middle- 
town, where he has continued the successful practice 
of his profession since, a period of thirty-eight years. 

Mr. Wilkin was appointed brigadier judge-advocate 
of artillery in 1842, and served until the militia sys- 
tem of the State was abolished. He was appointed 
an examiner in chancery by Governor Bouck in 1843, 
and held the office until it was abolished by the new 
constitution in 1846. He was elected, and was the 
first special county judge of Orange County under the 
law creating that office, and was elected and held the 
office of county judge from 1852 to 1856 ; was one of 
five commissioners on every commission chosen to 
assess damages in the construction of the Hudson 
River Railroad from Greenbush to and below Castle- | 
ton, and is the attorney of the North River Railroad 
Company. 

Judge Wilkin has been a director of and attorney 
for the Middletown Bank (now Middletown National 
Bank) since 1849; vice-president since 1855, and for j 
some time was its acting president. He was one of 
the charter members of the Middletown Savings- 
Bank, and has been one of its board of trustees and 
attorney for the bank since its organization. 

He was appointed revenue collector of the Eleventh 
District of New York upon the creation of the office in i 
1861, and held the office until 1869, when he resigned. 

Judge Wilkin was among the foremost and most 
active in Orange County, during the late civil war, in 
raising and equipping troops for service, and gave his 
full support in time and means for the Union cause. 

He married, Feb. 20, 1850, Louisa, daughter of Na- 
thaniel Coolev, of Middletown. 



Their children are John, studied law with his father, 
was admitted to the bar in 1876, and is practicing his 
profession in his native village ; Dr. Charles H. was 
graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
New Y'ork City, subsequently at the New Y^ork Hos- 
pital, and is a successful practitioner of medicine and 
surgery in New York City. 

Judge Wilkin is a man of positive and progressive 
views, and he has always had the courage of his con- 
victions. He has never hesitated to espouse a cause 
if convinced that it was right, and he has never per- 
sisted in it through false ])ride if satisfied that he was 
wrong. Though the bent of his intellect inclines him 
to consider public questions in their broader aspects, 
and with reference to their remote and ultimate bear- 
ings, he has never been a mere theorist or dortrlnaire. 
On the contrary, his prudent counsels and practical 
sagacity have always commanded the respect and in- 
fluenced the judgment of his fellow-citizens. 

Judge Wilkin is an eminently successful lawyer. 
His aid is sought in every important case which arises 
in his community. At the same time he has never 
aimed to promote vexatious and expensive litigation, 
and he possesses the entire confidence of his clients, 
of the courts, and of the public. 

Joseph M. Wilkis. — Mr. AVilkiu is descended 
from a family who represent four distinct nationalities, 
the German, French, Irish and Scotch, a detailed 
account of which is given in the sketch of Samuel J. 
Wilkin in this work. His grandfather, William 
Wilkin, was a resident of Hamptonburgh township, 
in Orange County, where his life was spent in farming 
pur-suits and where his death occurred. 

Among his large family of children was Daniel, who 
was born on the homestead and inherited his father's 
love for agricultural employments. He located in 
Hamptonburgh, and was married to Miss Harriet 
Haines, daughter of David Haines, of Montgomery. 
To this marriage six children were born, — John G., 
Moses B., Daniel F., Joseph M., and two daughters, 
Susan (Mrs. McWilliams) and Abbie (Mrs. Horn- 
beck), now deceased. 

The birth of Joseph M. occurred April 18, 1828, at 
the paternal home in Hamptonburgh, where he re- 
mained until his fourteenth year, meanwhile turning 
his willing hands to farm labor or devoting his time 
to study at the district school. Being desirous to ac- 
quire a more thorough education than was possible 
within the confines of his own township, he entered 
the academy at Montgomery, and there prepared for 
college, having been admitted to the junior class of 
Union College, Schenectady, N. Y'., in 1846, from 
which he was graduated in 1848, standing fifth in his 
class, and becoming a member of the Phi Beta Kappa 
Society. He soon after eng.aged in teaching at the 
Kinsley Mathematical and Classical School at West 
Point, where three years were spent. Later the 
priucipalship of the academy at Montgomery was 
accejjted, where an additional three years was passed 




- — jU/^' tyft. ^^T-tx^ 



The ancestors of the Grier family were of Scotch origin, 6ed 
to the north of Irehind during the persecution of the Presby- 
terians in Scotland, and the grandfather of Maj. Grior, a Pres- 
byterian minister, is supposed to be the progenitor of the family 
in Orange County, and who is known to have resided and 
preached in Wilmington, Del. His son was Rev. Thomas Grier, 
a well-known Presbyterian clergyman of Lancaster, Pa., who 
settled as pastor at Westtown, Orange Co., in ISOS, where he 
preached for many years, and about 1S36 died in his pulpit at 
Cold Spring, Putnam Co., N. Y. 

The children of Rev. Thomas Grier were "William ; Maj. 
George M. ; Smith, was a merchant in Chambersburg, Pa., where 
he died about 1870 ; Hon. Thomas Evans, a merchant at Pitts- 
ton, Pa., has been several terms a representative in the State 
Legislature; Washington Decatur, was a physician, and died 
in Kentucky ; Jane, was the wife of John Wallace, of Milford, 
Pa.; and John D. Grier, of Chambersburg, Pa., a merchant, 
and connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Maj. George M., son of Rev. Thomas Grier, was born in Lan- 
caster County, Pa., Sept. 27, 1802, and was therefore six years 
of age when his parents settled in Orange County. His early 
education was received under the careful instruction of his 
father. At the age of eighteen he began the study of law with 
Hon. I. R. Van Duzer, a prominent lawyer of Goshen, was 
admitted to practice as an attorney at the October term of the 
Supreme Court in 1826, and was associated until 1834 with 
Mr. Van Duzer in law practice. 

He was appointed surrogate of Orange County by Governor 
William 11. Seward, Feb. 7, 1840, and creditably discharged the 
duties of that office for several years. Being related to the 
Seward family by marriage, he was made one of the executors 
of the late Samuel S. Seward's will, and had the principal 
charge of the estate. 

He was appointed major in the old State militia by Maj.- 
Gen. Gilbert 0. Fowler, of Newburgb, by wliich title he was 



familiarly known to the people of Goshen. He had a fondness 
for agricultural pursuits, and spent considerable time in the 
management of his farm, which lay just outside the limits of 
the village. He was, from its organization, a director of the 
Goshen National Bank, a trustee and member of the Presby- 
terian Church at Goshen, and for nearly forty years officiated 
as clerk of the board of trustees. 

Maj. Grier was a liberal, public-spirited citizen, and highly 
respected for his integrity and frankness in all the bui^iness 
relations of life. He was prominently identified with local 
and State polities, and was chosen to fill many places of trust 
and responsibility at home. He was chosen a delegate to the 
Pittsburg Convention that placed Gen. Fremont in nomination 
for the Presidency of the United States in 1856, and he was 
also chosen one of the Presidential electors of New York at the 
November election in 1860. Maj. Grier died Dec. 20, 1878, 
Ilis wife was Frances, daughter of Frecgift and Elizabeth 
(Sweezy) Tuthill, of Goshen, whom he married Aug. 7, 1S33. 
She was born Jan. 16, 1804, and died Feb. 7, 1860. Her mother, 
Elizabeth Sweezy, was a niece of the late Judge Samuel S. 
Seward, and cousin of Hon. William H. Seward. Her father, 
Freegift Tuthill (for many years a merchant in Goshen), was 
son of Joshua and grandson of Freegift Tuthill, who was born 
on Long Island, Aug. S, 1698, married Abigail Goldsmith, who 
bore him three sons and one daughter, and removed to Orange 
County about the year 1733 with his family. lu the history of 
Cornwall and Blooming-Grove, members of the Tuthill family 
are mentioned as taking an active part in the public affairs of 
the towns as early as 1765-67. 

The last-named Freegift Tuthill was a son of John, and grand- 
son of John Tuthill, who was born July 16, 1635, and is sup- 
posed to have been the progenitor of the family on Long Island 
from England. 

The surviving children of Maj. Grier are George and Thomas 
E., merchants in Goahen, and two daughters, Mary and Frances, 



BENCH AND BAK. 



153 



as instructor. Mr. Wilkin having determined upon 
the t-hnice of a profession, entered the National Law 
School at Poughkeepsie, then a popular institution 
under the direction of John W. Fowler, from which 
lie graduated in 1854, having previously studied under 
the direction of Robert Proudfit, Escj., of Newljurgh. 
At a general term iif the Supreme Court held at New- 
burgh, N. Y., in June, 1854, he was admitted to jirac- 
tice in all the courts of the State of New York. 

In October of the same year he removed to the 
South, and having been admitted to practice in all the 
courts of Tennessee, located at Nashville in that 
State. Here he became extensively engaged in pro- 
fessional labor, and remained thus employed until 
1861. Mr. Wilkin was an unflinching advocate of 
the cause of the Union, and popular feeling through- 
out the South at the opening of the late war rendered 
a further residence at Nashville impracticable. He 
returned to Montgomery, and was, Nov. 6, 1861, 
married to Miss Catherine, daughter of Harvey D. 
Copley, of Montgomery. Their children are Louise 
C, John Flavel, Harriet and Joseph M. 

During the year 1865 the company was organized 
for the construction of the Montgomery and Erie 
Railroad, of which Mr. Wilkin was elected president. 

He devoted his energies for two years to the build- 
ing of this road, of which he was general superin- 
tendent until 1872, and is still the efficient president. 
He, in 1871, resumed professional labor in Mont- 
gomery, and is now engaged in active practice. He 
is also a director of the National Bank at Walden. 

Mr. Wilkin is an earnest advocate of the principles 
of the Republican party in politics. He was edu- 
cated in the faith of the Presbyterian denomination, 
and still worships with that church. 

1823. — Daniel H. Tuthill, Goshen; Isaac R. Van 
Duzer, Goshen. 

Isaac R. Van Duzer. — The late Hon. Isaac Reeve 
Van Duzer was born in the town of Cornwall, Orange 
Co., May 8, 1802. His father, Isaac Van Duzer, was 
of the old Dutch blood that first settled this State, and 
was one of the pmminent business men of that locality, 
and possessed many of the same strong elements (jf 
mind and character afterwards displayed by his son. 
His mother's name was Keturah Reevs. After re- 
ceiving a good academic education, Isaac R. Van 
Duzer studied law with William A. Seely, Esq., a dis- 
tinguished lawyer of New York City, and was ad- 
mitted to practice in the Supreme Court, Aug. 15, 
1823. He was rarely gifted both in mind and person 
for the honorable profession which he had chosen, and 
soon found that he had made no mistake in his choice. 
He commenced the work of his profession at his native 
place, but partly influenced by a desire for a more 
central field of action, and partly influenced by the 
friendship of Gen. George Wickham, the president of 
the Orange County Bank at that time, he moved to 
Goshen, the county-seat, about 1826. He was married 
Dec. 14, 1826, to Annie E. Gedney, daughter of Dr. 
11 



Gedney, of Newburgh, and shortly afterwards he pur- 
chased the old Hurtin homestead of Mr. Aspinwall, 
of New York, where he resided for the rest of his life, 
and where his family still live. He soon took and re- 
tained a commanding position in his prcifession, and 
his practice extended through this county and the 
neighboring counties on all sides. For some years 
the late Hon. George M. Grier was associated in busi- 
ness with him. In 1833 he became one of the firm of 
Van Duzer & Sharpe, associating with himself Wil- 
liam F. Sharpe, Esq., who still survives him as the 
Nestor of the county bar. He served as district at- 
torney for some years, resigning the office in 1835. 
He is said to have been equally at home in his office- 
work and before the courts, and to have been able to 
dictate two bills in chancery by alternate lines at the 
same time. He was one of the original incorporators 
of the Orange County Mutual Insurance Company. 
He was one of the directors of the ()range County 
Bank, and a vestryman of St. James' Episcopal Church 
for many years. 

Mr. Van Duzer, soon after his entrance into profes- 
sional life, commenced to take a strong personal inter- 
est in the politics of the day, and was closely and 
prominently identified with the local political move- 
ments. He possessed, in a rare degree, the gift of 
oratory, and whether presenting a technical point of 
legal logic, or entreating with a jury for the life of 
his fellow-man, or debating the political questions of 
the day, he is said to have been equally ready and 
successful. He represented his district in the State 
Assembly during the sessions of 1832 and 1833, and 
there made conspicuous his abilities of tongue and 
pen. In the session of 1833, as chairman of the com- 
mittee on Ways and Means, he made a report on the 
subject of the State canals and the proper disposition 
of the revenues arising from them. 

His position on this and other questions brought 
him into collision with the powerful Albany regency 
who then controlled the j)olicy of the State govern- 
ment. He was fearless and outspoken in his able 
denunciations of what he believed to be the misman- 
agement of the public funds and other matters, and 
the regency in return made open war upon him 
through their organs in Albany and Orange County. 

In view of the personal and bitter nature of these 
attacks, Mr. Van Duzer felt called upon to vindicate 
himself by legal proceedings, and he finally succeeded 
in fully punishing his assailants both at home and in 
Albany. In 1834 the Whig ticket, on which he was 
a candidate for re-election, was defeated in State and 
county. 

Some years before this Mr. Van Duzer had been 
identified with the administration party. In 1832, 
President Jackson had vetoed the bill which had 
passed Congress extending the charter of the United 
States Bank, and in 1833 had caused the removal of 
public funds from that bank to certain State banks. 
These measures gave rise to great public excitement 



154 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



at the time Whatever may be concluded by the dis- 
interested .•^tudent of history as to the justice of the 
President's opposition to the United States Bank, there 
seems to be little doubt of the great injustice of the 
arbitrary methods pursued by him in attacking it. 
This alienated many supporters of the President and 
strengthened the opposing party. About this time 
Mr. Van Duzer became one of the prominent leaders 
among the Whigs or anti-regencj' men of this county. 
With him in this movement may be grouped, among 
other's, Gen. Wickham, George M. Grier, Albert S. 
Benton, Judge Fullerton, and Joseph Davis. 

He lived to see the party of his later choice become 
triumphant in State and nation, for William H. Sew- 
ard, formerly of this county, was elected Governor in 
1839, and a Whig President, Harrison, was elected' in 
1840. 

Mr. Van Duzer died of consumption, Nov. 27, 1841, 
in the fortieth year of his life. It is the unanimous 
verdict of those living who remember him that he 
would probably have attained very high public honors 
if his life and health had been prolonged to the years 
of old age. The general impression of those now 
living who were brought into personal contact with 
. him is, that he was one of the most' impressive and 
magnetic men of his day, that he was an orator of rare 
powers of eloquence and logic and gifted with a mag- 
nificent voice, that he was studious, jialnstaking, and 
honorable in the practice of his profession, and withal 
one of the most successful lawyers that (_)range County 
has known. 

He left surviving him five children, — Charlotte, who 
married the late J. W. Gott, Esq. ; Kitty, who married 
Henry Strong, Esq., now president of the Bank of 
Green Bay, Wisconsin ; George W., who died in early 
manhood; the Hon. G. Gedney, a promising young 
lawyer, who died in 18r>9 ; and Isaac R., who became a 
merchant in New York City, and died in 1875. 

1824. — Theodore S. Fisk, Newburgh ; James D. 
Bull, Philip Millspaugh, Montgomery. 

1825. — Agricola Wilkin, Cxoshen ; Abraham Crist, 
Montgomery ; E. C. Sutherland, Cornwall ; James G. 
Clinton, Newburgh; Benjamin H. Mace, Newburgh. 

Benjamin H. Mace, although an active politician, 
had little legal practice. He was postmaster of New- 
burgh, and an inspector of State prisons. He also 
held several local positions. In his latter years he 
devoted attention to real estate and to grape culture. 
He died Nov. 21, 1879, in his seventy-seventh year. 

James G. Clinton was the son of Gen. James 
Clinton, of New Windsor, and half-brother to DeWitt 
Clinton. He was a master in chancery, and a rep- 
resentative in Congress. He died May 28, 1849, in 
his forty-fifth year. 

E. C. Sl'THERLAXD was for many years in suc- 
cessful local practice at Cornwall. 

Abraham Ckist removed to William.sburgh. 

1826. — William C. Hasbrouck, Newburgh ; George 
M. Grier Goshen. 



William C Hasbrouck was a descendant of 
Abraham Hasbrouck, who settled at New Paltz in 
1675. He was born Aug. 28, 1800; married Mary E., 
daughter of William Roe, June 28, 18.31 ; died No- 
vember, 1870. He graduated at Union College at 
the same time William H. Seward was an under- 
graduate, and soon after removed to Franklin, Tenn., 
where he became principal of the academy founded 
by Bishop Otey. Among his pupils and friends there 
were many then and since distinguished in the his- 
tory of the nation, among whom were John Bell, Sam 
Houston, Felix Grundy, Andrew Jackson, and Mat- 
thew F. Maury. Returning to the North, he became 
principal of the Farmers' Hall Academy, at Goshen, 
in 1822, and commenced there the study of law with 
Mr. Wisner. He completed his legal studies with 
William Ross, in Newburgh ; was admitted to the bar 
in 1826, and rose rajddly to rank in his profession. 
He was frequently the candidate of his party for po- 
litical honors; but, his party being in the minority in 
the district, he was without success. He was, how- 
ever, elected to the Assembly of 1847, and was chosen 
Speaker of that body. He was a man of high bear- 
ing, spotless character, and a chivalric sense of honor 
and duty ; few men enjoyed a more unblemished repu- 
tation, both at home and abroad. In jierson he was 
tall and slender, of attractive presence, and courteous 
manners ; liberal in his charities ; American in every 
aspiration of his nature. 

Mr. Hasbrouek's oldest son, William H., is a prac- 
ticing lawyer. His second son, Henry C, graduated 
at West Point Military Academy, May, 1861 ; served 
as lieutenant under Capt. Griffin, Fifth Artillery, 
U.S.A., in first Bull Run, also at Miner's Hill and 
Newport News ; promoted captain Fourth Artillery, 
and in service in the Modoc campaign. Roe, his third 
son, graduated at Harvard College in 1876; since de- 
ceased. 

1827. — Alsop Woodward. 

1828.— John E. Phillips. Brookfield ; Coe S. Brad- 
ner, Mount Hope. 

1830.— Wm. F. Sharp, Goshen ; Joseph V. Whalen, 
Montgomery; William J. Street. 

Joseph V. Whalex is referred to in connection 
with his father. Dr. Whalen, of Montgomery. 

1831.— Wm. B. Wright, Newburgh ; Nathan West- 
cott, Goshen ; Chas. Mason, Newburgh. 

Chas. Mason studied law in Newburgh after 
graduating at West Point. He subsequently removed 
to Wisconsin. 

Nathan Westcott was the son of David M. 
Westcott, for many years connected with the press of 
Goshen. He was county clerk in 1849. For several 
years of his life he suffered from paralysis of his 
limbs, resulting from being accidentally thrown from 
a wagon, and the distinction which he might have 
attained at the bar was defeated. He died in 1879. 

Wm. B. Weight was the son of Samuel Wright 
and Martha Brown, his wife, and was born in New- 



BENCH AND BAR. 



155 



biirjrli, April Ui, 180(1. His lUther was a ship-carpen- 
ter, and lie himself an apprentice, in his early years, 
to the Imsiness of printing under AVard M. Gazlay. 
He was an industrious boy and much of a student, 
and found his way, after his apprenticeship, to the 
office of Ross & Knevels, where he read law. On 
his admission to the bar he practiced in the office of 
Samuel J. Wilkin, at (roshen, and there, as well as at 
Newburgh. was connected with the press. Indeed, 
his early life was very much mi.xed up with mechan- 
ical, editorial, and legal pursuits. From Goshen he 
removed (1835) to Monticello, where he settled down 
to a quiet local practice, in which there was no ex- 
ample of industry or brilliant genius. At one period 
his life was a failure, but in 1846 he succeeded in the 
election as delegate to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion, where he made some friends and acquaintances. 
In 1846 he was elected member of Congress by a 
combination of Whigs and Anti-Renters, and gained 
such additional notoriety that he secured a combina- 
tion nomination for justice of the Supreme Court, in 
which station he remained by re-election for twelve 
years. In 1861 he was elected judge of the Court of 
Appeals, and served in that capacity until 1868, when 
he died. In his judicial position his whole character 
underwent a change, so greatly so indeed that Ward 
Hunt, his associate judge, could say with truth, "His 
enduring monument will be found in the reports of the 
decisions of this court. Patient, laborious, learned, 
clear-minded, and discriminating, he ranks honorably 
in that long line of distinguished men who have pre- 
sided on this bench." With the ability and determi- 
nation to adapt himself to the opportunity. Judge 
Wright secured a reputation which few of his con- 
temporaries attained. During the latter years of his 
life his residence was at Kingston. 

1833.— Alfred D. Walden, Walden ; Horace W. 
Armstrong, Newburgh. 

183"). — George W. Lord, Jlount Hope; John J. 
Monell, Newburgh; George Van Inwegen, Deerpark. 

John J. Monell was the son of Samuel Monell, 
of Montgomery, in which town he was born. His 
mother was Elvira, daughter of John Scott, and her 
sister, Catharine Lydia, was the mother of John A. 
C. Gray, of New York. He studied law under John 
W. Brown, and practiced in Newburgh for many years, 
during which time he served one term a judge of the 
County Court. He was active in local societies and 
associated enterprises, and deserves more credit in 
these connections than has been awarded to him. 
His residence has been at Fishkill for some years; 
and his more active business relations have been in 
connection with the publication of the New York 
Evening Post. His first wife was Mary E., daughter 
of Nathaniel Smith, of Connecticut ; and his second, 
Caroline DeWint, widow of Andrew J. Downing. 

1838. — George W. Niven, Newburgh. 

1839. — Nathan Reeve, Newburgh ; Benjamin F. 
Duryea, Goshen ; Chris. Van Duzer. 



1840. — Aaron B. Belknap, Newburgh; Daniel B. 
Boice, Newburgh; Joseph W. Gott, Goshen ; William 
Fullerton, Newburgh ; John L. Bookstaver, Mont- 
gomery. 

Jo.sEPH W. Gott, a prominent lawyer of Orange 
County for many years, was born May 25, 1814, in the 
town of Austerlitz, Columbia Co., N. Y. His father. 
Storey Gott, was a well-known and lifelong resident of 
that locality. 

Mr. (xott passed much of his boyhood at Red Rock, 
Columbia Co., and in 1834 entered Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y. That institution of learning was 
then under the admirable care of Dr. Eliphalet Nott. 
He was one of the founders of that large and well- 
known secret fraternity, now represented in most of 
the leading colleges, known as " Psi Upsilon." He 
graduated honorably in 1837. 

In the same year he came to Goshen to reside, and 
assumed the position of principal of Farmers' Hall 
Academy, which he held for two years. He then 
turned his attention to the study of law, and iiursued 
his studies with the firm of Van Duzer & Sharpe, and 
in 1842 was admitted to practice. From that time 
until his death, in 1869, he was in constant practice 
of his profession in the community in which he had 
taken up his residence, and became thoroughly iden- 
tified with this locality. 

Not long after his admission to the bar he held the 
position of postmaster at Goshen for several years. 
In 1849 he held the office of county clerk of Orange 
County by api)ointment. In the earlier part of his 
professional career he was also, for some years, one of 
the proprietors and editors of the Goshen Democrnt 
and Whig. 

He was a communicant and vestryman of St. James' 
Protestant Episcopal Church for many years. 

He was married, Jan. 27, 1847, to Charlotte Van 
Duzer, daughter of the Hon. Isaac R. Van Duzer, now 
deceased, a prominent lawyer and ex-member of the 
Legislature. For many years he was a partner of the 
late Judge Samuel J. Wilkin. 

In 1858, his health having suffered severely from 
too intense application to the demands of a large busi- 
ness, he made a trip to Eurojje, but found there only 
temporary relief from the bronchial trouble with 
which he was afflicted. His life was much prolonged 
by his temperate habits and rigid observance of the 
laws of health. He literally died in the liarness, 
attending to his professional occupations until shortly 
before his death, which happened Jan. 6, 1869. 

Mr. Gott was not, in one sense of the word, a public 
man. He was not ostentatious in his life, nor did he 
aspire to political preferment. But he was probably 
as well known in the line of his profession as any of 
his contemporaries in this county. He had several 
opportunities to form very profitable professional 
connections in New York City and elsewhere, but 
preferred to continue where he had begun liis profes- 
sional career. 



156 



HISTOllV OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



He was a steadfast Whig until the formation of the 
Republican party, and then an earnest adherent to 
the latter while he lived. He was a strong personal 
friend of Secretary W. H. Seward. 

He was of an eminently literary turn of mind, and 
owned and made practical use of a large and well- 
selected library. 

The true lesson of Mr. Gott's life and professional 
success is contained in the following extract from the 
resolutions passed by the bar of his county, Jan. 13, 
1S69, and now entered upon the record of the court 
minutes : 

'■ Remhed, That the earnestness and assiduity with w hicti tuir deceased 
fliend lahovedtoprotect and secure the rights a lid interests of tliose whom 
he served entitled him to the puhlic confidence he so hirgely enjoyed, 
and that his distinguished success was acliieved, not hy unprofessional 
artitice, V'ut hy the devotion of his lahorious life to high professional 
duty. 

" Re>'(jh'eil. That the career of the deceased has closed with no stain of 
professional dishonor resting upon it, proving that no sacrifice of fair- 
ness, truth, and integrity is necessaiily involved in the exercise of 
great professional zeal and the attainment of an exalted professional 
re(iutation." 

Mr. Gott left two children, — a daughter, Annie, and 
a son and namesake, Joseph W., the latter of whom 
graduated at Yale College in 1873, and Columbia Law 
School in 1875, and has been engaged in the j)ractice 
of law in Goshen since 1875. 

1841. — Chaneey F. Belknap, Newburgh ; John C. 
Dimmick, Goshen. 

1842. — Alexander Wilkin, Goshen ; John S. Thayer, 
Newburgh ; Stephen B. Brophy, Newburgh ; John G. 
Wilkin, Middletown. 

1843.— Roliert S. Htilstead, Newburgh ; James W. 
Fowler, Newburgh; Benjamin F. Dunning, Goshen. 

1844. — S. W. Fullerton, Jr., Newburgh ; James L. 
Stewart. 

1845. — Daniel Fullerton, Goshen; Oliver Y'oung; 
Hugh B. Bull, Montgomery ; James G. Graham, New- 
burgh; David F. Gedney, Goshen; William R. Nel- 
son ; Levinus Monson, Newburgh ; Andrew J. Wilkin, 
Goshen. 

David Fowler Gedney. — The paternal ancestors 
of Judge Gedney were English l^uakers, who emi- 
^rate<l from England to this country in the reign of 
Charles II. to escape the religious persecution against 
Nonconformists during the life of that monarch. His 
ifather was Eleazer Gedney, M.D., who was for many 
years an eminent physician in what was then the vil- 
ilage of Newburgh, Orange Co., N. Y. Dr. Gedney 
inarried Miss Charlotte Bailey, of New Windsor, in 
the same county, and who was the daughter of Dr. 
Jonathan Bailey. Dr. Bailey was related collaterally 
to the Revolutionary patriot, Samuel Adams. 

Judge Gedney was born in Newburgli-on-Hudson, 
Jan. I, 1821. He was prepared to enter college at the 
Newburgh Academy, and in 1836 entered the junior 
class at Union College. He graduated in 1838, re- 
ceiving the usual degree of A.B. His father and 
elder brother having died while he was in college, he 
removed with his mother and an unmarried sister 



{afterwards Mrs. Isaac R. Van Duzer) to Goshen, 
Orange Co. Here he entered upon his professional 
career as a student in the law-office of Van Duzer 
& Sharpe, and after the dissolution of that firm he 
continued his studies with Van Duzer & Westcott. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1845, and formed a 
partnership with Nathan Westcott, which continued 
until that gentleman was elected county clerk in 
1850. In 1856 he was elected to the office of district 
attorney, and in 1862 to the office of county judge. 
He formed a partnership in 1874 with his son, Mr. 
Herbert Gedney, with whom he is now associated in 
business. 

In 1843, Judge Gedney married Miss Henrietta 
Robinson Duer, youngest daughter of Alexander Duer, 
Esq. Mr. Duer was a son of Col. William Duer, of 
the Revolutionary army, and a brother of the late 
Judges John A. Duer and William A. Duer. Of the 
three children of this marriage, the eldest — Alex. Duer 
Gedney — was lost at sea off Cape Horn in 18(i0; the 
others are living. 

Judge Gedney's judicial career was marked by 
ability and impartiality, and he discharged the duties 
of district attorney in a manner eminently satisfactory 
to his county. He is an advocate of marked |)Ower, 
and has been connected with the trial of many im- 
portant civil and criminal cases. He has taken for 
many years a prominent position among Republican 
politicians, and his speeches, both political and pro- 
fessional, are remarkable for the chastity of their lan- 
guage and the clearness and force of their logic. He 
is one of the oldest members of the present bar of 
Orange County. 

The FuLLERTOXS — Daniel, William, and Ste- 
phen W. — have been honorable representatives of 
their profession. Daniel, the last admitted to practice, 
was the oldest brother and had but a short legal career. 
Stephen W., the youngest, prior to his removal to New 
York, filled the office of county judge, and also that 
of district attorney, and had for his as.sociate in prac- 
tice Charles H. Van Wyck, now United States sena- 
tor from Nebraska. William, after some years in his 
profession in Newburgh, during the largest portion of 
which time James W. Fowler was his business asso- 
ciate, removed to New York, where he was associated 
with Charles O'Conor, and from that point has risen 
to the highest rank at the bar of that city. Aug. 30, 
1867, he was appointed justice of the Supreme Court 
for the Second Judicial District, to fill the unexpired 
term of Judge Scrughani, but transferred the honor 
to his brother, Stephen VV., who served from August 
30th to December 31st. A brief history of the family 
will be found in another part of this volume. (See 
Wawayanda.) 

James G. Graham was born in Shawangunk, 
Ulster Co., October, 1821. He graduated at Colum- 
bia College in 1840; studied in the office of Bate & 
McKissock, and after his admission to the bar prac- 
ticed in Ulster Countv. In 1848 he was elected to 




iMiOA) ^ ^mUtkf 



BENCH AND BAR. 



157 



the Assembly from the southern district of Ulster, and 
again in 1865. In 1878 he represented the First As- 
sembly District of Orange in the same body. He has 
held several local trusts with credit since his removal 
to Newburgh in 1866, and enjoys the esteem and con- 
fidence of the community. His first wife was Mar_v 
E., daughter of George G. Schofield, of Walden. He 
married second, Margaret J., daughter of Israel 
Knapp, also of Walden. 

1846. — Gabriel N. Sweezey, Goshen (removed to 
California in 1849, and died at Marysville, in that 
State, in 1875); DeWitt C. Cooley ; John Lyon; S. 
Howell Strong ; Moses Sweezey, Goshen ; Charles H. 
Winfield, Goshen. (See Dr. Winfield.) 

1848. — Eugene A. Brewster, Newburgh. 

Eugene A. Beewster is a lineal descendant of 
Elder Brewster, of the Plymouth Pilgrims. His im- 
mediate ancestor in this county was Samuel Brewster, 
of New Windsor, a most substantial and representa- 
tive man of the Revolutionary era. He was born in 
New York, April 13, 1827, and was brought to New- 
burgh by his parents when he was three years old. 
He entered the office of John W. Brown in 1843, and 
remained with him until January, 1850, when he 
united in partnership with Nathan Reeve, Judge 
Brown's brother-in-law, and continued under the firm 
of Reeve & Brewster until 1855, since which time he 
has been without an associate. That he has few, if 
any, superiors in practice in the county will be gen- 
erally conceded by the profession. He has held sev- 
eral local stations with credit, and many rely as im- 
plicitly upon his judgment as they did upon that of I 
his tutor. Judge Brown, some of whose habits of 
thought and action were deeply grafted upon his 
character. He married, in 1859, Anna W., daughter 
of Rev. John Brown, D.D. 

James N. Pkonk was born in the city of Boston, 
Feb. 27, 1822. His father, Dr. John N. D. V. Pronk, 
a native of Amsterdam, Holland, was there educated 
a physician, and emigrated to America in 1811, set- 
tling in Boston, Mass. He practiced his profession in 
that city until 1839, when he retired from practice, 
removed to Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y., and there 
resided until his decease, at the age of seventy-two 
years, in 1848. 

Dr. Pronk's wife, who survived him twenty-five 
years and died at the age of eighty-two years, was 
Azubah Little, a native of Orange County, with whom 
he formed an acquaintance while traveling through 
her native county upon first coming to this county, 
and whom he married in 1812. 

Only three of their eleven children survived them, 
viz., Edwin, a resident of Boston ; James N., subject 
of this sketch ; and Azubah L., wife of Silas L. King, 
of Bradford, Pa. 

James N. Pronk received his early education in the 
English high school and public Latin school of his 
native! city, and was graduated at the Teacher's Semi- 
nary at Andover, Mass. He removed with his parents 



to Orange County, and for several years thereafter was 
engaged here in teaching. He studied law with Judge 
John G. Wilkin, of Middletown, and was admitted to 
the bar of this State, as attorney and counselor, at the 
January term of the Supreme Court held in New 
York Citv in 1849. 





Immediately after his admission to the bar he 
opened a law office in Middletown, where he has 
actively pursued the practice of his profession since, 
— a period of thirty -two years, — and is now one of the 
oldest members of the Orange County bar, only Judge 
Wilkin being his senior in Middletown. 

During his residence in Middletown, Mr. Pronk has 
been an active participant in nearly all of its worthy 
local enterprises. 

He was largely connected with and one of the prime 
movers in the incorporation of the village, for many 
years its clerk, and for nine years its president. 

He was one of the incorporators of the Middletown 
Lj'ceum, a society that existed and held a leading in- 
fluence for some thirty years; of the Hillside Ceme- 
tery, of which association he has officiated as presi- 
dent since its incorporation, and has filled the positioa 
of trustee and director of various other organizations. 

Mr. Pronk was also one of the incorporators of 
" The Middletown and Bloomingburgh Plank Road 
Company," " The MidiUetown and Unionville Plank 
Road Company," " The Middletown and Unionville 
Railroad Company," "The Midland Railroad Com- 
pany of New Jersey," and of the " Wallkill Bank." 

During the late civil war he was active in support 



158 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the I'nion cause, and served as provost marshal of 
the Eleventh Congressional District, New York, with 
his office at (joshen. 

As a citizen Mr. Pronk is public-spirited and enter- 
prising. All projects for the benefit of the commu- 
nity and to promote the best interests of society in 
which he lives receive from him willing and liberal 
support. 

As a counselor he is careful, systematic, and judi- 
cious, and his opinions are always given with the 
strictest integrity after a thorough analytical treat- 
ment of the sulyect at issue, and as an advocate his 
retentive memory, his knowledge of the fundamental 
principles upon which the law is based, enable him 
to command the attention of judge and juror. 

3Ir. Pronk married, in 1S41, Mary Ellen, daughter 
of Gilbert F. Mondon, of Port Jervis. 

Their surviving children are Francis A. K., Ferris 
M., Devin N., Ashbel C. K., Louisa, Mary, wife of N. 
Tate, of Middletown, and Nellie R. 

Oliver Youxo. — The Young family are of New 
England extraction, the father of the subject of this 
biogra)ihical sketch having been Samuel, who was 
born in Connecticut, and married Miss Anna Dilly, 
whose ancestors were of Hessian descent and early 
emigrated to America. Mr. and Mrs. Young had ' 
eight children, among whom was Oliver, born at 
jMount Hope, Orange Co., Oct. 7, 1811, to which place 
his parents removed after their marriage. He (C)livcr) 
was early made dependent upon his own resources, 
and after the death of liis father aided materially in 
the care of the family. At the age of .seventeen he 
became a teacher, and later repaired to Milford, Pa., 
where, under the guidance of Richard Eldred, and 
afterwards of Melancthon Dimmock, he pursued the 
study of law. He was admitted to the bar of Pike 
County, Pa., ii) 1835, and as an attorney and coun- 
selor in New York State, Nov. 8, 1840. Very soon 
after the conclusion ol his legal studies Mr. Young 
removed to Port Jervis and established himself in his 
profession. 

By application and fidelity to the trusts confided to 
him a growing and lucrative practice wasgained. He 
speedily attained a reputation as a safe and judicious 
counselor, and an attorney who was devoted under 
all circumstances to the interests of his clients, to 
whom he, on every occasion, displayed the most ab- 
solute loyalty. This fact soon won for Mr. Young 
the confidence of the community and brought to him 
an extended business. He was a firm advocate of 
anti-slavery principles long before any organized 
opposition was manifested on the part of its oppo- 
nents, and for a length of tinie voted the ticket alone 
in the place of his residence. He cast the only ballot 
in Port Jervis for Hon. John P. Hale, unti-slavery 
candidate for the Presidency in 1856, and on various 
occasions maintained a steady defense of principles 
which were espoused from a conviction of duty. He 
was also a man of liberal impulses, and did much to 



relieve distress through benefactions of a private 
nature. Mr. Young was a proficient civil engineer, 
aud possessed an extended knowledge of the bounda- 
ries and titles of much of the land endsraced in 
Orange County. He was not an aspirant for office, 
and frequently declined local honors tendered him by 
his constituents. Mr. Young was married, Jan. 19, 
1848, in Port Jervis, to Mrs. Lydia Frances Went- 
worth, formerly Miss Sinclair, of Bartlett, N. H., 
and had two sons, — Frank Sinclair, who died in early 
life, and Charles Oliver, who is engaged in the prac- 
tice of law in Port Jervis. The death of Oliver 
Young occurred Oct. 3, 1871, in his sixtieth year. 
The loss sustained by the bar of Orange County was 
on the occasion graphically portrayed in a series of 
resolutions commemorative of his career and his 
marked abilities, presented by its members to the 
family. 

Thomas J. Lvux. — The Lyon family are of Scotch 
descent, three brothers — Samuel, David, and James 
— having left the land of their nativity before the war 
of the Revolution and settled, — David in New Jer- 
sey, Samuel in Connecticut, and James in the Em- 
pire State, from whence he later removed to Ohio. 
David chose a location at Orange, Essex Co., N. J., 
where liis children — Daniel, Moses, Henry, and 
Sarah — were born ; all of whom are now deceased. 
Henry resided upon the homestead during his life- 
time, where he was both agriculturist and distiller, 
and later became a manufacturer. He participated 
actively in the war of 1812, for which he enjoyed a 
pension until the date of his death in his seventy- 
eighth year. Mr. Lyon was, in the year 1808, united 
in marriage to Miss Eunice, daughter of Thomas 
Harrison, of Orange, N. J., a soldier with the rank 
of colonel in the war of the Revolution, and also a 
pensioner until his death in his ninety-eighth year. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon nine children were born, of 
whom the survivors are Dr. S. S. Lyon, of Newark, 
N. J. ; William Lyon, of Lyon's Farms, N. J. ; Thomas 
J. Lyon, of Port Jervis ; John W. Lyon, of San 
Francisco, Cal. ; and Mrs. Ann Steel, of Dayton, 
Ohio. 

Thomas J., whose career is here traced, was born in 
Caldwell, Essex Co., N. J., June 20, 1816, and spent 
the early years of his life at the home of his parents. 
The common schools of the neighborhood aftbrded 
him an ojjportunity of acquiring the rudiments of an 
education, and a subsequent period spent at the 
Montclair Seminary, in the same county, supple- 
mented this with more substantial acquirements. A 
brief ]ieriod was spent in teaching, after which Mr. 
Lyon entered the ministry and joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Conference of New Jersey. After a season 
of clerical labor in New Jersey, he was assigned by 
the Conference in 1840 to the Port Jervis charge, 
which place has since been his residence. At the ex- 
piration of his fourth year Mr. Lyon voluntarily re- 
quested and received a local relation without any 




ir^iEM. iroTUHGo 




^ 



/^/-i^ Ckri 



^ ^ ^^^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



159 



change in his religious convictions, and began the 
study of law, Nathan Westcott, of Goshen, N. Y., 
having been his preceptor. An office was established 
by the latter gentleman in Port Jervis, of which Mr. 
Lyon was given tlie charge. He began his profes- 
sional labors in the Justices' Court, and continued so 
to practice until his admission to all the courts of 
New York State in 1849, his examination liaving oc- 
curred in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Lyon has 
since that time been actively engaged in the duties of 
his profession. He was employed by the New York 
and Erie Railroad Company as one of their counsel- 
ors, and acted in that capacity from the period of the 
construction of the road until 1867. As a trial lawyer 
Mr. Lyon has been especially successful. He has on 
many occasions displayed superior talents as an advo- 
cate, his clear, decisive arguments having gained for 
him many legal victories. His mental powers are 
acute and comprehensive, his self-possession perfect, 
and his command of language both forcible and strik- 
ing. He was commissioned as postmaster under the 
Polk administration, and also during the Presidential 
term of Franklin Pierce. In 1869 and 1870, Mr. 
Lynn was elected to the Legislature of the State, and 
Ills abilities utilized as one of the committee on 
Ways and Means, on the Judiciary, and as chairman 
of the committee on Federal Relations. He is an 
unflinching Democrat, and has attained some distinc- 
tion as an ardent worker and speaker in the cause of 
Democracy. 

Mr. Lyon was married Dec. 31, 1840, to Miss 
Jemima Westfall, of Deerpark, and became the 
parent of eight children, of whom Sarah E., Annie 
M. (Mrs. E. A. Brown, of Nevvburgh), and John W., 
a practicing lawyer in Port Jervis, survive. By a 
second marriage, to Miss Miriam V. Osterhout, he has 
five children, — Thomas J., Jr., Wallen, Edwin F., 
Mary E., and Frederick, all of whom are living. 

1851. — James W. Taylor, Goshen. Mr. Taylor was 
born in Hamptonburgh in February, 1828 ; graduated 
at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1848; 
studied law in the office of Wilkin & Gott, and was 
admitted to j^ractice in 1851. In 1854 he served under 
Nathan Westcott as deputy county clerk, and in 1856 
removed to Nevvburgh, where he succeeded Daniel B. 
Boice, deceased, in the partnership with William C. 
Hasbrouck. At the general election in 1856 he was 
elected special county judge, and was subsequently 
twice appointed to fill vacancies in that office. In 
1864 he was appointed attornej' for the city of New- 
burgh, and in the fall of that year was one of the 
Presidential electors of the Republican party. His 
record so far in life has been that of an excellent 
lawyer and a useful and respected citizen. He mar- 
ried, in 1850, Caroline, daughter of John Wilson, of 
Goshen. 

1857. — Abram S. Cassedy, Newburgh. 

Abram S. Cassedy was born at Ramapo, Rock- 
land Co., N. Y., on the 29th day of November, 1833. 



His grandfather, Archibald Cassedy, emigrated from 
the north of Ireland about the time of the Revolu- 
tionary war, and taking up a residence in Rockland 
County became one of the pioneer settlers of what was 
then a wild and unbroken section of country. Of 
hardv Scotch-Irish descent, imbued with the indomi- 





table industry and perseverance that is the special 
characteristic of his race, he was a valuable acquisi- 
tion to the pioneer life of the country, and contributed 
much toward the development of the locality in which 
he settled. The father of Mr. Cassedy was also named 
Archibald, and was born in Rockland County, where 
he passed his life in mercantile and agricultural pur- 
suits. He married Lydia, daughter of Judge Gurnee, 
of Rockland County. The Gurnee family is of French 
extraction, and was early represented among the pio- 
neers of that county, having emigrated from Paris 
previous to the Revolutionary war. 

The early education of Mr. Cassedy was obtained at 
the common schools of his native county. He subse- 
quently enjoyed the benefits of an academic course, 
graduating in 1853. He immediately turned his at- 
tention to the study of the law, and entered as a stu- 
dent in the office of Judge William F. Fraser, of 
Clarkstown, N. Y., in 1855. Subsequently he entered 
the law-office of Wilkin & Gott, at Goshen, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1857. He was immediately 
appointed deputy county clerk by the late Dr. Drake, 



160 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



then the popular clerk of tlie county, in which ])osi- 
tion he served two years. At the expiration of that 
time he became clerk of the board of supervisors of 
Orange County, a position in which he remained from 
1858 to 1862. Meanwhile, in 1859, he removed to 
Newburgli, where he entered upon the active practice 
of his profession, and has ever since remained. Judge 
Charles F. Brown is now the partner of Mr. Cassedy, 
and under the name and style of Cassedy & Brown the 
tirm are carrying on a large and successful business. 

As a law-yer Mr. Cassedy is painstaking and con- 
scientious, and brings to the investigation of his cases a 
degree of research and legal acumen not common in 
the profession. Naturally of a studious turn of mind, 
patient and industrious, he discharges the duties of 
his profession in a faithful and successful numner, 
and commands a large clientage. The possession of 
these qualities early brought him into public notice, 
and it has been his good fortune, although decidedly 
averse to the holding of public office, to be elevated 
by the partiality of the public to several prominent 
official positions. 

In 1862 he was elected district attorney of the 
county against his former prece|)tor, Joseph W. Gott, 
and filled the office acceptably for three years. He sub- 
sequently served as alderman irom the Fourth Ward, 
but soon resigned from that office. In 1874 he was 
elected a member of the board of education, and acted 
as president of that body in 1877, declining election 
to the board after that date, although nominated. In 
1875 he was appointed corporation counsel of New- 
burgh, a position that he held for three years. 

In 1880, while strenuously declaring himself not to 
be a candidate, he was nominated by acclamation for 
the office of mayor of Newburgli by the Democratic 
party, and although that city usually gives a Repub- 
lican majority of from two to three hundred votes, was 
elected by the flattering majority of three hundred and 
twenty-four. He is still filling that office in a suc- 
cessful manner, and his administration of municipal 
affairs has been characterized by a degree of economy 
not before attained for fourteen years. 

Mr. Cassedy has declined the nomination to other 
important offices within the gift of the public, some 
of them being of a kind calculated to attract the most 
ambitious of men. He has preferred, however, to 
confine himself to the legitimate practice of his pro- 
fession. He takes an active interest in all movements 
tending to advance the social, material, or educational 
welfare of the community in which he resides, and 
lends the support of his means and influence to the 
development and sustentation of its institutions. He 
has been for a iiumberof years a director of the Quas- 
saick National Bank, of Newburgh, and is the attor- 
ney for that institution. A number of important 
causes have been litigated successfully by him, aggre- 
gating hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was 
married in 1861 to Miss Margaret J., daughter of the 
late Dr. Charles Drake, of Newburgh. 



1868.— C. Frank Brown, Newburgh ; William D. 
Dickey, Newburgh. 

William Vaxamee is descended from one of three 
brothers who emigrated from Holland in the early 
settlement of New York. Two of the brothers settled 
on Long Island, and the other upon the Hudson. 





i^^^t-^C^K. ^^3,.^^, 



The name is spelt differently by the various branches 
of the family, but Mr. Vanamee follows the spelling 
given in Dixon's work upon surnames. 

Mr. Vanamee was born in Albany, N. Y., Jan. 9, 
1847. When he was nineteen years old he came to 
Middletown for the purpose of studying law. After 
prosecuting his studies two years, he was admitted at 
Poughkeepsie in May, 1868, and he has since resided 
in Middletown, engaged in the active practice of his 
profession. In September, 1871, he was married to 
Lida, daughter of Dr. J. W. Ostrom, of (Joshen. 

C. Feank Briiwn, son of Hon. John W. Brown, 
was born in Newburgh, 8ept. 12, 1844. He graduated 
at Y'ale College in 1866, and subsequently read law in 
the office of A. S. Cassedy, assisted by the advice and 
counsel of his father. In 1869 the law-firm of Cas- 
sedy & Brown was formed, of which he is still the 
junior partner. He was elected district attorney in 
1874, and county judge in 1877, filling both positions 
with credit. He married, June 27, 1876, Hattie E. 
Shaffer, of Poughkeepsie. 

Ht)N. Freperic Bodine. — The blood and char- 
acteristics of four distinct races are represented in the 
Bodine family, — the French, Dutch, Irish, and Eng- 



BENCH AND BAR. 



161 



lish, the paternal ancestors of Frederick having been 
Huguenots, who early fled from persecution in France, 
and, embark ing lor America, colon i/.ed on Long Island. 
A portion of this little baml eventually found their 




way into Orange County, among whom was William 
Bodine, the great-grandfather of the subject of this 
biographical sketch, who acquired a large tract of 
land one mile to the west of Walden village, the 
homestead of later generations of the family. Among 
his children was Peter, the grandfather of Frederick, 
who resided U|ion a farm in Montgomery, and married 
Miss Mary Millspaugh. Their children were eleven 
in number, one of whom was Hylvanus, born July 10, 
1807, and whose death occurred in Steuben County, 
N. Y., in his seventy-first year. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of John Hor- 
ton, of Goslien, and had children, — Amasa and Fred- 
eric. The latter, whose portrait accompanies this 
sketch, was born in Montgomery, June 18, 183.5, 
where the years of his early life were passed. These 
years were uneventful in character, the winter being 
devoted to study or teaching, while the summer 
brought its routine of farm employments. 

In 1865, Mr. Bodine, having become weary of agri- 
cultural labor, disposed of the farm, and removing to 
thevillageof Montgomery, embarked in business enter- 
prises. During the same year he entered the political 
arena as the llepublican candidate for representative 
in the State Legislature, to which he was elected by 
a large majority. Here he represented his constit- 



uency with marked ability, and served on the com- 
mittees on schools and colleges and towns and vil- 
lages. In connection with the former he did signal 
service, being largely instrumental in the introduc- 
tion of the bill in behalf of the free-school system, 
which afterwards became a law, under which the State 
is now working. Mr. Bodine, in the fall of 1866, pur- 
chased a farm at Plattsburgh, N. Y., to which he re- 
moved, but the surroundings of his old home proving 
more congenial, he returned to Montgomery the fol- 
lowing year and engaged in business. He has since 
been identified with the public interests of the town- 
ship ; is a director of the Walden Savings-Bank, has 
been railroad commissioner for the township of Mont- 
gomery since 1873, and has served as highway com- 
missioner and inspector of elections. He was ap- 
pointed, in 1880, supervisor of census for the Fourth 
New York District by President Hayes, including the 
counties of Ulster, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and 
Delaware. 

He was in 1870 elected justice of the peace, and 
still fills the office. Mr. Bodine abandoned mercan- 
tile pursuits in 1877, and began the study of law with 
Joseph M. Wilkin, Esq. He was admitted to the bar 
as attorney and counselor at the general term held 
in Brooklyn, February, 1880, and at once engaged in 
the practice of his profession. In politics he is an 
ardent Republican, and an earnest advocate of the 
principles of the party. He is an active and useful 
member of the Presbyterian Church of Montgomery, 
of which he is an elder. Mr. Bodine has been twice 
married. He was first united to Miss Mittie Graham, 
.lune 5, 1862, to whom was born a son, Theodore. Mrs. 
Bodine's death occurred Feb. 28, 1870, and he was a 
second time married, Nov. 16, 1870, to Mrs. Emma 
Decker, of Montgomery. 

PRESENT ATTORNEYS. 

The following are the practicing attorneys in the 
county at the present time : 

Newburfjh. — Walter C. Anthony, Eugene A. Brew- 
ster, John Baldwin, David Barclay, J. B. B. Brun- 
dage, J. R. Buxton, Charles F. Brown, Abram S. 
Cassedy, Charles L. Chatterton, C. P. Curtis, (Jeorge 
H. Clark, William I). Dickey, Samuel E. Dimniick. 
Darwiu W. Esmond, Nehemiah Fowler, James G. 
Ctraham, M. H. Hirschberg, Gideon Hill, Russell 
Headley, John B. Kerr, John Miller, H. C. Mills- 
paugh, M. H. Mullenneaux, Joseph J. Rogers, Seward 
U. Round, David A. Scott, J. D. Shaffer, L. S. Sterritt, 
Charles E. Snyder, Howard Thornton, James W. Tay- 
lor, Charles St. John Vail, C. L. Waring, L. B. Waring, 
Harvey Weed, Grant B. Taylor, James T. Boothroyd. 

Middletown. — Howard Allison, John F. Bradner, 
George H. Decker, Charles G. Dill, M. J. Donovan, 
Andrew J. Durland, .Tirah I. Foote, Henry W. Foote, 
Daniel Finn, William J. Groo, Oliver N. Goldsmith, 
Gilbert O. Hulse, Benjamin Low, .J. W. Powers, T. N. 
Little, William F. O'Neill, A. V. L. Powelson, James 



162 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



N. Pronk, William B. Royce, Wickliam T. Shaw. 
William H. Stoddard, Samuel R. Taylor, William 
Vanamee, D. W. Van Zandt, Charles T. Vail, John 
G. Wilkin, John Wilkin, Henry W. Wiggins. 

Gns/ien. — Henry Bacon, R. C. Coleman, Charles W. 
Coleman, B. R. Chamjiion, W. H. CiKldel)ack, Henry 
C. Duryea, David F. Gedney, Herbert Gedney, Geo. 
W. Greene, J. W. Gott, John E. Howell, James F. 
Hoifman, George W. Millspaugh, John H. Murray, 
Charles L. Mead, Harrison W. Nanny, William F. 
Sharpe, A. DuBois Staats, John B. Swezey, E. A. 
Van Sickle, Henry A. Wadsworth, William H. Wyker. 

Port Jervis. — James M. Allerton, Lewis E. Carr, 
0. E. Cuddeback, O. P. Howell, Thomas J. Lyon, 
John W. Lyon, Amos Van Etten, Jr. 

Montrjomerij. — Fred. Bodine, Joseph M. Leeper, 
Henry V. McNeal, J. H. Walden Loughran, John 
Peter Sears, Edward Van Orsdall, J. M. Wilkin. 

Warwick. — John J. Beattie, J. V. D. Benedict, John 
Burt, M. Kane. 

Cornwall. — Lewis Beach, William H. Clarke, D. F. 
Southerland, Daniel E. Pope. 

Westtown.—T. S. Hulse. 

Turner's. — E. D. Stokem. 



CHAPTER XIL 

PHYSICIANS-MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 

„ The physicians of the county, although many of 
them have been conspicuous in its political, military, 
and social affairs, are, as a class, so especially " silent" 
in its records that a list of them, either past or pres- 
ent, will be far from complete. It is probably true 
that to some extent the early ministers, itinerant as 
well as located, were physicians ; but it is also prob- 
able that many of the first settlers were their own 
medical advisers, and relied largely upon such reme- 
dies as nature provided and their own experience ap- 
proved, many of them living even to a " good old 
age" without the aid of a professional "doctor." Per- 
haps they were profited to some extent by the expe- 
rience of their Indian contemporaries or predecessors, 
who could cure wounds and hurts, treat simple diseases 
quite successfully, and tell all about the medicinal vir- 
tues of native roots and herbs. There was one rem- 
edy that came from them that was of very general 
use, — beavers' oil. For dizziness, for trembling, for 
rheumatism, for lameness, for apoplexy, for toothache, 
for earache, for weak eyes, for gout, and for almost 
every ill, beavers' oil was the specific, at least among 
the early Dutch, who, with equal unanimity, rejected 
that other Indian specific, — the sweating-bath. They 
could not bear to be thrust into a heated hole in the 
ground with their head covered until the perspiration 
had reached its highest point, and then to be removed 



and immersed immediately in cold water. It strikes 
one singularly to read now that this or that State or 
colony had given somebody a hundred pounds for a 
recipe for some remedy with a View to make it pub- 
lic property ; at least it prompts the conclusion that 
there was a great deal of what is now called "quack- 
ery" going on among the " rude forefathers" of many 
a " hamlet." ■ 

But whatever may have been the condition of medi- 
cal practice elsewhere, there were physicians in the 
district the liistory of which we are tracing, at an early 
period, and apparently learned and skillful ones. 

Cadwallader Colden, of Coldenham, was a 
physician of no ordinary grade for his time. He 
settled at Coldenham in 1728, remained there for over 
thirty years, and wrote some able medical works. 
True, he was also a surveyor and a politician, and a 
botanist, and in the round of his years was Lieutenant- 
Governor and acting Governor of the colony; but 
these offices came to him at a later period. 

We cannot say that " next" to Dr. Colden came 
Evan Jones, in New Windsor ; but he was a prac- 
ticing physician and surgeon there, and died in 1763, 
leaving sons, John and Thomas, who became emi- 
nent physicians in New York City. His wife was 
the daughter of Vincent Matthews, of Matthewsfield. 
His residence was on the farm which, after his death, 
became the property of Samuel Brewster, and is 
now marked by the old stone house which the latter 
erected. 

>, Alexander Clinton and Charles Clinton, sons 
of Col. Charles Clinton, of Little Britain, were also 
early physicians. Alexander studied under Dr. Mid- 
dleton, of New Y'ork, located at Shawangunk, and 
practiced in that town and in Montgomery and New 
Windsor. He died in Shawangunk in 1758, of "con- 
fluent smallpox." Charles was also a pupil under 
Dr. Middleton. He was a surgeon's mate in the Brit- 
ish army at the capture of Havana ; subsequently 
located in the precinct of Hanover (now Montgomery), 
where he had a large practice, and where he died in 
1791. 

Although not practicing physicians in the town of 
New Windsor, Thomas and Joseph Y'oung, sons of 
John Young, one of the a.ssociate immigrants with 
Charles Clinton, became physicians, and were in ser- 
vice in the army of the Revolution. Thomas received 
a medical education, and Joseph taught himself, or, 
as he himself wrote, became qualified " by accurate 
observation and attentive application," having been 
" greatly assisted by Dr. Alexander Clinton, not as a v 
professed student, but by riding with him and receiv- 
ing oral instructions." 

John Smedes was a contemporary of Dr. Charles 
Clinton, but his residence has not been ascertained. 
He was in practice in 1783. Among Dr. Clinton's 
papers is the following note, which serves the purpose 
of his identification as well as to illustrate the methods 
of treatment at that time : 



/ 




^j^^/iyi 




A/W 



Y/Jt. 



PHYSICIANS. 



163 



" Mrs. Cooper was taken on Monday morning early with a cold chill, 
which contiiined more or It-ss almost throngliuiit the day. .\hout nine 
o'clock in the morning she was seized with a violent pain in the loft hy- 
pochoudlia, resemhling laboring pains, with vomitings, and a taste in 
lier monlli like rotten eggs, — gieat tliirst. In tliis situation I came to 
her. .tndgingit to l>e an intlamination in tiie woinh,arising from cold she 
must have taken a few days ago from wet feet. I bled her immediately— 
the blood was not si/.y, but very coagulated — and gave her nitrous pow- 
ders. In the afternoon the symptoms were the same, the pain alterna- 
ting, leaving her iu some degree, and tlien retunung with violence. I 
bled her again, — the blood was somewhat sizy. About evening her symp- 
tums all vanished, and she was very well until Wednesday morning (ex- 
cepting having felt some slight pains on Tuesday afternoon ; she had this 
day taken a dose of Rhei). On Wednesday morning her symptoms re- 
turned. She was bled again, lait I could not get above five ounces from 
Jier. In the afteruoon, her symptoms continuing without abatement, I 
bled again, and took about five ounces. She swooned very nearly. I 
continued the nitrous powders, and ordered a glyster, which did not o]i- 
erate effectually. This morning I ordered another, which had the de- 
sired effect. I gave her this day powdei-s of jalap, nitre, and crem tart., 
agreeable to consultation yesterday with Doctr. Sackelt. This afternoon 
I gave her a decoction of Seneca snakeroot, since which the vomiting 
has left her, but her other symptoms continue, witli a scarcity of urine. 
Mi-3. Cooper desires Doct. Clinton's consultation. I am 

*' Your very humble serv't. 
" John Smeuks " 

ilosES HlGBY was in practice in Newburgh and 
New Windsor prior to the Revolution. His name 
stands connected with local history during that period, 
and particularly for his part with Daniel Taylor, the 
British spy, who swallowed the silver bullet, and lost 
it under Higby's emetics. 

Many anecdotes are related of him, for, of course, 
such things will be remembered when real merits are 
iorgotten. His practice was among old and respect- 
able families, where his coming was welcomed by old 
and young, and where he not unfrequently remained 
several days. He was a man of stern integrity, and 
upright and open in manner. He died May 3, 1823, 
upwards of eighty years of age, having practiced 
medicine over sixty years. Beyond the fact that a 
daughter married Samuel Bond and left children, we 
know iifithing of his descendants. 

Isaac Beowx was a physician in Newburgh in 
1767, and Egbert Morelson and his son Hugh 
were in practice there as early as 1775. Dr. James 
Stickney was another old physician of Newburgh. 

Nathaniel Elmeu, of Florida, was a physician 
of the Revolutionary era. He was a native of Sharon, 
Conn., and removed to and settled at Florida, where 
he practiced his profession for many years with credit. 
His wife was a daughter of Judge William Thomp- 
son, by whom he had three sons — Dr. William 
Elmer, of Goshen ; Dr. Nathaniel Elmer, of Den- 
tim; and Jesse Elmer, of Bellvale — and two daugh- 
ters, — Mrs. Robert Armstrong and Mrs. Smith. After 
the death of Mr. Smith the latter married Joshua 
Conkling. Her children by Mr. Smith were John E. 
Smith, of Goshen, and a daughter, who became Mrs. 
Ira Gardner. By Mr. Conkling slie had William S., 
who settled on the old Conkling homestead in Goshen ; 
Enos S., of New York; George S., of Iowa; Mrs. 
Samuel Wilson, of Bellvale ; and Nathaniel E., who 
resides on the Dr. Elmer homestead. The latter has 



displayed much taste in opening new streets and in 
other undertakings of advantage to the community 
in which he lives. 

Thomas Wickham, John Gale,* John Pieeson, 
and Benjamin Tusten, Jr., were all in practice in 
the old township of Goshen in 1769, and some of 
them at an earlier date. Dr. Di'Bois, of Warwick ; 
Dr. Rosencrans and Dk. Henry White, of Mini- 
sink; and Dr. Chandler, of Blooming-Grove, have 
an honorable record in early history of this class of 
physicians. 

Benjamin Tusten was a native of Southold, L. I., 
where he was born Dec. 11, 1743. He was the only 
son of Benjamin Tusten, a respectable farmer, and re- 
moved to the precinct of Goshen with his father's 
family in 1746. He was educated at an academy in 
Jamaica, L. I., and at nineteen years of age com- 
menced the study of medicine under Dr. Thomas 
Wickham, of Goshen, whose standing as a physician 
was very high in his day. After spending a year 
with Dr. Wickham he went to Newark, N. J., and 
spent another year under Dr. Barnet, and a third 
year in the office of Dr. Thomas Jones, of New York. 
In 1769 he returned home and commenced practice in 
competition with Dr. Wickham, Dr. Gale, and Dr. 
Pierson, and soon performed some operations in sur- 
gery which gave him considerable celebrity. In 1770 
he introduced inoculation for smallpox, and for this 
purpose hired four houses, — one in Hamptonburgh 
(then Goshen), where he lived, another near Stony 
Ford bridge, a third at East Division, and the fourth 
on the little island near the cedar swamp. In these 
houses he inoculated about eight hundred per.sons, 
with such success as to entirely destroy the prejudice 
which had previously existed. He kept his houses 
two years, after which inoculation could be performed 
in private houses. In the discussions which culmi- 
nated in the Revolution he took an active part, and 
during the remainder of his life did what he could to 
secure independence. In 1777 he was appointed lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the Goshen regiment of militia, and 
in 1778 was appointed surrogate of the county. Hesi- 
tating at no sacrifice, he marched with his neighbors 
in the pursuit of the invaders of Minisink, and in the 
battle with them gave up his life. His wife was a 
Miss Brown, of Newark, N. J., by whom he had two 
sons and three daughters. 

After the Revolution, and prior to the formation of 
the Orange County Jledical Society, a number of new 
names were added to the list of what are now called 
old physicians. Among this class was Joseph 
Whalen, who located first in what is now the town of 
Crawford in 1788, but soon after removed to near the 
village of Montgomery, where he practiced medicine 
for more than half a century. He was a native of 
Ireland, well educated, and a gentleman in all re- 
's Samuel Gale, fifth sou of John Gale, was born in Goshen iu 1743. He 
was a physician of note in Troy, N. Y. 



I(i4 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NP]W YORK. 



spects. In religious I'aitli lie was a Catholic, but 
never intruded his o[)inions upon others. Hi.s 
brother, Rev. Charles Whalen, an Irish Franciscan, 
was the first Catholic jiriest stationed in New York. 
He had been a chaplain on board the French ships 
of Admiral de Grasse's fleet, engaged in assisting the 
colonies. The late Joseph V. Whalen, for years one 
of the principal lawyers of Montgomery, was his son, 
and one of his daughters was Mrs. McWilliams, of 
Montgomery, and another Mrs. Dennis McCool, of 
Newburgh. We believe there were other children. 

The following additional facts have been furnished. 
The Whalen family are of Irish lineage and were first 
represented in Orange County by the subject of this 
biographical sketch. Dr. .Joseph Whalen, who left his 
home at the close of the Revolutionary struggle, and 
soon after his arrival on American soil located in 
Crawford township, then Montgomery. 

After a residence of a few years at this point he re- 
moved to the village of Montgomery, the scene of his 
lifelong professional labors. 

He had already acquired a classical education and 
made himself proficient in the science of medicine, 
wliich proved congenial to his tastes. He determined 
to follow this profession, and was licensed by the 
Orange County Medical Society on the 1st of July, 
1806, which at that early date was accorded full power 
to examine and grant licences to practitioners. 

The doctor was at the first meeting of the society 
elected one of its censors, and subsequently held 
many of its most responsible offices. He ranked 
among the most judicious and skillful of the expon- 
ents of the healing art in the county, and his reputa- 
tion readily brought to him an extended practice. 

He was a man of progressive ideas, of energetic 
character, and of an indomitable will, which invari- 
ably brought success to every project undertaken by 
him. 

Dr. Whalen was a man of varied accomplishments, 
having received not only a liberal education but such 
early training as moulded well his character and de- 
veloped those traits which in later years rendered 
him so fine an example of the " old-school gentle- 
man." 

He was a man of charitable instincts, and gave 
much time and professional labor with little pecuni- 
ary return. All deserving causes found in him a 
helper, and the poor and suffering were invariably 
the recipients of his bounty. He participated rarely 
in public life, being always actively engaged in the 
duties of his profession. At a meeting of the council 
of appointments held at the city of Albany on the 
20th of March, 1802, he was appointed surgeon of the 
regiment of militia in the county of Orange of which 
William Faulkner, Esq., was lieutenant-colonel com- 
manding. In his religious tenets he espoused the 
faith of his family, and was through life a firm but 
unobtrusive Roman Catholic. Dr. Whalen was mar- 
ried in early life to Mi.ss Mary Byrne. Their children 



were Elizabeth, Mary, Martha, Catherine, Joseph 
Virgil, and John Horace. His death occurred at 
Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y. 

His grandson, Benjamin Crosby, who contributes 
this memorial sketch, was born Dec. 31, 1831, on the 
homestead. He spent his boyhood at school, first 
near his home and later at Montgomery. In connec- 
tion with his brother he came into possession of the 
family estate. Mr. Crosby has spent his time in cul- 
tivating this land. In politics he is a Republican, 
though not an active worker in the political arena. 
He is a worshiper at the Presbyterian Church of 
Hopewell. 

Increase Crosby. — The name of Crosby is, in 
the State of New York, associated with distinguished 
public services and high social position. In the ab- 
sence of authentic facts regarding the family it will 
be necessary to defer to the accepted legend handed 
down by tradition, which relates that four brothers 
emigrated from Scotland to the New World. On ar- 
rival their paths diverged, — one having settled in 
Pennsylvania, another in Massachusetts, while a third 
chose the genial climate of the South, and the pres- 
ence of the fourth is involved in uncertainty. 

The subject of this biographical sketch is a repre- 
sentative of the Massachusetts branch, and removed 
from that State to Orange County during the latter 
portion of the eighteenth century. Having, while in 
New England, begun and completed the study of 
medicine, on his arrival and after the purchase of the 
ancestral property, he began the practice of his pro- 
fession. Dr. Crosby may therefore be regarded as one 
of the earliest practitioners in the county and a pio- 
neer representative of the healing art. The duties 
were at that time laborious, requiring long and tedious 
rides over rough and unbroken roads, generally made 
on horseback, from the superior convenience of this 
mode of travel. The doctor was a skillful horseman, 
and largely dependent upon the services of his trusted 
steed. His original purchase, embracing sixty-four 
acres, was increased by later acquirements, and in 
1802 the homestead at present occupied by his de- 
scendants was erected. Dr. Crosby was united in 
marriage to Miss Isabella Milliken, of Ulster County, 
and had children, — Robert, Cyrenus, and Mary, who 
became Mrs. John Jordan, of Orange County. The 
doctor was a pronounced Democrat, of the Jeffer- 
sonian type, and strongly ]>ro-slavery in his views. 
His life was one of great activity and extended use- 
fulness, which was only ended by his death. May 13, 
184.'), in his eightieth year. Mrs. Crosby died during 
the year 1827. The birth of their son Robert occurred 
on the homestead Nov. 12, 1791, where he followed 
agricultural occupations during his lifetime. He was 
a man of quiet tastes, had no political aspirati<ins, 
and from choice filled no public offices. He was 
married to Miss Catharine, daughter of Dr. Joseph 
Whalen, born May 10, 1797, and became the father of 
six children, — Cyrenus, who died in early life; In- 




ix^ 



'>-) e^f*^ C*-^T i' 



0-^ 



C/-V 




PHYSICIANS. 



1G5 



crease, Joseph V. W., R. Milliken, Benjaiiiin, and 
one who died in infancy. Tlie death of Mr. Crosby 
occurred Aug. 2(5, 18;{.'i, and that of liis wife, March 
17, 1S52. His son R. JIillii<en, who, with his brother 
Benjamin, is owner of the homestead, and contributes 
this sketch of his grandparent, was born June 16, 
182G, and spent his early life at the paternal home, 
luiving in 18-t.i assumed control of tlie farm. He 
was, in 1800, nuirried to Miss Hannah C, daughter of 
David C. Ball, of Crawford township, and became the 
parent of tw'o children who died in infancy. Mr. 
Crosby is in politics a Republican, though seldom a 
participator in the strifes which secure official ad- 
vancement. 

D.win Ff)WLER, Jk., another of this class, settled 
in North Newburgh in 1786. He was born at Crom 
I'oiid, Westchester Co., and was engaged in com- 
pleting his studies in New York when the Revolution 
liroke out. After the British obtained possession of 
the city he accepted the appointment of surgeon in 
the Second Regiment of Loyalists, and served during 
tlie continuance of the struggle. He resided ou his 
farm at North Newburgh until 1828, when he re- 
moved to the village of Newburgh, where he died in 
183.5, when it was written of him that he " lived re- 
spected, esteemed, and beloved, and died regretted. 
His amiable manners, his correct deportment, and 
the distinguished virtues which adorned his character, 
secured him an extensive circle of friends. He was 
the cheerful companion, the unwavering friend, the 
kind and affectionate husband and father. He was a 
blessing to his friends, an honor to the community, 
and one of the highest ornaments of our nature. Of 
him it may be truly said that he was a man without 
guile and without reproach. He was just, generous, 
humane, and benevolent. The strictest honor, probity, 
and integrity were liai)pily blended in his character. 
The law of God was his constant guide, and the day- 
star of his noble and cultivated mind. Those who 
knew him will often turn with melancholy pleasure 
to the remembrance of his virtues, and drop a tear to 
his memory." Gilbert Ogden Fowler, of Newburgh, 
Dr. Fowler's only surviving son, has been noticed in 
connection with the bench and bar. 

Ch.\rles Fowler, for many years a practicing 
physician in Montgomery, was a cousin of Dr. David 
Fowler, of Newburgh. He married first, Sarah Hill, 
and second, Ann E. McNeal. By his first wife he had 
eleven children, of whom two were sons, viz.: Dr. 
Charles G. Fowler and Peter H. Fowler. 

Ele.vzer Gidxey, of Newburgh, was a descend- 
ant from the Gidneys who located and gave name to 
the district called Gidneytown, about 1760. He was 
in practice at Newburgh at the commencement of the 
present century. He died April 9, 1830, in his sev- 
enty-second year. His sons were Dr. Charles S. 
Gidney (born 1804, died 1850) and David F. Gidney, 
of Goshen. He will receive further notice in connec- 
tion with latter (see Bench and Bar). It may be 



remarked here, however, that he had a very large 
practice and was highly respected. 

William Gourlay, of New Windsor, was a prac- 
ticing jjhysician there soon after the Revolution. He 
was a native of Ireland. 

Elias Winfield, Phineas Hedges, Baltus L. 
Van Kleeck, and Chichester Browx, of New- 
burgh, deserve more extensive notice than our infor- 
mation will enable us to give them. Elias Wis- 
field was an editor as well as a physician, having 
been connected witli the Rights of Man. He made 
himself somewhat notorious in 1803 by his advocacy 
of the theory that yellow fever was of " domestic 
origin," and that it was " not a contagious disease." 
He removed to Kingston and died there. His daugh- 
ter Catharine married Josiah Hasbrouck, and had 
issue eight children, one of whom, Gilbert, settled at 
Napanoch, Ulster Co. 

Phineas Hedges was an infidel, and is said to 
have died " of visitation of God" for his participation 
in the administering of " the Holy Communion" to a 
dog, but the tradition is erroneous. He died in July, 
1799, at which time it was written, " In justice to his 
memory it ought to be observed that he was a man 
possessed of a strong mind, and this mind highly im- 
proved and cultivated by the principles of general 
science and the knowledge of the philosophy of 
nature." 

Baltus L. Van Kleeck was, years ago, gener- 
ally regarded as an eminently safe practitioner. He 
died in 1843, aged sixty-nine. He came from Duch- 
ess County. His sister was the wife of Judge Jona- 
than Fisk ; his wife was a daughter of Robert Boyd, 
of New Windsor. His son. Rev. Robert Boyd Van 
Kleeck, of the Episcopal Church, died recently. 

Chichester Brown was the son of John Brown, 
of Monaghan, Ireland, who, from his connection or 
sympathy with the Irish Rebellion of 1798, found it 
necessary to escape to America, and who, soon after 
his arrival here, located in Newburgh. His family, 
including his son, followed him in 1800. The latter 
was born in January, 1783, died Aug. 8, 1849 ; married 
Catharine, daughter of Dr. Geo. Graham, of Shawan- 
gunk ; had John, James, and George, the latter also 
a physician. He received a liberal education, fol- 
lowed for a time the occupation of a teacher, but 
soon after took up the study of medicine under Dr. 
Graham. In 1808 or 1809 he entered practice in the 
western part of the town of Newburgh, and in 1812 
or 1813 removed to the village, where he continued 
to reside until his death. He was one of the most 
devoted of physicians. No hardship was too great 
for him to encounter, and the voice of suffering ahvays 
found him ready at its call. Especially was he kind 
and attentive to the poor. The wealthy he knew 
could command attendance and comfort, and that the 
poor were too frequently permitted to suffer and die 
without a thought for their condition. This evil he 
labored to correct, and in his mission of good never 



166 



inSTORY OF ORANGE COUNTS', NEW YORK. 



paused to inquire into the pecuniary circumstances of 
liis patient. He Cell a martyr to tliis noble trait in 
his character, —contracted disease in the humlile cabin 
of the immigrant, and, after a short illness, rested 
from his labors. If it be true that 

" All uur actitins (ake 
Tlieii' lilies fruiii the tiniipiexiuii of the lieiirt," 

then is his memory justly cherished. 

Dr. James McXair Gardiner was a lineal de- 
scendant, in the third generation, of James Gairdner, 
a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who married a Miss 
McNair, and had issue, Robert, James, Margaret, and 
Cecilia. 




DR. .1 AMES McXUIi GAIUJIXEI!. 

Robert Gardiner, father of Dr. Gardiner, was born 
in Scotland, May 31, 1769. .4bout 1790 he emigrated 
to this country, and took up a i)ermanent residence iu 
Newburgh, where he clerked in the store of Hugh 
Walsh, and afterwards of John Anderson and John 
McAuley. He was the first to change the orthogra- 
pliy of his name by transposition of the letter " i" 
from the third to the tilth place in the family name. 
In 1795 he established a general store on the south- 
west corner of Water and Fourth Streets, and adjoin- 
ing it he opened a " coffee-house," — the first of its 
kind in Newburgh. His establishment became a 
favorite place of public resort. He became a natu- 
ralized citizen of Newburgh in 1802, and until 1812 
followed the various avocations of a school-teacher, 
painter, captain of a sloop, and merchant, finally 
opening a confectionery and toy shop. He was a 
member of the local militia, and in 1812 was ordered, 
with the company of which he was first lieutenant, 
to Staten Islan<l, where he remained about three 



months. About this period the use of shinplasters 
began, and "among the many individuals and corpo- 
rations by whom they were issued," says Mr. Eager, in 
his " History of ( )range County," " none had a greater 
circulation than Robert Gardiner's small bills. Some 
idea may be formed of the extent of the circulation 
of shinplasters at that time when the fact is stated, 
that the average weekly amount taken in exchange 
for bank-bills and his own, together with what he re- 
ceived in the course of business, amounted to no less 
than two thousand dollars." 

Robert Gardiner was twice married. His first wife 
— to whom he was united in 1791 — was Jane, daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Smith, who bore him the following 
children, viz., James M., born Oct. 24, 1792 ; Robert 
S., died young; Robert S. (2), born Oct. 29, 1795; and 
Cecilia B., born July 11, 1799. Mrs. Jane Gardiner 
died in 1803, and on Feb. 19, 1804, Mr. Gardiner 
married Sybil Burr, of whom were born JefTerson V. 
v. ; Arabella J. G. V. V. ; Cicero A., died Feb. 24, 
187.J ; Demosthenes C. ; Iduella T. R. ; Lawrence L. ; 
Marion A.; Zelima; Franklin M. ; Lewis W. ; Baron 
Steuben; and Anastesia M., who married Lewis H. 
Stausbrough. Mr. Gardiner died March 3, 1831, and 
his wife in 1854. 

Dr. James M. Gardiner was born in Newburgh on 
the date indicated above, and received his academical 
education in Newburgh. At the age of sixteen years 
lie commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Gid- 
ney, and subsequently pursued his professional studies 
under Dr. Mott, of New York, for a year and a half. 
He commenced practice in 1813, and a short time 
after spent a year in the leading hospitals of Europe. 
He engaged in the practice of his profession in New- 
burgh throughout his life, and died Dec. 8, 1858. 

As a physician Dr. Gardiner was devoted to his 
profession, and enjoyed a large and successful practice 
for nearly half a century. A short time before his 
death he is alleged to have said that before he had 
been a student one year, so great was the demand for 
the services of a physician, that he was [lushed for- 
ward by his instructor into practice, and that before 
he was seventeen years of age he had attended with 
success several difficult cases of child-birth. "Jlay 
God forgive me for any errors in practice that I may 
have committed then," said he, "but I did the best 
for suffering humanity that I could. And since that 
time, how many of the first accents of the living 
and the farewells of the dying have fallen upon ray 
arm. I have .seen suffering in all its forms ; have had 
what few physicians can claim, two cases of triplets 
— -one all boys and the other all girls — pass through 
my hands into this breathing world; and, as a rule, I 
may claim, and I am too near my grave to be accused 
of boasting, a most successful practice."* On Sept. 8, 
1814, he was appointed surgeon in the Ninety-first 
Regiment of Militia, Gen. Hopkins' brigade, com- 

■^ Riitleliber's History of Newbiii-gli, pay^e liS.*. 




p^/« 



'CC^-C 



an.A-'t^-t^-^L^yzo 



PHYSICIANS. 



167 



inanrled by Col. Michael, but was not called into 
active service. 

Dr. Gardiner was of a studious turn of mind, pos- 
sessed of a powerful memory, which was cultivated 
and reinforced by a system of mnemonics of his own 
invention, and brought to the discharge of hi.s profes- 
sional duties a thorough knowledge of the ])athology 
and cure of disease. Of a genial and happy disposi- 
tion, possessed of wonderful personal magnetism, and 
a faculty for story-telling which few enjoy, he bore a 
pleasant look and encouraging manner into the cham- 
ber of sickness, and was justly popular in the com- 
munity in which he dwelt. He was a great reader, 
was familiar with the works of the standard authors 
of Great Britain as well as of his own country ; quoted 
with facility from them, and was a frequent contribu- 
tor to the literary associations to which he belonged 
and to the public press. He was a remarkably good 
chess-player, a game in which he took great delight, 
and had few equals among the players of the State. 

Dr. Gardiner was twice married — first to Maria, 
daughter of Josiab Vail, of Wallkill, who died in 
1824 ; and secondly, to Caroline H., daughter of David 
Havens, of Cornwall, who survives him. By the first 
marriage were born two children, Kobert W. and Lucy 
Ann Cornelia, who married Dr. Daniel Wells, of New- 
burgh. The issue of the second marriage were Maria 
A., who married Charles Smith, of Newburgh, died 
May 2, 1855; James H., died young; Walter Scott, a 
poet and artistof ability and reputation; Caroline H. ; 
James H., died young ; Emma Jane, who married 
Charles Stewart, of Newburgh ; James H. (2); and 
Henry C. James H. devotes much of his time to the 
study of mathematical science, is in correspondence 
with some of the leading scientists of the day, and, as 
an amateur astronomer, was the discoverer of what is 
known as Gardiner's comet, in 1863. 

Dr. I.saa( Garrison was born in the town of 
Plattekill, Ulster Co., N. Y., on Aug. 11, 1802, and 
was the youngest of a family of ten children of Isaac 
and Martha (Denton) Garrison. His father was an 
intelligent farmer of Plattekill, and his grandfather, 
Richard Garrison, early engaged in agricultural [lur- 
suits near Sing Sing, N. Y. 

The early life of Dr. Garrison was passed upon his 
father's farm, and his educational advantages were 
such as the common schools of his day afforded. At 
the age of fifteen or sixteen years he attended the 
academy at Sing Sing, Westchester Co., N. Y., for a 
short time, and subsequently commenced the study of 
medicine under his uncle. Dr. Joshua Garrison, of 
Pleasant Valley. After one year he removed to New- 
burgh, Orange Co., and pursued his studies under 
Dr. Charles Miller, a leading physician and surgeon 
of that city, with whom he remained four years. He 
then attended courses of lectures at the Vermont 
Medical College, Castleton, Vt., for two years, and 
was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine from that institution on Dec. 2, 1828. During a 



I 



portion of the time that he was in attendance upon 
the Vermont Medical College, Dr. Garrison filled the 
position of adjunct professor of anatomy in that 
institution. 

After receiving his degree Dr. (iarrison returned to 
Newburgh, but owing to impaired health consequent 
upon close application to his studies, he was obliged 
to return to his fatlier's residence in Plattekill for 
rest, where he passed the winter. The following 
spring he was called to Newburgh by Dr. Miller, who 
was then in poor health, as his assistant. Dr. Jliller 
died soon after, and by his request Dr. Garrison suc- 
ceeded to his large and lucrative practice, and contin- 
ued in the regular and successful practice of his pro- 
fession until 1849, when his health again failed him. 
He then removed to Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
and purchased a farm, residing there seventeen years. 
During this period he acted as consulting physician 
in a number of important cases, but did not pretend 
to apply himself to regular practice. In June, 1865, 
he returned to Newburgh, but did not resume the 
duties of his profession. He has since resided in that 
city. 

Dr. Garri.son has led a quiet and retired life, confined 
himself strictly to the regular practice of his profession 
when iiermitted by his health to engage in active busi- 
ness pursuits, and has avoided political and public life. 
As a physician he was recognized as skillful in the 
diagnosis and treatment of his cases, successful in meet- 
ing and combating the various forms of disease with 
which he met in an extensive practice, and in the de- 
partment of surgery he ranked among the first of his 
profession. He became a member of the Orange 
County Medical Society on Jan. 21, 1829. During a 
long residence in Newburgh he has ever performed 
the part of a worthy and exemplary citizen, and will- 
ingly co-operated in the various benevolent and pro- 
gressive enterprises of his day. ( )n Feb. 26, 1827, he 
was appointed by Governor DeWitt Clinton assistant 
hospital surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Brigade of In- 
fantry of New York. For many years he has been a 
member of the Presbyterian Church of Newburgh. 

Dr. Garrison has been three times married. His 
first wife was Miss Matilda Miller, sister of Dr. 
Charles Miller, of whom was born one child, which 
died in infiincy. Miss Mary Tousey, the second wife, 
died without issue. His present wife is Catharine A., 
daughter of Jeremiah Scott, of New York. An only 
son, Charles Miller Garrison, is a student of medicine 
under Dr. John Deyo, of Newburgh. 

David Hanford, M.D., was born July 16, 1786, 
at Westport, Fairfield Co., Conn., and was graduated 
from the Medical Department of Yale College in 1807. 

He settled in the practice of his profession in Mid- 
dletown, N. Y., in 1810, and was for thirty-four years 
the leading physician of the place; identified with 
all of its temporal and spiritual interests, and for 
many years he was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian 
Church. 



168 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He was one of the number who pledged themselves 
to provide means to bring tlie Erie Railroad from 
Goshen to Middletown. 

Dr. Hanford was one of the early members of the 
Medical Society of Orange County, and was always 
interested in the elevation and dignity of the profes- 
sion. Dr. Hanford was one of the founders of the 
Wallkill Academy, and took an active interest in it 
as long as he lived. He died Oct. 13, 1844. 

He married, in 1812, Margaret, daughter of Capt. 
Daniel Bailey, one of the old settlers of Phillipsburgh, 
Orange Co. 

Two children survive, — John B. Hanford, a mer- 
chant in Middletown, of the firm of Shaw & Hanford 
i'rom 1840 to 185G (now retired), and one daughter, 
Caroline, wife of Charles Young, a farmer in the town 
of Hamptonburgh. 

Charles Winfield, of Crawford, who died in 
1858 or 1859, was the son of Daniel Winfield, of 
Shawangunk, in which town he was born, June 15, 
1789. He studied under Dr. Benjamin Bevier, and 
subsequently graduated at the medical college in New 
York. He commenced practice in Crawford, and con- 
tinued there until his death, doing a large amount of 
professional business, and maintaining with severity 
his opposition to every species of empiricism and med- 
ical imposture, under whatever name, place, or guise 
soever. He was widely known as a politician and 
public servant in an official capacity, as well as a 
physician. Besides minor offices, he was repeatedly 
elected supervisor of the town, and served as chair- 
man of the board, and in 1832 and again in 1834 was 
elected to the Assembly. He was a member of the 
Reformed Dutch Church, and died, as he had lived, 
in the love and fear of the Lord. His son, Charles 
H. Winfield, of Goshen, was elected district attorney 
in 1850, and member of Congress in 1863, aud again 
in 1865. 

David C. Winfield, M.D., was born in the town 
of Crawford, Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 19, 1817, the 
eldest son and child of Dr. Charles Winfield and 
Margaret Crawford, one of the family from whom the 
town derived its name, aud was the fir.st of the chil- 
dren to die. 

His father. Dr. Charles Winfield, was a prominent 
physician, well known in the counties of Orange, 
Ulster, and Sullivan, residing upon a farm adjacent 
to the village of Pine Bush, where the subject of this 
memoir spent his youth attending school ; later, 
partly employed in labor upon his father's farm, and 
partly as a merchant's clerk in the country store of 
Mr. Wm. I. Smith. 

He pursued his classical studies at the Montgomery 
Academy. In 1837 he entered his father's office as a 
student in medicine and surgery. He attended medi- 
cal lectures during the session of 1838-39 at the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, 
and obtained his degree of Doctor in Medicine from 
the Albany Medical College in the spring of 1840. 



He at once began the practice of his profession as a 

partner in the business witli his father, and so con- 
tinued until his removal to Middletown in the fall of 
1841. 

On Nov. 26, 1845, he married Jane, daughter of the 
late Henry S. Beakcs, and granddaughter of Stacy 
Beakes, one of the earliest merchants of Middletown. 
She survives her husband, and by her marriage with 
Dr. Winfield has two sons, — Charles H., a member of 
the firm of Wallace & Winfield, dry -goods merchants 
of Middletown, and David C. Winfield. 

After his removal to Middletown, Dr. Winfield 
always resided and pursued his profession there until 
his death, which occurred on May 23, 1878, with the 
exception of the period of time from .Ian. 1, 1859, to 
Jan. 1, 1865, when he was chosen to discharge the 
duties of clerk of his native county, having been re- 
elected in the fall of 1861. While filling this hon- 
orable position he resided in Goshen. Previous to 
his election to the position of clerk of the county, he 
had suffered from occasional attacks of pulmonary 
hemorrhage, which induced him to accept the office, 
hoping by rest from the fatigue and avoidance of ex- 
posure incident to his profession to regain his health. 
Dr. Winfield has for several terms filled the jwsition 
of presiding officer of the Medical Society of Orange 
County, of which he became a member in 1843, and 
at the time of his death was its vice-president. By 
his fellow-citizens of Middletown Dr. Winfield was 
highly esteemed, and held several positions of honor 
and trust. He was a member of its board of water 
commissioner* from its formation, in 1867, to the 
time of his death ; also a director in the Wallkill 
Bank from an early period of its existence until its 
close; one of the incorporators of the Middletown 
Savings-Bank, and its first vice-president from its or- 
ganization to his decease; also for a number of years 
a member of the board of education of Middletown, 
aud at his death was its presiding officer. 

As a physician, Dr. David C. Winfield attained to 
a high position in the ranks of his chosen profession. 
Possessed of a sound judgment, giving due deference 
to the opinions of others, and exercising great care in 
forming his own opinions, his advice was often sought 
by his brother physicians, to whom he was always 
courteous and generous. To his clientage he gave 
the best efforts of his life, seldom consulting his own 
convenience or comfort in answering their calls. He 
soon gained and retained a strong hold upon their 
respect and affection. To the poor among his patrons 
he was always patient, considerate, and kind, often 
supplementing his advice and remedies with substan- 
tial evidences of the benevolence which was a prom- 
inent trait of his character. Of an eminently social 
disposition, he was always welcomed by neighbor and 
friend as a genial and aft'able companion, while all 
in the community in which he lived regarded him as 
one of God's noblest works — " an honest man." 

At the first meeting of the Medical Society of 




C^' 







'f /cl^ 





^^^T^/^C^'U^^^ ^e^^^ 



PHYSICIANS. 



169 



Orange County after his death, among other resolu- 
tions sliowing tlie high regard of the society for the 
niemoiy of Dr. Winfleld were the following: 

'■Itanhed, Tliiit iu the death of Dr. David C. W'iufield, of Middletown, 
this society lias lost a member whom we all honored and sadly miss, and 
^^■i8ll to ex|ires8 onr grateful remembrance of his kindness of heart, his 
manly ni»ii;;li(ue8.s and integrity of character, hia cheerful and faitiifnl , 
discluirge III inufessional duty both to patients and to his medical I 
biethren. 

^'Itesolfcd, That while his loss will long be regretted by his church and 
the laige number of those who knew and luved him, nowhere outside of 
his broken family circle will he be missed as by ns, — his fellows and 
friends of the Orange Couuty Medical Society." 

RoiiKUT Bh.vw, M.D. — The Shaw family are of 
Scotfli-Irish extraction, having at an early period set- 
tled in the north of Ireland, from whence a branch 
emigrated to America about the year 1750. Among 
this number was William, who chose a residence in 
Orange County, purcliasing land in Mount Hope 
townsliip, whicli is still in possession of the family. 
He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Waldron, of 
New Yorlc, and was tlie father of tlie following chil- 
dren : John, Robert, iSamuel, Rev. Henry, Alexander, 
William, James, Charles, Elizabeth, and Mary. The 
death of William Shaw occurred in 1822. The sim- 
plicity, integrity, and purity which governed his life 
are best illustrated by embodying in this sketch the 
following letter left by him on his death: "This is to 
be read to my children when I am laid in the grave. 
My dear children, as God in his mercy has given you 
all the natural faculties and powers that are natural 
to man, I hope you will daily return thanks for the 
same, and that you will make the Scriptures your rule 
of life, and seek and serve God in the way and man- 
ner that he will approve and bless. As your mother 
has nursed you with the greatest tenderness, endeavor 
to give her a suitable return by honoring her person, 
and receiving her counsels and providing for her 
wants while God continues her in time. I hope you 
will love and cherish one another, not taking the least 
advantage, and if misfortune should befall any of you 
I hope the rest will, not only with your counsel, but 
with your property, assist your unfortunate brother or 
sister. Be just in all your dealings with mankind ; 
be content with your own, be it little or much, for it 
is not the quantity that makes men happy, but being 
content with your condition. Signed with my hand 
this third day of June, one thousand eight hundred 
and six." — William Shaw. 

Robert, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. William 
Shaw, was born Oct. 30, 1780, on the homestead, in 
Mount Hope, wliere his early years were spent, the time 
being varied by study at the neighboring public school, 
or labor on the farm. He began his business career 
at a later period by engaging in the employments of 
a clerk at Kinderhook, N. Y., and at a subsequent 
date embarked in mercantile pursuits at Carpenter's 
Point. During this time his energetic mind sought a 
wider sphere of activity, and prompted him to aspire 
to a professional career. His leisure hours had already 
12 



been devoted to the study of medicine, and advantage 
was taken of the earliest opportunity to enter the 
ofBce of Dr. Jonathan Swezey, of Goshen, under whose 
preceptorship he received his diploma. His first pro- 
fessional labors were confined to Westtown, Orange Co., 
where he immediately located. 

In 1822 he purchased the family residence now oc- 
cupied by his widow, in her eighty-first year, and his 
son, William W. Shaw. Here Dr. Shaw continued 
practice during the remainder of his life. 

He was, Aug. 4, 1821, united in marriage to Miss 
Meliiicent, daughter of Salmon Wheat, of Wallkill, 
whose children were William W., Elizabeflr W., Mary 
W., Robert Livingston, and William \V. (2). Dr. 
Shaw was a man of much influence in the com- 
munity, not more as a skillful physician than for his 
high personal character. He was intimately associated 
with the best and most prominent men of the day, 
and filled, both socially and professionally, a large 
place in the early history of the county. He was a 
Whig in his political preferences, and a man of much 
public spirit, though not an aspirant for official place. 
He was a Presbyterian in his religious convictions, 
and a cordial supporter of the church and all efforts 
for the promotion of morality. 

The death of Dr. Shaw occurred in 1848, and in- 
spired the most earnest professions of regret as well 
from the public as from nearer friends. 

David R. Arnell, whose name deserves com- 
memoration from his successful efforts in recovering 
from the battle-field the remains of the heroes who 
were slain at Minisink, is thus spoken of in an obitu- 
ary notice in the Goshen Republican : 

" Died, on the evening of Saturday, the 2d of September, 182G, David 
R. Arnell, of the village of Goshen, aged fifty-five years. By his death 
society has lost a valuable member, religion a distinguished supporter, 
science a zealous votary, and the profession in which Jie was an extensive 
practitioner an eminent and valualde member." 

He was a native of the town of Minisink, but began » 
his practice at Prospect Hill, near Scotchtowu, where 
for some years before receiving his diploma he was 
engaged in the manufacture of brown earthenware. 
He removed to Goshen in 1808 and commenced prac- 
tice, growing in public estimation until his death. 
Devoted to his profession and active in all its inter- 
ests, he gave time and thought to its study, and 
was so especially useful as a member of the Orange 
County Medical Society as to be regarded as its father. 
Full of patriotic inclinations, he read a paper before 
the society, in 1820, on Dr. Tusteu, which awakened 
an interest that culminated in thegathering up of the 
bones of the fallen at Minisink and their interment 
at Goshen, and which planted the seed that subse- 
quently bore fruit in the gift by Dr. Merritt H. Cash 
of the present monument to their memory. 

Charles Drake, one of the more recent i)hysi- 
cians of Newburgh, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y. 
After receiving a liberal education he studied medi- 
cine, and, after graduating, removed to Plattekill, 



170 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ulster Co., and entered ui)on the practice of his pro- 
fession. He married a daiigliter of Dr. Adna Heaton, 
of Ulster Ctmiity. In 1846 he was elected to the 
Assembly by the Democratic party. Soon after the 
expiration of his term he removed to Newburgh, 
where he continued the practice of medicine. In 
1852 he was elected a member of the board of trus- 
tees of Newburgh, and served one year. In 1S55 he 
was elected clerk of the county by a combination of 
" Whigs" and '' Barn-Burners," and served three 
years. On the formation of the Republican party he 
became one of its most zealous members. He died 
Jan. 29, 1863. As a physician he occupied a high 
rank, and throughout his professional career enjoyed 
a large and lucrative practice. In his official trusts 
he was faithful and efficient. He was charitable to 
the poor, and his acts of kindness and benevolence 
were only known to the recipients of his bounty. 
He was outspoken and fearless in his views upon all 
public questions. For many years previous to his 
decease he was a member of Trinity Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Newburgh, and took a deep interest 
in the erection of the church edifice now occupied by 
that society. He will be remembered as one of the 
representative men of Newburgh and the county. 
His son, J. Hallock Drake, now of New York, was 
district attorney of Orange County, 1865-68. 

Dr. Meritt H. Cash. — Little is known with cer- 
tainty of the early history of the Cash family that 
carries us farther back tlian the grandfather of the 
subject of this sketch. Daniel Cash was born in New 
England ; tlie date of his birth is not known. He 
afterwards lived in Pittston, Pa., and from thence re- 
moved to Wyoming Valley, and with his wife and 
child escaped from the massacre that soon after dev- 
astated tliat beautiful valley. He made his way back 
to Orange (bounty, and settled near Millsburgh, in the 
town of Minisink. He and his wife died in the year 
1789. Daniel Cash had eight children, — Isaac, Nathan, 
Reuben, Mehitable, Ziphorah, Polly, Betsey, Milli- 
cent. 

Reuben, the third son of Daniel Cash, father of 
Dr. Cash, was born Jan. 23, 1768, and died Jan. 6, 
1828, aged sixty years. He married Millicent How- 
ell, who died Sept. 3, 1838, aged sixty-three years. 
They had nine children, viz., — Sally, Hannah, Dr. 
Meritt H., Capt. John M., James M., Solomon V. R., 
Phebe M., Fanny, and Selah J. 

Dr. Cash was born in the year 1803, at Rutger's 
Place, near Ridgebury, in the town of Minisink, 
where hespent his life. His father gave him the advan- 
tages of a liberal education, and being of a thoughtful 
and studious disposition, he naturally turned his at- 
tention to the professions, choosing that of medicine. 

He graduated from the New York Medical College 
about the year 1825, and commenced the practice of 
medicine in his native town. He succeeded in gain- 
ing the confidence of the people in a remarkable de- 
gree, and in building up a practice that gave him at 



once a foremost place among the physicians of Orange 
County. 
1 He was an active member of the Orange County 
' Medical Society, and aided materially in its organiza- 
■ tiou, and during his life he always took a deep interest 
in its welfare. But the practice of medicine was not 
the only direction in which his talent lay, or his use- 
fulness was felt and appreciated in the community. 
He was a far-seeing and accurate business man and 
financier, and he not onlj' looked carefiilly after his 
own interests, but his advice and counsel was much 
sought by others, and, as executor and administrator, 
many estates of his neighbors and friends were con- 
fided to his care for settlement and distribution, and 
his final accounting was always scrupulously exact 
and rendered to the last farthing. He was twice 
chosen to the State Legislature, and there acquitted 
himself to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. 

Late in life he married Hannah, daughter of Hon. 
Joseph Davis, with whom he lived happily about 
seven years, and whose memory he cherished fondly 
to the end of his life. 

Dr. Cash was never a robust man ; the seeds of con- 
sumption were inherent in his nature, and perhaps 
only for his strong will and persevering eft'orts in 
battling against its fatal tendencies, would have laid 
him in the grave much earlier. This tendency to 
disease gradually undermining his health forced him 
to relinquish the practice of medicine, and during his 
later years he found pleasure and satisfaction for his 
active mind in reading, in agriculture, and the care of 
his ample estate ; and notwithstanding his apparent 
supreme disregard of riches in itself considered, his 
fortune, under his wise and careful management, con- 
tinued to increase and multiply to the end of his days. 

Dr. Cash was a man of plain and simple tastes, 
caring very little for affectation, or making anything 
like a display of his wealth. 

He was not an open professor of religion, yet he 
was a God-fearing man, a careful student of the Bible, 
talked freely of the future state, accepted in faith the 
promises of God, and often expressed a hope of a 
blessed immortality beyond the grave. As a rule he 
was kind to the poor, and was ever ready to extend a 
helping hand to any who proved themselves worthy 
of his confidence. He was a true patriot, and loved 
his country with a supreme devotion, and always took 
a great interest in its politics and general welfare, and 
he always felt a pride in relating the deeds of prowess 
recorded of his Revolutionary ancestors and the dis- 
tinction they acquired in that struggle ; and any 
measure that had for its object the advancement of 
its interests, politically or socially, always found in 
him a warm friend and earnest advocate. 

In the ancestral home he spent his life, and there, 
amid the scenes of his youth and among the people 
who had respected him in his riper years, and learned 
to love and revere him in his old age, he calmly died, 
April 26, 1861. 



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/^-r^Lyi^t^-^^ ^^^^^^^2-^_y<;^^<^^-^ c-x^ 



His aiicrstors ciuiio from England iiiiil seltlcd at 
Flushing, L. I. William Wright, his graiuH'ather, 
was born there in 1736, and moved to Duchess County, 
N. Y., in 1760. He there married Jemima Haight, and 
lived the life of a farmer, holding the office of justice 
of the peace under the crown of England during the 
colonial struggle for independence. He died in 1812. 
His wife died in 182.5, in the eighty-sixth year of her 
age. Enos, son of William and Jemima Wright, horn 
in April, 1772, married Mary Woolsey, of West Chester 
County, on Jan. 15, 1799. He lived in Fishkill, Duchess 
Co., and gave his time and attention to agricultural 
pursuits. By this marriage were born Elizabeth, died 
young ; Mary, married William Anthony, died in 1826 ; 
Bartow; Hannah, married William Anthony as his 
second wife, and died in 1860; William W., a retired 
merchant of New York City ; and Josiah W., deceased. 
Enos Wright died in June, 18-55. His wife died in 
January, 1822. 

Bartow Wright, M.D., was born at Fishkill, Duchess 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 28, 1805. His early life was spent 
there, and he attended the Fishkill Classical School of 
Rev. Dr. Westbrook. At the age of twenty he began 
the study of medicine under Dr. Bartow White, of 
Fishkill, and afterwards entered the office of Dr. Theo- 
dore Anthony, of the same place, as a student. Subse- 
quently he attended medical lectures at the Western 
Medical College, located at Faiifield, Herkimer Co., 
N. Y. Dr. Wright commenced to practice medicine in 
the year 1830, at which time he settled at Campbell 
Hall, Orange Co., N. Y., dependent upon his own re- 
sources and his professional education. For neaily half 



a century he practiced medicine in Hiiinptonburgh and 
adjoining towns, and was widely and favorably known 
as a man and as a physician. For the past few years be 
has retired from active jiractice, but frequently acts as 
counsel. 

For many years he has been a member of the Orange 
County Medical Society, and was formerly its president. 
In his early life he paid some attention to local school 
interests, but for many years his entire time and energies 
have been devoted to his profession, and the fraternity 
have always regarded him as a lover of his chosen life- 
work, and interested in its advancement in both county 
and State. 

Dr. Wright was an original stockholder and is a 
director of the Montgomery and Erie Railway. He is 
an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Hamp- 
tonburgh, and interested in all that pertains to the wel- 
fare of his town and people. 

In 1839 he married Mary Ann, daughter of William 
and Keturah Bull, of Wallkill, N. Y., and their chil- 
dren were William B., born in September, 18-10; was 
graduated at Princeton College, N. J., and afterwards 
at the New York College of Physicians, and was subse- 
([uenlly professor of ancient and modern languages at the 
Buffalo Normal College ; he married Mary C, daughter 
of Gen. Nivon, of Sullivan County, N. Y. ; was brevetted 
major for gallant service in the late war, attained some 
reputation as a literary man, and died at Atlanta, Ga., 
in 1880. The second child was Bartow; married Mary, 
daughter of Dr. Walsh, of Port Jervis, and lives in 
Goshen. Catharine W., who died in June, 1871, in the 
twenty-first year of her age. 



PHYSICIANS. 



171 



By will, his large fortune was distributed among his 
relati ves, a special bequest havingbeen made to Orange 
County, to be expended in the purchase of a suitable 
monument to commemorate those who fell at the bat- 
tle of Minisink, a bequest which was gratefully ac- 
cepted by the people of Orange County. 

Proud of the distinction of having raised up so 
noble a son in their midst, and for his noble munifi- 
cence and liberality, his name will be venerated and 
his memory cherished so long as Orange County has 
a name to live. 

Harvey Everett, M.D. — His grandfather, Eph- j 
raim Everett, born in 1742, was of English origin, and 
came from Long Island in 1762 and settled on some 
two hundred acres of land in the town of Wallkill, 
Orange Co., N. Y., upon which he resided until his 
death, in December, 1834. 

He is said to have purchased and used the first 
wagon in the town. He was one of the early mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Scotchtown. 

His wife, Beulah, was a daughter of David Moore, 
one of the early settlers of Goshen, who died in 1789. 

Their children were Julia (wifeof Obadiah Howell), 
Ephraim, Walter, Lydia (wife of David Keeve), 
Hephzibah (wife of Daniel Moore), Benjamin, David, 
and Freelove (wife of Samuel Kirk). 

Of these children, David, father of our .subject, 
born in 1783, married Sarah, daughter of Andrew 
Clark McNish, who was of Scotch descent, and grand- 
son of Rev. George McNish, the progenitor of the 
McNish family in Orange County. She was born in 
Wallkill in 1789, and died in 1872. 

David Everett succeeded to the homestead by pur- 
chase, and there carried on agricultural pursuits until 
his death, which occurred in 1848. He was a quiet, 
unostentatious man, and passed through life esteemed 
for his integrity in all the relations of life, unmoved 
by the bickerings of political strife, and never sought 
oflice or held any, except to serve his town for a time 
as assessor, and fill some other minor places. 

His children are Dr. Harvey, subject of this sketch ; 
Henry L., inherited the homestead, where he resided 
until a few years prior to his decease, when he re- 
moved to Middletowu, where he died at the age of 
fifty-nine ; and George Whitfield, who also remained 
on the homestead most of his life, and was never 
married. He died at the age of fifty-nine. 

Dr. Harvey Everett was born Dec. 19, 1811, and 
received his early education in the public and private 
schools of Middletown and at the Montgomery Acad- 
emy. 

He began the study of medicine with Dr. John T. 
Jansen, of Minisink, Orange Co. ; matriculated at 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York 
City, and subsequently attended a course of lectures 
at the Vermont Academy of Medicine at Woodstock, 
from which he was graduated in 1834. 

After his graduation he settled in practice at Mid- 
dletown, where he has remained since, a period of 



forty-seven years, retaining, by his skill in the treat- 
ment of diseases, and by his care and devotion to his 
patients, the confidence of a large and influential 
part of the community here and in the surrounding 
towns. 

Dr. Everett has taken an active part in educational 
matters, and has been a promoter of all worthy local 
objects in the community. 

He became a member of the Orange County Medi- 
cal Society in 1839; was one of the board of school 
inspectors of Wallkill from 1835 until that office was 
abolished, and for some ten years following he was 
school superintendent of that town. He was also 
supervisor of the town from 1842 to 1844 inclusive; 
one of the board of trustees of the Wallkill Academy 
from its founding, in 1841, until 1868; a member of 
the board of education from 1868 until 1872, and 
president of the board in 1871 and 1872. 

He married, in January, 1837, Sarah A., daughter 
of Walter and Abigail (Corwin) Everett, of Wallkill, 
who was born in March, 1811. 

Their two surviving children are Darwin, graduated 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New 
York in 1864 ; was appointed on the medical staft" at 
Bellevue Hospital, where he remained until 1806, 
when he settled in a successful practice at Middle- 
town, which he continues in 1881. 

Genevieve is the wife of Frank B. Denton, of Mid- 
dletown. 

Samuel M. Crawford, M.D. — The family of 
Crawfords were of Scotch extraction, and early emi- 
grated to the north of Ireland, from whence, a branch 
embarked for the United States. 

Members of this colony found their way to Orange 
County, and settled in the township of Montgomery 
(now Crawford), the birthplace of Samuel, the grand- 
father of the subject of this biographical sketch. He 
devoted his life to the pursuits of agriculture, and was 
united in marriage to Miss McCurdy, of the same 
township, to whom were born sons, Archibald, Moses, 
Robert, and Jonathan, and four daughters. Mr. 
Crawford's death took place in the township of Craw- 
ford, which was for many years a portion of Mont- 
gomery. The birth of his son Moses occurred in the 
latter township, in 1777, his life having been spent 
in the occupation of farming. He married Elenor, 
daughter of Alexander Thompson, of Montgomery, 
and became the father of seven children, — Alexander, 
Samuel M., Jonathan, Matilda (Mrs. N. P. Hill), Isa- 
bella, whose death occurred in early life, Jane T. 
(Mrs. Wm. B. Crawford), and Mary. Of this num- 
ber Samuel M. was born Feb. 5, 1810, in the town- 
ship of Montgomery, where the years of his boyhood 
were spent. The public school of the district was 
first attended, after w-hich the academy in the village 
of Montgomery enabled him to acquire proficiency in 
the classics, and fitted him for admission to Union 
College, at Schenectady, N. Y., in 1829, from which 
ijistitutiou he was graduated in 1832. He at once 



lIISTOliY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



began the study of medicine under the preceptorship 
of Dr. George Eager, of Montgomery, and received 
bis diploma in 1836. 

The doctor soon after chose his native township as 
a commanding field of labor, where he began his pro- 
fessional career, and has since been an active practi- 
tioner. He is now one of the oldest representatives 
of the profession in Orange County, and though en- 
titled, after a laborious life spent in the interests of 
the science of medicine, to a respite from toil, still 
responds to the many demands made upon his skill 
and knowledge derived from wide experience. 

Dr. Crawford was, in April, 1836, married to Miss 
Eliza A., daughter of John C. Niemyer, of Virginia. 
They have had eight children, of whom the following 
survive: Matilda (Mrs. J. C. Wilbur), Susan V., ! 
Henry v., and Mattie (Mrs. C. H. Hinckley). In his 
political affinities the doctor is a stanch Republican, j 
though an active professional life has left little time 
for participation in the campaign strifes incident to 
official preferment. His religious views are those of 
the Presbyterian denomination, his family being : 
among the worshipers of the cluirch in Montgomery. 
Dr. Crawford is one of the earliest living members of 
the Orange County Medical Society, having joined it 
in 1837. 

De. Thomas S. Edmonston. — The progenitor of : 
this family in Orange County was James Edmonston, 
who, with his wife, Margaret Smith, came to this 
country in 1720 from Enniskillen, County Tyrone, 
Ireland. He remained for seven years at Plymouth, 
Mass., where he landed, and then settled on 200 acres 
►>f land in the town of New Windsor, Orange Co. 
When the army came to this county, Mr. Edmonston 
IbeJag an old settler and acquainted with the country, 
Cren. Washington requested him to go with him and 
C!ol. Pickering and select a camp-ground, which he 
did, leading them by an Indian path to the Square, 
iivheie they established their camp. Mr. Edmonston 
aiad many encounters with the Indians, who were 
about him in great numbers and hostile during the 
-French war, and at one time he came near being 
scalped. The stone house which he built in 1755 is 
sstill standing, and the property is still held by his 
tflftscendants. His children were William and Sally. 
'TJja latter married Patrick McDaniel. William niar- 
a-ifl3 Jane, dai.ighter of David Sutherland, of Canter- 
(buiry, Cornwall, who bore him four daughters and 
Ahxee sons, of whom James was father of our subject, 
ttvasa major in the Revolutionary war, and after its 
oclose he was a farmer near Newburgh, and died in 
3844, in the occupation of his farm. His wife was 
dertzudc Harris, of Poughkeepsie, by whom he had 
.-a large family of children. One son, Samuel, was a 
physician in New York City. DeWitt Clinton was a 
prominent physician of Newburgh for many years, 
and his widow survives in 1881, and resides in that 
ccity. Harris was a physician, first settled at Wash- 
ingtonville, and afterwards in Newburgh, where he 



died. William had a son, William Henry, who was 
a practicing jjhysician at Jacksonville, Fla., and died 
at the old homestead. Thomas S. Edmonston, next 
youngest of the family, was born on the homestead, 
near Newburgh, March 13, 1804. He received a good 
education in the schools of Newburgh and became a 
teacher. Upon reaching his majority he began the 
study of medicine with Dr. James M. Gardiner, of 
Newburgh, and about the same time established him- 
self in the drug business there, which he carried on 
while prosecuting his medical studies. 

He received a license to practice physic and surgery, 
Jan. 20, 1829, from the Herkimer Medical Societ)-. 
About that time, while passing through the village of 
Chester, be chanced to put up at the hotel in the 
place when the landlord's wife was very ill of a fever, 
and many others in the village were sick from the 
same disease. The attending physician having given 
up as incurable the landlady. Dr. Edmonston at once 
began the treatment of her case, and not only was he 
successful and restored her to health, but cured the 
rest in the vicinity in the same way afflicted. He 
soon after resolved to settle at Chester, which he did, 
and at once was inducted into a lai'ge and lucrative 
practice, which continued until his death, in a great 
measure caused by overwork and exposure, which 
occurred March 11, 1852. 

As a physician. Dr. Edmonston ranked among the 
first in Orange County. He was indefatigable in his 
devotion to the interests and care of his patients, skill- 
ful in the treatment of complicated diseases, sympa- 
thetic in cases of suffering, and his services were often 
given at all times of day or night to those from whom 
remuneration was impossible, as well as to those who 
were abundantly able t» compensate him for his 
services. As a citizen, he was honorable in the pro- 
motion of all worthy local objects, and endeared to 
the people not only in Chester, but in the adjoining 
towns of Warwick, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, and 
Blooming-Grove, where his practice extended. His 
consultations often reached to other counties, and his 
counsels commanded the confidence and respect of 
his associates. 

At the time of his death he was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church at Chester. His wife was 
Drusilla, youngest daughter of John and Christina 
(Wells) Decker, and granddaughter of Johannes 
Decker, who in 176S owned the mill and property 
where Waldeu, town of Montgomery, is now a thriv- 
ing and prosperous village. The Deckers were among 
the early settlers of Esopus, and as early as 1689, 
Broerson Decker was numbered among the Huguenot 
settlers of Ulster County who found homes on the 
banks of the Hudson. She had one sister, Cornelia, 
wife of George G. Mitchell, and one brother, Theo- 
dore Wells, a graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic 
Institute of Troy, N. Y. 

Christina Wells was great-granddaughter of Sarah 
Wells, the first reputed white woman in the town of 





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C ^^yn^i^^ ^^ 



PHYSICIANS. 



■ 173 



Goshen, and a lineal descendant of Hon. William 
Wells, an educated lawyer in England, who came to 
America, and was high sheriff of New Yorkshire, on 
Long Island. The father of Christina Wells was 
■Joshua, who was born at Goshen in 1744, was a soldier 
in the colonial army, married Rhoda Booth, a grand- 
daughter of William Bull and .Sarah Wells, and died 
in 1819, he being the son of John Wells, the ]irogenitor 
of the tamily in Orange County. The children of Dr. 
Edmonston are John Decker and Cornelia Mitchell 
Edmonstou. 

S. G. Carpenter, M.D. — The Carpenter family, of 
which Dr. Carpenter is a member, is one of the oldest 
in Orange County, and he is a descendant of Capt. 
Solomon Carpenter, one of the first to own land in 
the town of Goshen. 

Papers now in possession of the family show that 
Capt. Solomon Carpenter, of .Jamaica, L. I., deeded 
412i acres of land on May 1, 1714, situated in Wawa- 
yanda, now Goshen, to John Everett and Samuel 
Clowes for £80. 

Another sale was made by him to John Yelverton 
in 1749, and the instrument of sale was witnessed by 
an Indian named " Herkiahena." 

In 1753 he made a sale of land in Goshen to his son 
Solomon, and in 1715 he made a sale to John Carpen- 
ter, of Jamaica, L. I., of land in Goshen, and John 
Carpenter in 1779 sold land to his son John in the 
south division of the old town of Goshen. 

The will of Capt. Carpenter, dated 1763, designates 
his sons Solomon and Nehemiah as his executors, and 
provides among other things that the negro children 
should be learned to read the Bible and know the 
shorter catechism of the Presbyterian Church by 
whoever purchased them by the time they were 
twenty years old ; that the elders and ministers of that 
church were to judge if this had been done at that 
age, and if not, they were to jiut them to school at 
the expense of their masters until it was accomplished 
and the officers of the church satisfied. 

Capt. Solomon Carpenter seems to have been a man 
of great enterprise and good business ability, and one 
of tlie early founders and promoters of the Presby- 
terian Church here. Another member of the family, 
Michael Carpenter, was appointed June 1, 1770, by 
Governor George Clinton, ensign of a company of 
militia. 

Neliemiah, father of our subject, was born in 
Goshen, March 2, 1798, was a farmer in the west divi- 
sion of the town, also in the town of Mount Ho|)e, 
during most of his active business life, but spent his 
latter years at Chester, where he was engaged in the 
drug business with Dr. Carpenter, his son. During 
his residence in Goshen he was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church there, and for several years 
officiated as deacon. lie died April 20, 1858. 

His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Caleb Gold- 
smith, of Scotchtown, Orange Co., whom he married 
Jan. 5, 1824. She was born April 17, 1800. 



I 



Their children are Dr. Solomon G. Carpenter and 
Mary E., born Nov. 12, 1834, wife of Jehiel G. Clark, 
a merchant at Chester. 

Solomon G. Carpenter was born Jan. 6, 1825. He 
prepared for college at the Farmers' Hall Academy, 
Goshen, but on account of ill-health was obliged to 
relinquish his desire to take a college course. 

In 1842 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. 
W. Ostrom, of Goshen, attended three courses of lec- 
tures at the University of the City of New York, and 
was graduated from the medical department of that 
institution in 1845. 

Dr. Carpenter settled the same year in practice at 
Chester, and has devotedly and continuously practiced 
medicine in Chester and the surrounding vicinity- 
since, where for a period of thirty-six years he has 
retained the confidence of the community as a skill- 
ful, self-reliant, judicious, and honest practitioner. 

From 1848 until 1858 he carried on a drug-store at 
Chester in connection with his professional duties. 

Dr. Carpenter has been a member of the Orange 
County Medical Society since 1845. His. wife was 
Mary S., daughter of Jacob Feagles, of Amity, this 
county, whom he married Nov. 12, 1857. She died 
Jan. 7, 1865, aged thirty-seven years, leaving the 
following children : Lizzie, Mary S., and Clara. 

Charles P. SxMITh, M.D. — His grandfather, Isaac 
Smith, born at Jamaica, L. I., March 8, 1755, came to 
Orange County with his parents when he was twelve 
years old. His active business life was spent in the 
town of Chester as a farmer. 

He married Mehetabel, daughter of Joshua Wells, 
who was a descendant of Hon. William Wells, an 
educated lawyer of England, born near Norwich in 
1608, and who settled upon Long Island, where he 
became high sheriff of New Yorkshire, his great- 
grandson, John, being the first settler of the family 
in Orange County, and died there July 4, 1776. She - 
was born March 14, 1768, and died Nov. 22, 1831. 

Isaac Smith died Oct. 14, 1836, leaving the follow- 
ing children : Parshall, Hezekiah, Joanna (wife of 
Isaac Van Duzer), Isaac, Sarah, Julia Ann, Eliza 
Jane (wife of Abram Demerest). Of these children, 
only Mrs. Demerest survives in 1881, having beeiB 
born April 17, 1808. 

Isaac was the father of Dr. Smith ; was boni Dce- 
22, 1800, and died April 19, 1850. He was a farmer 
in West Milford, N. J., during the early part of his 
life, and subsequently settled at Chester, where he 
was engaged in the mercantile business until his 
death. He was an industrious and active business 
man, liberal to the needy, and devoted to the princi- 
ples of Christianity. He was an elder of the Pres- 
byterian Church at West Milford, and a promoter of 
all worthy local objects. 

His wife was Katy Maria, daughter of James 
Smith, of Chester, who was born Feb. 7, 1803, and 
died April 19, 1838. 

The children born of this union are Joanna, wife 



174 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of John Yeomans, of Troy, Pa. ; Sarah, born Jan. 
17, 1825, died Oct. 4, 1857, was the wife of George W. 
Vreeland ; Charles P., subject of this sketch, born 
Feb. 27, 1827; Oscar F., a farmer of West Milford; 
Phebe Jane, born Feb. 24, 18.32, died unmarried Feb. 
10, 1855; James M., born April .3, 1834, died March 
10, 1864 ; Amzi L., a clergyman of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

For his second wife, Isaac Smith married Mary K. 
DeKamp, who was born Aug. 12, 1806, and died Oct. 
14, 1855, leaving a surviving daughter, — Julia Eliza- 
beth, wife of George W. Masten, of Chester. 

Dr. Parshall Smith spent his boyhood on the home 
farm, and in attending the district school and receiv- 
ing private instruction from Eev. Cornelius Conkling, 
the Presbyterian minister of the place. At the age 
of .sixteen he became a teacher, and taught school for 
one year. He then entered the preparatory school of 
the New York University, intending to take a col- 
legiate course, but failing in means to carry out his 
object, and being wholly dependent upon his own re- 
sources, after one year there he returned to teaching, 
which he continued until the age of twenty, and be- 
gan the study of medicine with Dr. D. D. Meeker, of 
West Milford. In the winter of 1849-50 he attended 
his fir.st course of lectures at the New York Univer- 
sity Medical College, and in the spring following 
jjurchased the drug-store of Dr. G. S. Carpenter, at 
Chester, Orange Co., wliich he carried on for a year, 
at the same time doing what practice was offered, 
which, however, was confined largely to charity. His 
second course of lectures was taken at Castleton 
Medical College in 1851, from which he graduated at 
the close of the term. 

After his graduation he returned to Chester, where, 
by indomitable per.severance and integrity, his skill 
as a physician and surgeon soon gained the confidence 
of a respectable part of the community, and where 
he has very successfully continued the practice of his 
profession since, — a period of thirty years. 

Dr. Smith is widely known as a devoted, judicious, 
and skilllul physician, and a man of marked ability 
as a skillful surgeon in difiicult cases. In tlie treat- 
ment of diseases he has the confidence of a large 
•community in the surrounding towns, and his counsel 
is often sought by his medical brethren outside of his 
regular ride. 

As a citizen, Dr. Smith is eminently interested in all 
tliat pertains to the welfare of the people and to the 
prosperity of tlie place where he resides. In matters 
of religion and education Dr. Smith takes an active 
interest, contributing liberally of time and means 
thereto. He was elected a member of the board of 
education upon tlie organization of the uniini graded 
school at Chester, has been a member continuously 
since, and for several years past president of the 
board. 

His first wife was Caroline, daughter of Thomas C. 
Jennings, of Edenville, N. Y., whom he married 



June 8, 1853. She died March 27, 1854, leaving no 
children. 

For his second wife he married Susan, daughter of 
Jacob Feagles, of Amity, Orange Co., who died June 
15, 1857, leaving no issue. His present wife is Susan, 
daughter of John B. Randolph, of Brooklyn, N. Y., 
whom he married Nov. 2, 1859. She was born 
March 13, 1838. Their children living are Mary L., 
Henry B., Charles P., Anna N., Joseph H., and 
William H. 

Solomon Van Etten, M.D. — The great-grand- 
father of Dr. Van Etten was Anthony Van Etten, of 
Rochester, Ulster Co., N. Y., who settled in the val- 
ley of the Neversink about the year 1743, having 
built a shop and followed the trade of a blacksmith. 
His occupation proved so lucrative as to have enabled 
him soon to purchase valuable lands in the neighbor- 
hood, which are nearly all still in possession of the 
family. On the maternal side, Dr. Van Etten's grand- 
father was Benjamin Carpenter, and his grandmother 
Miss Margaret Decker, daughter of Maj. Johannes 
Decker, of historic memory, and one of the pupils at 
school on the occasion of the raid made by Brant, the 
Indian chief, when the life of the teacher and others 
were sacrificed by his warriors. The house of Maj. 
Decker was burned by this marauding band, and the 
owner badly wounded previous to the battle of Mini- 
sink. 

Among the children of Anthony Van Etten was 
Levi, whose son Levi married Elinor Carpenter. 
Their son Solomon was born July 30, 1829, in Deer- 
park, Orange Co., N. Y., and .spent the first sixteen 
years of his life at home and in attendance upon the 
neighboring public school. He then repaired to the 
Unionville Academy, and devoted two years to study 
under the direction of William Rankin. After fur- 
ther time spent at school, under the instruction of 
David L. Towle, Esq., at the Farmers' Hall Academy, 
Goshen, N. Y., he adopted the profession of medicine, 
having entered the office of Dr. B. W. Thompson, of 
Goshen, N. Y. He graduated from the Albany Medi- 
cal College in June, 1855. 

Immediately after he chose Port Jcrvis as a desirable 
field for the exercise of his skill, and has since resided 
at that point. Dr. Van Etten has developed not only 
a taste for, but much proficiency in the art of surgery, 
a large field for which is presented by the numerous 
accidents occurring upon the line of the Erie Rail- 
road. 

He entered the service of the government during 
the late Rebellion as surgeon of the Fifty-sixth Regi- 
ment of New York State Volunteers, which was re- 
cruited in 1861. His career was brilliant, and his 
advancement rapid. He was speedily appointed 
brigade surgeon, and in 1862 was assigned to the 
charge of Gen. Terry's division, where he did valua- 
ble service both in the surgical and medical depart- 
ment of the army, and retired with the rank of lieu- 
tenant-colonel. He was also largely instrumental in 





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PHYSICIANS. 



175 



the raising of recruits from his own State. Dr. Van 
Etten has been since the formation of the party a 
Republican, and was elected in the fall of 18fil super- 
visor of his township. He was also nominated in 
early life as a candidate for member of the Legislature, 
and received a flattering vote in a district largely 
Democratic. 

Dr. Van Etten was first married, Feb. 21, 1856, to 
Miss Harriet, daughter of Col. Levi Westbroolc, of 
Waverley, N. Y., who died in 1857 ; and a second 
time, in September, 1865, to Mrs. Maria B. Sawyer, 
daughter of Hon. Nathan Bristol, of Waverley, N. 
Y. They have two children, — a son, Nathan B., and 
a daughter, Nellie B. Van Etten. 

JAME.S D. Johnston, M.D., was born in Angel 
Street, Saint Martin's Le Grand, London, England, 
May 14, 1815, the son of John B. Johnston, a promi- 
nent manufacturing chemist of that city, and grandson 
of James Johnstoji, a wealthy and influential land 
proprietor of the midland counties of England. 

His mother was Jane Kichmond, and his brothers 
are .John, William, and Samuel. John and William 
succeeded their father in the manufacturing business, 
which had been carried on by the family for several 
generations. 

Dr. James D. Johnston's boyhood was spent at 
home, where he early received impressions of what he 
has so successfully followed for a life profession, — the 
j)ractice of medicine, — and also where he became ac- 
quainted with the manufacture and use of chemicals. 

At the age of sixteen he began his medical studies 
at St. Thomas' Hospital, London, England, where he 
remained a faithful student for four years, and became 
eminently versed in the nature, cause, and cure of 
complicated diseases. 

In 1841, Dr. Johnston, with his brother Samuel, 
emigrated to America, landing at New York, where 
he stopped only a short time, and then came to New- 
ark, N. J., where he remained until 1842, when he 
decided to permanently locate, and chose the then 
smiiU village of Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y. His 
brother settled in Newark, where he died. 

Here Dr. Johnston seduously applied his time to the 
acquisition of means necessary to enable him to open 
an office and drug-store in which he could resume the 
practice of his profession. These efforts proved suc- 
cessful, and he ultimately located in North Street, 
where he continued to reside for fifteen years. At first 
he met considerable opposition from local physicians 
here, to which he paid little attention, believing his 
knowledge of physics and their proper dispensation 
would eventually give him a place among medical men. 

In this he was not disappointed ; his practice gradu- 
ally increased, and bis skill in treating special cases 
of disea,se rapidly gained influence in the community 
around, until after a few years his name became widely 
known throughout Orange County, which has since 
been connected with the successful treatment of compli- 
cated cases of disease in this and other States of the 



Union, and his patients are found from Maine to 
California, and from Minnesota to Texas. 

Dr. Johnston has continued a successful practice at 
Middletown for nearly forty years, and by close atten- 
tion to the duties of his profession has secured a fair 
competency. 

He has always been a student of his profession, 
bringing to bear upon every case under his supervision 
his knowledge gained by long experience and the 
practical ideas of a naturally analytical mind. 

■ Although a general practitioner of medicine and 
surgery, he gives special attention to uterine surgery, 
in which his operations, although often difficult, and 
in cases abandoned by other physicians, have been 
successful. 

Dr. Johnston was one of the founders of Grace 
Church, Middletown, one of its first vestrymen, as- 
sisted in the construction of the present church edi- 
fice, and his eldest daughter, Selina Montrose, was 
the first infant baptized at its font. . 

Dr. Johnston continued his drug-store on North 
Street until 1860, when he purchased a lot containing 
a brick structure near Franklin Square, on West Main 
Street, and established his business there. He erected 
his present elegant and substantial brick store and 
residence on the site of the former, of three stories in 
height, in 1876, which for beauty and architectural 
design vies with the most costly in Middletown. 

Dr. Johnston married, Nov. 5, 1845, Deborah, 
daughter of William Meeks and Sabrina Jaycox, of 
Peekskill, N. Y. Her paternal great-grandfather was 
of English birth, and settled near Peekskill, where he 
was a well-to-do farmer. She was born Dec. 4, 1825. 

Their surviving children are Selina Jlontrose 
(widow of the late Alderman Wm. I. Underbill, of 
Newburgh), James Doremus, Charles Albert, and 
Annie Richmond. 

Charles Haedenbergh, M.D., studied medicine 
with Dr. Charles Winfield, of Crawford, was gradu- 
ated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
New York City, and began the practice of medicine 
in the twenty -second year of his age, in the year 1824, 
at Greenville, Orange Co. Here he only remained 
one year, and then settled at Port Jervis, N. Y., where 
he continued the practice of his chosen profession 
through a long life of professional service of fifty-seven 
years. 

When young, and possessed of a good constitution 
and an intellect of more tlian ordinary comprehension, 
and being incited to the prosecution of his work by a 
love for it, he did an amount of professional labor 
which to most men would seem impossible. 

He was acute in observation, original in thought, 
and possessed wonderful aptness for liriuging to prac- 
tical usefulness the very many discoveries he made in 
his professional experience. He possessed a scientific 
mind, although his life was purely practical, and his 
success in his profession was in his correct diagnosis 
of the diseases he encountered. 



176 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He was a valuable counselor to his junior brethren 
on account of his retentive memory and his desire to 
impart facts that came under his observation during 
his long exjierience. A pioneer of the valleys of the 
Delaware and Neversink, his history was interwoven 
with the history of that country, and when he located 
at Port Jervis the woods abounded with the animals 
of the forest, there being no canal, telegraph, or rail- 
road. The cry of the panther and the howl of the 
wolf were the common accompaniments to the lonely 
doctor as lie on horseback followed the narrow path- 
ways, through the then forest country, on his errands 
of mercy. 

Dr. Hardenbergh was fond of humorous stories, and 
many a funny story has been accredited to him which 
he had never heard. He possessed all the elements 
of a skillful .surgeon, was a skillful operator, had a deli- 
cate touch, and a correct, mechanical eye, and had he 
lived in a district where an oi^portunity presented for 
.surgical operations he would have gained distinction 
in that branch of his profession. He died at the age 
of seventy-two years. 

George Hunter, M.D.— The father of Dr. Hun- 
ter was a farmer in the township of Montgomery, 
where his son's birth occurred on the 12th of July, 
during the year 1800. The lad George devoted his 
early years to study at the neighboring public school, 
and subsequently enrolled his name as a student at 
the Montgomery Academy, from which institution he 
graduated. He then entered the drug-store of Dr. 
Eager, of Montgomery, and at the same time began 
the study of his chosen profession — that of medicine. 
At a later date he repaired to the city of New York 
and continued his studies, having received his di- 
ploma as a physician and surgeon March 22, 1822. 
During July of the same year he became a resident 
of Searsville, Orange Co., and at once engaged in 
the practice of his profession, where he continued 
until his death, which occurred July IZ, 1870. He 
was, Nov. 13, 1827, united in marriage to Miss Sarah, 
daughter of Archibald and Mary Hartley Crawford, 
to whom were born four children, — Mary E., wife of 
-Daniel Thompson ; Emily A., who died in infancy ; 
Samuel, deceased ; and Sarah, wife of Theodore Mer- 
ritt, also deceased. 

Samuel Hunter entered the service during the late 
war, was a lieutenant in Company K, New York Cav- 
alry, and distinguished for bravery' and fidelity to 
duty. His death occurred in camp on the 26th of 
February, 1865, in his thirty-second year, from disease 
superinduced by exposure, and privations. 

Mrs. Hunter survived her husband, the doctor, and 
died Jan. 20, 1879, in her seventy-fourth year. Dr. 
Hunter became a member of the Orange County 
Medical Society July 6, 1830, was frequently an offi- 
cer, and active in promoting its interests. His prac- 
tice was extended, and marked by skill and success. 
In his political sentiments he was an early Whig and 
afterwards a Republican. He was instrumental in 



the establishment of a po.st-office at Searsville in 1850, 
and held the commission of postmaster until his 
death. Dr. Hunter was an active worker in the cause 
of temperance in tlie township of his residence, and a 
zealous promoter of educational and church interests. 

The following extract from a county paper, on the 
occasion of his funeral, conveys to the reader a just 
idea of his relations to his patients : " A large num- 
ber of those present felt the loss to be a personal one. 
To them there was no jihysician like Dr. Hunter. 
Could he have been spared to minister to them they 
would have sought no other. With sad hearts they 
assembled to bury him, feeling that with his family 
they shared the burden of bereavement his death had 
brought." 

John Hudson THo>rr80N, M.D., residing in Go- 
shen, N. Y., was born near Circleville, in the town of 
Wallkill, Orange Co., March 8, 1827. His father's name 
was Benjamin, and his mother's maiden name was 
Maria Antoinette Owen. His early education was de- 
rived at the common school near his birthplace, and 
later at the Sullivan County Academy, located at 
Bloomingburgh. During the years 1847 and 1848 he at- 
tended the State Normal School at Albany, graduating 
therefrom in the spring of the last-mentioned year. 

After devoting himself to teaching for a brief time, 
he commenced in 1849 the study of medicine. His 
attendance of medical lectures was at the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of New Y^ork, from which 
institution he received his diploma in 1852. His first 
year of practice was at the Seamen's Retreat, at 
Staten Island. In the spring of 1853 he returned to 
Goshen, where he had jjursued his professional studies, 
and began on his own account the practice of his 
profession. During all the subsequent years of pri- 
vate practice he has continued its pursuit at Goshen. 
As aiding him greatly in the outset, his was the good 
fortune to secure the appointment of physician to the 
Orange County poor-house for six or seven years. 

Upon the organization of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth Regiment New Y'ork Volunteers, at 
his home in 1862, he was commissioned as surgeon of 
that regiment, and accompanied it to the field. He 
continued with it in the official capacity specified 
till the autumn of 1864. During his service in the 
army he was charged with varied duties from time to 
time. He was on several occasions detailed for im- 
portant hospital service, and always in active cam- 
jjaigning as a member of an operating staff. He was 
surgeon-in-chief of brigade and division respectively. 
Coincident with his experience in military relations, 
since the resumption of occupation of his home- 
field of practice, surgery has constituted his specialty 
of i.>rofessional pursuit. At one period, and for a 
considerable time, he was an official surgeon of the 
Erie Railway Company. 

Medical, literary, and scientific pursuits are prose- 
cuted by the doctor with great avidity. He has first 
and last contributed largely to the press on various 






r {9^ tj-m?i^t-7 / l£yi^ 





The Seely family, who are of English extraction, 
early settled in Connecticut, from whence a colony 
removed to Long Island. At a later period twenty- 
four of their number settled in Orange County. 
From one of the representatives of this band of emi- 
grants Dr. Henry C. Seely traces his descent. His 
grandfather was Bezaleel Seely, who, with his com- 
panions above mentioned, located at Greycourt. 
Among his six children was a son, Isaac, whose 
birth occurred at or near Middletown, Orange Co., 
where his earlier years were spent previous to his 
removal to Minisink. He was united in marriage 
to Miss Elizabeth Mandeville, of Cornwall-on-the- 
liudson, and had six children, — Hector, Francis T., 
David W., Henry C, Lewis T., and Isaac B. Mr. 
Seely's life was cut short in the progress of a useful 
career at the age of forty-two years. 

Henry C, whose life is here briefly reviewed, was 
born at the family residence, near Middletown, N. Y., 
March 1, 1815, and passed his early life at school 
and in farming industries in the township of Wallkill. 
Having desired a wider sphere of usefulness in a pro- 
fessional career, he, in IS.'?"^, began the study of medi- 
cine in the office of Dr. T. S. Edmonston, of Chester, 



with whom he continued for three years. He sub- 
sequently attended medical lectures at the popular 
seminary at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and re- 
ceived his diploma from the Board of Kegents of the 
University of the State upon the recommendation 
of the State Medical Society. He chose Amity as 
a desirable field for his energies, and has since resided 
there. The doctor's untiring devotion to liis pro- 
fession, together with the skill manifested by him in 
the treatment of critical stages of disease, soon gained 
for him an extended family practice, which he still 
enjoys. Dr. Seely was married in 1844 to Miss 
Almeda, daughter of Rev. William Timlow, of Amity. 
They have four children, — Whitfield T., a practicing 
physician, William H., Elizabeth F., and Ruth T. 
Dr. Seely has no taste for official life, though he has 
served as supervisor of his township, and also as 
school inspector. He is a member of the Orange 
County Bledical Society, and one of its active repre- 
sentatives. The doctor is in politics a Democrat, and 
uncompromising in his adherence to the principles of 
the party. He is a Presbyterian in his religious 
affiliations, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church 
of Amity. 





I)i;. Thomas Wai.sji, wIio enjoys an cx- 
teiuled rt'piilalion as :i pliysician of ability and 
influence in Orange County, was born Oct. 11, 
1817, in tiic city of Newbnrgb, N. Y., his par- 
ents liaving l)een Henry and Melictabel (l]ull) 
^\'^alsil. His early years were devoted to ac- 
quiring the rudiments of an education. The 
coninion schools of the vicinity were first at- 
tended, after whieli the Newburgh Academy, an 
institntion of some reputation in its day, ntim- 
liercd him among its pupils, i^'rou) the latter 
he graduated about the year I8.'>5, iiaving 
diM'ing the progress of his studies also engaged 
in home empiovments with his father. Havinjr 
decided to cnd)ark in business pursuits, lie en- 
tered the old Hank of Newburgh as discount 
clerk, wliicli position was filled by him for two 
years. He subsecpiently removetl to the South, 
and became aasociated with his brother in mer- 
cantile ventures, which were continued for a 



period of ten years. In the fall of 1.S47, Dr. 
Walsli returned to his native place, and enrolled 
his name as a student of medicine in the otlice 
of Dr. .Mpheus Goodman, having already given 
some time to the study of this profession at 
the South. At the expiration of a year he con- 
tinued liis studies with Dr. Olmstead, of Brook- 
lyn, and graduated at the; ISIcdical Department 
of the University of the City of New York. 

Fallsburgh, Sullivan Co., N. Y., was the scene 
of his earliest professional labors, \\h('r<' he re- 
mained until l<S5-_', when Port Jervis became 
his residence. In his new field of labor his 
diligence, aecomjtanicd by a thorough knowl- 
edge of the profession he liad espoused, .soon 
won for him an extended practice, to wiiicli 
he still devotes himself. The Orange County 
Medical Association, a st)eiety cndiracing talent 
of a liigh order, numbers him among its repre- 
sentative members. 







■:^ . ^^ ■ y^^^z^^. 



,^-^-t^ 



IIkmax II. KoniNSftN, M.T»., is grandson of Rev. Jonathan 
liobiiison, a Presbyterian clorgymnn of Long Island, who spent | 
his life in the ininistry imd died there. A relative of his was 1 
the hitc Solon Kobinfton, for many years agricultural editor of 
tlie New Yitrk Tribune, and nfter his removal to Florida a cor- 
respondent of that paper there until his death. 

Rev, Phineas, son of Rev. Jonntiian Robinson and father 
of our subject, was born near Frnnklinville, L. I., Dec. 24, 
1798; died near the same place in April, IS"!, and was buried 
in Hillside Cemetery, at Middletnwn. He was graduated at 
Haiuilton follego, and on June 5, 1825, nmrried Eliza, d:mgh- 
tcr of Jonathan and Susan Day, at Clinttm, X, Y., who was 
born at Thompson, "Windham Co., Conn., May 31, 1803, and 
died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. E. M. Madden, 
of Middletown, Dec. 9, 1868. Rev. Phineas Robinson was the 
first principal of the Wallkill Academy, at Middletown, and 
was instrumental of much that advanced the cause of learn- 
ing, in which he was enlisted with his whole heart and soul. 
He was a good citizen and a Christian man. Before coming to 
Middletown he had been in charge of the academy at vShcr- 
burne, N. Y., and had been principal of an educational insti- 
tution in South Carolina; afterwards ho preached and taught 
at Washingtonville and Chester, in this county. An erudite 
scholar, learned in the sciences, familiar with ancient and 
modern languages, added to his kindness of heart, won him the 
respect of all who knew him. He was remarkable for his lin- 
guistic accomplishments, and was a poet of consicierable merit, 
being the author of a ]ioem entitled " Imniortality," which 
attracted considerable attention, besides other fugitive pro- 
ductions. 

His children were Eudocia, deceased, was the wife of Senator 
K. M. Madden, of Middletown ; Ellen, cleceased, was the wife 
of John Hanford, of Middletown : Sidney B., graduated at the 
New York Medical College, was appointed one of the house 
phyt^icians on Ward's Island, afterwards was appointed first 
assistant physician in the Seaman's Retreat Hospital, Staten 
Islan<i, where he died of typhus fever, Nov. Id, ISS.'i, at the 



age of twenty-six; Lennder Viin Ksp, was a printer's boy at 
Newburgh, proof-reader in a law book concern in Nassau 
Street, New York, admitted to the bar of the State at Albany, 
])racticed his profession at Haverstraw with Judge SuflTern. went 
South for his health, and died at Green Cove Springs, Florida, 
in January, 18G9; Edward Payson, died in 1849, aged sixteen; 
Susan Frances, widow of Dr. .Jeremiah Havens, of Schoharie 
County, N. Y.; Mary Hedges, wife of Phineas R. Coleman, of 
Goshen; Henry M., a merchant in Brooklyn, N. Y, ; Dr. 
Hemnn II : Thomas Spencer, a clothier of New York ; Charles 
Lincoln, died at the age of fourteen; and Caroline, died in 
infancy. 

Dr. Heman H. Robinson was born nt Belleport, L. L, Aug. 
20, 1838. He received his preparatory education at the Ches- 
ter Academy, under the instruction of his father, and at the 
age of seventeen became a medical student of Dr. T. Clarkson 
Moffatt, physician-in-chief in the Seaman's Retreat Hospital, 
on Staten Island, where he remained two years. He attended 
the University Medical College, New York City, for two years 
following, and was graduated from that institution in the 
spring of 1860. 

The same year of his graduation Dr. Robinson settled in the 
practice of his profession at Jeffersonville, Sullivan Co., N. Y., 
where he remained until 1S70, when he came to (Joslien, where 
he has continued bis ]»rofessiona.l duties since. As a physician 
Dr. Robinson ranks among the most skillful in Orange County, 
and by his indefatigable efforts to administer medical assist- 
ance, his devotion to and care of his patients, by his social 
an<i generous ways with all with whom he comes in contact, be 
has won the confidence of a large circle of friends in his new 
field of labor, which extends to remote parts of this and other 
counties. 

He married, in April, If^fil, Maria V., daughter of Lemuel 
L. and Mary (Ver Pb»nk) Pendell, of Schoharie County, N, Y. 
She was born Aug. 10. 1838. Their surviving children are 
Josephine Lamont, Sidney Moffatt, Kitty, Mary, Robert 
Thomas, Heman Henry, Prank Leon, and Arthur, 




~^^ II 



M ^,^€^- 



^? 



PHYSICIANS. 



17T 



subjects. He is a member of the American Medical 
Association, the Orange County Medical Society, 
the Tri-States Medical Association, Society of the 
Veterans of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
Regiment, the Goshen Scientific Association, and 
various other organizations. He is a Presbyterian 
in religious faith, and a member of the church of tliat 
denomination in Goshen. 

The doctor is married. His wife is the daughter 
of Capt. Ellis A. Post, of Goshen. He has one child, 
Wilmot P., who is the senior member of a business 
firm in Goshen. 

Dr. I. S. HrxT was born Nov. 1, 1819, in the town- 
ship of Newton, Sussex Co., N. J. ; was educated un- 
der the private instruction of Rev. Tisdal, a Baptist 
clergyman, of Newton, now professor of rhetoric in a 
Tennessee university at Knoxville, working night and 
morning for his board. 

In 18.34, Rev. Tisdal accepted the position of super- 
intendent of schools in the State of Vii-ginia, and 
Dr. Hunt accompanied him as assistant, and re- 
mained in the South seven years, a part of the time 
superintending a plantation. 

In 1841 he began the study of medicine at New 
Haven, Conu. ; was graduated from the Medical De- 
jjartment of Yale College in 1846 ; was surgeon in 
the hospital at New Haven for one year, and then 
located at Centreville, in Sussex Co., N. J. 

In 186.5 he removed to Port Jervis, where by his 
perseverance, devotion to, and care of his patients, 
he established himself in a successful practice. 

Dr. Hunt was an earnest worker in his profession, 
thorough in his diagnosis of a case, and cautious, yet 
thorough, in the treatment of diseases. He died in 
1875. 

Dr. William P. Towxsend, son of William Town- 
send, was born at Lancaster, Worcester Co., Mass., 
July 26, 1818. His early education was mainly ac- 
quired at the common school and at the Lawrence 
Academy, Groton, Mass. For some time before reach- 
ing his majority he was a teacher. 

In the spring of 18-39 he went to New York, when, 
being without friends, he tailed to get employment, 
and the following autumn he went to Shawangunk, 
Ulster Co., where he remained, engaged in teaching, 
until 1844, and during the same year pursued his 
medical studies. In this way he obtained means, 
and attended lectures at the medical college at Cas- 
tleton, Vt. 

Subsequently he was graduated from the Medical 
Department of Harvard University, and in the spring 
of 184.5 settled at Hamptonburgh, Orange Co., in the 
practice of his profession. There he remained only 
a short time, and removed to Florida, in this county, 
where he continued his professional duties until 1849, 
when he settled in Goshen, where he devotedly and 
succe-ssfully practiced medicine until his death, which 
occurred Dec. 2.5, 1876. He was an active member of 
the Orange County Medical Society. He was twice 



married, his second wife being an only daughter of 
Garret Thew, of Goshen, who survives him, and with 
her children resides iji Goshen. 

Wilmot C. Terry, M.D.— A branch of the Terry 
family were early settlers on Long Island, to which 
point they had originally emigrated from England. 
Some of its members eventually found their way to 
Orange County, among whom was Constant Terry, 
the grandfatlier of the subject of this biographical 
sketch, who located in Bloomsbury, and engaged in* 
the pursuits of an agriculturist. 

He was twice married. To the first union were 
born children, — Austin, Havens, and two daughters, 
Hephzibah and Dorothy, and to the second five chil- 
dren, — Youngs, Tuttle, Nicholas, and two daughters. 
Austin, the father of Dr. W. C. Terry, was born at 
Bloomsbury, and engaged during his lifetime in the 
occupation to which he was reared, — that of a farmer. 
He was married to Miss Sarah Myers, and at a later 
period repaired to Goshen. The children of this 
marriage were Van Rensselaer, John, Mary, W^ilmot 
C, Sarah, William A., and two who died in infancy. 

Mr. Terry in later years made Wallkill his resi- 
dence, where his death transpired. The birth of his 
son Wilmot C. occurred Jan. 15, 1822, in the town- 
ship of Blooming-Grove, though his early life was 
passed in the suburbs of the village of Goshen. 

The public school of the vicinity enabled him to 
acquire the rudiments of knowledge, the labors of the 
farm having occupied the time which was not devoted 
to study. At the age of twenty-one Dr. Terry took 
leave of the parental home and engaged in teaching 
as the initiatory step in a career of independence. 

Having meanwhile trained his mind to habits of 
study and thought he determined upon a professional 
life, and chose tliat of medicine as most congenial to 
his tastes. He, in 1847, entered the office cf Dr. 
Gabriel P. Reeves, of Goshen, where three years w-ere 
spent in close application, with attendance during 
this period upon lectures at the Medical Department 
of the University of New York.. He then repaired 
to the Castleton Medical College, Castleton, Vt., from 
whence he graduated in 1851. 

Dr. Terry soon after established himself in practice 
at Ridgebury, Orange Co., where he has since resided. 
His professional labors extend over an area of many 
miles, where his fidelity to patients and his skill as a 
physician have rendered him deservedly popular. 

In politics Dr. Terry is a Republican, and though 
earnest in the espousal of the principles of the part\', 
cares little for the ofiicial honors within its gift. His 
religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which he is a member. 

The doctor has been twice married, — first, in 1854, 
to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Dr. J. H. Halsted, 
of Ridgebury, to whom one daughter. Flora Bell, was 
born. Mrs. Terry died Jan. 27, 1857, and he was 
again married, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Henry 
Decker, of Wawayanda. Their children are Fannie 



178 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



E. and Lillie Gertrude, a son, Wilmot A., having died 
in infancy. 

MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 

By act of the Legishiture, passed April 4, 180fi, the 
physicians and surgeons in the several counties of the 
State, or such of them as were authorized to practice 
by the law which was then in force, were empowered 
to organize societies, which, by such organization, be- 
came bodies corporate, and from each of which one 
delegate should be elected, who, with his associates 
similarly chosen, should constitute a State society, 
which also "became a body corporate. The county 
.societies were autliorized to examine students and grant 
diplomas ; and it was further provided that no person 
should "practice physic or surgery" in any county 
until after lie had passed an examination by the 
society of the county in which he proposed to prac- 
tice, or should he do so he was to be disqualified from 
collecting " any debt or debts incurred by such prac- 
tice" in any county of the State. 

Pursuant to the provisions of this law, the Medical 
Society of Orange County was organized, July 1, 1806, 
at a meeting of physicians held in the court-house at 
Goshen, Dr. Jonathan Swezey, chairman, and Dr. 
Thomas Wickham, clerk. The minute record is as 
follows : 

" Doctors Joiiatlian Swezey, Tliouias Wickliiun, Elijah KaiKlall, William 
Elmer, William Elliot, Samuel S. Sewaril, Benjamin S. Hoyt, Nathaniel 
Elmer, EUbIiu DuBuis, Charles Fowlei-, David K. Aruell, Samuel Warner, 
Wm McCoppins, Aaron M, Smith, William Gourlay, Eleazer Gidney, 
Elihu Hedges, Ethan Watson, Cornelius Roosa, James Bradner, Henry 
I. Honiheck, and Elijah Welch were present and produced their licenses 
to Jiractice physic and surgery according to law. 

" The society then proceeded to organize themselves and elect their 
olficers, when the following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year, 
viz.; Dr. Jonathan Swezey, president; Dr. Samuel S. Seward, vice-pres- 
ident; Dr. Nathaniel Elmor, secietary; Dr. Thomas Wickham, treas- 
urer. 

" Doctors Anthony Davis, Elisha DuBois, Charles Fowler, Joseph 
Whalen, and Cornelius Roosa were appointed censors. 

"Dr. David R. Arnell was elected member Ltf the State Medical So- 
ciety." 

A list of members, officers, and other matters per- 
taining to the operation of the society, taken from its 
records, is appended, as well as similar facts in con- 
nection with the Homceopathic Medical Society. 

It will be observed that the act under which the 
Orange County Medical Society was organized gave 
to it great power. Without its indorsement no one 
could practice medicine in the county except under 
the generous label of " quack," nor if one did practice 
could he collect his bills by law. Perhaps the society 
always exercised its prerogative wisely, — perhaps it 
protected the public from or warned them against 
uneducated medical pretenders, by the mere fact that 
they were disqualified from becoming members of it, — 
we shall not say; but this is very clear, .that many 
physicians whose names do not appear on its rolls 
were esteemed worthy and competent by their patients. 
Thomsonianism, hydropathyism, eclecticism, and 
other systems were excluded. Homoeopathy shared 



in its o.straci.sm for years, except in cases where mem- 
bers of the society adopted the new practice, as was 
the fact with Dr. Ostrom and others, or where diplomas 
were obtained from recognized colleges. Appeals 
were repeatedly made to the Legislature for a modifi- 
cation of the law so far as it related to the collection 
of bills, but for over forty years this provision re- 
mained unchanged. 

Viewed from the stand-point of the present, a wiser 
law, at lea.st a law which recognizes the progress 
whicli has been made in medical science during the 
past half-century, was that of 1880, which repeals the 
law of l.'^OH, itnd provides : 

" Every person now lawfull}' engaged in the practice of physic and sur- 
gery within the State shall, on or before the first day of October, eighteen 
hundred and eighty, and every person hereafter duly authorized to prac- 
tice physic and surgery shall, before conmiencing to practice, register in 
the clerk's office of the county where he is practicing, or intends to com- 
mence the practice of physic and snigery, in a book to be kept by said 
clerk, his name, residence, and place of birth, togetlier with bis authority 
for so practicing physic and surgery, as piescribed in this act. The per- 
son so regiMering shall subsciibeand veiify by oath or affirmation, before 
a pel-son duly qualified to admiiii...tcr oaths Ulnler the laws of the State, 
an affidavit cuntaiidng such facts, anil whether such autliority is by 
diploma or license, and the date of the same and by whom granted, which, 
if wilfutly false, shall convict the affiant to conviction and punishment 
for peijiiry." . . . " The degree of Doctor of Medicine lawfully conferred 
by any incorporated medical college or university in this State shall he 
a license to practice physic and surgery within the State after the per- 
son to whom it is granted shall have complied with the provisions" 
above quoted. Pereons coming into the State from auotfier State may 
have license to practice on obtaining the indorsement of their diplomas 
by any incorporated medical college or school of the State. This pro- 
vision, however, does not "apply to any person who has practiced med- 
icine and surgery for ten years last past, and who is now pursuing the 
study of metlicine and surgery in any legally incorporated medical col- 
lege within this State, and who shall graduate from and receive a diploma 
within two yeare from the passage of this act." 

PRESENT PUVSICIAXS. 
Under this act the following physicians have been 
registered in the office of the county clerk, viz. : 

CHESTER. 

Charles P. Smith; residence, Chester; born in West Milford, N. J.; 
diploma gi-anted November, 1851, by the Castletoti (Vermont) Med- 
ical College. 

Solomon G. Carpenter; residence, Chester; horn in town of Gosheu; 
diploma granted March, 1845, by New York Uuiveisity. 

CORNWALL. 
Jesse T. Ht>tchki8s ; born in Windsor, N. Y. ; diploma granted BLarch, 

1842, by University of i'ennsylvania. 
William H. Vail; born in Stroudsburg, Pa.; diploma granted Blarch, 

18G1», by College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 
Thomas Hector; born in Plattekiff, Ulster Co.: diploma granted March, 

1852, by College of IMiysicians and Surgeons, New York City. 
Wm. F. C. Beattie ; born in Montgomery ; diploma granted June '25, 1850, 

by Geneva College, New York. 
C. A. Gorse; born in Roxbury, Delaware Co., N. Y. ; diploma granted 

March 4, 1864, by University of the City of New York. 

GOSHEN. 
J. Cash Coleman, Jr. ; born iu Wawayanda: dijdoma granted 1SG3, by 

Albany Medical College. 
Joshua W. Ostrom ; born in Marlboro', N. Y. ; diploma granted February, 

1849, by Society of Medical Examiners, New York. 
John H.Thompson; born iu Wallkill; diploma granted October, 1857, 

by College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 
Arthur Pell; born in Hackensack, N. J. ; diploma granted in March, 

1875, by Belleviie Hospital Medical College. 





a7>- 







Dr. p. Moir Barclay was born at Abcidcen, 
Scotland, on April 20, 18o4. His piiicnts were Dr. 
Alexander Barclay, a practicing physician of New- 
burgh, formerly of Scotland, and Mrs. J. Eraser 
( Watt) Barclay, a representative of the noted Watt 
family of Scotland. 

Dr. Barclay was brought to this country by his 
parents in November, 1835, the settlement of the 
family being made at Newburgh. His earlier years 
were passed in attendance upon the common schools 
of Newburgh, and his academic traiTiing was enjoyed 
at the Newburgh Academy, from which institution he 
was graduated in 1848. Having decided to enter the 
profession of medicine, Dr. Barclay passed some time 
in the drug-store of his father in Newburgh, and in a 
wholesale drug-house in New York City, and iu 1850 
commenced the study of medicine under his father at 
Newburgh. In 1851 he entered the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of the City of New York, 
where he passed three years, graduating in 1854 with 
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. During his col- 
legiate course he was under the care of Dr. Thomas 
C. Finnell, a prominent physician of New York. 
Returning to Newburgh, he at once entered upon the 
practice of his profession, in which he has since con- 
tinued. 

Dr. Barclay ranks among the first of his profession 
in Newburgli, and enjoys a largo and lucrative practice. 
His careful professional education was supplemented 



by a European tour in 18G8, at which time he visited 
the principal foreign hospitals, and was brought into 
personal contact with the leading practitioners of the 
world. As a physician he is painstaking and in hearty 
sympathy with his patients, and brings to the treat- 
ment of his cases an accurate knowledge of the latest 
discoveries and implements, both in mechanical appli- 
ances in surgery and in the materia medica of his 
profession. Naturally of an independent and self- 
reliant nature, he depends largely on himself in his 
practice, though in nowise loth to co-operate with the 
more intelligent and skillful of his compeers. He is 
of a genial and frank disposition, popular in the com- 
munity in which he resides, and prominent in the 
councils of the Democratic party of his section, though 
no aspirant for place. On July 9, 1866, he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Reuben E. Fenton surgeon of 
the Niueteenth Regiment of Infantry of New York, 
with the rank of captain, a position that he filled until 
the disbandment of the regiment. He is a non-resi- 
dent member of the Medico-Legal Society of New 
York City, and a member of Hudson River Lodge, 
No. 607, A. F. and A. M., of Highland Chapter, No. 
52, R. A. M., and of Hudson River Commandery, 
No. 35, K. T., all of Newburgh. 

Dr. Barclay was married on June 19, 1872, to Miss 
Hattie E., eldest daughter of the late Capt. C. B. 
Armstrong, of Newburgh, a little daughter, Maude, 
being born of the union. 




-1^^^;^/^^?^^ M -^ 



The familj' of Writers were first represented in Amer- 
ica by Jasper Writer, a native of Germany, who loft 
the Fatherland as early as 1760, and landed in New York. 
With him sailed a sister who succumbed to the severity 
of the voyage, and died on the passage. Jasper, having 
found himself almost friendless on his arrival, repaired 
to Little Britain, Pa., and sought service with a family 
named Depew, where he remained until he attained his 
majority. Seeking then a wider field of activity he re- 
moved to Phillipsburg, Orange Co., where soon after 
he was united in marriage to Miss Eve Kortright, to 
whom were born children,— Margaret, Elizabeth, Eli- 
nor, Rebecca, Nancy, Aaron, Jasper, and John T. Mr. 
Writer, after his marriage, removed to the township of 
Mount Hope, where he engaged in farming pursuits, and 
resided until his death, Nov. 15, 1842, having lived to 
be more than one hundred years old. He enjoyed some 
distinction as having signed the Revolutionary pledge 
at Goshen in 1775. Aaron, one of the sons of Jasper, 
and the grandfather of the subject of this biographical 
sketch, was born in Mount Hope township, April 25, 
1776, and followed the occupation of his father. He 
was married to Miss Elizabeth McKeeby, whose birth 
occurred Sept. 13, 1776, and who was the mother of the 
following children: Sarah, Eve, Catharine, Jasper A., 
Jemima, Jane, Margaret, Elinor, Matthew M., Aaron 
K., John E., Elizabeth M., Lsaac V., and Benjamin N. 
Of this number, Aaron Kortright, the father of Theo- 
dore, was born March 2, 1811, on the homestead farm, 
where the early years of his life were spent. After be- 



coming thoroughly familiar with the labors of an agri- 
culturist he purchased land in the township of Green- 
ville, upon which he resided until his death, Sept. 25, 
1871. Mr. Writer was on the 21st of March, 1835, united 
in marriage to Miss Abigail, daughter of Daniel D. 
Penney, of Mount Hope, and had children, — Theodore, 
Daniel D. P., Sarah E., Josephine, and Louisa. The 
birth of Theodore occurred July 17, 1837, on the home- 
stead where the years of his boyhood were spent. The 
district scliool at this time afforded but limited advan- 
tages of education, which induced him later to avail 
himself of the superior instruction enjoyed at the Seward 
Institute, at Florida, Orange Co. Here he remained for 
three years, and having determined upon a professional 
life enrolled his name as a student of medicine in the 
office of Dr. A. Cook, of Otisville. Later he entered the 
office of Dr. D. C. Logue, in New York, and graduated 
from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1866. 
After a year of professional labor in New York he be- 
came associated with his former preceptor. Dr. Cook, of 
Otisville, where he has since continued in practice. 

The arduous duties of his profession leave but little 
time for other pursuits, though Dr. Writer manifests a 
keen interest in the public events of the day, and in 
efforts having for their object the welfare of the town- 
ship of his residence. In his political preferences he is 
a stanch Republican. Dr. Writer was married Nov. 3, 
1869, to Miss Helen A., daughter of Osmer B. Green, 
of Otisville, and has one son, Daniel D., a lad of nine 
vears. 



PHYSICIANS. 



179 



Heman H. Rolfiosori; Ikifq in Bellport, L. I.; diploma granted March, 
1860, by I'ni^'ersity Meil^al Cullege of New Yt>rk. 

A.J. Jessup; born iu Florida; diplunia granted February, 18G9, by the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 

Arthur M. WoodruflT; born in Ann Arbor, Mich. ; diploma granted Feb- 
ruary, 1873, by the Cleveland Hospital Honiieoiiatluc Ctillege. 

HIGHLAND FALLS. 

Joliu Ross Monroe; born in Glasgow, Scotland; diploma granted June 

30, 1868, by Long Island Cullege Hospital. 
Wni. H. Edsall; born iu Roxbury, N. Y.; diploma granted Feb. 1, 1877, 

by Albany Medical College. 

MIDDLETOWN. 
Clarence M. Conant ; born in Brooklyn ; diploma granted JIarcli, 1873, 

by New York Honia-opathic Medical College. 
Charles Collin; born in Holland; diploma granted July, 1878, by the 

Newburgh Eclectic Society. 
Sehien H. Talcott; born in Rome, N. Y. ; diploma granted March, 1872, 

by New York Homteiipathic Medical Ct)l!ege. 
Charles S. Kinney; born in Snffield, (,'onn. ; diploma granted March, 

1879, by New York Homu'oi.athic Medical Odlege. 
Wm. M. Butler; born in Maine, N. Y. ; diidoma granted 1S73, by New 

York College of PhysiLians and Siir^eons. 
Harvey Everett; born in Middletown; diploma granted June, 1834. by 

Vermont Medical College. 
Grenville A. Emory; born iu OHve, Ulster Co.; diploma granted Decem- 
ber, 18G7, by Albany Medical College. 
Solomon B. Pillabury; born in Ballard Vale, Mass.; diploma granted 

June, 187-2, by Harvard College. 
J:»nies D. Jolinson ; born in London, England ; diploma granted 1855, by 

New York Medical College. 
Ira S. Bradner; born in Goshen; diploma granted March, 1843, by New 

York University. 
Julia Bradner; born in Scotchtowo ; diploma granted March, 1878, by 

Woman's Medical College and Hospital. 
Robert Sloau ; born in Poughkeepsie ; diploma granted March, 1851, by 

University of New York. 
Villiara H. Dorrance; born in Mamakating, N. Y.; diploma granted 

March, 1845, by University of New York. 
Joseph D. Friend; born in Salem, Mass.; diploma granted May, 1842, by 

the Botanic Medical Society, New York, and later by the Metropoli- 
tan Medical College, New York. 
Darwin Everett; born in Montgomery; diploma granted March 10, 

1864, by College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 

MONTGOMERY. 

Henry C.Smith; born iu Goshen; diploma granted jMarch 5,1874, by 

Uonni'Opathic Medical C^jllege, New York. 
Edward Ross Elliott; born in Pleasant Valley; diploma granted June 

14, 1874, by the University of the City of New York. 

NEWBURGH. 

Joseph P. Thompson; born in Winchester, Va.; diploma granted April, 

1858, by the University of Medicine at Philadelphia. 
Clarence Ormsbee; born in Ashland, N. Y.; diploma granted March, 

1865, by New York University. 

Samuel P. Church; born iu Salisbury, Conn. ; diploma granted March, 
1845, hy College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 

John D, Malone : born in Ireland ; diploma granted in 1867 by Dartmouth 
(N. H.) Medical College. 

Daniel Wells; born in Newburgh ; diploma granted March, 1835, by Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 

Ale.vander Barclay; born in Aberdeen, Scotland; diploma granted De- 
cember, 1841, by State Medical Society. 

James G. Birch; born in New York City; diploma granted March, 1866, 
by Harvard University, 

Robert V. K. Montfort; born in Tuthill, N. Y. ; diploma granted Decem- 
ber, 18.jC, by Albany Medical College. 

Smith Ely; born io Blooming-Grove; diploma granted June, 1850, by 
Vermont Medical College. 

Peter M. Barclay; born in Aberdeen, Scotland; diploma granted July, 
1855, by the University of New York City. 

William Jones; born in Shoreham, Vt.; diploma granted May, 1869, by 
Eclectic College of Ne%v York. 

William A. M. Culbert; born in New York City; diploma granted 
March, 184G, by the University of the City of New York. 



Charles N. Wolley; born in South Hampton, L. I.; diploma granted 

June, 1868, by Long Island Medical College. 
James Gordon ; born in Ireland ; diploma granted March, 1866, hy Jeffer- 
son Medical College, Philadelphia. 
M. C, Stone; born in Jay, Me.; diploma granted March, 1868, by the 

University of New York. 
George B. F. Mitchell ; born in Baltimore, Md. ; diploma granted March, 

1867, by New York Homoeopathic Medical College. 
John J. Mitchell ; born in Curtlandville, N. Y.; diploma granted March, 

1857, by New York Medical College. 
John Deyo; born in Newburgh ; diploma granted March, 1877, hy Belle- 

vue Hospital Medical College, New York. 
Edward R. Post; horn in Sagg Harbor, N. Y. ; diploma granted March, 

1867, by College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 
Lewis Y. Wiggins ; horn in Mount Hope ; diploma granted July, 1844, 

by the University of New York. 
John W. Fenton ; born in Newburgh ; certificate granted May, 1840, hy 

Orange County Medical Society. 
Floyd P. Sheldon; born in Rutland, Vt.; diploma granted March, 1878, 

by University of Michigan. 
GuBtav Gartzmann : born in Eglen, Germany ; diploma granted March 

1, 1873, by Bellevue Jledical College, New York City. 
Je'reDiiah Manly; born in Palatine, N. Y.; diploma granted Jan. 20, 

1860, by Homo/opathic Medical Society, Oneida County. 
I. De Forest Nichols ; born in New York City; diploma granted March 

1, 18G5, by Bellevue Medical College, New York City. 

OTISVILLE. 

Theodore Writer; born in Otisville; diploma granted 1866, by Bellevue 

Hospital Medical College, New York. 
Avery Cook; born in Belchertown, Mass. ; diploma granted February, 

1834, by Medical Society of Herkimer County. 

PORT JERVIS. 
Theodore D. Mills; born in Bloomingbiirgh, N. Y.; diploma granted 

March, 1876, by New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. 
Solomon Van Etten ; born in Deerpark; diploma granted June, 1855, by 

Albany Medical College. 
William L. Cuddeback; born in Deerpark; diploma granted March, 

1876, by Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City. 
John F. Higgius; born in Paterson, N. J.; diploma granted March, 

1880, by Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. 
Allan P. Slacdonald ; born in Antigonishe, Nova Scotia ; diploma granted 

March, 1874, by Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. 
James Halsey Hunt; born in Laytons, N. J.; diploma granted March, 

1872, by Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New Y^ork. 
Henry Hardenburgh ; born iu Port Jervis; diploma granted March, 

1859, by New Y'ork Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons. 
George H. Fossard ; born in Albany ; diploma granted Dec. 27, 1859, by 

Albany Medical College. 
David D. Wickham ; born iu Sussex Co., N. J. ; diploma granted Feb. 19, 

1874, by College of Physicians and Surgeons, Syracuse. 

SALISBURY. 

Alpheus Goodman; born in Goshen ; diploma granted March 8, 1837, by 

Castleton Medical College, Vermont. 
Alexander M. Goodman; horn in Goshen; diploma granted Feb. 15, 

1876, by University of the City of New Y'ork. 

UNIONVILLE. 
Hugh M. D. Stuble ; born in Hampton, N. J.; diploma granted March, 

1875, by University of Pennsylvania. 

Marcus S. Hayne ; born in Sussex Co., N. J. ; diploma granted February, 
1841, by Geneva (N. Y.i Medical College. 

WALDEN. 

G. M. Millspaugh; born in Montgomery; diploma granted 1820, by Cas- 
tleton (Vt.) Medical College. 

William A. Loughran; horn in Stamford, N. Y. ; diploma granted June, 
1850, by Geneva Medical College. 

Thomas Millspaugh; born in Montgomery ; diploma granted January, 
1843, by Albany Medical College. 

WARWICK. 

Henry K. Bradner; born in Florida; diploma granted March, 1872, by 

University of Pennsylvania. 
Theo. H. Cooper; born in Milton, N. J. ; diploma granted March, 1855, 

by College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. 



180 



IIISTOIIY OF OKANGK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William B. Bnulner; linrii in Warwick; iliplonia granted September, 
1857, by tliL' Kew Yurk C'tllege of Physicians aiitl Surgeous. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

James II. Smiley, ScotL'htown ; born near Scotchtown; diplnnia granted 

March, 1850, by the Albany Medical College. 
Alexander B. Leggett, Montgomery ; born in Crawford; license granted 

January, 1876, by Orange Connty Jledical Socit-ty. 
H. P. Cliace, Highland Falls; born in Hannlen, N. Y.; iliploma granted 

Febrnary, 1873, by the Medical Department of Columbia College. 
Daniel F. Condict, Searsville; born in Dover, N. J. ; diploma granted 

December, 1874, by Albany Medical Cnllege. 
John C. Bnyd, Monroe; born in (_Jreene, N. J.; diploma granted March, 

1841, by the Jefferson Sledical College, IMiiladelpbia. 
John Moftatt, Washuigtonville; boni in Washingtonville ; diploma 

granted March, 18G2, by University of Micliigan. 
George E. Putney, Howell's; born in Montgomery; diploma granted 

November, 1850, by Castleton (Vt.) Medical College. 
William H.Woodruff, Pine Bush; born in Walden; diploma granted 

March, 1854, by Albany Medical College. 
Isaac Soiitli Vreeland, Westtown ; born in West Milford, N. J. ; diploma 

granted February, 187C, by tlie University of Xew York. 
Rowland Clarke Irving, Campbell Hall; born in Kortright, N. Y.; di- 
ploma granted March, 1877, by Bellevue Hospital Medical College. 
Elizabeth It, Cillett Myer, Turner's; Itorn in Ellenville; diploma granted 

March, 1877, by Woman's Medical College, New York. 
Whitfield T. Seely, Amity; horn in Amity; licensed by the Orange 

County Medical Society. 
E. Aiistiu Webb, Ridgebiiry ; burn in Wallkill; diploma granted June, 

1834, by Middlebury (Vt.) MedicHl College. 
Chas. H. Wilson, New Milford; born in Amenia, N. Y. ; license granted 

March, 1875, by Oiaiige County Medical Society. 
Adam P. Fairies, Florida; born in Scotland; diploma granted April, 

1865, by University of Michigan. 
Elizabelh A. Fuller, New York City; born near Cape of Good Hope; di- 
ploma granted March, 188U, by Eclectic Medical College, New Ytn-k. 
Anna C. Howland, Poughkeepsie; burn iu Hallowell, Mass.; diploma 

granted March, 18(i8, by New Yt>rk Medical College for Women. 
Jolin L. Van Alstyne, Binghamtou; born in Richmondville, N. Y.; di- 
ploma granted December, I8G2, by Albany Medical College. 
J. Judson Osborn, Binghamton; born in Colesville, N. Y. ; diploma 

granted June, 1878, by Long Island College Hospital. 
Mrs. S. Plumb, Otisville ; born in Guilford, Vt. ; diploma granted March, 

1862, by Metropolitan Medical College, New York. 
E. H. Gilbert, Turner's : born iu New York; diploma granted Oct. 21, 

1874, by Eclectic Medical Society State New York. 
Mrs. Esther Smith, (iosheii; l>orn in Warwick; no diploma; practiced 

ten years. 

MEDICAL SOCIETY OF ORAxXGE COUNTY. 

The members ; 
follows : 

Jonathan Swezey. 
Thomas WicUliam. 
Elijah Randall. 
William Elmer. 
William Elliott. 
Samuel S. Seward. 
Benjamin S. Hoyt. 
Nathaniel Elmer. 
Elisha DuBois. 
Charles Fowler. 
David R. Arnell. 



[it the date of organization were as 



The following is a list 
joined since organization : 

John T^ Jansen. 
David Hanfoid. 
Peter A. Millspaugh. 
James Heron. 
Robert C. Hunter. 
George Eager. 
H. K. Chapman. 
John W. Drury. 
George Hedges. 



Samuel Warner. 
William McCopijin. 
Aaron M. Smith. 
M'illiam Goorley. 
Eleazer Gedney, 
Elihn Hedges. 
Ethau Watson. 
Cornelius Roosa. 
James Bradner. 
Henry T. Hornheck. 
Elijah Welch. 

of the members who have 



Cliarles Winfield. 
James M. Gardiner. 
Tonwsend Seeley. 
Isaac S. Curtis. 
John S. Crane. 
John M. Gongh, 
William Horton. 
Robert Siiaw. 
Wm. H. Newkirk. 



George Hunter. 
Isaac II. Dodd. 
Menilt H. Cash. 
Andrew King. 
Harris Edmonstou. 
Charles Hardenburgh. 
Samuel Harlow. 
Lewis Dunning. 
John B. McMunn. 
Charles S. Gedney. 
G. M. Millspaugh. 
A. Brewbtei'. 
John ConUling. 

D. G. Durkey. 
Charles G. Fowler. 
H. P. Benham. 
Thomas S. Edmonston. 
Marcus Sears. 
Gorret M. Roe. 
Harvey Horton. 
James VanKeuren. 
Jerome Wells. 
James S. Horton. 
William Morrison. 
Philip I. Tiinlow. 
Bartow Wright. 
John W. Fenton. 
Harvey Hallock. 
Henry B. Hornbeck. 

E. H. S. Holden. 
Elias Peck. 
Wm. Murphy. 
Samuel B. Barlow. 
George Brown. 
Samuel D. Holly. 
Dewitt C. Hallock. 
Joseph R. Andi'ews. 
John W. Raflerty. 
A. W. Millspaugh. 
Leander W. Lynn. 
E. B. Carpenter. 
Samuel M. Crawford. 
W. C. Terry. 
Avery Cook. 
Henry C. Seeley. 

S. G. Carpenter. 
Bvishrod Millspaugh. 
J. D. Bevier. 
J. W. Ostrom. 
Wm. SI. Johnson. 
Harvey Everett. 
Alfred H. Lee. 
John S. Crawford. 
A. L. Reynolds. 
Gilbert C. Monell. 
D. B. McCartee. 
Wm. A. Westcott. 
D. C. Jayne. 
M. S. Hayne. 
T. W. Newman. 
Benjainiu Dunning. 
Alexander Barclay. 
John C. Boyd. 
D. C. Winfield. 
G. C. Blackman. 
Abraham W. Crowell. 
Alpiieus Goodman. 
S. W. Esray. 
James A. Young. 
Ashael Houghton. 
Thomas Millspaugh. 
Samuel C. Smith. 
Lewis Armstrong. 
Nathaniel Deyo. 



Peter E. Cnkliii. 
John pHltiKr.n. 
H. L. W. Bun it. 
Ira S. Bradnei". 
John M. Prnyn. 
Benjamin W. Thompson. 
Wm. P. Townsend. 
Nelson McBride. 
Charles Drake. 
G. P. Reeves. 
J. E. Putney 
Peter C. Gallatian. 
Wm. S. Halsey. 
M. Stevenson. 
John H. Thompson. 
L F. Pelton. 
N. Newton. 
Wm. F. C. Beattie. 
Wm. B. Bradner. 
R. V. K. Montlort. 
James H. Smiley. 
John N.Taylor. 
John P. Tarbell. 
J. L. Whitaker. 
George H. Sears. 
Solomon Va[i Etten. 
Henry Hardenburgh. 
Wm. H. Woodruff. 
Joseph Moftat 
N. Roe Bradner. 
J. S. Swezy. 
Robert Sloan. 
James C. Coleman. 
James T. Johnston. 
Isaac S. Hunt. 
Cliarles P. Smith. 
Theodore Writer. 
T. Walsh. 
Robert Farries. 
Charles H. Yerrington. 
Samuel W'. Clason, 
A. P. Farries. 
Henry R. Bradner. 
George Fossard. 

D. Van Dyck. 
A. B. Leggett. 
C. H. Wilson. 
Isaac S. Curtis. 

E. S. Elmer. 
David Van Dyck. 
G. H. Fossard. 

O. A. Carroll. 
E. D. Owen. 

C. S. Van Etten. 
Burke Pillsbury. 
Gustav Gartsmanu. 
H. H. Robinson. 
A. M. Goodman. 
A. J. JesBup. 

D. S. Condict. 
John Deyo. 
M. C. Stone. 
Wm. H. Edsall. 
Arthur Pell. 

J. H. Thompson. 

E. R. Gillett. 
Clarence Ormsbee. 
T. D. Mills. 

W. S. Cuddeback. 
W. T. Seely. 
John W. Montrose. 
Increase Crosby. 
Alexander Clinton. 
D. B. Smiley. 
Pliilander Mix. 



The presidents of the society have been : 



MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 



181 



Jonatliun Swezpy, 1800 ; A hlIioii.v Davis, 1807-9 ; Joimtlian S\veze.v,1810; 
Diivid R. Anii-ll. 1811; Klisha DuBois, 1812; David K. Ariicll.1813; 
llabripl N. I'liillips, ISU ; David Fowler, 1815-10 ; David It. Anicdl, 
1817; Fralnis r..wler, 1818; Davi.l U. Aruell, 1819; B. L. Van 
Kleck, 1k:;() ; David R. Aniell, 1S21-'2:J ; Peter A. Millsiiallj;!!, 1824- 
20; Joslma Iloruliecli, 1827; Eleazer Oediiey, 1828; Egliert Jaiiseu, 
1820; Charles Wiiifleld, I8:i0-:)1 ; George Eager, 1832; William Hor- 
ton, Jr., IS.i:i; James M. (J.irdiiiei-, 1834; James Hernii, 183iJ-;iG; 
James M. Gardiner, 1837 ; Jidui M.Gongli, 1838 ; .lames Heron, 1839; 
James M. Gardiner, 18*1; Charles Wiufield, 1841-42; Joshna Honi- 
heck, 1843-45; Charles Winfleld, 1846; Joshua Ilornhok, 1847-48; 
Charles Wintield. 1849; M. H. Cash, 1850-62 ; G. C. Monell, 1803-64; 
B.Wright, IS.io; Samuel D. Holly, 1856 ; George Brown, 1857; Henry 
Cook, 18.58; Avery Cook, 1859; A. Goodman, 180O-C1 ; J. C.Boyd, 
1862; J.N. Taylor, 16U3-04; D 0. Winfleld, 1805-00; H. C. Seely, 
1867; Wm. I'. Townsend, 1868; Solomon Van Elten, 1869; Joseph 
Moffatt, 1871); R. V. K. Montfort, 1871 ; J. C. Boyd, 1872-73 ; G. E. 
rntney, 1874 ; C. P. Smith, 1875 ; J. H. Smiley, 1876; S. G. Carpenter, 
1877; .r. C. Boyd, 1878; A, P. Farris, 1879 ; W. B. Eager, 1880 ; W. B. 
Bradner, 1881. 

The secretaries luive been : 

Nathaniel Elmer, 1806; David R. Arnell, 1807-9 ; ThonmsWickham, 1810- 
13; ThomasG. Evans, 1814-16; George Eager, 1817-18; C. fi. Evans, 
1819-20; Egbert Jansen, 1821-28; Lewis Dunning, 1829-:iG; James 
S. Horton, 1837-40; J. W. Ostrom, 1841-42; T. W. Newman, 1843- 
48; Benjamiii W.Thompson, is49-6U ; G. P. Keevs, 1851-53; W. P. 
Townsend, 1S64 ; .lolin II. Thompson, 1855; G. P. Heevs, 1856-57; 
O. E. Putney, 185,8-71; Wm. P. Uiadner. 1872-73; A. P. Farries, 
1.874-76; K. S. Elmer, 1876-78; B. Pillsbury, 1879-81. 

The treasurers have been : 

Thomas Wickham, 1800-9; William Elmer, 1810-13; Samuel Warner, 
1814-18 ; Samuel S. Seward, 1819-21 ; James P. Young, 1822-26 ; Jo- 
seph K. Andrews, 1827-32; Isaac D. Dodd, 1833; Jerome Wells, 
1834-39; T. S. Edmonston, 1836-38; J. W. Ostrom, 1S30-60; Benj. 
W. Thompson, 1851-52; Isaac Keeve, 1863 ; W. P. Townsend, 1864- 
65. 1858-61, 1806; G. P.' Reevs, 1856-67; D. C. Winfleld, 1862-64, 
1867-70; J. C. Coleman, 1866 ; S. C. Smith, 1871-80 ; A.J, Jessup, 
1881. 

The cen.sors of the society have been : 

Drs. Anthony Davis, Elisha DuBois, Charles Fowler, Joseph Whalen, 
Jonathan Swezey, Gabriel N. Phillips, Cornelius Roosa, David R. 
Arnell, W'illiam Elmer, Henry J. H"rnbeck, Dr. Bradner, Dr. Smith, 
Dr. Davis, Warner, Je&ie Aruell, Samuel S. Seward, Elisha Hedges, 
Baltus L. Van Kleck, Peter A. Millspaugh, Chichester Brown, R. C. 
Hunter, C, Miller, J, W. Dewey. J. P. Youngs, Joshua Hornheck, 
Charles Winfleld, J, T, Jansen, E. Jansen, Chapman, George Eager, 
U. C. Seely, William Horton, I. H, Dodd, George Hedges, James M, 
Gardner, Merritt H. Cash, Annanias Brewster, Lew is Dunning, James 
Heron, Charles G. Fowler, Samuel D. Holly, Thomas S. Edmonston, 
Bartow Wright, Jerome Wells, Leander W, Lynn, J. D. Bevier, J. S. 
Horton, Marcus Sears, J. W. Ostrom, S. ai. Crawford, T. W. Newman, 
D. 0. Winfleld, Alpheus Goodman, Chailes Drake, W. C. Seely, G. C, 
Monell, J. C. Boyd, S, G. Carpenter. G, M. Millspaugh, W. P, Town- 
send, George C. Blackman, A. H. Thompson, Avery Cook,H. C. 
Seely, N. Deyo, S. W, Esray, J. N, Taylor, R. V. iy. Montfort, Wm. 
F, C. Beattie, Solomon Van Etten, G, H. Sears, H. Hardenburgli, 
S, C. Smith, W. C. Teiry, W. B, Braihier, G. E, Putney, R, Sloan, 
James Snuley, J. D. Johnston, A. P. Fariies, C. P. Smith, O, A, Car- 
loll, S. Ely, J. H. Thompson, Arthur Pell, Mrs. E. R. G. Myer, H. H. 
Bobiuson. 

The delegates to the State and Tri-State Medical 
Societies have been : 

Da-vid K. Arnell, 1808; Henry T. Horubeck, ISOi) ; Ajithony Davis, 1810; 
Elihu Hedges, 1811; Charles Fowler, 1816; R, C, Hunter, 1818; E. 
Jansen, 1821; Charles Miller, 1822; Thomas G. Evans, 1825-26; 
William Horton, Jr., 1829; M. H. Cash, 1842; Samuel M. Ciawford, 
1845; Bartow Wright, 1848; G. C. Monell, 1801; D. C. Winfleld, 
1854; William P. Townsend, 1850; A. Goodman, 1858; J.C.Boyd, 
1860; A. Cook, 1.862; G. E. Putney, 1865; R. V. K. Montfort, 1807; 
James Smiley, 1870 ; Solomon Van Etten, 1872; Smith Ely, 1.S73; 
Solomon Van Etten, Smith Ely, 1874; J. C. Boyd, 1875 ; R. V, K. 



Montfoit, G. E. Putney, 1876; A. P. Farries, 1877 ; J. C. Boyd, R. 
V. K, Montfort, 18711; J. H. Smiley, 1880; Joseph Moffatt, 1881. 

Honorary members: 

James G. Graham, Ensebius An.stin, James Oliver, Edward Miller, Sam- 
uel L, Mitchell. David Hosack, Daniel Seward, Nicludas Romayne, 
Samuel Bard. Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D,, Rev. Luthar Halsey, Rev. James 
R. Wilson, Rev. Philander Gillett, Rev. John T. Halsey, Rev, 
Reuben Hubbard, Rev, James R. Johnson, Rev. Benjamin Van 
Keuven, Rev. Chai les Cummins, Rev. Mr, Craig, Rev. Jesse Fonda, 
Rev. William Blane, Rev. I. I. Christian, Rev. James Arhuckle, 
Rev. Nathan Kingsbuiy, Baron Louis Lederer, Horace H, Hayden, 

Esq,, Isaac Lea, Charles V. Shepard, Rev, J. P. F. ( laik, Rev. 

McLaren, Rev. F. Vanderveer, Rev, Howard Wallace, Harvey Ever- 
ett, David Fowler, Joseph Houston, 

Among the papers that have been read before this 
society, receiving its indorsement, many of which have 
been published, are the following: 

Dr. Anthony Davis, 1808, entitled " Hectic Fever ;" 
Dr. David R. Arnell, 1812, " The Rise and Progress of 
Medicine," 1814, "Pneumonia Typhoides;" Dr. Ga- 
briel N. Phillips, ISl.'), "Phthisis Pulmonalis;" Dr. 
David Fowler, 1816, "Nervous Fluid;" Dr. Charles 
Winfleld, 1822, "Typhus Fever;" Dr. Gough, 1823, 
"Emmenagogues;" Dr. William Horton, 1832, "Func- 
tions of the Skin ;" Dr. Benham, 1833, " Dy.seu- 
taria;" Dr. George Eager, 1833, "Morbid Sym- 
pathy;" Dr. James P. Young, 1833, "Scientific Bot- 
any;" Dr. James M. Gardiner, 1834, "Cholera;" Dr. 
James S. Horton, 1835, " Nosology ;" Dr. James 
Heron, 1836, " Medical Topography ;" Dr. Gough, 
1838, "Scarlatina;" Dr. T. W. Newman, 1843, "Na- 
ture and Treatment of Tubercle;" Dr. G. C. Monell, 
1852, "Disease of the Uterus;" Dr. Seeley, 1859, 
" Encysted Dropsy ;" Dr. H. C. Seeley, 1868, " Bite 
of Reptiles;" Dr. William P. Townsend, 1869, 
"Causes of Diminished Ratio of Population in the 
United States;" Dr. R. V. K. Montfort, 1871, "Hy- 
giene;" Dr. Mills, 1879, "Puerperal Convulsions;" 
I Dr. J. H. Thompson, 1881, " Antifebrile Agents." 

The meetings of the society were for a series of years 
held annually, the first having been convened at 
Goshen in 1806. As the organization increased in 
numbers and influence, the importance of more fre- 
quent conferences became apparent, and semi-annual 
meetings were instituted, the first of which was ap- 
pointed at the house of Dr. Daniel Seward, in the vil- 
lage of Goshen, on the first day of July, 1817. They 
were for a while successfully maintained, but the in- 
terest having flagged, were for a long period aban- 
doned and again revived, a gathering of the society 
having taken place at Chester on the first Tuesday 
of October, 1853. As early as 1823 a resolution was 
passed that quarterly meetings be held, though this 
movement seemed premature, as the attendance was 
limited and the project unsuccessful. They were re- 
vived in 1874, the society having convened at the vil- 
lage of Monroe, on the first Tuesday of September of 
that year, and are now regularly maintained. 

The society has been governed by circumstances in 
the selection of localities at which its sessions are 
held, Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, Montgomery, 



182 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Port Jervis, Monroe, Washingtonville, Chester, and 
Warwick having in turn offered hospitality to its 
members, and hotels, public assembly rooms, or pri- 
vate houses received them as convenience dictated. 

During the year 1818, Dr. David R. Arnell made a 
generous donation of books to the society. This col- 
lection, which formed the nucleus for subsequent lit- 
erary accumulations, has from time to time received 
additions until the Orange County Medical Society is 
now in possession of a well-selected and valuable 
library of a professional character. It is under the 
superintendence of a librarian, who is appointed at 
the annual meetings of the association. 

During the past few years the society has sent dele- 
gates to the American Medical Association, and is to 
be represented in 1881 by Drs. B. Pillsbury, Middle- 
town, and Sol. Van Etten, of Port Jervis. 

HOMCEOPATHIC MEDICAL .SOCIETY OF ORANGE 
COUNTY. 

At a meeting of homoeopathic physicians of Orange 
County, held at the United States Hotel, Newburgh, 
Nov. 12, 1851, Dr. A. Gerald Hull, of Newburgh, was 
called to the chair, and Dr. IraS. Bradner, of Scotch- 
town, was appointed secretary. 

The chairman stated the object of the meeting to 
be ''the organization of a Homoeopathic Medical 
Society of Orange County," whereupon it was voted 
unanimously that such a society should then be or- 
ganized, and entitled " Homieopathic Medical Society 
of Orange County." 

The constitution and by-laws having been sub- 
mitted to the convention were, after discussion and 
amendment, unanimously adopted. 

On motion. Dr. Everett, of Modena, Ulster Co., 
N. Y., was unanimously elected a member of the 
society. 

The society then went into an election of officers 
for the ensuing year, and the following gentlemen 
were duly elected : A. Gerald Hull, M.D., Newburgh, 
president; DeWitt C. Jayne, M.D., Florida, vice- 
president; Ira S. Bradner, M.D., Scotchtown, secre- 
tary and treasurer ; William A. M. Colbert, M.D., 
Newburgh, corresponding secretary. 

On motion, Drs. Hull and Culbert were appointed 
a committee to prepare an address to the public on the 
recent action of the County Medical Society in refer- 
ence to homfeopathy. 

The secretary was instructed to procure a book in 
which to record the proceedings of the society, and 
on motion the society adjourned to meet at Goshen 
on the second Wednesday of February, 1852, at 12 
o'clock noon. 

The minutes of the meeting were signed by Ira S. 
Bradner, secretary. 

The meetings of the society, as provided for in its 
by-laws, were to be held quarterly, on the second 
Wednesdays in November, February, May, and 
August. 



j At the annual meeting, held Nov. 10, 1852, at Go- 
shen, the by-laws were amended so as to read, " The 
association shall hold two regular meetings every 
year, one the second Wednesday in November, and 
one the second Wednesday in May each year, and at 
the meeting May 11, 1853, it was voted that the an- 
nual meeting be held the second Wednesday of Oc- 
tober each year. 

The society met the following October, and also on 
' May 10, 1854, after which time no meetings of the 
society were held until Jan. 11, 1870. From the 
latter date semi-annual meetings were held for about 
three years, and from 1878 until 1881 the society has 
met quarterly. 

The sessions of the society have been mostly at 
Newburgh, Goshen, Middletown, and Port Jervis, 
' and some of the later meetings have been held at the 
Homieopathic Asylum at Middletown. At the meet- 
ing held at Goshen, Oct. 8, 1873, on motion of Dr. 
Mitchell, the following bureaus were establislied : 
" Surgery," " Gynecology," " Materia Medica," " Prac- 
tical Medicine," " Psychological Medicine," and " Ob- 
stetrics," and the president at that and subsequent 
meetings ap])ointed a chairman to present a report 
upon each bureau at each succeeding meeting. 

From time to time papers were read by members of 
! the society bearing upon important topics, among 
I which were the following : " Occupation in its Rela- 
tion to Insanity," by Dr. Butler, in 1880 ; " Remedies 
for Delusion aad some Characteristics for many of 
them," by Dr. Talcott, April 13, 1880 ; " Melancholia 
with Stupor," by Dr. Talcott, Oct. 12, 1880 ; " Re- 
straint or Non-Restraint of the Insane," by Dr. Tal- 
cott, Jan. 11, 1881 ; " Cellulitis," by Dr. Kinney, Jan. 
11, 1881. 
' The following gentlemen have been elected and 
served as presidents of the society since its organiza- 
tion : Dr. A. Gerald Hull, 1852; Dr. J. W. Ostrom, 
1853; Dr. D. C. Jayne, 1851; Dr. C. M. Lawrence, 
1871 ; Dr. John J. Mitchell, 1873-75 ; Dr. J. W. Os- 
trom, 1876; Dr. C. M. Lawrence, 1877; Dr. J. W. 
Ostrom, 1878 ; Dr. Selden H. Talcott, 1879-80. 

Dr. Ira S. Bradner has been secretary and treasurer 
from 1852 to 1881, inclusive. 

The censors chosen by the society have been Henry 
R. Stiles, C. M. Lawrence, IraS. Bradner, J. T. Hotch- 
kiss, and J. J. Mitchell. 

The following have served as delegates to State 
Ilomceopathic Medical Society : A. Houghton, 1852 ; 
J. Temple Hotchkiss, 1870; CM. Lawrence, 1870; 
Jno. J. Mitchell, 1873 ; F. W. Seward, 1873 ; Fred. 
H. Bradner, 1875 ; J. W. Ostrom, 1877 ; Jno. J. Mit- 
chell, 1877. 

The following is a list of the membership in the 
order in which they have subscribed to the constitu- 
tion and by-laws of the society : 

J, W. Ostiom, DeWitl C. Jayue, .1. Temple Hotilikiss, Ira S. Bradner, C. 
M. Lawreiifp, A. Ili.ughtuu, W. A. M. Culbert, Tlieo. P. Knapp, .To- 
sepli Haslir.im-k, Freilerick W. Seward, C. P. Saxton, E. H. Nolile, 






(X^^^ ^^^^yrfc 




^^ 



MKDICAI. SoriKTIKH. 



183 



(•(KirKO K. KtM.ti', .Ui\iu .1. MItcl.i.ll, lloriry It. Hill™, Kr.-I. II, lliii'l- 
iiiir, Aitliiir M. Woiirlrnll, lliinry V. .Smllli. f.'liirerice M. C.iiiinl, 
0»or((« S<:h"li((cr, W, MoitIh liullor, A. 1', Mil lo.rinlrl, .MIm K.J. 
Plorce, T. (Firy, Hiililon II. Tiilir.ll, N. KnirnoiiH I'lilni!, Floyil I'. 
HIifMoll, Ali.liW) I'. Wimaninoii, (,'. H|/i!nc«r KIiim.v, MIm, .ImIIi. K. 
Ilnidiiur. 

DhvvittClinton' Javnk, M.D. — Tlu-Jiiyiictinnily 
ur<: of KiiKliHil orijfiii, tlie earlifest rcfircsentativc hav- 
ing been Kiiiiiiu:! Jayric, a wiflowcr, who inarrir'd after 
ruacliirig tlii.s county, and had by this marriage three 
noun and one daughter, all residing on Long I.fhmd, 
The latter afterwards beeaine Mrs. PhilliiiH, whose 
huHhand was the progenitor of tlic family of that j 
name who founded I'hiliipsburg, town of VV'allkill, 
Orange Co., N. Y. OrieoflheHonHata later period set- 
tled in Florida, Orange Co. Among Ids children was 
Samuel, who resided in I''lorida, married, and had j 
six sons and six daughters, of whom a son, Htephen, 
was united in marriage to Mi.ss Sarah, daughter of 
Beth Marvin, Ksq., of lilooming-Orove, whose family 
were intimately associateil with the war of the devo- 
lution. Mr. and Mrs. .Jayn(! were the parents of 
eight children, — Amelia, Lewis M., Charles M., 
Emily, Dewitt C, Maria, Beth M., and Harriet. Of 
this number Dewitt Clintfin, whose career is here [ 
briefly epitomized, wjis born in Floriila, Orange Co., 
Feb. fi, 1817. J I is boyhood was spent at the home of 
his father, where he pursued lii.s studies at tlie public 
school, and later repaired to the Montgomery Acad- 
emy at Montgomery, N. Y., and the Farmers' Acad- ; 
emy at Goshen, N. Y. Here he developed a tiwte 
for study and a power of application which contri- 
but<;d greatly Ui his success in afti,-r-years. 

Having deternjined upon a professional career, he 
in 18:54 entered the office of Dr. 8. B. Barlow, of 
Florida, as a student of medicine anrl continued with 
him until his enrollment in the Medical Department 
of Yale College, from wIkmicc he graduated in 1839. 
He chose the place of his nativity as a desirable field 
of labor, where Ik; has since that time r(^sided. Dr. 
Jayne immediately espoused the cause of liomojopathy, 
and meeting with somediffieultiea in the introduction 
of a new system of practice became for a time an ex- 
ponent of both schools of medicine. At a later 
piTiod his labors were; wholly devoted to the cause of 
homoopathy, of which he is now on<; of the leading 
representatives in the county. Dr. Jayne speedily 
entered upon an extended and lucrative practice. He 
at once established a reputation for skill in diagnosis 
and for untiring devotion to the interests of his 
jiatients. His coun.sel and experieni-e were at a later 
jieriod eagerly Hoiight by studerjts, many of whom 
began a successful medi'al career under his direction. 
Dr. Jayne wa« both jiresident and vice-president of 
the first hom'eopathic society organized in Orange 
(/'ounty, and continued an active member during it-s 
existence. He has been a member of the American 
histitute of Homieo[)athy since ]8()7, and was in 1872 
el<;cted a trustee of th(' Ktate Honueo|iathie Asylum at 
.Vliddletown, N. Y. He has also devoted himself 



with /.eiil to the public interests of lh(; county. He 
has filled the position of director of the (Joshen and 
Deckertown Kailroad sincf; its organization, and has 
been for thirty years identified with the Chaster Na- 
tional Bank a.s a director. The doctfjr's early politi- 
cal afliliations were with the Democratic party. He 
subseijuently became identified with tiie Hepublieans 
and W!is a member of the HUdi; Convention which 
met at Saratoga in 18.04, whose objed was the organi- 
zation of the party, and also of the Syracuse and 
Auburn Conventions of the same year. He is, how- 
ever, not a strong party man, and f're')uently independ- 
ent in the exercise of his franchise. He is a Presby- 
terian in his religious jireferences, and his family 
regular attendants upon the worshi|) of that church. 
Dr. Jayne wjis married Dec. 20, 1849, U> Miss Mary 
Augusta, daughter of Kdwin 1*. Seward, of Florida, 
and brother of Hon. William PL Seward, whose 
liirlh|)lace w;ls also Florida. 

J. W. OsTUO.M, M.D.— His fath(;r. Rev. James I. 
Ostrom, was born at l'lea.sant Valley, liuchess Co., 
N. Y., in November, 1761, and sjient his active life as 
a Presbyterian clergyman. 

He began his labors as a minister in the Presbyte- 
rian Church of Marlborough, L'lster Co., N. Y., in 
1810, where he remained, with great devotion to his 
calling, until 182!l, when hi; was called ti^j the Sal ina 
Presbyterian Church in Onondaga Co., N. Y., and 
preached for four years, thence to Little Falls for two 
years, and in 18.'5.'j returned to the Marlborough 
Church, where he remained until 18;{8, and for the 
following ten years was jjastor of a church in New 
York City. iJuring his pastorate there liis wife, who 
was a devoted Christian woman and a faithful helper 
in church work, died. This sad event so affected 
him tliat he gave uj) the ministry for a while, and 
resided in Goshen with his son. Dr. Ostrom, but be- 
coming restless under a seeming duty to follow the 
ministry, to which he had devoted his life, he ac- 
cepted a call from the New Windsor I'resbytcrian 
Church, where he labored until it seemed proper for 
him to retire from service there, on account of his 
earnest advocacy of the Union cause and supfiort of 
the princi|ili-s of freedom during the latecivil war. He 
married again and re,iiil(;d in Marlborough, where he 
first began his ministerial labors, until his death, which 
occurred in September, 1871. His first wife wan Eliza, 
daughter of Col. Joshua Ward, of I'lcasant Valley, 
who bore him the following chililren that grew to 
manhood and wiimanhood : .Adelia, wife of Mr. Hunt- 
ley, of Salina, N. Y. ; \)r, J. W. Ostrom, subject of 
this sketch ; James, for many years a merchant in 
New York; Harriet; and John, who died while jirc- 
paring for the ministry at college, in New York. 

Dr. J. W. Ostrom v/oh born July 10, 1814, in Marl- 
borough. His early education from books was re- 
ceived at till; common school, under the private in- 
struction of his uncle, Itev. Mr. Kniflin, of Little 
Falls, and at the Fairfield Academy, N. Y., at which 



184 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



latter place he was graduated. At the age of eigh- 
teen he began the study of medicine at Little Falls, 
with Dr. Arsenus Smith, and the same year attended 
a course of lectures at Castleton Medical College, 
Vermont. 

Being wholly dependent upon his own resources for 





i //lOJ^^^^^-^-^^ 



prosecuting his medical studies, he taught one term 
of school in Marlborough, and tlien engaged to attend 
a drug-store in New York, where he continued his 
studies with tlie proprietor, who was a physician. 
While there he was invited by Dr. Bedford, of that 
city, to attend his medical lectures at Peale's Museum, 
where he obtained the confidence of Dr. Bedford to 
such an extent for his devotion to study, and his de- 
termination to succeed, tluit he was invited to con- 
tinue his studies with that gentleman, until he was 
graduated at the College^of Physicians and Surgeons, 
in New York, in 1838. 

In the spring of 1839, Dr. Ostrom settled in the 
practice of his prbfession at Goshen, where by perse- 
verance and skill in the treatment of disease, and his 
care and sympathy for the afflicted, he soon won the 
confidence of a large circle of friends. 

A student of his profession, Dr. Ostrom followed 
the regular practice until 1849, when he began to in- 
vestigate the principles of iionid'opathy. Here he 
found a wide and interesting field for study, and be- 
coming convinced of its superior theory of practice 
and necessary results, in 1852 he entered regularly 



upon the practice of the new theory of medicine, 
which, although at first was received with doubts, 
soon wou the confidence of a respectable part of the 
community, and in a few years was successfully estab- 
lished with a large part of the intelligent reading 
and thinking jiublic. 

Dr. Ostrom was the first I'egularly settled physician 
of homojopathy in Orange County, one of the found- 
ers of the Orange County Homteopathic Medical So- 
ciety, of which he has been chosen president many 
times, and to his early practice of this new theory of 
medicine is largely traced the origin and early history 
of homeopathy in this part of the State. 

Besides his connection with the Orange County 
medical societies, he has been chosen for four years in 
succession, beginning with 1877, a delegate to the 
State Medical Society. 

His acknowledged skill as a physician, his long 
continuous practice at Goshen, his liberal views en- 
tertained towards those who differ with him in the 
theory and practice of medicine, his care of and devo- 
tion to his patients, his safe aud judicious counsel, often 
outside of his regular ride, have made his name widely 
known throughout the county aud State, as among 
the first physicians of his day. 

He married in December, 1840, Emily I., daughter 
of Dr. Eleazer Gedney, of Newburgh, who died March 
24, 1879, aged sixty-three years. The children born 
of this union are Charlotte, wife of Dr. Clarence 
Conant, of Middletown ; Gunning B., a merchant in 
Goshen ; Eliza, wife of William Vauamee, a lawyer of 
Middletown ; Annie, wife of Rev. Henry A. Dowes, of 
Middletown ; and Hiram Irwin, a graduate of the 
New York Homieopathic Medical College, and a 
practicing physician in New York City. 

Dr. Ostrom's present wife is Emma Gertrude, widow 
of the late Edgar T. Lu Gar, of New York, and 
daughter of Prof. L. A. Benjamin, of that city, whom 
he married April 26, 1881. 

Dii. William A. M. Culbert is a native of New 
York City, and was born Nov. 4, 1822. During his 
earlier years he resided in the city and enjoyed the 
benefits of excellent educational training at the private 
schools of the period. He subsequently entered the 
Academic De]iartnient of the University of the City of 
New York, at which institution he was graduated on 
June 12, 1841, receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
Arts. Three years later he received the Master's de- 
gree. 

After the termination of his academical course 
only a brief interval elapsed before Dr. Culbert com- 
menced his medical education. He entered the office 
of Prof. Valentine Mott as a student of medicine, 
and the year following was matriculated in the medi- 
cal department of the university of which he was an 
alumnus. After completing the three years' course 
of prescribed studies he received the degree of Doctor 
of Medicine on March 11, 1846. He soou after set- 
tled in Brooklyn and entered upon the practice 'of his 



MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 



185 



profession, meeting witli a degree of success that was 
very encouraging. His friend, A. Gerald Hull, M.D., 
n distinguished physician of New York, had recently 
withdrawn from practice and settled in Newburgh to 
recover his health, greatly impaired by hard work in 
his profession. By this gentleman Dr. Culbert was 
urged to remove to Newburgh also, and this, after 
consideration, he finally resolved to do. Accordingly 
on Nov. 8, 1847, he arrived in that city and took 
rooms in the United States Hotel, where he immedi- 
iitely opened an office, entering almost from the be- 
ginning upon a good practice, which in time becairie 
extensive and lucrative, and included many of the 
most desirable families of the vicinity. 

Dr. Culbert waa married on Oct. 12, 1852, to Miss 
Henrietta, daughter of Robert and Louisa A. Powell, 
and granddaugliter of Thomas Powell who was then 
in the enjoyment of a vigorous old age. Since his 
marriage the doctor has occupied the residence corner 
of Grand and Second Streets, with his wife and son, 
Francis R Culbert, in the enjoyment of a high de- 
gree of profesaioiia! success. For twenty years so 
closely confined was he that he was scarcely absent 
from the duties of his profession as many days in all 
as that number of years. His practice demanded his 
full time, and so incessant were his labors that at 
last health began to yield and rest became impera- 
tively necessary, This he took in 1870, and .again in 
1871, several months of each year traveling in Europe 
and visiting many of the medical institutions of tlic 
countries through which he passed. 

Besides occupying the position of an intelligent and 
successful phy.sician in the community in which he 
has passed so many years of his life, Dr. Culbert is 
also recognized as one of the leading citizens of New- 
burgh, performing in a plain, modest, dignified, and 
courteous mannerthe various social duties that devolve 
upon him. AVhile taking an active interest in the 
public events of the day, and in the local enterprises 
of th ■ city, he has been prevented by the pressure of 
professional duty from participating in political or 
public life. 

Ira S. Bkadnki!, M.D., is a lineal descendant from 
Mcv. .John BradiuT, a native of Scotland, the first 
Presbyterian pastor of Goshen, who settled there in 
1721, and died in 1732. 

His father, Thomas Wickham Bradner, was boin 
and resided in the town of Goshen, Orange Co., where 
he was a farmer during his active business life. He 
was a promoter of the interest of the Orange County 
Agricultural Society, of which he was a member, pro- 
gressive in his ideas of the development of the indus- 
tries of the county, and a thorough-going business 
man. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Presbyterian Church at Goshen, of which he served 
for many years as elder. 

His wife, Susan Smitii, bore him the follov.'ing chil- 
dren who reached manhood and womanhood: M''il- 
liam Fisk, succeeded to the homestead farm and there 
13 



died ; Eliza, became the wife of David Redfield, a 
merchant of Goshen, where she died ; Dr. Ira S., sub- 
ject of this sketch ; Rev. Thomas Scott, graduated at 
Princeton College, and is a Presbyterian clergyman 
at Glen Cove, L. I. ; Harriet, died unnuuried ; Harvey, 
was a farmer iji Goshen, and there died ; Susan Emily, 
is the wife of .Joseph Young, ofGoshen ; and Caroline. 

Many membersof the Bradner family have made the 
medical profession their life work, and several have 
been identified with the practice of medicine in Orange 
County. 

Dr. Ira S. Bradner was bora in the town of Goshen, 
June 2, 1820. He received his preparatory course of 
education at Farmers' Hall Academy, Goshen, en- 
tered Princeton College, from which he was graduated 
with the usual honors in the class of 1840. 

After his graduation he began the study of medi- 
cine with Dr. .1. W. O.strom, ofGoshen, attended two 
courses of medical lectures at the Medical Department 
of the University of New York, from which he was 
graduated in 1843. 

He first settled 'in practice at Scotchtown, Orange 
Co., wliere, by his professional skill, perseverance, 
care, and devotion to his patients, he .soon won the 
confidence of the community and esteem of his fellow 
associates of the profession. While in New York 
purchasing medical books to replenish his library, 
about 1850, Dr. Bradner, through curiosity alone to 
know what it contained, purchased among other 
books the " Hahnemann (Jrganon," the study of 
which soon convinced him of the superiority of its 
theory of the practice of medicine, and gradually he 
began to adopt the new practice. So successful was 
he in the treatment of dlfRcult cases by this method, 
that although a member of the Orange County Medi- 
cal Society, and already inducted into a successful 
practice in the old school of medicine, he resolved to 
adopt the new theory, which he accordingly did about 
1852. 

He remained at Scotchtown until 1857, when he 
settled at Middletown. where he has since continued 
the duties of his jirofcssion. 

Upon the organization of the Homiro[iathic Medi- 
cal Society of Orange County, on Nov. 12, 1.851, in 
which Dr. Bradner took an active part, Dr. A. G. Hull 
was chosen president. Dr. DeWittC. Jayne, vice-presi- 
dent, Dr. Bradner, secretary and treasurer, and Dr. 
Wm. L. Culbert, corresponding secretary. 

Dr. Bradner has not only officiated as secretary and 
treasurer of the .society since, a period of twenty-nine 
years, but has frequently contributed valuable statis- 
tics, and ably discussed medical topics before the 
society, in which his counsel has always commanded 
the confidence of his |)rofessional brctlinn fur candor, 
frankness, ar.d practical utility. 

Dr. Bradnci', and a few other medical men of Orange 
County, are the founders of hoiiKcopathic practice in 
the county, and to them alone is due the credit and 
honor of having met the obstacles incident to the 



186 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



introduction of this new tlieory and its successful es- 
tablishment here. 

Dr. Bradner was the first settled honia'opathic phy- 
sician in Middletown, and is one of the oldest prac- 
titioners of medicine in the county. 

In 1863, Dr. Bradner was appointed assistant sur- 
geon of the Fifty-sixth Regiment New York Volun- 
teers, under Gen. Van Wyck, and remained with the 
regiment while stationed on Saybrook Island, and at 
Beaufort, S. C., and just before the close of the war 
he received the appointment of surgeon of the same 
regiment. 

His wife is Sarah Jane, daughter of John G. and 
Susan (Bronson) Houston, of Scotehtown, whom he 
married Oct. 5, 1843. She was born July 18, 1819. 

Their children are Julia E., graduated at the 
Women's Medical College and Hospital in New York 
in 1878, and is a successful practitioner in Middle- 
town ; Susan, is the wife of Odell Hathaway, of New- 
burgh ; Fred. H., born Oct. 6, 1849, graduated at a 
homa'opathic college in New York, and afterwards 
practiced medicine in Middletown until his death, in 
January, 1880 ; John Fremont, was graduated at the 
Albany Law School, and is a lawyer and ])olice jus- 
tice at Middletown; and Isabella G. 

Charles M. Lawrexie, M.D. — The Lawrence 
family are of German extraction, Jacob Lawrence, 
the progenitor of the family in America, having, at 
the age of eighteen and previous to the war of the 
Revolution, emigrated from Alsace, Germany, to his 
adopted country. Mr. Lawrence, soon after his ar- 
rival, became impressed with the justice of the cause 
of the colonies, and enrolled his name as one of their 
defenders, serving with much credit at the battle of 
Trenton, where he was captain of the guard. He was 
on this occasion honored with the confidence of the 
commander-in-chief, whose intention to cross the Del- 
aware was known only to his council of war and to 
Mr. Lawrence. He served during the contlict, and at 
its tlose became a resident of Philadelphia, having 
previously been located at Red Bank, N. J. Mr. Law- 
rence had three sons, Jacob, James, and Charles, the 
latter of whom was the father of Charles M., the sub- 
ject of this biography, and was born in Philadelphia, 
where the early years of his life were passed. 

The practical education which laid the foundation 
of a subsequent successful career was obtained at the 
public schools of the city, after which he acquired the 
trade of a rope-maker. This was pursued for years 
with his accustomed vigor, and at a later period his 
business interests became identified with those of his 
brother Jacob. 

Mr. Lawrence's political predilections may be de- 
scribed as those of an Old-Line Whig, while his faith 
sympathized with the belief of the " Christians." He 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary De Flood, to 
whom two children — James and Charles M. — were 
born. The death of Mr. Lawrence occurred in 1845, 
in his fifty-sixth year, his wife's demise having taken 



place in 1826. Charles M. Lawrence was born in 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1822, where his early years were 
spent in study. A desire to engage in active business 
prompted him to remove to New York, where he be- 
came a druggist. Determining to enter one of the 
professions, he began the study of medicine in 1847, 
and graduated in the class of 1849-50 from the !Medi- 
cal Department of the University of the City of New 
York, having for two years previously engaged in 
practice in New York under the direction of his pre- 
ceptor, Lyman Fisk, M.D., in whose ofiice he spent 
four years. 

He soon after relinquished business pursuits and 
devoted himself exclusively and with much ardor to 
the practice of medicine in New York, having mean- 
while become an exponent of the homceopathic school. 
He was appointed in 1849 to the care of the Thir- 
teenth Ward Station-House during the cholera epi- 
demic, and the following year removed to Port Jervis. 

Dr. Lawrence has been twice married ; first, to Miss 
Margaret Holmes, of Bridgeton, N. J., who was the 
mother of four children, — Emma, wife of Edgar Van 
Etten, of Port Jervis; Carrie J., wife of D. J. Pierce, 
of the same place ; Holmes ; and Charles, who is de- 
ceased. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1S65, and in 1868 he 
was again married, to Miss Agnes L., daughter of 
Alexander Turner, of Scotch descent. To them were 
born two children, — Fred. M. and Agnes Houseman. 
Dr. Lawrence is a member of the State Homceopathic 
Society, and president of the Orange County Homoeo- 
pathic Society. He has manifested during his resi- 
dence in Port Jervis a deep interest in its educational 
institutions, and has been for successive years presi- 
dent of the board of education. 

Dr. Lawrence during the late Rebellion warmly 
espoused the cause of the Union, and was instru- 
mental in organizing the first company of volunteers. 
He has, notwithstanding his extended and lucrative 
practice, found time to devote to the interest of the 
community and the State. The doctor is in politics 
a Liberal Republican. His religious affinities are 
those of the Reformed (Dutch) faith, of which church 
he is an active and consistent member. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

THE PRESS OF ORANGE COUNTY. 

Printing, both of newspapers and books, had a 
comparatively early introduction in Orange County. 
The first newspaper printed in New York City was 
issued Oct. 16, 1725, and fifty years later there was 
none north of the Highlands. During the Revolu- 
tion, Samuel Louden followed the retreating footsteps 
of the Continental forces from New York to Fishkill 
with his AVfc York Packet, but at best it was an 
army and not a local newspaper. The war closeil in 





'k^.^^S-i^^^ 



<^.^J^ 



5,,Wp^ 



THE I'llESS OF ORANGE COUNTY. 



187 



1783, and five years later a newspaper press was 
established at Goshen,- — The (ioshi-n Repository, — and 
twelve years later there was a nows])aper press — The 
Newhun/h Puchet — and hook printing at Ncwl)Urgh. 
Specimens of these pioneer ])ublieations compare fav- 
orably with any printed in New York at that time; 
while " An Apology for the Bible," by K. Watson, 
D.D., F.R.S., printed by David Denniston, at New- 
burgh, in 179fi, is exceedingly credital)le in typo- 
graphical execution and binding. That there has 
been a wide departure from this primitive equality, 
both in newspaper and book printing, is evident 
enough. ' Capital, machinery, and the ficilities of 
communication are preponderatingly in favor of the 
cities in all avocations, and especially in jirinting; 
nevertheless, the newspaper press of Orange County 
maintains — and has maintained during the nneipial 
struggle through which ithasi)assed — a high standard 
of merit. 

The history of the newspaper press of the c(mnty 
cannot now be written. In their eiirly stages news- 
papers represented men to a greater extent tlian they 
do now. They were maiidy either literally the "or- 
gans" of agreeing politicians, who j)urchased and 
" set them up," or of individuals in a less aggregated 
sense, in whose hands they became the substitute for 
the pamphlet in reaching the jiublic ear. In some 
instances they were private ventures. With full files 
and a thorough investigation the influences which 
brought many of them into being might be traced in 
some cases, and the writer be able to say, with an 
early penman, " Which means, through the columns 
of that paper, Judge Booth ! Judge Booth I" l)ut as 
a whole the in<iuiry would not lie protital)le. Sufficient 
for the purposes of this work are such details as have 
tangible record. 

THE PRESS OF GOSHEN. 

The Goshen Beposifoi-i/ was established by David 
Mandeville and David M. Westcott, at the Academy, 
in Goshen, in 1788. In 1793 its office was near the 
court-house. In 1800 it was sold to John G. and 
William Heurtiu, who changed its name to The 
Orange Count;/ Patriot. In 1801, William Heurtin 
sold his interest to Gabriel Denton. In 180;{, Denton 
sold to William A.. Carpenter, and its name was 
changed to The Friend of Truth. In 1804, Ward ]\I. 
Gazlay became its proprietor, and changed its name 
to The Orange Eagle. In 1805 its materials were 
destroyed by fire, and Mr. Gazlay removed to New- 
burgh. 

The Orange County Catp^^c was commenced at Goshen 
in 1S04 by Galtricl Denton, who took its name from 
an extinct Newburgh paper. Elliott Hopkins, pub- 
lisher, 1807; Elliott Hopkins & Co., 1811; Elliott 
Hopkins, 1812; F. J. & A. D. Houghton, 1813; 
" printed and published for the proprietor" in 1818. 
Its subsetpient history is unknown. 

The Orange County Farmer was established at Go- 



shen in 1820 by Williams & Farrand. How long it 
was continued has not been ascertained. Its founders 
were graduates of the AUxiny Ploiv-Boy establish- 
ment, and aimed to conduct a general news and agri- 
cultural paper. Samuel Williams, the a.ssociate of 
Mr. Farrand, died at Rondout, June 16, 1878, in his 
ninetieth year, and at the time of his death was said 
to have been the oldest printer in the State. He was 
for forty years a member of the Baptist communion. 
The Orange County Patriot and Spirit of Seventy- 
Sir was commenced at Goshen, by Gabriel Denton, in 
1808. Lewis & Crowell purchased it and removed 
it to Newburgh, where it was published as " a new- 
series" in 1811. T. B. Crowell was the publisher in 
1812, and professed to hold its columns "open to all 
parties" but to be " influenced by none." It was again 
at Goshen in 1822, Mr. Crowell proi)rietor, and was 
subsequently sold to K. C. S. Hendrie. Feb. 22, 1834, 
Hendrie sold to F. T. Parsons, who changed its name 
to Goshen Denioerat. Charles Mead became the asso- 
ciate of Mr. Parsons in 1842. Nathaniel Webb suc- 
ceeded Mr. Parsons, and the firm became Mead & 
Webb, and, after the death of Mr. Wel^b, Charles 
Mead & Son. Mr. Hendrie started the True Whig in 
1843, and after continuing it two years sold it to 
Mead & Webb, who changed their newspaper title to 
Goshen Democrat and Whig. After Mr. Webb's death, 
Mr. Mead dropped the Whig and resumed the title of 
Goshen Democrat. As the name of (Jabriel Denton 
will not again be met in connection with the Goshen 
j press, of which he was so industrious a founder, it may 
be stated here that his last years were spent in the Or- 
ange County poor-house. He certainly deserved a 
better fate. 

The Orange County Republican, " volume one, num- 
ber one, Montgomery, May 6, 18()(!. Published for 
the Proprietors by Cyrus Beach and Luther Pratt," 
is a transcript of the imprint of a paper published in 
Montgomery, or, as some writers say, " at Ward's 
Bridge," which was the title of the first post-office in 
Montgomery, and so called from the fact that it 
was located and kept at James Ward's grist-null, 
where he had thrown a bridge across the Wallkill, 
constituting it one of the most convenient locations 
for the delivery of mail-matter. Who the proprietors 
were is explained in its issue of June 9, 1800, in which 
it says, " Money was advanced in eipial shares by 
twenty-four patriotic citizens of this county, consist- 
ing chiefly of respectable farmers, and mostly inhab- 
itants of the town of Montgomery." Notices of meet- 
ings of the proprietors frequently appear in its files. 
From the first it claimed to be an Independent Repulj- 
lican journal, — one which was prepared to admit that 
there was some honesty among Federalists, but one 
that was bitterly opposed to DeWitt Clinton and 
what would now be called the " ring," which con- 
trolled the then Republican organization. In 1812, 
January 18th, Luther Pratt being the publisher, its 
title was changed, for the evident purpose of more 



18S 



IIIS'l'OllV Oh' ()l!A.\(;i'; COIIN'I'V, M'lU' VOUK, 



clciirly i]iilii;;il.iii(,' il.H cliiLrucli'r, to Jik/ijuiii/iii/ Hrpith- 
llriiii. .liuilcH A. (JlK^om.'y lietiiliu'. Rm \n<>\<\'u-U<v in 
IHIH, liy wlioili it wan rcliKiVi'il to (loiln^ii moiih- tiinii 
iilioiit 1H22, wlinri! lit; coiMiiiiMMl il until IH.'ili, wln^n 
\w mill! to llcMiy II. Villi Uyrli. W'lirli till' IllltiM- 
wiiw cliM'tiMJ to tin; Hliilt; Scimtc in \KW,, luid in wliirli 
he Hul-vcil IVoiii lH;t7 to IMIO, In; wild il to Victor M . 
I>nilt(!, wlio Imd |ii'cvi(niHly Immmi iiHHO(!iiilc;(l with him 
ill lis piililli'iillon. Mr. Driiki! Mold to Mohuh Swo/.ey 
in IHIl, who Hidd to Chii-li <V Mmitiuiyi; in IH-IO. 
.liinic'rt.I. McNiilly iinrrhimcd In I «.''>.'(, and Hold to I. 
V. Moiitiinyc' in I.H,'i7. Mr. MitNiilly rcpiiiTlmHcd 
IViMii Mr. Montiinyi-, and «old to 10. M. Itnttciili(;nind 
II. I". Kiinlicr in LSill). II. I'. Kiinlicr (MMiliiiniMJ it 
iiiilil I.H":!, wlii'ii hi! Hold to 'I'lionuiH I'. Mid'',lratli, 
wlio Mold lo I. \ . Montanyi', itn |iri;n(;iil proprietor. 
W'hih- inolilic in (diaiiKi'H of propriftorn, tin; iiapcr 
has niiiintainccl m nniMiMlcnt political coui-mu Miiici- 
IHli-l, whrii niodiiN poliliiiil piirticM wcri! Iciiuidcd 
under Jacl^Hon, and laiily won, in days aiiti^rior to 
]«Ki, tho lith; ot "Ihc liildcot the KraMHc County 
Drinocrmy." 

The. Dniiurra/ir Sluiiiliinl wax Hlartrd al (loslicn in 
Novcinlicr, IK-l.'!, hy Vail .t Donovan, iih an opponent 
of the ./irj>iih/lriiii, or rather ol' tin; jiarties wliieh il 
reprCMlillted, ll piiM^rd lo Ihc liands ol lleclor \';iil 
in lH4'l,who ehiinijcd il^ iiMine lo lloslim C/iiiinii. Il 
wiiH a MpiriU^d '• Imriilainicr" paper, lail under tin; 
nainion of the 1 )enioerati(; party ils voealimi wan 
iimt. In IKI'.t itM MiilpHcriiilion IIhI wiih initrged in the 
fH(tc/>i:ii(lriil Jir/iu/iUriui,' ami ilH materlalH were taken 
(,o New Millord, J'a., hy dohn M. Heller, and with 
Mieiii .laniiiH J. McNally Htarlcd tlu; Mi/ford Jkrald. 
Ill IK.VJ, (hiring the " hard-Hliell" and " Mort-Hlicll" 
ru|)tiirit in the Denioeratie party, tliu Drmoiralir lii:- 
fiinin- was .started at (io«heii an a " hoCI-hIicU" organ 
under the niiinaneinent of A. (J. 'I'neker. After a 
fthorl life ilH inaleriaU and HiihHeri|)tion pasMcii to the 
Jmlr/,n„lri,l /{r/iiih/irnn, i>\' whieli .laiiieH J. McNally 
wan I lien I lie proprieliM'. 

It'nnii reeolhtelioiiH hy Victor M. Drake, now tlic 
•jldoMt priiiti'r in tliii eoiinly, we learn that " David 
JM. VVcstcott wiiM a praelieiil printer and edilor, who 
Hervcd a portion ol' Iuh lime in lieiijaiiiin l''raid;lin'H 
ul<l prilltillK-oHico in I'hihidelpliia, tlioiiKli, of eoiir«e, 
not under I'Vaiiklin'M inartlerMliip. He wiw liorn in 

• Mr. Niillmuhil Villi, "I' (i"»li(Mi, Mup|.llim llii. li)ll..»liiK lulllll il |n.i ■ 

llrularn III liilcTOIliu! lu lllo Ht<iii<hird iiIkI 111" CImiuii : 

*' III Ni'VollllHtl', IH4:l, WIIH I'olllllioiiri^d 111 (Jtidlmll llll' lilll'llriillull t.l llii) 
liiiw«lm|>ur klluwii ll« III" Dmiorialir HUimlmil. Il> r.|lll.ii» W"i" T. W. 
Iluiiuviiii mill II. Villi. (Ill 111" |.Uli of .lull" "f 111" l..lluwliiK yciir lloii- 
uviiii K'lln.il. mill III" |ill|i"l' iippi'liiwl Willi 11 11"" Im.|"I-IIiu dii'Un, 
<..'(.ir(-/ii-iiiiil li"i:iilii" 11 ' fnt".«"ir |.iil.ll.;ial"ii. Tli" Ii.ii.IIhk l.i.iil lli'iiin. 
Olliln i.r 111" •«..ri.»li"ir m- 'l.urii.lnilM"!' |«illl»li "I 111" lil'lly "11" »"l" 

KllnllillilliK Mm I..||il l«" W"l" I Iilll» I.. Villi, .\«i II. .lull Iillll"« II. 

.J„li luliii II. Il.inlh, mill ll..i'liir Villi, iif lliml , M"rill. II.eiiMli.of 

Alliil»liiU,iiliil Fl'iilidiiTlltlilll, 111 (lliiiKtiir. .Imln" llimlli liillliiK In IHIfi, 
Ih" |iiililliiiilloiiil"v.ilvi"l(iii 111" Viillh, aiidiMi lli"ili.|illi lit l,"li|j|ii« I.,, Ill 
I8.III (wliimo lialiui liiul lii'"ll ""llBlmilly ill II" Iniml), III" y"llllgi'"t "xniiii- 
<i,r .ll«"iiV"rliiK lliiitli" liiiil "X|i"iiiliiil ii|iwiii'il" nt tw"iit.v-llv" liiiiiiliuil 

<lulliiri. Ill 111" |iiil.ll"iiliiin, l""U »l"|i" I" illwuiill Ml" wiiii", wlildi wim 

.iltiTlml .lull" I'l, mill," 



('oriiwiillol hiiiiilije p:iieiil:i;je, mill in eiiiiy lifeap- 
preiitieed lo ii fiirmei', and aflerwarilH learned llie 
priiitcr'H I lade. 1 1 in wife wan tiie daUf.diter of l)r. 
(Joe dale, one of the early MCtllerH of (limheii, hy whom 
he had live daiijiliteiH and liiree hoiih, -Mandevillc, 
.Mathan, and Williiiin. Nathan wiw clerk of tiic 
loiinly from IXI-l to IH.'i,"), David M. Westcott wan 
nol only a jjood pnietieal printer, liiit a (;ooil iiier- 
cliaiit and farmer, an alile eililor, and a IriiHtworthy 
puhlie Hervaiil, Hi'rving an eoiinly elerk in 1815 and 
1821, iSlate Mcnator 18;jl-;i4, inemlier of .\nHemhly in 
1828, and (illed many other HtalionM of honor and 
triiMt. He acted as edilor of the liiiltinjiilriil- Hi'imhlA- 
fitii for a Ion;; time alhr Mr. (Jheeney wiim Hlruck 
down uitli paraly-iH. I have repiialcdly called him 
from lii" lahor upon his larm lo write editoriaU for 
the llrjiiililiriiii, lor Miieli uas ihe high Hlate of party 
feeling that llie puhlie uonld Irir-t no other man than 
' lilllc Dave W'esteott' with the reHpoiiHihiJity of 
editing that pajier in critical (deetioii tiinen. The 
next two gentlemen of diHtinetion connected with the 
thmlien presH were Hon. Henry H. Van J)yek and 
Hon. William H. Wright. Itolli of thcHC gentlemen 
were printeis and editorH of high literary ahilily. 
Van Dyek wan a native of Kinderhook, and waH Mcnt 
lo (iomIkmi I'roni Alhany to Hiicec(!d Mr. (Jheeney. I 
lived Hcvcn yeaiH witli Mr. (Jheeney, and Hcrved four 
years in the ErpuUican oflice with Van Dyek. Judge 
Wright wiiH a native of Newhiirgh, and learned print- 
ing under Ward M. (ia/.hiy. While Mtiidying law al 
(JoMhen he waH thiMMJitor of Mr. lleiidrie'H Triiv W/iii/. 
I remained in the J{r//ulj/iciiii olliee for a period of 
four years as edilor and proprietor after Mr. Van 
Dyek was elecled Memitor. During my iidminiMtra- 
lion the ' Hard ( 'ider' eaiiipaign of 1840 was fought, 
and prior to that wan tiie local struggle to locate tiie 
ICaslern J)ivisi<>n of the ICrie Uailroad. In IK 11, my 
ollii'c was liiirned up and everything hut my hooks 
lost. l''or the lime lieing I was completely hroke, 
Wiiile the live liiindred ilollars insurance policy waa 
pending, I took rooin.s in the third story of the old 
court-hoiiHe, and through the generosity of Mr. I'ar- 
soiis, of the Dniinrriit, I was enahlcd to issue the AV- 
piihlicii.il. in a half-sheet form. Jii the mean lime 
Lewis (.'nddeliack, ilolierl Denniston, and Nathaniel 
.IiincH, our ineniliers of the Legislature, made U|) u 
liiiiiilreil ilollars for me, and with the aid of a llve- 
hnndreddollar note diseouiiled hy (iilherl (>. l''owler 
al the Highland iiank in Newhiirgh, I was (uiabled 
to gel on my feet again, and hring out the /ir/iii/i/ii'nu 
in Ijctler shape tliaii ever lielore. I aflerwiirds .sold 
out my hiisincss, and on settling up found 1 had live 
thousand ilollars left, which I invesled in llie hriek 
hiiilding opposile the ( ioslien (tank. Having stipii- 
laled neilhcr lo print nor edit any more newspapers 
in Orange ( bounty, I emigrated to New .Jersey, wliero 
J s|ienl a good many years in the newspaper liiisineHS, 
aci|iiiring, however, more honor than profit. In IKIM 
I relunied lo I liaii;;e ( 'oniity, and during three ytiiirs 



TIIK I'llKSS OK OUANOI-: COUNTY. 



189 



Huccecdin^;, au'l wliiK- tin- lo 



l.nUir 



Wiix uiiilcr 



I'liarp;*; of Mr. MrNiilly, iia'l Irci; iimcoI' itH coliitiitiH to 
urge tlic W;illl<ill Valley lt:iilroiicl iiroject upon tlic 
iiUi'iilion of till' |)iil)|ji'. I iiiiglit iujii licrc that iny 
liitlier, ItiiriiH Driike, livc'd iioixlilior to 'I'imotliy H. 
Crowell, proprietor of the old Oruiicjr. ('(luntij I'afriid 
a/iil ,S/ilri/. of Si'viiiilij-Sir, iirid it wiiH in Mi'. Crowell'M 
o(Ii(;e tlmt I lirHt leanieil to H<!t type." 

On(' of the njetliodM of eirciiliitinj.'' newM|)a|)ern in 
early tiincH wiw by wlial were ealled jioHt-riderH, vvlio 
would convey tlie paper« to HuhnerilierH, in Hornc caneH 
carryiiij; a route from OoHheii to Newliiirgli of Goshen 
inHue, and returning witii Newburgli insueH. It wuh a 
moMl interiwtingHerviee viitwed from tlieHland-pointof 
present faeiliticn for reaidjing piitioiix (hrougli tiie 
mailH. Coming into \\m: before llje ihiyM of a poMl- 
otlice HyMtcni, it came to In; lileiuliMl with it, the mail- 
carrier and the pout-rider being freipiontiy one and 
the name piTHon. Thin method of tranKaeting biisinoHH 
Ik shown by the follovviiig advertisenKwit : 

"Imi'imitant Nkwm. — ThoHc purtiuiiN III IJlMttM- 1111(1 OratiKo, who tiuvo 
b»uii MnpplyiKl witli the iimwv.ti Hi'.i'ohituiiy, by tin* HiifpNcrlbitr, urn In- 
foMiiHrl lliul Urn |il'(tM<!iit |m[M)r r:(ili)lil('li-H uiin your hIiicc hn liiut nidti poHt. 
11(1 w1hIi(!h thoHd Koiitloiiioii who uro In rtrruur, U) niiiku iniyiiiotit lui mxjii 
AH pdMitlbId, lut liU (inKUKcnidriln mIiIi thu lirlnt(M' oMl^pt lillil to oxfict tlio 
niont piincliml Hidlbtlnolibt fur tlin liutt yvnr'n [iitjK-iH. TboNd who find It 
iniiHt (.-(jiivoiilorit, limy biiivd tlm iiKiiicy ii( tlio jiIiumi wIkh'o liiiilr iiiiporH 

urn llifl. JONATOAN ilKI.OMKK. 

"Fmi. -l, niil." 

Noiili ( !;irpciiti,'r was aiiotlier jiohI -rider ; he was also 
tt niail-earrier. Jle was a liime shoemaker, and lived 
at the Iwo-iiiile stone on Ihe La Orange road. "Jle 
was a Minn of n high i|i'f.'ri'i' of iiilelligenee, of strict 
moral cliiinu'ler, and highly resperted wlu'rever 
known. Jlis route was froiii (ioshiii to liloomiiig- 
burgh, and tlirough tin; towns of VVavvayanda, Green- 
ville, MiniHink, and Warwick, lie was," says Mr. 
iJrake, "a comiiiiiiiii'aiit of Ihe I'rcsbytcrian (Jiuircli, 
and lived an unsullied life by never being a (candidate 
Cor ollico. Through the intercourse with the peojile 
which his occupation gave him, he became oni; of the 
most respected and iii/lui^ntial men In Ihe county. 
Clergymen, politicians, lawyers, and iirofessional men 
early learned to pay due respect to his opinioiiH. For 
months together be would be the only iiuiii fnmi the 
outsid(! world who was seen in ninny neighboriioods, 
and his coming was an event that was greijted with 
pleasure. All kinds of business was intrnsled to him, 
— deeiU to be recorded, money to be collected, notes 
to be paid, and store-goods to bo purchased. Wells, 
wlien he inlrodiieed the exfiress business, had not far 
to go for his idea, — it was but the (tontinnaiice of the 
old post-rider system under iiiiolher name. When 
Hector (Vaig gave the only elccloral vote from the 
State of New York, in the Klecloral (Jollege of iKlil, 
ho was sustained by Noah Carpcnler, and that was 
enough." . I 

I'erliaps Iherc were other post-riders ci|nally worthy 
of notice; but our piirjiose is served by what has been 
written. 



ViOTOU M. Dl'.AKi; was born at Milfoni, I'a., .Mnnb 
20, 1 81. 3. His father \\n-< ItiifiiM ./., a son of I'Vancis 
Drake, of lilooming-Grovc, the Goshen Ilrakes being 
among the oldest in the county ; and all his ancestors 

1 by the name of Drake lived in Goshen or Chester 
from the beginning of tlie seventeenth century. His 
great-grandfather, .foseph Drake, Wiis supposed to bo 
a lineal descf^ndant of Sir Francis Drake, of Kngland, 
who died in that country in I7!H. His grandfather, 
Francis Drake, had nine children by his three wives, 
his father, Rnfii-' .). I)inke, being the only one in the 
male line by the la^t will;, Rebecca Clark. IIi4 
mother's name was Khoda I'i(;rson, who was a daugh- 
ter of RaiJicI IJiill, whose mother was a DeWitt, anil 
sister of Mary DeWitt, DcWitt Clinton's mother. 
Thus Mr. Drake is descended from the earliest si'ttlers 
of the county by four did'erent lines, — the Drakes, 
Picrsons, Bulls, and DeWitts, — all of whom were dis- 
tinguished for their devotion to the cause of the colo- 
nies at the time of their separation from the Knglish 
crown in 177<i. ilis grandfather, Francis Drake, was 
taken prisoner when Fori Montgomery was captured 
by the Ilritish in 1770. He served in Col. Drake's 
regiment. Ca))t. Ooiiisiid Drake, of Goshen, was a 
distinguished patriot and friend of Henry Wisner, 
who championifd thi; Uevolntionary cause in Congress 
in 1770, and the first congn^ssiiiaii that rc|)resented 
Orange County. His father, Uufiis .1. Drake, served 
two years in the army as a volunteer in the Kighty- 
tirst Pennsylvania Regiment in the war of 1813. He 
died jioor in 1828, leaving a widow and five children, 
— two sons Jind three daughters. His mother, Rhoda 
Piitrson Drake, dicii in 1801) ; niid iliiriiij^' the thirty- 
eight years she remained his widow she uniformly de- 
elinoil to apply to tlu; government for a pension. 
Victor M. Drake's life has been spent mainly in 
Orange Co., N. Y., and the adjacent county of Sussex, 
N. .1. At the age of eleven years ho was placed in 
a printing-ollice, where he received about the only 
schooling that he ever obtained. He served eleven 
years in the ollicc of the linlcjiinidunt RqmljUriin in 
llic viirioiis capacities of apprentice, jouriicyinan, 
editor, and proprii^tor. In IX-fO be removed to Sus- 
sex Co., N. ./., settling in Newton, where he was con- 
nected with the Nni) Jtrncii JfiTdlil until 1871 in the 
capacities ol' n^jiorter, editor, mid proprietor. During 
his (;arly connection with this paper it became an 
induentird journal in llic polities oi' New .Jersey, and 
had a direct infliiriiii' in procuring the nomination 
and (dection of four Governors of the State, — vi/.., 
Daniel Haines, of Sussex ; George F. l'"ort, of Goshen; 
Rodman M. Price, of Hudson ; and Gen. .lool Parker, 
of Moniiiiiuth. TbcHc men were all eledcd on the 

(|ni'-<lioiis of a reform of the old State coiiHtitntion, 
eipial taxation, free schools, and the election of county 

odicers by the people, a power previously invested in 
I he old Council of y\ ppoiiitmeiit, principally conlroUciI 
up to this time by the lOiist and West .I<;rscy projirii;- 
toi'M. Mr. I )rake originally drviscd the sy.stcMi of rail- 



190 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 





way improvements that luive become a distinguish- 
ing feature of Ijoth counties. When he began printing 
in Sussex County he had to wagon his paper over the 
Jersey mountains sixty miles. He also carried the 
mails on five Star routes, covering five hundred miles 
each week for the distribution of his newspaper. He 
had previously done the same thing in Orange County. 
Tlie farmers received their newspapers direct at their 
houses instead of through the post-office, and for this 
purpose he always kept three or four fleet horses. In 
this way he increased the circulation of his newspaper 
and distanced his competitors. In politics Mr. Drake 
has always been a pronounced Democrat. In early 
life he hurrahed for Gen. Andrew Jackson, and cast 
his first vote for Martin Van Buren for President, and 
each of his Democratic successors until the renorai- 
iiation of James Buchanan. He supported Andrew 
Johnson and defended Abraham Lincoln when the 
rebels attempted to usurp the government. He has 
lived an industrious life from a boy, having in turn 
been a printer, editor, farmer, and gentleman at large. 
Now, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, he has rarely 
been sick during his life, never having used liquor, 
tobacco, or other stimulants, and in ISSl he is able to 
do an average day's work either in the printing-office 
or on the farm. He erected the first brick buildings 



built south of Goshen court-house, in 1841, and has 
taken an active interest in all local improvements 
wherever he has resided. 

Charles Mead. — His paternal grandfather, Mat- 
thew, was a colonel in the Continental army during 
the Revolution, and was on very intimate terms with 
Gens. Washington and Lafayette, as his private papers 
indicated. 

After the close of the war he refused an assignment 
of land in the Connecticut Valley, the soldier's right, 
and never received a pension. He resided at Wilton, 
Fairfield Co., Conn., where he reared a family of sev- 
eral sons and daughters, of whom Xenophon was 
father of our suljject, and was born in the town of 
Wilton, June 12, 1779. 

He was a merchant in Newburgh, N. Y., for several 
years, subsequently a farmer in Warwick, afterwards 
resided for a time in Mobile, Ala., and finally removed 
to Ohio, where he died Dec. 29, 1847. 

His wife was Abigail, daughter of Moses Burr, who 
was born June .'5, 1778, and died Aug. 22, 1857. 

Mr. Mead's maternal grandfather, Moses Burr, re- 
sided in Fairfield Co., Conn. ; was a relative of Aaron 
Burr; was a soldier in the Continental army, and at 
the burning of Norwalk. His wife was Mabel Banks, 
whose family was noted for great longevity, one mem- 





-(^ 



THE PRESS OF ORANGE COUNTY. 



191 



ber having reached the great age of one hundred and 
two years, and several others to the very advanced 
age of over ninety years. 

The children of Xenophon Mead wore Louisa, born 
June 20, 1802, widow of the late Nathaniel "Webb, of 
Goshen ; Aaron Burr, born Dec. 2, 1803, removed to 
Ohio, where he died ; Norman, born May 17, 1808, 
for a time resided in Ohio, but died in Goshen, N. Y. ; 
Edwin, born Dec. 17, 1812, of Santa Cruz, Cal. ; and 
Charles. 

Charles Mead, son of Xeuophnn, was born in New- 
burgh, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1819, and educated under the 
well-known teacher, the late Nathaniel Webb, of 
Croshen. 

At the age of fifteen he went to learn the trade of 
a printer in Goshen, under William B. Wright, editor 
of the Orange County Patriot, but who afterwards be- 
came a judge of the Supreme Court of the State. 
Here he remained until 1839, and for one year follow- 
ing edited the Carbondale Journal, at Carbondale, Pa., 
and in 1841-42 he worked on Graham's Magazine, in 
Philadelphia. 

He married, Jlay 9, 1842, Caroline A., the accom- 
plished daughter of Daniel Warden, of Goshen. She 
was born April 11, 1821, and died Nov. 11, 1880. 

After his marriage he came to Goshen, purchased 
the Goshen Democrat of the heirs of Frederick T. Par- 
sons, who had recently died, which he has edited and 
published since, a period of thirty-nine years. From 
1843 uutil 1854 he did the printing for the Erie Rail- 
way Company, and at the latter date started an office 
for that company in New York. 

During this time, for twelve years, the late Na- 
thaniel Webb was associated with him in the manage- 
ment of his paper, and since 1868 his eldest son has 
been a partner in the concern, under the firm-name 
of '• Charles Mead & Son." 

Charles Mead, whose life and family origin have 
been briefly sketched, it will be seen, has spent almost 
his whole business career in Goshen. 

The Goshen Democrat, of which he has been the 
proprietor for nearly forty years, has long been recog- 
nized as a model newspaper. Its conservative and 
high moral tone has justly distinguished it from its 
compeers. In the part of political strife an upright 
and honorable course has always been maintained 
towards its political opponents. Tolerant of the 
opinions of others, it has never failed to assert its own 
in a candid and unobtrusive manner. 

Mr. Mead's object seems to have been to make his 
journal a usefiil, truthful, and unexceptionable family 
newspaper. From the liberal patronage always ac- 
corded it, it would seem that the efforts of its pub- 
lisher had been duly appreciated by the public. 

We seldom meet with a journal of this class, and in 
a county- where newspaper enterprise has more than 
kept pace with the times, where its success is justly a 
source of congratulation. That it has had its influence 
in sustaining the higli moral tone of the community 



in which it is printed is evident. Whilst it has out- 
lived so many other journals conducted on different 
principles, its ftiture career of usefulness promises to 
be excelled by none. The life and usefulness of such 
men are seldom estimated at their true worth, whilst 
the scheming and meretricious too often claim and 
obtain the applause of the world, which in reality is 
due to others. 

As a man and a citizen, Mr. Mead has always been 
distinguished for his quiet and unostentatious man- 
ners and high social position. His intercourse with 
his friends and neighbors has always been agreeable 
and pleasant. 

His sons, Charles and William B. Mead, are both 
young men of a high grade of talent, and promise 
future usefulness. 

THE PRES.S OF NEWBURGH. 
The first paper published in Newburgh was the 
Newhurgh Packet ; it was printed by Lucius Carey in 
1795. Carey was the son-in-law of Rev. John Close, 
Presbyterian minister at Newbuigh and New Wind- 
sor until 1796. It is said that Carey sold the paper to 
David Denniston in 1797, who changed its name to 
TAe jl/rn-o/-, of which Philii) Van Home (1797) and 
Joseph W. Barber (1798) appear as printers, the latter 
saying in his advertisement, " also. Printing and Book 
Binding carried on by David Denniston." In 1799, 
Jacob Schultz removed to Newburgh the New Windsor 
Gazette, the name of which he changed to Orange 
County Gazette. This paper was purchased by David 
Denniston and the name changed, it is said, to The 
Citizen, a point on which there is some doubt, as, while 
copies of all other Newburgh papers have been pre- 
served, there is none of this, and as Denniston was, 
about that time, connected with the American Citizen, 
of New York, which he circulated from his office. 
Whatever the facts may be cannot now be ascertained. 
In 1799 the Sights of Man was established by Dr. Elias 
Winfield, for whom it was printed by Benoni H. 
Howell. This paper was also purchased by Dennis- 
ton, and the Orange County Gazette probably incor- 
porated with it. Winfield was a physician and drug- 
gist, and made himself somewhat notorious, in 1803, 
by his advocacy of the theory that the yellow fever 
was of "domestic origin," and that it was "not a 
contagious disease." He subsequently removed to 
Kingston. The Recorder of the Times was commenced 
by Dennis Coles, in 1803. The Mirror was absorbed 
by the Rights of Man, in 1804 ; and the latter by the 
Recorder of the Times, in 1805. Ward M. Gazlay, who 
had been burned out of the Orange Eagle, at Goshen, 
in 1805, purchased the Recorder in 1806, and changed 
its name to the Political luile.r, under which it was 
continued until 1829. 

The Mirror and the Citizen were the advocates of 
Paine's infidel teachings. The Gazette was anti-infidel. 
The Rights of Man was more especially devoted to the 
interests of that branch of the Republican party of 



192 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NKW VOIIK. 



wliicli .Tonei'snii wns the ropriwriiliitivi'. Tlic llcmrdir 
of ihf Tiiitrx clninuMl to l)c Ropiibliciin, Imt wiis fjen- 
(Tiilly rcjinnliMl us rcprcsi'iitiiif; " llie Fodcriilists and 
Hurritos." Mr. (iii/.liiy, wlio wii.s tlicii prinliiif; The 
Pi-ienil iif Triilh, iit (roslu'ii, iiitrodiict'il it to his rciiflors 
(Aujiust, 1S(i;{) ill this laiij^uiigc : "The ]irctciulo(l 
Rcpiihlicaiis (if ( )riiiigo County, not siitisficd with the 
liiijlilx I)/ Mini, pu))lislu'(l at N'l'wbinfili by Mr. Den- 
nistoii, liave ostalilislinl a new paper callcil the lii- 
riirilfr of tin- 7'iiii<:i." The I'lililiriil Iiidr.r apjiarontly 
<'oiisi)li(bili'(l tlic iiilrrcsts of the Republican party. 
It navo a licarly siippoil lo the a(hiiiiiistration of Jef- 
ferson anil of MailisoH, and to tlie war of 1S12. Its 
polilii al arl ielrs were mainly from the pen of Jona- 
than Fi-lc, one of (he most able men of tlio period. 
It.s only eomiietitor was the Oniiii/r Cinuifij Pntriiil 
anil iSjiirif nf Si'Vi'iitij-^i.r, a paper of Federal or anti- 
war politics, a new series of which was eonimenced at 
Newburgh, in 1812, by Lewis & Crowell. It was sub- 
sequently removed to Goshen, ft-oiii whence it came. 

Tile I'lililiriil Indix was purchased, in 182!), by 
Cliarles l'. ('ushiuan, who changed its name to the 
Oraiiijr Tc/i-i/rnp/i , and subseiniently to the Xmvbiinjh 
7'rlc!/riiph. It continued under the manngcmcnt of 
Mr. Cushman until October, IHIii), when it passed into 
the bunds of Henry II. Van Dyck, who, finding New- 
burgh people uncongenial from his c(Uirse in the 
Senate on the location of the Frie Railroa<l, iilaced 
the paper, in the winter of 1840, in the liands of Flias 
Pitts, who continued it until LSriO, when it was pur- 
chased by E. M. Ruttenber. Mr. Ruttenber sold the 
catabiishment to .Joseph Lawsoii, Oct. 1, 1857 ; repur- 
chased it May 1, 18r.!l, and sold it in 1861 to E. W. 
Gray, wiiosold to George M. Warren (1S(!4), who sold 
to Isaac V. M(nitaiiye (l.S(i4), wdio sold to K. iM. Rut- 
tenber (18(),')), who sold to A. A. Rensel (18G7), who 
aold to J. .r. McNally (1869), wdio sold to Dr. Cooper 
(1874), who .sold to N . II. Schram soon after. The latter 
was succeeded by IC. J. Ilorton in 187r), and in 1876 
it was again purchased by E. M. Ruttenber, who 
changed its title to the Xnrl/iiri//i liri/l.itrr. The Irlf- 
ijrnji/i, aUhoiig'h nemoeratic at all times, oj)|)osed the 
Albany Regency, a fact which led to its purchase by 
II. II. Van Dyck, or rather the |mrcliase for him. Mr. 
Pitta, who had been sent to take Mr. Van Dyck's place, 
very .soon fell into the line of tlnnight of his local 
supporters, and not only opposed the Regency, but 
upheld the " Free Soil" banner of 1S4S with marked 
ability. In the subsc(pieiit eliaiiges and revolutions 
in politics it has maintained the Democratic faith. 

The publication of the Kiirbiinjli Gazelti- was com- 
menced by .[ohii D.Spalding, .Tunc, 1822. Its sub- 
sequent |inblisliers were as follows: Spalding i^ Par- 
mcnter, from 1S2") to 18S2 ; Knevels & Spalding, 
1832 to 18;i(>; Knevels it Leslie, 18,'!(i and 1837; Wal- 
lace & Sweet, 1837 and 1838; Samuel T. Callahan, 
1838 to 18r.2 : William L. Allison, 18,')2 to 18.')r) ; Royal 
H. Hancock, Lsr).") to February, 1856, when Eugene 
W. (Iray became the proprietor. In the summer of 



1856, Mr. (iray comnienced in connection with it the 
publication of the J)iii/i/ A'<»w, mainly designed for 
political purposes, and continued it until Deeember. 
He again resunie(l it in .lannary, and in February, 

1857, united his establishment with the 'fr/i'i/rnp/i. 
The (iiizi'ttv and the Tr/ri/rn/t/i wi're continued as 
weeklies under the consolidation, ami the JS'rws as a 
daily, until 1H64, when the (Inziiti- was dropped and 
the title of the A'ora changed to the Dnihi Trlninijih. 
After a temporary discontinuance during the winter 
of 1864, the daily was resumed under the title of the 
Dnily Union. In 18()6 tiie title of both the weekly 
and daily was changed to the I'riin. TJie old title of 
the 7h/i'i/riij>/i was resloriil in 1X09, but changed to 
the Ri'ijixtrr ill 187(i, of whicli II. I'. Kiiiiber it Co. 
are now the i)ublisliers. 

In 1X33 or 1834, John D. Spalding commenced 
the jiublieation of the Ncirhiiri//i Jniiniul, which he 
continued until 1843, when he changed the name to 
the Jlii/li/and (huriri: The ru/o/cc was continued by 
Mr. Spalding until his death, Aug. 22, 1853, and 
subsequently by his widow, IMrs. 10. L. Spalding, 
who sold it, in 1855, to William K. Smiley. In Au- 
gust, 1858, I'xiward Nixon became its projirietor. In 
1859, Rufus A. Reed jnirchased the establishment and 
changed the name of the [lapertothe Ifii/hlund Cliief- 
fnin. Mr. Reed sold to Cyrus B. Martin, who re- 
sumed the title of AV»7)»)v//i .louriiid, anil commenced, 
in IHd,'!, tlie publication of the Diiilij .Imirnat. The 
establishment is now conducted by Ritchie & Hull. 

In addition to these papers. The Beacon, an anti- 
Jackson campaign jiaper, was |iublished in 1828; the 
late Judge William R. Wright was its editor. In 
1834, Wallace it Sweet published [\n- Xntiomi/ Adrcf- 
tlser, — subsequently merged in the (Inziile. Thomas 
George commenced, in 1849, the luiblication of the 
Neivburyh Excelsior. This paper was |)urcliased by 
E. M. Ruttenber, in May, 1851, and merged in the 
Telegraph. In 1855 the piiblicatiiui of the Neirhnrijh 
Aiiirrlnui was commenced by R. P. L. Shal'er, and 
contiiined three or four weeks. In March, 185(i. the 
Newhiiriili Tillies, a tem|ieraiiee paper, was commeneed 
by Royal I!, Ilaiieoek. as agent for an association of 
gentlemen. 11 subseipienlly passed into the hands of 
11. Bloomer it Son, who sold to Alexander Wilson. 
Charles Blanehard ])urchased from Mr. Wilson, and 
cinnmcneed llXtiTl the issue of the yeirlmri/h Jhiili/ 
Democrat, but failed in a few months. The establish- 
ment was then broken up. The J>iiili/ I'enny I'dx/ was 
commenced by an association of printers in October, 
1875; and the Dail;/ Mail by a similar association in 
the spring of 1876. The former was discontinued in 
June, 1876. and the latter merged in the Rei/ixtir in 
1877. 

There have also been several religious publications. 
In 1824, the Rev. J. R. Wilson commenced the pub- 
lication of a monthly magazine of forty-eight pages, 
under the title of the EranijeUcnl Wi/iieni. It was 
devoted to the exposition of the faith of the Reformed 



TIIIO IMIKSS OF OKAiNGK COUXTV. 



10:i 



Prc'sbytcriiin Cliurcli, and was continued four years. 
It vviis succeeded by the C'hrinfiiiii StritcmiKtii, wliieh 
lasted oidy one year. On tlie Jst of March, 18.'5(), by 
the uppointnient of the Synod of that church, tlie 
Rev. MoHcs Itoncy commenced the imblication of the 
liijormed Prexbylcriaii, a monthly magazine of tliirty- 
tvvo pages. Mr. Roncy removed this magazine to 
Pittsburgli, Pa., in 184<». Here he published it until 
his (leutli inl8.'J4; it was subsequently continued there 
by Mrs. Roncy, and is now conducteil by the Rev. 
Thomas .Sproul. In October, 18,"i!), the Rev. David 
L. Proudfit commenced the ]aiblic:ition of the Family 
Visitor, a monthly quarto, which he continued one 
year. In 184.'3 he published the lirst number of the 
C'/iriK/iiin iKKtrurliir, a monthly magazine of thirty- 
two pages, which he continued for two years. It was 
then sold to the Rev. J. U. Dales, who removed it to 
Philadelphia. In 185<i the Catholic Library Associa- 
tion commenced the publication of the Cdtholin Li- 
briiri/ MiM/dziiic, John Ashhurst, editor, wliicli was 
continued monthly until August, ISlJd. 

Lilei'ary serials have been nuMjii'ous, but witliout 
permanency. In May, 18.S2, John W. Kne\ els issued 
the first number ola irjonthly quarto called Tablets of 
Rural hUurnnnii/. It was only continued i'or a few 
months. In 18.')5, R. B. Denton commenced the Lit- 
ernrij Si-rap-Book, a monthly magazine of forty-eight 
pages ; but it failed in a short time. Tin' Acorn, a 
small monthly, was commenced by an association of 
students of Mr. Domanski's seiiool, in 1857, and was 
discontinued in 1859. The title was subsequently re- 
sumed in a i)ublication by the students of the New- 
burgh Institute, under the ausj)iees of Mr. Siglar. 
In 1807, S. S. Wood commenced the publication of 
the Jliiumkold Aitvordte, an eight-page monthly. 
Having secured a large circulation, he changed the 
form and the title to Household Magaziiic, the circula- 
tion of which at one time reached sixty thousand. 
The publication failed in 1874. Meanwhile Mr. ^V'ood, 
who nttired from the old pul)lication in 1874, prior to 
its failure, endeavored to introduce a larger nuigazine, 
but witliout success. In ISU'J, A. A. Bensel started 
the Home, Farm, and Orchard, an eight-page weekly, 
and ran it until, the spring of 187G. The Musical 
RiiJlttin, a, monthly quarto, was issued by D(!niorest & 
liurr during the years 1872 and 187:'. 

The list of jiublieations is substantially comijleted 
with the titles of a series of what were known as 
'" amateur newspapers," from 18G5 to 1873 : the Union 
Jack, by Master A. Ludlow Case ; the American 
EiKjlc, by Frank S. Hull ;* the Comet, by Henri Ge- 



* 'VUo Amc.ricdn Etujh, riihlislioil every two wooltB at 2850 rami Street, 
Nowlmrgli, by Frank S. Hull. Ago at time of flrst issue (.liiiie 24, I8«3), 
twelve yearn. Pi iiitod on " preHB" of editor and pilbllsher'M ovMi con- 
Htriietioli. The llrst twenty-two nunilioi'H were two coIuinnH, on one hUo 
only of a wlii;et seven by eleven iiiclies. No. 2:1 appeared jn-inted on both 
sides of tile slieet, thus inereasing it to four coiiinina. N4). :I4 wiis en- 
larged to twieo tlie size, or four pages, eigitt coiunins, on a siieot eleven 
by fourteen inelioa. No. .'il wiuj increased in si/e to twelve eoiuinns,— 
tliroe on u page. Some interruption to the regular publieatiuii of tlie 



rard (1871); the Index, by J. Walker F. Ruttenber 
(1871); the Collector, by D. W. Jagger (1871); the 
I'achel, by W. II. Wood and D. W. Corwin (1872); 
the Ijnurcl, by A. Milligan (1872) ; and the Amateur 
Herald, by T. R. Half (1872). The Index survived its 
contemporaries, and closed its life in the hands of D. 
W. Jagger. 

Of the early printers, David Denniston stands the 
most conspicuous. He was of the New Windsor Den- 
niston stock, and a man of no little activity. He ap- 
pears to have established first a printing-office and 
bindery, and to have engaged in printing books, 
which he sold by subscription, and whatever other 
printing might come to hisiiands. It is believed that 
the early pajiers with which his name is connected 
were printed by him for other jiarties. He was a man 
of strong character, and a radical in religion as well 
as in politics. He became notorious through his 
writings in the Mirror in opposition to Christianity, 
and subsequently through the Riijli.ts of Man in jioliti- 
cal literature. He was certainly a very busy man in 
))rinting newspajiers, having at different times held 
the Mirror, the Citizen, and the lii(jhts of Man in the 
local field, and for a time (1802) had editorial con- 
nection with the American Citizen and Watch-Tower, of 
New York. He died in Newburgh, Dec. 13, 1803, of 
" malignant fever." 

Jacob Kehultz was, for a brief period, the contem- 
porary of David Denniston. He was born in New 
Windsor, April 23, 1776, and married (Feb. 14, 1799) 
Anna, daughter of John Denniston, of that town. His 
first appearance in business was as the editor and 
])roiirietor of the Neiv Windsor Gazette. He subse- 
(piently opened a dry-goods and grocery store in New- 
burgh, in eonipany with Andrew DcWitt, ami was 
engaged in this trade until 1814, when he purchased 
from his brother, Isaac, the old mill of his father, but 
afterwards sold it to Peter Townsend, came back to 
Newburgh, and commenced business in company with 
(leorge Hetts. He retired, in 1818, to a small farai in 
the town of New Windsor, erected a substantial stone 
house, and in the quiet independence of agricultural 

paper waa occasioned by tlie change of residence of tlie editor. No. 21 

was Issiieil at Millorton, N. Y., Ma.v 12, 1800; No. :in, from CVtleton 
(now called West New Brighton), Staten Island, where it was changed 
to a iiiontlily, and whore the last number of the American Emjln, No, .'i7, 
was published in October, 1808. In January, 1808, the motto, " Alls Vo- 
lat Propriia" ("She Hies with lier own wings") was placed at the head. 
Tlio paper ceased to exist not from lack of support, but to allow its editor 
to pursue his studies, which were necessarily neglected because of the 
duties involved as a publisher. As tiie paper became older, new and im- 
proved tools wore added to the oiUcc, and Job printing was no sniali fea- 
ture of the business connected witli the American Eagle. The hujt two 
issues appeared with several illustrations from wood-cuts engraved by 
the publislier. The price of subscription at the start waa oiiu dollar and 
twenty cents a year, and was at a later date reduced to fifty cents a year. 
The .'imeric<in E<ttjle was among the first of the several amateur papers 
published in Newhurgli, and we think the second one, the first being tlie 
I'liioit J'ti-k, published by Maxtor A. Lmllow Case, son of l{ear-.\dniiral 
Case, of the t'niteil States navy. Young Case continued tile publication 
of tlie L'uit'H Jitfk but a short time, when he devoted his time lo stiiily, 
and a few years afterwards engaged in the service of the United Stutos 
navy, where he now is. 



194 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pursuits spent the remainder of his life. He died in 
1859. 

Ward M. Gazlay was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and, as stated in another connection, was first engaged 
in printing at Goshen. He died in April, 183li, and 
received the following notice in the Ttlcgrnph : 

" Dieil, in this village, on "Wt-dnesday last, aged alKtnt tifty-fuiir yeai-?, 
"Ward M. Gazlay, Esij., for luaiiy years a magistrate uf Newlmr^h, and 
editor and proprietnr of the Political Iinhx from ahont the year 1800 to 
18^9, at which latter period the present proprietor of the Newbttrijft Tele- 
graph purchased his estahlislmieut and changed tlie political cliaracter [ 
of the paper. To some pecnliarities, and a few faults, Mr. Gazlay united I 
many excellent qualities hotli of head and heart. His early career as a I 
magistrate was marked hy stiict prohity and a sound, disciiminating ! 
judgment, united to a fixedness ot 4iurpose and an impartiality in his | 
decisions which saw no difterence between the rich and the poor, the 
peasant and the king. A wide circle of friends deeply sympathize with 
the family." 

Mr. Gazlay's wife was Bridget, daughter of Jona- 
than and Bridget Carter, by whom he had three 
sons. 

Charles U. Cushman was a descendant of Robert 
Cushman, one of the original company of Pilgrims 
who sailed for the New World, Aug. 5, 1620, O. S. 
He was born in Washington Co., X. Y., March 20, 
1802 ; served as an apprentice in Rutland, Vt., and 
subsequently in Boston, Mass. ; purchased the Polifical 
Index in March, 1829, and retired from printing in 
1839. He was a man of strong natural abilities, in- 
dustry, perseverance, independence of mind, and 
strict integrity. As a writer, his style was vigorous 
and compact. He used but few words, and in ex- 
pressing his thoughts his language was plain and un- 
mistakable. As a private citizen, he was active in 
advancing the interests of the community in which 
he lived. He was one of the founders of the Xew- 
burgh public libraries, and also helped to establish the 
Quassaick Bank and the Xewburgh Savings-Bank. At 
the election in 1S53 he was chosen to represent the 
first Assembly District of Orange in the Legislature. 
In all his public and private walks he aimed to ac- 
complish practical results, and exhibited the traits of 
a good citizen and an honest man. In person he was 
nearly six feet, clear complexion, blue eyes, rather 
fleshy, and well formed. He always dressed with ex- 
treme neatness, and walked with an erect carriage and 
firm tread. He married, June, 1832, Mary, fourth 
daughter of Capt. Charles Birdsall, and granddaughter 
of Isaac Belknap. He died without issue at Rhine- 
beck, N. Y., June 1, 1859. 

John D. Spalding was the contemporary of Mr. 
Cushman, and was connected with the Xewburgh 
press for about thirty-eight years. He was born in 
Salem, Mass., January, 1800, and removed to New- 
burgh in 1815, in company with his father, Rev. 
Joshua Spalding, a noted member of the Presbyterian 
Church. He served his apprenticeship with Ward 
M. Gazlay, and was subsequently connected with the 
Gazette and the Journal, as above stated. He pos- 
sessed a sound judgment ; was urbane and kind in his 
disposition, and liberal in his charities. By these 



qualities he secured friends and retained them 
through many years. In person he was over .six feet 
in height, light in frame and in flesh, and ungainly 
in his carriage. He married Elizabeth L., daughter 
of Rev. John Johnston, D.D., of Newburgh, and had 
several children. He died on the 22d of August, 
1853, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, after an ill- 
ness of about two days. 

Elias Pitts, practically the successor of Mr. Cush- 
man, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in the year 
1810, aud received a liberal education at the Kinder- 
hook Academy. He served an apprenticeship of a 
few years in the office of the Kinderhook Sentinel, and 
at its termination became associated in the editorial 
management of that paper. Subsequently he removed 
to Rochester, and was connected with the editorial 
department of the Advertiser of that city, a paper pub- 
lished by Henry O'Rielly. At the retirement of Mr. 
Van Dyck from the Xewburgh Telegrapli, in the win- 
ter of 1840, Mr. Pitts assumed the management of 
that paper, which he continued until 1850. From 
Newburgh he removed to Poughkeepsie, and there 
became the editor of the Poughk-eepxie Ameriraii. His 
connection with the public press terminated in the 
autumn of 1853; and he soon after received an ap- 
pointment to a clerkship in the State Department at 
Washington, the duties of which he continued to dis- 
charge up to the time of his last illness. He was 
twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of John Jamison, of Newburgh, by whom he had 
two children, — Mary E. and John M. His second wife 
was Margaret, daughter of John Whited. He died at 
Washington, Friday, July 21, 1854, from an attack of 
typhoid fever, at the age of forty-four years. 

Edward M. Ruttenber was born in Bennington, Yt., 
July 17, 1824, and at that place received a common- 
school education. In 1837 he entered the office of 
the Vermont Gazette as an apprentice to the printer's 
trade. A year later, in 1838, he came to Newburgh 
and became an apprentice to Cha;rles U. Cushman, an 
old friend of his father, and then projirietor of the 
Xewburgh Telegraph. He remained in thiit office 
three years, when Mr. Cushman sold the pai)er and 
transferred young Ruttenber's indentures to S. T. 
Callahan, proprietor of the Newburgh Gazette. In 
that office he labored until 1845, when he was made 
foreman of the Xewburgh Telegraph, then owned by 
Elias Pitts. That position he filled until May, 1850. 
Mr. Ruttenber at that time purchased the Telrgrajih, 
and successfully conducted it until 1857. When he 
purchased the office it had only a weekly issue and 
was printed on a hand-press. The first steam-power 
press brought to the county was added to the Telegraph 
office by him in 1853. In 1851 the Telegraph absorbed 
the Xewburgh E.ecelsior, and the Xewburgh Gazette 
was consolidated with it in 1857. Early in that year 
the Daily Xews was issued by Mr. Rutteuber and E. 
W. Gray, from the office of the Telegraph. Later in 
the same year he sold the office, repurchasing it in 





//:' ^%^^s;i^^" 



THE PRESS OF ORANGE COUNTY. 



195 



1859. In 1861 he sold it to Mr. E. W. Gray, and in 
1866 he again became its owner. In 1867 lie sold it 
to A. A. Bensel. In the spring of 1869 he reorganized 
the office in connection with Mr. J. J. McNally, re- 
tiring from it in the fall of that year. He then be- 
came part owner of the Independent Republican, of 
Goshen, which he sold in 1870 to Mr. H. P. Kimber. 
Soon after leaving that paper he started a job oflice in 
Newburgh with his eldest son as partner, who has 
since been succeeded by a younger son. From July, 
1863, to January, 1865, when he resigned, Mr. Rutten- 
ber was engaged in the Bureau of Military Records, 
at Albany. Mr. Ruttenber, always deeply interested 
in local history, published in 1859 a "History of 
Xewburgh." His ne.xt was a work entitled " Obstruc- 
tions to Navigation of Hudson's River," published by 
Munsel, of Albany. Following this was a "History 
of the Flags of the Volunteer Regiments of the State 
of New York." Next, a "History of the Indian Tribes 
of Hudson's River," also published by Munsel, of 
Albany. In 1875 he began the publication, in serial 
form, of a " History of Orange County," a work which 
is still unfinished. For twelve years Mr. Ruttenber 
was an active member of the Board of Education 
of Newburgh, ending that service in 1870. He was 
married in 1846 to Matilda A., daughter of Mark Mc- 
Intyre, of Newburgh. He has two sons, — the eldest, 
Charles B., has made music his profession, and is at 
present organist of the Church of the Holy Trinity, 
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street and Fifth Av- 
enue, New York ; the younger son, Walker F., is a 
partner with his father in the printing business. 

THE PEESS OF MIDDLETOWN. 

A weekly newspaper. Democratic in politics, under 
the title of the Middletown Courier, was started in 
Jliddletown in 1840, by A. A. Bensel, who continued 
its jiublication until April, 1846, when he removed his 
office to Kingston, N. Y., where he established the 
UJsfer Democrat. In July, 1846, John S. Brown com- 
menced the publication of the Orange County JVcics, 
succeeding Mr. Bensel in the printing l)usiness in the 
village. His paper was neutral in politics, was hardly 
worth the name of a newspaper, and died in 1849. 
His type and materials were purchased by G. J. Beebe. 

The Signs of the Times, an Old-School Baptist pub- 
lication of eight pages, was commenced at New Ver- 
non, in Mount Hope, in 1832, by Elder Gilbert Beebe. 
From there it was taken to Alexandria, Va., again re- 
turned to New Vernon, and in 1847 was removed to 
Middletown. The only paper of that denomination 
in the country, it has maintained a circulation from 
six thousand to ten thousand semi-monthly. 

The Banner of Libertij was commenced at Middle- 
town in August, 1848, by Gilbert J. Beebe, as an in- 
dependent monthly, opposed to pretty much every 
modernly styled reform, — temperance laws, religion 
in politics, etc. In 18.56 it took position in favor of 
the Democratic party, and was issued weekly. A 



Campaign Banner was added to it in 1856, and the 
two journals reached a circulation of twenty-seven 
thousand. Its circulation was principally in the 
South and West, and after the Rebellion broke out 
was almost wholly lost and the paper was discontinued. 

The Hardware- Man's Newspaper, printed monthly 
at the Press office, for John Williams, was commenced 
in August, 1855. The Separate American, — Rev. David 
James, editor, — a small folio, was printed quarterly 
for the colored people belonging to the Sejiarate 
American Methodist Church. It ran from 1853 to 
1856. The Sibyl, a semi-monthly, by Dr. Lydia Sayer 
Hasbrouck (Mrs. John W. Hasbrouck), was com- 
menced July, 1856, — noiv discontinued. 

The Middletown Advertiser, a inonthly advertising 
sheet for gratuitous circulation, was commenced by 
G. J. Beebe in 1850, and ended in 1852. 

The Middletown Mercurij was established, in 1848, by 
G. J. Beebe. In 1860 it was sold by Mr. Beebe to J. 
H. Norton and I. F. Guiwits. Mr. Guiwits remained 
in the firm one year, and Mr. Norton continued as 
sole proprietor until 1X67, when he sold an interest to 
I. V. Montanye. In 1868, Mr. Montanye became sole 
proprietor, and sold out to S. M. Boyd in 1869. In 
1873 the Middletown Mail, established by Dr. J. D. 
Friend, was consolidated with the Mercurg, and Geo. 
H. Thompson and J. D. Friend became the proprie- 
tors, the latter retiring in 1874. Mr. Thompson re- 
mained the proprietor until Jan. 1, 1878, when the 
Weekly Argus, established by I. V. Montanye in 1875, 
and sold to C. Macardell in 1876, was merged with 
the Mercury, and George H. Thompson and C. Mac- 
ardell became the proprietors, and have continued up 
to the present time. The Daily Argus was founded 
by Mr. Macardell, Jan. 27, 1876, and has been pub- 
lished in connection with the Mercury by Thompson 
& Macardell since Jan. 1, 1878. 

The Whig Press was established Nov. 26, 1851, by 
John W. Hasbrouck. It was a Whig and Republican 
paper up to 1856, when it assumed an independent 
position. In March, 1868, Mr. Hasbrouck sold to 
Moses D. Stivers, who changed the name of the paper 
to the Orange County Press. Albert Kessinger bought 
one-half of the establishment in 1870, and died, while 
a member of the firm of Stiver & Kessinger, in August, 
1872. Soon after his partnership was formed with 
Mr. Stivers, the firm issued (May 24, 1870) a tri- 
weekly edition, under the name of the Middletoivn 
Evening Press. In October, 1872, Mr. Stivers sold the 
newspaper to F. Stanhope Hill, who in turn sold an 
interest to John W. Slauson. Hill & Slauson changed 
the tri-weekly to a daily (Oct. 26, 1872), under the 
name of the Middletown Daily Press. .Inly 1, 1873, 
Mr. Stivers bought out Mr. Hill, and the firm became 
Stivers & Slauson, who continued the business until 
December, 1880, when Mr. Stivers sold his interest to 
Mr. Slauson, and the latter formed a partnership with 
Charles J. Boyd, under the firm-name of Slauson & 
Boyd, who are now the publishers. 



196 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dr. Lydia Sayer IIasbeouck, wife of .Tolin W. 
Hasbrouck, was born Dec. 20, 1827, in the town of 
Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., at the old stone resi- 
dsnce of her father, bctwi'cn that village and Bell vale. 
She is the daughter of Benjamin Saver and Rebecca 
Forshee. (See sketch ()f Benjamin Sayer for her pa- 
ternal ancestry.) Her mother was the daughter of 
Cornelius Forshee and Elizabeth Cole. A history of 
the Cole family (compiled by Rev. David Cole, D.D., 
of Yonkers) states that the Cole ancestors first came 
to America from Holland about the year 1625. The 
Forshee record is not so definite, though from the 
same source we learn that the family came to this 
country not far from 1700. They fled from religious 
persecution in France, where they left valuable es- 
tates. The first ancestor lived to be one hundred and 
ten years old. 

Lydia Sayer was noted from childhood for her fear- 
less spirit and independence of character. She in- 
herited her father's temperament and features in a 
marked degree, as he had inherited like characteristics 
from his mother. 

Lydia always enjoyed her father's favor and con- 
fidence in an especial manner, and he frequently re- 
marked that he had no fears but she could take care 
of herself. 

Reared amidst the charming scenery for which the 
" fair vale of Warwick" has so long been noted, Lydia 
enjoyed to the fullest extent all the varied beauties by 
which she was daily surrounded. None loved the 
freedom of the mountains, streams, and fields more 
than she ; and in riding or driving spirited horses, or 
in active pursuits of any kind, none could do so with 
keener zest or enjoyiuent. She had the reputation of 
being the smartest scholar of her classes, — but terribly 
independent and self-reliant, — and was given the best 
opportunities the district and high schools of War- 
wick at this time afforded. 

As she grew to womanhood her father's house was 
a great resort for friends and visitors. Miss Lydia 
was file life and centre of these gatherings, and a fav- 
orite witli all, both young and old. She made golden 
Orange County butter and snow-white loaves of bread. 
She spun flax and wool for family use and to enrich 
her own dower, while the pile of bedquilts she pieced 
and quilted would make a fashionable young lady of 
the present day faint with sheer exhaustion to con- 
template. In fine, she prided herself in knowing how- 
to do everything in connection with the work of a 
well-regulated, hospitable house. 

When a reform dress for women was first brought 
into notice in 1849, under the name of Camille cos- 
tume, Turkish dress, etc., she early espoused and 
adopted it. Jlrs. Bloomer, who was editing the Libj 
at Seneca Falls, wore and recommended the dress, 
and forthwith it was styled " Bloomer Dress," notwith- 
standing Mrs. Bloomer always protested she neither 
originated or was the first to wear it. This dress, 
worn simjjly as a physiological costume, has sub- 



jected its wearers to murh ]ier>onal slight and social 
ostracism, and' all because of its nut conforming to 
prescribed fashions that are constantly changing. In 
this connectiim it is worthy of mention, that when first 
adopted it was thought the wearing of it would be- 
come more general, as for a time the Philadeli>hia 
magazines ])laced it among their monthly fashion 
plates. 

Mrs. Hasbrouck desires the fact put on record that 
she was once refused admission to the Seward Semi- 
nary, at Florida, simply because she wore the dress. 
A faculty meeting was called solely to take the cut of 
her dress into consideration. The trustees, knowing 
her and her family, expressed the highest esteem for 
her varied gifts and graces, and the pleasure they 
would feel in having her an inmate of the school if 
she would only dress in harmony witli fashion. She 
says,— 

"Up to this time I loved tlis pliyeiciil freedom of my dress. Iliad 
thouglit but little of woman's political frefldom or lier ui'eqnal rights 
before the law. I liad never suffered from them, and enjoyed too many 
other privileges to feel their lack. The chances are, if I had not been 
persecuted I woufd have retnrued to fashion's requirements. But my 
every sense of rightand justice was outraged. I knew I was doing that 
which should have met witli approval, because it was to better the phys- 
ical woman, then weighed down with bustles and heavy uinierskirls. .\8 
I went out from the interview with that committee, I was kindly shown 
by the lady principal into her private room. I fairly bathed my soul in 
an agony of tears and silent prayers for a knowledge of the right and 
j guidance therein. Remember, I was then young, and had often heard 
I it was not dress that made the man ; but wa-* now bitterly learning that 
' it was theplincipal part of the woman. This treatment anchored me 
into the ranks of women's rights advocates, and as I left that bouse I 
registered a vow that I would stand or fall in the battle tor woman's 
physical, political, and educational freedom and equality. I felt that if 
there ever had been a princi|>le that justified men and women going to 
the stake and faggot rather than renounce it, that principle was now 
mine to defend ; and come what might, I would stand true to its re- 
quirements." 

Few know what that vow has cost her unswerving 
yet sensitive spirit; but what many do know is, that 
she has never faltered, never yielded in what she be- 
lieved was her duty and right. 

The reform dress was adopted by many for its 
physical freedom, and especially by lady physicians 
and invalids at hygienic institutes as an aid to health 
and comfort. The question of woman's rights was 
then in its infancy, and meeting all sorts of ridicule 
from pulpit and legislatures. Several of the promi- 
nent women in the cause adopted the dress; but when 
the cry of "strong-minded," " masculine," and other 
like epithets were hurled at the wearers whenever 
they appeared in public, most of them succumbed to 
the mob spirit. Miss Sayer refused to yield her right 
to dress in a sensible manner, and said if woman's 
purity and character hung on the last few inches of 
her swabbing skirts, she wanted none of it, but would 
win a character for herself above the filth of the 
streets. She was more or less persecuted and de- 
famed, but knowing her motives were just ami juire 
she moved steadily forward. 

At this stage of her life. Miss Sayer determined to 
fit herself for some more extended sphere of action. 







k 






> N.d/hjLOry^yx^cJfl^ 



John Whitbeck Hasbrouck was born in Wood- 
stock, Ulster Co., N. Y., Nov. 20, 1821. He was the 
ninth of a family of ten children born to Richard M. 
Hasbrouck and Mary Johnson. His grandfather, 
Capt. Elias Hasbrouck, was in active service during 
the war of the Revolution, and, under Gen. Blont- 
gomery, took part in the northern campaign that 
ended in the storming of Quebec and death of Mont- 
gomery. He named his son, born the following year, 
Richard Montgomery. A deed for fifty acres of land 
in Northern Ulster, together with a gold ring which 
she placed upon his finger, were given by Janet Mont- 
gomery to the young namesake of her hero husband. 
The deed and ring are still in the possession of his 
descendants. Capt. Elias Hasbrouck lost heavily by 
the destruction of his store and property when King- 
ston was burned by the British. 

The father of the subject of this sketch, Richard 
M. Hasbrouck, lived to the age of eighty-four years, 
and always bore a name proverbial for integrity and 
uprightness of character. His motlier, Mary John- 
son, was nearly related to the Vanderbilt family, and 
was a woman of pious and exemplary character. 

John W. Hasbrouck is a descendant in the sixth 
generation from Abraham Hasbrouck, who, with his 
brother Jean, Walloons from the northern part of 
Prance, fled from their native country not long before 
the revocation of the edict of Nantes. Jean, or 



John, went with many other Protestants to Manheim, 
in the Palatinate, before he came to America. Abra- 
ham, in 1675, came direct to this country, passing 
through Calais to England and then to Boston, en route 
for Esopus (Kingston), where several French Protest- 
ants had already arrived. Two years later Abraham 
and Jean, together with eleven other Frenchmen 
living at Kingston, took up the Paltz Patent, and 
established the settlement there. Abraham became 
conspicuous both in the civil and ecclesiastical affairs 
of that early period. His family continued their resi- 
dence there until about the middle of the next cen- 
tury, when they removed to Kingston. His descend- 
ants are wonderfully numerous throughout Ulster 
County, and among them many who were and still 
are distinguished both in the walks of public and 
private life. The name has been written variously 
Hasbrouck, Hasbroucq, Hasbrouque, Asbrouck, and 
Von Asbroeck. In the fourteenth century Charles V. 
granted a patent of nobility to the family. Its cotte 
cFarmes, or coat of arms, is represented by an embla- 
zoned shield, surmounted by a male figure, holding in 
one hand an arrow and in the other a torch, while on 
a scroll beneath the shield is the legend, " Dieu sauve 
Von Asbroeck." Mr. Hasbrouck has a representation 
of this insignia now in his possession. A steel rapier, 
bearing date 1414, that was brought by the family 
from France, still belongs to one of its descendants. 



BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN WHITBECK HASBROUCK. 



John W. Hasbrouck, the subject of this sketch, 
removed witli his father's family from Woodstock to 
Kingston about the year 183-1, and completed his 
school days at the celebrated Kingston Academy. 
During the four years following he became a clerk in 
stores in that village, when he entered the Ulster 
County Bank as clerk and book-keeper, continuing in 
this occupation for the nest three years. After a summer 
spent in New York, in a wholesale crockery house as 
book-keeper, he came back to Kingston in the fall of 
1845, and entered upon his future career in the pro- 
fession of journalism. Previous to this, however, he 
had been a frequent contributor to the several papers 
of the village, writing essays, sketches, and discussing 
political questions during the exciting political con- 
tests of 1840 and 1844. 

Accepting a position on the Kiiiijston Journal, 
during the winter of 1845 he found time, witli liis 
other duties, to compile a history of the press of 
Ulster County up to that period, which was published 
in the journal on which lie was then engaged. About 
this time, also, he took great interest in the Kingston 
Lyceum aud Literary Association, both of which lie 
was instrumental in forming. In the debates, lectures, 
and other exercises he took a prominent part ; and 
■while secretary of the latter he had the honor to 
invite Horace Greeley to lecture before its members, 
which was the first eflbrt of the kind of that noted 
journalist and lecturer. His theme was " Human 
Life." 

In the spring of 1846, Mr. Hasbrouck purchased 
the Sullivan Whig establishment at Bloomingburgh, 
in that county. He here commenced to learn the 
practical part of the "art preservative," and, without 
any previous knowledge of the printer's trade, set up 
in type two columns of the first paper he issued. 
The county bad long been Democratic, but thereafter 
elected the Whig county ticket for several years. 
While a resident of Sullivan he was chosen town 
superintendent of schools for Mamakating, and was 
also appointed postmaster at Bloomingburgh, under 
Polk's administration, which office he held acceptably 
to the community until his removal from the county. 
In 1848 he attended the Philadelphia Whig National 
Convention at which Gen. Taylor was nominated, but 
warmly espoused the claims of Henry Clay. The 
same year he represented the Whigs of Sullivan in 
their State Convention held at Syracuse, and in 1850 
he was nominated by the Whig party of Sullivan as 
their candidate for member of Assembly, failing of an 
election, with the rest of his ticket, by only one hun- 
dred and twenty-eight in a poll of three thousand five 
hundred and fifty-six. 

About this time two opportunities occurred to in- 
duce him to change his location. One was to take 
charge of a weekly journal at Corning, on the Erie 
road, at the solicitation of Hon. A. B. Dickinson, and 
the other to establish and edit a daily administration 
paper in the city of Milwaukee, Wis. Stopping over 
at Corning long enough to look over the ground, and 
not thinking favorably of the opening, he pursued his 
way westward to the Badger State. This project, 
also, not being acceptable to him, he returned East to 



accept from the late Com. Vanderbilt the position of 
agent at San Juan (Nicaragua) for his line of Cali- 
fornia steamers; but sickness just at this time com- 
pelled him to forego his purpose. 

In the fall of 1851, being strongly urged to come 
to Middletown and start a newspaper to meet the local 
and business wants of the village, he determined to do 
so. The village then contained a population of only 
fifteen hundred. The first number of the Whig Press 
■ — the name chosen for his new venture — was issued 
Nov. 2G, 1851. The Press was published weekly, and 
soon secured, by its satisfactory management, a remu- 
nerative support and circulation, and, by his assiduous 
efforts, its proprietor built up a business second to few 
other country ofiices in the State. He was the first 
in this section to introduce the practice of giving a 
full and accurate conipend of local intelligence from 
all parts of the county, always being careful, however, 
to exercise a discriminating judgment as to its public 
importance. 

In 1854, being recommended to ex-Governor Hunt 
as a suitable person to conduct a daily journal at 
Lockport, in this State, he visited that gentleman at 
his home in Niagara County, the better to determine 
the matter, but concluded not to accept of the position, 
notwithstanding liberal offers were made him to do so. 

In addition to publishing the J'ress, ho also issued 
from its office, for the editors or proprietors, several 
other publications at different periods. Among these 
were the Ilardicarernan's A^ezvsjniper, in 1855, pub- 
lished monthly for some three years. Its name was 
afterwards changed to the Iron Age, and is still pub- 
lished in New York by a son of its former proprietor, 
he having learned the printer's trade under Mr. Has- 
brouck. In 1856 he also published The Sihyl, a 
semi-monthly quarto, edited by Mrs. Hasbrouck, 
which was continued for eight years. 

July 27, 1856, he was married to Miss Dr. Lydia 
Sayer, a lady of varied attainments and culture. 
Their married life, though not uneventful, has glided 
along harmoniously, and during the present year has 
reached its silvered stage in the onward march of time. 
(See sketch of Dr. Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck. ) 

In 1866 he changed the name of bis paper to The 
Orange County Press, the name which it still bears; 
but feeling the need of rest he sold, in 1868, the 
establishment to Mr. M. D. Stivers, and during the 
following thirteen years kept out of newspaper work 
altogether ; but during the present year has again 
resumed business by publishing, in connection with 
Mrs. Hasbrouck, a reform paper called the Liberal 
Sentinel. It is done to meet an unsupplied local want 
in the progressive thought of the age. 

Of Mr. Hasbrouck it can be truly said, that during 
his entire newspaper life his practice has ever been to 
do as well as he was capable of doing whatever he 
undertook ; requiring, also, the same care and efl'ort 
from those who served under him. He has the satis- 
fiiction of knowing, therefore (and points with no 
little pride to the fact), that among his former ap- 
prentices many have become successful printers and 
publishers, while several at the present time occupy 
responsible positions in the editorial ranks. 



THE PRESS OF ORANGE COUiNTY. 



197 



and spent several years in study at the Elmira High 
School and Central College, finally graduating at the 
Hygeia Therapeutic College in New York City. Dur- 
ing vacations she also lectured and wrote considerably 
Inr the newspapers, striving in every way to fit herself 
for puldic work. 

In Septemlier, 18.53, Miss Sayer was a delegate to 
tlie Whole World's Temperance Convention, held in 
.Aletropolitan Hall, New York City. The Tribune 
thus sunimeil up the work of that convention : 

" First Juy. — I'ruw'diiitr n WdiiiHii off tlie phttfuini (Rev. Antoinette L. 
Bruwu). Second d»y. — Gagging lier. Third day. — Voting timt she shall 
stiiy giigged. In fact, so determined were men at this time that women 
slionld not speak from public platforms, they acted lilie rowdies. Even 
Kfv. .lohn Clinmbei^, of Philadelpiiia, stamped his fegt, thumped hia 
tane, and ptdnted his finger, Buying, *Shanie on the woman !'" 

The first year of Miss Sayer's practice was in Wash- 
ington, D. C, where she was well received by both 
press and people, lecturing by invitation in Washing- 
ton, Annapolis, Georgetown, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
etc., writing for papers, as. well as familiarizing her- 
.self with our national legislation. She speaks of this 
period of her life as most profitable and enjoyable. 

While lecturing she received many flattering news- 
paper notices, and an invitation to make a lecturing 
tour of the States. The etlitors of the principal dailies 
in Washington invited her to use their columns to in- 
troduce or defend any principle she desired, — Major 
P.eu Perley Foore, then local editor of the Star, bring- 
ing her the message from that paper. Both her writ- 
ings and discussions were well received, and made so 
much of a sen.sation that the newsboys cried their 
papers through the streets as containing her articles. 
She enjoyed the personal friendship of Prof. Henry, 
of the Smithsonian Institution, Mr. Giddings, then 
the father of the House, and many other noted and 
liberal men and women. The president of the Allo- 
jiathic College recognized her as a physician by in- 
viting her to attend any of the college lectures and 
clinics she chose, while a retired physician brought 
her many patients, and offered to start a large health 
institute if she would take charge of it. She says be- 
fore going to Washington she was warned that her 
dress would damage her prospects, but she found it 
introduced her to all kinds of pleasant people and to 
personal attention in the best society, and regrets ever 
leaving a city so full of pleasant memories and a.sso- 
ciations. 

In 1856, at the earnestsolicitationof the then editor 
of the Press, at Middletown, she came North on a lec- 
turing tour, and on her arrival at tliat village lectured 
most acceptably in Gothic Hall to the largest audi- 
ence ever assembled there. She also spoke at several 
neighboring places. Her return to Orange County, 
as stated, was to end in assuming the editorial duties 
of a semi-tnonthly reform paper called Thr. Silnjl, and 
to join her life-work with John W. Hasbrouck. They 
were married July 27, 1856, and have had three chil- 
dren, — Daisy, Sayer, and Burt, the last two yet living. 

Mrs. Hasbrouck edited The Sibyl for eight years, at 



the same time ])racticing her ]U'ofe.ssion and attending 
patients both at her home on Sibyl Kidge ' and outside. 
But at length finding the quadruple duties of editor, 
physician, mother, and housekeeper too arduous, she 
was forced to rest. After this, until 1868, she assisted 
on and wrote for the Press until it changed Ownership. 
Since' then, until the jiresent year, though writing 
considerably tor the papers, fighting corruption in 
public officials and denouncing high and unjust tax- 
ation, she has not* been engaged in responsible news- 
paper work. 

During 181)4 and 1865, Mrs. Hasbrouck was presi- 
dent of the National Dress Reform Association. In 
1864 its annual convention was held in Middletown. 
A large number of women wearing the reform dress 
were present, and Gothic Hall was packed with atten- 
tive listeners. 

In 1880 the New York Legislature passed a law 
allowing women to vote for and hold .school offices. 
The act was passed February 12th. On March 9th 
the election for school officers occurred in Middle- 
town. Mrs. Hasbrouck wrote an article for the Press 
calling on the " men of Middletown to show by their 
action they were honest enough to give the law a fair 
trial and practical test." The Republicans refused to 
do this, but the Equal Rights element united with the 
Temperance and Democratic vote, and elected five 
women as members of the board of education, — 
Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck being one of the number. 

It being the first election in the State where women 
had been chosen to this office, immediately the New 
York journals despatched interviewing reporters to 
Middletown to learn the situation and facts, and to 
spread them far and near to their readers, — Mrs. Has- 
brouck being always the prominent figure in their 
articles. Naturally, the old members were greatly 
displeased with the result of the election, but Mrs. 
Hasbrouck has stood firmly in defense of such reforms 
as she believed the majority of the taxpayers and 
people desired. This not suiting " the ring," they 
managed in the spring of 1881 to have the editors of 
both local journals for members of the board of edu- 
cation, when they refused to admit in their pajjers a 
word in favor of woman as a worker in the schools. 
They had long been conservative on the subject of 
temperance and other reforms, hence the starting of 
the Liberal Sentinel by John W. and Lydia Sayer 
Hasbrouck, — an independent weekly quarto paper, 
open to the discussion of all topics that tend to make 
humanity better and healthier. 

Since her marriage her husband has been a most 
eflicient aid, having always sustained and a.ssisted her 
in the carrying out. of her principles, and no influence 
has shaken his faithful allegiance to h^. For twenty- 
five years they have been true to their princijiles and 



* A charming locality on high gronud in the nortliern part of the 
village, where, in 1857, she l)nilt an octagon stone house in a two-acre 
clover-lield for theirfntnre home, now suri-oumleil by a wealth of shrub- 
bery, fruit, and floweis, all planted and cultivated by her own hands. 



198 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



troth, and though six-feet boys call them mother and 
father they are yet workers in the field, fighting 
wrong and battling for the right. 

Mrs. Hasbroiu'k has always been an energetic busi- 
ness woman, with remarkable executive and go-ahead 
capabilities. Her transactions have been confined 
mostly to real estate, and at present she is engaged in \ 
building a large block of stores and offices on the 
best business street in Middletown. In it the Sentinel 
is expected to have new quarters and to be issued 
oftener, the better to accommodate the wants of this 
flourishing town. 

Moses Dunning Stivers was born near Beemer- 
ville, in the township of Wantage, Sussex Co., N. J., 
on the 30th day of December, 1828. 

His father, John Stivers, was born in Middlesex 
Co., N. J., Oct. 3, 1802, and his grandfather, Randal 
Stivers, was also a native of the same county. The 
latter removed to Sussex County in the early part of 
the present century, and settled in the township of 
Frankford. 

His mother, JIargaret Dunning Stivers, who is still 
living and renuirkably sprightly and active at the 
advanced age of seventy-eight years, was born near 
Scotchtown, Orange Co., N. Y., July 1, 1803. Her 
father and mother, Jonathan and Rachel Crans Dun- 
ning, removed to Sussex Co., N. J., and settled in the 
townsliip of Wantage about 1806. Mr. Dunning 
served us a private soldier in the American army in 
the war of 1812. John Stivers and Margaret Dunning 
were married March 22, 1828, and settled upon a farm 
near Beemerville, N. J., where all their three children — 
Moses D., Randal, and Jesse L. — were born. In 1845 
the family removed to Ridgebury, Orange Co., Mr. 
Stivers having purchased the old Deacon Hallock 
farm. The father died here on the 21st of February, 
1865. His widow and son, Randal, still continue to 
reside upon the place. 

The youngest son, Jesse Lewis Stivers, enlisted in 
Company B, Fifty-sixth Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers, known as the "Tenth Legion," wliich was 
raised and commanded by Col. (now Gen.) Charles H. 
Van Wyck, then representing the Tenth District 
(Orange and Sullivan Counties) in Congress, now 
United States senator from the State of Nebra.ska. 
Although a mere stripling of slight build and not 
strong and robust, Jesse participated in several cam- 
paigns and battles, among them the campaign in 
front of Richmond, and was wounded in the battle of 
Fair Oaks. The regiment was afterwards stationed 
at Yorktown, and subsequently for some time on Mor- 
ris Island, S. C. After three years' service, young 
Stivers re-enlisted with his regiment for another three 
years. He was subsequently promoted to second lieu- 
tenant of his company. Ill health and physical de- 
bility, growing out of the hardships of the service, 
compelled him to resign his commission in the spring 
of 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. 

For a time he was associated with his brother in 



the ownership of the Oranye County Press. He died 
suddenly from heart-disease, in New York City, April 
30, 1871, at the age of thirty years. 

The subject of our sketch, Moses D. Stivers, whose 
likeness is given herewith, after attending the com- 
mon schools in his neighborhood, was in his four- 
teenth year sent to the then well and widely known 
select school kept by Edward A. Stiles, now deceased, 
located near the Clove church, in the township of 
Wantage, Sussex Co., N. J., afterwards known as 
Mount Retirement Seminary. He spent two and a 
half years at this school, and afterwards attended a 
term at a select school at Beemerville, N. J., and also 
the academy- at Ridgebury, N. Y. After leaving 
school he worked upon his father's farm in the sum- 
mer seasons, and during the winters, for the next tea 
yeai-s, engaged in teaching at various places in Sussex 
and Orange Counties. 

He was married, Sept. 26, 1855, to Mary Elizabeth 
Stewart, second daughter of Mr. Lewis Stewart, of 
the town of Wawayanda, Orange Co., N. Y. Five 
children have been the fruit of this marriage, viz. : 
Mary Ellen (wife of Mr. Edwin T. Hanford, of Mid- 
dletown), Louis Stewart, John Dunning, Cristina 
Stewart, and Moses Ashby. 

For two years after his marriage he kept a country 
store at Ridgebury. In 1859 he removed to Middle-' 
town, where he has since resided, with the exception 
of three years at Goshen. In the spring of that year 
he entered into partnei-ship with Mr. AVilliam Evans 
in the mercantile business, under the firm-name of 
Evans & Stivers,which they carried on upon Main 
Street for some five years. Mr. Evans then sold his 
interest to Messrs. Harvey and John A. Wallace, and 
the business was continued under the firm-name of 
Stivers & Wallace until after the election of Mr, 
Stivers to the office of county clerk in the fall of 1864. 

In March, 1868, after the expiration of his term of 
office as county clerk, Mr. Stivers purchased from Mr. 
John W. Hasbrouck the printing-office and weekly 
newspaper, TIte Orange County Press, which the 
latter had founded. Although with no practical 
knowledge of the printing business, and without any 
experience as a journalist, except as an occasional 
contributor to the newspaper press, Mr. Stivers at 
once met with remarkable success in his new voca- 
tion. The paper was enlarged, and in various ways 
improved; and from a feeble circulation of a few 
hundred copies it speedily ran up in a few months, 
until it equalled, if not surpassed, the circulation of 
any weekly journal in the county. 

He associated his brother Jesse with him for a few 
months, and afterwards, in December, 1869, formed a 
partnership witli Albert Kessinger, of Rome, N. Y., 
a mere youth, who had not then attained his majority, 
but who possessed intellectual and business qualities 
far beyond his years. This association continued 
until the unfortunate mental disability and death of 
Mr. Kessinger, which latter occurred Aug. 5, 1872. 






^'-^tyV^ 



y 



THE PRESS OF ORANGE COUxXTY. 



199 



In the mean time, besides largely increasing their 
business in all its branches, they had established the 
Middletown Tri-weekhj Evciiiiiff Press. In order bet- 
ter to settle up the partnership affairs of the late firm, 
in October, 1872, Mr. Stivers sold the concern to Mr. 
F. Stanhope Hill, who associated with him Mr. John 
W. Slawson, under the firm-name of Hill & Shiwson. 

In the summer of 1873, Mr. Stivers made a tour of 
Europe, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, and the 
Continent, going as far south as Naples, and visiting 
the International Exposition at Vienna. His observa- 
tions were given in a series of letters in the Press. 
Just previous tn his departure, which was on June 
14, 1873, he again became part owner of the Press by 
the repurchase from Mr. Hill's interest therein. On 
his return from abroad, in September, 1873, Mr. 
Stivers again resumed the editorship of the paper, — 
the Daily Press having at this time been established, 
— devoting the closest attention to it until he finally 
sold his interest in the concern to the present pro- 
prietors in December, 1880. The Press had during 
these years attained a wide circulation. 

While the paper was radically Republican in poli- 
tics, it nevertheless was always extremelj' independ- 
ent in the expression of its views. Mr. Stivers has 
always taken a lively interest in political matters. 
He started out as a Free-Soil Democrat in 1848, but 
could not then vote. In 1852 lie cast his first vote 
for President, for Franklin Pierce. He was an ardent 
Anti-Slavery Democrat during the Kansas troubles, 
which occurred during President Pierce's term, and 
when the Republican party was organized in 1855 
was one of the very first to assist in that organization, 
and has remained a stanch and active Republican — 
without variableness or shadow of turning— to the 
present time. He has frequently been chosen as a 
delegate to the various local, State, and once to the 
National Convention of his party. In fact, probably 
no one in the county has ever been called to serve 
oftener in this capacity. 

Mr. Stivers has also received many nominations, 
and has held several offices at the hands of his fel- 
low-citizens. He was elected town commissioner of 
schools for the town of Wawayanda, and when the 
office was abolished was the first Republican candi- 
date for the office of district commissioner. He was 
appointed postmaster at Ridgebury under President 
Pierce, but owing to his outspoken Free-Soil senti- 
ments was removed. In 1862 he was the Republican 
candidate for member of the Assembly in the Second 
District of Orange County, but of course was de- 
feated in this strong Democratic district. 

In the fall of 1864 lie was elected to the office of 
county clerk of Orange County on the Republican 
ticket, and after serving three years, at the close of his 
term, received the compliment of a renomination. 
But the county at that election was carried by the 
Democrats, and he was defeated, though only by a 
lew votes. 



In October, 1868, he was appointed by President 
Grant collector of United States internal revenue 
for the Eleventh District of New York, comprising 
the counties of Orange and Sullivan. In 1876 the 
Thirteenth District (Ulster and Green Counties) was 
consolidated with the Eleventh, and Mr. Stivers was 
retained as the collector of the new district, which 
office he continues to fill. 

In the Utica Republican State Convention, in Feb- 
ruary, 1880, Mr. Stivers was selected by a majority 
of the delegates from the Fourteenth Congressional 
District to represent the party at the Republican 
National Convention at Chicago in June following. 

Mr. Stivers from the outset declared his intention 
to obey the manifest will of his constituents rather 
than the instructions of the State convention, and 
joined with Judge Robertson and some twenty other 
delegates from this State in opposition to the unit 
rule, which position was su.stained by the subsequent 
action of the National Convention. With the dele- 
gates alluded to he voted in the convention steadily 
for Mr. Blaine for President, until the name of Gen. 
Garfield was introduced, when they immediately gave 
their votes to him and helped to bring about his 
nomination. He took an active part in the campaign 
which followed, as, indeed, he has always done in 
every political campaign since he has been a voter. 

Aside from the political offices he has held, Mr. 
Stivers has been called to fill many other positions of 
honor and trust. He is a director of the Middletown, 
Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, a trustee of 
the Middletown Savings-Bank, a trustee of the Hill- 
side Cemetery, and almost from the first organization 
of the New York State Homoeopathic Asylum for the 
Insane at Middletown — in which he took an earnest 
interest, and to which he contributed liberally of his 
time and means — he has been a member of its board 
of trustees, and the secretary of the board. 

In all matters pertaining to the advancement and 
welfare of the village of Middletown he has always 
taken a lively interest and been an active participant. 
He was one of the original members of Eagle Engine 
Company, and for some years its foreman. He is a 
member of Hoffman Lodge, Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, and is a Past Master of the lodge ; also of Mid- 
land Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; a member of 
Middletown Lodge of Odd-Fellows, and of Ivanhoe 
Lodge Knights of Honor. 

THE PRESS OF MONTGOMERY. 

The history of the Orange County Pepuhlican, which 
was printed in Montgomery from 1806 to 1818, has 
been given in connection with the press of Goshen. 

The Republican Banner was, we believe, the second 
paper printed in the town. Calvin F. S. Thomas was 
its publisher in 1833-34, but when it began or ended 
its career we have no knowledge. The Montgomery 
Standard was established by William H. Smith, June, 
1859. The Moniyomery Republieau was established by 



2u(l 



HlSTURr OF OEAXGK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Lester Wiufield, in September, 18G8, as a continuation 
of the Pine Bush Wn-l-li/ C'uM (November, 1867), 
which was originally started by him at Galeville Mills, 
Ulster Co., May 4, 18(54. The Standard was consoli- 
dated with the Republican, May 1, 1869, under the 
title of liepiibUran and Standard, which is continued 
by Mr. Winfield. 

The Wallkill Valhy Times was established at Mont- 
gomery in April, 1868, by Stephen H. Sayer, who also 
issued the DoUar Weekly, in 1869. His undertaking 
failed in 1871, and his materials went into the bands 
of Mr. Winfield. 

The Walden Recorder was commenced by S. H. 
Sayer in 1869, but suffered to go down. Chauncey 
B. Reed took it up in 1870, and added Herald to the 
title, but subsequently dropped Recorder. The paper 
is now the Walden Herald. 

THE PRESS OF PORT JERVIS. 

The first newspaper published in Port .Tervis was 
the Port Jervis Express, an independent VVliig journal, 
and was issued in January, ISoO, by P. H. .Miller, a 
colored man, who was both editor and proprietor. 
The size of the sheet was twenty by twenty-eight. It 
was printed on a Raniage press, and was published on 
Wednesdays, at one dollar a year, payable in advance, 
or two dollars at expiration of year. The office was 
over a harness-maker's shop, near the residence of Dr. 
John Conkling. The Express gave up the ghost in 
about nine months. 

In November, IS.iO, the publication of the T'ri-Statea 
Union was commenced in Col. Samuel Fowler's brick 
building, opposite the present Erie Eaihv;iy freight 
depot. It was mainly through the eftbrts of Col. 
Fowler, then a leading Democratic politician, that the 
paper sprang into existence. It was a nicely-printed 
sheet, and was ably edited by John I. Mumford. In 
December, 185.3, the paper was purchased by L. F. 
Barnes, a young lawyer of Milford, Pa., who edited it 
until Aug. 10, 18.54, when, having been appointed to 
a lucrative government position, he sold the establish- 
ment to James H. Norton. Barnes died at Milford 
about 1868. 

Mr. Norton was editor and proprietor of the paper 
until 1861, when he disposed of the ofHce to G. W. 
Allen, of Honesdale, Pa., and W. W. Farnum, nephew 
of the late H. H. Farnum, of Port Jervis. 

From its commencement until the advent of Mr. 
Allen as editor the paper was Democratic in politics. 
The latter changed it to a Republican paper. Sept. 27, 
1862, the U/iion was sold to Daniel Holbrook, a grad- 
uate of Harvard College, and at the time principal of 
the schools at the House of Refuge, Randall's Island. 

Mr. Holbrook was succeeded Sept. 27, 1869, by 
W. G. Mitchell, of Chambersburg, Pa. In 1871, Mr. 
Mitchell retired, and Mr. Chqrles St. John, Jr., the 
present editor and proprietor, A. E. Spooner, and 
William T. Doty, the present editor of the Gazette, be- 
came the proprietors, with Messrs. St. John and Doty 



as editors. In 1872, Spooner disposed of his interest 
to E. G. Fowler, at present editor of the Snndaij Morn- 
ing Call, and later in the same year Mr. Doty retired. 
At this time the Liberal party was organized, and the 
Union was an earnest champion of the new party. 

In January, 1873, the Daily Union was started by 
Messrs. St. John & Fouler, the latter retiring in the 
fall of that year. In 1879 the daily was enlarged. 
The Tri-States Union was changed from a weekly to a 
semi-weekly in 1878. Since 1875 the Union has been 
Republican in its politics. 

In 1852 the temperance question was largely advo- 
cated in the town of Deerpark. A number of the 
friends of the cause united and purchased the outfit 
of a printing-office, and in June, 1852, the publication 
of The Mirror of Temperance was commenced, edited 
by J. L. Barlow and John Dow. Barlow was a "Mil- 
lerite," and had previously edited the Sussex County 
Home Journal, at Deckertown, N. J. The paper proved 
an unprofitable venture ; it lived about one year and 
a half. On the ruins of the Mirror John Williams, 
an Englishman, started The Sentinel. Like its prede- 
cessor, it was the organ of the Temperance party. In 
the fall of 1854 he issued a campaign paper called The 
Precursor of Temjjeronce. The Sentinel failed in 1855, 
Mr. Williams removing to Middletown, and later to 
New York City. The Iron Age, the leading paper in 
the United States devoted to the iron interests, was 
founded by Mr. Williams, and is now published by 
his son, David Williams. After the demise of The 
Sentinel the owners sold the press and type to parties 
elsewhere. 

The Erening Gazette was founded April 22, 1869, as 
a tri-weekly publication, by James H. Norton, of 
Middletown, and William H. Nearpass, of Port Jer- 
vis. The paper was neutral in politics. In about a 
month thereafter the Family Gazette, a weekly paper, 
was issued from the same office. Before the expira- 
tion of the first volume it was enlarged and the name 
changed to Port Jervis Weekly Gazette. In 1871, Mr. 
Norton retired from the concern, and E. H. Mott, of 
Honesdale, Pa., became associated with Mr. Near- 
pass as one of the editors and proprietors. Oct. 1, 
1872, the Gazette establishment was purchased by 
George A. Clement, a New York lawyer, and the 
paper, which had hitherto been neutral, was changed 
to Republican. Mr. Clement edited the Gazette until 
July 1, 1873, when he leased the office to William T. 
Doty and a young man named Waller, of Monticello, 
Mr. Doty assuming the editorial charge. In 1874, 
Mr. Clement sold the establishment to Jesst M. Con- 
ner, a Port Jervis merchant, and in September, 1874, 
Mr. Conner disposed of it in a trade to Hon. Charles 
St. John. The latter shortly after sold it to E. J. 
Horton, of Peekskill, and W. T. Doty. With the new 
change the paper was made Democratic. In 1875, Mr. 
Horton sold his interest to Mr. Doty. In October, 
Ic 76, Hon. Charles St. John again became the owner, 
and for two issues the Evening Gazette appeared as a 




'^yvr^^..^^^ 



ORANGE COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 



101 



neutral paper, when he disposed of it to its present 
proprietor, William H. Nearpass, and both the Eren- 
in<f and Wcfklij Gazetfes were again Democratic. The 
present editor of the paper is W. T. Doty, who has 
continued to edit it since 1873. The publisher is 
W. H. Nearpass. . 

The SiiiiiJay Moniiiii/ Call, a weelvly Sunday paper, 
was established April 4, 1880, by E. G. Fowler and 
A. L. Jiloftat. Mr. Fowler is the editor. Mr. Moffat 
remained in the office but a short time, and disposed 
<if his interest to other parties. The paper is " inde- 
pendent." George Lea purchased it in December, 
18,80. Mr. Fowler is now connected with the Middle- 
town Press. 

William H. Nearpass. — The earliest representa- 
tive of the Nearpass family, Jacob by name, emigrated 
from Germany about the year 17r)5, and chose a home 
in Jlontague, Sussex Co., N. J., where he remained 
until his death, having followed agricultural pursuits 
during his lifetime. His children were Baltus, John, 
Jacob, William, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Catharine, 
of whom John, William, and Benjamin settled in 
Montague. Baltus sacrificed his life in the battle of 
Minisiuk ; William ended his life by an accident; 
Jacob removed to Seneca Co., N. Y.,and was the pro- 
■ genitor of the branch of the family residing in western 
New York; and Benjamin, at a later day, repaired to 
Michigan. 

John was nuirricd, March 19, 1785, to Miss Sarah 
Likhoorn, and is the grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch. His children were Baltus, William, 
Micliael, Benjamin, Rachel, Mary, and Catharine, all 
of whom chose homes in the vicinity, either in Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey, or New York. Michael, the 
father of William H., remained in New Jersey, having 
inherited the homestead. He was united in marri.age 
first to Jemima Cuddeback, and a second time to 
Charlotte E. Stewart, who was the mother of four 
children, — William H., Horace S., Sarah Temper- 
ance, and Charles H. Of this number the only sur- 
vivors are William H. and Charles H., both of whom 
reside in Port .Tervis. William H. Nearpass was born 
in Montague, N. J., May 9, 18-10, and passed his early 
years at the home of his parents in the latter town- 
ship. They removed in 18.56 to Port Jervis, which 
afforded him improved educational advantages at the 
public school of that place, though these were not of 
a superior character. At the age of nineteen he be- 
gan a mercantile career as clerk in one of the stores 
of the place. In 1865 the firm of Wilkin ct Near- 
pass was established, which copartnership continued 
until 1867, when Nearpass & Swartwout embarked in 
trade. This firm was succeeded by Nearpass & 
Brother, after which the present copartnership of 
Near])ass & Shinier was formed. 

Mr. Nearpass having developed a taste and mani- 
fested a peculiar adaptation for the profession of jour- 
nalist, in connection with Mr. J. H. Norton began the 
publication of the Ecenhui Gazdte, a tri-weekly, to- 
14 



gether with a weekly edition of the same paper. He 
later disposed of his interest in the paper, and in 
1876 repurchased. This evening bulletin of news met 
a want which the community had long felt, and its 
publisher was encouraged, in .Tanuary, 1881, to further 
enterprise by converting it into a daily. Its increas- 
ing circulation testifies to the appreciation in which 
it is held by the citizens of Port Jervis and vicinity. 

Mr. Nearpass has engaged actively in all undertak- 
ings having for their aim the public welfare. He 
has been favored with many local offices, having 
been for five years supervisor of the township, and 
elected a portion of this time without opposition. 
The offices of trustee and treasurer of the village 
have also been filled by him. His religious associa- 
tions are with the Reformed (Dutch) Church, of which 
he is an esteemed elder. 

Mr. Nearpass was married in 1867 to Miss Anna 
W. Newman, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who died in 187'J, 
leaving three children, — Emma E., Charlotte A., and 
Anna W., the latter of whom is deceased. 

THE PRESS OP WARWICK. 
The Warwick Advertiser was commenced Jan. 27, 
1866 ; Leonard Cox, editor and proprietor. John L. 
Servin purchased it Jan. 8, 1869, and sold to Daniel 
F. Welling, April 1, 1874. From Welling it passed 
to Stewart & Wilson (Aug. 5, 1876). Wilson sold his 
interest to D. C. Demerest, and it was published by 
Stewart & Demerest until the establishment was de- 
stroyed by fire, Jan. 24, 1879, since which time it has 
been published by Stewart & Co. Samuel J. Stewart 
has been its editor since August, 1876. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

In regard to the following newspapers no reply has 
been made to our inquiries : 

The Cornwall Heflec/or, founded as the Cornwall 
Mirror, by John W. Lee, in 1877, now published by 
H. H. Snelling. 

The Cornwall limes, Miss S. J. A. Hussey, editor 
and proprietor. 

The Highland Falls Journal, James C. Merritt, 
editor. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

OBANGE COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 

In the following lists are included the names of 
representative and other officers of the oriffimd county 
of Orange, and also the officers of Ulster County who 
were taken from the precincts and towns of that 
county which were subsequently annexed to Orange, 
together with those of the present (bounty of Orange, 
viz. : 

REPRESENTATIVES IN COLONIAL A.^.^IvMBLY. 

Original Orange was given representation in the 
General Assembly in 1699, from which time until 



202 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1775, which embraces the first representative period 
prior to the Revolution, its representatives were : 

1699-1701, Abraham Converneur;* 1701-5, '9. '10, M6, '26, Peter Haring; 
1705-8, riuris C'rum ; 1708-9, Michael Hawdin; 171(J-13, Heudrick 
TeiiEyck; 1713-16, '26, '37, Cornelius HaiTiiiK: 1710-26, Cornelius 
Cuyper; 1726-29, Lancaster Symes ; 1729-39, '67, '.')9, Vincent Mat- 
tliewB, Cornwall; 1739-60, Thomas Gale, G.ishen ; 1739-45, Gabriel 
Ludlow; 1747^8, '59, Theodorus Snediker; 1745-47, '59, '08, Abra- 
ham Harrinp; 1750-57, Samuel Gale; 1759-09, Henry Wisner, Go- 
shen; 1709-75, Samuel Gale (2); 1709-76, John De Noyelies; 1775, 
John Coe, Haverstraw. 

The representative from Ulster, from the district 
now embraced in Orange, was George Clinton, of New 
Windsor, from 1768 to 1775. 

DELEGATES FROM THE COLONY OF NEW YORK TO 

THE FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS— 1774. 

John Alsop, William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Simon Boerum, John 

Harriug, Isaac Low, James Dnane, John Jay, Henry "Wisuer.t 

SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS— 1775. 
John .Alsop, James Duane, William Floyd, Lewis Morris, Simon Boerum, 
John Jay, Philip Livingston, Philip Schuyler, George Clinton, 
Francis Lewis, Robert R. Livingston, Henry Wisner. 

Clinton and Wisner were from the district now 
embraced in Orange County. Simon Boerum died 
July 11, 1775, and John Alsop resigned immediately 
after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, 
to which measure he was opposed. Clinton, Wisner, 
Alsop, Floyd, and Lewis were present when the Decla- 
ration was adojjted, but, in consequence of the instruc- 
tions which they had received from the Convention of 
New York, did not vote. New York subsequently 
approved the Declaration, and it was signed, on behalf 
of the State, by Philip Livingston, Floyd, Lewis, and 
Morris. Clinton, Wisner, Schuyler, Jay, and Eobert 
R. Li vi ngston were called home to take charge of defen- 
sive operations in New York, and hence did not sign. 
Their signatures were not necessary, as the Conven- 
tion of New York had instructed any three of the 
representatives to cast the vote of the State. The dele- 
gates of 1775 continued to serve until 1777, — William 
Duer taking the place of John Alsop. 

DELEGATES TO THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF 
NEW YORK— 1775-77. 
Orange County. — A. Hawkes Hay, Haverstraw ; Jeremiah Clark, Corn- 
wall; John Coe, Havei-straw : Wm. Allison, Goshen; Peter Cowles, 
Goshen ; Thomas Cuyper, Haverstraw ; John Barring, Orangetown; 
Abni. Lent, Orangetown ; Thomas Outwater, Orangetown ; Israel 
Seeley, Cornwall; Joshua H. Smith, Haverstraw; RoeloffVan Honten, 
Haverstraw ; Nidiolas Jackson, Goshen ; Archibald Little, Cornwall ; 
David Pye, Haverstraw ; Isaac Sherwood, Orangetown ; Benj. Tnsten, 
G(i3he;i: Henry 'Wisner, Goshen ; Jesse Woodhnll, Cornwall, y 

* Speaker of Assembly. He was a resident of New York. 

t Henry Wisner Wiis the grandson of Johannes W^isner, who settled on 
;the Wawayanda Patent in 1714. " He was a man. although of slender 
education , yet of strong natural abilities, of pleasing address, and seemed 
to possess from his ancestors a strong predilection for republican institu- 
tions," says Judge William Thompson. His active years were spent in 
the civil service of his country, liaviug entered the General (Colonial) 
Asseniidy in 1759, and continued therein until 1782, with only a few 
years' inteiiuption. He was also the founder of two powder-mills in the 
county for the supply of the army of the Revolution. His son, Henry, 
Jr., was also in the Legislature ; and his son-in-law, Moses Phillip, was 
the founder of Phillipsburgh. 



fVa'er Coioi/j/.— ^ohn Nicholson,^ Montgomery; Arthur Parks,; Mont- 
gomery ; Johannes Snyder, Shawangunk ; Matthew Rhea, Mont- 
gomery; Thomas Palmer, Newburgh; Henry Wisner, Jr., Wallkill; 
Levi Paulding, Kingston ; Christopher Tappen, Kingston ; Birck 
Wynkoop, Jr., Kingston. 

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY— 1775-76. 
Orange Cmuitij. — David Pye, John Harring, Jeremiah (.'lark, Thennis 

Cuyper. 
VUier Couiiiij. — Samuel Brewster, New Windsor; Heni-y W'isner, Jr., 

Wallkill. 

DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION CALLED TO DE- 
LIBERATE UPON THE ADOPTION, BY THE STATE 
OF NEW YORK, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE 
UNITED STATES, HELD JUNE 17, 1788. 
tlster County. — George Clinton ; James Clinton, New Windsor; Ebenezer 

Clark, John Cantiue, Cornelius C. Shoemaker, Dirck Wyukoop. 
Orange County. — Henry Wisner, Goshen ; John Harriug ; Jesse W^oodhull, 
Cornwall ; John Wood. 

After a severe struggle this convention ratified the 
constitution by a vote of thirty to twenty-seven, — 
Orange and Leister Counties voting in the negative. 

DELEGATES TO THE STATE CONVENTION OF 1801, 
CALLED TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF 1777. 
Oravye Conntij. — Aaron Burr; Arthur Parks, Montgninery ; James Clin- 
ton, New Windsor; John Steward, Gosheu ; Peter Tuwusend, Corn- 
wall. 

Aaron Burr resided in New York, but was elected 
as a representative from Orange. He was president 
of the convention. 

DELEGATES TO THE STATE CONVENTION OF 1S21, 
CALLED TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF ISOl. 

Orange County. — John Duer, Goshen; Peter MiUiken, Montgomery; 
John Hallock, Jr. ; Benjamin Woodward, Mount Hope. 

DELEGATES TO THE STATE CONVENTION OF 1S46, 
CALLED TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF 1S21. 

John W. Brown. Newburgh ; Lewis Cuddeback, Deerpark ; George W. 
Tutliill, Blooming-Grove. 



ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT 



Date. 

1792 !|. 
179G.. 
1800.. 
1804.. 
180b.. 
1812.. 

181G.. 
1820.. 
1824.. 



Name. 
.Jesse WoodhuU.^ 
.Johannes Miller. 
.James Burt. 
.John Wood. 
.William Hallock. 
.Joim Cliandler. 
Chatuey Belknap. 
.John Blake, Jr. 
.Peter Milliken. 
.William Walsh. 



Residence. 
Cornwall. 
Montgomery. 
Warwick. 
Goshen. 



Newburgh, / 
Montgomery, 



AND VICE-PRESIDENT. 
Vote cast for. 
Washington and Clinton. 
Adams and Piiickney. 
Jefferson and Burr. 
Jefferson and Clinton. 
Madison and Clinton. 

DeWitt Clinton and Ingersoll. 
Monroe and Tompkins. 



Newburgh. Adams and Calhoun. 



J John Nicholson was of Scotch-Irish extraction. He settled with his 
father iu Wallkill precinct in or about 1731. He raised a company for 
the Canada expedition iu 1775, and on the reorganization of the troops 
there in 1776 was raised to the rank of colonel. He died at his residence 
iu the present town of Montgomery, Aug. 2, 1811, with the record of *' a 
useful and excellent man." 

g Arthur Parks was a resident if not a native of the present town of 
Montgomery, where he died Aug. 11, 1SU6, in his seventieth year. He 
was the grandson of John Parks and Blarguret Clinton, the sister of 
James, the father of Charles Clinton. He was in civil service from 1775 
to 17S8. 

II New York had no voice in electing the first President, not having 
adopted the Federal Constitution. 

^ Jesse Woodhull was born at Mastic, L. I., Feb. 10, 1735. He settled 
at Blagg's Clove, iu Cornwall precinct (now in Blooming-Grove), aliout 
]7o3. His military service has been noticed elsewhere. He died Feb. 4, 
17'J5. 



ORANGE COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 



203 



Dutc. Name. Residence. Vote cost for. 

182S...Kgbert Jansen. Goslien. Jacksou and Calhoun. 

18y2...SaiMnel Huuter. MoutKomery. Jackson and Van Buren. 

18:if....Natlianiel P. Hill. " Van Buren and Johnson. 

1840. ..James Burt. Wai-wick. 1 ,, . ^ -r i„„ 

, V Harnsou and Tyler. 
Nathl. DuBois. Newburgh. ) 

1844. ..William Murray. Westtowu. Polk and Dallas. 

1848. ..James D. Bull. Crawfurd. Taylor aTid Fillmore. 

1852. ..Alex. Thompson. " Pierce and King. 

1856...John P. Jones, Sullivan Co. Fremont and Dayton. 

1800. ..George M. Grier. Goshen. Lincoln and Hamlin. 

1864. ..James W. Taylor. Newburgh. Lincoln and Johnson. 

1868. ..Egbert A. Clark. Sullivan Co. Grant and Colfa.v. 

1872...Stod'd Hammonfl. " " Grant and Wilson. 

1870. ..William Voorliis. Rockland Co. Tilden and Hendricks. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

Orange mid Ulster Counties. 

1789-91 John Hatborn. Warwick. 

1791-9IJ Corns. C. Schoonmaker. Kiligst^ni. 

1793-95 Peter Van Gaasbeck. 

Fourth DUtrict, — Ormuje, lister, and Deluware Counties. 

179.VJ7 John Hathorn. Warwick. 

1797-99 Lucas Elmendoi-f. Kingston. 

1799-1801 " " " 

1801-;! " " " 

FijVi District^ — Oraihje County. 

lSo:i-.''i Andrew McCord, Wallkill. 

1805-7 John Blake, Jr. " 

1807-9 " 

Tftird District, — Oran'je iiml Westrhester Counties. 

1809-11 Jonathan Fisk. Newburgh. 

lsll-l:i Pierre VauCortlandt, Jr. Westchester County. 

tSirth District, — Orange Conntii. 

18l:i-l.^ Jonathan Fisk. Newburgh. 

181,'i-17« " " " 

1817-19 James W. Wilkin. Goshen. 

1819-21 Walter Ciise. Newburgh. 

1821-2:1 Selah Tutliill.t Goshen. 

lS2:i-2.i Hector Craig. Blooming-Grove. 

182.'»-27 John Hallock, Jr. Goshen. 

1827-29 " " " 

1S29-:!1 Hector Craig. t Blooming-Grove. 

18:il-;B Sanil. J. Wilkin. Goshen. 

183:i-y5 John W. Brown. Newburgh. 

ls:i.'i-.'S7 •' 

18:17-39 Nathaniel Jones. Warwick. 

18:i9^1 " •' 

1841-43 James G. Clinton. Newburgh. 

yinlh District, — Orange and Sulliran Counties. 

1843-45 James G. Clinton. Newburgh. 

1846-47 Archibald C. Niven. Monticello. 

1847-49 Daniel B.St. John. 

1849-51 Thomas McKissock. Newburgh. 

1851-53 William Murray, Goshen. 

1853-55 " 

Tenth lii'iiri't, — Oratuje and Bidlivau Counties. 

1855-57 Ambrose S. Murray. Goshen. 

1857-59 " " 

1859-01 Chas. H. Van Wyck. Sullivan County. 

18C1-03 " " " " 

Eleventh District, — Orange und .Sulliran Counties. 

1863-M Charles H. Winfield. Goshen. 

1805-67 " 

1867-09 Chas. H. Vau Wyck. Sullivan County. 

1869-71 George W. Greene. Goshen. 

1871-73 Chas, St. John. Port Jervis. 

Ttcel/th District, — Orange and Sullivttn Counties. 

187.1-75 Chas. St. John. Port Jervis. 

Fourteenth District, — Orange and Sullivan Counties. 

1875-77 George M. Beebe. Monticello. 

1877-79 " 

* Resigned .Tune, 1815. Succeeded by James W'. W'ilkiu, Goshen. 

+ Died December, 1821. Succeeded by Chas. Borland, Jr., Mont- 
gomery. 

I Appointed judge and resigned. Succeeded by Saml. W. Eager, 
Montgomery, November, 1830. 



REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE SENATE. 
Date. Name. Residence, 

1777-82 Henry Winner. Goshen. 

1777-88 Arthur Parks. Montgomery. 

1777-80 Jesse Woodhull. Cornwall. .^ 

1782-84 Thomas Palmer. Newbui-gh. 

1783-80 William Allison. Goshen, 

1787-90 Jolin Hathorn. Warwick. 

1789-92 James Clinton. New Windsor. 

1794-97 Reuben Hopkins. Goshen. 

1797-1800 William Thompson. Goshen, 

1801-14 James W, Wilkin. Goshen. 

1804-10, 1823-26 James Burt. Warwick. 

1805-8 Samuel Brewster. New Windsor. 

1815-22 William Koss. Newburgh, 

1827-31) Benjamin Woodward. Mount Hope, 

1831-34 David M, Westcott. (ioslien. 

1837-40 Henry H, Van Dyck, C.^hun, 

1841-47 Robert Denniston, Salisbury Mills. 

1848-49 Samuel J. Wilkin. (Inshen 

1852-53 Nathaniel Jones, Newburgh, 

lS56-,i7 Edward M. Madden, Middletown. 

1858-59 Osmer B, Wheeler. Midilletown. 

1808-71 Williinn M, Graham. Middletown. 

1872-75 Edward M, Madilen. Middletown, 

1876-79 Daniel B, St. John. Newburgh, 

1880-81 Edward M. Madden. Middletown. 

From 1777 to 1796 the senatorial flistrict embraced 
the countie.s of Orange, Ulster, and Duchess, and was 
entitled to six senators. 17K6-97, Orange, Ulster,* 
Duchess, and Columbia; Delaware added in 1797; 
Chenango in 1798; Greene in 1800; Sullivan in 1809, 
entitled to twelve senators to 1808, and to seven from 
1808 to 1814. In 1815, Albany, Chenango, Columbia, 
Delaware, Greene, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sulli- 
van, and Ulster composed the district, with a repre- 
sentation of nine senators. Under the constitution of 
1821 the district was composed of Duchess, Putnam, 
Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. 
This continued until 1826, when Delaware was an- 
nexed. In 1836, Queens and Suffolk were added and 
Delaware transferred. Under the constitution of 
1846, Orange and Sullivan composed the district. 

MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY. 
RESIDENTS OF TOWNS IN PRESENT COUNTV. 



Date. From Original Oran.ge. 

1777-78...John Hathorn.g Warwick, 



1779-80 

1780-81,., John Hathorn, Warwick, 
Tliomas Moffatt, Cornwall, 
Bezaleel Seelv, Jr , Gosiien. 

1781-82. „Be7.aleel Seely. 

John Stagg, Goshen. 

1782-83. ..John Hathorn, Warwick, 
John Stagg, Goshen. 

1783-84,., John Hathorn, Warwick. 
William Sickles. 

1784-85. ..John Hathorn, Warwick, 

William Sickles, 
1785-86,,, John Biadner, Goshen, 

Nathaniel Satterly, Cornwall. 

Henry Wisner (3d), Wallkill, 



From Original Ulster. 
Henry Wisner, Jr., Wallkilf. 
Blatthew Rhea, Montgomery. 
Nathan Smith, New Windsor. 
Matthew Rhea, Montgomery. 
Robt, Boyd, Jr., New Windsor. 
Thomas Palmer, Newburgh, 
Niithan Smith, New Windsor. 
Holit. Boyd, Jr., New Windsor. 
Nathan Smith, Jr, 
James Hunter, Jlontgomery. 
John Nicholson, Montg.>mery. 
James Hunter, Montgomery. 
John Nicholson, Blontgomery. 
Nathan Smith, New Windsoi-. 
John Nichultfon, Montgomery. 
Nathan Smith, New Windsor. 
David Galatian, Montgomery. 
Nathan Smith. New Windsor. 



g John Hathorn was a native of Wilmington, DeL He came to Orange 
County in the capacity of a school-teacher and surveyor; subsequently 
married a daughter of Thomas Welling and settled in Warwick, where 
he bad an iron-forge and a store. He was a captain in the old Gosbeii 
regiment of militia, and under the rearrangement of the militia of tht- 
Revolution was made colonel of the Warwick regiment, then (1775) a 
new organization, in which capacity he commanded in the battle of 
Minisiuk. His civil service began as member of the Assembly under the 
first State constitution in 1777, in which capacity he served until 178", 
when he was transfei-red to the Senate, where he remained until 1790. 
In 1789-90 and 1795-97 he was a rei)resentative in. Congress, and 1801-:^ 
again in the Senate. He was a small man, wrote an elegant hand, anti 
left behind him many pleasant recollections. 



204 



HI6T0KV OF OliANGE COUNTY, NEW YOlUv. 



Date. From Original Orange. 

1780-8T...Ri)liert Arnistronff,* Warwick. 

Gilbert Cdoper. Warwick. 
17S7-S8... William Tliomijson, Gcwiieri. 

Henry Wisuer, Jr., Wallkill. 
1788-8'J....loliu Carpenter, Cornwall. 

Henry Wisner, Jr., Wallkill. 
178t!-9(J...Julin Carpenter. 

Setli Marvin. 

William Sickles. 
1790-91... Ji.hn Cariienter. 

Seth Marvin. 

John Smith. 
1791-92. ..Seih Marvin. 

Jolin Smith. 
1792-93. ..Renben Hopkins, Coshen. 

John Smith, Goshen. 
1793-94. ..Sclh Marvin. 

,)ohu Wheeler. 
1795 William Allison, Goshen. 

John Hatliorn, Warwick. 
1796 Seth Marvin. 

James W. Wilkin, Goshen. 
1790-97. ..Seth Marvin. 



1798 lames linrt, Warwick. 

Moses Hatlield, Goshen. 



From Original Ulster. 
David Galatian, Montt:o: 



Nathan Smith, 
James Clinton 
Nathan Smith. 
Nathan Smith, 



New Winilsoi-. 
New A\ iuilsor. 
New Winilsoi'. 
New Windsor. 



Nathan Smith, New Windsor. 



Matthew DnBois, N.Windsor. 
.James Hunter, Montgomery. 
Jno. G. Graham, Montgomery. 
Ebenezer Foot, Newbnrgh. 

Nathan Smith, New Windsor. 

Ehenzer Foot, Newbnrgh. 
Jiihannes Miller, Montgomery 
A ndrew Mct'oi d, Montgomery. 

Kbenezer Foot, Newbnrgh. 
Andrew McCord, Montgomery. 
Francis Ciawlord, Newbnrgh . 
Kbenezer Foot, Newbnrgh. 
Benjamin Sears, Montgomery. 
John Barber, Montgomery. 
Phirieas Bowman, Newbnrgh. 
Andrew 31cCord, Montgomery. 



PRESENT COUNTY OF ORANGE. 

1798-99. — tohn Blake, Jr., James Burt,t Moses Philips, Hendrick Smith, 

David M. Westcott. 
1800. — John Blake, Jr, Robert Bnruet, James Burt, Amirew McCord,t 

Seth Marvin. 
1801.— Aaron Burr, James Clinton, Ajidrew McCord, Peter Townsend, 

Heniy Tooker. 
1802.— Joshua Brown, James Uiut,Chas. Clinton, Andjow McCord, Selah 

Strong. 
1803.— James Burt, William A. Clark, James Finch, Jr.,J Reuben Neely. 
1801.- Robert Burnet, Joshua Brown, Samuel S. Seward, HeuTy Tooker. 
18(1.5.— John Barber, Joshua Brown, John Hatliorn, J.)hn Tiifhill. / 
ISOU.— William Crist, David Dill, Andrew McCord, John Wood. J 

1807..— William Cri»t, Andrew McCord, Abraham Schultz, John Wood. 
1808. — William Uoss, Selah Strong, Henry Tooker, James W. Wilkin. 
1809.— William Ross, Anthony Davis, David Dill, James W. Wilkin. 
1810.— James Finch, Jr., Jos. Morrell, John Nicholson, .Selah Strong. 
1811.— William Ross, Anthony Davis, Seth Marvin, John Blake, Jr. 
1812— William Ross, John Gasherie, Peter Holbert, Seth Marvin. 
1813.— William Ross, Joshua Sayre. Benjamin Stiong, Benjamin Webb. 
1816.— Hezekiah Belknap, Edward Ely, Jas. Finch, Jr., Bonj. Woodward. 
1816.— James Burt, David Dill, Nathaniel P. Strong, Selah Strong. 
1817.— James Faulkner, Jas. Finch, John Hallock, Jr.,! Elihu Hedges. 
1818.— Isaac Belknap, Anthony Davis, John McGarrah, Wm. Mnllinor. 
1819.— John Blake, Nathaniel P. Hill, Hezekiah Moffat, Andrew Wilson. 
1820.— James Finch, Jr., Nathaniel P. Hill, Selah Tuthill, Abraham Vail. 
1821.— Chas. Borland, Jr., James Burt, John Hallock, Jr.,|| Benj. Wood. 

ward. 
1822.- James Burt, Egbert Jansen, Jos. McLaughlin, Abm. Schultz. 



* Robert Armstrong was the son of William Armstrong, who was the 
son of Thomas Armstrong, one of the Scotcli-irish immigrants who ac- 
companied Charles Clintou in 1729-30, and to whom he was related by 
Fjianiage. Thomas Armstrong died on the voyage to America. William 
located in Warwick, where he died March '11, 1805, in his eighty-third 
year. Robert was born in 1754, and died May 30, 1834, in his eighty-fii-st 
year. "He was one of those men who ale never even suspected of selfish 
or corrupt designs." 

t James Burt was the youngest son of Daniel Burt, who settled at Bell- 
vale, in Warwick, in 1740. He wiui one of the most substantial residents 
of the county, and had a long and honorable imblic career. 

J Andrew McCord was a resident of Wallkill. " Hi' was a plain, un- 
ostentatious farmer, who, by a long course of honest industry, and the 
intelligent discharge of private and public duties, endeared himself to all 
Ills fellow-citizens." 

g James Finch, Jr., was born July 25, 1768, died Dec. 7, 1843. He was 
a resident of the town of Mount Hope, where he was a justice of the 
peace for twenty-eight years and supervisor for twelve years. He was a 
Common Pleas judge for one term, and member of the Legislature six 
years. 

[| John Hallock, Jr., was a resident of the old town of Miuisink. He 
was a man of ready talent, and in all his public positions "acted his 
part with fidelity and great purity of motive." 



1823.— David Christie. Wm. Finn, Isaac Van Duzei, Samuel Webb. 
1824.- B.Mij. imnning, .la.. Finch, Jr., Leonaid Smith, Saml. J. Wilkin 
j 1826.-Wm. Finn, Nathaniel P. Hill, Jos. McLanghlin, Saml. J. Wilkin. 
[ 1820.— Ogden Hoffman, Hinlsou McFarland, Abm. Schultz, Benj. Wood- 
ward. 
lS27.-William W. Crawford, William Ecker, Nathaniel Jones. 
I 182S.— Nathaniel Jones, Peter Milliken, David M. Westcott. 
1829.— Robert Fowler, Richard Graham, James Wangh. 

1830.- Abm. Cnddeback, Abm. M. Smith, Phineas Tuthill. 

1831.— Edward Blake, Robert Fowler, James Hnlse. 

1832.— John Barker, Isaac R. Van' Unzor, Charles Winfleld. 

1833.— James Finch, Ezra Keeler, I.aae R. Van Duzer. 

1834.— Meirit H. Gish, Gibert O. Fowler, Charles Winfield. 

1835.- Merrit H. Ca.«li, Robert Deniii»ton, David G. Finch. 

1836.— Charles Borland, Jr., Robert Sly, Thomas Van Etten. 

1837.-Merrit H. Cash, William Jackson, William Morrison. 

1838.-Goldsmith Denniston, Stephen W. Fullerton, Hudson McFarlau 

1839.— Edward Blake, Robert Denniston, .Joseph Slaughter. 

1840.— Benjamin Brown, Robert Denniston, William S. Little. 

1841 .—Gideon W. Cock, Lewis Cuddeback, Robert Sly. 

1842.— Stacey Beakes, B..bert Lawson, Roswell Mead. 

1843.— Leonard Lee, John W. Marlin, John Van Duzer. 

1844.— Leonard Lee, Davnl II. Smith, George W. Tuthill. 

1845.— John Brooks, Thornton 51 Niven, Richard JL Tnlhill, Jr. 

1846.— William L. Benedi,:t, Wilkin Seacord, Robert R. Thompson. 

1847.— Joseph Davis, William C. Ha.sbrouok, Hudson M,:Farlan. 

1848.1f— Stephen Rapalje, George Houston, Augustus P. Thompson 

1849.-David C. Bull, David H. Moffat, Jr., Maurice Hoyt. 

1850.-William Graham, Albert G. Owen, Daniel Fullerton, Daniel T. 
Durland.** 

1851.— Oliver Belknap, Phineas Rnmsey, Milton Barnes. 

1852.— Hugh B. Bull, James B. Stevens, Abm. J. Cuddeback. 

1853.— Thomas Fulton, Hudson Webb, Ethan B. Carpenter. 
1854.-Charles U. Cnshman, Charles M. Thompson, Andrew J. Mills. 
1855.— Joel T. Hoadley, Samuel Beyea, James Bennett. 
1850.— Isaac Wood, William W. Reeve, Andrew J. Mills. 
1857.— James B. Dickson, George B. Cox, Erastus Stickney. 
1858.— Stephen \V. Fullerton, Charles J. Stevenson. 
1859.— James H. Malleiy, Joseph Davis. 
I860.— Peter C. Regan, Harvey B. Caldwell. 
1861.— Stephen W. Fullcit..n, Jr., Milton Barnes. 
1802.— Daniel R. Hudson, John Van Etten, Jr. 
1803.— John D. Van Bnren, Charles S. Woodward. 
1804.— Nathaniel W. Howell, Charles S. Woodward. 
1805.— Ananias B. Hulse, Theodore H. Cooper. 
1866.- Frederick Bodine, George W. Millspaugh. 
1867.— Lewis B. Halsey, Geoige W. Millspaugh. 
1868.- William C. H. Sherman, John H. Reeve. 
1869 —J. C. Bancroft Davis, Thomas J. Lyon. 
1870.- Udell S. Hathaway, Thomas J. Lyon. 
1871.— Robeit H. Strahan, Isaac V. Montanye. 
1872.— Robert H. Strahan, Frank Abbott. 
1873.— Augustus Denniston, Frank Abbott. 
1874.— Augustus Denniston, Charles B. Wood. 
1875.- James W. Miller, Joseph D.' Friend. 
1876.-Thomas W. Biadlcy, John H. Reeve. 

1877.-Jaraes G. Graham, Stewart T. Durland, John D. Benedict.ft 
1878.— James G. Graham, James W. Hoyt. 

*>«..iers.-Jolin Hathorn, 1781; Andrew McCord, 1807; Jas. W. Wilkin 
1808 ; William Ross, 1814; William C. Hasbronck, 1847. 

AD.MINI,STII.\T1VE OFFICERS. 
Cadwallader Colden, Acting Governor, 1760-62, 1763-70. 
George Clinton, Governor, 1777-95, 1801-4. 
DeWitt Clinton, Governor, 1824-28. 
William H. Seward, Governor, 1839-43. 
George Clinton, Vice-President, 1804-12. 

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL OF APPOINTMENT. 

Date. District. Name. Residence. 

'■'''' Middle. Jesse Woodhull. Cornwall. -^ 

1781-88... " Arthur Parks. Montgomery. 

1'89 " John Hathorn. 



Warwick. 



IF By Assembly districts— names in order of district. 

** Contestant awarded seat. 

tt Elected to fill vacancy in place of Durland, deceased. 



ORANGE COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 



205 



Date. District. Name. Residence. 

1794 Middle. Reuben Hopkins. Goslien. 

1802 " James W. Wilkin. Goshen. 

1807 " James Burt. W.-iiwick. 

ISll-l.'i... " James \V. Wilkin. Goshen. 

1816-19... " William Ross. Newhnlgh. 

One senator from each of the four senatorial dis- 
tricts formed, with the Governor presiding, a council 
of appointment, under the constitution of 1777. All 
military, civil, and judicial officers, not excepted by 
the constitution, were appointed by this body. It 
was abolished by the constitution of 1821. 

RE(JENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. 
1783, Henry Wisner, Goshen ; 1783, James Clinton, New WiTidsor ; 1787, 
Kev. Nathan Kerr, Goshen ; 1787, Rev. Andrew King, Montgomery. 

.SriiVEYORS-GEXEKAL. 
1720, Cadwallader Golden, Coldenham; 1751, Cadwallader Golden, Col- 
denham ; , Alexander Golden, Nevvburgh ; 1762, Alexander Col- 
den, Newburgh ; 1842, Nathaniel Jones, Newburgh. 

CANAL COMMISSIONER. 

1844, Nathaniel Jones, Newbnrgh. 

INSPECTORS OF STATE PRISONS. 

1840, Hudson McFarlari, Monroe; 1843, Thornton M. Niven, Newburgh ; 
1845, Benjamin H. Maee, Newburgh. 

MASTER OP CHANCERY. 
17211, Cadwallader Golden, Coldenham. 

MASTERS AND EXAMINERS IN CHANCERY. 
1811, William Ross; 1830, Albert S. Benton, Goshen; John B. Booth, 
Goshen ; Jame.s G. Cliuton, Newburgh ; Alexander C. Mulliner, New- 
burgh ; Charles Monell, Goshen ; Theodore S. Fisk, Newburgh ; James 
G, Clinton, Newbnrgh. 

PUISNE JUSTICE SUPREME COURT. 
1847, Thomas McKissock, Newbnrgh. 

JUDGK CIRCUIT COURT. 
1828, Samuel K. Betts, Newburgh. 

JUSTICES OP SUPREME COURT. 

1849-57, John W. Brown, Newburgh ; 1867, William Fullerton, New- 
burgh ; appointed. 

JUDGES OF COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 
The Court of Common Pleas was established in 
1691, and had jurisdiction similar to the present 
County Court. Until 1821 it was composed of a vari- 
able number of judges. After 1821, five judges were 
appointed for each county, one of whom was desig- 
nated a.^ first. 

ORANGE COUNTY JUDGES. 
1701, William Merritt; 170i, John Morritt; 1710, John Corbet; 1717, 
Peter Haring ; 1717, Cornelius Haring; 1733, Vincent Matthews, 
Cornwall ; 1735, James Jackson ; 1737, Viucent Matthews, Cornwall ; 
1739, Abraham Peter Haring; 1749, Abraham Hariug, Jr.; 1769, 
Michael Jackson, Goshen ; 1774, John Haring ; 1775, John Coe; 1778, 
John Haring; 1788, William Thompson, Goshen. 

ULSTER COUNTY JUDGES. 

1749, Charles Clinton, New Wiudsor; 1774, Cadwallader Golden, Jr., Col- 
denham. 

PRESENT COUNTY OF ORANGE. 

1807, Nathan H. White, First; 1823, Samuel S. .Seward, First; 18.33, Gil- 
bert O. Fowler, First; 1836, Horace W. Elliott, First ; 1841, Goldsmith 
Deniiiston, First; 1840, Allen M.Sherman, First; 1798, Jonathan 
Hasbrouck, Newburgh; 1802, George Gardner, Newburgh; 1807, 
John Barber, Montgomery ; 1808, Andrew Graham, Montgomery, 
Anthony Davis, Goshen, Daniel Birdsall, Newbnrgh; 1809, James 



Finch, Jr., Mount Hope ; 1810, John Bradner, Goshen, Riibert Arm- 
strong, Warwick, Jonathan Conley, Newburgh ; 1811, William Bodle, 
]\Iontgoniery; 1812, Isaac Belknap, Jr., Newburgh; 1814, Williauk 
A. Clark, , George D. W'iekhani, Goshen, Francis Crawford, New- 
burgh ; 1815, John Blake, Jr., Montgomery, Samuel S. Seward, War- 
wick, Joseph Morrell, New Windsor, Alexander Koss, Newburgh ; 
1818, Stephen Jackson, Goshen ; 1821, William Thompson, Goshen, 
Daniel Tooker, Newburgh ; 1823, Solomon Sleight, Newburgh, Da- 
vid M. Westcott, Goshen ; 1824, John Hallock, Jr., Minisink ; 1826, 

Isaac Jennings, ; 1828, Gilbert 0. Fowler, Newburgh; 1830, 

John B. Booth, Goshen : 1831, Nathaniel P. Hill, Montgomery ; 1832, 
Horace W. Elliott, Goshen; 1833, Nathaniel Jones, Warwick ; 1834, 
Robert Deuniston, Blooming-Grove, Unlet Clark, Minisink ; 1836, 
James G. ClintoTi, Newburgh; 1838, Miles Hughes, ; 1S40, Jo- 
seph R. Andrews, , Stephen W. Fullerton, Mount Hope, James 

D. Bull, ; 1843, Gideon W. Cock, ; 1844, Frederick A. Hoyt, 

Gosheu ; 1845, John Sutton, Warwick, Joseph Slaughter, Scotchtown. 

The first session of the court in Orange County 
was held at Orangetown, April 28, 1808. Present: 
William Merritt and John Merritt, judges. Sessions 
were first held in Goshen in 1727. 

JUDGES OF COUNTY COURTS. 

1847, David W. Bate ; 1851, John G. Wilkin; 1855, Benjamin F.Duryea; 
1859, John J. Monell ; 1863, David F. Gedney ; 1867, Thomas George ; 
1871, Stephen W. Fullerton ; 1877, Charles F. Brown. 

SPECIAL COUNTY JUDGES. 
, Johu G.Wilkin; 1862, Robert Proudiit, Jr. ; 1855, Charles Bor- 
land; 1856, James W.Taylor; 1859, E. Gedney Van Duzer; 1861, 
James W. Taylor, George W. Greene ; 1864, J. Hallock Drake ; 1866, 
Jamee W.Taylor; 1869, William J. Groo; 1872, Therou H. Little; 
1875, Michael H. Hirschberg. 

SURROGATES. 
ORANGE COUNTY. 
1727, Henry Ludlow; 1750, Court of Common Pleas; 1754, William 
Finu; 1759, John Gale, Goshen; 1762, Edward Smith; 1778, Benja- 
min Tusten, Jr., Goshen ; 1779, James Everett,* Goshen. 

ULSTER COUNTY. 
1765, George Clinton, New Windsor; 1785, Arthur Parks, Montgomery 
Henry Wisner, Wallkill. 

PRESENT COUNTY OF ORANGE. 
1815, Edward Ely; 1820, .Tob Noble; 1821, Edward Ely; 1823, Wheeler 
Case; 1827, Daniel 11. Tuthill ; 1831, John B. Booth: 1840, Georgo 
M. Grier; 1844, Charles Borland; 1847, Benjamin F. Duryea; 1851, 
James W. Fowler; 1855, John C. McCounell ; 1859, David A. Scott; 
1867, Gilbert 0. Hulse ; 1871-77, Heury A. Wadsworth. 

SPECIAL SURROGATES. 
1855, Charles Borland; 1859, Frederick A. Tloyt; 1867, John V. D. Ben- 
edict; 1870, Henry C. Duryea; 1872, Daniel E. Pope ; 1873, John P. 
Sears; 1877, John B. Sweezey. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 
1818, Samuel R. Betts; 1820, Henry G. Wisner ; 1823, Ogden Hoffman; 
1826, Charles Borland; 1829, Isaac R. Van Duzer; 1835, Samuel J. 
Wilkin; 1835, Cliarles Borland, Jr.; 1841, Nathan Westcott; 1847, 
Hugh B. Bull; 1850, Charles H. Winfield ; 1866, David F. Gedney : 
1859, Charles C. McQuold ; 1802, Abram S. Cassedy ; 1865, J. Hallock 
Drake; 1868, Stephen W. Fullerton; 1871, Lewis E. Carr ; 1874, 
Charles P. Brown ; 1877, Walter C. Anthony. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 
ORANGE COUNTY. 
1691, Dirck Storm ; 1703, William Huddleston ; 1721, Gerardus Clowes; 
1723, Thomas Pullen ; 1726, Vincent Matthews, Cornwall ; 1735, Ga- 



* James Everett appears to have held the office until 1815. The first 
records in the surrogate's office were made by him. The»first letters of 
administration issued by hira were to Hannah Townseod, of the precinct 
of Goshen, administratrix of Peter Townsend, May 30, 1787. The first 
will recorded is that of Samuel Moffat, of Cornwall, June 27, 1787. 



206 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



liriel Lu.llow, Jr. ; 1736, Vincent Matthews; 1763, David Matthews, 
Coruwall : 1704, Reuben Ilopliins, Goshen, 

ULSTER COUNTY. 

1750, George Cliiituu, N'ew Windsor. 

PRESENT COUNTY OK ORANGE. 

1799, Tliomas Moffat ; 181 1, Heury G. Wisner ; 181.5, Davi.l M. Westcott; 
1810, .lames W. Wilkin ; 1821, Davi.l M. Westcott; 1823, .\sa Dun- 
ning; 1S;H, Leljlius L. Vail : 1838, Albert S. Benton ; 1840, Lebbius 
L. Vail ; 1843. John C. Wallace ; 1840, Albert S. Beuton ; 1S4G, Joseph 
W. GotI; 1840, Nathan Westcott; 1853, Charles Drake; 1858, David 
C. Wiiifleld: ISOJ, Moses D. Stivere ; 181,7, Lewis Cuddeback ; 1870, 
William E. JIapes; 1874, William E. Mapes; 1870, John A. Wal- 
lace; 1870, Charles B. Gra.v. 

SHERIFFS. 
ORANGE COUNTY. 
1685, Minnie Johannes : 109O, Floris Willemse Crom ;* 1004, Stanley 
Handcock, New York ; 1090, John Peterson; 1700, Tennis Donisen; 
1702, John Perry ; 1706, Jeremiah CanilT; 170S, Cornelius Cnjper; 
1709, Cornelius Haring; 171.>i, Timothy tial.l.ail; 1719, Thonuis 
Husk; 1730, William Pullen ; 1737, Michael lluioiiiig, Goshen; 
1739, Thaddens Snediker; 1747, Joseph Sackctt, Cornwall ; 1750, 
-Jonathan Lawrence, Cornwall ; 1758, Daniel Everett, Goshen ; 1761, 
Daniel Denton, Goshen; 1704, Jesse Woodhull, Cornwall; 1772, 
,y' James .^latliews, Cornwall ; 1772, Jesse Woodhull, Cornwall; 1777, 
Isaac Nicoll, Goshen; 1781, Wiriiam W. Thompson, Goshen ; 1785, 
Hezekiah Howell, Cornwall ; 1780, Thom.as Waters, Goshen ; 1703, 
Benj. Jackson, Goshen ; 1707, Thomas Waters, Goshen. 

ULSTER COUNTY. 
1752, Richani .\lbertson, Newburgh ; 1774, Thomas Colden, Newburgh; 
1793, Benjamin Sears, Montgomery ; 1794, Levi Dodge, Newburgh. 

PRESENT COUNTY OF ORANGE. 
1802, John Blake, Montgomery; 1801, John Blake, Jr., Montgomery; 
1805, William A. Clarke; 1800, Benjamin Strong; 1810, John G. 
Hurliri; 1811, Benjamin Strong; 1813, Benjamin Sears, Montgom- 
ery ; 1815, Thomas S. Lockwood, Newburgh ; 1810, Moses D. Burnet, 
New Windsor; 1821, Nathaniel P. Hill, Montgomery; 1822, Amzi 
L. Ball ; 1825, Stacey Beakes, Wallkill ; 1628. Joshua Conger, Mont- 
gomery; 1S31, James Hulee; 1834, Charles Niven, Newburgh ; 1837, 
Edward L. Welling, Warwick ; 1840, David Sease. Crawfoid ; 1843, 
Adam H. Sinsahaugh ; 1840, Edward L. Welling, Warwick ; 1849, 
John Van Etten, Jr., Deerpark ; 1852, Adam Lilburn, Newburgh; 
1855, Wm. H.Houston; 185s, John Cowdrey, Warwick ; lsfil,Benj. 
Hanmore, Newburgh ; 1804, Geo. A. Denniston, New Windsor ; 1867, 
Daniel Van Sickle, Goshen ; 1870, Chits. H. Weygant, Newburgh ; 
1873, James W. Ib.yt, Wallkill; 1870, Reuben E. Carr, DeeriJark; 
1879, Benj. B. Odell, Newburgh. 

COUNTY TREASUKEKSf 

1848, Ambrose S. Murray, Goshen; 1851, Benjamin F. Edsall, Goshen ; 
1W4, William M. Graham, Middletown; 1860, Richard M. Vail, 
Coshen; 1863, Heury S. Beakes, Middletown ; 1806-09, Charles J. 
Everett, Goshen ; 1S75, William S. Murray, Goshen ; 1S70, William 
E. Mapes, Goshen. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1843, Jacob C. Tooker, Montgomery ; Horace K. Stewart, Miuisink; 1845, 
Alexander Johnson, Newburgh ; Horace K. Stewart, Slinisink. 

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 

Dist 1, Alexander Beattie, George K. Smith, David .\. Morrison, Charles 
W. Gedney, Jonathan Sillinian, James M. Monell ; Dist. 2, George 
W. Greene, Harvey H. Clark, John J. Barr, Benjamin F. Hill, John 
W. Slauson, Asa Morehouse, Oliver N. Goldsmith. 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. 
Tlie couiity business now transacted by Boards of 
Supervisors was originally in charge of justices of the 
peace. Section 2 of act passed Oct. 18, 1701, pro- 
vided — 

* Crom waa the first man who was married in the county. 

f Until 1848 appointed hy Board of Supelvisors. 



That the justices of the peace of the respective counties of this prov- 
ince, or any five or more of them, two whereof to be a quorum, shall 
once in the year, at a Court of General or Special Sessions, supervise, ex- 
amine, and allow the public and necessary charge of their respective 
county, and of every town thereof; part of which, the allowance made 
by law to their representative or representatives, shall be deemed and 
accounted to be; and upon examination and allowance of the said ac- 
counts they, or the major part of them, as aforesaid, are hereby em- 
powered to issue their warrant to the several towns in said county, under 
their hands and seals, or the hands and seals of the major part of them, 
for the chnsing and electing of two assessors and one collector, in each 
of their towns or county, for the assessing of the sum or sums of money 
so allowed by the justices aforesaid." 

For neglect of the duties here specified, justices 
were liable to a fine of fifty pounds, and collectors and 
assessor.s to a fine of twenty pounds. The justices 
were also empowered to appoint and elect a treasurer 
" for their respective county," and to ]irovide for the 
support of the pour. In the county clerk's office may 
be found, in the fir.^t book of records, the proceedings 
of the justices of Orange acting as supervisors. The 
session was held April 27, 1703. Present: William 
Merritt, John Merritt, Cornelius Cuyper, Tennis Van 
Houghton, Thomas Burroughs, and Michael Hawdon, 
justices; and, as the court proceedings were also 
held, John Perry, high sheriflT, William Huddleston, 
clerk, and Conradt Hanson, constable, were in at- 
tendance. The record is indorsed : " Register kept 
for Orange County, begune ye 5th day of April!, Ano, 
Dm. 1703." The following was the county tax levied: 

f s, a. 

" That the Queen's tax is 22 10 

The }/r,of the clerk's salary 3 10 

Toward payment of a book 6 

Toward furnishing ye county goal 2 10 

Toward pound for cattle 1 10 

To be levied in all 30 6 6" 

The election of supervisors was authorized by act 
of the Assembly in 1703, as stated in a previous chap- 
ter (Chapter III.). The oath of office which they 
were required to take was somewhat different from 
that of the present. It was as follows : 

" I, , do swear I will not pass any accouut, or article thereof, 

wherewith I do not think the county justly chargeable, nor will I dis- 
allow any account, or any article thereof, wherewith I think the county 
justly chargeable. So help me God." 

The names of supervisors, so far as they can now 
be ascertained, will be found in connection with the 
towns which they represented. 



CHAPTER XV. 



TOWN BOUNDARIES. 



Thk towns composing the county at its reorganiza- 
tion (1748) were given their boundaries under the 
act of April 3, 1801. These boundaries, and those of 
the towns subsequently organized, are given in con- 
nection witli a brief summary of the facts in Chapter 
III., in regard to prior organization, viz. : 

Blooming-Grove — formed from Cornwall, March 
23, 1779. Boundaries, 1801: "All that part of the 



TOWN BOUNDARIES. 



207 



county of Orange beginning in the south bounds of 
the town of New Windsor at the northeast corner of 
a tract of land commonly called Van Dam's Patent, 
and then along the east bounds of the said patent to 
the southeast corner thereof, thence along the south 
bounds of the said tract to the foot of the said Sugar- 
loaf Mountain, and then an east course to the bounds 
of Blooming-Grove."' 

Warwick — formed from the precinct of Goshen, 
March 7, 1788. Boundaries, 1801 : " All that jiart of 
the said county of Orange bounded easterly by Chese- 
cocks and Blooming-Grove, southerly by the State of 
New Jersey, westerly by the middle of the Wallkill, 
and northerly by Goshen." 

MixisiNK — formed from the precinct of Goshen, 
March 7, 1788. Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of 
the said county of Orange bounded easterly by the 
middle of the Wallkill, southerly by New Jersey, 
westerly by the Delaware River,* and northerly by 
the towns of Wallkill and Deerpark." 

New Windsor — formed from the precinct of High- 
lands, Dec. 11, 1762 ; erected as a town March 7, 1788. 
Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of the said county 
of Orange bounded easterly by the middle of Hud- 
son's River, southerly by an east and west line from 
the mouth of Murderer's Creek, and westerly and 
northerly by a line beginning at the west side of Hud- 
son's River at the mouth of Quassaick Creek, and 
running from thence along the south bounds of a 
tract of land commonly called German Patent and 
the southerly bounds of a tract of land granted to 
Alexander Baird and Company to the east bounds of 
two thousand acres of land granted to Cadwallader 
Colden, and then across the same to the most north- 
erly corner of the land granted to Patrick Hume, and 
thence along the westerly bounds thereof to the lands 
granted to Patrick McKnight, and then along the 
same southeasterly and southwesterly to the southerly 
corner thereof, and then continuing the last-men- 
tioned line to the town of Blooming-Grove so as to 
include the lands formerly of Fletclier Matthews." 

Neavburgh — formed from the precinct of High- 
lands, Dec. 11, 1762 ; erected as a town March 7, 1788. 
Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of the said county 
of Orange bounded easterly by the middle of Hud- 
sou's River, southerly by New Windsor, westerly by 
the east bounds of the tract of land granted to Cad- 
wallader Colden, and the east bounds of one thousand 
acres of land granted to John Johnson, and the east 
bounds of three thousand acres of land granted to 
Henry Wileman, and the east bounds of three thou- 
sand five hundred acres of land granted to Rip Van 
Dam and others, and northerly by a line beginning 
on the west side of Hudson's River at the northeast 
corner of a tract of land granted to Francis Harrison 
and Company, called the five-thousand-acre tract, 

* The section lying on the Delaware, west of the Shawanguuk Moun- 
tains, was attached to Deerpark by act of Feb. 15, 1825. (See Mount 
Hope.) 



and running from thence east to the middle of Hud- 
son's River, and westerly along the north bounds of 
the said tract and the north bounds of another tract 
granted to the said Francis Harrison to the tract of 
land commonly called Wallace's Tract, then along 
the lines of the same northerly and westerly to the 
northeasterly bounds of a. tract of land granted to 
Jacobus Kip, John Cruger, aud others, commonly 
called Kip and Cruger's Tract, then we.sterly along 
the northeasterly and northerly bounds thereof to the 
northwest corner thereof, and then westerly to the 
northeast corner of the said tract of three thousand 
five hundred acres of land granted to Rip Van Dam 
and others." 

Wallkill — formed from the precinct of Wallkill, 
March 24, 1772 ; erected as a town, March 7, 1788. 
Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of the said county 
of Orange bounded easterly by New Windsor,! south- 
erly by a west line from the mouth of Murderer's 
Creek, westerly by Shawangunk Kill, and northerly 
by the line commonly called the old northwest line." 
Montgomery — formed from the precinct of Wall- 
kill, under the name of the precinct of Hanover, 
March 24, 1772 ; name changed to the precinct of 
Montgomery, 1782 ; erected as a town, March 7, 1788. 
Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of the said county 
of Orange bounded easterly by New Windsor and 
Newburgh, southerly by the town of Wallkill, west- 
erly by Shawangunk Kill,{ and northerly by a line 
beginning at the northeast corner of a tract of three 
thousand acres of land granted to Henry Wileman, 
and running thence along the north bounds thereof 
to the Paltz River, commonly called the Wallkill, 
and then southerly up the same river to the southwest 
corner of a tract of four thousand acres of land 
gr^inted to Gerardus Beekman and others, and then 
westerly and northerly along the southerly and west- 
erly bounds thereof to the northwest corner thereof, 
and then northwesterly along the north bounds of the 
lands granted to Jeremiah Schuyler aud Company to 
the Shawangunk Kill aforesaid." 

Deerpark — formed from the precinct of Mag- 
haghkemek ; subsequently included in the precinct 
of Mamakating ; erected as a town, April 5, 1798. 
Boundaries, 1801 : " All that part of the said county 
of Orange beginning on the Siiawangunk Kill at the 
southwest corner of the town of Wallkill,;* and run- 
ning thence along the said kill, being the boundary 
line of the said town of Wallkill, to the north part of 
the farm now or lately occupied by Joseph Wood, Jr., 
thence west to the river ilongaap, then along the said 
river Mongaap as it runs to the Delaware River, then 
along the said river to the town of Minisink, and 
thence along the northern boundary of the said town 
of Minisink to the place of beginning." 
Crawford — formed from the town of Montgomery, 



f Now by Ilaniptouburgh. X ^^w by Crawford, 

g Now the southeast coruer of Mount Hope. 



208 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



March 4, 1823. Boundaries: "All that part of the 
town of Montgomery, in the county of Orange, lying 
west of a certain line, beginning on the line between 
the town of Wallkill, in said county, and the town 
of Montgomery aforesaid ; at the southwest corner of 
a tract of five thousand acres of land, called the five- 
thousand-acre patent, and- running thence northeast 
on the southwest side of the said five-thousand-acre 
patent, to the southwest corner of the tract of ten 
thousand acres of land, called the ten -thousand-acre 
patent ; thence northwardly, on the west side of the 
said ten-thousand-acre patent, till it strikes the centre 
of a turnpike road leading from the village of Mont- 
gomery to the falls of the Neversink River, called the 
'Orange and Ulster Branch Turnpike Ro.ad;' thence 
northwardly, on a direct line, to a small bridge erected 
across the old stage-road leading from the village of 
Montgomery, in the county of Orange, to the village 
of Kingston, in the county of Ulster, near the west 
end of the house now owned and occupied by Adam 
Dickerson, in the said town of Montgomery; thence 
northwardly, from the said bridge on the centre of the 
old stage-road, until it intersects the line between the 
said town of Montgomery and the town of Shawan- 
gunk, in the county of Ulster." The first town- 
meeting was held at the house of Edward Schoon- 
maker. 

Mount Hope— formed as the town of Calhoun, 
from the towns of Wallkill and Deerpark, Feb. 15, 
1825;* name changed to Mount Hope, March 14, 
1833. Boundaries, 1825: "All that part of the town of 
Deerpark lying southeasterly of the before-mentioned 
line (see note), and that part of the town of Wallkill 
within the following bounds, to wit : beginningat the 
easterly corner of the town of Deerpark, and at the 
southeasterly corner of the county of Sullivan, and 
runs thence due east to the easterly line of the Deer- 
park Patent, thence along said line to the town of 
Minisink, thence west to the town of Deerpark, to be 
a separate town, by the name of Calhoun, and the 
first town-meeting to lie held at the house of Joseph 
Conklin, in said town." 

Hamptonburgh — formed from Goshen, Blooming- 



* This act is entitled " An act to divide tlie towns of Wallliill, Minisink, 
and Deerpark." That part relating to Minisink and Deerpark is as fol- 
lows : " Tliat from and after the passage of this act, all tliat part of tlie 
towns of Minisink and Deerpark, lying westerly and nortli westerly of the 
following lines, to wit : Ijpgiiining on the line of the town of Deerpark, 
and tlie line of the connty of Siilhvan, where Die west line of tlie second 
division of the Minisink Patent crosses tlie same , tiience southwesterly 
along the said west line of second division of the Minisink Patent to the 
old Jersey claim line and southwesterly corner of said division ; thence 
fioutlierly along said Jersey claim line thirty chains ; thence southwest- 
erly through the town of Minisink to the New Jersey State line, to 
strike or intersect tlie same one hundred chains from tlie Delaware 
Klver, at Station or Carpenter's Point, to be a separate town, by the name 
of Deerpark, and that tlie first tQwn-nieetiiig beheld at the house of Cor- 
nelius Cuddeback, in said town, on tlie first Tuesday of March next 
(1826) ; and all that part of the town of Minisink lying southeasterly of 
said line be and remain a separate town, by the name of Minisink, 
and that the first town-meeting be held at the bouse of Gabriel Sayre, 
in said town." 



Grove, New Windsor, Montgomery, and WallkilU 
April 5, 1830. Boundaries : " Beginning at a point 
where the new northwest line crosses the old county 
line and runs thence along said new northwest line 
south forty-nine and a quarter degrees east, two hun- 
dred and eighty chains to within twenty-five chains 
of the southeast corner of the Bull's and Gerard's 
Patents ; then north sixty and a half degrees east, 
three hundred and twenty-two chains to a heap of 
stones in Samuel Brewster's field ; then north seven- 
teen degrees east, thirty-si.x chains and seventy-five' 
links to the aforesaid old county line ; then north six- 

1 teen and a half degrees west, one hundred and ninety 
chains to the northwesterly corner of the farm of 
Stephen King, deceased ; then north fifty-six and a 

j quarter degrees west, two hundred and thirty chains 
to the middle of the AVallkill stream; then up the 
middle of said Wallkill as it runs four hundred and 
seventy-three chains and fifty links to opjiosite a bass- 
wood-tree standing on the east branch of said Wall- 
kill stream ; then south fifteen and a half degrees 
east, ninet)'-five chains to the aforesaid old county 
line, and at the corner of the lands of Grant and 
Derick Smith, Nathaniel Tuthill, and the lands for- 
merly owned by Isaac Germond ; then east along said 
old county line seventy-one chains to the place of 
beginning." First town-meeting held at the house of 
Charles Heard on the first Tuesday in .4pril, 1831. 

Chester — formed from Goshen, Warwick, Bloom- 
ing-Grove, and Monroe, March 22, 184.). Bounda- 
ries : " Beginning on the line between the towns of 
Goshen and Blooming-Grove, near a brook at the 
intersection of the line of Cromeline's Patent with 
the aforesaid line, and running thence along said 
town line north four degrees east, twenty-two chains, 
then south twenty-three degrees west, one hundred 
and twelve chains to a chestnut-tree ; then south fifty- 
five degrees west, three hundred and twenty chains 
to the line between the towns of Goshen and War- 
wick at the creek below Thompson's mills ; thence 
south twenty-five degrees east, one hundred and 
ninety -five chains to a heap of stones; thence soutii 
forty-seven degrees east, three hundred and forty-six 
chains to the line between the towns of Warwick and 
Monroe; thence north thirty-two degrees east, one 
hundred and sixty-six chains to the junction of three 
roads near the head of Little Long Pond ; thence 
north nine degrees east, two hundred and thirty-five 
chains to four chestnut-trees ; thence north twenty- 
one degrees west, two hundred and twenty chains to 
the place of beginning." The first town-meeting at 
the house of Benjamin R. Conklin on the first Tues- 
day in April, 1845. 

Wawayanda — formed from Minisink, by the 
Board of Supervisors, Nov. 27, 1849. Boundaries: 
" All that part of the town of Minisink, in the said 
county of Orange, commencing on the old Ulster 
County line and in the centre of the Wallkill River, 
also in the line of the town of Wallkill, and runs 



TOWN BOUNDARIES. 



209 



near due west to the corner of the town of Mount 
Hope and Wallkill ; thence along tlie same course 
twenty-four chains and seventy-five links to the centre 
of the highway leading from Ketchum's Mills to 
Mount Hope village ; thence south thirty-seven de- 
grees west, tvventy-one chains along the highway ; 
thence south along the same forty and one-half de- 
grees west, twenty-five chains and fifty links; thence 
south sixty-five chains to an old road near Robert 
Robertson's ; thence along the same south forty-four 
degrees west, twenty chains; thence south thirty-five 
degrees west, fifteen chains and fifty» links; thence 
south forty-three and a half degrees west, sixteen 
chains and fifty links; thence south fifty-two degrees 
west, fii'ty-six chains along the road leading through 
the Milford neighborhood ; thence along said road 
south sixty-two and one-quarter degrees west, thirty- 
six chains to Robert Robertson's, Jr. ; thence south 
forty degrees east, twenty-two chains; thence south 
SIX and a half degrees east, thirteen chains to the old 
Minisink turnpike ; thence across the same south 
forty-eight and three-quarter degrees east, twenty-two 
chains; thence south forty-three and three-quarter 
degrees east, twenty-four chains to William Canfield's ; 
thence south twenty-seven three-quarter degrees east, 
six chains; thence south fifty-eight and a half de- 
grees east, thirty-eight chains to the bridge across the 
branch at Rutger's Kill ; thence along the said 
(branch) stream to its intersection with Rutger's 
Kill; thence along Rutger's Kill to the Wallkill 
River, and thence following the same to the jjlace of 
beginning." First town-meeting at house of De Witt 
C. Hallock. 

Greenville — formed from Minisink, by the 
Board of Supervisors, Dec. 2, 18.53. Boundaries : 
" All that part of the town of Minisink which lies 
west of a line between the towns of Minisink and 
Wawayanda, which is about twelve chains northwest 
of the dwelling-house of William Canfield, said sta- 
tion being twenty-five links northwest of the centre 
of an arched stone bridge across said road to said 
Canfield's, and running thence south forty-eight de- 



grees west, four hundred and twenty-eight chains and 
fifty links to a station on the south line of the town 
of Minisink, which station is a black-oak-tree on 
the line between the States of New York and New 
Jersey, on the east side of the highway leading to 
the village of Salem from the house of John W. 
Elston." 

HlGHLANHS — formed from Cornwall, by the Board 
of Supervisors, Dec. 3, 1872. Boundaries : " All that 
part of the town of Cornwall lying to the south of a 
line drawn from Sherwood's Rock, on Hudson's River, 
running thence westerly to a house now or recently 
occupied by William Lancaster; thence in a direct 
line to the house of William Chatfield ; thence to the 
house of John Odell ; thence to the highest peak of 
Mount Rascal to the line of the town of Monroe." 

City of Newburgh — chartered by the Legislature 
as the village of Newburgh, March 25, 1800; as the 
city of Newburgh, April 22, 186.5. Boundaries, 1872: 
" Beginning at the mouth of Chamber's Creek, on the 
west side of the Hudson River, and at the northeast 
corner of the town of New Windsor, and runs thence 
along the north line of the town of New Windsor to 
an old oak-tree on the west slope of Snake Hill, and 
twenty-two chains measured eastwardly along the 
town line from the east line of the reservoir lot; 
tliencc in a straight line through lands of estates of 
W. Chapman, G. F. Wisner, and others, to the inter- 
section of the Gidneytown Creek with the west side 
of the road leading from the Newburgh and Ellen- 
ville plank road to Gidney Avenue ; thence north- 
wardly along said creek to a point due west from the 
northwest corner of the village of Newburgh ; from 
thence eastwardly to the said northwest corner of the 
village of Newburgh ; and from thence eastwardly 
along the north line of the village of Newburgh to 
the west side of the Hudson River; thence due east 
to the east line of the county of Orange, being the 
centre of said river ; thence southerly along the east 
line of the county of Orange to a point due east from 
the place of beginning, and from thence to the place 
of beginning." 



TOWN HISTOEIES. 



NEW WINDSOR. 



I.-GENERAIi. 
LOCATION, PHYSIOLOGY, Etc. 

New Windsoe, originally the extreme southeast- 
ern precinct and town of the county of Ulster, and, 
under the reorganization of the counties of Orange 
and Ulster in 1799, the central northeastern town of 
the county of Orange, is bounded on the north by the 
city and town of Newburgh and the town of Mont- 
gomery, on the west by Montgomery and Hampton- 
burgh, on the south by Blooming-Grove and Cornwall, 
and on the east by Hudson's River. Substantially in 
the same latitude, and of corresponding elevation, its 
mean temperature may be accepted as the same as 
that (jf Newburgh, viz. : 50° 10'. The surface of the 
town is rolling and hilly. The soil from the Hudson 
to Muchattoes Hill is gravelly ; more immediately 
adjoining the Hudson deposits of clay underlie the 
sand. The southern spur of Muchattoes Hill is rough 
and hilly. West from this ridge and until near Rock 
Tavern, a rolling upland prevails, while the extreme 
western part is more or less broken by slate ridges. 
Muchattoes Hill, or Snake Hill, as it is more gener- 
ally called, on its northern border, the only consider- 
able elevation in the town, rises six hundred feet 
above tide-water. The creeks and streams are Mur- 
derer's or Moodna, Silver Stream and Beaver-dam, 
Goldsmith and Colemantown Creeks. Quassaick 
Creek constitutes a portion of the northern boundary 
of the town, and gives to it several valuable mill 
privileges. Its marsh or swamp land is the Big 
Swamp, in the northwestern part of the town. Wash- 
ington Lake, for many years known as Little Pond, 
lies midway on the northern border; it has an eleva- 
tion of two hundred and thirty feet, and covers, in- 
cluding overflowed swamp, an area of one hundred 
and seven acres. The Newburgh water-works take 
its waters, as well as the waters of Silver Stream, 
with which it is connected by conduit. The princi- 
pal agricultural products are rye, wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, butter, and milk ; paper, woolen goods, and brick 
are the almost exclusive manufactures, although mill- 
ing, cotton goods, snutl' and tobacco, and iron imple- 
ments and glass, have at different times been prose- 
210 



cuted with more or less success. The local divisions 
of the town are New Windsor village. Moodna or 
'Orangeville, Vail's Gate or Mortonville, Little Brit- 
ain, the Square, and Rock Tavern. Hunting-Grove, 
a division so called in its early history, is now in 
Hamptouburgh. It has twelve school and joint school 
districts, and five churches. The Newburgh Branch 
of the Erie Railroad, and the Newburgh and New 
York Railroad, pass through the eastern part of the 
town. The town has an area of 20,871 acres, of which 
about 17,500 are improved. Its population in 1790 
was 1819; 1830,2310; 1865,2697; 1875,2455. 

CIVIL ORGANIZATION— NAME. 

The district of which the town now forms a part 
had its first local government under the patent to 
Capt. John Evans, who, being vested with the privi- 
leges and powers pertaining to a lordship and manor, 
had authority to establish a manorial court. In 1709 
it was included in the " Precinct of the Highlands" 
and attached to New Paltz. In 1743 more definite 
founds were given to this precinct, which was made 
to embrace the present towns of New Windsor, New- 
burgh, Marlborough, Plattekill, etc. The precinct 
meetings were held " at the house of John Humph- 
rey, Jr., on the first Tuesday in April, annually, for 
the election of precinct oflicers." In 1762 the pre- 
cinct was divided into the precincts of New Windsor 
and Newburgh, "by a line beginning at the mouth of 
Quassaick Creek, and running thence west to the east 
bounds of Wallkill Precinct," all the lands thereto- 
fore comprehended " within the said Highland Pre- 
cinct lying to the southward of the said dividing line 
to be called by the name of New Windsor Precinct." 

The name of the town is from Windsor, England, 
with " New" prefixed. At what precise period or by 
whom it was conferred cannot now be ascertained. 
Its earliest record, however, is 1728, in connection 
with the " Society for Propagating the Gospel in For- 
eign Parts," in which connection it is employed to 
define a specific portion of the district which, with 
" parts adjacent," became the parish of New Wind- 
sor. In 1755 it is spoken of as " the Southern Divis- 



NEW WINDSOR. 



211 



ion of the Precinct of New Windsor, otherwise called 
the Highlands." In 1749 it was applied to the " town- 
ship," now the village, and in 17(j2 to the precinct. 

TOWN 'kecciKDS. 
The records of the town begin with the precinct 
meeting held on the first Tuesday of April, 1763, 
when, " agreeably to the directions" of the act con- 
stituting the precinct, a meeting was held at the house 
of Judah Harlow, at which the following officers 
were chosen, viz. : Joseph Belknap, clerk ; George 
Harris, supervisor; Samuel Brewster, George Den- 
niston, James Humphrey, asses.sors; Alexander Den- 
niston, constable and collector; Judah Harlow and 
Capt. James Clinton, overseers of the roads ; David 
('rawford and John NicoU, overseers of the poor; 
Andrew Crawford and AVilliam Lawrence, fence- 
viewers. 

ROADS. 
The earliest roads of the town were the King's high- 
way, better known locally as the Goshen road, and the 
highway now known as the Little Britain road. The 
first extended through the town from north to south, 
and the second from east to west. In 1766 the roads 
of the town were defined in the appointment of 
overseers as follows : " Moses Fowler, overseer from 
Jlr. Falls' saw-mill to New Windsor ; George Dennis- 
ton, from the west line of Johnson's patent to Mr. 
Falls' saw-mill ; Thomas King, from the west line of 
Johnson's patent to the north line of the precinct." 
This was the Little Britain road. " Francis Mander- 
ville, for Goshen road and the roads about Murderer's 
Creek," — a line which included what is now known 
as the Forge Hill road. In 1769 the road districts 
and overseers were : '' John Galloway, overseer from 
William MuUiner's to the top of Snake Hill; The- 
ophilus Corwin, from the top of Snake Hill, through 
New Windsor to Hudson's River, and up Goshen 
road as far as the road that leads oft' to Arthur's mill, 
and to take all the inhabitants on the north side of 
Murderer's Creek as high as they are to work ; Sam- 
uel Arthur, at the creek and the rest of the road up- ! 
wards, and to take the remainder of the inhabitants 
left therein." Patrick McClaughry, James Mc- 
Claughry, and George Clinton, commissioners under 
the act of 1770, divided the town into road districts 
as follows : " The first, or New Wind.sor district; the 
second, or Creek district; the third, or Middle dis- j 
trict; and the fourth, or West district." The dis- 
tricts so designated were generally known and called, 
and so entered on the precinct records, as : 1. The 
New Windsor district; 2. The Creek district; 3. The 
Little Britain district ; 4. The Hunting-Grove dis- 
trict. In 1772 the Creek district was divided. In 
1774 the Middle and the Hunting-Grove districts 
were divided, and a new district, called the Silver 
Stream district, established ; and in 1781 the Little 
Britain district was divided and a new district estab- 
lished, called the Stonefield district. The roads and 



streets of the village of New Windsor, which were 
included in the New Windsor district, were dedicated 
to public use by the proprietors of the plot in 1749, a 
fact wliich establishes their date. The Little Britain 
and Goshen roads were the first in the town, the 
Forge Hill the third, and the Eidge road probably 
the fourth. The Newburgh and New Windsor turn- 
pike, the New Windsor and Cornwall turnpike, the 
Snake Hill turnjiike, and the New Windsor and 
Blooming-Grove turnpike, which have been fully no- 
ticed in another connection,* materially changed the 
roadways of the town, and, with the public roads pre- 
viously opened, gave to it substantially its present 

facilities. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first entry in regard to public schools is at the 
annual election in 1796, when David Dill, John Dill, 
Daniel Borden, John Denniston, and Francis Craw- 
ford were elected school commissioners. The same 
persons were reappointed in 1797, but no further 
entry appears until 1813, when, on the 10th of May, 
at a sjiecial election, Joseph Morrell, Thomas King, 
and William Mulliner were elected commissioners of 
schools, and Thurston Wood, David Dill, and Thomas 
Fulton inspectors of schools. On the 18th Sejstember, 
1814, the commissioners named divided the town into 
nine school districts, viz. : No. 1, village of New 
Windsor district; No. 2, Murderer's Creek district; 
No. 3, Good Hope district ; No. 4, Centre district ; 
No. 5, Square district ; No. 6, Little Britain Meeting- 
house district ; No. 7, Union district ; No. 8, Good- 
will district; No. 9, Hunting-Grove district. In 1816 
one of the districts was divided, making ten. The 
first report of attendance and distribution of public 
money is recorded as follows: Number of children 
between five and fifteen years of age, 597 ; amount of 
public money, $2.58.75. There were probably some 
private schools in the town as early as 1740. Dr. . 
Joseph Young writes in regard to the education of 
his older brother, Thomas : " Our grandmother, Jane, 
was a good English scholar and learned us to read. 
As there were but few children in their new settle- 
ment (Little Britain) they had no schoolmaster; but 
my father, who was a tolerable arithmetician, under- 
took to teach him, with the assistance of Cocker's 
Arithmetic." This was written of Thomas wheu he 
was six or seven years old, and as he was born in 
1731, it shows that there was no school at that time. 
He adds : " Some time after, Mr. John Wilson, a 
famous mathematician, opened a school about four 
miles distant, to which the young self-taught student 
was sent. Mr. Wilson's mathematical fame soon pro- 
cured him an invitation to open a school in New 
York, where he removed." Rev. John Moff'at was 
probably Mr. Wilson's successor, as the authority 
already quoted continues : " Fortunately there came 
a minister to the parish who was a good linguist, un- 
der whom he completed his Latin education." The 

* See " Trade and Commerce." 



212 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



description iind the period to which it refers alilce 
point to Mr. JlofiUt, who was the pastor of Goodwill 
Church from 1751 to 1765, and whose last years are 
known to have heen employed as an instructor. His 
school was known as " Moflfiit's Academy." It was 
situated on the road leading from Little Britain to 
Washingtonville, on the farm now (1880) owned by 
Robert Shaw. The house was one story and a half 
with basement. The school was kept in the upper 
rooms, Mr. Moffat and his family occupying the base- 
ment. It was partly, if not wholly, broken up during 
the Revolution. While the probabilities favor Mr. 
Moffat, we find it written, in connection with the 
education of James and George Clinton, that the 
latter attended a school conducted by Rev. Daniel 
Thain, a minister from Scotland. 

SUPPORT OF POOR. 
The support of the poor of the town was in the 
manner provided by law. The first public tax appear- 
ing on record was under the act of the Assembly, 
passed Dec. 31, 1762, when the sum of twenty pounds 
was raised to i)ay expenses of previous years. In 
1770, twenty shillings only was raised ; in 1778, eighty 
pounds ($200) ; in 1779, one hundred and fifty pounds; 
1780, five hundred pounds ($1250) ; but this amount 
probably represents depreciation in currency rather 
than an increase in pauperism. In 1782 the practice 
of selling the support of paupers to the lowest bidder 
was introduced and followed for many years. The 
town is now included in the county system. 

LICENSES. 
Licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors have 
been issued from the earliest recorded period, .lames 
McClaughry having been an excise commissioner in 
176.3. In 1796 the town received the fees for licenses, 
which then amounted to $65. In 1815 the sum of 
$88 was received, and nine tavern and six permit or 
store licenses were granted. These figures are intro- 
duced merely as the foundation of comparative sta- 
tistics. The local travel of half a century ago re- 
quired a far greater number of taverns than at the 
present time, or since the introduction of railroads. 

POST-OFFICES. 
The first post-ofiice in the town was at Little Britain. 
It was established May 29, 1824, Hamilton Morrison, 
postmaster; Charles Palmer, postmaster, 1834. The 
second, the New Windsor post-office, was established 
Feb. 19,1829, Abraham Schultz, postmaster; John 
Hall, postmaster, 1834. The third, Mortonville, was 
established April 10, 1850; John D. Vail, postmaster. 
The fourth, Moodna; date of establishment not as- 
certained. 

CREEKS, STREAMS, SWAMPS, Etc. 

Murderer's or Moodna Creek, on the southern bor- 
der of the town, and Quassaick Creek, on the north, 
require no further description than has been given 



elsewhere in this work. Silver Stream rises near the 
Square, and is fed by a niunber of springs north and 
south of the main road. It crosses the New Windsor 
turnpike at the old Alexander Falls saw-mill, and 
from thence in a southeast direction through what are 
called the '" Continental Meadows," and crosses the 
Snake Hill turnpike north of Tail's Gate. East of 
this road there is another old saw-mill on the Morton 
place, where the creek crosses the New Windsor turn- 
pike, and supplies power to the Morton ( formerly John 
Ellison) grist-mill. From thence flowing south it 
unites with Murderer's Creek. The only mill privi- 
leges on it are those that have been mentioned, of 
which the Morton mill is the most important. It is not 
a certain stream, but being fed by a water-shed of not 
less than two thousand acres, it is quick to respond to 
j rain-falls. The right to its surplus waters is now in 
the city of Newburgh as a part of its water .supply. 
Beaver-dam Creek has been claimed as the original 
outlet of Orange Lake. It crosses the Cochecton turn- 
pike between Alexander Beatty's place and the old 
! stone house formerly owned by the Howells; runs south 
I through New Windsor and empties into the Otterkill 
j westof Salisbury mills. There were several saw-mills 
on it in former times, of which only one remains, viz., 
on the old Belknap farm, now owned by Robert Mor- 
rison. Its claims as the outlet of Orange Lake were 
disputed in the courts many years ago and a decision 
obtained in favor of Quassaick Creek. Goldsmith 
Creek rises on the Burnet homestead in Little Britain, 
runs south through the Clinton homestead, and emp- 
■ ties into the Otterkill at W;i.shingtonville. Coleman- 
' town Creek, another small stream in the west part of 
! the town, also flows to the Otterkill. Big Swamp, or 
i Great Swamp, is in the northwest part of the town, 
and extends into Montgomery. It commences within 
a quarter of a mile of the main road in Little Britain, 
runs thence north to near the Cochecton turnpike. 
The north part of it has been redeemed and is now 
under cultivation. Its outlet forms a branch of the 
Tinn Brock, although it does not take that name until 
after it crosses the Cochecton turnpike. There is little 
doubt that this part of the town was once filled with 
water, presenting a pond or lake. 



II. -PATENTS AND FIEST SETTLEMENTS 

Originally covered by the patent to Capt. John 
Evans, the precinct embraced, when constituted in 
1762, patents and portions of patents issued as follows : 

1. Patrick MacGregorie, 160 acres, Aug. 24, 1721 ; 

2. William Chambers and William Southerland, 1000 
acres, Sept. 2, 1709; 3. Charles Huddy and Philip 
Brooks, 4000 acres (in part), Feb. 20, 1709,— subse- 
quently included in a grant to Mary Ingoldshy and 
her daughter, Mary Pinhorn, Aug. 12, 1720 ; 4. John 
Haskell, 2000 acres, April 9, 1719, and 2000 acres, 
Aug. 24, 1721; 5. Vincent Matthews, 800 acres, June 
17, 1720 ; 6. John Johnson, Jr., 1000 acres, Feb. 3, 



JMEW WINDSOK. 



213 



1720; 7. James Henderson, 1184 acres (in part), Feb. 
12, 1722; 8. Vincent Pierce, 1000 acres (in part), 
July 21, 1721 ; 9. Lewis Morris, 1000 acres, July 21, 
1721 ; 10. Andrew Johnson, 2000 acres, July 19, 
1719; 11. Patrick Hume, 2000 acres, Nov. 29, 1721 ; 
12. Cornelius Low and Company, 3292 acres (mainly), 
March 17,1720; 13. Richard Van Dam, 1000 acres 
(in part), June 30, 1720; 14. Phineas Mcintosh, 2000 
acres (mainly), April 9, 1719. As defined by the 
boundaries of 1801, the town included, in addition to 
the foregoing, a considerable portion of the patent to 
Cadwallader Golden (15), granted April 9, 1719. Por- 
tions of the Low, Mcintosh, and other patents were 
cut ofi' by the erection of the town of Hamptonburgh 
in 1S30, but all the patents enumerated are represented 
in the land titles of the town. 

MacOregorie Patent. — In tbe order of settlement, 
the town is the oldest in the present county, having 
been begun by Col. Patrick MacGregorie, in IGSo, on 
the lands subsequently embraced in the patent to liis 
son, Patrick MacGregorie, and now known as Plum 
Point. MacGregorie was a native of Scotland, and 
was the leader of a colony of Presbyterian immi- 
grants. Landing first in Maryland, he, with part of 
his original company, came north, stopping at Perth 
Aniboy and Staten Island, but finally took up lands, 
as stated, on the solicitation of Governor Dongan. 
How many of his original company came with him is 
not of record, but we have the names of his brother- 
in-law, David Toshack, who boasted the title of 
"Laird of Minivard ;" Daniel Maskrig, a servant in 
the employ of Toshack, and one CoUum. His wife, 
Margaret, in a petition to the government, Nov. 23, 
1710, states that, in addition to her husband and 
David Toshack, there were " twenty-five others, their 
families, and sundry of their servants." After erecting 
a commodious cabin, MacGregorie and Toshack estab- 
lished a trading-post on Sloop Hill. While in this 
occupation, MacGregorie was appointed muster-gen- 
eral of the militia of the province, and was subse- 
quently sent on a mission to the French Indians. On 
his return he took part in the Leisler revolution, and 
was killed in the effort to reduce the Leisler party, in 
March, 1691. His family continued to reside on Plum 
Point for some years. Toshack died there in 1689, 
leaving one son, who died without issue. The record 
is clear that they were the first settlers in the county. 
Capt. John Evans was a son-in-law of MacGregorie, 
and taking advantage of his father-in-law's death, 
obtained a patent for the land which he had originally 
purchased, — a patent which was subsequently vacated, 
as hereinbefore stated. On repeated petition repre- 
senting the facts, the patent of 1721 was issued to 
Patrick MacGregorie, Jr., in compensation for his 
father's losses. At what time the MacGregories re- 
moved from Plum Point does not appear, but it was 
certainly subsequent to 1721. On the 7th of (Jctober, 
1734, Dr. John NicoU, of New York, purchased the 
place from John Waldron, Cornelius Van Home, and 



.James Livingston, who appear to have been agents 
for the sale of patents. John Nicoll, son of the pur- 
chaser, came into po.ssession in 1735, and erected the 
homestead house, which is still standing and owned by 
his descendants. A portion of the farm was sold to the 
late Philip A. Verplanck, and was occupied by him. 

Chnmhers and Soiitherlaiid Piitinit. — The second set- 
tlement in the town was on the patent to William 
Chambers and William Southerland, or Sutherland. 
Although i.ssued in their names, the' patentees had 
but one-third interest each in the grant, it being of 
record that they consented, " for and in consideration 
of one equal third part of said tract," that their 
names should be made use of in obtaining the grant 
by Col. Peter Matthews, who, by the agreement, be- 
came the owner of the remaining third. In the di- 
vision of the patent, Nov. 7, 1723, Chambers was 
assigned lands immediately south of Quassaick Creek, 
Matthews occupied the centre of the plot, and South- 
erland the southern part. The land had been previ- 
ously cleared of timber, as appears by a petition from 
Chambers for an additional tract (June 17, 1720), in 
which he states: "The petitioner, with great labor 
and expense, hath, for some years past, settled, culti- 
vated, and manured a small farm to the northward of 
Murderer's Creek, upon Hudson's River, but before 
the land was granted to him (1709), most of the tim- 
ber that stood thereon was cut down and removed for 
the use of the crown, so that he hath not a sufficient 
quantity for fencing and for the use of his said 
farm ; but near to a place or hill called Muck-Hattoes 
there are certain lands, mostly stony and unfit for 
cultivation, which he will take and pay the rents re- 
quired therefor." Not only is the fact stated that the 
land was cleared when granted, but the date of his 
settlement is very nearly fixed. If he had been " for 
some years" on the land in 1720, the inference is 
pretty clear that he settled thereon very soon after 
the grant was issued, probal)ly in the spring of 1710. 
His log cabin stood on what is known as the Ludlow 
farm (late Christie). He died in 1738, and his por- 
tion of the tract passed to his sons, William and 
John. The former, an admiral in the British navy, 
died without issue, and full possession passed to the 
latter, who obtained (1753) a grant of the lands 
under water extending from New Windsor village to 
Quassaick Creek. In 1758 he conveyed the property 
to Nathan Smith, "blacksmith, of Kingston," to- 
gether with a portion of the Ingoldsby patent, which 
had been purchased by his father in 1726, and also 
part of lot No. 1 of the German patent, which he had 
himself purchased in 1742. Smith sold a portion to 
Robert Boyd, Jr., and another to George Clinton. 
The latter erected a new house about 1769, and re- 
sided there until he was elected Governor, when he 
removed to Poughkeepsie. In 1790 he sold to Hugh 
Walsh, who founded the farm residence and mills 
now owned by his grandson, J. DeWitt Walsh. 
With this portion of the patent are associated the 



214 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



names of Admiral AVilliam Chambers, Associate 
Judge Jolin Chambers (1751), Governor George Clin- 
ton (1776), and Capt. Charles Ludlow, of the United 
States navy. 

The central portion of the tract (that held by Peter 
Matthews) was purchased by John Alsop (1724^25), 
who, in company with his brother-iu-law, Joseph 
Sackett, Jr., settled on the lands immediately after, 
and erected a store-house and landing on the Hud- 
son. He was the father of John Alsop, Jr., of Rev- 
olutionary history, and the grandfather of Governor 
John Alsop King. In 1749 he sold the tract or a 
considerable portion of it to an association or com- 
pany organized under the name of the " Proprietors 
of New Windsor," who founded thereon what is now 
known as the village of New Windsor, but which 
was then called "the township of New Windsor." 
Sackett ran a sloop to New York, and retained his 
wharf after the proprietors came in possession. 

The southern portion was settled by South erland sim- 
ultaneously with the settlement by William Chambers. 
In 171S he mortgaged the property, then iu his pos- 
session and occupation "for many years," to John 
Ellison, of New Y'ork, for £160. Ellison made an 
additional loan of £140 in 1721, and perfected his 
title to the property iu May, 1723, when his son, 
Thomas Ellison, took possession, erected a stone 
mansion on the bluft' overlooking the river, and a 
dock andstore-liouse, and founded the freighting busi- 
ness, which was continued for a century by himself 
and his descendants. His house was occupied by 
Washington in 177;i. 

Vincent Muft/ii'ii-s Pitti'nt. — The patent to Vincent 
Matthews, immediately adjoining the soutliern portion 
of the Chambers and Sutherland patent, was purchased 
by Thomas Ellison, Jan. 24, 1724, and on it he erected, 
in 1754, the stone farm-house and mill near Vail's 
Gate, which was subsequently occupied by his son, 
John Ellison, and which is known as Gen. Knox's 
headquarters. 

lagolilxhy Fat/'ii/.^The fourth settlement was by 
John or Joseph Gale, in 1726, on the northwest corner 
of the Ingoldsby Patent. Gale sold to Thomas Ellison 
in 1736. James Edmonston is said to have purchased 
a farm lot in 1727, but his deed is not of record, uor 
does his name appear on the tax-roll of that year. 
He was an early settler, however. The stone house 
which he erected in 1754 is still standing, and is asso- 
ciated with the annals of the town in the war of the 
Revolution. Peter Post was the purchaser (July 22, 
1730) of 500 acres on the north bank of Murderer's 
Creek. He sold to Dr. John Nicoll, April 12, 1738, 
leaving behind him the name of "Post Hill," by which 
one of the elevations on the tract is still known. A 
considerable portion of the purchase remains in the 
descendants of Dr. Nicoll. 

The most important of the early settlements on this 
patent, however, was that portion now embraced in 
the village of Moodna, which was purchased from 



Mary Ingoldsby by David Mandevill, May 1, 1728. 
Mandevill sold to Samuel Hazard, who, in company 
with his brother, Nathaniel Hazard, erected a mill 
and laid out a township plot under the name of 
Orangeville. 

Haskell Patent. — The patent granted to Col. John 
Haskell was settled by himself in 1726. He erected 
a log house on what was afterwards known as the 
Dusenberry farm, and which is yet standing on lands 
adjoining the farm late of Ezra P. Thomp.son. To 
this portion of the patent he gave the name of " The 
Hermitage," divided the whole tract into farm lots, 
and remained in occupation of his original location 
until his death. Evan Jones, surgeon, was among 
the early settlers on the patent, having purchased and 
occupied lot No. 3. His farm of 292 acres was sold 
by his heirs (1763) to Samuel Brewster, who erected 
(1768) what is now known as the Brewster house. 
The western part of the patent was conveyed by Has- 
kell (June 13, 1719) to Elizabeth Stollard, who sold 
631 acres to John Crawford, weaver, Oct. 18, 1737. 
Andrew Crawford sold part of the purchase to Neil 
McArthur in 1763. 

Mcintosh Patent. — The first settler on the patent to 
Phineas Mcintosh was John Davis, whose deed recites 
the sale to him (July 5, 1726) of fifty acres, " on which 
his house now stands." Robert Boyd and the Dill 
family were also early settlers. The Davis house is 
yet standing. It is the third house from Rock tavern, 
on the Washingtonville road. A considerable portion 
of the patent passed to the hands of Nathan Smith, 
through his wife, Susan Mcintosh, who established 
thereon a grist-mill, a fulling-mill, and a store, giving 
to his place the name of Hunting-Grove. It may be 
proper to add, that he and the Nathan Smith of the 
Chambers Patent were different persons of the same 
name but of no known relationship. 

Andrew Johnston Patent. — The district known as 
Little Britain had its first settler in John Humphrey, 
who purchased, in 1724r-25, a farm-lot of 2.50 acres, 
being part of the patent to Andrew Johnston. Peter 
Mullinder purchased and settled on a farm of the 
same patent, Sept. 22, 1729 ; Robert Burnet, of Rari- 
tan, N. J., Oct. 7, 1729, and at the same time John 
Reid ; Charles Clinton, of Longford, Ireland, Aug. 22, 
1730, and at the same time Mary McClaughry, widow, 
John Young. Alexander Dennistou, and Andrew Mc- 
Dowell. John Humphrey took his deed Dec. 6, 1731, 
although his land was located and occupied by him 
in 1724-25. The lot purchased by Mary McClaughry 
was bounded west by Humphrey, and north by Bet- 
sey Mallard, widow, showing the residence there 
of the Mallard (now Mailler) femily prior to 1730. 
The Mallard farm was subsequently purchased by 
Robert Carscadden. This patent was the centre of 
the district known as Little Britain. It was here and 
in the immediate vicinity that the immigrants located 
who accompanied Charles Clinton in 1730, and among 
whom niav be mentioned the names of Armstrong, 



NEW WINDSOR. 



215 



Beatty, Barkly, Brooks, Dcmiiston, Davis, Dunlap, 
Frazer, Gordon, Gray, Hamilton, Little, Mitchell, 
McDowell, McClaughry, Nicholson, Oliver, Thomp- 
son, Wilson, and Young. 

Low &■ Co'n. Patent. — The patent to Cornelius Low 
and Company (Cornelius Low, Garret Schuyler, and 
John Schuyler) was divided amono; the patentees. 
The third held by John Schuyler passed by his will 
to his nephews. Brant and Samuel Schuyler, and on 
the death of the latter to Brant Schuyler. The other 
patentees sold to Allen Jarratt, April 5, 1720, a very 
considerable portion of their interests. Cornelius 
Low sold, Sept. 1, 1734, 600 acres to John Vance, of 
Newark, who conveyed 200 acres to James Thomp- 
son, " lately of Drumeel, in the county of Longford, 
Ireland, but now resident in Little Britain, in the 
county of Ulster, in the province of New York," by 
deed dated May 22, 1738. John Slaughter was a set- 
tler on the patent as early as 172(;, and Thomas Shaw 
was a purchaser in 1726 or '29. William Miller, 
weaver, then a resident, purchased (Nov. 12, 1746) 
200 acres. Brant Schuyler sold (Aug. 22, 1744) to 
Charles Beatty 200 acres, which the latter sold to 
James McClaughry, July 14, 1749. Thomas King 
was also an early settler. Beatty and McClaughry 
came over with the Clinton immigrants in 1730, but 
were then children. McClaughry became colonel of 
the Third Regiment of militia, while Beatty, who 
was the son of a sister of Charles Clinton, became a 
distinguished clergyman. 

Hume Patent. — James Gembell and John Hum- 
phrey purchased, in 1724, 300 acres of the patent to 
Patrick Hume, and divided the same equally between 
them, April 6, 1730. Gembell sold to Patrick Byrn, 
March 12, 1744, and Humphrey sold to Patrick Mc- 
Claughry, Feb. 22, 1769. One-half of the remainder 
of the patent (8.50 acres) was sold by James Lithgow, 
nephew of the patentee, to James Neelly, Henry Man 
Neelly, William Young, and Patrick McClaughry, 
March 6, 1749, and the same parties purchased the 
remaining half (850 acres) from Hannah Lithgow, 
widow, and John Nicholas, of Philadelphia, April, 
1750. June 10, 1757, William Young sold to Samuel 
Sly 233 acres, now known as the Sly homestead. The 
Gembell and Humphrey portion of the patent was 
sold to William Telford and Samuel Falls. 

John Jofinston, Jr.'s, Patent. — This patent was trans- 
ferred to Cadwallader Golden on the date of its issue. 
A branch of the Belknap family settled on it about 
1750. 

Van Dam Patent. — The patent to Richard Van Dam 
passed to the possession of Jesse Woodhull, who set- 
tled at Blagg's Clove, in the present town of Bloom- 
ing-Grove, in 1753. David Gallatian, John Moffat, 
and Peter Welling and his brother held portions of it. 
Heiiilermn Paterd. — John Wandel was an early 
purchaser of a portion of the Henderson patent. 
David Edmonston was also a purchaser ; he held part 
of lots Nos. 3 and 4. 



Lewis ifori-ii^ Patent. — Alexander Den niston, Francis 
Crawford, Thomas Cook, and William Denniston were 
owners of 800 acres in 1786. They were descendants 
of early settlers. 

Satisfactory records showing first settlements on the 
remaining patents and portions of patents have not 
been found, but from what has already been written 
it will be seen that few districts in the province were 
more densely occupied, sparse as was the population; 
and it may be added that in few districts, if any, were 
the immigrants of a class who commanded more gen- 
eral respect. ' The upper portion of the precinct was 
in woodland, "through which," remarks Cadwalla- 
der Golden, Jr.," one could not see the sunshine," and 
the honor was not with himself alone of felling "the 
first tree" and taking out " the first stub." The east- 
ern part of the precinct, on the contrary, was partially 
prepared for cultivation through the removal, as has 
been already stated, of the forests by employees of the 
government for shipment to England. Whatever the 
primal condition, however, the years were not many 
before no small number of settlers could say, " I have 
made a small spot in the world, which, when I first 
entered upon it, was the habitation only of wolves, 
bears, and other wild animals ; now, no unfit habita- 
tion for a civilized family. So that I, without vanity, 
take the comfort of not having been entirely useless 
in my generation." 

The early settlers located along the old Goshen 
road, the Little Britain road, the Ridge road, the 
roads constituting the Square, and in the villages of 
New Windsor and Orangeville. Their dwellings were 
of logs or stone ; in some cases the timber in the former 
was squared or axe-hewed. Their outbuildings were 
of logs, and their church edifices but mere unfinished 
barracks, even after saw-mills had been set in mo- 
tion. Traveling was mainly on foot or on horseback ; 
wagons were few and rude, many of them being made 
with wheels cut from the end of a log ; sleighs were 
literally sleds, the runners formed from the limbs of 
trees or cut from a plank, or took their highest me- 
chanical dignity in runners bent from a sapling, with 
supporting knees worked out by a draw-knife. If 
there were those who had European implements, and 
the one-horse chaise that is now so rarely seen except 
iu pictures, they were few in number. But wealth came 
in gradually, and in less than forty years the more for- 
tunate were able to write in their inventory of house- 
hold goods, "several boxes and cases of china, some 
cases of pictures and looking-glasses, several tables 
(one a marble slab), chairs, window-curtains, some 
ornamental china, with images of Shakespeare and 
Milton in plaster-of-Paris." Silverware, and stoves, 
and the harpsichord also became known among them ; 
and as opportunity ofiered they acquired negro slaves, 
of whom, in 175.5, Col. Thomas Ellison owned six ; 
' James McClaughry, one ; James Edmonston, one ; 
Dr. Evan Jones, six ; Capt. Charles Clinton, two ; 
' Christian Hartell, two ; Joseph Sackett, Sr., one ; 



21ii 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Rev. John Moffat, one; Francis N"ico]l, one; James 
Jackson, Jr., one ; and John Chambers, two, — a 
record which is of interest also as showing the social 
rank of the persons named, for few there were who 
could own slaves even in those cheap times. At a 
later period slaves became more abundant, although 
they were never very numerous in the precinct. 

In the settlement of the western part of the town, 
as well as on patents contiguous but now included in 
other towns, what are known as the Clinton immi- 
grants of 1731 have so pj'ominent a part that we give, 
as furnishing the best information now obtainable in 
regard to those immigrants, the following well-attested 
copy of Charles Clinton's " Journal" : 

''JOURNAL OF CHARLES CLINTON'S VOYAGE FROM IRELAND 
TO AMERICA, 1729. 

" A juurual of my Voyage autl Travels from the Couoty of Longford 
au tlie Kiugdom of Ireland to PennsylTania in America, Anno Doni. 
172!i. 

" I t'ttjk my juiiroev fruni the County of Longford on Fridaj' the 9th 
day of RLiy : cKnu- to Duiilin ye 12th ditto. Entered on shipboard the 
ship ciillM the George and Ann y« Itith. Sett sail the 2Uth. 

"Ciiiiicto anchor at Ghmarm un the 24th, where Matthew ^IcClanghry 
And his wife and twu of his family went on shuar and quit their voyage. 

"Sett sail Irom Glaiiarm on y«25th and came to anchor at Green Castle 
in the Lough of Foyle the 2(ith, where we stay'd till y» 29th ; then sett 
sail in company with the John of Duhlin, bound for New Caatlu in the 
same country. 

" Ditto, came in sight of Loughsuly (Lough Swilly) y" 3uth. Sail'd by 
Tory (Tory Island) and Horse-head. 

"On the 3Uth at night a strong wind arose yt continued to y« first 
of June at evening which Lowered our Bowsprit with Hazard to our 
Masts. 

" June ye 2d we had a fair breeze for our westerly course. 

"On the 3d ditto my daughter Catharine and son James fell sick of 
the meascls. 

" A strong gale of westerly wind continued to ye 10th ditto. 

"James WiUon's child died y otb. 

" On the 7th met y Mary from Pennsylvania from which she sail'd to 
us in five weeks and five days. 

"On the 8th ditto, a child of James SIcDuwel's died and was thrown 
overboard. 

" On the lUtli ye winds came to East and be South. 

"On y* llth changed more Easterly and continues fair and seasonable. 

"On the 12tii the wiude blew North and be Ea*t; a fresh gale by 
which we sailed 40 lejigues in 20 hours — and found we were in 40° 20' 
North Latitude by observation. 

"The wind changed on y 14th to ye South, and so continued to ye 
15th, being Sunday morning. One of ye servt's on board belonging to 
one Gerald Cruise threw himself over deck and was drowned. 

"On ye loth ditto my daughter Mary fell sick of y* measels. 

" A eerv't of Mr. Cruise's dyed on y* 17th and was thrown over deck. 
The wind came to be S. and continued a violent fresh gale to the 18th. 

"The 19lh and 2Uth we had a South be West wind. On the 21st being 
Sunday we had a perfect calm in Lat. 27*^ 30'. 

"A serv't of Mr Cruise's died, on Monday a child of James Thomp- 
son's died. 

" On Tuesday y" 23d child of John Brooks died. We had a fair wind 
on y* 22(1 ; 23d then another child of James Thompson's died. 

"On the 2Sth a child of James Majore died and one of Robert Frazer's. 
We now have \V: N: W. wind. 

"Tuesday y* Ist of July a fair wind. 

"July y« 3d a child of John Brooks died. A child a daughter of Will 
McCallihan's died. Ditto a child ol John Brooks died. 

" July y 5th came in sight of the Islands of Cordo and Flores (Azores) 
which belongs to the Portugese. They Lye in the LattMof 40°09' north 
and 32: ^i west Longitude. 

"A child of James McDowet's died ye 7th. Ditto Robert Todd died. 

'* A Return of the pei-sons that died on board of ye George and Ann: 

"James Wilson's child; James McDowel's child; a servant of Mr. 
Cruise's; another servant of his; another servant of his; a child of 



James Thompson's; a child of Jolin Brooks; a diild of James Thomp- 
I son's; a child c»f James Majore's; a child uf Robert Frazer's; a child of 
Tliomas Delup's (Duulap) ; a serv't of Cruise's ; a child of John Beatty's; 
' a child of John Brouks; a girle of Bolt. Frazer's; a child of Alex, 
Mitchell's ; a sou of James Majore's ; Rohei t Todd ; a son of James Mc- 
Dowel's ; a serv't of Cruise's ; another serv't of Cruise's; a child of Wal- 
ter Davis; John Darbie; Tlioni. Cowan; John McCay ; a son of Robt. 
Frazer's; another son of his; a son of Chris (tianai Beatty's; a brother 
of Will Hamilton's ; Will Gray; my own daugliter (Mary) on ye 2 of 
August at night : a child of James Majore's; a daughter of Widow Ham- 
ilton; James 3Iajore's wife; Thorn. Delaps wife; Alex, Mitchell: a 
child of James Thompson; Walter Davis his wife; Widow Hamilton: 
' lUibt. Gray; a child of Widow Hamilton; Walter Davis; Jane Amt- 
stTOhg: a child of James Majore's; another serv't of Cruise's; W'illiam 
Gordon; Isabel McCutchan; my son James on ye 2Sth of August, 17'^9, 
at 7 in ye morning; a son uf James Miijore's ; a brother of Andrew Mc- 
, DowelTs: two daughters of James McDowell's a daughter of Waller 
j Davis's; Robert Frazer; Patt. McCann, serv't to Tho. Armstrong; Will 
' Hamilton; James Greer, serv't to Alex. Mitchell; Widow Gordon's daugh- 
ter; James Mondy died Thursday lltti of September; a serv't of Mr. 
Cruise's; a son of James Beatty's; Fran. Jiicholson ; a sister of Andrew 
McDowell's; a daiighter of John Beatty's; two of Mr. Cruise's men 
serv'ts; Marger_v Armstrong; a serv't of Mr. Cruise's; two of John 
Beatty's children; James Thompson's wife; James Brown; a daughter 
' of James BIcDowell's; a daughter of Thos. Delap'a; a serv't of Mr. 
I Cruise's; a child of Widow Mitchell's; John Oliver's wife; James Ma- 
I jore's eldest daughter; Jolin Crook a sailor; Jos. Stafford; John Mc- 
I Dowell; John Beatty; Andrew JIcDowelPs sister; James Wilson's wife ; 
James McDowell's wife; Sarah Hamilton, Will Hamilton's sister; Thorn 
Armstrong died Monday ye 20th of Sept. ; Jolin Beatty's wife ; Isabella 
Johnston ; Edw'd Norris; Marg't McClaughery ; Wiilow Frazer's daugh- 
ter; Andrew McDowell's brother; Joseph McClaughery; Mattw Mc- 
Claughery ; a young sister of Andrew McDowell's ; Thorn Delap and his 
daughter Cathaiiue; James Barkley. 

" Discovered laud on ye Continent of America ye 4th day of October 
1729." 

The voyage occupied one hundred and thirty-nine 
days from embarkation to landing at Cape Cod, dur- 
ing which time ninety-six deaths occurred on board 
the ship. The original destination of the Clinton 
Company was to Pennsylvania, but from the terrible 
mortality on the vessel, and the shortness of provisions 
I growing out of so long a voyage, the passengers were 
■ glad to land at the first available place, which proved 
to be Cape Cod. Remaining there during the winter, 
where a number were added to the list of the dead, 
they came on to New York, where, finding satisfactory 
terms, they purchased lands at Little Britain, where 
they gave to the State, in themselves and in their de- 
scendants, some of the noblest men in its annals. 



III.-VIIiLAGES, Etc. 

VILLAGE OF NEW AVINDSOR. 

The village of New Windsor is located about one 

I mile south of the boundary line between the city of 

Newburgh and the town of New Windsor. It was 

laid out as a township plot in 1749, by a company 

I under the title of '' The Proprietors of New Wind- 

I sor," and was one of the five townships similarly 

opened for settlement in the present county, viz.: 

! Goshen, in 1714; Newburgh (old town of Newburgh 

I plot), in 1730, New Windsor, in 1749; Orangeville, 

J at perhaps an anterior date; and Chester, at about 

; 1750. The precise date of the organization of the 

" company does not appear, nor are its articles of asso- 

' ciatiou on record, if such were entered into. The 



NEW WINDSOR. 



217 



first entry in its original book of minutes is under 
date of Sept. 9, 1749, at wliicli time the members of 
the company were Vincent Matthews, Ebenezer Seely, 
Michael Jackson, Joseph Sackett, Jr., Daniel Ever- 
ett, Hezekiah Howell, John Sackett, David Marvin, 
Evan Jones, and Brant Schuyler, who had prior to 
that date jiurchased from John Alsop that portion of 
the patent to Chambers and Southerland held, under 
the partition of that patent, by Col. Peter Matthews. 
Immediately after organizing, the proprietors em- 
ployed Capt. Charles Clinton as clerk and surveyor, 
who surveyed and made a map of the plot, and di- 
vided it into lots and streets. The first sale by the 
proprietors was to Henry Brewster and .Judah Har- 
low, in September, 1749, of a store-house, dwelling- 
house, barn, and lot, the property being probably that 
which John Alsop had occupied prior to his deed to 
the proprietors. In 1752 the proprietors obtained a 
patent for the -soil under water adjoining the township 
plot, uniting for that purpose with .John Chambers and 
Thomas Ellison, and also established a ferry to Fish 
kill. The proprietors in January, 17.51-.52, were James 
Tuthill, Henry Brewster, Samuel Brewster, Brant 
Schuyler, Evan Jones, John Yelverton, Hezekiah 
Howell, Joseph Sackett, Jr., Ebenezer Seely ,-Vincent 
Matthews, and .John Nelson, who executed (January 
3d) a deed to Samuel Bayard and Comjiany for twelve 
lots "at low rates and under value, to encourage the 
said Samuel Bayard and Company for the building 
and erecting a glass-house for making glass and pot- 
ash, which the said Bayard and Company have agreed 
to erect upon the said lots." In .Tuly of the same 
year the proprietors were Vincent Matthews, Eben- 
ezer Seely, John Yelverton, Hezekiah Howell, John 
Sackett, Brant Schuyler, Henry Brewster, Evan Jones, 
James Tuthill,^ Joseph Sackett, Jr., Paul Richards, 
Nathan Smith, aid Christian Hertell, from which it 
appears that purchasers of lots became members of 
the association. In 1772, James Clinton, Robert 
Boyd, Jr., Theophilus Corwin, George Clinton, David 
Halliday, and James Dunlap appear in the list, in 
which year also James Clinton was elected clerk and 
surveyor, in place of his father. At this point the 
record closes; it conclusively establishes the date, 
however, of the founding of the settlement, the grants 
of soil under water, and the establishment of the 
manufacture of glass, an industry then in its infancy 
in the provinces of America. The village and its 
immediate proximity, already a commercial centre 
of some importance, through Alsop, Sackett, and El- 
lison, increased (|uite rapidly in ])opulation, and 
until after the close of the Revolution gave promise 
of becoming one of the first cities on the Hudson. 
Its business enterprises and the causes of its decline 
are more specifically noticed in the following sketches. 
G/asf- Works. — The manufacture of glass was com- 
menced some time about 1753. The company, named 
in the deed "Samuel Bayard and Company," was 
composed of Christian Hertell, Samuel Bayard, Lod- 
15 _ -^ 



wick Bamper, and Matthew Earnest, and was or- 
ganized under the firm-name of " Christian Hertell 
and Company." The works were conducted for a 
number of years, — it is said until after the Revolu- 
tionary war. They were quite famous in their day, 
and were especially noted as the place at which let- 
ters coming up by the sloops or brought in by post- 
riders were left for the settlers for many mile< around 
The works stood on the bank of the Hudson, in the 
northeast corner of the village. 

A second undertaking of the kind was commenced 
in 1867 by a company of gentlemen, principally resi- 
dents of Newburgh, who regarded the peculiar stone 
of Butter Hill as a superior material tor glassware; 
but the experiment failed. The ordinary sand-glass 
was subsequently made for a few years. 

Commercial Record. — The commercial history of the 
village has been fully written in another connection,* 
and need not be repeated here. It was founded by 
John Ellison early in the century, and by John Alsop 
and Joseph Sackett contemporaneously with him. 
The business of the Ellisons, however, survived that 
of Alsop and Sackett. Their books show the names 
of the ancestors of a large proportion of the old 
families of Northern Orange and Southern Ul.ster, 
who found in them not only their tradesmen, but 
their bankers. Although the commerce of the village 
was continued with more or less activity until the 
death of Thomas Ellison (2) in 1830, and of Abra- 
ham Shultz in 1835, its decadence, as well as that of 
the village, began at about the commencement of the 
century. At that time the population of the village 
was nearly equal to that of Newburgh, although the 
latter had a much larger acreage. Contributing to its 
decline and ultimate discontinuance were several 
causes, among which may be mentioned the active 
rivalry of the village of Newburgh, the advantages 
which its property-holders offered to settlers, the 
superiority of the river-front for commercial purposes, 
and the efforts of the people generally of that place 
to improve their trade by the construction of turn- 
pike-roads. Its fatal misfortune, however, was the 
folly of some of its land-owners, who made the rivalry 
of contemporary communities possible. Its river- 
front, capable as it was, and as it still is, of improve- 
ment, was held by one or two individuals, who were 
thereby enabled to control the destiny of the entire 
community. They had the trade, they had the roads, 
they had the wealth, why should they permit com- 
petition or encourage development? They did not; 
they chained up the river-front with paper deeds, 
denied accommodation to competing busines.s, and 
dried up the springs of action which impel commu- 
nities to undertakings in which mutual prosperity is 
involved. From their presence enterprise and the 
enterprising fled away. True it is now, as true it was 
when Goldsmith penned it, — 

* See " Trade and Commerce." 



218 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



'* II! fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, 
AVliere wealth accumulates, and mendec;iy." 

Beyond the manufacture of brick, in wliicb there 
are six yards engaged, the village has now no eom- 
mercial business. The prosperous city which, under 
proper development, might have resulted from its 
foiinding, remains a city " neither perfected nor in- 
choate." 

New Windmr Ferrij. — All traditions agree that at 
tlie village of New Windsor a ferry was maintained 
to Fishlcill at a very early period. There is no evi- 
dence, however, of a chartered privilege there as at 
Newburgh. In 1742, April 12th, Joseph Sackett, Jr., 
representing himself as " seized in fee of and in a 
small piece of land at a place called New Windsor, in 
the county of Ulster, lying on the west side of Hud- 
son's River and contiguous thereto, between the land 
of John Alsop, on the north, and of Thomas Ellison 
on the south," petitioned for a "grant of the sole 
liberty of having a ferry at any convenient place 
within the distance of five miles on each side of his 
said laud, with the privilege of landing on the oppo- 
site shore." In the minutes of the " Proceedings of 
the Proprietors of New Windsor," Feb. 12, 1755, it is 
written : " A letter was directed to be sent to Vincent 
Matthews, asking him to prepare a jjetition to his 
Honor the Lieutenant-Governor, for a charter for a 
public ferry for the benefit of tlie proprietors of the 
said township of New Windsor." A still later peti- 
tion is on file at Albany (Nov. 23, 1762), signed by 
Matthew DuBois, Jr., praying " a grant of the exclu- 
sive right of ferriage on the east side of Hudson's 
River, for the distance of one hundred and sixty 
chains (two miles) to the southward of an east line 
across the said river from the north side of Quassaick 
Creek, for the purpose of establishing a ferry across 
said river." 

There is no record that any of these petitions were 
granted, or that that referred to in the minutes of the 
proprietors was ever presented ; but that there was an 
established ferry there is certain. Morgan and his 
riflemen passed over the river on its boats in July, 
1775, on their march to join Washington at Boston. 
At that time it was owned by Martin Wiltsie, of Fish- 
kill, and Daniel Carpenter, of New Windsor, and ran 
from what was long known as the Lower Landing at 
Fishkill (now Loinas' brickyard) to New Windsor, or 
to Newburgh if required by pa.ssengers. It is said 
that it was a chartered ferry, but if so the grant is not 
recorded. Its history is more or less connected with 
that of the Golden or Newburgh ferry, and of the 
Continental ferry. The former was granted a charter i 
in 1743, by which its proprietor had the exclusive i 
right to convey passengers from Newburgh to Fish- 
kill, but contained no ferriage right from Fishkill; 
the latter, the Continental ferry, was established by ! 
authority of the quartermaster-general of the Conti- 
nental army, and ran from the Upper Landing at | 
Fishkill to the foot of Third Street at Newburgh. It ' 



was discontinued in 1782. Whether the boats which 
it employed were taken from the Golden ferry or oth- 
erwise su]>plied does not appear, but its discontinu- 
ance was the occasion of the establishment, by Peter 
Bogardus, of Fishkill, and John Anderson and James 
Denton, of Newburgh, of a new ferry, which was an- 
nounced by advertisement as " a private ferry at Fish- 
kill and Newburgh Landings, where the public ferry 
was formerly kept," — i.e., from the LTpper Landing at 
Fishkill to the foot of Third Street at Newburgh. 
Wiltsie and Carpenter replied to this advertisement 
that its language implied that their ferry " was no 
more," whereas, on the contrary, their ferry "being 
opposite to New Windsor," was " the most convenient 
for travelers," and added : " We have furnished our- 
selves with excellent new Pettyaugars for tliat pur- 
pose. We have now larger scows building with great 
expedition, for transporting loaded wagons. All such 
as chuse to cross at this ferry can do so at the prices 
set forth underneath, which are as cheap as at any 
other ferries. For a footman, one shilling; man and 
horse, two shillings ; two-horse wagon, nine sliillings; 
loaded do., twelve shillings; four-horse wagon, four- 
teen shillings; loaded do., one pound; riding chair, 
six shillings ; phaeton and pair, twelve shillings ; ton 
of iron, eight shillings ; hogshead of rum, five shil- 
lings." The Wiltsie ferry was consolidated with the 
Newburgh ferry in 180.">, — a fate, it may be remarked, 
which also overtook the Bogardus and Anderson ferry, 
as well as a ferry which was subsequently established 
by John Peter DeWitt, from the Fishkill Long Wharf 
to the foot of Fourth Street at Newburgh. Prior to 
its consolidation with the Newburgh ferry, however, 
Abraham Schultz established a ferry from New Wind- 
sor to Fishkill, announcing, in 18UU, that he had " pro- 
vided a complete new ferry boat," which would " ply 
continually between New Windsor and Fishkill Land- 
ing," and that he intended " to pay particular atten- 
tion to the business." It is said that this ferry was 
discontinued in 1S12, but this is presumed to be an 
error. No ferry has been maintained, however, for a 
number of years. 

Mr. William H. Bartley, who spent a half-century 
of his life in boating on the Hudson, principally in 
the vicinity of Newburgh, states that his brother, 
Jacob Bartley, was in the employ of Wiltsie and Car- 
penter for a number of years as their ferryman at New 
Windsor, sailing a pirogue from the dock immediately 
north of the Schultz dock to the Lower Landing. On 
the Fishkill side of the river the ferryman was Grom. 
Wiltsie, a slave owned by Martin Wiltsie, who also 
sailed a pirogue.* These vessels and two or more 
row-boats constituted the ferry appointments. At the 
Lower Landing, on the Fishkill side, Wiltsie had a 

* A perinuger was the old Spanish pimgiu; which found its way to the 
Hudson with the Dutch. It was pointed at both ends, had t«o masts 
hut no bowsprit. Wlien liorses ajid carriages were to be conveyed they 
were detaclted and lifted into the boat by a purchase on the masts, or 
driven on over wide gang-planks. 



NEW WINDSOR. 



;i9 



large store-house and other accommodations, and 
sailed from thence to New York a line of sloops. 
The store- house was burned .^ome years ago. The 
boats landed passengers at Newburgh whenever it 
was desired ; indeed, a very considerable traffic was 
carried on between Newburgh and Fishkill. 

General Business. — The early business men of the 
village, aside from those who were engaged in freight- 
ing, have a very imperfect record. Capt. Jonathan 
Lawrence kept store there, and Isaac Schultz & Son 
a tavern, in 1776. Abraham Van Deursen ''opened a 
house of entertainment at the sign of the Confedera- 
tion," in 1782. William Scudder opened a land-office 
in July, 179.3. Benjamin S. Hoyt, "practitioner of 
physic and surgery," sold medicines in 1798. Matthew 
C. Lyon was a physician there prior to that time ; he 
died in 1798. Richard E^dgerton sold dry-goods and 
groceries, and carried on the shoemaking business; 
Sandford & Fitch sold dry-goods, ironmongery, 
crockery, etc. ; Isaac Schultz & Son, dry-goods, gro- 
ceries, and general merchandise ; William Ward car- 
ried on the silversmith liusiness " a few rods south of 
the ferry." The advertisements of these gentlemen 
apjiear in the New Whidsor (jazei/e, a weekly news- 
paper, the publication of which was commenced by 
Jacob Schultz, Nov. 10, 1797. The freighters all kept 
general stores, — dry-gooils and mackerel, silks and 
hardware, sugar and nails, and the customary stocks 
of the times. Nathan Smith and Henry Brewster 
were blacksmiths in colonial days. Isaac Schultz was 
a school-teacher before he became a merchant. 

Famous Buildings. — The headquarters of Washing- 
ton at the old Thomas Ellison house, immediately 
south of the old bounds of the old village, is referred 
to in another place. Aside from this there are no 
other buildings historically remarkable, except that 
known as the birthplace of DeWitt Clinton. Not- 
withstanding all that has been written to the contrary, 
we have little doubt that he was born here, and not 
in Deerpark or in Little Britain. Charles Clinton, of 
Little Britain, who was the clerk of the " proprietors," 
erected in the village a house, barn, etc., some time 
about 1760. He transferred his clerkship to his son, 
James, the father of DeWitt, in 1762 ; and in 1773 
sold and transferred to him the property. James 
married Mary DeWitt, of Deerpark, and her first child, 
Alexander, was born there in 1765. In the spring of 
17(56 he commenced " housekeeping" in his house in 
New Windsor village, and there his son Charles was 
born in 1767, and his son DeWitt in 1769. After the 
death of his father in 1773, James removed to the 
homestead in Little Britain, and remained there dur- 
ing the Revolution. The only question at issue we 
believe to be whether James resided in New Windsor 
village, and that is apparently .settled by letters from 
his father, dated at Little Britain and addressed to 
Capt. James Clinton at New Windsor, covering the 
date of DeWitt's birth, and by the facts stated in re- 
gard to the house and the business in which James 



w-as engaged. During the Revolution the house was 
occupied, at least a part of the time, as a hospital. It 
stands on the west side of the road near the foot of 
New Windsor hill, and although it has been repaired 
and changed somewhat, it has still the original frame- 
work of its first construction. 

Presbyterian Church unci CenietKrij. — The oidy church 
in the village, the New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 
was organized Sept. 14, 1764. Its history is given 
elsewhere. Attached to it is a cemetery, in which 
1 repose the remains of many of the early residents not 
only of the village, but of the surrounding district. 

OK.V.NGEVILLE OR MOODNA. 
The purchase and settlement of the district now 
known as Moodna was made by Nathaniel and Sam- 
uel Hazard some time between 1728 and 1740, who 
laid out a township plot under the name of Orange- 
ville. After laying out their plot, they established a 
landing at Sloop Hill (a short distance below Smith's 
Half-way House), and erected a mill and a dwelling- 
house, the latter more recently owned by Nathaniel 
Sands, and the former, after many conversions, now 
constituting a manufactory of linen goods by White- 
side Brothers. At the time of the purchase l)y the 

"Hazards, the bay at the mouth of the creek had a 
sufficient depth of water to float vessels of the largest 
class. Availing themselves of this fact, and as a part 
of their enterprise, they built a ship on the bank of 
the creek, just north of the shore road leading to 
Cornwall ; but while the vessel was still on the stocks 
there came an extraordinary freshet (probably in the 
spring of 1741), and the soil being a quicksand fillefJ 
up the mouth of the creek beyond the possibility of 
navigation for large vessels. They succeeded in 
getting their ship to the river by the aid of barrels ; 
but the expense incurred, together with the destruc- 
tion of their township plan, which was contingent upon 
their harbor, proved their ruin. Their mill subse- 
quently passed to John Vanaurdel (1753), then to 
John Arthur ; from the latter to Joseph Horton 
(1778); by the executors of Horton to John and 
James Thorne (1789), who sold to Samuel Sackett 
in May, 1803. Sackett sold to Lawrence & Van Bu- 
ren in 1813 ; the latter to Wyckoff & Van Buren. 
William B. Leonard purchased it in 1845, and con- 
verted it into a cotton factory, and ran it as such u|> 
to 1860. The Whiteside Brothers purchased it in 
1862, and changed its machinery to the manufacture 

' of linen goods, but without success. During its occu- 
pation by Sackett, and subsequently under Lawrence 
& Van Buren, it had a very extensive patronage, and 
it was not an unfreijuent occurrence to see a line of 
wagons a half-mile long waiting their turn to unload 
wheat at its door. The wharf which the Hazards 
constructed proved also, in the hands of their succes- 
sors, a profitable venture. No little commerce wa.s 

, carried on from it as late as 1845, the shipments being 
mainly the products of the flouring-mill and of other 



220 



illSTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



manufacturing establishments, for wliicli the valley 
became noted in later yeai's, and which will presently 
be noticed. That part of the property which passed 
to Nathaniel Sands was occupied by him for many 
years, during a considerable portion of which he con- 
ducted a cider-mill and distillery. In the same vi- 
cinity Britton Moore had a tannery, — subsequently 
continued by Mr. Pelamater, who also established a 
rope-walk and a saw- and plaster-mill. 

Among the early settlers in the valley was Samuel 
Brewster, who built a saw-mill on the north side of 
the creek, just below the bridge at the foot of Forge 
Hill, and also (1755) a ilwelling immediately opposite, 
now commonly known as the Williams house, and 
traditionally recognized as the headquarters of Lafay- 
ette.* The mill soon gave place to a forge and 
anchor-shop, known as Brewster's forge, at which, 
during the Revolution, a considerable portion of the 
chains were made which were used to obstruct the 
navigation of the river at Fort Montgomery and at 
West Point. The site of the old forge can easily be 
traced by the cinders and debris which are turned up 
by the plow. 

A short distance east from the Brewster or Wil- 
liams house was a tlouring-mill erected by Jonas 
Williams, and subsequently conducted by himself 
and sons (1794)., under the name of Jonas Williams 
& Co. Jonathan and Jacob Morrell came into its 
possession at a later period ; they engaged in the man- 
ufacture of cut nails, and carried on a very extensive 
business. Caleb and Thomas Williams succeeded the 
Jlorrells and engaged in the manufacture of snuff, 
which they sold from their wagons throughout the 
country. Reid & Storm were the next owners ; to 
the business of snuff manufacture they added that of 
fine-cut tobacco. The next proprietor was Mrs. Mil- 
ler, wliose " Roseleaf Snuff and Tobacco" enjoyed a 
world-wide fame and gave her a fortune. In the 
prosecution of her business rose-leaves were of course 
a necessity, to supply which she planted four acres 
with the variety known as the Philadelphia rose. 
The lot on which the planting was made is still 
known, but the roses and their fragrance have passed 
away. Mrs. Millers business was continued for some 
years by her son-in-law, Andrew H. Mickle, who was 
at one time mayor of the city of New York. 

About 1843, Leonard, Hone & Nicoll put up a fac- 
tory for the manufacture of cotton goods on the site 
now occupied by the Highland paj)er-mills.. The 
iirst story was of brick and the two upper frame. In 
September, 1845, it was destroyed by fire. In 1847 it 
was rebuilt wholly of brick, and run by Mr. Hazel- 
hurst for a few years as a shoddy-mill. In 1850 the 
property was purchased by D. Carson & Co., formerly 
of the Carsbn mills, in Massachusetts (David and 
David F. B. Carson and Erastus Ide), and converted 
into a paper-mill, to which use it has since been de- 

* See " Revolutionary Localities." 



voted, with some changes in the proprietorship. It 
is now owned by Jamas P. Townsend, of Ncwburgh, 
and is the only prosecuted manufacturing industry in 
the ancient township of Orangeville. 

The hamlet has a post-office under the name of 
Moodna ; the school-house of District No. 2 is also 
located there, and it has a few dwellings, princi- 
pally occupied by operatives in the mills. It is not 
impossible that in the adjustments and readjustments 
of manufacturing industry which are constantly going 
on, the now almost neglected hydraulic power of Mur- 
derer's Creek at Moodna will again be utilized. 

We have to add to this sketch simply that the name 
" Moodna" was bestowed by N. P. Willis, whose 
poetic mind could see nothing valuable in the historic 
name of Orangeville. 

QUASSArCK VALLEY. 
The water-power of the Quassaick, on the northern 
boundary of the town, was not employed at a very 
early period. The first record of its use was by Robert 
Boyd, Jr., who erected, in June, 1775, a forge for the 
manufacture of guns, Ijayonets, etc. He obtained a 
contract from the Revolutionary government of the 
State, by the terms of which he was to receive "three 
pounds fifteen shillings, New York money, for each 
good musket, with steel ramrod and bayonet and 
scabbard." In February, 1776, he was able to write 
that he had " the best gunsmith's shop in the col- 
onies ;" but nevertheless its capacity was limited from 
the difficulty in obtaining workmen. The first regi- 
ments organized in the State were mainly armed with 
guns of his manufacture. He relinquished the busi- 
ness some time about 1800, and converted the works 
into a plaster-mill. The next change was in 1808, 
when George Parker and Abner Armstrong adver- 
tised that they had " erected machines for breaking 
and carding wool at the plaster-mill of Robert Boyd, 
on the road leading from New Windsor to Newburgh, 
one mile from each place." The property was sold 
by Samuel Boyd to George Reid, who converted it 
into a paper-mill. From the Reid estate it passed to 
John Barker, who manufiictured hats. Barker sold 
to Benj. Carpenter, at which time it was operated by 
John H. Waters, who manufactured woolen goods. 
Carpenter sold to George Crawshaw, Crawshaw to 
William H. Beede, Beede to Edward Haigh, by whom 
it was operated under the title of the " Valley Woolen 
Mills." 

The second privilege (long known as Schultz' mill) 
was occupied by Governor George Clinton, who erected 
a grist-mill and a saw-mill. He sold the property to 
Hugh Walsh, including the adjoining farm, in 1790, 
and Walsh, on the 5th of July of that year, sold to 
Isaac Schultz. The property conveyed by Walsh con- 
sisted of thirty-two acres, extending west from Hud- 
son's River to lands of Robert Boyd, and included the 
undivided half part of " grist-mill stream of water" 
and laud under water on the Hudson. The mill stood 



NEW WINDSOR. 



221 



a short distance west of the Hudson, on the east side 
of the oUl King's road. In 1794 (July 6th), Schultz 
sold to Daniel Byrnes the lot on the east, including 
one-half of the mill building, the division line being 
" the middle of the post next west of the north door 
of said mill," including one-half of the flume, etc., 
and two grist-mills were thereafter run under one 
roof, the proprietors being particular to say " their 
several mills" in their advertisements. Isaac Schultz 
continued his mill until his death in 1802, when it 
came into the possession of his brother Jacob, who 
sold it to Peter Townsend. The Byrnes mill and 
property attached passed from Dinah Byrnes, widow 
of Daniel, to Caleb Byrnes, who sold to Richard 
Trimble in 1801, and it was continued by him for 
some years. Trimble sold to Elisha Hale in 183."), 
and Elisha Hale to Philip A. Verplanck in 1837. 
Verplanck closed the race-way and suti'ered the mill 
to decay on its foundations. 

The third privilege was occupied by Hugh Walsh, 
who retained one-half of the mill-stream in his deed 
to Schultz, and who, in company with John Craig, 
erected, in 1792, the paper-mill afterwards owned by 
his son, John H. Walsh, and now by his grandson, 
J. DeWitt Walsh. This mill is still in successful 
operation, and is situated at the extreme west end of 
the valley. 

The fourth privilege was that embraced in the pur- 
chase from Jacob Schultz by Peter Townsend, and 
was known as the cannon-foundry. This foundry 
was erected by Peter Townsend, in 1816, on a site im- 
mediately west of the Schultz mill, and consisted of 
two furnaces and four boring-mills. Here, in July, 
1817, was tested " the first cannon ever manufactured 
in the State of New York," and which, for superiority 
of " metal and accuracy of firing," had then never 
been excelled. The undertaking was not a financial 
success, however, and the property passed into the 
possession of the United States government and sub- 
sequently to John A. Tompkins, al)out 1830, who con- 
verted it into a machine-shop. Mr. Tompkins was 
accidentally drowned in December, 1838, and the 
liroperty came into the possession of Charles Ludlow 
and Christopher B. Miller, from whom it passed to 
Mr. Stcrritt, who converted it into a pin-factory. 
This business also failed, and Joseph Longking and 
^Varon F. Palmer took it for the manufacture ol' daguer- 
rean instruments, cases, etc., but with no better suc- 
cess. The last occupant was John Gray, who con- 
verted it into a flour-mill. While being occupied by 
him it was destroyed by fire. Those who remember 
the activity which at one time prevailed here, can 
best appreciate the desolation that now sits with folded 
wings on its ruins. 

West of the old Boyd mill, George Reid established 
a paper-mill, date not ascertained. Reid died in 
1837 or 18.38, and from his executors the property 
passed to John H. Walsh & Sons ; from them to 
Samuel A. Walsh ; from him to Charles H. Have- 



meyer ; from Havemeyer's executors to Mrs. Have- 
meyer, and from her to Edward Haigh. This prop- 
erty, formerly the Quassaick Woolcn-JIills, now the 
Windsor Woolen-Mills, is next east of the high 
bridge on Quassaick Avenue. 

The last of the milling enterprises is on a site sold 
by John H. Walsh to Alexander Marshall ; Marshall 
to Darlington ; Darlington to Isaac K. Oakley ; Oak- 
ley to Adams & Bishop. This mill has been for sev- 
eral years engaged in the manufacture of paper. 

VAIL'.? GATE OK MORTONVILLB. 

Notwithstanding repeated ettbrts to change its 
name to Mortonville, the settlement long known as 
Vail's Gate retains that title in local records and in 
railroad connections. It is a hamlet at the junction 
of the New Windsor and Blooming-Grove turnpike 
and the Snake Hill turnpike, and immediately south- 
east of the junction of the Newburgh Branch and 
Short-Cut Railroads. The name is from Mr. Vail, an 
old resident, and for many years keeper of the gate 
on the Blooming-Grove turnpike. For the same 
reason it was at one time known as Tooker's Gate. 
It has a school-house, and a short distance east is 
the Vail's Gate or Union Methodist Episcopal 
church. The latter is one of the oldest Methodist 
societies in the county, having been founded as the 
John Ellison class in 1789. The Edmonston house 
is also located here ; it will be referred to hereafter. 
East from the Methodist church is the John Ellison 
house, historically known as " Knox's Headquarters," 
and adjoining it is the Ellison grist-mill and the 
building known as the first Methodist church. The 
house and mill were erected in 1754, the church 
building in 1790. The latter was not strictly for 
Methodists, but for itinerant preachers of all denomi- 
nations. From the occupation of the property by 
Maj. Charles F. Morton, we have the name of Mor- 
tonville, which he once succeeded in grafting upon 
i the list of post-offices. 

LITTLE BRITAIN. 

The boundaries of the district known as Little Brit- 
ain have never been very accurately defined. Not 
unlike ancient New Windsor, which is said to have 
extended twenty miles on the Hudson when it was 
but little more than two, it has been written that Lit- 
tle Britain embraced the entire country bounded east 
by the village of New Windsor, west by Montgomery, 
north by Newburgh, and south by Blooming-Grove, 
including part of the latter, as well as of Montgomery 
and Hamptonburgh. These traditional boundaries are 
not without some probability, if they are considered as 
representing the radius of the settlement more or less 
intimately associated with those made on the patent 
to Andrew .lohnston, but the latter must be accepted 
as not only the centre of the district, but the seat of 
the name. His patent (see Map of Patents) lies west 
of the Little Britain church. The main road, leading 



222 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



from Xewburgh to Goshen, runs through the centre 
of it. Beginning at the church, it extends west to 
the roiid that leads to the farm now owned by James 
(retty (opposite the residence of Joseph B. Burnet). 
On the soutli it is bounded by the south lines of the 
farm now or late of John S. Bull, and the farm now 
owned by Peter and George Welling. The north 
lines of the farms of Joseph H. Howell, Jarvis Knap, 
and the heirs of John R. Scott form its north bound- 
ary. It is one hundred chains in width, and two 
hundred chains in length, and is supposed to have 
contained 2000 acres. Its north and south lines now 
run about north twenty-two degrees east.* The pat- 
entee ran a division line through the centre of the 
patent, north and south, and sold it in lots or farms to 
different parties. 

The first purchaser and settler on the patent was 
John Humphrey, in 1724, who located on the north 
part west of the division line, on the farm now or 
latel.v owned by Joseph H. Howell. The second 
purchaser was Peter Mullinder (as the name was then 
spelled), in 1729, whose farm lot of 250 acres adjoined 
Humphrey on the south. The third purchaser was 
Robert Burnet, in 1720; his farm adjoined that of 
Mullinder. The fourth was John Reid, the father- 
in-law of Burnet, who purchased at the same date, 
1720. Charles Clinton, Mrs. Mary McClaughry, 
Alexander Denniston, and John Young were the 
next in order, in 1731 . There was also a purchase by 
one Maillard (date uncertain), subsequently the Car- 
scadden farm. These purchasers absorbed the patent. 
Mullinder, who came in in 1729, was an Englishman 
and perhaps a former resident of the section of Lon- 
don known as Little Britain. However .this may i 
be, in imitation of the custom in his native land, he 
named his settlement or farm Little Britain, and from 
him and his farm the title was accepted and extended 
not only to the patent, but to the district, in precisely 
the same manner that "' my farm caMed Warwick" j 
became ap;)lied to the town of Warwick. It will 
be admitted, of course, that the honor of conferring 
the name has been given to Charles Clinton, but 
without authority; on the contrary, Clinton was the 
last man who had regard for Britain in any of its as- 
pects. He was of Irish birth and an exile, and had 
he had a name to bestow would not have selected one 
so suggestive of many of his misfortunes. 

All through the large district to which the name 
was applied the great majority of the settlers were 
Scotch-Irish or English-Irish, and nearly all were 
Presbyterians. Agreeing very generally in their re- 
ligious views, they were also remarkable for the uni- 
formity of their political convictions. When it came 
«low:i to the era of the Revolution, there were but 
few who were Tories or King's men, and these were 
mainly members of the Church of England, of whom 



'''■ These bouiidarie-s and many other facts have been kindly furnished 
l>y Mr. Josepli B. Burnet, surveyor, and for several years supervisor of 
the lown. 



there was a sprinkling in the neighborhood. Charles 
Clinton, through his sons. Governor George and Gen. 
James, and his grandson Governor DeWitt, has, per- 
haps, the most extended historical reputation in the 
politics of the State; while in the religious field the 
line of descendants from his sister, Mrs. Christiana 
Beatty, now represented by Rev. Charles Clinton 
Beatty, D.D., the influence of the Clinton blood is not 
less marked. The neighborhood was composed ot 
men of strong natural abilities and marked character. 
There are two churches in the district, — the Little 
Britain Presbyterian and the Little Britain Metho- 
dist Episcopal. 

THE SQU.4,RE. 

The Squaie — by some now called Washington 
Square — is a part of Little Britain, although it is not 
completed in the town of New Windsor. Its name is 
from the fact that the public roads run in such direc- 
tion as to form a diamond. These roads are that 
leading to Xewburgh, the Goshen road, the Little 
Britain road, and the road to New Windsor, At the 
outbreak of the Revolution, it received the name of 
Liberty Square, a title by which it is also designated 
on Clinton's map of the town in 1798. The appella- 
tion is said to have been bestowed from the fact that 
there were none living on any one of the four roads 
whose disloyalty was questionable. The Falls house, 
the headquarters of St. Clair and Gates, and the quar- 
ters of Lafayette are a part of the history of the Square, 

RAGVILLE, ROCK TAVERN, Err'. 

" Ragville" is the title of a hamlet of half a dozen 
houses and a blacksmith's shop, about two miles west 
of the Little Britain church. Its name came from a 
man named Davenport, who had a store there and 
exchanged goods for rags. Tlie first jiroperty beyoml 
was formerly the famous Morrison tavern and distil- 
lery, and further west Rock tavern. Both of these 
taverns were in early times important factors in the 
social and political life of the district. Rock tavern 
takes its name from the rock on which it is erected 
Company trainings were held here, as well as political 
meetings and Fourth of July celebrations, althougli 
the former and the latter have not been heard of in 
the memory of the present generation. It was here 
also that the initiatory steps were taken in the or- 
ganization of the present county of Orange. Botli 
taverns were embraced in the road district known al 
an early date as Hunting-Grove, which extended west 
to the Otterkill, and included the settlement then 
known as Hunting-Grove, but more recently called 
Bushkirk's Mills and Burnside Post-office. The name 
of the settlement was bestowed by Nathan Smith 
who established mills and a store there, and figured 
largely in local and State politics. A considerable 
portion of the district is now in the town of Hamp- 
tonburgh, while the name Hunting-Grove, after the 
adoption of Blooming-Grove by the inhabitants o: 




( , ^'S^ 




BROOKS/DC. 

Res. of ROBERT MORISON, L/rrtE Britain, Orange Co N.Y. 



The above is a view of the old Belknap homestead, which was purchased by Mr. Mor- 
rison from Alexander Denniston in 1872. The latter bought it from George A. Denniston, 
who inherited it from his father, James Denniston, he having bought it from Benjamin Belknap 
in 1820. Benjamin inherited it from his father, Jeduthan Belknap, in 1817. The house, 
though somewhat changed, was built about the year 1770. The mill seen on the margin 
(still kept in repair and used by Mr. Morrison for lumbering) was built about the same time. 

The old burying-ground on the place, where lie the remains of a number of the Belknap 
family, is still kgpt in repair by their descendants, and often visited. 



NEW WINDSOR. 



223 



that town, fell into disuse. Another of the once 
noted localities now lost to the town was Stonefield, 
the residence and grammar-school of Rev. John Mof- 
fat, who had among his pupils some of the most noted 
men of earlier times. 



IV.— EEVOLUTIONAHY LOCALITIES. 
WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS. 

The headquarters of ^Vashingtou at New Windsor 
were at the Ellissn homestead, then of Col. Thomas 
Ellison, and subsequently of his son, William Ellison. 
The house was torn down some years ago. It stood 
on the brow of the hill on the east side of the road, 
immediately south of the line of the village of New 
Windsor. Washington came to this place in June, 
177'.i, and again in the fall of 1780, and remained 
until the summer of 1781. The leading events in the 
army during this period were the revolt of the Penn- 
sylvania troops under Gen. Wayne, in camp at Mor- 
ristown,'N. J., and the arrangement of the details of 
the campaign of 1781, which closed with the victory 
at Yorktown in October. 

The circumstances which led to the estrangement 
between Washington and Hamilton, resulting in the 
■withdrawal of Hamilton from his position as aide-de- 
camp, occurred here in 1781. It is referred to simply 
to correct the impression which prevails that Hamil- 
ton was the chosen counselor of Washington ; that 
he and not Washington was the author of the reply 
to the Newburgh Letters, and that he and not Wash- 
ington was the author of many of the public papers 
of Washington, including his Farewell Address. The 
facts are that after the episode at the Ellison house, 
Washington had no intercourse with Hamilton what- 
ever, except such as becatnc necessary in their official 
relations as members of the Constitutional Convention 
of 1786, and subsequently while Hamilton was Secre- 
tary of the Treasury during the first and part of the 
second term of Washington's administration. The 
story, as related by Hamilton, in a letter to Gen. 
Schuyler, under date of " Headipiarters, New Wind- 
sor, Feb. 18, 1781," is as follows : 

".Since I had the pleasure of writing you last, an unexpected clianj^e 
has taken place in my situation. I am no longer a member of the Gen- 
eraPs family. This information will surprise you, and the manner of 
the change will surprise you more. Two days ago the General and I 
passed each other on the stairs. He told me he had wanted to speak to 
me. I answered that I wouhl wait upon him immediately. I went be- 
low and delivered Mr Tilghman a letter to he sent to the commissary, 
containing an order of a pressing and interesting nature. Iteturning 
to the General I was stopped on the way by the Marquis de La Fayette, 
and we conversed together about a minute on a matter of business, lie 
can testify how impatient I was to get back, and that I left him in a 
manner which, but for our intimacy, wjuld have been more than ab- 
rupt. Instead of finding the General, as is usual, in his room, I met 
him at the head of the stairs, where, accosting me in an angry tone, 
'Colonel Hamilton,' he said, 'you have kept me waiting at the head 
of the stairs these ten minutes. T must tell you, sir, you treat me 
with disrespect.' I replied without petulaucy, but with decision, 
*I am nt)t conscious of it, sir, but since you have thouglit it neces- 
s.ary to tell mo so, we part.' 'Very well, sir.' said he, 'if it be your 
choice,' or something to that effect, and we separated. In less than an hour 



I 



afterwards, Tilghman came to me in the General's name, assuring me of 
bis desire, in a candid conversation, to heal a difterence which could not 
have happened except in a moment of passion." 

This interview Hamilton declined, and excused the 
step which he had taken to his dislike for the office 
of an aide-de-camp "as having a kind of per.sonal 
dependence." 

In regard to the occupancy of the house by Wash- 
ington in 1779, the following note has been preserved 
among the papers of Col. Thomas Ellison : 

" Headqu.\rters, S.mith's Ci.ove, 2lst June, 17711. 
*' V2 past 5 P.M. 
'■ His Excellency, the commander-in-chief, thinks proper to accept 
your house as Headquarters, from the description I gave liim on my re- 
turn from thence last night. He with his guard set off immediately" 
and his baggage will follow. Your most obt. Humble Servt. 

'■ To Col. Ellison. C. GIBB." 

Gibb was then the captain-commandant of Wash- 
ington's guard. During the winter of 1781, Mrs. 
Washington occupied the house in company with her 
husband. 

PLUM POINT. 

Plum Point, the site of the first European settle- 
ment in Orange County, lies a short distance below 
the Ellison house, and forms the north bank of Mur- 
derer's Creek at its confluence with the Hudson. The 
theory in regard to its formation is that in the con- 
vulsion attending the dissolution of the glacial period 
it was pushed out from its original bed by the jires- 
sure of water and ice. It has an area of about eighty 
acres, approached over a natural causeway. On the 
southeast side was located, in a very early part of the 
war, a battery of fourteen guns, designed to assist iu 
maintaining the obstructions to the navigation of the 
river, which at this point consisted of r-hevaux-de-frise 
stretching across to Pallopel's Island. The battery 
was maintained during the war for the purpose origi- 
nally designed, and for the protection of the works in 
the vicinity. It was known in official orders as " Capt. 
Machin's Battery at New Windsor." Outlines of its 
embrasures may yet be seen, and can be approached 
by visitors from the residence of the proprietor or by 
the old army road, which runs around the face of the 
hill from the Nicol homestead. 

LAFAYETTE'S HEADQUARTERS. 

The Brewster house, known as Lafayette's head- 
quarters, is at Moodna, just beyond the paper-mills of 
James P. Townsend. Of its occupation by Lafayette 
there is only traditionary evidence ; at best it was so 
occupied by him for a brief period in 1779, while 
Washington w-as at the Ellison house. The house, 
which is now occupied by tenants, has suffered very 
little change, the old stairways and the quaintly-carved 
mantels being retained, though showing the wear of 
time. The vault in the cellar is said to have been the 
place of deposit of the money known as the " Dutch 
loan," but on what authority does not appear. The 
building was erected by SamuePBrewster, it is said, in 



224 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1755, and after his deatli was ocupied by his snn-iii- 
law, Jonas Williams. The I'act that Mr. Brewster was 
an ardent Whig and a member of tbe Committee of 
Safety, as well as a most reputable eitizen, may have 
brought Lafayette to his residence. 

EDMONSTOX HOUSE. 

The Edmonstou house, at Vail's Gate, is Icnown as 
the headquarters of Gens. Gates and St. Clair.* Very 
little is said concerning their occupation of it, how- 
ever; indeed, there is doubt in regard to the matter, 
it being traditionally asserted that the hospital stores 
and headquarters of the medical start' were here, and 
tliat the officers named were at the building on the 
opposite side of the road, where they were stationed 
during the winter of 1782-83. Dr. Thacher writes, 
under date of April 30, 1781, " I accompanied Dr. 
John Hart to New Windsor, to pay our respects to 
Dr. John Cochran, who is lately promoted to the 
office of director-general of the hospitals of the I'nited 
States, as successor to Dr. Shippen, resigned." On 
the 15th of December, 1782, he writes, " Dined with 
my friends Drs. Townseud, Eustis, and Adams, at the 
hospital, in company with Gens. Gates and Howe, and 
their aides. Dr. Cochran, our surgeon-general, and sev- 
eral other officers. Our entertainment was ample and 
elegant." The hospital referred to was near the Tem- 
ple on the camp-ground. The Edmonston building 
is of stone, and is said to have been erected in 1755. 
It stands a short distance from the point where the 
Short-Cut intersects the Newburgh branch of the Erie 
Railroad, and certainly does not present the appear- 
ance of capacity for a very large military family. 

FALLS HOUSE. 

The Falls house, Little Britain Square, was occu- 
pied by Governor George Clinton, as commander-in- 
chief of the military forces of the State, for a short 
time in October, 1777. Clinton and his brother, Gen. 
James, were in command at the forts in the High- 
lands at the time of their reduction, Oct. 7, 1777. 
The former was then a resident of the house subse- 
quently of Capt. Charles Ludlow, a short distance 
north of New Windsor village. On the fall of the 
forts his family made liasty retreat to the interior, and 
found temporary refuge at the residence of Mrs. Falls. 
The troops who escaped from the forts, as well as the 
militia of the district that had ncit been engaged, were 
rendezvoused in the vicinity, and reorganized prior to 
their march for the defense of Kingston. While 
waiting for his men to come in, on the 10th of Octo- 
ber, at noon, a horseman came near the canij), where 
being challenged by a sentinel, he replied, "I am a 
friend and wish to see Gen. Clinton." On being con- 
ducted to the Governor's headquarters he discovered 
that he had made a mistake. He had been sent by 

* Geo. Gatca was at Uie KUisoii house (Knox's lieadquartore) in De- 
cember, 1782. 



Sir Henry Clinton, of the British forces, with a mes- 
sage to Gen. Burgoyne, and after passing the High- 
lands had encountered troops in British uniform. 
Presuming that Sir Henry's forces had moved for- 
ward, he drew near the camp only to learn that he 
was within the lines of the American forces, some ot 
whom were clothed in British uniform, which had 
been captured from a-transport some lime previously 
and had not been re-dyed. When he discovered \iu 
mistake he was observed to swallow something. To 
recover the document, or whatever it might be. Dr. 
Moses Higby, who was at the camp, administered a 
powerful emetic. This brought from him a small 
silver ball of an oval form shut with a screw in the 
middle. " Though closely watched," writes Clinton, 
" he had tlie art to conceal it a second time. I made 
him believe I had taken one Capt. Campbell, anothei 
messenger who was out on the same business; that ] 
learned from him all I wanted to know, and de- 
manded the ball on pain of being huiig up instantly 
and cut open to search for it. This brouglit it forth.'' 
The ball was found to contain the following : 

^^'•■^ "Fort MosTi:;nMERY. (.)ct. .*<, 1S7T. 

** None y ruict ( we come) and nothing between us but Gates. Xsincerel\ 
liupe tliis little success of oure may facilitate your ojieratiotis. In an 
ewer to your letter of the 28th Sept., by C. C, I shall only say, I cannot 
presume to order, or even advise, for reasons obvious. I heartily wish 
you success. Faithfully yours, 

"Gf.x. Burgoyne. H. CLINTON." 

Taylor, for that was the messenger's name, wa: 
placed in custody, and on October 14th was tried by 
court-martial as a spy. He pled his character as a 
messenger, but without avail, — he was sentenced tc 
death. The final entry in reference to him occurs 
under date of October 18th, when Clinton's army wa? 
at Hurley : '" Daniel Taylor, a spy, lately taken in 
Little Britain, was hung here. The Rev. Mr. Ro- 
maine and myself attended him yesterday, and I have 
spent the morning in discoursing to him, and at- 
tended him to the gallows. He did not appear to be 
either a political or a gospel penitent." 

Lossing, in his " Field-Book," states — not witboul 
authority it is presumed — that Maj. Armstrong, the 
author of the Newburgh Letters, had his quarters a( 
the Falls house, and that there those in the secrel 
held their private conferences. 

KNO.X'S HEADQU.\RTERS. 

A short distance west of Moodna, on the table-land- 
of New Windsor, stand the house and mills so lona 
occupied by John Ellison, and erected by his father 
Col. Thomas Ellison, in 1754, William Bull, tht 
husband of Sarah Wells, being the builder, as appears 
by the original contract. It is a picturesque building 
of stone, with high ceilings, wainscoting, dormer- 
windows, heavy sash, and small panes of glass 
Rochambeau is said to have occupied rooms in i1 
during his brief visit to Washington, and at a latei 
period it was similarly occupied by Gens. Knox anc 
Greene. The record of occupation consists of a cer- 



NEW WINDSOR. 



tificate signed by Gen. Knox, dated West Point, Sept. 
9, 1783, stating that Gens. Greene and Knox, and Cols. 
Biddle and Wadsvvorth, " occupied three rooms, as 
military quarters, in Mr. John Ellison's house five 
weeks in the months of June and July, 1779 ;" and 
that "I, the subscriber (Gen. Knox), occupied three 
rooms as military quarters ten weelcs in the fall of the 
same year; also, from the 20th of November, 1780, to 
the 4th of July, 1781, I occupied two rooms as mili- 
tary quarters ; and from May, 1782, to September, I 
occupied one room for the same purpose, making 
fourteen weeks." Altogether his residence there cov- 
ered a period of over one year, a portion of wliich 
time, probably from November, 1780, to July, 1781, 
his wife was with him. Tradition affirms that on one 
occasion Mrs. Knox gave an entertainment while here, 
at which Washington opened the dance with Maria 
Golden, daughter of Cadwallader Colden, Jr.. of Col- 
denham ; that among the guests were' Gitty Wynkoop 
and Sally Jansen, of Kingston, who werj groat belles 
in their day, and that a French officer who was pres- 
ent gallantly inscribed the names of this trio of beau- 
ties with his diamond ring on one of the small win- 
dow-panes in the sash of the principal room. The 
names remain to attest the truth of the story, the 
glass having been carefully and almost miraculously 
preserved for nearly one hundred years. One feels 
almost as deep an interest in these young women as 
in the graver military heroes who were there present. 
Mrs. Col. Hamilton gave her tradition of the assem- 
blage to Mr. Lossing for his " Field-Book," but now 
that it appears on written record that she was not 
present, her story that Washington never danced has 
little value. Mr. Robert R. Ellison writes: "Maria 
Colden and Sallie Janseu were relatives of John El- 
lison, the former through his sister's marriage with 
Cadwallader Colden, Jr., and the latter through his 
wife, Catharine Jansen, of Kingston. Gitty Wynkoop 
was a visitor at Colden's with Sallie Jansen, and with 
Maria ColJen attended the ball. On that occasion 
Washington did not open the dance with Maria Col- 
den, but, the doors being thrown open, promenaded 
through the rooms with lier. This statement has been 
a tradition in. our family, members of which were 
present, and has been confirmed by others who were 
witnesses." The identity of Maria Colden is not fully 
established. Cadwallader Colden, Jr., had no daugh- 
ter Jlaria, nor do we find a trace of her in (^adwalla- 
der Colden's letter, in which he gives the names of 
his children and also those of his sisters. The wit- 
nesses of her existence are her name on the glass 
and the tradition which links it with that of Wash- 
ington : 

" So perish forms as fair as those 
Whose cheeks now living hlusli tlie rose; 
Their glory turned to dnst." 

About three hundred feet west of the house 
stands the building generally called the first Meth- 
odist church in the county of Orange. It has been 



noticed in another ])lace. Its real connection with 
the early religious history of the town is more prop- 
erly expressed in the term Union church, — a building 
open to all denominations, although Clinton enters it 
on his map of 1799 as Methodist. The Methodists 
certainly held services there until 1807. 

THE CAMP-GROUND AND TEMPLE, 
It would be as difficult, perhaps, to fix tlie periods 
at which some part of New Windsor was not occu- 
pied by either militia or regular troops during the 
Revolution as to specify the times when it was so oc- 
cuj)ied, or by what ])articular bodies of men. Aside 
from the militia companies, it is certain that at least a 
portion of the regiment of Col. James Clinton in the 
Canada expedition of 1775 was organized here. In 
177(i the battery on Plum Point was mounted ; in 1777, 
Governor Clinton reorganized at Little Britain the 
militia and fugitives from the Highland forts ; in 
1779-80, nine brigades of the Continental army were 
encamped here, and again in 1780, '81, '82, and '8.3. 
There is every reason to suppose that the well-known 
camp-ground of 1782-83 was also that of the previ- 
ous encampments. However this may be, there is no 
doubt in regard to at least a portion of the grounds 
occupied in the years last named. Dr. Thacher 
writes, under date of Oct. 30, 1782: "At reveille, on 
the 26th inst, the left wing of the army, under the 
command of Gen. Heath, decamped from Verplanck's 
Point and marched to the Highlands ; took up our 
lodging in the woods, without covering, and were ex- 
posed to a heavy rain during the night and day. 
Thence we crossed the Hudson to West Point, and 
marched over the mountain called Butter Hill ; 
passed the night in the open field, and the next day 
reached the ground, where we are to erect log huts 
for our winter-quarters, near New Windsor;" and 
Chaplain Gano writes, " On my return to the army 
we encamped at New Windsor, and erected some huts 
and a place for wor.^hip on Lord's day." In the gen- 
eral order of Washington, April 19, 1783, calling for 
a detail of men " from the several corps in this can- 
tonment," the names are given as follows: "Mary- 
land Detachment, Jersey Regiment, Jersey Battalion, 
First New York Regiment, Second New York Regi- 
ment, Hampshire Regiment, Hampshire Battalion, 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fiftli, Seventh, and 
Eighth Massachusetts Regiments." The encampment 
was marked out by Gen. Heath. The huts occupied by 
the soldiers were built in line on the slope of the hill 
on the farm late of Daniel Moores and Gilbert Tomp- 
kins. They were of logs, and in size fourteen by six- 
teen feet, with roofs and doors of split-oak slabs. 
They were six feet high, made tight with clay and 
wood, rising a foot or two above the roof. The roof 
sloped one way, and was steep enough to shed rain. 
One door and one window opened on the street opjio- 
site the fireplace. The subordinate officers had huts 
with two windows in the rear of the rank, and those 



i6 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of a higher grade ocoupied barracks near the Temple, 
ill the vicinity of whicli was also the hospital and the 
bakery, and a short distance east was the burial- 
ground. 

The space between the camp and the Temi)le was 
partly a swamp, which was crossed by a causeway 
made of logs. Immediately in front of the camp 
was the parade-ground. In the graveyard, now over- 
grown with trees, are still marked the resting-places 
of the dead. The Temple and other buildings are 
gone ; the parade-ground has a portion of its flat stone 
flagging unremoved ; part of the causeway remains ; 
and some of the huts can yet be traced. 

The Temjile, to which so frequent reference has 
been made, was erected by Gen. Heath's order, for 
general purposes, although Mr. Gaiio says it was spe- 
cially designed as a place " for public worship on 
Lord's day." It was officially known as " The Pub- 
lic Building,'' but was sometimes called "The New 
Building," to distinguish it from some previous struc- 
ture. It was made of hewn logs, and was eighty feet 
long by forty wide, with barrack roof. The tradition 
is that it was dedicated by a carousal of so gross a 
nature that the title by which it was to be known, 
" The Temi)le of Virtue," was changed to " The Tem- 
ple," but this may well be questioned, and the origin 
of the name assigned to its connection with the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. All public meetings of the officers 
were held in it, and it w^s also used by the Masonic 
fraternity, of which order American Union Lodge 
accompanied the army.* It was in this lodge that 
Lafayette was made a Mason. When the cessation 
of hostilities wa-s announced a celebration was held , 
here, of which Thacher writes: " On the completion I 
of eight years from the memorable battle of Lexing- 
ton, the proclamation of Congress for a cessation of \ 
hostilities was published at the door of the public 
building, followed by three huzzas ; after which a 
prayer was offered to the Almighty Ruler of the 
world by the Rev. Mr. Gano, and an anthem was 
performed by voices and instruments." The celebra- 
tion was on a grand scale, and embraced similar cere- 
monies at West Point and at Fishkill. It was indeed 
a day of general rejoicing, and does not appear to 
have closed even at night, when a feu-de-joic rang 
along the lines, three times repeated, accompanied by 
the discharge of cannon, "and the mountain-sides re- 
sounded and echoed like tremendous peals of thun- 
der, and the flashing from thousands of firearms in 
the darkness of the evening was like unto vivid flash- 
ings of lightning from the clouds," — for, on the morn- 
ing of the day on which it occurred, Washington, in 
his general order, called for a detail of men from 
" this cantonment" to "square and deliver at the New 
Building on Monday next, ninety-six pieces of timber 
seven inches square, of an aggregate length of three 
hundred and thirty feet," and requested " each com- 



* See Masonic Societies in General History. 



manding officer of a brigade to ajipoint an officer to 
a.ssist Col, Gouvion in making preparations for the 
illumination," the officers so appointed to meet "at 
the New Building at twelveo'clock to-uiorrow" {20th). 
When this supplemental celebration was held does 
not appear, but it was at the Temple, and possibly on 
the 2l)th of April. It is one of the many cases in 
which Revolutionary events stop short at the state- 
ment of mere facts and leave descrii^tion to be com- 
pleted by conjecture. 

In the Temple was also held the meeting called by 
Washington to consider the Newburgh Letters. With 
the details of this meeting the readers of this volume 
have already been made acquainted. In the order of 
time the meeting jireceded the celebration, it having 
been hdd on the l.ith of March. It was one of the 
most important assemblages ever held in the army ; 
it was called to determine the question whether the 
army would rise superior to the grievances under 
which it had long suffered, or whether it would jn-e- 
cipitate a separation between the military and civil 
powers to " the ruin of both ;" it won, in its results, 
the plaudit, "Had this day been wantiiici the world had 
never seen the last stage of perfection that human nature 
is capable of attaining." 

There was still another meeting at the Temple 
which was not without marked influence in the future 
of the nation, — the meeting for the organization of 
" The Society of the Cincinnati," the avowed object 
of which was to perpetuate among the officers of the 
army the memory of the relations of respect and 
friendshij) which had grown up among them during 
the trying and momentous scenes through which they 
had passed, " to endure as long as they shall endure, 
or any of their oldest male posterity, and at the failure 
thereof, the collateral branches who they may judge 
worthy of becoming its supporters and members." 
The incipient steps to the organization of this society 
are shown by 3Iaj.-Gen. Heath's orders of May 3, 
1783, in which he requested the officers of the Massa- 
chusetts line to meet "at the New Public Building" 
and elect one of their number " to meet the general 
officers, and such delegates as may be chosen by the 
other lines, on Tuesday next, at the above-mentioned 
place, for the purpose of considering the expedienc)- 
of the officers of the army forming themselves into a 
military society." The meeting of delegates was held 
on the 10th, and a plan for organization submitted 
and referred to a committee, who revised and reported 
the same at a meeting held at Steuben's quarters at 
Fishkill, on the 13th, when it was adopted and signed 
by those present, under the indorsement, " Done at 
the Cantonment on Hudson River, in the year 1783." 
The controversies which subsequently grew out of this 
organization need not be considered in this connec- 
tion. Surviving the hostility of its early opponents, 
the society now stands as the representative of the 
heroic age of the republic, a golden chain, through 
the medium of which the descendants of its mem- 



NEW WINDSOR. 



227 



bers perpetuate the memory iiiitl services of their 
fathers.* 

The eiu-ampmeiit here was terminated June 23, 
1783, and the troops not on furhjiigli removed to West 
Point. The following orders by Washington explain 
tlie removal more fully: 

" Heaui^arters, Nkwhi RGii. June 20, 1783. 
" Tlie troups of this c.ititoiinieiit will inarch on Monday morning, five 
o'clocli. by the left. The senior I)ri!rac1ier in the IMassaeliii&etts line wilt 
conduct the column over Butter Hill to West Point. Tlie baggage, with 
.1 proper escort, to go liy water. Tliese corps, witti the troops already at 
West Point, will compose the garlisons of Uiat post and dependencies- 
Major-General Knox will be pleased to expedite, in tlie best manner he 
is able, the building of an al'senal and magazines, agreeably to the in- 
structions he has received fioni the Secretary of War." . . . 

" HFAOgrARTERS, Nf.whu RGH, Juue 21, 178,1. 
" When the army marches from tliis cantonnient, a detachment is to 
reniaia to do the ordinary duties at Newliurgb,etc. Tliey will lie relieved 
every nine days. For this duty four New Hampshire companies will 
commence to morrow." 

" Headquarters, NKwDirnan, Sunday, .Tune 2-2, 1783. 
" Wlien the troops move off the ground, a .surgeon or mate will remain 
Willi llie sicii of each regiment for a day or two until the huts can be 
made ready to receive^iiem. A sufficient luunber of orderly men to talie 
care of the siclx must also remain with them.'" 

The following advertisement shows that the removal 
was efi'ected at the time appointed, altliougli the head- 
<iuarters of Washington at Newburgh was continued 
until August, and the detachment spoken of in his 
order remained until the disbandment in November : 

" The troops of the cantonment near New \Vindsor having removed to 
the post of West Point, all farmers and others who have veal, mutton, 
poultry, and otiier small meats to dispose of, also vegetables of all Uinds, 
are iiereby invited to bring the same to tiiis point, where they will find a 
ready market, and ample protection in their persons and property 

"John Campbell, .4fisHi(. Q.-M. 

•' West Point, June 24, 1783." 



I 



v.— REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 

While New Windsor was the seat of many events 
of a general character connected with the war of the 
Revolution, its local history is not marked by those 
which were especially imjjortant. It was from its 
bosom that the then young and vigorous George Clin- 
ton, who had made his mark in the Colonial Assem- 
bly from 1768 to 1775, in opposition to the British 
ministry, sprang into the leadership of the rebellion 
in his native State ; and although there were some 
who refused to follow him, the great majority of his 
townsmen were his firm supporters. The primary 
steps in the rebellion — the non-importation resolu- 
tions of the Continental Congress of 1774 — were 
heartily approved, and in the subsecjuent organiza- 
tion of a '■ Committee of Safety and Observation," 

* The following original members of the society were from New Wind- 
sor : Robert Burnet, lieutenant. New York Artillery ; .Tames Clinton, 
brigadier.general ; George Clinton, honorary member ; .Mexander Clin- 
ton, lieutenant, New York Artillery; Daniel Dennislon, lieutenant. New 
Y"rk Artillery ; George I. Denniston, lieutenant. New York Artillery; 
James Gregg, captain. Third New York Infantry; Jonathan Lawrence, 
captain. Sappers and Miners ; Samuel Logan, major. Fifth Now York 
Infantry; Joseph Morrell, ensign, Fil-st New York Infantry; William 
Siraclian, lieutenant. New Y'ork Artillery ; William .Scuddor, lieutenant, 
New York .\rtillery. 



the action of the precinct was not uncertain. The 
signatures to the " Pledge of Association" and its mil- 
itary organizations have been given elsewhere. The 
records of those organizations show that wherever the 
flag of rebellion floated — whether amid the snows of 
Quebec or on the burning )ilains of Monmouth, at 
Fort Schuyler, Saratoga, and Yorktown — the precinct 
was honorably represented by lier sons in its defense. 
A few incidents, not elsewhere recorded, are given here. 

ARREST OF CADWALL.-VDER COI.DEN, Ju. 
It was not necessary, in New Windsor or in any of 
the towns of the county, that many of the duties de- 
volving upon the Committee of Safety, such as the 
appointment of town officers, etc., should be per- 
formed, the local authorities having followed or led 
their constituents in the revolutionary movement; 
but the reorganization of the militia and the arrest of 
the persons who were classed as "inimical to the 
American cause" became its principal field of action. 
In many cases of arrest the New Windsor committee 
acted in concert with that of Newburgh. The most 
important action of this character, view-ed from the 
point of social standing and local influence, was the 
arrest of Cadwallader Colden, Jr., at his residence in 
Coldenham, in the precinct of Hanover (now Mont- 
gomery). The story as related by himself states that, 
in June, 1776, between eleven and twelve o'clock at 
night, his house was surrounded by a company of 
armed men, who, on being (juestioned, stated that 
they had been sent by order of the joint committee of 
Newburgh and New Windsor, with instructions to 
search his house, which they proceeded to do. Stand- 
ing guard over the premises until the next day, they 
then conducted him to the house of Mr. Jackson, in 
New Windsor, where he was confined twenty-four 
hours, although Mr. Thomas Ellison offered to be- 
come bail for his appearance. When taken before 
the committee, he was informed that the charge against 
him was that of being " inimical to the American 
cause." He replied that, while he had had convic- 
tions in regard to the duty of the people, and had ex- 
pressed them at a time when he thought it possible to 
ward off the calamities of war, he had subsequently 
" entirely avoided interfering in any shape in public 
affairs." Given the choice of trial by the joint com- 
mittee or by the county committee of Ulster, he ac- 
cepted the latter, and was removed to the jail at 
Kingston. His case was brought before the general 
committee at New Paltz, July 4th, when, on his re- 
fusal to sign the pledge of association, and also to 
give his pledge of honor "that he would immediately 
equip himself for the field of battle, and in case of 
actual invasion go .forth with the rest of his neigh- 
bors to action in defense of his country," he was again 
committed to jail. The joint committee represented 
on the trial that they had made the arrest under the 
conviction "that the committee of the precinct of 
Hanover were afraid to treat Mr. Colden as he de- 



228 



HISTOllV OF ORANGE COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



served;" that aUlioii^li not in their district, he was 
more contiguous to tlieni than to the committee of the 
district in wliich he lived; that in his original signa- 
ture to the pledge oF association, it was evident he 
only meant to secure a sanctuary for his person and 
property ; that the protest which he had written 
against the appointment of delegates to the first Pro- 
vincial Congress was " the evil seed sown in the county 
from w'hich the whole of the fruits of toryism sprung, 
for, to their knowledge, upwarils of sixty persons in the 
precinct of Newburgh had subscribed it." Other rea- 
sons were stated, and especially that the pledge of 
association was not a pledge of neutrality, " but a 
firm bond of union for mutual defense, which re- 
quired activity." This bond he had plainly violated. 
Golden remained in jail for over one year, when he 
was permitted to reside, on parole, at the house of Ja- 
cobus Hardenburgh, in Hurley. 

THE FALL OF 'I'lIE HIGHLAND FORTS. 
When the general alarm occurred on the occasion 
of the loss of the forts in the Highlands (Oct. 7, 1777), 
the people of the village of New Windsor Hcd into 
the country for safety, leaving behind them in their 
haste their dwellings for occupation either l)y friends 
or foes, and, as the result proved in many cases, it 
made little difference whicli was the fortunate tem- 
porary possessor. William Bedlow writes that his 
family were unable to remove "several bo.xes and 
cases of china, some cases of pictures and looking- 
glasses, several tables (one with marble slab), chairs, 
window-curtains, some ornamental cliina, with images 
of Shakespeare and Milton in plaster-of-Paris, and 
a parcel of table furniture left in the closets," for the 
recovery of which he offered a reward in vain. Col. 
Ellison, tradition says, put his money and plate under 
the ground in liis smoke-house, hung up his hams, and 
lighted a cob-fire under them. The hams were gone 
on his return, but the money was safe. Governor 
George Clinton apparently suflered with his neigh- 
bors, and perhaps to a greater extent. From the 
place of refuge of his family (Falls house, Little 
Britain) he writes, under date of Dec. 1, 1777: "I 
have a cot at my house out of which the militia stole 
the irons. Will you get it repaired for me, as I have 
no other bed or bedstead ?" It will not be inferred 
that any of Governor Clinton's townsmen were guilty 
of these appropriations, but rather that they were by 
the class known as " skinners," who were found in 
every camp, and who robbed friend and foe alike. 

MORGAN'S RIFLEMEN. 
It cannot be said, however, that the peojjle of New 
Vv^indsor village were altogether law-abiding. Under 
date of Aug. 7, 1775, Governor Tryon writes : ''Eleven 
companies of riflemen, consisting of about one hun- 
dred men each, witli ammunition, from the provinces 
of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, have lately 
IJassed through this province, crossing over Hudson's 



River at New Windsor in their nuirch to the pro- 
vincial camp near Boston." Tradition adds to this 
statement of fact, that just before the troops entered 
the village, a man, meanly dressed but otherwise of 
gentlemanly appearance, called at W^illiam Edmon- 
ston's and said that Col. Morgan was coming. He went 
on and stopped at William Ellison's, and there said 
that he was Col. Morgan. The troops soon arrived, and 
with them Col. Morgan. The deception practiced by 
the stranger incensed the colonel, and he handed him 
over to his troops, who tarred and feathered him with- 
out even the form of a trial. The boys of New Wind- 
sor enjoyed the matter heartily, and had no trouble in 
obtaining from Mrs. Rachel Cooper (who lived in the 
village and sold cakes and beer) a pillow of feathers 
for the purpose. Col. Morgan is described as " a man 
of powerful frame and stalwart courage." A large 
proportion of his troops were Irishmen. Upon their 
breasts they wore the motto " Liberty or Death," and 
with that inscription the swords of the officers were 
stamped. Wonderful stories of their exploits went 
to England ; the written record of their services forms 
one of the lirightest pages of American history. 

SEIZURE OF SALT. 

In a communication from Col. John Hathorn, of 
the precinct of Goshen, under date of Dec. 2, 177(), 
he writes, " That your memorialist had a small quan- 
tity of salt in Mr. William Ellison's store, at New 
Windsor ; and that there was not more than he had 
engaged to his neighbors, and was obliged to keep for 
his own use; that a large number of men, whose 
names your memorialist cannot discover, without any 
legal authority, have taken out of said store as well 
the salt of your memorialist (except one bushel) as of 
other persons; and that your memorialist is in the 
greatest want of salt for his own use ; that unless a 
check is put to such unjustifiable jiroceedings, your 
memorialist apprehends, from theseemingly disorderly 
spirit at present prevailing among the common peo- 
ple, his property, as well a-s those of others, will be 
very insecure." 

A TEA RIOT. 

Tea caused more trouble apparently than salt. 
Capt. Jonathan Lawrence was in command of Fort 
Constitution ; his wife remained in charge of his 
store in New Windsor. The Congress of New York 
had resolved that no person should charge to exceed 
six shillings (one dollar) a pound for tea. The local 
committee complained " that Mi-s. Jonathan Lawrence 
sold tea at eight shillings per pound, and that her hus- 
band made Fort Constitution a depot for that useless 
herb." The Congress replied (June 14, 1776), stating 
that " Capt. Lawrence, witli all the commissioners at 
the fort, are discharged from their superintending. 
We are surprised at his conduct, and make no doubt 
you will treat him and all others according to their 
demerits, after a fair hearing." Lawrence was not 



NEW MINDSOK. 



229 



Teiy severely punished ; at all events, ho went through 
the war as a captain of sappers and miners, and drew 
lial!'-pay for life for his services. 

In July, 1777, James Caldwell and John Maley, of 
Alhany, purchased tea in Philadelphia, and in trans- 
porting it to Albany had occasion to pass through 
New Windsor village. Stopping at the tavern of 
Isaac Schult/ for the night, a mob of men and women 
speedily collected, and, under the plea that the tea 
was held at a higher price than six shillings, seized 
the load and sold it to themselves at that price. For 
the time being the town was supplied with tea. The 
Council of .Safety of the State disapproved of the 
transaction, and decided that the owners of the tea 
"could obtain satisfaction for the injury in the ordi- 
nary court of law," and this was all the remunera- 
tion, probably, that they ever received. 

DOMINIE ANNAN. 

The incidents already quoted give an inside view of 
life in New Windsor village. If it is not very flatter- 
ing, it is at least refreshing to meet with them, as they 
serve to break up the current of Revolutionary litera- 
ture, which usually flows in the channel of patriotic 
devotion and heroic deeds. We turn from them, 
however, to our fiivorite district. Little Britain, where 
we find the following in reference to the Rev. Robert 
Annan, of the Little Britain Church : " In the fall of 
1777 the people of Rhode Island, by reason of the great 
scarcity of supplies and provisions, applied to our 
State for aid. The Legislature, however, refused to 
send public stores, as they were needed at home. 
Meetings were held in several towns for the purpose 
of raising supplies by subscription, and among them 
one in Hanover precinct. It was attended by many 
prudent people, who seemed to agree with the Legis- 
lature that the surplus supplies should not be sent out 
of the State. There was a discussion, conducted with 
fairness and ability on both sides, but it seemed like!}' 
to be interminable. At this juncture, Annan sprang 
up and cut the matter short by exclaiming, ' As many 
as are in favor of assisting the people of Rhode Island 
and the cause of liberty, follow me !' Leaving the 
hall, he was surprised to find almost the entire assem- 
blage at his heels." 

BOY SOLDIERS. 

The number of mere boys who found their way into 
the army was by no means inconsiderable. Lieut. 
Robert Burnet and Lieut. Alexander Clinton were 
but fifteen years old when they were commissioned. 
Aside from this general fact, it is related that there 
was a regularly-organized company of boys, from 
twelve to fifteen years of age, in Little Britain, who 
were "soldier boys" in earnest, having been several 
times on duty as home guards. The Hessian prisoners 
from Saratoga fii route for I^aston, Pa., pa.ssed through 
Little Britain and camped at Maj. Telford's tavern, 
then opposite the Burnet homestead. The prisoners 



' were in charge of a company of Morgan's riflemen, 
who, in quest of rest themselves, turned the prisoners 
over til the custody of the boys, who guarded them 
during the night. During the night one of the Hes- 
sian women died, and was buried in the morning west 
of Maj. Telford's house. It was a long-remembered 
funeral by the boys. The woman's companion 
could only bury her and move on. It was a phase of 
war that to them was new, and for years the lone 
1 grave by the apple-tree, received, perhaps, as much 
I regard as though its inmate had been to them kindred. 



VI.-CHUHCHES, Etc. 
The religious history of New Windsor has repre- 
sentation in church organizations both without and 
within its borders, viz. : The Church of England Mis- 
sion, the Highlands or Bethlehem Church, the Wall- 
kill or Goodwill Church, the Neelytown Church, the 
Associate Reformed Church at Little Britain, the 
Presbyterian Church at New Windsor, the Berea 
Church, St. George's Episcopal Church at Newburgh, 
St. David's Church in Hamptonburgh, St. Thomas' 
Church at New Windsor, and the Methodist Episco- 
pal Churches at Vail's Gate and Little Britain. All 
the old churches in this list having been noticed in 
another part of this volume, we give here a history of 
the New Windsor Churches only as they now exist. 

ST. THOMAS' CHURCH. 

In the early part of his parish labors the Rev. John 
Brown, D.D.,of Newburgh, resided in New Windsor, 
and revived the church there (1818) under the title of 
St. Thomas' Church, of which he served as rector 
until 1847, dividing his time between that and St. 
George's. The parish was organized April 8, 1818, at 
which time the following wardens and vestry were 
elected, viz. : Wardens, Thomas Ellison, Charles Lud- 
low; V&stry, David Humphrey, Lewis DuBois, James 
Green, Gilbert Ogden Fowler, Joseph Morrell, Jona- 
than Bailey, Nathan H. Sayre, Jr., James Scott. In 
January, 1844, a small building in which the congre- 
gation had worshiped was burned down, and in 1847 
the erection of the present church edifice was com- 
menced, and completed in 1849. A rectory was 
erected in 1859, and sold in 1864. It is now owned 
and occupied by Mr. Robert H. Boyd. 

In connection with this church we give, as a matter 
of record, the following extract from the will of 
Thomas Ellison, Jr., of New York, in 1793: 

"I give and bequeiith unto my brother, WiUiani ElliBou, and my 
nephew, Tboma.s Ellison, and tlie snrvivorsof tlieni anil the lieirsof such 
survivors, all the lands I lK>ught of Cornelius Tibont in New W'indsor, 
Ulster Co., in the State of New Yoril, containing in the several lots about 
fifty-five acres, in trust for a glebe for such minister of tiie gospel in 
communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New 
York as shall hereafter be settled and have the care of souls in the said 
town of New Windsor, and his successor for the time being, forever. 
And also I give unto my said brother, William Ellison, and my nephew, 
Thomas ICllison, the sum of six hundred pounds, New York currency, in 
such of my bonds as he and my nephew shall choose, to lie kept out at 
interest, and the annual interest arising therefrom to be paid to such 



230 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



niinistor for tlie lime licirif; towairt Ma support and niaiiitoniince; and if 
there slinnld be no snch nnnister at the time of my death, then my will 
is that the rents and profits of the said lands, and the intereat of the said 
sum of six hundred pounds, shall yearly be put out at interest by my 
said brother, William Ellison, and my nephew, Tliomas Ellison, their 
lleirs and executors (but not to he at his or their risk), and shall become 
principal and be added to the said sum of six hundred pounds yearly, 
until such miuister shall be settled and have the care of souls in the 
said tuwu of New Windsoi, who shall officiate as a mijiister for one-half 
of his time at least, and then the interest of the whole sum thus accunni- 
lated shall be yearly Jiaid to such minister and bis successors for the time 
being toward bis and tlieir support and maintenance. And wlienever 
the inhabitants for the time being of the said town of New Windsor in 
communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the .State of New York 
shall become a religious corporation, then the said lands and the securities 
for tlie said moneys shall be conveyeil and delivered to such corporation 
for the uses and purposes afoi-esaid." 

The following have been the rectors of the church : 
184,S-5(>, Rev. Edmund Embury; 1851-56, Rev. Reu- 
ben Riley (Rev. Beverly Robin.sou Betts, assi-stant) ; 
1857-62, Rev. Christopher D. Wyatt ;*■ 1862-63, Rev. 
R. H. Cressy ; 1864-67, Rev. Benjamin S. Hunting- 
tou ; 1867-71, Rev. Richard Temple ;t 1872, Rev. Has- 
lett McKim, now rector. 

The church edifice is a neat Gothic building of 
stone, and is situated on the table-lands a short dis- 
tance south of the village of New Windsor. 

NEW WIXDSOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The New Windsor Presbyterian Church dates its 
organization irom ,->ept. 14, 1764, at which time Jo- 
seph Wood, William Lawrence, Samuel Brewster, and 
Henry Smith were chosen elders. It was formally 
con.stituted May 5, 1766, by the Rev. Timothy Jolines, 
a committee of the Presliytery of New York. From 
the date of its constitution until 1805 it was associ- 
ated with the Newburgh and Bethlehem societies in 
the supi)ort of a pastor, and from 1805 to 1810 with 
the latter. From 1810 to 1827 it enjoyed only occa- 
sional ministerial labors. On May 1, 1827, the Rev. 
James H. Thomas \vas employed in connection with 
the church at Canterbury, and was installed pastor of 
both churches Feb. 12, 1828. The connection with 
the Canterbury Church was dissolved in 1834, Mr. 
Thomas serving the New Windsor Church exclusively 
until June, 1835. Rev. James Sherwood was installed 
pastor Aug. 5, 1835, and continued in that relation 
until Ai)ril, 1840. The pulpit was subsequently occu- 
pied by supplies,— Rev. N. S. Prime, Rev. Henry Bel- 
den, Rev. Isaac C. Beach, and Rev. James Bruyn. 
For several years past there have been no services held, 
although we believe a church organization is main- 
tained. For its connection with the Bethleiiem 
Church, and also with the Presbyterian Church of 
Newburgh, the reader is referred to the history of the 
latter church in the history of Newburgh. 

The first building erected by the society wtus a 
small structure in the village of New Windsor. It is 
said that it was occupied as a hospital during the 
encampment, and was subsequently destroyed by fire, 



* Mr. Wyatt officiated also as rector of St. John's, Canterburv. 
t Key. John Morgan officiated. 



The present edifice was erected in 1807. It is a small 
wooden structure with spire, and adjoins the present 
village on the west. In the ancient burial-ground 
attached, the oldest monument is that which records 
the resting-place of John Yelvertoni one of the found- 
ers of the village, who died June 12, 1767, aged 
seventy-four years. 

ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCH, LITTLE CRITArx. 

The early history of this church has been noticed 
in another chapter. Whatever may have been its 
previous status, its records date from 1765, September 
11th, when Patrick McClaughry sold to James Jack- 
son, Matthew McDool (Dowell), and Andrew Craw- 
ford a tract or parcel of land containing one acre one 
; rood and twenty-three perches, being part of the 
patent to Andrew Johnston, the intention of the pur- 
chasers, as expressed in the deed, being " to erect a 
meeting-house thereupon to be appropriated to Divine 
service in the public worship of God, for the use of a 
Presbyterian minister and congregation in connection 
with the Associate Presbytery in Pennsylvania." On 
, the site thus purchased a church edifice was erected, 
' and was occupied by the congregation until 1826. It 
; was a square building with a barrack roof. The en- 
trance was in the middle on the east, and on each side 
of the door were stairs leading to galleries on the 
north and south sides. The pulpit was on the west, 
facing the entrance, and was one of the old-fashioned 
high structures with a sounding-board. On each side 
of the pulpit were square pews, with seats on all sides, 
so that part of the occupants had to s:t with their 
backs to the minister. In front of the pulpit, and 
"between that and the door, were long seats or slips, 
on each side of which were continued the box pews. 
On the south side of the pulpit the first pew was owned 
by the McDowells; the second, by Robert Burnet; 
the next and corner pew, by the Shaws and Kerno- 
chans. As it was not fully completed inside for sev- 
eral years after it was inclosed, descriptive recollec- 
tions vary somewhat. Outside, the south and west 
sides were shingled ; the west and north, clapboarded. 
One peculiarity it maintained among the early settlers, 
—it was universally called "The Mecting-House." 
In 1826 it gave place to the building which is now 
occupied by the society. 

The first elders of the church were Matthew Mc- 
Dool (McDowell), Patrick McClaughry, and John 
Waugh. The first pastor was the Rev. Robert Annan, 
who was in charge in 1768. The records of the As- 
sociate Presbytery of Pennsylvania state, — 

" Aug. 31, 1762, Mr. Robert Annan was called to the 
exercise of the pastoral oflice in the congregation of 
Marsh Creek and Cuuawago, in Pennsylvania, and on 
the 8th of June, 1763, he was ordained and installed." 
April 15, 1767, he was called to " the congregation 
of Little Britain and Wallkill." April 21, 1768, the 
pastoral relation between him and the congregation 
of Marsh Creek and Cunawago was dissolved, and on 






"'^B f ■^iH.Stidai 



dZr^^^z^ 




T^ c c 



NEW WINDSOR. 



281 



Oct. 2, 1772, he was installed pastor "of the United 
Associate congresrations of Little Britain and Wall- 
Ivill." 

Mr. Annan served the Little Britain and Neelytown 
(Wallkill) congregations until about 1783, when he 
removed to Boston. His successor was Rev. Thomas 
J. Smith, who was installed May 1, 1791. On his re- 
tirement the pastorate was vacant until 1812, when 
the Rev. James Scrinigeour, who had served as pastor 
of the Associate Reformed Church of Newburgh from 
1803, was installed. He remained in the charge until 
his death, Feb. 4, 1825. Rev. Robert H. Wallace was 
his successor, Oct. G, 182-"), and served until his death, 
when he was succeeded by his son, Rev. R. Howard 
Wallace, who is now |)astor. 

The original Presbyterial connection of the church 
was maintained until a recent date, when it united 
with the " Old-School" branch of Presbyterians. 

Rev. Robert H. Wallace, D.D. — It has been 
deemed appropriate to introduce the life-sketch of 
the Rev. Dr. Wallace by the insertion of the follow- 
ing paper, prepared in 1857 by Rev. John Forsyth, 
D.D., present chaplain of the LTnited States Military 
Academy at West Point, for a memorial volume, on 
the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the 
Presbyterian Church of Little Britain : 

" Mr. Wallace was born in the town of Montgomery, 
Orange Co., N. Y., on the 12th November, 1796. His 
parents were natives of the north of Ireland, and 
were warmly attached members of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, and distinguished for their at- 
tachment to revealed truth and the strength and 
triumphs of their faith. They reached a good old 
age, and having adorned the doctrine of God their 
Saviour during many years by holy lives, we have 
every reason to believe that they are now, with the 
great multitude, before the throne. 

" Their son, the subject of this sketch, belongs to 
the class of men which is popularly described as 
'self-made.' As the pecuniary resources of his parents 
were limited, he was early thrown upon his own ener- 
gies, and was forced to work his own way, amid diffi- 
culties, to the profession upon which his heart was 
fixed. His disadvantages were much increased by 
the removal of his parents to Susquehanna County, 
Pa., at that time a newly-settled region, with no insti- 
tutions of learning above the common school. 

" Mr. Wallace began his course of classical study at 
the Montgomery Academy, then under Rev. Dr. Mc- 
Jimpsey, between whom and his pupil there was 
formed an intimate and life-long friendship. In his 
eighteenth year Jlr. Wallace made a personal profes- 
sion of his faith in Christ, in connection with the 
church of which his parents were members ; but, in 
1821 he withdrew from that body and united with 
the church of Neelytown, to which Dr. McJimpsey 
then ministered. This church was under the care of 
the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, by 
which, in the autumn of the same year, he was re- 



ceived as a student of theology. The Presbytery 
then included such men as Drs. John M. Mason, Mc- 
Jimpsey, Phillips, Scrinigeour, and McLeod, and it 
was then usual to subject those who applied to be 
admitted to the study of divinity, but who had not 
gone through a regular academic course, to a thor- 
ough examination in the various branches of liter- 
ature and science. Mr. Wallace bore this test, ap- 
plied as it was by such men as have been named, and 
his attainments were declared to be equivalent to 
those gained in the ordinary collegiate curriculum. 
The approval of these strong men found later in- 
dorsement by Union College (now Union University), 
which in 1834 conferred upon Mr. Wallace the degree 
of M.A., and later that of ' Doctor of Divinity.' 

"As the operations of the theological seminary 
(then at New York, but subsequently removed to 
Newburgh) were suspended, in consequence of the 
failing health of Dr. Mason, the principal professor. 
Mr. Wallace put himself under the directions of his 
former tutor and venerable friend, Dr. McJimpsey. 
He remained with him, prosecuting his theological 
studies, three years, the usual time required by the 
law of the A. R. Church, and was in due course 
licensed by the Presbytery of New York to preach 
the gospel, at a meeting of that body held in New- 
burgh, 15th September, 1824. 

" For several years previous to his licensure, Mr. 
Wallace, in working his own way to the ministry, 
had been compelled to perform the double task of a 
teacher and a theological student. He had charge of 
several schools during this period, and in all of them 
he won the warm esteem of pupils and parents. But 
lie found, as many others have done, the double labor 
of the school-room and study too much for his physi- 
cal strength ; and now, just as he had gained the 
object on which his heart had been so long fixed, it 
seemed as if he were destined to retain it in his grasj) 
only for a moment, and must then part with it forever. 

"At the time of his licensure disease appeared to 
have taken such firm hold of liim that his physicians 
were very dubious about his recovery, and in any 
event judged that he must seek a field of labor in the 
mild regions of the South. He prepared at once to 
act upon this advice ; but while ' man proposes God 
disposes,' and it was soon evident that his Divine 
Master had other plans in regard to him. 

" He was appointed by the Presbytery of New 
York to supply the church of Little Britain, then 
virtually vacant in consequence of the age and bodily 
infirmities of its venerable pastor, Mr. Scrinigeour, 
who died a few months later. But it so happeneil that, 
through an exchange, his fir.st sermon was preached 
in the pulpit of his friend and theological instructor, 
Dr. McJimpsey, at Neelytown. With this excellent 
man Mr. Wallace lived on terms of intimate friend- 
ship, which was broken only by death. Dr. Mc- 
Jimpsey was a man whom none could know and not 
love. 



23-2 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Mr. Wallace spent the second Sabbath after his 
licensure in Little Britain, and thus was introduced 
into the field which he then expected he might never 
see again, l)ut which he was destined to cultivate, 
amid many tokens of divine favor, for more than 
thirty years. This first visit to Little Britain was made 
in September, 1824. He was instantly and strongly 
urged to remain here as the pastor of the church, but 
he declined, as he wished to make an extended mis- 
sionary tour in the service of the Board of Domestic 
Missions of the A. R. Synod of New York. He was, 
in fact, the first missionary employed by that board, 
and he continued in their service until the following 
September. During this tour he visited Blooming- 
burgh, White Lake, New Milford, Lawsville, Bethany, 
Mount Pleasant, Pa., Ithaca, Erin, York, Caledonia, 
N. Y., and even went so for west as Detroit, then on 
the confines of civilization. 

" His journey was performed on horseback, over a 
region then covered for many a weary mile with the 
unbroken fore.st, but which is now thickly studded 
over — so marvelous are the changes wrought by en- 
terprise in our country — with countless farms and 
villages. The appliances of comfortable travel were 
few and far between. Often the rude log hut was his 
only shelter. It was, in a word, a rough service, but 
we have no doubt it afforded him the invigorating ex- 
ercise, the health-inspiring medicine needed by his 
enfeebled frame. 

" Early in the autumn Mr. Wallace returned to 
Newburgh to attend meetings of Synod and Presby- 
tery, and then to proceed to the South, where he pro- 
posed to spend the winter. Meanwhile a pressing 
call was put into his hands from the then vacant 
church of Caledonia, N. Y., and also from other 
places which he had visited proposals to settle were 
made to him. These he declined, and at the earnest 
solicitation of the fathers and brethren of the Presby- 
tery he abandoned his plan of a Southern journey and 
accepted the call from the congregation of Little 
Britain. He was ordained and installed in this 
charge on the Oth October, 1825. 

" Few fields presented at this time a more unpromis- 
ing aspect than that into which Mr. Wallace was led 
that he might cultivate it in the name of the Lord. 
The church was old and dilapidated, the number of 
communicants was small, piety was at a low ebb in 
the church, while outside of it vice and irreligion 
abounded. 

" Very soon after the settlement of Mr. Wallace 
measures were taken for a complete remodeling and 
an enlargement of the old church, a comfortable par- 
sonage was purchased, the congregation rapidly in- 
creased, a new life began to manifest itself, and, in a 
word, it was plain that old things were passing aw-ay. 
As the years passed Mr. Wallace grew in the affec- 
tions of his own people, and more and more won the 
warm regard of the neighboring churches, with whose 
pastors he has maintained the most fraternal rela- 



tions. In New York, Newburgh, and elsewliere his 
appearance in the pulpit was ever a welcome sight 
to multitudes whose only regret was that the privi- 
lege was one so rarely enjoyed by them. He has 
been, indeed, always noted tor his close keeping at 
home; rarely, if ever, did he leave his own pulpit, 
unless at the call of public duty or to recruit his 
enfeebled energies for a few weeks during the heat of 
summer. 

"From the time of his admission into the Presljy- 
tery of New York as a student of theology until the 
present moment Mr. Wallace has always exhibited a 
warm affection for the Associate Reformed Church. 
Though the state of his health would not allow him 
to take a large share in what may be called the public 
business of the church, he has been a regular iittend- 
ant at the meetings of the Presbytery and Synod, and 
when topics of importance have been under discus- 
sion he has taken a prominent part in the debates. 
Were it possible, we would gladly reproduce some of 
the speeches he delivered in Synod, csiiecially on the 
question of close or catholic communion, as fine 
specimens of ecclesiastical eloquence. Unfortunately, 
no report of them has been preserved, and they live 
only in the recollection of those who heard them and 
who listened to the speaker with the most profound 
attention. 

" On the occasion of the centenary and installa- 
tion of his son as associate pastor, Mr. Wallace said 
that an old friend had remarked to him 'that he 
ought, indeed, to be a happy man in the review of the 
past and in the survey of the present.' The whole as- 
sembly gathered on that occasion doubtless adopted 
the sentiment. His ministerial course, when he en- 
tered upon his work, seemed as if it must be a brief 
one, yet he has been permitted to ' fulfill his course' 
for many years, to proclaim through all those the 
glorious gospel, to build up one of the old wastes, to 
prepare many souls to become jewels in the Re- 
deemer's crown, and who shall be, we trust, his own 
joy and crown in the d.ay of the Lord Jesus." 

Dr. Wallace continued in the discharge of his pas- 
toral duties at Little Britain for eleven years after the 
celebration of the centenary of the church and the 
publication of the above paper. He passed away on 
Feb. 9, 1868, at the ripe age of seventy-two, and 
closed with his death the record of a successful, 
devoted Christian pastor. His decline was gradual, 
and his spirit passed to the God who gave it on a 
quiet Sabbath day, his end being full of peace, and 
manifesting in a remarkable degree the triumphs of 
his faith. Appropriate resolutions were adopted by 
the congregation and the session of the Little Britain 
Church, and by the North River Presbytery, in con- 
nection with the General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian Church in the United States of America, with 
which the church at Little Britain and its pastors 
united in 1867, from some of which the following 
extracts are made : 



NEW WINDSOR. 



233 



" liesoh-etf, Tliat the session has lost an able counselor, tlie ministry 
one of its I.ri^litest ornaments, a most aMe and prevailing man of prayer, 
tlie cliiircli an elr)quent, powerful, and eflective preacher and comforting, 
fatherly pastor, a gonial, kind, and affable friend, an eminently com- 
placent and pure gentleman." 

" llemhed (I'y the Presbytery), That the example left ns by our de- 
parted fatlior and brother is one to be signalized as peculiarly distin- 
gtiished for constancy, for devotedness to the work of the ministry, for 
childlilie but inijriity faith, fur faithfulness in the simple preaching of 
the cross, and for perseverance, particularity, and importunity in 
riayer." 

Dr. Wallace was an eminently courteous Christian 
gentleman, dignified in manner, but genial and cheer- 
ful in the discharge of the varied duties of the pastor. 
Whatever he undertook he carried through in an 
earnest, decided manner, and lie was a type of an 
attractive but faithful minister of Christ. He was 
possessed of strong intellectual qualifications, was a 
logical writer and thinker, and as a speaker clear, 
terse, eloquent, and eflective. His power in debate 
was most strongly and powerfully manifested in the 
assemblies of the church, where he exerted great in- 
tiuence. He was very systematic, possessed of an 
analytic mind, and performed all his labor according to 
a well-selected and carefully-elaborated rule of action. 
He was very successful as a pastor, loved and honored 
by all, and left behind him at his death a cherished 
memory adorned with good deeds and devoted self- 
sacrifice in the Cause of the Master. He was buried 
in the ancient cemetery beside the church, 

"Where heaves the turf in niany a mouldering heap," 

surrounded by the dust of the " forefathers of the 
hamlet," his beloved wife, a former pastor. Rev. 
James Scrimgeour, early and later members of the 
session, and a multitude of the membership of the 
church. A massive Scotch-granite monument to Dr. 
Wallace stands in the churchyard at Little Britain, 
bearing upon its nortli side these words : 

*' Fourth Pastor of the 

Presbyterian Church 

Little Britain, 

where through nearly 44 years 

he founded, framed, builded, 

by pnreness, by knowledge, 

by love unfeigned. 

'Tliou hast made liim most blessed foi'ever: tlion hast made him 

exceeding glad with thy countenance.' 

Erected by his friends." 

It would scarcely be proper to close this sketch of 
Dr. Wallace without reference to his son. Rev. R. 
Howard Wallace, A.M., who, after acting as the as- 
sistant pastor of the Little Britain Church for a num- 
ber of years in pleasant association with his father, 
succeeded to the jjastorate at the death of the former 
in 1868, and for nearly twenty-six years, amid the 
various changes incident to more than a quarter of 
a century of active service, has been the faithful, 
devoted, self-sacrificing, and successful minister of 
Christ to this people. 

Mr. Wallace was born at Little Britain, Dec. 20, 
1828. His earlier education was conducted by his 
father, and after careful preparatory training he en- 
ItJ 



tered LTnion College, Schenectady, N. Y., and was 
graduated with the highest honors of his class from 
that institution in 1850. Having determined to con- 
secrate his life to .service in the gospel ministry, he 
entered the theological seminary at Newburgh, and 
was graduated in 18.53. The next year he was or- 
dained to the ministry, and labored for two years fol- 
lowing in Otsego County, N. Y. In 18-")(5 he was in- 
vited by the se.ssion of the Little Britain Church to 
supply the pulpit during the illness of his father, the 
pastor, and in 1S57 he was called by the church as col- 
league with and successor to his father. The installa- 
tion services occurred in December of that year. 

Although Mr. Wallace has received numerous in- 
vitations to take charge of other churches, and to en- 
gage in other Christian work during his long pastorate, 
a love for the place of his nativity, for the people and 
their descendants among whom his father labored so 
long, and a desire to see the work of the latter pros- 
per and grow, has induced him to devote the best 
years of his life and the richest products of his mind 
to the Little Britain congregation. The long period 
in which he has occupied the pulpit of this church, 
added to the previous service of his father, nearly 
completes the extraordinary jieriod ()( seventy years of 
pastoral labor Ijy the same family. When that period 
shall have been attained, Mr. Wallace jiroposes to 
carry out a long-cherished purjwse to make an ex- 
tended tour in Europe and the remote East, and thus 
obtain that rest and physical and mental relaxation 
which failing health imperatively demands. 

Mr. Wallace inherits many of the, traits of his 
father, is an active, earnest, untiring worker, devoted 
to the leading Christian interests of the age, and a 
regular contributor to its current literature. During 
the late war he was granted absence by the church, 
and served in the army as chaplain of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixty-eighth New York Volunteers for sev- 
eral months. He studies with care the spiritual and 
material interests of the countrj', and by travel, read- 
ing, and close observation, though located in a retired 
neighborhood, has kept fully abreast of the discov- 
eries and improvements of the age. He in an erudite 
scholar, and prepared his two sons for an advanced 
class in college, one of whom is now in the ministry, 
and the other a ruling cider in his native church. 

UNION M. E. CHURCH, V.AII/S (jATE. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Vail's Gtite is 
called in old records the " Union Church of New 
Windsor," a name which was probably intended to 
imply that it was a neighborhood church in which 
professors of every creed had a common interest. It 
was the outgrowth of what was known in 1789 as the 
John Ellison class. Ellison had formerly belonged 
to the Church of England, which at that time had no 
organization in the vicinity, and hence he was readily 
led to give encouragement to the substitute which the 
Methodist Episcopal Church ofi'ered, embracing, as 



234 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the creed of the latter rlid, substantially the creed of 
tlie Churcli of En;;land, of which it was originally a 
branch. In 1791, Mr. Elli.son erected a building 
near his residence at Mortonville, the first story of 
which he occupied as a store, and the second he 
fitted up as a hall for relijrious services. While itin- 
erant preachers of all denominations were permitted 
to occupy this hall, it was specially reserved for tho.se 
of the Methodist Church, from which it became known 
a.s the Methodist Church. It was occupied by the 
Union Church until 1807, when the present building, 
which has been somewhat modernized since its erec- 
tion, was con.structed, and now forms the oldest church 
edifice of the denomination on the west bank of Hud- 
son's River. Iti 1809 it was made the head of the New 
Windsor circuit, with Rev. Thomas Woolsey and 
James Coleman preachers. At the quarterly confer- 
ence of that year, held in the new Union church, 
then the only one in the circuit, Andrew Cunningham 
and Benjamin Westlake appeared as local preachers, 
and Henry Still, James Benjamin, Thomas Collard, 
and Jonathan Stephens as exhorters. The circuit em- 
braced New Windsor, Sugar Loaf, Smith's Clove, 
Lower Clove, Oxford, Warwick, Amity, Butter Hill, 
Ketchumtown, Pochuck, Newfoundland, Deerpark, 
New Shawangunk (Bethel), Hamburgh, Bellvale, 
Vernon, and Cornwall. This circuit, which will be 
recognized as covering a wide district of country, was 
subsequently divided and subdivided until it has 
finally substantially disappeared, the society at Moun- 
tainville only now being included with it. The first 
trustees of tJie church were elected April 6, 1804, and 
were Daniel Holmes and Samuel Fowler, of New- 
burgh, and Jabish Atwater (Atwood?), Samuel Du- 
sinberre, and Henry Still, of New Windsor. The 
following list of circuit preachers from 1810* to 1880 
has been furnished by the present pastor, Rev. N. S. 
Tuthill: 

1810, Samuel Fowler, Samuel Bushnell ; 1811, John 
Keline, Hawley Sanford ; 1X12, John Keline, James 
Edwards, Stephen Jacob; 1813, Nathan Emory, 
Ezekiel Canfield ; 1814, Luman Andrews, Bela Smith; 
1815, Zalmon Lyon, Bela Smith ; 1816, Zalmon Lyon, 
James Kline; 1817-18, J. Hunt, J. Brown; 1819, 
Almond Comber, Heman Bangs; 1820, Phineas Rice, 
Heman Bangs; 1821, Nicholas White, George Coles; 
1822, Nicholas White, Gilbert Fowler; 1823, Gilbert 
Lyon, Friend W. Smith ; 1824, Wm. Jewett, Friend 
W. Smith; 1825, Noah Biglow, Henry DeWolf; 1826, 
Jacob Hall, Luarters Stewart; 1827, Jacob Wall, 
Raphael Gilbert ; 1 828, Jarvis Z. Nichols, Raphael Gil- 
bert; 1829-30, Benjamin Griffin, Humphrey Hum- 
phries; 1831, Phineas Rice, Hiram Wing; 1832-33, 
Cyrus Silliman, Noble W. Thomas; 1834, James 
Cabell, Nathan Rice; 1835, James Covell, John R. 
Rice, Thomas Edwards ; 1836-37, Thomas Newman, 

* Churcli included in Newburgli circuit prior to 1809, iu which latter 
year New Windsor ciicuit was establiBlied. See Chapter IX., General 
History, for names of preachers and elders. 



Wm. Miller, Sylve.ster Strong; 1838, J. Z. Nichols; 
1839-40, Wm. M. Ferguson ; 1841, John G. Smith ; 
1842-43, Ira Ferris ; 1844-45, John Reynolds ; 1846, 
Samuel W. King; 1847-48, James H. Romer ; 18.50, 
David Holmes; 1851-52, Wm. Bloomer ; 18.53-.54, A. 
C. Fields ; 1855, J. C. Washburn ; 1856, J. C. Wash- 
burn, D. C. Hull ; 1857, John A. Selleck ; 1858, John 
A. Selleck, Wm. E. Ketcham ; 1859, David B. Turner, 
N. Brusie; 1860, David B. Turner, D. D. Gillespie; 
1861, A. C. Fields, D. D. Gillespie ; 1862, A. C. Fields, 
George C. Esray ; 1863-64, Wm. Blake; 1865, David 
Gibson ; 1866-67, David B. Turner ; 1868-69, David 
McCartney; 1870-71, George Daniels; 1872-74, Chas. 
Gorse; 1875,0. P. Matthews; 1876-78, Job H. Cham- 
pion ; 1879-81, N. S. Tuthill. 

LITTLE BRIT.MN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Information solicited iu regard to the history of this 
church has not been furnished. The records of the 
trustees (which we have been permitted to examine 
through the kindness of William R. Weed, Esq.) 
begin July 26, 1853, at which time the erection of 
a church edifice, thirty-four feet front by forty-four 
feet deep, was under contract with Harvey Alexan- 
der, and appears to have been completed and occu- 
pied in the fall of 18.54. The church is near Jackson 
Avenue, and has a burial-ground attached. It is now 
in a circuit with Gardnertown. 

BURIAL-GROUNDS. 

In addition to the New Windsor Presbyterian 
Church burial-grounds, elsewhere noticed, there is 
one attached to the ^'ai^s Gate Methodist Episcopal 
Church, one attached to the Little Britain Church, 
and one known as the " Mullinder Graveyard," west 
of the last named. There are quite a number of 
family burial-jdots, including those known as the 
Clinton and the MeClaughry, and nearly all of them 
are in a wretched condition. Woodlawii Cemetery, 
under the charge of an association organized under 
the State law, is being rapidly improved. The re- 
mains of many persons have been removed to it from 
other grounds both in Newburgh and New Windsor, 
and many respectable monuments have been erected. 



VII.-CIVIL LIST. 

1763. — Joseph Belknap, clerk ; George Harris, supervisor ; Samuel Biew- 
ster, .Tames Umphrey, and Geoi'ge Denniston, assessors ; Alexander 
Denniston, constable and collector; Judah Harlow and Capt. .himes 
Clinton, overseers of the ro,ads ; David Crawford and John Nicol!, 
overseers of the pour; Andrew Crawford and William Lawrence, 
fence-viewers. Klection at the house of Judah liarlow. 

1764.— Joseph Belknai', clerk; Isaac Hodge, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
Joseph Belknap, and David Humphrey, assessora ; Ilezekiah White, 
constable and collector; Charles McCalli.'iter, deputy constable; 
Hezekiab White, Leonard Nicoll, John Arthur, and Silas Wood, 
overseers of the roads; John Yelverton and Robert Carscaden, over- 
seers of the poor; Andrew Crawford and William Lawrence, fence- 
viewers. Election at the house of Joseph Belknap. 1764 to 'liS. 

1766.— Joseph Belknap, clerk; Capt. James Clinton, supervisor; Jnhu 
Nicoll, Joseph Belknap, and David Humphrey, assessors: Ldwa;d 
Falls, constable and col lector; Alexander Falls and Robert Huchanan, 
security for collector; Silas Wood, overseer of the road; Jonathau 



NEW WINDSOR. 



2:^5 



Piirelmil unrl Hczt'kiuh White, overseers of tlie poor; Moses Fowler 

ami John NicliuiBoii, feiicL'-viewers. 

17GI). — Josepli Belknap, clerk; Isaac Nicoll, supervisor; Jolui Nicoll, 

Joseph Helkiiiip, David Humphrey, assessors; William Edmonston, 

constable anJ collector; Moses Fowler, Georj^e Dennistnn, Thomas j 

King, Francis Maniieville, overseei^s of the roads; Moses Fowler and 

John Nicholson, feme-viewers; John Monell and Robert Boyd, ! 

j 
overseers of the poor, 

17G7. — Joseph Belknap, clerk; Isaac Xicull, supervisor; Juhn Nicoll, 
Pavid Humphrey, Joseph Belknap assessors; Wm. Edmonston, 
constable and collector ; The-iphilu!^ Cnrwin, Nathaniel Boyd, over- 
seers of the poor: James Jackson, James Neely, John Nicholson, 
overeeerfi of roails; John Nicholson, Isaac Nicoll, fence-viewers. 

1768. — Josepli Belknap, clerk ; John Ellison, supervisor; George Dennis- 
ton, John Nicholson, and Ilezekiah White, assessors ; William Ed- 
monston, constable and collector ; Arthur Beatty and Nathan Smith, 
overseers of poor; Robert Boyd, Joseph Belknap, James Jackson, 
overseere of roads; Patrick McClaughry and Juduli Ihtilow, (euce- 
viewers. 

1769. — James Clinton, clerk ; John Ellison, supervisor; George Dennis- 
ton, John Nicholson, Hezekiali White, assessors; Reuben W'eed, 
constable and collector ; Samuel Brewster and Samuel Sly, overseers 
of the pour; John Galloway, James Denniston, Theophilns Corwin, 
Samuel Arthur, overseers of roads ; Jiidah Harlow and James Hum- 
phrey, fence-viewers. Election at the house of Neal McArthur, 
j nm to 'sr>. 

1770. — James Clinton, clerk : John Ellison, supervisor; Hezekiah White, 
James Denniston, David Humphrey, assessors; Nathan Smith, con- 
stable and collector; Jndah Harlow and Timothy Mills, overseers of 
the poor; James McClanghi'y, George Clinton, and Patrick Mc- 
Claughry, commissioners of the roads; Samuel Logan, William Ed- 
monston, Alexander Falls, Samuel Sly, ovei seers of loads; Walter 
McMiclmel and Theophilns Corwin, fence-viewers. 

1771. — James Clinton, clerk; William Jackson, supervisor; Hezekiah 
White, James Denniiston, James McClaughry, assessors ; Nathan 
Smith, collector and constable; Leonard Nicoll, James Buchanan, 
overeeers of the pooi ; James McClaughry, Patrick McClaughry, 
James Clinton, comniiusioneis of the roads: Isaac. Schult/,, Edward 
Neely, fence-viewers ; Jiimes Jackson, Natlianiel Liscomb, Alexan- 
der Falls, Jr., Samuel Sly, overseers of roads. 

1772. — James Clinton, clerk; John Ellison, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
John Nicholson, and Joseph Belknap, assessors; Nathan Smith, 
constable and collector (Timothy Mills and Thomas Jolinsou, his se- 
curities) ; David Ilolhiday, John GaHoway, overseers of the poor; 
George Denniston, James Faulkner, John Nicoll, road commission- 
ers ; Robert Buyd, Alexander Falls, Samuel Sly, William Edmon- 
ston, Francis Mandeville, overseers of roads ; James Dunlap, William 
Rider, fence-viewers. 

1773. — James Clinton, clerk ; John Ellison, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
John Nicholson, Joseph Belknap, assessors; George Coleman, col- 
lector and constable; Isaac Schultz and James Neely, overseers of 
the poor; Judah Harlow, Edward Neely, fence-viewers; James 
Duulap, Samuel Arthur, Leonard Nicoll, Thomas Belknap, Saniuel 
Sly, oveiseeift of roads. 

1774. — James Clinton, cleik ; John Ellison, supervisor ; John Nicholson, 
John Nicoll, Jiiseph Belknap, assessors; Robert Boyd, Robert Stew- 
art, overseers of the poor; Theophilus Corwiu, Archibald Beatty, 
fence-viewers; Judah Harlow, Leonard Nicoll, Gilbert Peet, Isaac 
Belknap, James McClaughry, Samuel Sly, overseers of roads. 

1775. — Jame.s (.'linton, clerk ; John Nicholson, supervisor ; John Nicoll, 
Joseph Belknap, John Nicholson, assessors; James Hays, constable 
and collectoi'; Silas White, Henry Man Neely, overseers of the poor; 
David Halliday, John Beatty, fence-viewers; Isaac Schnltz, John 
Dean, Benjamin Case, Sihis Wood, James McClaughry, Nathaniel 
Boyd, overseers of roads. 

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 

" At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the precinct of 
New Windsor, in the county of L'lster, this eighth day of May, 1775, for 
the purpose of chusing a committee and signing an association for the 
more firm union of the inhabitants in pursuing measures for their com- 
mon safety— then proceeded to nominate and elect the following persons 
to be a Standing Committee until the next precinct meeting : Col. James 
Clinton, Capt. James McClaugliry, John Nicoll, Esq., John Nicholson, 
Esq., Nathan Smith, Esq., Riibert Boyd, Jr., Samuel Brewster, Samuel 
Sly, Samuel Logan. 

" Col. James Clinton, Capt. James McClaughry, and .John Nicoll, Esq., 



were named as delegates to rejiresent tlie precinct in a convention tu be 

held at the house of Mrs. Ann DuBois, Marlborough, to appoint delegates 

to tlie Provincial Convention at New York, May 25th."— Town Ite'or'U. 

1776. — Robert Boyd, Jr., clerk ; Nathan Smith, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
JoReph Belknap, George Denniston, assessors; James Hays, constable 
for New Windsor: Thomas McDowell, constable and collector; Fran- 
cis Mandeville, Alexander Denniston, overseers of the poor; Judah 
Harlow, Robert Burnet, fence-viewers; .James .Jackson, Sr., William 
Edmonston, Samuel Arthur, Silas Wood, Hugh Humphrey, Stephen 
King, overseers of roads. 

1777. — Robert Boyd, Jr., clerk ; Nathan Smith, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
Joseph Belknap, George Denniston, assessors; James Hays, consta- 
ble for New Windsor; Nathaniel Boyd, constable and collector; Gil- 
bert Peet, Jolm Waugli, overseers of the poor; John Gollow, high- 
way-nnister for New Windsor, William Edmonston for Goshen road, 
Samuel Artliur for Murderer's Creek road, Silas Wood for Silver 
Stream, Hugh Humphrey fur Little Britain, Samuel Sly for Hunting- 
Grove; James Jaclison, Sr., and Thomas Parshall, fence-viewers; 
SamiH'l Brewster, Robert Boyd, Jr., Nathan Smith, Hugh Humi)lirey, 
George Denniston, J()hn Nicoll, James McClaughry, Leonard D. 
Nicoll, Samuel Arthur, committee of safety. 

1778. — Robert Boyd, Jr., clerk ; Nathan Smith, supervism-; John Nicoll, 
Joseph Belknap, George Denniston, James Faulkner, James Kerno- 
chau, assessors; James Hays, constable: Nathaniel Garrison, con- 
stable and collector ; Leonard D. Nicoll, James Burnet, overseers of 
the poor; Joshua Sears, highway-master for New Windsv)r, William 
Edmonston for Goshen road, David Mandeville for Creek, Silas 
Wood for Silver Stream, Hugh Humjihrey for Little Britain, Samuel 
Sly for Hunting-Grove. 

1779. — Robert Boyd, Jr., cleik ; Nathan Smith, enpervisoi' ; John Nicoll, 
Neal McArthur, William Scott, James Faulkner, John Waugh, as- 
sessors ; James Hays, cnui?table ; Arch. Beatty, constalJe ami col- 
lector; John Nicoll, Nathan Smith, Matthew DuBois, Wm. Telford, 
Robert Boyd, Jr., commissioners of highways ; Joshua Sears, Robeit 
Burnet, ovei-seers uf tlie poor; Leonard D. Nicoll, Alex. Denniston, 
fence-viewers: Hugh Turner, William Edmonston, David Mande- 
ville, Jacob Mills, Samuel Boyd, Samuel Sly, highway-masters. 
1780. — Robert Boyd, Jr., clerk; Nathan Smith, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
Neal McArthur, William Scott, James Faulkner, John Wangh, as- 
sessors; James Hays, Robert Cross, constables ; Isaac Shultz, John 
Burnet, John Moffat, William Telford, Robert Boyd, Jr., commis- 
sionere of highways; David Mandeville, Stephen King, overseere of 
the poor ; Jonas Williams, Edward Neely. fence-viewei s ; Barnabas 
Corwin, highway-mastei- for New Windsoi, William Edmonston for 
Goshen road, Vincent Helmns for Creek road, Josejdi Belknap for 
Silver Stream, Samuel Boyd for Little Britain, Samuel Sly for Hunt- 
ing-Grove. 
1781. — John L. Moffat, clerk ; Mattliew DuBuis, supervisor; John NicoU, 
Joseph Belknap, Jonathan Parshall, Wm. Telford, Matthew Gillespie, 
assessors; James Hays, Ale.x. Kernochan, constables; Isiuic Schultz, 
Leonard D. Nicoll, James Kernochan, William Telford, John L. 
Moffat, commissioners of highways; Colvill Stewart, Moses Gale, 
oveiseers of i,ioor ; James Latta, I>avid Slandeville, John Ellison, 
Silas Wood, Thomas Palmei, Hugh Hnmphiey, Wm.Sty, Wm. Craw- 
ford, highway-masters, the latter for Stonefield. 
1782. — John L. MofTat, clerk ; Matthew DuBois, supervisor; John Nicoll, 
Joseph Belknap, Edward Neely, assessors; James Hays, Wm. Sly, 
constables ; Isaac Schultz, Leonard D. Nicoll, Thomas Belknap, Wm. 
Telford, John L. MofTat, commissioners of highways; Thomas Bel- 
knap, Nathan Smith, overseers of the poor; Joshua Sayre, Vincent 
Helnius, William Edmonston. Isaac Belknap, David Parshall, Samuel 
Sly, Alex. Denniston, highway-masters; Robert Johnson, Thomas 
McDowell, fence-viewers. 
1783. — William Telford, clerk; Matthew DuBois, supervisoi-; Viuceut 
Helmns, Isaac DuBois, constables; John Nicoll. James Kernochan, 
Edward Neely, assessors; Robert Boyd, Jr., Leonanl D. Nicoll, 
Thomas Belknap, John Burnet, William Telford, commissioners of 
highways; Wm. Ellison, Jonathan Parshall, ovei-seei-s of the pooi- 
Johu Denniston, James Burnet, fence-viewers. 
1784.— William Telfonl. clerk; Matthew DuBois, supervisor; Leonanl 
D. Nicoll, Samuel Boyd, Edward Neely, assessoi-s; James Latta, 
Leonaid D. Nicoll, George Denniston, James Clinton, John Burnet, 
commissioners of highways; John Ellison, William Telford, overseei-s 
of poor. 
17H.'» — William Telfonl, clerk; Matthew DuBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, James Kernoghan, Archiiiahl Beatty, assessors; Samuel 
Logan, Jdfihna Sears. William Scott, Thomas Belknap, Matthew Gil" 



23t) 



IIISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



lespie, commissioners of highways; Silas Wood, James DiiBois, con- 
stables; Samuel Brewster, Ulills Caven, overseers of the poor. 
Election at the huiise of Isiuii.- Bell; nap. 
1786— William Telford, clerk; ,M:ittlie\v DiiBois, supervisor; Leonard 
J^'icoll, James Kernoghan, WJliam Telford, assessors ; Jonas Wil- 
liams, Samuel Boyd, Isaac Belkiiap. James Deuniston, Abraham 
. Neely, commissiimers of highways; William Huntei, David Cook, 
constables; John McCoi>eley, George Denniston, poor-niastere. 
Election at the house of William Humphrey, 1786 to '91. 
787. — William Telford, derk; Matthew DuBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, James Kernochan, William Telford, assessors ; Jonas Wil- 
liams, Saml. Boyil, James Hamilton, Alexander Stewart, Robert 
Cross, commissionei-s of highways; Danitd Gauthey, David Cook, 
constables; John Ellison, Jaiiies Denuiston, collector; Gideon Sol- 
omons, Colviu Stewart, overseers of the poor. 
1768. — William Telford, clerk ; Blatthew DuBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, Johu Deuniston, William Telford, assessors ; Jonas Wil- 
liams, Samuel Boyd, James Hamilton, Archibald Beatty, Rubert 
Boyd, commissioners of highways ; Sila.s Wood, Ji., David Cook, con- 
stables ; William Denniston, Edward Neely, collectois; Silas White, 
Jacob Mills, John Morrison, poor-masters. 
1780. — William Telfnrd, clerk; Mattliew DuBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, Johu Deuniston, William Telford, assessors; Jonas Wil- 
liams, James Kernochan, Edward Neely, commissi one re of high- 
ways; William Edmonstou, John Morrison, constables; Samuel 
Boyd, John Dill, poor-masters. 
1790. — William Telford, clerk; Matthew DuBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, John Deuniston, William Telfurd, assessors; Johu Gilles- 
pie, James Kernochan, Willjum Wat'^on, Ciimmissiouers of high- 
ways; William Edmonston, David McNeely, John Morrison, consta- 
bles; James Thorn, David Dill, pour-niasicrs. 
1791.— William Telford, clerk; Matthew DnBois, supervisor; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, Johu Deuniston, William Telford, assessors; John Gilles- 
pie, Francis Crawford, David Dill, commissioners of highways; 
Jonas WilliaJiis, John Morrison, collectors; John Morrison, David 
Clark, constables; James Thorn, David Dill, poor-masters. 
1702. — Robert R. Burnet, clerk ; Matthew DuBois, supervisor ; Leonard 
D. Nicoll, Johu Denuiston, Abraham Neely, assessors ; Jonas 
Williams, John Morrison, collectors; David Clark, John Morrison, 
constables; Jolin Gillespie. Francis Crawford, David Dill, commis- 
sioners of bigliways ; Jonas Williams, John Morrison, ovei"seers of 
the poor. Election at the house of David Clement, " being the 
usual place." lu May following a special meeting was held " at 
the liouse of Sarah Hamilton, the usual place of town-meetings."' 
The house was built long before the Revulntion, and was burned 
down a few years ago. Elections were held there from 1792 to 
1810. 
1793. — Robo4t R. Burnet, clerk; James Clinton, supervisor; Jonas Wil- 
liams, Francis Crawford, David Dill, assessois; Leonard D. Nicoll, 
John Morrison, Jr., collectoi-s; David Clark, Juhn Morrison, Jr., 
constables; William Ellison, George Deuniston, Nathan Smith, com- 
missioner-s of highways ; Isaac Shultz, William W. Sackett, overseers 
of the poor. 
1794. — Robert R. Burnet, clerk ; James Clinton, supervisor ; Jonas Wil- 
liams, Francis Crawford, David Dill, assessors; James Thorn, Col- 
ville Stewart, collectors; William Older, Jolin Morrison, Jr., consta- 
bles; Joseph Morrell, Ale.x. Denniston, Archibald Beatty, commis- 
sioners of highways : Jacob Smith, Alex Falls, overseers of poor. 
1795. — Rubert R. Burnet, clerk; Francis Crawford, supervisor; Leonard D. 
Nicoll, John Denniston, David Dill, assessoi's ; Vincent Helms, 
George Deuniston, collectors ; Johu Scott, John Morrison, Jr., con- 
stables; Asa Byron, Alex. Dennistiiu, Archibald Beatty, commis- 
sioners of highways; John Scott, John Moriisun, Jr., overseera of 
[K/or. 
179G. — Robert R. Burnet, clerk ; Fraucis Crawford, sui)ervisor; Leonard , 
D. Nicoll, Johu Denniston, David Dill, assessuis ; John D. Nicoll, 
John Scott, collectors ; John Morrison, Jr., John Scott, constables; 
William Ellison, William Muflat, Archibald Beatty, commissioners 
of highways; John Scolt, John Morrison, Jr., overseers of the 
poor. 
1797. — Robert R. Burnet, clerk ; Francis Crawford, supervisor; William | 
Beatty, Alexander Stewart, Leonard D. Nicoll, assessors; William J 
Ellison, William Falls, collectors ; Joshua Green, William Falls, con- ' 
stables; Asa Byram, Samuel Mofl'at, Archibald Beatty, comnn'ssion- ' 
ei-s of highways; Samuel Logan, Joshua Green, William Telford, j 
overseers of poor. I 

1798. — Robert R. Rurnet, clerk ; Francis Crawford, supervisor; "William 



Beatty, Alexander Stewart, Joseph Morrell, assessors; Abraham 
Scbultz, Samuel Finley, collectors ; Joshua Green, George Jolinston, 
constables; Archibald Beatty, Samuel Moffat, Asa Byram, commis- 
sioner of highways; Leonard D. Nicoll, Joshua Green, overeeers of 
the poor. 
1799. — Robert R. Burnet, clerk; Francis Crawford, supervisor; William 
Beatty, Alexander Stewart, Leonard D. Nicoll, assessors; Daniel Bor- 
den, Benjamin Van Keuren, collectors; Josiiua Green, John Mc- 
Michael, constables ; Archibald Beatty, Samuel Moffat, Asa Byram, 
commissioners of highways; Isaac Shultz, Joshua Green, over&eers 
of the poor. 

The clerks and supervisors from 1800 to 1880 have 
been as follows : 

C7erfts.— 1800-23, 'William Blulliner; 1823, Robert Burnet; 1824, Wil- 
liam Mulliner; 1859-Gl, John S. Wear; 1862-63, William R. Weed; 
1864-G7, James W. Curwin ; 1868, James L. Mapes ; 1869-74, William 
S. Fulton ; 1875, James L. Mapes; 1876-80, James W. Corwin. 

SiiiJcrc/sorfl.— 1800-3, Francis Crawford; 18(:>4-6, Abiaham Scimltz; 1807- 
9, Joseph Morrell; 1810-12, David Dill ; 1813-24, Abraham Schultz; 
1828, Joseph J. Houston ; 1829-32. Charles Ludlow ; 1833-37. Robert 
Sly; 1838, Walter Halsey ; 1841V41, James Denniston; 1842, Robert 
Sly ; 1843, Samuel B. Sackett; 1844-51, James R Dickson ; 1852-54, 
Joseph B. Burnet; 1855-56, Ebenezer Kecler; 1857-58, Thomas J. 
Fulton; 1859-63, George A. Denniston; 1863, Thomas J. Fulton ; 1864 
-65, William B. Weed; 1866-67, Joseph B. Burnet; 1868-70, William 
R. Weed ; 1871-75, Charles G. Corley ; 1876, William R. Weed ; 1877 
-78, George McCartney; 1S79, Benjamin B. OdeB ;* 1880, George 
McCartney. 

VIII.-BEBELLION RECORD. 

The number of volunteers furnished by the town 
for the suppression of the Rebellion was : 

Prior to July 1, 1863 129 

January and February. 1864 72 

August, 1864 - 24 

December, 1864 2 

Total 227 

In the final settlement with the State the town was 
allowed an excess of sixty-nine one-year's, or twenty 
three-years' men, and the town was paid — 

For excess of 23 men $13,800 

For bounties to two men 1,200 

SI5,UOO 

The sum of $4620 was raised by subscription for 
bounties in 18*52. $6100 was paid for bounties by the 
town in January and February, 1864 ; $19,150 under 
the August call ; and $1200 under the December call. 
Total, $31,070. 

The following list is compiled from bounty lists 
and credits of senatorial committee : 

Areson, Stephen W., 9th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1S62. 

Ackermau, Daniel, 124th Regt. 

Anthony, J. Newton, aiozart. 

Acker, James, 15th Art.; enl. 1864. 

Ackert, Wnj. H., loth Art.; enl. 1864. 

Anderson, George L., 15tli Art.; enl. 1864. 

Boyd, Andrew Jl , Co. B, 124th Kegt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; pro. corporal ; 
missing in action June 6, 1S64. 

Bennett, John W., Co. G, 124th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; taken pris. at 
Chancellorsville; deseiled while paroled prisoner. 

Bennett, Garrett H., Co. G, 124th Regt. ; eul. Aug. 20, 1802 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg ; died Jan, 17, 1865, of pneumonia. 

Burns, John, Co. G, 124th Regt; enl. Aug. 22, 1804. 

Brock,Selah, Co. G, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 26, 1802; wounded at Gettys- 
burg ; disch. Feb. 2, 1804. 

* Resigned January, 1880. George McCartney elected for unexpired 

term. 



NEW WINDSOR. 



237 



Benjamin, John F., 2d Cav.; enl. Aug. 29, 1862. 

Benjamin, Samuel A., 2d Cav. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1862. 

Burns, Jlattliew, 36tli Regt.; enl. Sept. 1, 1802. 

Butler, John. 166tti Begt.; enl. Sept. 1, 1862. 

Babcock, Theodore W., lC6th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 

Brown, Charles, 168th Begt.; enl. Oct. 22, 18C2. 

Beanies, John, 168th Begt.; enl. Oct. 18, 1862. 

Brown, Josiah H.. 2d Cav. ; eul. Sept. 24, 1862. 

Brundage, J. Howley, Mozart. 

Brown, John, 2d Cav. 

Bnston, William, Mozart. 

Bowei-9, Harvey, Duryea's. 

Bradley, John, .''leth Inf. 

Bowen, George L., 7th Ind, Bat.; enl. Oct. 1861 ; disch. Jan. 1863. 

Brown, John, Berdan's S. S. 

Baird, Thomas. 2d Cav.; enl. 1862. 

Buckmaster, Robert M., Vlst Slil., and Co. B, 0th Regt. 

Bigger, Samuel, l,ilh Art. ; enl. 1864. 

Bush, Joseph H., loth Art.; enl. 1804. 

Burns, Martin, loth Art. ; eul. 1864, 

Brown, Isaac V. D., 7th Bat. ; enl. 1864. 

Buckley, Frederick, 7th Bat. ; enl. 1864. 

Bowles, AVilliam J., colored; enl. 1864. 

Balf, William C, 98th Begt.; enl. 1864; also in 3J Begt., Co. B; enl. 
May 14, 1801. 

Baird, Ira H., enl. Aug. 1804. 

Chambers, John, Co. G, 124th Regt. ; eul. Aug. 17, 1802; died April 23, 
1804. 

Cooper, Chas. G., Co. G, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; Third Corps; 
pro. to Vet. Res. Corps. 

Cressy, Chas. T., lieut. Co. A, 124th Kegt. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; died of dis- 
ease June 14, 1864. 

Coleman, George W., 124th Kegt. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1802 ; killed at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

Calilwell, William, 2d Cav. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862 ; discharged. 

Carr, Solomon, 124th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862. 

Carroll, Dennis, 168th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

Carr, David, 106th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

Cole, Joel, 160th Regt.; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

Conkling, Peter R., 100th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

Conkling, Martin C, 166th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1802. 

Coleman, George S., 166th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 18B2. 

Cloyd, James C, 87th Regt. ; wounded at Fair Oaks; discharged. 

Cloyd, Ilavid C, lieut. 87tli Regt.; died at New Windsor. 

Cypher, Henry L., 36th Regt.; enl. October, 1801. 

Cook, Francis, 16Sth Regt. 

Curtis, Robert. lOStli Regt. 

Craig, Robert C, 168th Regt. 

Courter, David L., 87th Regt.; enl. October, 1861. 

Cary, Joseph N., 124tli Begt. ; enl. 1804. 

Carey, William, 124th Regt. ; enl. 1864. 

Conkling, Edward, 15tb Art.; enl. 1864. 

Conkling, James, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1804. 

Cameron, Wm. H., 2d Bat.; enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 

Cherry, Sylvanus P., enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 

Clearwater, Wm. B., enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 

Crouse, Wm. H., 7th Bat. ; enl. Jan. 18, 1861. 

DeGroat, Nelson, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; died at New Windsor 
while on furlough. 

DeGroat, Hiram W., 124th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 31, 1862 ; trans, to 93d. 

I'avy, John James, 2d Cav. ; enl. Aug. 26, 1802. 

llavy, George W., 2d Cav.; enl. Aug. 29, 1862. 

Dickson, Francis, Co. I, 124tli Kegt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862 ; trans, to 93d. 

Downing, Charles, Co. E, 124th Begt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862 ; served full term. 

Davis, Charles, 2d Cav. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1802. 

Dougherty, Robert, 2d Cav. ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 

Dourn, James, 2d Cav. ; enl. Oct. 13, 1862. 

Duzenberry, Zenopheu, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862. 

Dutcher, Timothy, Mozart. 

Doitline, John, 98th Regt.; enl. 1804; also in 168th, 1862. 

Doty, Ezra, 98th Begt. ; enl. 1864. 

Diamond, Clias., 20th Cav. ; enl. 1864. 

Derwiu. Joseph S., 20th Cav. enl. 1864. 

Decker, Garret, 124th Regt. ; enl. 1864. 

Davis, John, enl. Oct. 2.j, 1861. 

Edwards, Charles, Co. 1, 124tli Regt. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; killed at Gettys- 
burg. 



Ensign, Charles A., Co. 1, 124th Regt ; eul. Aug. 19, 1862. 

Ellis, A. Van Home, col., 124tli Begt. ; enj. Aug. 1862; also in 71st 

Regt, 1801; killed at Gettysburg. 
Ellsworth, Frank, 7th Bat. ; enl. 1864. 
Ennis, Michael, 7th Art.; enl. 1864. 
Fitzgiblpons, Patrick, 7th Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Fuller, Alex. D., 7th Art.; enl. Sept. :i, 186*. 
Foot, Horatio, 47th Maas. Regt. 
Faulkner, Matthew, 15tb Art.; enl. Jan. 18, 1804. 
Fuller, Alex. D., 63d Inf.; enl. 1864; also in 7th Bat., 1861. 
Fairchild, Andrew, 63d Inf.; enl. 1864. 
Frohlick, Rudolph, eul. 1864. 
Fuller, Charles, enl. 1864. 
Gardner, Daniel S., Co. C, 124th Regt. ; eul. Aug. 20, 1862; wounded May 

3, 1863, and in the hospital until December ; served full term. 
Glen, Edward, 124th Begt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862. 
Gerow, Charles N., 2d Cav. ; eul. Aug. 29, 1862. 
Garrison, John W., 166th Begt. ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 
Garrison, David, 1601h Regt. ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 
Goetchius, Isaac N., Co. A, 124th ; wounded slightly at Chancellorsville, 

May 3, 1863. 
Graham, William, 2d Cavalry. 
Gage, Eli, Co. K, S7th Regt.; enl. Oct. 3, 1861. 
Greely, Cyrus D., 7th Bat.; enl. 1864. 
Humphries, George H., enl. 1864. 
Humphries, Joseph, 63d Regt. ; enl. 1804. 
Higgins, Benjamin F., 2d Cav.; eul. Sept. 9. 1802. 
Hider, William H., 2d Cav.; enl. Sept. 24, 1862. 
Hovercamp, Jacob, 166th Regt.; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 
Harris, George, 2d Cav.; enl. 1864. 
Hughs, John H., 66th Regt. ; enl. 1864. 
Howe, Ira F., enl. 1804. 
Howard, James E., 7th Bat. ; enl. 1804. 
Jennings, Daniel C, 124th Kegt. ; enl Aug. 14, 1802. 
Jennings, Thomas, lOOIh Regt.; enl. Oct. 14, 1802. 
Jones, William, 2d Cav.; enl. Oct. 20, 1S62. 
Johnson, George B.. 2d Art.; enl. 1864. 
Johnson, Thomas, enl. 1804. 
King, William H., 2d Cav. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Kelly, Nathaniel, 2d Cav.; enl. Sept. 24, 1862. 
Kirk, Charles H., 168th Begt. 
Kirk, David, 16Sth Regt. 
Krampf, Henry, 13th Art.; enl. 1864. 
Kane, Thomas D., 50th Regt. ; enl. 1864. 

Kemp, James H., 7th Art. ; enl. Jan. 16, 1804; must, out July 31, 1865. 
Kirkwood, Andrew, 6th Cav.; enl. Jan. 16, 1864. 
Kelly, Marcus, Col'd; enl . Jan. 16, 1864. 
Leahy, Patrick, 168th Begt.; enl. Oct. 23, 1802. 
Latham, Samuel D., 124tli Regt.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862. 
La Fountain, John, 2d Cav.; enl. Aug. 14, 1802. 
Lent, Henry, 50th Begt. ; enl. 1801. 
Lent, James, 50th Regt. ; enl. 1801. 
Lynch, William, 15th Cav.; enl. 1864. 
Maxwell, Robert, 2d Cav. 

Morgan, George, 124th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862. 
Mabie, Jeremiah, 168th Regt.; eul. Oct. 17, 1862. 
Manly, John, 2d Cav.; enl. Oct. 22, 1862. 
Miller, Charles, 2d Cav. ; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 
Malone, John, 168th Regt. 
Morrow, Frank, 124th Regt. 
Morton, George C, lieut, 2d Cav. 
Morton, Charles E., lieut. 2d Cav. 
McMahon, Francis, Co. G, 124th Regt.; enl. Sept. 5, 1862; wounded at 

Jones' Cross-IUiads, Nov. 22, 1863. 
McCullough, Hamilton, 2d Cav. 
McCartney, John, 108th Regt. 
Mclutyre, Martin V.. lieut. 7th I. Bat. 
Many, Mortimer, 30th Regt. 
McSIahan, Michael, 5Gth Regt. 
Malian, James, 20th Conn. 
Morrow, Stephen, 2d Cav. 

Murphy, Martin V., 2d .Mounted Rifles; enl. 1864. 
Matthew, James, 7th Bat. ; enl. 1804. 
Mackay, Edward, loth Cav.; enl. 1S04. 
Milliken, James, 15th Art.; enl. 1864. 
McCornell, Andrew J., enl. 1864. 
Murphy, John, enl. 1864. 



238 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Morehcail, Samuel, 7th Bat. ; enl. 1864. 

Newell, Jacoh, loijth Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

Owen, William I!., Co. C, 124tli Kegt ; enl. Avig. 14, 1862; Bliot through 

lireast at Spottsylvania May Vl, 1864; died of wounds May 14, 1864. 
Onuy, EJwald, li4th Kegt. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. 
O'Hara, Daniel, Co. 0, 124th Eegt. ; erl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; wounded feveiely 

.at Chancelloi-sville; trans, to Vet. Res. Coi-ps; died of wounds Oct. 

tiS, 1863. 
Oveitun, John B,, 2d Mt. R. ; enl. 1864. 
Oakley, Wni. S., eiil. August. 1864. 
Parker, Chailes H., 2d Oav. ; enl. Oct. lU, 1862. 
Pierce, Bowen, 166th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Pike, Geursre, ;i,l N. Y. ; enl. 1S61. 
Pires, Wesley, -id Ait.; enl. 1801. 
Price, Arthur C, 60th Regt. ; enl. 1861. 
Pierce, Edinnud A., 106th Regt. ; enl. 1862. 
Post, Bevei ly, "tli Art. ; enl. Jan. 17, 1S64. 
Passwater, Thus. E., 56th Regt.; enl. 1864. 
Quiun, Edward, 50th Regt.; enl. 1861. 
Ryan. James, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 16, 1862. 
Rohinson, John H., 2d Cav. ; eul. Aug. 20, 1862. 
Rodgers, Edgar, 2d Cav.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862. 
Rake, Isaac, 108th Regt.; enl. Aug. HI, 1862. 
Root, George 0., lOOlh Regt. ; enl. Aug. 10, 1862. 
Root, James, 87th Regt. 

Riley, Thomas, Co. K, S7th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861. 
Roe, Edward P., 2d Cav.; eul. 1802. 
Roach, James, 1st Eng. ; enl. 1864. 
Roselle, James, enl. 1804. 
Reid, William, 7th Bat.; enl. 1864. 
Simmons, Charles, enl. Aug. 24, 1862 



nut on roll hy that name. 



Stafford, John J., Co. E, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. March 

23, 1803, at hospital. 
Stalter, Peter T., Co. E, 124th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862; disch. at Wash- 

ingtonville Nov. 3, 1862. 
Stalter, Ahraliam, Co. G, 124th Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; wounded at 

Chaucellorsville; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Shaw, Rodman, 100th Regt.; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Smith, James H., Mozart ; enl. 1S61. 
Smith, Abraham, 7th Ind. Bat.; enl. 1861. 

Seamau, Charles, Co. H, 124th Kegt.; eul. Aug. 26, 1802; killed at Chau- 
cellorsville May 3, 180 1. 
Smith, William, lOSth Regt. ; enl. 1802. 
Smith, John, 168th Regt. ; eul. 1862. 
Snell, David H., 87th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861. 
Schneider, Victor, 98th Regt. ; enl. 1864. 
Storms, William, enl. 1864. 
Snyder, Alexander, enl. 1804. 
Simons, Lyman N., enl. 1864. 
Simons, Daniel J., enl. 1804. 
Sager, Murris, 0:iil liegt. ; eul. 1864. 
Smith, John II., 7tli Bat. ; enl. 1864. 
Sniffen, William, .'lOlIi Begt. ; enl. 1804. 
Tilton, James 1) , Co. C, 124tli Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1802; supposed killed 

at ChalKellorsville May 3, 1803. 
Tuttle, Ahraham, Co. M, 71.st Kegt. ; enl. 1801. 
Topping. Jacoh, Duryea's Zouaves: enl. 1801. 
Verplank, Wm. A.-, lieut. Cu. E, 124th Kegt. ; eul. Aug. 19, 1.S62; disch. 

Sept. 15, 1S63. 
Van Horn, Thomas, 26th U. S. Col'd Regt.; enl. 1864. 
Vau Gordon, William P., 7th Bat.; enl. 1864. 
Ward, George V,, 168th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Wise, Albert, Co. C, 124th Regt.; enl. 1862: wounded at Chaucellorsville, 

Va., May 3, 1863 ; sick from June 7 to July 6, 1863; must, out with regt. 
Wilson, Robert, Jr., 7th Ind. Bat.; enl. October, 1861. 
Wood, Wm. B., 166th Regt. ; eul. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Willjert, Charles, 98th Regt.; enl. 1864. 
Williert, Louis, 98th Regt.; enl. 1804. 
Walton. John II., 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Youmans, George, 7th Art.; eul. 1804. 

PRINCIPALS AND SUBSTITUTES. 
September unj Aurjitst, 1864. 
Burnet, Charles F., supplied Andrew Cohner, three years. 
Buruet, Robert R., supplied Martin Holland, three years. 
Cooper, Shadrack V., sui)plied James R. Conner, three years. 
Chandler, Daniel C, supplied James Bennett, three yeara. 



Caldwell, John R., supplied Robert Ellison, three years. 
Caldwell, John N., sujiplied John Tliew, three years. 
Caldwell, Charles, supplied Robert Cox, three yeais. 
Denniston, William Y., supplied Jacob Reeder, three years. 
Denuiston, Luther, supplied M. Vassler, three yejii-s. 
Fulton, Thomas J., Jr., supplied Thomas King, three yenre. 
Humphries, George C, supplied Charles Schmidt, three yeans. 
Jones, John, supplied .John Lelan, three years. 
Jones, Charles, suijplied Peter 0. Graves, three year's. 
Miller, James H., suiiplied John Kelly, three yeai-s. 
Miller, James V. K., supplied John Griffin, three years. 
Oakley, Lucas, supplied Francis Brown, three years. 
Scott, William F., supplied William Schroeder, three years. 

Smith, Charles, supplied , thi-ee years. 

Terwilliger, Granville C, supplied Isitac Schrompff, three years. 
Van Cleft, Lewis A., supplied John Peters, three years. 
W'alsh, Jcdin H., snpidied Horton Murray, three yeai-s. 
Wood, David F., supjilied Edward Lee, three years. 

Call of Dee. 19, 1804. 
Derbyshire, Juhn. supjdied .\nton Blagee, three years. 
Upright, Benjamin, sup|died James Muffit, three years. 

.^riiSCRIPTIONS. 
To promote enlistmeuts in 1862 a .sub.scription was 
raised amounting to $4620. The subscribers were: 



Philip Verplank S500 

Erastus Ide 2.50 

J. DeWitt Walsh 2,50 

John D. Van Buren 250 

E. B. Nicoll 100 

B. Franklin Clark 250 

Thomas Morton 2-50 

Peter Roe 100 

George \. Denniston 100 

Thomas J. Fulton KJO 

E/.i-a P. Thompson luO 

Mary E.Miller 400 

Maria McKnight 200 

James Patten 100 

Samuel L. Denniston InO 

David C. Chandler 100 

Lewis Van Cleft 100 

William H. Miller 100 

Joseph B. Burnet 100 

Franklin MuUiner 100 

Franklin Mulliner, Jr 100 

Ale.xander Elliott 100 

James Shaw 100 

JolinB. Keruochan 100 

Mrs. Arietta Nicoll 50 



John R.Caldwell S50 

James W. Morrison 25 

Francis VVygant 50 

George Arnott 25 

D. C. Brown 10 

David Goldsmith 20 

Thomas Wiley 10 

William Maxwell 20 

William F. Scott 50 

John Cromwell 10 

John D. Vail 25 

Alfred Denniston 10 

Thomas Denniston 25 

John Buchanan 25 

William C<Miser 10 

Selah W. Strong 25 

.Tosejih Kelly 25 

G. C. Terwilliger 25 

William R. Weed 10 

Thomas Still 10 

William F. Cooper 50 

David D.C.Wood 10 

Daniel Moores 25 

Euclid Mulliner 50 

Daniel A. Shuart 50 



The money was expended through a committee 
conii^osed of George A. Denniston, John B. Kerno- 
chan, John D. Van Buren, and J. DeWitt Walsh, the 
latter acting as treasurer. The sum of $4320 was 
paid fqr bounties and incidental expenses, and $300 
returned to the subscribers pro rata. 

In January and February, 1864, the town paid 
$2150 for bounties, and in December of the same year 
$19,750. Recapitulated the figures are : 



Subscription of 1802 $4,320 

Bounties, 1864 21,90(1 

Refunded by the State 



S26,220 
15,000 



Net expenditure, exclusive of connty bounty tax.... $11,220 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CHARLES CLINTON AND HIS DESCENDANTS. 

While many of the early settlers of New Windsor 

were of superior character and had many honored 

sons, there were none more so than Charles Clinton, 

through whose descendants the name of Little Britain 



NEW WINDSOR. 



239 



has been made familiar to students of history in all 
parts of the nation. Wliile by birth a native of Ire- 
land, 1))- blood Charles Clinton was English and 
Scotch, — on his paternal side a descendant of Henry 
Clinton, second Earl of Lincoln, on his maternal a 
descendant of a Scottish lady. With a company of 
relatives and neighbors in the county Longford, Ire- 
laud, he sailed for America in May, 1729, and founded 
his permanent home in Little Britain in 173L Pie 
was well educated, and became a leading man in the 
province. He was appointed judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas of Ulster County, which office he filled 
with ability. In addition to his duties in this capacity, 
he became one of the most reliable surveyors in the 
country. He served in the French and Indian war of 
1759-(33 ; aided in the erection of churches and schools, 
in opening roads, clearing lands, and in advancing the 
cause of civilization ; and above all gave to his sons 
not only an education which fitted them for any post 
of iluty, but one on which was indelibly impressed a 
lofty patriotism, a hatred of tyranny, and a devotion 
to the cause of civil and religious liberty. He died at 
Little Britain, Nov. 19, 1773, in his eighty-third year. 
His children were Catharine, James, Mary (the 
two latter died at sea), Alexander, Charles, James, 
and Cxeorge. Alexander and Charles were physicians, 
and have been noticed in another part of this work, 
as has also George, the war Governor of the Revolu- 
tion. James was a man of different type from his 
brother George. He shrank from political life, al- 
though political honors were his, preferring duty as a 
civilian-soldier. At the age of twenty he served as 
ensign, under his father, in the French and Indian 
war, and fought by his side in the taking of Fort 
Frontenac, now Kingston, in Canada. In 1763 he had 
command of the forces raised to resist the invasion of 
the counties of Orange and LTlster by the Indians, 
and when the war of the Revolution broke out he 
received one of the first military appointments from 
Congress, and soon rose to the rank of major-general. 
During the war he was in charge of the Northern De- 
partment, with his headquarters at Albany, and led an 
expedition against the Iroquois ludians, in which he 
distinguished himself as an engineer by cutting a 
road from the Mohawk to Lake Otsego, and in dam- 
ming up the outlet of the lake so as to float boats over 
the bars of the upper Susquehanna. He took part in 
the siege of Yorktown, and after the war retired to 
his farm in Little Britain, where he resumed his occu- 
pation as a surveyor. At the urgent solicitation of his 
friends he became a member of As.sembly, and of the 
convention which ratified the constitution of the 
United States. He was also a member of the conven- 
tion of 1804, called to amend the Constitution of the 
State. In all these positions he showed marked abil- 
ity. On the 12th of December, 1812, at the age of 
seventy-five years, he died where he was born, be- 
loved by all who knew him, a brave, accomplished, 
and unambitious patriot and soldier. 



The limits of this sketch will not permit a reference 
to the children of James and George specifically, but 
we may not pass the name of DeWitt Clinton, the 
third sou of James, who was born March 2, 1769. He 
entered public life as the private secretary of his 
uncle ; became at an early age member of Assembly 
and then a senator ; member of the Council of Ap- 
pointment; mayor of the city of New York for sev- 
eral years; member of the Canal Board; Governor of 
the State for two terms ; a candidate for President 
against Madison, and invited by Adams to be Minister 
to England. The statute-book is filled with acts of a 
public nature originated by him, and while in the 
Court of Errors he gave the leading opinions, and es- 
tablished legal princi])les which have remained un- 
changed. Taken all in all, he was one of the most 
eminent and useful citizens this country has ever 
produced. 

The Clintons, as a family, have been unsurpassed 
in our history. The Adams' only can boast of so 
long a line of great aud useful men. 



JOHN R. CALDWELL. 

The family of this name were early residents of 
county Antrim, Ireland, and held an honorable place' 
in that section. The coat of arras consists of three 
wells (cold wells), whence the name is said to have 
been derived. John Caldwell, grandfather of our 
subject, operated a large bleachery in county Antrim 
at the breaking out of the Irish rebellion. Richard, 
his son, and father of our subject, when a young man 
participated in the rebellion, was arrested and incar- 
cerated in the same cell with Robert Emmet, tried 
and convicted of high treason, and sentenced to be 
executed with Emmet. At the last moment he was 
saved by Lord Cornwallis, then Lord Lieutenant of 
Ireland, and sent to America. Being possessed of 
some means, he settled at Salisbury ]\Iills, Orange 
Co., operated a flaxseed oil-mill and engaged in trade. 
He married Maria, daughter of John Chandler, an 
early merchant of Blooming-Grove and a stanch 
patriot during the Revolutionary struggle in America. 
His father and brother also emigrated from Ireland 
and settled in Blooming-Grove, where- the family is 
still represented. Richard entered the United States 
service during the war of 1812-15, aud served as a 
captain in the Twenty-fifth Regiment of infantry. 
He died from exposure during the military operations 
in northern New York, on Nov. 22, 1812, at the early 
age of thirty-five years, and is buried in the village 
of Champlain, in this State. His wife died Jan. 23, 
1877, aged eighty-eight years an.d six months. Of 
the two children, John R. Caldwell is the only sur- 
vivor. His sister Mary became the wife of Dr. Mar- 
cus Sears, of Blooming-Grove. 

John R. Caldwell was born at Salisbury Mills, 
July 12, 1810. When but two years of age his father 
died, aud he went to live with his grandfather, John 



240 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Chandler, of Blooming-Grove, who died when he was 
but five. His early education was obtained at the 
common schools of Blooming-Grove. Subsequently 
he enjoyed three years of careful academic training 
at St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., of which his 
uncle, Rev. Dr. RafTerty, was president. When about 




life. His home is one of the handsomest in New 
Windsor, and the grounds tastefully laid out, present- 
ing a pleasing and attractive appearance. Mr. Cald- 
well is a prompt contributor to the worthy enterprises 
of his day, a man of integrity and moral worth, the 
adviser and counselor of many people, and a member 
of the First Presbyterian Church of Newburgh. He 
married on Sept. 13, 1831, Ruth, daughter of John 
NicoU, of New Windsor, and has three sons, — Wil- 
liam and John N. Caldwell are farming on the old 
homestead in New Windsor; Charles Caldwell is 
city surveyor of Newburgh. 



v/^^>$?^^ 



^ 



/> ^^/^t^ t 



sixteen years of age he entered the counting-house of 
his uncle, John Caldwell, commission merchant, in 
New York, where he remained two years. He then 
returned to Blooming-Grove, and entered upon the 
life of a farmer on the old Chandler homestea<I. In 
the fall of 1831 he purchased two hundred acres of 
land in the town of New Windsor of the Ellison 
estate, where he has since continued to reside. By 
careful agricultural operations he has much enhanced 
the value of the property, cleared it of stones and 
brush, and added other substantial improvements, 
including two residences, both of which are in use, 
one built in 1832, and the other in 185.5. For fifty 
years he has been one of the most substantial and rep- 
resentative of the farmers of New Windsor, foremost 
in every good work, enterprising and progressive, and 
in the enjoyment of the respect and esteem of hi.s 
friends and neighbors. For the past twenty years he 
has left the management of his farm largely to his 
sons, and devoted himself to travel and the manage- 
ment of important business interests for others in the 
West Indies and in the Southern States. His specialty 
in farming has been the production and shipment of 
milk. He has taken no active interest in public 
affairs, but lived a retired, modest, and unostentatious 



ERASMUS DARWIN DRURY. 

His grandparents were William and Eunice (Holt) 
Drury, early residents of Worcester, Mass., where the 
former was a prominent business man, serving in the 
Legislature of the State. Dr. John Waldo Drury, 
his father, was born in Worcester, Mass., on Oct. 21, 
1791. He received careful academic instruction, and 
subsequently entered upon the study of medicine, at- 
tending lectures at the Vermont Medical College, 
Castleton, Vt., from which institution he was gradu- 
ated with the degree of doctor of medicine. When 
only nineteen years of age he entered the Ignited 
States army as a private soldier, and served during 
the war of 1812-15, participating in the battle of 
Plattsburgh, and in the other operations of the Ameri- 
can forces in northern New York. In August, 1818, 
he located in the town of New Windsor, Orange Co., 
where he entered upon the practice of his profession, 
and where he passed the remaiuder of a long and ac- 
tive life. He enjoyed a large practice, was recognized 
as a skillful and successful physician, a superior sur- 
geon, and held in the community in which he dwelt 
a prominent and representative place. He resided on 
the old Parshall homestead, but adhered closely to the 
demands of his profession in preference to farming 
pursuits. He died Oct. 8, 1847. 

Dr. Drury was married on Jan. 2, 1822, to Jemima, 
daughter of Moses and Ruth (Miller) Parshall. with 
which family he began to reside when he first located 
in New Windsor. The children of the union were 
two in number, viz. : Erasmus Darwin Drury, the 
subject of this memoir, and Mary A. Drury, born Nov. 
26, 1825. She married Robert Finley, of New Wind- 
sor, Oct. 18, 1848, and died May 3, 1863, leaving four 
children, namely, Moses D., Loanna F., Eura E., and 
Robert D. Finley, all of whom reside on a portion of 
the old Parshall tract. 

The Parshall family is one of the oldest in the town 
of New Windsor. The ancestor of the family in this 
county was Israel Parshall, who was driven -from 
France with the Huguenots after the Edict of Nantes. 
He located at the east end of Long Island, at a point 
then called Black River, where he passed his life and 
is buried. Jonathan Parshall, his son, purchased six 
hundred and seven acres of land belonging to the 





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// 



I 



NEW WINDSOR. 



241 



Markham tract in 1737. He paid for the land in in- 
stallments, and did not receive the deed for it until 
1753. For a time Jonathan Parshall occupied his 
purchase, but after the death of his wife he removed 
to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he died. He deeded his New 
Windsor estate to his two sons, Jonathan and David, 
both of whom passed their lives on the property. 
Jonathan married Jemima Terry, and had four sons 
and a daughter, of whom Moses was the third child. 
He ahso lived and died on the old homestead. 

Mrs. Jemima Drury, liis daughter, was born Jan. 6, 
1806, and is the last representative of the family living 
on the Parshall homestead. She occupies a portion 
of the home tract, and is a well-preserved, intelligent, 
and interesting old lady. Her grandchildren, the 
children of E. Darwin Drury and of Robert Finley, 
are the sixth generation of the representatives of the 
Parshall family who have occupied the ancestral glebes 
of their forefathers. 

E. D. Drury was born on the old home tnict in New 
Windsor on Jan. 28, 1823. He received an excellent 
education at the high school in Newburgh, and at the 
Montgomery Academy, and devoted his life to the 
pursuit of husbandry in New Windsor, tilling the 
same soil that several generations of his maternal an- 
cestors cultivated. His life was not a long one, but 
he manifested during his career characteristics that 
endeared him to many, and which made him justly 
popular in the community in which he dwelt. He 
was of a modest, retiring temperament, devoted to 
work and to the performance of domestic duties, — one 
who avoided public life, and who stood in the front 
rank of the successful farmers of his section. He was 
a warm supporter of church and kindred institutions, 
liberal and progressive in his views, and a member of 
the Goodwill Presbyterian Church of Montgomery. 
He died suddenly on Dec. 25, 1872. His wife was 
Mary E. Finley, to whom he was united on Nov. 20, 
1845. She died Sept. 30, 18(59. The children were 
Laniira, Charles W., John James, George W., and 
Frank. Charles W. Drury died on March 12, 1878. 
The remaining children are living at the old family 
seat, the sons already taking a place among the suc- 
cessful farmers of the town. 



ROBERT BURNET. 
The Burnet fanuly of Little Britain is one of the 
oldest in the county. Robert Burnet, its progenitor, 
came from Scotland, near Edinburgh, about the year 
1725. He first settled at Raritan, N. J., where he 
followed his trade as a tailor. In 1720 he purchased 
two hundred acres of the Andrew .Tohnson Patent at 
Little Britain. Accompanied by his brother, who 
subsequently returned to New Jersey, he erected a 
log cabin and made preparations for clearing and cul- 
tivation. He was also accompanied by John Reid, 
who purchased an adjoining farm-lot, and whose 
daughter, Ann, subsequently became his wife. He 



was a Scot of pure type, six feet two inches in height, 
a firm Presbyterian, and a rigid disciplinarian. He 
died in the year 1774, in the seventy-third year of his 
age. Seven children were the issue of this marriage, 
viz.: 1, James; 2, John; 3, Robert; 4, Thomas; 5, 
Patrick ; 6, Sarah ; 7, Mary. These children were 
multiplied in the second generation to thirty-four, 
whose descendants in the succeeding generations may 
now be found in different parts of the country in 
numbers beyond computation in a work of this char- 
acter. Confining attention to a single branch, we 
notice briefly Robert Burnet (2d), the oldest son of 
James, the oldest son of Robert and Ann (Reid) Bur- 
net. Robert (2d) was born in Little Britain, Feb. 22, 
17G2. He resided with his father until his fifteenth 
year, and attended the school of the Rev. John Mof- 
fat, a local academy in the vicinity of some note in 
its day. When the Revolution came on he joined a 
military company, mainly composed of boys of from 
fourteen to sixteen years of age, for home protection, 
and with this company was several times under arms, 
especially assisting in guarding the Hessian prisoners 
from Burgoyne's army in 1777, who, on their march 
through Little Britain, encamped for a night at Maj. 
Telford's tavern, opposite the Burnet homestead. In 
June, 1781, then nineteen years of age, he received 
from Governor Clinton a commission as second lieu- 
tent in Col. Lamb's regiment of artillery, then sta- 
tioned at West Point, and was with his regiment at the 
capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Returning with 
his regiment to West Point, he remained there until 
the disbandment of thearmy, apd commanded the rear- 
guard in the march into the city of New York, as the 
British evacuated it, in November, 1783, where, after 
bidding Washington farewell at Fraunce's tavern, he 
folded up his epaulette and laid it away, a memorial 
which is still preserved. While stationed at West 
Point he was one of the delegates appointed to meet 
Washington at the Temple (March, 1783), and par- 
ticipated in the i)roceedings on that occasion. He 
was also present at a meeting of officers for the or- 
ganization of The Society of the Cincinnati, of which 
he became a member. Released from military duty, 
he immediately entered upon his life-work at Little 
Britain. On the 9th of June, 1784, he married Rachel 
DeWitt, a niece of Mrs. (ien. James Clinton, and in 
1785 purchased twenty acres of land from his uncle, 
Maj. John Burnet, and commenced housekeeping in 
the log cabin which his grandfather Robert had occu- 
pied on his first settlement. In 1791 he purchased 
the remainder of his uncle's farm, and took posses- 
sion of the house which the latter had built. In 1801 
he purchased of his father, James, one hundred acres, 
and thus became the owner of the original homestead 
of two hundred acres. In 1804 he erected the com- 
modious mansion in which he resided at his death, 
now owned (1881) by his grandson, Joseph B. Burnet. 
He took an active part in the business affairs of his 
native town and county ; was justice of the peace and 



242 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



town clerk for a number of years, and member of As- 
sembly for two terms, 1800 and 1804. He was fre- 
quently an executor and an administrator of estates; 
among others of the estate of Gen. James Clinton 
and of Moses DeWitt, the latter his wife's brotlier. 
In person he was tall and erect, with a kindly face 
and presence, — a man whose integrity was never ques- 
tioned. At the time of his death he was the last sur- 
viving original member of The Society of the Cincin- 
nati, as well as the last surviving officer of the army 
of the Revolution. He died Nov. 24, 1854, in his 
ninety-third year. His wife, Rachel DeWitt, died 
June 4, 1830, in her sixty-eighth year. His children 
were: 1, Alexander C. ; 2, Charles ; 8, Jane; 4, Moses 
DeWitt, at one time sheriff of Orange County, and 
whose only surviving son, John Barber Burnet, re- 
sides in Syracuse ; 5, Mary DeWitt ; 6, Robert, Jr. 
The present owner of the Burnet homestead, Joseph 
B. Burnet, who has already been referred to, is the 
son of Cliarles (2d) and his second wife, Mary Ann 
Barber. Through threescore years of life he has fully 
maintained the characteristics of his ancestors, not 
only in personal appearance, but in public and private 
business relations. He has served six terras as super- 
visor of the town, and also as justice of the peace, 
and has the place of his grandfather in the church 
and in society. At the old homestead home of his 
grandfather was celebrated, under his auspices, on 
the 29th of October, 1879, the one hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of the pro- 
genitor of the familv. 



JAMES W. MORRISON. 

James W. Morrison was born in New Windsor, on 
Feb. 22, 1819, and was the fourth child of James and 
Harriet (Patton) Morrison. His father engaged in 
farming pursuits at Little Britain, and also kept the 
hotel at that jioint for several years. The other chil- 
dren were William P. (deceased), John H., and Jane 
H. (deceased wife of Samuel Weed). 

Mr. Morrison started out in life, after the death of 
his parents, at the early age of nine years, and com- 
menced work on the farm of his uncle, James Patton, 
at Washington Lake. He remained there until 1842, 
with the excejition of four years, during which he 
was a clerk in the drug-store of John D. Phillips, of 
Newburgh. In 1842 he purchased a farm of 100 
acres near Washington Square, and entered upon the 
life of a farmer on his own account. On Aug. 16, 
1843, he married Sarali Jane, daughter of William 
and Nancy Stewart, of New Windsor, and removed to 
the old Stewart homestead, of which he has since be- 
come the owner, anfl which constitutes his present 
farm. His first wife died on April 3, 18(58, leaving 
an only son, William J. Morrison, who was born 
Jan. 25, 1847, and who resides on the farm with his 
father. INIr. Morrison's second wife was Jane, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Palmer, of New York, to whom he was 



united Jan. 6, 1869, and who died, leaving no chil- 
dren, on July 8, 1873. His present wife is her sister, 
Margaret E. Palmer, whom he married Sept. 15, 1874, 
and who has no children. 

Mr. Morrison is recognized as one of the leading 
farmers of his section. He has taken no active in- 
terest in pul)lic affairs, but devoted himself closely to 
the cultivation of his fine farm of 170 acres. His 
buildings, both residence and outhouses, present a 
handsome appearance, and he is constantly adding to 
the architectural attractions of his place. The build- 
ings were all erected by Mr. Morrison himself, under 
the mechanical supervision of his friend, Harvey 
Alexander, of New Windsor, and the frame-work of 
all was obtained from his own farm. All the appoint- 
ments of the farm are complete; the land is thor- 
oughly drained, well fenced, and carefully cultivated 
and intelligently tilled, and bears witness to the agri- 
cultural skill of Mr. Morrison, and to the years of 
labor and toil that he has expended upon it. He has 
made a specialty for many years of dairying and the 
manufacture of butter, and has sold this commodity 
for forty-one years to one firm in New York City. 
Though not a church-member, he has always lent lib- 
eral su]i|)ort to church and kindred institutions, and 
is one of the liberal, |)rogressive men of his town, en- 
joying the respect and esteem of many friends. ■ He 
attends the Second Presbyterian Church of Washing- 
tonville, of which he is one of the trustees. He 
attended the Associate Reformed Church of Little 
Britain for many years (and his parents before him), 
of wiiich he was also a trustee. He was a member of 
the building committee in the erection of the present 
house of worship, gave liberally to the building fund, 
and had the jiersonal supervision of the work. 



JOIIX BEATTIE KERNOCHAN. 

John Beattie Kernochan was born in New Wind- 
sor, on Oct. 26, 1821, on the place wliich constituted 
his homestead at the time of his death. His maternal 
grandparents were John Beattie, born 1751, died 
April 17, 1840, and Elizabeth, his wife, who was born 
in 1761, and who died March 31, 1840. The Beattie 
family was one of the early families of the town of 
New Windsor, and identified with its pioneer history 
from the earliest years. John Beattie resided where 
his grandson, the subject of this memoir, lived, and 
for many years was one of the strong representative 
farmers of his section. The parents of John B. Ker- 
nochan were John Kernochan, born Nov. 20, 1785, 
died Aug. 16, 1871, and Elsie (Beattie) Kernochan, 
born Oct. 9, 1784, died Dec. 21, 1827. The marriage 
occurred Nov. 7, 1815, and the children were Elsie J., 
who married Samuel McGill, of New Windsor; Sa- 
rah, wife of I. R. Goldsmith, of the same town; and 
John B., our subject. 

The latter was deprived of a mother's care at the 
age of six years, and was reared to manhood in the 



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Among the loading men of New Windsor for many years the ] 
subject of this notice occupied a pruininent place. His parents [ 
were Thomas and Jemima (Frost) Fulton, who early emigrated , 
from Duchess County, and located upon the tract of land which ' 
had been taken up by their kinsman, Robert Johnston, near * 
Bethlehem. Their log cabin, which was probably erected by 
Robert Johnston, stood in the orchard of the late Thomas 
J. Fulton, Jr. Subsequently the couple occupied the ancient 
(Jwelling that formerly stood on the lot now occupied by the 
residence of William S. Fulton. Here Thomas Fulton and his 
wife passed the remainder of their lives, enduring the priva- . 
tions, hardships, and dangers incident to a pioneer life. The 
former was born on Oct. 3, 1763, and died Oct. 26, 1814. His 
wife, who was born Nov. 5, 1767, died June 26, 1846. Their 
children were Jane, born Dec. 5, 1785, married Linus McCabc, 
died Sept. IS, 1852; Robert J., boru Jan. 31, 1788, died Sept. 
3, 1834,- Martha, born Aug. 26, 1793, married William Couser, 
died Sept. 1, 1876; and Thomas J., born June 10, 1804, died 
July 13, 1875. After the death of Thomas Fulton his farm 
passed to the possession of his two sons, Robert J. and Thomas 
J. Fulton, and subsequently became the sole property of the 
latter, 

Thomas J. Fulton, or, as he was more familiarly known, 
"Squire" Fulton, was born on the family homestead, near 
Bethlehem, on the date indicated above. His educational ad- 
vantages were such only as the district school of his neighbor- 
hood afforded. At the age of ten years he was deprived by 
death of a father's care and protection, and thus early in life 
the management and cultivation of a portion of the family 
homestead devolved upon him. He met the situation man- 
fully, and by industry, perseverance, and the exercise of good 
judgment took a place among the successful agriculturists of 
the town. He engaged in farming until the year 1859, when 
the management of the property passed to his son, William S. 
Fulton, with whom he continued to reside until his death, in 
1875. 

While Squire Fulton confined his life-work to the cultivation 
of his farm, it was in the larger field of public life that he 
manifested special activity and became most widely known. 
Early imbued with Democratic principles, he remained a stead- 
fast adherent of that party throughout his life, and was fre- 
quently honored by his fellow-citizens by election to the leading 



offices of the town of New Windsor. He was supervisor for a 
number of years; a justice of the jjeace for thirty-two consecu- 
tive years, and until he declined further election; and was for 
several years one of the lay judges of Orange County. He 
was also assessor of the town for a number of years, and in 
his capacity of a justice he transacted a large amount of public 
business. He was a man of strong convictions, decided in his 
opinions, and possessed of excellent judgment. He frequently 
acted as the adviser and counselor of his friends, and was ex- 
ecutor or administrator of a large number of estates, some of 
them of great value. His private life was free from fault; his 
integrity of purjiose and deed was never questioned; and he 
was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He took an 
active interest in church affairs, and was a valuable member of 
the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, of which he was also a 
trustee, and a ruling elder for more than a quarter of a century. 
He settled his sons, Thomas J. and William S. Fulton, on farms 
adjoining, and lived to see his family grow up and his children 
prospering in the world. 

Squire Fulton was married on Nov. 9, 1824, to Mary A. 
Schultz, of New Windsor, a representative of one of the pio- 
neer families of the town. She was born June 26, 1807, and 
died in December, 1875. The children were Fanny E, ; Mary 
J., widow of Samuel M. Clemence, late of Bethlehem; Harriet 
E., died Nov. 5, 1829; Thomas J., died Sept. 12, 1874; and 
William S. Fulton. 

Thomas J. Fulton, Jr., lived where his family still reside, 
near Bethlehem, and was a useful man in his day and genera- 
tion, filling positions of prominence in the town. He married, 
Oct. 28, 1858, Mary E., daughter of Jarvis Knapp, of New 
Windsor, who survives him, with their three daughters, Georgi- 
anna, Mary F., and Laura C. Fulton. 

William S. Fulton resides on the old homestead built by his 
father in 1847. He is a member and trustee of the Bethlehem 
Presbyterian Church; was town clerk of New AVindsor for six 
years, and assessor for the past seven years. He was elected a 
justice of the peace, but did not qualify. He married, Nov. 
10, 1859, Phebe E., daughter of Sylvester M. and Annie M. 
(iregg, of Newburgh, and has three daughters, — Fanny L., 
Jennie M., and Anna S. Fulton. They and the children of the 
late Thomas J. Fulton, Jr., are the fourth generation of the 
family residing on the same property. 



NEW WINDSOR. 



243 



amily of his graudfatlier, John Beattie. His educa- 
ional training was limited to the common schools of 

Cis day. Upon attaining his majority he came into 
ossessiou of the old Beattie homestead, which was 




children were three in number, viz. : Frances M., de- 
ceased, wife of Abner Mills, of Wallkill, and Adelaide 
and Prudence M. Kernochan, who reside on the old 
homestead. 

WILLIAM LUSK McGILL. 
His grandfather was Hugh McGill, who was born 
in the north of Ireland, where the iamily was in good 
circumstances. At the breaking out of the Irish re- 
bellion, Hugh McGill, then a lad of seventeen years 
of age, participated in the revolutionary movements 
of the neighborhood, and narrowly escaped arrest by 
the English authorities. Getting on board of a vessel 
he came to New York, and subsequently engaged in 
farming at Little Britain, Orange Co. After a time 
he purchased a farm in Cornwall, where he passed 
the remainder of his days, dying about 18.34. He 
married a Miss Hallock, and had three sons and a 
daughter. John and Samuel lived and died in Corn- 
wall. Margaret, the daughter, nuirried George Van- 
derheiden, of Troy, N. Y. 



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devised to him by his grandfather, subject to the pay- 
ment of certain legacies, and he entered upon the avo- 
cation of a farmer. On March 'J, 1S43, he was united 
in marriage to Jane, daughter of James and Prudence 
Denniston, of Little Britain, and a representative of 
another of the old, substantial families of the town. 

Mr. Kernochan i)assed liis entire life upon the tarm 
upon which he was horn. He was a careful and 
thrifty farmer, cultivating his land with intelligence 
and good judgment, and ranking among the first 
agriculturists of his section. While no aspirant for 
jiublic place, he took an active interest in events 
transpiring around him, and used his influence for 
the gooil of the conuuunity in which he dwelt, and for 
the welfare of society in general. He was possessed 
of great firmness of character, exercised an independ- 
ent judgment in most matters, and was one whose 
integrity and lionesty was never questioned. He was 
a regular attendant upon the ministrations of the As- 
sociate Reformed Church of Little Britain, of which 
he was a member and trustee, and tf> which he con- 
tributed liberally. He acted as executor and admin- 
istrator of a number of estates, and frequently as the 
advisor and counselor of his friends. He was an ex- 
cellent business man, and carried on his various trans- 
actions in a methodical and exact manner. He died 
on June 1.3, 187.5, and his wife on April 12, 1869. His 




Hugh McGill (2d), eldest son of the above-men- 
tioned Hugh, was born in the town of New Windsor 
in 1786. He grew to manhood in that town, and 
married Margaret, daughter of Richard Lusk. He 
began thi' life of a farmer first by renting, but subse- 
quently bought the farm where his son, Sanuiel S. 
McGill, lives, in New Windsor, which became the 
family homestead. He died in 1833. His three sons 
were James B., a practicing physician, who died at 
Columbus, Ohio, in 18.51 ; Samuel S., and William 
L. McGill. 



244 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The latter was burn in the town of New Windsor, 
on July 7, 1818, and grew up on his father's farm, at- 
tending the district school during the winter seasons. 
After the demise of his lather he farmed the home- 
stead, in company with his brother, until Aug. 12, 
1844, when he married Elizabeth, daughter of James 
and Elsie Kernochan. Soon after he purchased 100 
acres of his present farm of the estate of Jabez At- 
wood. Subsequent additions make the area of the 
farm 225 acres in 1881. 

Mr. McGill has been one of the most active and 
enterprising of the farmers of New Windsor for many 
years. While no office-seeker, he has always been a 
stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and taken 
an active interest in the local politics of his town. He 
has been a commissioner of highways for more than 
thirty years, a justice of tlie peace, and excise com- 
missioner for a number of years. As a farmer he has 
been successful and painstaking, and by thrift and 
economy has been enabled to accumulate a good 
estate. Until quite recently he has made a specialty 
of the making of butter. He attends the Unitarian 
Church of Newburgh, and contributes liberally of 
his income to the encouragement of all worthy enter- 
prises. He is a man of integrity and moral worth, 
and enjoys the confidence and respect of a large 
circle of friends. The children of Mr. McGill, Wil- 
liam .1. and Mary E. McGill, reside at home. 



JOHN S. BULL. 

The Bull family is one of the oldest in the county 
of Orange. Isaac Bull was born Feb. 15, 1772, passed 
his life as a farmer in the town of Monroe, and died 
Oct. 16, 1846. He was the fatlier of the subject of 
this memoir, and was twice married, first to Hannah 
Mapes, who died March 16, 1812, in her thirty-sixth 
year, and secondly to Rachel Marvin, who died with- 
out issue Jan. 27, 1829, aged fifty-five years. The 
children of Isaac and Hannah (Mapes) Bull were 
eight in number, namely: Maria, born March 6, 17S)5, 
died June 21, 1818; Franklin, born March 11, 1797, 
died April 15, 1855; Sarah, born Nov. 30, 1798, mar- 
ried Francis Bowman ; David, born Oct. 11, 1800, 
died December, 1880 ; Hiram W., born Feb. 7, 1802, 
died July 2G, 1863 ; Daniel, born Aug. 23, 1805, died 
Sept. 14, 1813 ; Elizabeth, born Feb. 25, 1808, mar- 
ried Francis Bowman, died Aug. 12, 1873; John 
Springstead, born Nov. 26, 1809, died Nov. 17, 1876 ; 
and an infant, who died unnamed. 

John S. Bull was born at Satterly, in the town of 
Monroe, on the date given above. He received a 
common-school education, and about the age of four- 
teen began the duties of life by clerking in the store 
of Barney Horton, at Hamptonburgli. After two 
years he returned to his liome for a brief season, and 
then entered the employ of his brother-in-law, David 
H. Moffatt, who was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Washingtonville. He remained with Mr. 



Moffatt until 1832, when lie purcliascd tlie business 
and engaged in trade on his own account for a num- 
ber of years longer. About the year 1840 he bought 
the old Clinton farm, in the town of New Windsor, 
of Walter Halsey, and entered upon the life of a far- 
mer, where he continued to reside until his death in 
1876. In 1855 he began the erection of the substan- 
tial stone residence in which his family live, and 
moved into it three years later. 





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The long mercantile career that Mr. Bull enjoyed 
previous to his turning his attention to agricultural 
pursuits well fitted him for success in any department 
of business life. As a farmer he was cii'cumspect in his 
affairs, cultivating his land witli good judgment, and 
utilizing the productive qualities of his farm to tlie 
fullest extent. He made a specialty of dairying for 
many years, and the excellent quality of his butter gave 
it a ready sale in the markets of the country. He was 
a careful business man, and his services were often in 
demand among his neighbors and friends who were 
in need of counsel, advice, and assistance. He was 
of a self-reliant nature, independent in judgment and 
action, and took a leading place among the progres- 
sive, intelligent farmers of his section. He partici- 
pated somewhat in local politics, but was averse to 
the holding of public office. His integrity of purpose 
and deed was never called into question, and he sus- 
tained the reputation of an upright and honorable 
man. He was a member of the Blooming-Grove 
Congregational Church. 

Mr. Bull was twice married. His first wife was 




II (f1^ Miu^ errors \^ cMi^ 



The several branches of the Cromwell family in America 
claim descent from the same parent stock as that of the Pro- 
tector, Oliver Cromwell. It is prcsumci.1 that the ancestor of 
the American line was Col. John Cromwell, third son of Rich- 
ard Cromwell, and a brother of the Protector. 

John Cromwell, son of Col. John, emigrated from Holland to 
New Netherlands. lie resided in 1680 at Long Neck. West- 
chester Co., afterwards known as Cromwell's Neck. lie mar- 
ried, and left two sons, John- and James. The latter was born 
in 1696, and died in 1780. He married Esther Godfrey, and 
had children, ^John,'' James, and "William. 

John Cromwell,^ of Harrison, Westchester Co., was born Dec. 
5, 1727, and married Anna Hopkins, of Long Island, who was 
born Jan. 12, 1730. He was an active patriot during the Revo- 
lution, and endured many hardships in the cause of liberty. 
He died in 1805. His children were James, Daniel, John, 
Joseph, William, Naomi (who married Rev. Mr. Ilalsted), Es- 
ther (who married John Griffin, Jr., of North Castle), and 
Hannah {who married Wm. Field, of Cortlandt Manor). 

James, eldest son of John Cromwell,^ and father of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born Nov. 6, 1752. He married. 
May 15, 1782, Charlotte, daughter of Aaron Hunt, of Green- 
wich, Conn. She was born Nov. 18, 1762, and died in January, 
1S30. In early manhood James Cromwell worked Gen. Morris' 
farm at Morrisania. Subsequently he kept a grocery store in 
New York City for a short time, and then located at SuETerns, 
Rockland Co., where he worked at the trade of a bhieksmith 
and at farming for several years. He finally purchased a farm 
in the town of IMonroe, Orange Co. (then known as Southfield), 
where he passed the remainder of his days. He was an indus- 
trious and successful farmer, quiet, and unostentatious in man- 
ner, a member of the Society of Friends, and a man of integrity 
and moral principles. He died Dec. 23, 1828. His children 
were Hannah, who married David Griffin, of Westchester 
County; Rebecca, who married George Fritts, of Monroe; 
Daniel, a carpenter and builder, who lived and died in New 
York City ; James, who farmed the family homestead in Mon- 
roe throughout his life ; Oliver, who passed his life in Cornwall ; 
Ann, who married John Haviland, of Westchester County; 



David, who lived and died in Cornwall; Aaron; William and 
Mary, twins, who died young; William, formerly a merchant 
in New York, died in the old homestead; and John. 

The latt(n-, the subject of this sketch, was born in the (own 
of Monroe, July 20, 1803. He was reared upon his father's 
farm, and received only a district school education. On Oi^t. 
12, 1S26, he married Letitia, daughter of Abijah and Patience 
Haviland, of White Plains, Westchester Co. After the death 
of his father he engaged in the carting business Jn New York 
City until the spring of 1847, when, having met with success, 
and by thrift and economy having accumulated some means, 
he purchased of Leonard Nicoll his present farm of one hundred 
acres, in the town of New Windsor, where he has since con- 
tinued to reside. He has been equally successful as a farmer, 
and taken a place among the prosperous and intelligent agri- 
culturists of his section. He has devoted much attention to the 
cultivation of fruit, and for many years made a specialty of the 
dairying business. He occupies a pleasant home near Moodna, 
and now, in a ripe old age, is enjoying with contentment the 
fruits of a long life of industry, of devotion to duty, and of 
fidelity to principles of right living. 

Mr. Cromwell has been a life-long member of the Society of 
Friends at Cornwall. He has led a quiet and retired life, and 
walked in the humble paths of existence, performing life's 
varied duties in a faithful manner, and resting content with 
the reflection that he was fulfilling all the purposes of Provi- 
dence iu a manly. Christian spirit. He has not participated ac- 
tively in public affairs, although he has regularly cast his vote 
at elections. By a life of integrity and honorable dealing he 
has merited the confidence and respect of many friends. 

Mr. Cromwell's first wife died in 1861, leaving four children, 
viz.: Walter, born Nov, 4, 1827, residing in California; James, 
born March 24, 1329, living at Bedford, Westchester Co.; 
Oliver, born July 24, 1S3I, residing in New Windsor; and 
David, born May 25, 1838, who is the county treasurer of 
Westchester County, at White Plains. On June 25, 1863, 
Mr. Cromwell was united to his present wife, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Charles and Ann (Conklin) Cox, of the town of New- 
burgh. 



NEWBUKGH. 



245 



Melissa, daughter of James and Mary (Chandler) 
Oro^ir, of Biihlehcm, Orange Co., to whom he was 
iiniteil Niiv. l'2, 1832, and who died, leaving no chil- 
(Irt'ii, on March 12, 1S33. His widow was Currence 
];., daughter of Samuel and Bethiah (Reeder) Mof- 
f:itt. of Blooming-Grove, whom he married on Nov. 
11, 1835. She was born Oct. 8, 1815. The children 



are Sarah Frances ; Melissa, wife of Thomas H. 
Moffatt, of New York City; Josephine; Stephen M., 
living in Newburgh ; Isaac J., residing at Washing- 
tonville; Anna B., wife of Andrew Weyant, of Orange 
County ; Austin C, farming the homestead property; 
and Emma L. Bull. Three daughters and a son 
reside at home. 



NEWBURGH. 



I. -GENERAL. 
The territory embraced in the town and city of 
Newburgh was a part of the lands purchased from the 
Indians by Governor Dongan in 1684, and subse- 
quently conveyed by patent to Capt. John Evans in 
1094. After the annulment of this patent in 1699, 
the entire district was conveyed by patent in small 
tracts, at different periods from 1703 to 1775, of which 
small tracts ten were included in the precinct of New- 
burgh as it was constituted in 1772, viz. : No. 
1, German Patent, 2190 acres, issued Dec. 18, 
1719 ; No. 2, Alexander Baird and Company, 
6000 acres, Feb. 28, 1719 ; No. 3, Jacobus Kip 
and Company, 7000 acres, Oct. 17, 1720; No. 
4, Bichard Bradley and William Jamison, 
1800 acres. May 27, 1729; No. 5, James Wal- 
lace, 2000 acres, Jan. 25, 1732 ; No. 6, Bradley 
children, 817 acres, March 26, 1739; No. 7, 
Francis Harrison and Company, 5600 acres, 
July 10, 1714; No. 8, John Spratt and Com- 
pany, 1000 acres, April 12, 1728 ; No. 9, Mel- 
chior Gulch, 300 acres, Oct. 8, 1719; No. 10, 
Peter Johnson, 300 acres, Oct. 8, 1719. 

SETTLEMENT OF THE GERMAN P.\TENT. 
The. first in order of settlement were the 
German Patent (No. 1), covering the present 
city of Newburgh and a portion of the town 
of Newburgh lying immediately north, in- 
cluding Balmville, and the patents to Melchior Gulch 
(No. 9) and Peter Johnson or Jansen (No. 10), near 
Middlehope. These settlements were composed of ' 
immigrants from the Palatinate of the Rhine, whose 
prior history may be briefly stated : [ 

They were fugitives from the Lower Palatinate of 
the Rhine wlio found their way to England in the 
early part of 1708, and who, immediately after their 
arrival, petitioned the government to be transported 
to some j)lantation in America. On the 28th of April 
following the Board of Trade and Plantations re- 
ported that the petitioners were forty-one in number, 
-viz. : ten men, ten women, and twenty-one children; i 



that "they were very necessitous and in the utmost 
want, not having anything to subsist themselves ;" that 
they had "been reduced to this miserable condition 
by the ravages committed by the French in the Lower 
Palatinate, when they lost all they had ;" that they 
had " produced testimonials from the principal magis- 
trates in the villages where they dwelt," which testi- 
monials had been examined by the board and found 
that they gave " good character" to the petitioners • 




DIAGRA.^I OF PATENTS. 

that, in view of the facts stated, "they be sent to set- 
tle upon Hudson's River in the province of New York, 
where they" might become useful to the government, 
" particularly in the production of naval stores and 
as a frontier against the French and their Indians ;" 
that they be supplied with tools and agricultural im- 
plements, and provision made for their support until 
they could " reap the fruit of their labor," and that, 
prior to their " departure, they be made denizens of the 
kingdom, for their greater encouragement in the en- 
joyment of the privileges accruing by such letters of 
denization." 

On the 10th of August, 1708, Secretary Boyle 



#iPPiflV*lf^ 







■sSiyiii^^ 



246 



NEWBURGH. 



247 



writes : " The Queen being graciously pleased to send 
fifty-two* German Protestants to New York, and to \ 
settle them there at her own expense, her majesty, as 
a further act of charity, is willing also to provide for 
the subsistence of Joshua de Kockerthal, their min- 
ister, and it is her pleasure that you pass a grant to 
him of a reasonable portion of land for a glebe, not 
exceeding five hundred acres, with liberty to sell a suit- 
able proportion thereof for his better maintenance." 
Letters of denization were issued to the immigrants 
(August L'oth I, and under a guaranty of 9'/. a day per 
head for twelve months for their support, and a grant 
of land on which to settle, they sailed for the New 
World, enrolled as " The above-mentioned clergyman, 
Joshua Kockerthal, Sibylle Charlotte his wife, and 
Christian Joshua, Benigna Sibylle, and Susanna Si- 
bylle, their children ; also Lourentz Schwisser, hus- 
bandman, Anna Catharine his wife, and Johanues 
their son ; Heinrich Rennau, stocking-maker and 
husbandman, Johanna his wife, Lourentz and Hein- 
rich, their sons, and Susanna and Maria Johanna 
Liboschain, sisters-in-law ; Andries Volck, husband- 
man, Anna Catharine his wife, Heironemus, Maria 
Barbara, and Anna Gertrude, their children ; Michael 
Weigaud, husbandman, Anna Catharine his wife, 
Tobias, George, and Anna Maria, their children ; Ja- 
cob Webber, husbandman, Anna Elizabeth his wife, 
and Eve Maria and Eve Elizabeth, their children, 
Johannes Jacob Plettel, husbandman, Anna Elizabeth 
his wife, and Margaret, Anna Sarah, and Catharine, 
their children ; Johannes Fischer, smith and husband- 
man, Maria Barbara his wite, and Andries his son ; 
Melchior Gulch, carpenter and joiner, Anna Catharine 
his wife, and Heinrich and Margaret, their children ; 
Isaac Turck, husbandman ; Peter Rose, cloth-weaver, 
and Johanna his wife, Mary Wiernarm, husband- 
woman, his mother-in-law, and Catharine her child; 
Isaac Feber, husbandman, Catharine his wife, and 
Abram their son ; Daniel Fiere, husbandman, Anna 
his wife, and Andrew and Johannes, their sons ; and 
Herman Schunemau, clerk." 

Reaching New York in the winter, they were trans- 
ferred from ihence to the district then known as 
" Quassaick Creek and Thanskamir."t Of their pri- 
vate history we know nothing beyond the fact shown 
before the Commissioners ot Trade, that they were 
men of good character, and the general fact that they 
had been stripped of their possessions by religious 
persecution ; that they were followers of the doctrines 
of Luther and members of the Lutheran Church, and 



* Original number increased I y subsequent arrivals. 

+ The precise date of their settlement is not known, but it is shown by 
a petition of William Chambers, of date Jlay 9, 170'J, for lands immedi- 
ately south of Quassaick Creek, that tiiey were here at tliat time, the 
tract which he wished to obtain being described as lnuiuded north " by 
the widow Plettel and Quassaick Creek." The Widow I'li^ttel's friends 
bad evidently erected a cabiu for lier on lands adjoining the creek on 
the north. She afterwards married fieorge Lockstead, ami the lot on 
which she had first located was granted to her second husband, herself, 
and her cliildren. 



were knit together by common memories and a faith 
that had proved sufficient to sustain them amid the 
most severe trials and sacrifices. Unlike the pioneers 
in other localities, they brought nothing with them, 
and left behind no friends able to assist them. A 
scanty public stipend, too frequently withheld, was all 
that sustained the strong arms and willing hearts 
before which the dense forest yielded its sway, their 
humble cabins dotted the hillside, and a sanctuary in 
which to worship God arose. 

Through the petitions which they sent in to the 
Council of New York, and through the records of 
their church which have been preserved, we are 
enabled, to some extent, to trace the progress of their 
settlement. On the 20th of May, 1709, they write 
that since the death of Lord Lovelace the provision 
for their support had not been complied with ; that 
they were in great want of the same, and without it 
would not be able to perfect their settlement on the 
lands assigned them, and that nineteen of their num- 
ber had changed their religion and turned Pietists, 
and withdrawn themselves from the Lutheran com- 
munion. The Council immediately granted them the 
supplies asked for; and at the same time appointed a 
committee to examine into the difficulties in their 
church. The latter were satisfactorily arranged ; and 
at the request of the Council, Col. Thomas Wenham 
engaged to provide them " a needful and necessary 
support until the expiration of twelve months." 

Soon after this (June 29th) their minister, Joshua 
Kocherthal, asked to be transported to London, in 
order to more speedily and satisfactorily arrange what 
had been done in favor of the company ; but his re- 
quest does not appear to have been granted. In Oc- 
tober following, John Conrad Codweis, in behalf of 
the company, represented in a petition that a large 
portion of the allowance granted for its support re- 
mained due, and that unless it should be provided 
they must perish during the winter. Thereupon the 
Council (October 10th) ordered the advance of sup- 
plies, the company giving " their personal security 
for the repayment thereof in case it be not paid in 
England in a year." In other words, the colonial au- 
thorities were not disposed to assume the expenditure, 
trifling though it was, of " 9(/. a day per head" in- 
volved in the agreement which had been made by the 
home government with the immigrants for their sup- 
port without definite instructions from the Commis- 
sioners of Trade and Plantations. The authority 
required was soon transmitted to the Council, and the 
I payment made, including a special allowance to Joshua 
Kockerthal of £20 a year. In the spring of 1710 
tools and building materials were distributed to them ; 
also smith tools ; iron and steel for horse-shoes, nails, 
and mending tools ; medicines, books and paper, agri- 
cultural implements, and horses, cows, and pigs.J 



J " JobIiiiii Kockerthal— 1 barrel of Lime, 3 Gouches, '2 formers, 1 Grind- 
ingstone, 1 square, 1 lule, 1 compass, and several pieces more. Hermanus 



24S 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The patent which had been promised to the immi- 
grants for the traet on wliicli they had Iseen located 
\ras not immediately grunted. On their petition in 
1713, Governor Hunter issued to Augustus Graham, 
surveyor-general of the province, a warrant directing 
him to "survey and layout for the Germans at Quas- 
saick Creek, in the county of Ulster, such quantity of 
land as is by them petitioned for and approved of in 
council," and further requiring that he should "sur- 
vey for each of them his quantity distinctly." A .sur- 
vey was made under this order, on the 13th of April, 
1714, but was not satisfactory, the immigrants repre- 
senting in petition that, the land being "all ujiland," 
they were not able to obtain subsistence for them- 
selves and families " for want of some meadow land 
for fodder for their cattle in winter." So the matter 
st<Jod until 1718, when Kockerthal, in behalf of him- 
self and associates, recited in petition that the survey 
had been made, the lands being described as "a tract 
on the west side of Hudson's River, in the county of 
Ulster, beginning on the north side of Quassaick 
Creek, and extending northerly up the Hudson River 
on a straight line 2VJ chains, and into the woods on 
that side 100 chains, containing 2190 acres;" which 
said tract had been " divided into nine lots, the which 
are numbered from 1 to 9, each lot containing a suit- 
able quantity for each family to which they are appro- 
priated, there being allowed for each head .50 acres, 
and .500 acres for a Glebe." Some changes were asked 
by the grantees. He desired that the farm assigned to 
him be added to the north side of the Glebe, and the 
same quantity given to him on the south side. This 
was granted; but the application to omit from the 
patents conveyance to "the wives and children" of 
tlie patentees was not conceded. 

Before the final allotment came some changes also 
occurred in the original company. Johannes Jacob 
Plettel died on his passage to America or soon after 
bis arrival, and his widow had married George Lock- 
stead; Joshua Kockerthal had also died; Peter Rose 
had removed to Pennsylvania and transferred his in- 



terest to " one Burger Meynders, a blacksmith," for 
some years previously a resident of Kingston; Lou- 
rentz Schwisser, Isaac Turck, Isaac Feber, Heinrich 
Rennau, and Daniel Fiere had removed elsewhere 
and Christian Henricke and Peter Johnson had been 
added to the company. These changes were recog- 
nized by the government, and the patent was issued 




tiEH.MAX I'.iTJiXT. 
E, Western Aveuue; G. Glebe Laiui ; K, King's Highway. 



Scliun<-n.an-2 Handsaws, 1 great saw, 3 Gouclies, 2 .\gore, and several 
pieces more. John Fischer-1 Tenant Saw, 1 Gimlet, 1 Hammer, 1 sn.all 
file, 1 hatchet, 1 Joj-nter, besides several jiieccs more. Michael Weigand— 
1 great file, 1 smaller ditt.., 1 mortising chisel, 1 Jojnter, 1 A.'or besides 
several pieces more. Andries Volck-1 Cross Cut Saw, 1 smoothing plain, 
1 wiping saw, another sett of Couches, besides several pieces more. The 
widow Plettel-1 wiping saw, 1 great hammer, 1 gimlet, 1 Tenant saw 
besides several pieces more. Peter Kose-1 Glupott, i Whimplingpelts, 

1 hatchet, 1 little hammer, 2 Agors, 1 Joyntor, besides several pieces 
more. Jacob Wcber_l bo.t with white lead, Knife and Compass, 1 addz 

2 Couches, 1 mortising chisel, besides several pieces more. Isaac Tnrck 
-1 Gluputt, 1 box with white lead, Knife and Compass, 1 saw-file, 3 
Couches, 1 fore plain, besides several pieces more. Lorenz Schwisser-1 
grinding stone, 1 square, 1 little gimlet, 2 Agors, 1 smoothing plain be- 
sides several pieces more. Henry Eennau-1 Cross Cut Saw 1 Miter- 
block, 1 addz, 2 Agors, 1 Gimlet, besides several pieces more. The 
Widow Wiernarin— Anotlier sort of Smoothing plain, 1 little file 1 
hatchet, besides several pieces more. Isaac Feber-l Broad axe 1 little 
hatchet, I smoothing file, 1 rule, 1 former, besides several piece's more 
Daniel Fieie-l Broad axe, 1 square, 1 Miter block, 1 Tenant saw, 1 
Joynter, besides several pieces more. Melchior Gulch-Three lull setts 
of Joyner-Tools." 



Dec. IS, 1719: " Lot No. 1, to George Lockstead and 
Anna Elizabeth his wife, Margaret, Anna Sarah, 
and Catharine, their children, 250 acres; No. 2, to 
Michael Weigand and Anna Catharine his wife, To- 
bias, George, and Anna Maria, their children,' 250 
acres; No. 3, to Herman Schunemann and Elizabeth 
his wife, 100 acres; No. 4, to Christian Henricke 100 
acres ; No. 5, to Sibylle Charlotte Kockerthal,' the 
widow of Jo.shua Kockerthal, and to Christian Joshua, 
Benigna Sibylle, and Susanna Sibylle, their children,' 
2.50 acres ; No. 6, to Burger Meynders, 100 acres ; No! 
7, to Jacob Webber and Anna Elizabeth his wife. Eve 
Maria, and Eve Elizabeth, their children, 200 acres; 
No. 8, to Johannes Fischer and Maria Barbara his 
wife, 100 acres; No. 9, to Andries Volck and Anna 
Catharine his wife, George, Hieronemus, Maria Bar- 
bara, and Anna Gertrude, their children, ,300 acres." 
To Melchior Gulch and Peter Johnson liad previously 
been issued (Oct. 8, 1719) patents for 300 acres each, 
lying north of the principal tract. Forty acres were 
reserved for highway.-,* and 500 acres for a Glebe; 
and the whole tract was to be known and called " The 
Palatine Parish by Quassaick." The Glebe lot was 
assigned to Andries Volck and Jacob Webber, and 



* The roads included in the forty acres reserved for that purpose are 
presumed to have been what is now known as Western Avenue and Lib- 
erty Street, Western Avenue formed the northern boundary of lot No 
3, and the southern boundary of lot No. 4, and extended two chains in 
whith from the river to the west bounds of the patent. Liberty Street 
originally the "King's Highway," was opened prior to the issue of the 
patent; Western Avenue was not opene.l until nearly a century later 
The settlers made other roads One ran from the river, from a point in 
the vicinity of Second Street, up the hill in a southwesterly direction 
along the bed of what is now part of Golden Street, to the corner of 
Tirst; thence to the corner of Grand and Western Avenues, and from 
thence toward Quassaick Creek, leaving the Cold Spring on the right It 
was fli'st called the •• Wallkill Koad," and subsequently " Wagon Street " 
It W.U, the principal road to the river. The first dwellings were on the 
line of Liberty Street. 



NEWBURGH. 



249 



their successors, for the use and behoof of the Lutheran 
minister and his successors forever,* for which pur- 
pose it was to be leased at a certain quit-rent, in whole 
or in parcels, for terms not longer than seven years, 
and was subject to the annual payment to the pro- 
vincial authorities of " one peppercorn," if the same 
should lie legally demanded.f 

From the church books of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion of New York, it appears that the successor of 
Joshua Kockerthal was Justus Falconier, who, it is 
said, was baptized "in the house of one of the trus- 
tees, the 19th April, 1710," and continued to serve the 
peojile at Quassaick " every year (i.e., by an annual 
visit) without any profit of the Glebe. He is deceased, 
1723." 

In the year 1725, William Christoffer Berkenmeyer 
arrived at New York, and entered upon the duties of 
pastor of the Lutlieran Church there, and also filled 
the appointment of Falconier at Quassaick. Mean- 
while the two trustees of the Glebe, Andries Volck 
and Jacob Webber, had sold out their lands and re- 
moved to Pennsylvania, and their places had been 
supplied by Zacharias Hofman and Tobias Weigand, 
son of Michael Weigand, who, in 1727, entered into a 
written contract with the Consistory of the Lutheran 
congregation of New York, by the terms of which tlie 
congregation at Quassaick were received into the com- 
munion of the former body, they consenting " that the 
Lutheran minister of New York, at his going to and 
from Albany," should visit Quassaick parish twice in 
each year, for which service he should receive the 
yearly rents and profits of the Glebe. The contract 
continues as follows: " As we (the trustees named) do 
herewith call, constitute, and appoint Mr. William 
Christoffer Berkenmeyer, Lutheran minister at New 
York, for our lawful teacher of the parish of Quassa- 
ick, to minister to us twice a year, as well in preach- 
ing the holy scriptures, and the symbolical books of 
our Lutheran Church, as in administering the holy 
sacraments of Christ's institution, promising to pay 
him the income, etc., and acknowledging him as our 
teacher, as also whenever he lands upon our shore to 
receive him and brine him back on board the vessel. 



* "To have aud to bold tJie said Glebe of 5U0 acres of the same tract 
of land and premises unto the aforesaid Andries Volck and JuluIj Web- 
ber as first trustees, during their natural lives and their successors for- 
ever. But to and for the sole and only proper use, benefit, and behoof 
of a I.uthenin nuoister to serve aud have the care of the inhabitants of 
the same 2100 acres of laud, and their successors forever." 

t All patents were conditioned upon the annual payment of a quit- 
rent. This payment was sometimes due in money, and often in wheat 
or other commodity. " Twenty shillings and one fat buck per annum" 
was the rent of the Evans Patent. The rent of one peppercorn implied a 
free grant. The rents of the larger patents produced an annual revenue 
to the government of considerable amount. After the Revolution the 
rente became due to the State. In 178G it was provided that lands sub- 
ject to these rents might be released on the payment of arrears, and 
fourteen shillings to every shilling of the annual dues. Many titles in 
fee were obtained under this commutation; there were also many for- 
feitures and sales. The last sale took place in March, 1S26, and all the 
old rents finally extinguished. The ai rears for quit-rents, then amount- 
ing to j^3,3SU, were iu ISl'J taken fiom the general fund and given in 
equal proportions to the bterature and school funds. 

17 



Moreover, since hitherto we can make no use of the 
bell given to our parish, we therefore give the said 
bell, by oral permission of his excellency Governor 
Burnet, to the Lutheran Church of New York. How- 
ever, on this condition, if it should happen that we 
should be able to build a church of our own at 
any time thereafter, then the Lutheran Church of 
New York shall restore to us the same bell, such as 
it now is, or another of equal weight and value. 
Signed, sealed, etc., March 30, 1727." Mr. Berken- 
myer served until 1731, receiving thirty cheeples of 
wheat.]: 

In the year 1733, Michael Christian Knoll was ap- 
pointed minister at " Quassaick Creek, Weapon's 
(Wappinger's) Creek, and Hackensaek." He served 
in the parish of Quassaick three times each year, re- 
ceiving thirty cheeples of wheat each year. It was 
during his administration that the Palatines erected 
the building remembered by many of the former gen- 
eration as the Glebe school-house, which stood in the 
burying-ground on Liberty Street. This was their 
church. The precise date of its erection cannot now 
be ascertained. It was a building of perhaps twenty 
feet square, with a roof running up from the four 
sides. In the centre of tlie roof a little cupola was 
erected in which hung the bell which had been loaned 
to the Lutherans of New York, the prior gift of 
Queen Anne. The building was without floor or 
chimney, an aperture in the roof, under the cupola, 
serving the latter purpose. In this building the 
people worshiped. In their poverty it was their 
palace, and not less acceptable to the Great Ruler 
than the costly edifices and gilded spires which men 
now dedicate to His service. 

While these events were transpiring, a considerable 
change occurred in the population of the settlement. 
The Palatines were mainly farmers, and in the places 
of their nativity had occupied lands of the richest and 
finest soil, and such they sought to obtain in the New- 
World. The sterile hills of Quassaick off'ered them 
no such attraction, while those of their number who 
had found their way to Pennsylvania had realized 
their expectations, and pressed their former neigh- 
bors to remove thither. Under these influences tlie 
majority of them sold their farms. The first sale was 
by George Lockstead and Michael Weigand, of the 
whole of lot No. 1, and half of lot No. 2, to Nathan 
Smith, ^ from whom the western part of both lots was 
purchased by William Brown as attorney for Governor 

t The agreement quoted appears to have been the result of a misun- 
derstanding between Mr. Berkenmeyer aud the Palatines, in 1726, con- 
cerning the produce of the Glebe lands, to which he considered himself 
entitled for his services, and which for some cause was withheld. Berk- 
enmeyer first laid his complaint before the Governor, expecting him to 
interfere in bis behalf. The Goverttor, however, declined to act in the 
matter, and wrote him a letter pointing out his mode of relief, saying 
that the courts of law were open to him where such ca-es were disposed 
of. The difficulty was settled by this contract. 

'i Katlian Smith was a blacksmith by trade. He removed from Kings- 
ton and settled on the patent to William Chambers (New Windsor), from 
I whence he came to the parish of Quassaick. 



250 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William Burnet,* and sold by him to Alexander Col- 
den, who subsequently sold to Jonathan Hasbrouck.t 
The eastern part of lot No. 2 was sold by Michael Wei- 
gand to William Brown, for Governor Burnet, and 
to Burger Meynders. The former sold the southern 
half of the lot to Alexander Golden, by whom it 
was conveyed (1753) to Jonathan Hasbrouck. Meyn- 
ders occupied the northeastern part of the lot until 
1753, when he also sold to Hasbrouck, who thus became 
the owner of the largest portion of lots No. 1 and No. 
2. Lot No. 3 was sold by Herman Schuneman to 
James Alexander.^ from whom it was purchased by 
Alexander Golden and Burger Meynders,^ except two 
acres at the northeast corner reserved by Alexander. 
Meynders subsequently sold to Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
and Golden cut up a portion of his share into small 
parcels. Lot No. 4 was sold by Ghristian Henricke 
to William Brown, for Governor Burnet, from whom 
it was purchased by Cadwallader Golden for himself, 
Jacobus Bruyn, James Alexander, Phineas Mcintosh, 
Daniel Denton, Michael Dunning, and Henry Wile- 
man, by whom it was divided (1730-31 ) into lots, and 
was subsequently known as " The Old Town of New- 
burgh Plot." II Lot No. 5, granted to the widow of 
Joshua Kockerthal, was sold by her children (1741) 
to James Smith, who sold one acre in the southeast 
corner to Alexander Golden ; the remainder descended 
to Benjamin Smith. Lot No. 6, the first one north of 
the Glebe, was sold by Burger Meynders to Burras 
Holmes. Lot No. 7 was sold by Jacob Webber to 
Zacharias Hofman, August 5, 1724. Lots Nos. 8 and 
9 were sold by Johannes Fischer and Andries Volck 
to Zacharias Hofman, Feb. 20, 1722.11 Hofman held 
the lots until his death, when they were sold by his 
heirs. These changes brought the Glebe lands into 
occupation to some extent by the families of the orig- 
inal settlers or their descendants who had not re- 
moved from the place, and by strangers who had 
rented them ; they also brought to the Golden plots a 
number of immigrants. 

To the original settlers the new-comers were known 
as " the Dutch and English new inhabitants," terms 

* " His Excellency Gov. William Burnet" is the language of the deed. 
Governor Burnet was a eon of the distinguished Bislio|» Burnet. He 
was Governor of the province for a few years prior to 1728. 

t The eastern part of lot No. 1 descended f;om Nathan Smith to Henry 
aTid Thwnias, his sons, and way suhseiiuently purchased hy James Ren- 
wick. 

J James Alexander was the father of William Alexander, who served 
as an officer in the war of the Revulutiou, and who is familiarly known 
in liiatory as Lord Stirling. He attained considerable distinction 
in the colony, and was largely interested in lands, not only in wliat is 
now Orange County, but in otlier parts of the State. 

g Sou of tlie original patentee. 

II The leader will not coyfound this title with that of "Old Town," 
by wliich the Glebe lands have been known in more modern times. 
Christian Henricke's land (lot No. 4) was that section of the present 
city of Newburgh lyiug between Fii-st Street and Western Avenue. 
It will be referred to hereafter as being the tirst to bear the name of 
Newburgii. 

'J Tlie deeds from Webher and Volck are recorded in the Ulster 
County records. W'L-bber S(dd for £110, and Volck and Fischer for £130, 
" to be divided between them." 



which may be understood to mean " members of the 
English and Reformed Dutch Ghurches." Their ac- 
quisition was most favorable to the growth of the 
place. The association of which Governor Golden 
' was the representative was influential, and the fact 
that they had established a township plot on the tract 
was soon noised abroad. Daniel Denton, so well 
known in Long Island history, apparently took con- 
siderable interest in the matter, and sent to the jdace 
his son James and his neighbor Richard Albertson. 
Duncan Alexander, the son of .Tames Alexander, was 
also added to the list of inhiibitants; while conspicu- 
' ous in his eflbrts to induce settlements on the tract 
1 was Alexander Golden, who, in furtherance of the 
interest which he held, obtained (1743) the charter 
for the present Newburgh ferry, and at about the same 
time erected a grist-mill on the Quassaick. From a 
German settlement the place had passed, in 1743, 
almost wholly under the control of the Scotch-Eng- 
lish, and had been inchoately christened with the 
Scotch name of Newburgh. Such possibilities as 
they saw in the " uplands" on which the Palatines had 
almost starved, to the latter were not vouchsafed, or 
if they were they were without the means to secure. 

The increase in population brought with it also a 
change in the civil organization of the district. 
When they were first established on the patent the 
Palatines were not given local officers ; justices and 
constables do not appear to have been known to them; 
the commission of crime is not recorded against them ; 
their church was their government. Yet civil author- 
ity was made accessible to them, and the hand of the 
government extended to them in the collection of 
I taxes, as part of the specifically undefined territory 
of the precinct of the Highlands, which was created 
for that purpose by an order of the court of sessions 
I of Ulster Gounty, Sept. 5, 1710. More definite boun- 
daries and a more limited territory were given to the 
precinct in 1743, at which time " the parish by Quas- 
saick" had become a comparatively important portion 
of its composition. 

But to the church of the Palatines the influx of 
population was disastrous ; under its touch this last 
link of their association was dissolved. Resuming 
the record, we find that Zacharias Hofman, one of the 
trustees of the Glebe, died in 1744, and that on the 23d 
of June, in the same year, Burger Meynders, Jr., was 
elected as his successor and " Tobias Weigand anew 
confirmed, which was done in the church there: none 
of the English and Dutch new inhabitants appearing, 
although they were knowing to our election." Three 
years later, on the 22d of July, pursuant to the terms 
of the patent, a meeting of all the inhabitants of the 
parish was held, and the new inhabitants, who were 
there in force, elected " Mr. Alexander Golden and 
Mr. Richard Albertson for their trustees," who took 
immediate steps to open the church to a minister of 
the Ghurch of England, one of whom, the Rev. Heze- 
kiah Watkins, was then stationed in the district. 



NEWBURGH. 



251 



The record continues: " Our (the Lutheran) minis- 
ter coming there, did preach the 12th of July, without 
spealcing to the new trustees. Sunday, the IS'th, the 
church was full of people, taken out of the country 
from both sides of the river. Some justices of the 
peace, and some with swords and sticks, were there in 
the church, in the ])resence of the English minister, 
Mr. Watkings, who was come there the first time 
the same Sunday. Our minister, after oral and pub- 
lic protest at the door of the church, went into a 
private house upon the Glebe to do divine worship 
for the Lutherans.* In the year 1748, the 3d July, 
our minister preached in the church, to which Mr. 
Albertson did consent, because the English minister 
was not to come there tliat Sunday ; but Mr. Col- 
den did prohibit the church. The 2d October our 
minister was preaching in the church without speak- 
ing with the new trustees." 1 

This appears to have been the last visit made by 
" our minister," Mr. Michael Christian Knoll. In be- 
half of himself and others, he presented to Governor 
Clinton a petition, dated May 12, 1749, setting forth 
the facts of the case substantially as here given, stating 
further " that the Lutheran inhabitants living on the 
said granted lands, being now reduced to a small num- 
ber, the present inhabitants have taken occasion to de- 
prive your petitioners of the said church and Glebe, 
and have lately hindered your petitioner, Michael 
Christian Knoll, from performing service in it, and 
forbade the tenants to pay the rents to your said peti- 
tioner, pretending that the said Glebe and church have 
reverted to the crown for want of Lutheran inhabitants 
to enjoy them, notwithstanding your petitioners do aver 
that within a convenient distance from the said lands 
as great a number of Lutheran families are living as 
are sufficient to make a congregation for divine service 
at those times when your petitioner, Michael Chris- 
tian Knoll, by his agreement is called to preach at 
that place. Your petitioners therefore most humbly 
pray your excellency to grant to your petitioners, the 
minister and consistory of the Protestant Lutheran 
Church of New York, letters patent to confirm the 
said church and five hundred acres of land for the 
use of a Lutheran minister, for the benefit of the said 
Lutherans in that neighborhood." Another petition 
on the same subject was submitted to the Governor, 
by the same parties, on the 5th of October, 1749, in 
which it is positively asserted that " there live as ten- 
<intn upon the Glebe and thereabout, on both sides of 
the river, more than thirty families" of the Lutheran 

* Tlie tradition connected with this affair is that the Lutherans at- 
tempted a forcible ejectment of the new inliabitants, bnt failed. In tlie 
inehe tiie door of the cliurcli was forced from its liinges and one bulky 
Lutlieran buried lieueatli it as it fell. He escajted with a few bruises, and 
the assailants retreated with most woeful countenances. 

There is another tradition, that the bell previously noticed was taken 
from its place secretly at night and hidden in the swamp on the lands 
lately owned by William P. C. Smith, deceased ; in which place it re- 
mained for thirty or forty years, when it was accidentally discovered 
and returned to its proper place. The bell was subsequently placed in 
tlie cupola of the academy, where it remained until 1831 or 1832. 



confession. This paper and the documents accom- 
panying it were read before the Council, October 29th, 
and the memorandum in reference to their disposition 
is: "Read, and Council of opinion that nothing can 
be done in this petition." In other words, the terms 
of the charter having been complied with in the elec- 
tion of tru.stees, the Council refused to set the result 
aside. 

The decision of the Council practically terminated 
"The Palatine Parish by Quassaick," the original 
members of which had long previously removed from 
it, or had been laid away in its quiet churchyard. 
As a people, they were earnest, good men and women. 
Wherever they or their neighbors of subsequent im- 
migrations are met, their record compares favorably 
with that of the immigrants from any other country. 
No citizens of more substantial worth are found 
under the flag of this their native land than their 
descendants ; no braver men were in the armies of 
the Revolution than Herkimer and Muhlenberg. 
Had they done nothing in the jiarish but made clear- 
ings in its forests and planted fields they would be 
entitled to grateful remembrance ; they did more, — 
they gave to it its first church and its fir.-it govern- 
ment ; and in all its subsequent history their descend- 
ants have had a part. We close their record with 
wonder, not that they accomplished so little, but that 
they accomplished so much. 

The affairs of the Palatine or Lutheran Church and 
of the Glebe remained in the position which has been 
stated until 1751, when Edmund Concklin, Jr., Wil- 
liam Ward, Jacob Wandel, James Denton, William 
Smith, Richard Albert.son, Thomas Ward, John 
Wandel, Caklass Leveridge, Henry Smith, William 
Mitchell, Alexander Colden, Nathan Furman, Daniel 
Thurston, Michael Demott, and Duncan Alexander 
presented a petition to Governor Clinton and Council, 
praying for letters patent conveying to themselves 
and their successors the Glebe lands, with a view to 
establish and maintain a minister of the Church of 
England and a schoolmaster ; with power to divide 
the Glebe so as to reserve 200 acres for the use of a 
minister and schoolmaster, and cut up the remaining 
300 acres into lots of one acre each, which lots, in- 
stead of being leased for seven years, should be lea.3ed 
forever, the lease-holder paying an annual rent ; and 
also with power to "hold a fair on the said lands on 
the second Tuesday in April and October annually." 
Notwithstanding the earnest remonstrance of the 
Lutherans, the Governor issued a warrant to William 
Smith, Esq., "His Majesty's Attorney-General," di- 
recting him to "prepare a draft of letters i)atent to 
Alexander Colden and Richard Albertson, trustees, 
etc., for the Glebe land of Quassaick, in the county 
of Ulster," in accordance with the terms of the peti- 
tion, the lands to be held by the "said Alexander 
Colden and Richard Albertson, as first trustees, 
during their natural lives, and to their successors for- 
ever, for the sole use and behoof of a minister of the 



llISTOlir OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Church of England, as by law established, and a 
schoolmaster, to have tlie care of souls and the in- 
struction of the children of the neighboring inhabi- 
tant!>." 

This was followed by a legal surrender, on the part 
of C'olden and Albertson, of the lauds held by them 
as trustees under the first patent; and on the 26th 
day of March, 1752, the letters patent previously 
ordered by the Governor and Council were issued, 
" constituting them and their successors one body 
corporate and politic, in fact and name, by the name 
of the J'arin/i of Neirbunih" and vesting in them 
the lands in question in trust " for the proper use, 
benefit, and behoof of a minister of the Church of 
England, as by law established, to have the care of 
souls of the aforesaid tract of 2190 acres of land, and 
of a schoolmaster to teach and instruct the children 
of the aforesaid inhabitants, and their successors 
forever, and to no other use whatever." The patent 
further granted to the trustees and their successors 
" free and full liberty and license to hold and keep a 
public fair upon the tract of 500 acres on the second 
Tuesday in April and October in every year forever 
hereafter, where, as well all the inhabitants of the 
aforesaid tract of 2190 acres of land, as those in the 
neighboring settlements and counties, and all other 
persons whatsoever, may buy and sell any horses, 
sheep and cattle, or any goods, wares, and merchan- 
dise whatsoever, without paying any toll or other fees 
for the same."* 

The provision for the maintenance of a school- 
master, and for an annual fair, as well as the denomi- 
uation of the minister, were new features in the 
patent. Another new feature was the change ef- 
fected in the name of the settlement. Under the first 
patent it had borne, as we have shown, the title of 
Qua-ssaick; and by this name the place was legally 
known until the grant of the new patent, in which 
it was expressly directed that the settlement should 
be called " the Parish of Newburgh." Previous to 
the legal application of this name the place had been 
called Newburgh by the "new inhabitants," as al- 
ready stated, as early as 1731. t In the petition of 
Alexander Golden, May 24, 1743, asking for letters 
patent to establish a ferry, it is said, "at a jilace now 
commonly called Newburgh Patent." In the peti- 
tion of Colden, Albertson, and others, Nov. 4, 1751, 
it is said, " at a place called Quassaick, now com- 
monly called Newburgh Patent, in Ulster County." 
As both of these papers were drawn by Colden, it 

* Such fairs are very common in England and Gnrmany. In many of 
tlie counties of tlie province tliey were established by special enactment 
of the Assembly at an early period. The fairs were hold on the spot 
above named down to the stormy times of tlie Revolntion, were resumed 
aifter the war, and were held at different periods as late as 1SU5, at whicli 
time they had degenerated into mere exhibitions of race-horses. The 
last fair of which any record luis been preserved was held on Tuesday, 
Oct. 14, 1805, when a premium of $200 was awarded "to the jockey 
riding the best horse on the course of Beujamin Case." 

t " The Old Town of Newburgh Plot." 



would seem that to Colden belongs the honor of 
having conferred the title which the town and the 
city now bear. The name is of Saxon origin, the 
word lieu- being the English orthography for the 
Saxon iicon^, and hurgh is the Saxon bunj with the 
English addition of the letter /t.J 

One of the first oflicial acts of the trustees under 
the new patent was the division of the Glebe into 
streets and lots, the designating of portions for the 
minister and schoolmaster, and the repair and seating 
of the church building. Soon after, a map was pre- 
pared showing the location of the streets and lots. 
The streets laid out on it are confined to the Glebe, 
with the exception of King Street, and are King, 
now Liberty ; Second, now Grand ; Hasbrouck, now 
Montgomery ; Water, South, Clinton, Broad, and 
North. The streets named, however, with the ex- 
ception of King and South Streets, were not opened 
until a subsequent period. J The lots were occupied 
as follows: No. 1, by the church; 2, by three build- 
ings owned by John Morrel and Dr. Morrison ; 3, one 
dwelling by William Ward ; 4, one dwelling by 
Henry Bend; 5, one dwelling unoccupied; 6, one 
dwelling by Joseph Albertson ; 7, two dwellings by 
Martin Weigand ; 25, one dwelling by Henry Don ; 
29, one dwelling by William Ward ; 41, one dwelling 
by William Ward, Jr. The remaining lots were 
without buildings and occupied as follows: No. 8, 
John M. Young; 9 and 10, Patrick McCary; 11, 
Thomas Waters ; 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60, Alexander 
Brower; 13, Samuel Sands; 14, Morrel and Morri- 
son ; 15 and 40, William AVard, Jr. ; 16 and 39, Joshua 
Sands ; 18, 53, 63, and 65, Joseph Albertson ; 19, 31, 
and 43, Jonas Denton ; 20, 32, and 44, Samuel Den- 
ton ; 21, Dr. Isaac Brown; 22, Morris Fowler; 23, 
Thomas Brown ; 26, Charles McCary ; 28 and 71, Abel 
Belknap ; 33 and 45, Jonathan Hasbrouck ; 34, .35, 
46, 47, 58, 59, and 70, Thomas Morrel ; 37, Robert 
Morrison; .38, William Miller; 42, Thomas Ward; 
50, 57, and 69, David Connor; 51, Thaddeus Smith; 
52 and 64, Jeremiah Ward; 55 and 67, James Tidd; 
66, Nathan Smith ; 73, Isaac Belknap ; 17, 49, 54, 56, 
61, 62, and 68, and those west of King Street, vacant. 



X It is reasonable to presume that had the name been conferred by the 
Germans in honor of the Elector John William, of the house of New- 
burg, it would not have been written with the final h. 

g The marginal notes on this map ai'e as follows; " Lots Nos. 1 and 27 
aie reserved for church and churcliyards, and No. 72 for a public land- 
ing and shipyard. The owners of the lots below King Street are Capt. 
Jonathan Hasbrouck, Nos. 3:t and 4.t ; Samuel Denton, Nos. 20, 32, and 
44; Jonatlian Denton, Nos. :U, 4;i, and 10; John Hlorrel and Dr. Morri- 
son, Nos. 2 atid 14; William Ward, Jr., No. 3, l:>, 64, and 70 ; Joseph Al- 
bertson, Nus. 0, 18, 53, 63, 05, 07; Martin Weigand and others. No. 7; 
Patrick McCary, Nos. 9 and 10; Alexander IJrower, Nos. 11, 12, 23, 24, 
30, 48, 60; Tlioniivs Morrel, Nos. 10, 22, 34, 40, 50, 59, 35, 47, 70; Abel 
Belknap, Nos. 71 and 20; Isaac Belknap, No. 73. N. B. — South Street, 
Broad Street, and Nortli Street are each two chains wide, and all the rest 
each one chain. Each lot contains one acre of land, and is three chains 
and eighty-three links in length and two chains and si.\ty-five links in 
breatlth." From the well-ascertained dates at which some of the lot- 
owners became residents, it is apparent that sotne of the entries on the 
map were made at a later period than the map itself. 



NEWBURGH. 



253 



The records throw little additional light upon the 
period between the transfer of the Glebe to Coldeu 
and Albertson and the events immediately preceding 
the Revolution. The few facts that we have gathered, 
however, are worthy a passing notice in this history, 
as they serve to indicate the progress of the parish. 
It was during this period that the trustees of the 
Glebe erected a residence for their minister, and a 
residence and school-house* combined for their 
schoolmaster. The former was a building about 
thirty-five feet square, a single story and attic in 
height, with a rude portico. It stood on the parson- 
age lot, on the west side of what is now Liberty Street, 
just north of Gidney Avenue. It was here that Heze- 
kiah Watkins, the first English minister, resided. 
The building continued to be occupied as a parsonage 
until after the commencement of the Revolutionary 
war, and subsequently became a tenant-house. The 
schoolmaster's house was a building of similar con- 
struction, and stood on the schoolmaster's lot on the 
west side of Liberty, nearly opposite Clinton Street. It 
had no portico, but was deeper than the parsonage- 
house, the school-room being placed in the rear. In 
this rudimental college Hutchins and Spierin pre- 
sided, and gave instruction in the old-fashioned rule 
of Daboll and birch rods ; made good scholars in 
"reading, writing, and arithmetic," and graduated at 
least two generations of worthy members of society. 

In 17G7, John Morrel and Joseph Albertson peti- 
tioned Governor Henry Moore for the establishment 
of more taverns at Newburgh. In this petition it is 
stated " that on the Glebe land there are about sev- 
enteen dwelling-houses, which are situated at or close 
by a very public landing-placet on Hudson's River, 
whither many people from the back parts of the 
country bring their produce to send it to New York, 
having at least three boats belonging to the place 
that constantly go from thence to New York and re- 
turn back again with goods, which creates a very con- 
siderable trade ;" that in order to accommodate this 
trade it had been thought necessary, for several years 
previous, "to permit taverns or public-houses to be 
set up at or near the said landing," for the better "en- 
tertainment of the country people ;" that " until about 
two years ago" one of the petitioners had been per- 
mitted to set up a tavern and retail liquors, and kept 
"a very good and orderly house.".} Notwithstanding 
these facts, " one James McClaughry, one of the com- 
missioners for collecting the duty of excise for strong 
liquors, etc., in the county," had refused to grant per- 
mits to the petitioners, but had "granted a permit 
only to one Martin Wygant,| who pays three pounds 

* It has been supposed that the Glebe school was kept in the old 
church ; but this is a niistake. The church was not used as a school- 
house uutil after 1804. 

t What was afterwards known as Powell's Dock, at the foot of Fii-et 
Street. 

X Joseph Albertson was the person here referred to. His house was on 
Liberty Street, south of Brojid. 

3 Martin Weigand's tavern stood oii the north side of IJroad Street, 



for the excise, whereas all the retailers together in 
the place when they were permitted did not [jay more 
than two pounds." The petitioners urged the "abso- 
lute necessity for at least three or four taverns at the 
said landing-place, to accommodate the country 
people, travelers, and passengers ;" and that unless so 
many taverns were licensed, the place would "become 
of no account and be deserted by its inhabitants." 
The petition bears date Feb. 4, 1767, and the state- 
ments contained in it are certified to by eighty-three 
persons " inhabitants of the county of Ulster," whose 
names show the change in ihe population of the set- 
tlement. What answer was given to this petition 
does not appear, but as the place has since become of 
some "account," it is reasonable to suppose that the 
prayer of the petitioners was granted, and that the 
dire calamities predicted, in case of refusal, were thus 
averted. It is a little amusing to note the language 
of the inhabitants of this august village of " about 
seventeen houses," and their reference to "people 
from the country." ]i 

We next have, under date of Nov. 17, 1769, a jicti- 
tion to Cadwallader Golden, Lieutenant-(TOvernor, 
and at that time acting Governor of the province, 
asking for a charter for the Newburgh Mission. This 
petition is signed by John Sayre, missionary ; Chas. 
Robie, Cad. Golden, Jr., Samuel Fowler, and Joseph 
Watkins, vestrymen ; and Robert Carscaden, Andrew 
Graham, and Josiali Gilbert, church wardens, and re- 
cites " that by the pious donations of several jier- 
sons" the mission was then in the possession of sundry 
tracts of land, " now held for the church by deeds of 
trust only," and that from " the inconvenience arising 
from this and sundry other matters" in which the 
good of the church was essentially concerned, the 
petitioners humbly prayed for a royal charter, which 
was granted. 

In 1770 (April IGth), John Sayre, missionary, Sam- 
near Liberty. It was a mere log cabin with a frame addition. During 
the encampment at Newburgh, Gen. Wayne had his quarters there. 
AlfOUt 1780, Weigand removed to a more commodious buildiug on Lib- 
erty Street, just north of the bnrying-ground, and tlie old taveru was 
occupied by the father of Gen. John E. Wool, and was the birthplace of 
that officer. Martin Weigand was a grandson of the original settler, 
Michael Weigand. 

II The signatures are Samuel Falls, Edward Falls, Isiiac Hodge. 
Thomas Orr, Henry Smith, Thomas Smitli, Jacob Gillis, Samuel Fowler, 
John Stilwell, James Demot Joel Holmes. Isaac Demot, Daniel Denton, 
John Flewwelling, Abel Flewwelling, Josiah Cone, Daniel Durland, Silas 
Leonard, Nathaniel Conklin. James Denton, John Alston, Buroughs 
Holmes, Henry Terboss.John Porter, William Harding, Lemuel Couklin, 
Hendrick Cropsey, Joseph Hallett, Jacob Haiett, John Flewwelling, 
Mauris Flewwelling, Tunes Dalson, John Dalson, Jacob Douchtout.f.'or- 
neles Gale, Thomas Hard, John Elsworth, Benjamin Totten, Joshaw.ay 
Conklin. John Truesdell, Gilbert Purdy, Nathan Pnrdy, Isaiah Purdy, 
Joshua Purdy, Leouiird Smith, Lufi Smith, Anning Smith, Daniel Smith, 
Gilbert Denlon, Pete Ston, John Wier, Hen. A. Gamble, Nathan Purdy, 
Elijah Carman, Nehemiab Denton, James Toundsend, Isaac Browu^ 
Stephen Albertson, Obadiah Smith, David Wyatt, Hezekiah Wyatt, Thad- 
eus Smith, John Wandle, Isa.ic Shults, John Carman, William Ward, 
Robert Jlorrison, Mary Wilson, widow, John Fox, Stephen Hooper, John 
Hullen, John Vangonder, Benjamin Smith, Elnathan Foster, William 
Booyls, Robert Oar Harding, Thomas Morrel, Daniel McCor, John Bride, 
Jacob Wandel, Jacob Ansell, William Whitehead, Richard Albertson. 



254 



HISTOHY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



uel Fowler, William Ellison, John Ellison, Stephen 
Wiggins, Leonard Smith, Samuel Wiiislow, and Na- 
than Purdy petitioned Governor Colden for " a royal 
charter of incorporation of St. George's Church, in the 
parish of Newburgh, and county of Ulster," which 
was granted.* 

SETTLEMENT OF OTHER I'ATENT.?. 

Passing from the jjarish of Newburgh to the ad- 
joining patents which have been enumerated, the 
following facts are of record in regard to their original 
proprietors and to their sale and settlement : 

The Baird Patent (No. 2) was issued to Alexander 
Baird, Abraham Van Vlecque, and Hermanus John- 
son. It was sold to Governor William Burnet, who 
through his attorney, William Brown, of Salem, 
Mass., sold 250 acres to Arthur McKiniiy. April 24, 
1745; 250 acres to Andrew Todd, June 1, 1740; and 
twenty-six lots, numbered from 4 to 30, to Samuel 
Belknap, Dec. 25, 1749. The latter sold thirteen of 
the lots to his brother Thomas,! in 1754 ; one lot to 
Morgan Powell, in 1761 ; part of a lot to Josiah 
Talket, in 1765; part of a lot to Felix McLannen, in 
1765 ; pai-t of a lot to James Stickney, in 1766 ; four 
lots to Isaac Belknap, in 175.3 ; four lots to Abel 
Belknap and four to David Belknap, in 1766. Thomas 
Belknap sold one lot to Samuel Sprague, in 1761, 
and part of a lot to Robert Beattie. Beattie was also 
the purchaser of a lot from William Brown, in 1769. 
The Belknaps and the purchasers from them, with 
the exception of Beattie, were Massachusetts people, 
and were the first principal colonists of New England 
who removed hither. For a number of years their 
settlement was known as Belknap's Ridge, but more 
recently has been classed as Coldenham, from the 
district post-office of that name. 

The Kipp and Cruger Patent (No. 3) was issued to 
Jacobus Kipp, John Cruger, Philip Cortlandt, David 
Provost, Oliver Schuyler, and John Schuyler. It in- 
cluded the district east, north, and west dl Orange Lake, 
and adjoined the Baird Patent on the south. J It was 
the most densely timbered and the latest in occupa- 
tion of any of the patents, except that to Bradley 
and Jamison. It was divided into six parts, which 
were subdivided into farm-lots. Pearly deeds are not 
recorded; but tradition affirms that Silas Gardner, 
with a number of lumbermen, entered the district on 
the southeast in 1767, and established the settlement 
known as Gardnertown. Henry W. Kipp held a very 

* Tills charter is still preserved in the archives of St. George's Church. 
It Wivs granted May 2, 1T70. 

t H'-lkriap liaid £1500 for the lots, ami sold one-balf of tliem to his 
brorluT Tlionins for £826. At that time it required ten pounds (oUl 
t(MM>r) to make one pound sterling. Belknap paid, therefore, £150 ster- 
ling, or $;i75 (New York standani^ for his lots. This rule of computing 
ptmuds win apply to all otlier sales of lauds at that time or prior. 

t Described as beginning "at three black -oak saplings on the east side 
of the gieat pond, seven chains to the northward of the eel-fishing place 
or llie lieginniug of Qnassaick Brook." The eel-fishing place must liave 
l)een a resort of the Indians ; it could not have been known to the Eng- 
lish at th.-it time. 



considerable portion of Jacobus Kipp's share, and is 
said to have built, prior to the Revolution, the house 
now occupied l)y Jeronius Thorne, and to have called 
the place " his Rocky Forest." Nicholas Stevens 
was a purchaser from him. William Lupton held 
the Cruger interest, in whose honor Mr. Solomon 
Birdsall conferred the name of Luptondale. Alex- 
ander McCoy was a tenant or settler under him, and 
Michael Redmond and John Abrams were among the 
earliest purchasers. A colony of Friends from West- 
chester County, composed of Daniel, Zephaniah, and 
Barak Birdsall, John Sutton, and John Thorne, set- 
tled on the patent about 1791. Daniel Birdsall bought 
the place which McCoy had partially cleared, and 
found there a log house with a bark roof, which he 
occupied. Barak Birdsall bought of Henry W. Kip]), 
and subsei|uently became the owner of the Nicholas 
Stevens place. The Birdsalls are still largely repre- 
sented in the district. 

The settlement of the Bradley and Jamison Patent 
(No. 4) cannot lie traced in early records. It is said 
that Johannes Snyder and John Crowell were first 
purchasers there. St. Andrew's Church, at Walden, 
held a farm-lot in the patent by gift from Bradley. 

The Wallace Patent (No. 5) was to James Wallace 
alone. It was ))urchased by Joseph Penny, who sold 
200 acres to Robert Ross, and settled upon the re- 
mainder with his seven sons, — John, William, Robi- 
son, Joseph, Peter, James, and Allen. Penny was 
from Wales, England. Ross was Scotch, and is .said 
to have been the first settler on the patent, and to 
have established the name of Rossville, although the 
patent itself became known as " the Penny Patent." 

The Bradley Patent (No. 6) was to Sarah, Catha- 
rine, George, Elizabeth, and Mary Bradlej', and was 
taken in their name by their father, Richard Bradley, 
who was thus enabled to secure six tracts in separate 
locations (of which that in Newburgh was one), em- 
bracing 6000 acres. It was purchased and settled in 
1768, by John Foster, William Foster, Richard Ward, 
and John Griggs. The Fosters being the most numer- 
ous, the settlement was called Fostertown. 

The Harrison Patent (No. 7) was issued to Francis 
Harrison, Mary Tatham, Thomas Brazier, James 
Graham, and John Haskell. It was for 5600 acres, 
excepting and reserving 300 acres laid out for " Gillis, 
the German joiner," and 300 acres " for the children 
of or Peter Johnson." By subsequent transfers, 
James Alexander, John Provost, and Daniel Gomozji 
became interested in the patent. It was sold in sev- 
eral parcels at different periods. The first purchaser 
was James Ellsworth, in 1716, whose lands were held 
by his widow, and after her death sold by his son, 
William Ellsworth, to Samuel Stratton, in 1753; Strat- 
ton sold to Jehiel Clark. The share of James Graham 
passed to Jurie Quick in 1719, who sold to Zacharias 



g Written on the tax-roll of 1724, "Gomoz, the Jew.' 
chant of New York City. 



He was a nier- 



NEWBURGH. 



255 



Hofman (Sept. 24, 1727). After the death of the lat- 
ter the tract, as well as the lots held by him in the 
German Patent, were sold by his heirs, among others 
to Joseph Bloomer in 1754, and Jlichael Demott and 
the Dentons and Flewwellings in 17(54. James Alex- 
ander and John Provost sold to Arthnr 8mitli and 
Jehiol Clark (May 9, 1751) one-half of the fifth part 
originally held by Haskell. Daniel Goraoz sold to 
Samuel and Daniel Fowler, Nov. 6, 1747, the remain- 
ing half of that part, consisting of 500 acres. The 
extreme northern portion of the patent was held at 
an early date by .Jacobus Van Blarcken, whose inter- 
est was purchased by Wolvert Acker at sheriff's sale 
in 1772. The Smiths, Clarks, Bloomers, and Fowlers 
were English people, and were mainly from West- 
chester County. Van Blarcken and Acker were also 
from Westchester, but of Dutch extraction. With 
the exception of the Belknap colony, none of the 
settlers had a more controlling influence in the early 
history of the town than those who occupied the Har- 
rison Patent, which, with the reservations above 
stated, covered the district now known as Middlehope. 

The Spratt Patent (No. 8) was in two parcels, — • 
20011 acres in Ulster and 1000 in Newburgb, — and was 
issued to Andries Marschalk and John Spratt, the 
latter taking the Newburgb tract as his "one-third." 
It was purchased by Joseph Gidney, in 1760, and set- 
tled by his four sons, Joseph, Daniel, David, and Ele- 
azer, from whom it took the name of Gidneytown. 

The Gulch Patent (No. 9) was to Melchior Gulch, 
and his wife and children, of the original company 
of Palatines, precisely as were the lots in the German 
Patent. A portion of it passed to John Fowler, and 
from him to Daniel Kniflin, in 1758; afterwards to 
Underbill Merritt, and more recently to the late 
Daniel Merritt. It is recorded as having been issued 
to Gellis, Gillis, or Jellis, Melchior or Melchor, " the 
German carpenter, now in his possession and occupa- 
tion.'' The portion retained by his family descended 
to Jacob Gillis, as the name came to be written, who 
held it by right of primogeniture until about the com- 
mencement of the war of the Revolution. 

The patent to Peter Johnson* (No. 10) is not of 
record, but depends for its existence upon the reser- 
vations in the Harrison Patent. With the Gulch Pat- 
ent, which it adjoined, it was the first occupied land 
in the northeast part of the town. There is no record 
of its transfer. 

Tlie patent for 300 acres to Harrison and Company 
(not numbered) was to supply a deficiency in the first 
patent. 

PRECINCT OF NEWBURGH. 
The increase in population resulting from the .set- 
tlement of these patents brought with it a change in 
the organization of the precinct. The old precinct of 

*PeterJanBen and "Peter Janseu'a estate," on tax-rolls 1714-17. He 
• seeuis to have been one of the original Palatines, but probably died 
before the patent was issued to him. 



the Highlands, after serving the purpose of its crea- 
tion for fifty years, gave way, in 1762, to the precincts 
of Newburgb and New Windsor, into which it was 
divided, the latter being constituted substantially as 
the town now is ; while the former embraced the towns 
of Marlborough and Plattekill, in Ulster County, as 
well as the present town and city of Newburgb. Un- 
der the act establishing this division, the first annual 
meeting for the election of precinct officers was held 
at the house of Jonathan Hasbrouck (now known as 
Washington's headquarters), in the parish of New- 
burgh, on the first Tuesday in April, 1763,t when the 
following officers were chosen, viz. : Samuel Sands, 
clerk; Jonathan Hasbrouck, supervisor; Richard 
Harper, John Windfield, and Samuel Wyatt, as- 
sessors ; Daniel Gedney and Benjamin Woolsey, 
poor-masters; John McCrary, John Wandel, Burras 
Holmes, Isaac Fowler, Umphrey Merritt, and Thomas 
Woolsey, path-masters ; Nathan Purdy and Isaac 
Fowler, fence-viewers and appraisers of damages. 
After continuing for ten years, the precinct was again 
divided, and the Marlborough and Plattekill settle- 
ments erected as the precinct of New Marlborough. 
This division left to the precinct of Newburgb the 
territory covered by the patents already named, and 
its date (Dec. 11, 1772) is practically that of the 
organization of the subsequent town of Newburgb. 
John Flewwelling, supervisor, and Samuel Sands, 
clerk, were its first principal officers, chosen at the 
election in April, 1773. 



II.— HEVOLTJTIONARr EVENTS. 

Such was the condition of the precinct of New- 
burgb when the discussions which preceded and pro- 
duced the Revolution fixed the attention and engaged 
the sympathies of the people. When the news of the 
Boston massacre was wafted hither from New Eng- 
land, followed, as it was, by the tidings that patriot 
blood had been shed at Lexington, a large majority 
embraced with unflinching zeal the cause of their 
country. Yet few localities in the province had been 
more immediately under the influence of officers of the 
crown than was Newburgb. Lieut.-Gov. Colden had 
had his residence within a few miles of the village, and 
in the vicinity there were other persons intimately con- 
nected with the government whose influence tended 
to secure a degree of favor for the British ministry 
that would not otherwise have been obtained. After 
Colden's death, his son, Cadwallader, became the 
leader (if he was not so previously) of the opposition, 
and was regarded by the Whigs as especiall}- " mis- 
chievous."}: Aside from the influence exerted by the 
Coldens, other causes contributed, more or less, to di- 
vide the people of Newburgb on the great issue pre- 

t The records of the town of Newburgh begin with this election. 

J " In the midst of our troubles with these rebels, we are greatly sat- 
isfied to hear that their le.ider, the mischievous Maj. Colden, has been 
arrested." — Palmer, March, 1777. (See New Windsor.) 



256 



HISTOEY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sented for their consideration ; and it is a matter of 
surprise that in a population like that which then 
occupied the precinct, so many were found ready to 
peri! lifi^ and fortune in the seemingly desperate strife. 

The drama of the Revolution opened in Xewhurgh, 
a.s in so many other places, on the passage of the non- 
importation resolutions by the Continental Congress 
in 1774, which resulted in the formation, in every 
city, town, and precinct, of a "Committee of Safety 
and Observation." The city of New York took the 
lead by organizing a committee of one hundred, of 
which Isaac Low was chairman, and b)' sending cir- 
culars to all the towns and precincts in the province 
urging the formation of similar committees. About 
the same time a pamphlet, entitled " Free Thoughts 
on the Resolves of Congress," made its appearance 
and was scattered broadcast over the land. The peo- 
ple thus had the question fairly before them, and in 
their local meetings discussed the points involved. 
The result was soon apparent. The precincts of j 
Shawangunk, Hanover, Wallkill, New Windsor, and 
Newburgh, in January, 1775, publicly burned the 
pamphlet, and at the .same time organized the com- 
mittees ])roposed. In Newburgh, a meeting was held 
at the liDuse of Martin Weigand, on the 27th of Jan- 
uary, 1775, when Wol vert Acker, Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
Thomas Palmer, John Belknap, Joseph Coleman, 
Moses Higby, Samuel Sands, Stephen Case, Isaac 
Belknap, Benjamin Birdsall, John Robinson, and 
others were appointed a " Committee of Safety and 
Observation." 

The first duty devolving upon this committee was 
to attend a convention at New Paltz, on the 7th of 
April, for the purpose of selecting delegates to a Pro- 
vincial Convention to be held at New Y'ork on the 20th 
of the same month. Newburgh was represented in 
the New Paltz meeting by Col. Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
Thomas Palmer, AVolvert Acker, and John Belknap, 
who voted to send Charles DeWitt, George Clinton, 
and Levi Pauling to the Provincial Convention, with 
full power "to declare the sense of this county relative 
to the grievances under which His Majesty's American 
subjects labor." 

On the 20th of April following, the committee of 
New York drew up and signed a pledge to observe 
and maintain the orders and resolutions of both the 
Continental and Provincial Congress, and sent it for 
signatures to all the precincts and counties in the 
province.* Immediately on receiving the proceedings 
of the New Y'ork committee, the Newburgh committee 
placed a copy of the pledge at the hotel of Martin 
Weigand for signatures. The great mass of the people 
came forward voluntarily and subscribed their names ; 
but a few timid ones, anticipating that the result of 
the controversy would be disastrous, or unwilling to 
risk the displeasure of the crown, shrank from the 
test, and the committee found it necessary to adopt 

♦"American .Vi'chives," vol. ii. 471, -Ith series. 



energetic measures to induce them to unite in the 
movement. For this purpose a meeting was held at 
the house of Martin Weigand (May 15th), and Wolvert 
Acker appointed chairman, and Cornelius Hasbrouck, 
clerk. Resolutions were pa-ssed instructing the com- 
mittee to visit those who had "neglected or refused to 
sign the association, and in the most friendly manner 
invite them to sign the same ;"t that those refusing to 
sign "on or before the 29th of this instant" should be 
"deemed enemies of their country;" that, in the 
opinion of the committee, " no person or persons 
whatsoever" should "have any kind of connection or 
dealings with" those who withheld their names, and 
that whosoever should have "any such connection 
ought to be treated in like manner, and he-considered 
as an enemy of his country, notwithstanding he may 
have signed the association."! In other words, social 
ostracism was pronounced against a few well-known 
individuals, as the sequel shows, who were occupying 
the common ground of loyalty to the king, — whicli 
even the members of the association professed, — l)ut 
who were also already quite active in inviting hostility 
to the movement for a "redress of grievances," and 
were especially instigating the negro slaves of the 
precinct to take part against their masters. J 

On the 19th of May the Provincial Congress 
directed the committees holding the pledge to return 
the same before the 15th of July, " with the names of 
the signers and those who refused to sign ;" and in 
accordance with this requirement, Wolvert Acker, the 
chairman of the Newburgh committee, made, on the 
14th of July, the return called for on behalf of the 
precinct, embracing the names of one hundred and 
seventy-four persons who had signed the association, 
and fifty-four who had refused to do so. The return 
has been given in a previous chapter. || 

On the day on which the return was forwarded, 
several of the jiersons who had refused to sign came 
before the committee and made affidavit of their inten- 
tion to abide by the measures of the Continental Con- 
gress, being convinced that they had " no other alter- 
native but to repel force by force, or submit to be 
slaves ;" that they would " discourage the spirit of 



t Coercive measures to induce persons to sign the association were for- 
bidden; " the propriety of the measure, and the necessity of ni:iintiun- 
ing a perfect union in every part of the colony," being rejjiinled as 
sufficient to induce signatures. Freedom of 0]iinion w;is distinctly 
recognized, but coercion in the manner noted prevailed. 

J " Archives," GOG, vol. ii. 4th series. 

g Very stringent measures were adopted to hold the negroes from 
assisting the king. At the meeting referred to (May IStli) it was resolved, 
"that any person owning negroes in this precinct shall not, on any 
account whatever, suffer them to be absent from his dwelling-house or 
farm after sundown, or send them out in the daytime ofl" their farm 
without a pass ; and in case any negroes be found abroad, contrary to the 
above resolve, they shall be apprehended and caused to receive thirty-five 
lashes, or any number less, as the said committee shall deem proper." 
At a later period, when the militia was called away, a guard was main- 
tained to prevent the negroes from insurrectionary violence. Slavery, 
always a source of weakness to the republic, was especially so during the 
struggle for independence ; although to the honor of the slaves be it said 
that the majority of them were faithful to their masters. 

11 .See General History, Chapter V., for names. 



NEWBURGH. 



ioi 



opposition" which had prevailed, and bear and pay 
their " quota of all expenses" that might he incurred 
in the struggle ; and that this their declaration was 
of their " own free will and voluntary consent." 
This increased the number of signers to one hundred 
and ninety-five, and reduced the number who sus- 
tained tlie king and his ministry to thirty-nine. 

With the return of the signatures the organization 
of the "Committee of Safety and Observation" of the 
precinct of Newburgh was perfected, and that body 
installed as its revolutionary government. Scarcely 
had this organization been efltcted when active duties 
devolved upon the committee. A portion of those 
who had refused to sign the pledge, as well as a few 
who had signed the subsequent affidavit, became 
guilty of acts which, in its opinion, deserved punish- 
ment, and wliich it was determined should be admin- 
istered. The first instance of this character is reported 
to the Provincial Convention of New York in a joint 
letter from the committees of Xewlnirgh and New 
Windsor, and read at a session of the Conimittee of 
Safety on the 18th of July. The report is signed by 
Wolvert Acker and Samuel Brewster, and states that 
John Morrel, Adam Patrick, and Isaiah Purdy were 
not only " possessed of principles very inimical to the 
grand cause in which we are embarked, but whose 
conduct, ever since the commencement of these un- 
happy times, has been such as to disturb the public 
tranquillity."* The persons named were arrested and 
taken to New York under guard, where they were 
examined by the Committee of Safety. They admitted 
many of the charges against them, and were ordered 
to be confined in the barracks; but were subsequently 
released " upon their contrition and promise of amend- 
ment," and the Newburgh committee instructed to 
treat them kindly unless they should commit further 
unlawful acts. 

Under date of Oct. 27, 1775, it appears that Stephen 
Wiggins and David Purdy, being deemed guilty of 
unlawful acts, were arrested by order of the com- 
mittee and sent to New York ;t but the final dispo- 
sition of their case does not appear. In January, 

* *' We herewith Bend you three persons, who not only possess principles 
very inimical to the grand cause in which we are eniharked, but whose 
couduct, ever since the first of these unhappy times, has been such as 
to disturb tlie piililic tranquillity and destroy that unanimity so neces- 
sary for the preservation of our liberties. Tlieir names are .lob n Morrel, 
Adam Patrick, and Isaiah Purdy. Herewith, gentlemen, you will also 
receive Severn) depositions taken before John Nicoll, Esq., relative to the 
matter, which is all we have time to take at present ; these we submit to 
the judgment of the honorable Congress, whether either or all of tlie 
persons accused be worthy of confinement or not." — Arrliiren. 

f'This is to certify that we, the Committee of Safety and Observation 
for the Precinct of Newburgh, for the apprehension of two persons, viz. : 
Stephen Wiggins and David Purdy, did request and comnumd Capt. 
Samuel Logan, (»f the niiinite company at New Windsor, to assist with 
eleven of his men in appj-eliending the said persons, ho having attended 
and assisted one day and a half, with himself at the head of the follow- 
ing persons, viz.: John Rol>iu.son, ensign; David MandeviU and John 
Schofield, sergeants; one corporal, one clerk, and si.x privates. Capt. 
Logan s account, signed by Mr. Acker, our chairman, for the expenses 
of himself and men, for the time above certified, is just ; and for his 
own and men's wages, we refer to he calculated by you." — Archifts. 



1776, Samuel DevineJ was arrested and confined. He 
was subsequently released, but for some offense was 
again arrested in 1777, tried by court-martial, and 
sentenced to be hung. He was pardoned " under the 
gallows" by Governor Clinton. Samuel Fowler and 
Daniel Denton, who were among the signers of tlie 
affidavit, were also arrested and confined.? The Flew- 
wellings were disaffected, and one of them joined 
Claudius Sinith's band of cow-boys and was hung at 
Goshen in 1779. Renegades were also found among 
those who had signed the pledge of association, of 
whom Silas Gardner,I| Benjamin Smith, EInathau 
Foster, Dtivid Wyatt, and others were arrested and 
confined for indefinite periods,^ and subsequently re- 
leased on parole. 

The reorganization of the militia of the precinct 
received early attention, and was conducted in con- 
junction with the general committee of the county, for 
the southern district of which a new regiment was con- 
stituted (Sept. 2, 1775), with the following field-officers : 
Jonathan Hasbrouck, colonel ; Johannes Harden- 
bergh, Jr., lieutenant-colonel ; Johannes Jansen, Jr., 
and Lewis DuBois, majors ; Abraham Schoonmaker, 
adjutant ; and Isaac Belknap,** quartermaster. Two 
companies were organized for this regiment in New- 
burgh, the first commanded by Sainl. Clark, and tlie 
second by Arthur Smith. ft In December following a 

X Samuel Deviue was arrested on testimony that he had " repeatedly 
drank damnation to the Congress and all the Wliiga; and furtheiniore 
had called the Whigs a pack of rebels." 

? .\ug, 18, 1778. — Samuel Fowler, arrested as a person of " equivocal 
and suspected character," — refused the oath of allegiance and was confined 
by the conimittee. Sept. 4, 1778. — Daniel Denton, arrested as a persim 
of "equivocal and suspected character," — refused the oath and was con- 
fined. — Clinton Papers. 

I] Silas Gardner was arrested in April, 1777, charged with "levying 
war against the United Slates of America, holding correspondence with 
and assisting the enemies of the said States." lie appears to have been 
guilty of correspondence with the enemy, and to have associated with 
others in what has been modernly termed an "underground railroad" 
for passing through the country those w ho wished to join the British 
either in Canada or New York. His la«t act in this line was the safe 
conduct of the wife of Sir John Johnston to New Tork, for which ser- 
vice Sir John sent him a ring. He was tried by court-martial at Fort 
Montgomery, and sentenced to be hung, but was pardoned under the 
gallows and confined, but released on parole in 1778. — Proc. Prof. Com\ 

^ The parties referred to were apprehended and arrested, it is said, 
while on their way to join tlie enemy, and were James Flewwelling, El- 
uatban Foster, John Flewwelling, David Wyatt, Solomon Combs, Benja- 
min Smith, Stephen Wood, John Moffatt, Benjamin Darby, Tiui'itliy 
Wood, Robert Denton, James Cosman, and Amos Ireland. Tliey were 
sentenced to confinement in the jail at Kingston. — Proc. Prov. Coitr.,S'i'2. 

*=^ Through a clerical error, Belknap was not commissioned. The com- 
missions of the other ofircers bear date Oct. 25, 1775. The regiment was 
included in the Fourth Brigade with other regiments of Ulster and orange 
County, under command of Brig.-Gen. George Clinton. 

t+ " HoNOUAiiLE Gentlemen, — Agreeable to your direction of the Otli 
inst , the Militia Company of the southeast district of Newburgh as- 
sembled on the 17th inst. at the house of Col. Jonathan Hasbrouck, and 
chose, by a plurality of voices of the soldiers of said District, the following 
gentlemen for their Militia Otticeis : Samuel Clark, Captain ; Benjamin 
Smith, 1st Lieutenant ; James Denton, Senr., 2d Lieutenant ; Martin 
Weigand, Ensign. We are, &c., 

" SaMUEI, S.4SDS, 

" Moses Hioby, 
" AfOUST 22, 1775. '* Tico of CommiUee.^^ 

" HoNOBAUi-E Gentlemen, — Agreeable to your directions of the 0th 
inst , the Militia Company of the North District of Newburgh Precinct 



258 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



regiment of minute men was constituted, of which 
Thomas Palmer, of Xewburgh, was colonel ; Thomas 
Johnson, lieutenant-colonel ; Arthur Parks, of Han- 
over, and Samuel Logan, of New Windsor, majors; 
Severyn T. Bruyn, adjutant, and Isaac Belknap, quar- 
termaster. On the 23d of .Tuly, 1776, the Convention 
directed the general committee of the county to or- 
ganize three companies (in all 201 men) of rangers to 
be employed " as scouting parties to range the woods" 
and prevent attacks by the Indians, and in such other 
service as might be required. Of one of these com- 
panies Isaac Belknap was appointed captain ;* 

Schoonmaker, first lieutenant ; Petrus Roosa, second 
lieutenant, and David Clark, corporal. In addition 
to these regiments and companies, the committee was 
constantly engaged in promoting enlistments in the 
State and Continental regiments, and in the discharge 
of their duties found little leisure time. 

The history of the services of the militia of the 
]3recinct cannot now be fully written ; but the records 
preserved, and which have been already quoted, show 
that they were rejpeatedly called outf during the war, 
and rendered important service. Even the aged were 
not exempt from duty. The Provincial Convention, 
in 1778, invited those " who, in ordinary circum- 
stances, would be exempts," to form companies to 
repel invasions and suppress insurrections.! This 
call was responded to by Martin Wiegand, Humphrey 
Merritt, Saml. Stratton, William Bloomer, Joseph 
Albertson, William Carscaden, Isaac Fowler, Reuben 
Holmes, William Ward, Jr., James Denton, Jas. 
Waugh, and others, and a company — of which Sam- 
uel Edmonds was captain ; Nathaniel Wyatt, first 
lieutenant; John Stratton, second lieutenant, and 
Michael Lewis, ensign — organized and held in readi- 
ness for service.^ 

But it was not merely by their services as militia 

assembled on the 26tli iiist. Ht tlie house uf Lemuel CoDklin.aiut choose, 
by a majority of voices of the suliliers belonging to said District, tlie fol- 
lowing persons for their Militia Officers, viz. : Arthur Smith, Captain; 
Isaac Fowler, Jr., 1st Lieutenant; John Foster, 2d Lieutenant; Daniel 
Clark, Ensign. We are, .Vc, 

" Moses IIigby, 
" JosKPH Coleman, 

" Tiw of Commiltee. 
" Aviil'ST 26, 1775." 

* The second company was placet! under the command of Capt. Jacob 
R. DeWitt, the third under Capt. Elias Hasbrouck. They were discharged 
March, 1777. 

t How frequently the militia of New burgh was called out is shown by 
tlie following return made of the services of Col. Uasbrouck's regimeut: 

Dec. 12, 1776 — Alarm and service at Ratnapo 300 men 27 days. 

Jan, 7, 1777 " " " " 100 " 14 " 

" 28, •' " ■• " " 200 " 40 " 

" " " *' " Fort Montgomery. ..l.oO " 12 " 

Mcb, 7, " " " " " ,.,130 " 90 " 

'• " '■ Peekskill 2.50 " 40 " 

July, " " " " Fort Montgomery. ,,460 " 8 " 

August, " '■ " " " .,,500 " S " 

October, " " " " Fort C'oiistitution,„.200 " 10 " 

'' " " " ** Burning of Ksopus„,460 " 30 " 

Novr. " " " " New Windsor 120 " 45 " 

April, 177S " " " West Point 420 " 8 " 

— Clinton Papers. 

X During the entire war the exempts were assessed to supply men in 
their places in the ranks of the militia, 

i The persons named in the return had i)reviou8ly served in some one 
of the companies composing Col. Iliisbrouck's regimeut, — Clinton Papfrs. 



that the people of Newburgh contributed to the war. 
A depot for stores, under the charge of Andrew Tay- 
lor, deputy quartermaster-general, was established 
here in 1777, and was maintained until the peace. Of 
course it devolved upon the inhabitants of the dis- 
trict, in the absence of regular troops, to collect the 
various stores needed by the army, and to convey 
them to distant points. When the tidings of the 
terrible sufferings at Valley Forge were received, 
they came forward with every mode of conveyance in 
their po.ssession, eager to transport provisions, and the 
extent of their services may be inferred from a letter 
of Col. Taylor to Governor Clinton, in which he states 
that " every sleigh and horse in the neighborhood is 
completely used up in this duty." 

Nor was this all. The inhabitants of Newburgh 
were subjected to great inconvenience and privations 
from the fact that the militia of other sections were 
located here, the place being made a point of rendez- 
vous by general orders, || and the billeting of soldiers 
on the people was of frequent occurrence. To supply 
them with food involved a heavy tax on the inhab- 
itants, and their own families were often reduced to 
want by complying w-ith the demands thus made upon 
their stores. 

On the reduction of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 
in 1777, the people living near the river removed 
their families and goods into the interior, in accord- 
ance with the suggestionsof the Committee of Safety, 
expecting that the expedition under Vaughan and 
Wallace would lay waste the village ; but in this they 
were fortunately disappointed. The expedition passed 
by, bestowing no other attention on tlie settlement 
than the discharge of a few cannon. What was then 
the village was shielded from the passing shot by its 
position on the hill beyond the range of ship-guns, as 
well as by a dense growth of trees in many places 
along the river-bank, and hence escaped injury from 
that source. When the fleet returned, a continual 
cannonade was kept up from its transports, by which 
one man was killed on the ferry-boat ;^[ but the pres- 
ence of the militia deterred the predatory boat expe- 
ditions by which its presence was marked at Kings- 
ton. After passing the chefan.v-df-frise, one of the 
frigates was anchored and remained for some time in 
taking soundings. The militia meanwhile was posted 
at Newburgh, New Windsor, and other points in the 
vicinity, and kept wakeful watch of the enemy's 
movements.** 



II " Newbi-ruh, Dec, 18, 1775, — Pursuant to the orders of Congress to 
the regiment under my command, to be in readiness upon any proper 
alarm, I have appointed the place of general rendezvous to be at the 
house of Martin Weigand, in Newburgh Precinct, 

"J, Hasdrovck, Col.^^ 
— Archives, 307, 4th Series. 

% On the 18th of October, 1777, Gen. James Clinton, writing from his 
headquarters at the bouse of Abel Belknap, says, " Five of the British 
ships returned this day down the river and fired many shots, but only 
killed one man on the ferry-boat." 

** In a letter dated "Abel Belknap's.Octoher 23d," Gen. Clinton writes, 
"The enemy's frigate still lies below the clifvaux-de-frise, and it was my 



NEWBURGH. 



259 



But tlie precinct had not passed the onleal un- 
icourged, although it escaped direct devastation by 
lie enemy. In the defense of the Highhmd forts 
nany of its men had been killed, and others taken 
jrisoners. They had been summoned from their 
lomes but a single day previous to that of the fatal 
lattle; had left their families, as they had many times 
jefore, expecting an early return, but to their homes 
•eturned not. How great the anxiety, as the progress 
)f the conflict was watched from the liill-tops, — how 
;reat the mourning, as the flames which had been 
ighted on the vessels-of-war proclaimed the result, — 
ve may not know; we only read the expressive record 
hat the poor taxes of the precinct rose from £50 to 
E.SOO, and tliat special donations were collected for 
' such poor whose husbands or parents were killed or 
aken prisoners at Fort Montgomery."* 

From this brief survey of local Revolutionary ser- 
•ices and suffering, let us return to the events of more 
feneral interest that cluster around the precincts of 
S^ewburgli and New Windsor. When, in the spring 
)f 177'.», Washington was thrown on tl.e defensive, he 
;oncentrated the Continental army in the Highlands 
md in Smith's Clove, and established his headquarters 
n the William Ellison house on the hill immediately 
outli of the village of Xew Windsor.! Here he con- 
■erteil measures to counteract the campaign of the 
^neniy, who by moving on New London and the Con- 
lecticut coast hoped to draw the Continental forces 
n that direction and render the Highland forts an 
!asy prey. Instead of meeting these anticipations, 
iVashington sent Wayne to attack Stony Point, and 
he decisive action there compelled the enemy to 
dnindon the Connecticut expedition and with it the 
■eduction of West Point. Although found to be un- 
enable and hence abandoned, the capture of Stony 
Point was one of the boldest and most successful stra- 
egic movements of the war. Finding that Washing- 
ion could not be induced to leave West Point defense- 
ess. Sir Henry Clinton organized a campaign against 
ihe Southern States. Retaining his headquarters at 
he Ellison house, Washington remained in compar- 
itive idleness. It was the darkest period of the 
var ; without assistance from European powers, the 
;au<e of independence was acknowledged to be hope- 
essly lost. Ultimately that assistance was secured; 
France furnished an army and a fleet ; Holland sent 
noney ; confidence revived ; the Continental forces 
ivere recruited, and under the drill of Steuben rivaled 



>pini<'?i she was 8tatione<l there to prevent our sinking any more; Imt 
Jen. Webb informei] me yesterday he tliought she wanted to get liigher 
ip, as she had boats constantly sounding tlie channel. Gen. Webb's 
trigade consists of alKint .'lOO or GOO men, and is still increasing. They 
ire stationed at New Windsi>r. Capt. Nioolls and his company at the 
:reeU. Col. Tusten*s and Col. Woodhull's regiments from the county 
iiie to IJulter Hill, and thence along tlie Clove road to Francis Smith's. 
A>\. Chinghry's regiment at Hasbrouck's Mill, keeping their main 
;unrd at Xewbnrgh. Miij. DnBois witli his company from Newbnrgh 
ilung the river noi'th." 

"* Precinct records. 

f See History of New Windsor. 



in discipline the armies of Europe. Threatening an 
attack on New York, and thereliy obliging Sir Henry 
Clinton to retain his reinforcement.s at that place, 
Washington changed his plans, and before Sir Henry 
was aware of it, had moved his forces from New 
Windsor and was far on the march towards Yorktown. 

Soon after the successful termination of the siege 
of Y'orktown (Oct. 7, 1781), the main portion of the 
American army returned to the Hud.son River ; and 
Washington (April, 1782) made his headquarters at 
the Hasbrouck house, in Newburgh. For a short 
time in the autumn of 1782 the army was encamped 
at Verplanck's Point, where a junction was effected 
with the French army, which until that time had re- 
mained in Virginia. Immediately after this junction 
the latter marched to Boston, and the American army 
crossed the Hudson and went into winter-quarters 
above the Highlands, — portions being stationed at 
New Windsor,! at Fishkill, and in the vicinity of 
Walden. Gens. Knox and Greene were quartered at 
the house of Mr. John Ellison (late Capt. Charles 
Morton's) ; Gens. Gates and St. Clair were quartered 
at the Edmonston house, near Ellison's; Wayne, at 
the old hotel of Martin Weigand, in Newburgh ; and 
the Baron Steuben, at the house of Mr. Samuel Ver- 
planck, in Fishkill.? During the summer of 1783 a 
portion of the army was in tents on the plain now 
occupied by the upper streets of the city, and passed 
through the usual exercises of camp-life under the 
careful drill of Baron Steuben. A portion of the 
army remained in camp here until the 3d of Novem- 
ber, when it was formally disbanded. 

For a long time prior to the breaking up of the 
army, discontent had prevailed among the soldiers 
and oflScers respecting the arrearages in their pay. 
On the 30th October, 1780, Congress had passed reso- 
lutions granting half-pay for life to the officers, but 
these resolutions stood on the faith of a government 
with no funds to enable it to perform its engagements ; 
and after their passage, the Articles of Confederation 
had been adopted, which made the consent of nine 
States necessary to give validity to any act appropri- 
ating public money ; and nine States had never been 

♦ " Oct. 30, 1782.— .\t reveille, on the 26th inst., the left wing of the 
army, under the command of Gen. Heath, decamped from Verplanck's 
Point and marched to the Highlands ; took up our lodgings in the woods, 
without covering, and were exposed to a heavy rain during the night 
and day. Thence we crossed the Hudson to West Point, and man-hed 
over the mountain called Butter Hill ; passed the night in the open tield, 
and the ne.\t day reached the ground where we are to erect log iuits for 
our winter-tjuarters near New Windsor." — Tlutiher's Jtiurmi}, :i2:i. 

The Rev. Mr. Gano writes in his journal : " On my return to the army 
we encamped at Newburgh (New Windsor), and erected some lints and 
a place for public worsliip on thf Lord's day. We had three services a day 
and preached in rotation." 

The camp-ground at New Windsor can still be distinctly traced by the 
rnins of the huts occupied by the soldiers. Part of the ground had prob- 
ably been previously occupied by the New York militia. 

j With the exception of the house occupied by Gen. Wayne, these 
buildings are now standing. It may be of interest to add that the Life- 
guard of Wiishington occupied tents where the old malt-house, on Lib- 
erty Street, now stands. The store.honse of the commissary-geueral was 
where the Union Presbyterian cliurch stands. 



260 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



I 



in favor of the hiilf-piiy resolutions, lender these 
circumstances, and considering the very .scanty sup- 
plies that were furnished to the army, it was quite 
natural that discontent should prevail. 

Complaints were frequently made to Washington, 
who was fully sensible of the sufferings of his com- 
panions in arms, and the most earnest appeals w'ere 
made by him to Congress to satisfy their claim ; but 
Congress depended entirely on the States, and thus 
was powerless to accomplish the end desired. The 
army now resolved to take the matter into their own 
hands, and Col. Nicola, an e.xperienced officer and a 
gentleman of high character, was selected to commu- 
nicate to Washington their wishes and fears. In May, 
1782, Nicola addressed a letter to Washington, at 
Newburgh, in which, after some general remarks on 
the deplorable condition of the army, and the little 
hope that their services would be rewarded by Con- 
gress, he discussed the different forms of government 
with a view to show that republics were, of all others, 
the least stable, and the least adapted to secure the 
rights, freedom, and power of individuals, and then 
made a formal tender to Washington, on behalf of 
those for whom he acted, of the title of king. " In 
this case," says the writer, " it will, I believe, be un- 
controverted that the same abilities that have led us 
through difficulties apparently insurmountable by 
human power to victor)' and glory, — those qualities 
that have merited and obtained the universal esteem 
and veneration of the army, — would be most likely to 
conduct and direct us in the smoother paths of peace. 
Some people have so associated the idea of tyranny 
and monarchy as to find it difficult to separate them. 
It may, therefore, be requisite to give the head of 
such a constitution as I propose some title apparently 
more moderate ; but, if all other things were once 
adjusted, I believe strong arguments might be pro- 
duced for admitting the title of King, which I con- 
ceive would be attended with some advantage." 

We are aware that it has been denied that this was 
an ofl'erof the title of king, yet the whole tenor of the 
letter leads to the opposite conclusion. That it was 
so regarded by Washington is evident from his reply, 
in which he says, " With a mixture of surprise and as- 
tonishment I have read with attention the sentiments 
you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured, sir, 
no occurrence in the course of this war has given me 
more painful sensations than your information of 
there being such ideas existing in the army as you 
have expressed, and which I must view with abhor- 
rence and reprehend with severity. For the present 
the consideration of them will rest in my own bosom, 
unless some further agitation of the matter shall make 
a disclosure necessary. I am much at a loss to con- 
ceive what part of my conduct could have given en- 
couragement to an address which seems to me big 
with the greatest mischiefs that can be,fall my country. 
If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you 
could not have found a person to whom your schemes 



are more disagreeable. At the same time, in justice 
to my own feelings, I must add, that no man possesses 
a more serious wish to see ample justice done to the 
army than I do ; and, as far as my power and influ- 
ence, in a constitutional way, extend, they shall be 
employed, to the utmost of my abilities, to effect it, 
should there be any occasion. Let me conjure you, 
then, if you have an}' regard for your country, con- 
cern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to 
banish these thoughts from your mind, and never 
communicate, as from yourself, or any one else, a sen- 
timent of the like nature."* 

This rebuke effectually checked monarchical tenden- 
cies, but it did not remove the evils under which the 
army suffered ; on the contrary, the grounds of dis- 
content continued rather to increase. Congress pro- 
posed to reduce the army, and to discharge many of 
the officers. Washington, fearing the result of the 
mea.sure, urged the compensation of the officers and 
men. " When I see," he adds, " such a number of 
men, goaded by a thousand stings of reflection on the 
past, and of anticipation on the future, about to be 
turned into the world, soured by penury, and what 
they call the ingratitude of the public; involved in 
debts, without one farthing of money to carry them 
home, after having spent the flower of their days, and, 
many of them, their patrimonies, in establishing the 
freedom and independence of their country ; and 
having sufl'ered everj'thing which human nature is 
capable of enduring on this side death ; I repeat it, 
when I reflect on these irritable circumstances, un- 
attended by one thing to soothe their feelings or 
brighten their prospects, I cannot avoid apprehend- 
ing that a train of evils will follow of a serious and 
distressing nature. . . . You may rely upon it, the 
patience and long-suffering of this army are almost 
exhausted, and there never was so great a spirit of 
discontent as at this instant." This letter explains 
fully the situation and motives of the army, and the 
power of the restraining influence of Washington. 

The negotiations for peace were now in the hands 
of commissioners; and, in view of the speedy dissulu- 
tion of the army, the officers determined upon one 
more effort to secure that which they claimed as their 
right. Previous to going into winter-quarters (De- 
cember, 17S2), they presented a petition to Congress, 
proposing to accept, instead of the money actually 
due to them, a commutation of the half-pay stipu- 
lated by the resolutions of October, 1780, which, they 
flattered themselves, would be less objectionable than 
the half-pay establishment. Some .security that the 
engagements of the government would be complied 
with was also requested. But in consequence of tlie 
divisions in Congre.ss upon other subjects, the im]>or- 
tant point in this petition — the commutation of tlie 
half-pay of the officers — remained undecided in March, 
when intelligence was received of the signature of the 



* Sparks' ■Washington, viii. 300, 302. 



NEWBURGH. 



261 



preliminary and final articles of peace between the 

United States and Great Britain. Soured by their 
past sufferings, their present wants, and their gloomy 
prospects ; and exasperated by the neglect with which 
they believed themselves to be treated, and by the in- 
justice that they supposed was meditated against them, 
tlie ill temper of the army was almost universal, and 
seemed to require only a slight breath to cause it to 
Inirst forth into a flame. 

Early in JIarch a letter was received from the com- 
mittee in attendance upon the session of Congress, 
stating that they had failed to accomplish the object 
of their mission. On the 10th of the same month an 
anonymous paper was circulated, requesting a meet- 
ing of the general and field officers at the public build- 
ing'^ on the succeeding day ; and stating that an officer 
from each company, and also a delegate from the 
medical staff, would be expected. The object of the 
convention was avowed to be " to consider the late 
letter from their representatives in Philadelphia, and 
what measures (if any) should be adopted to obtain 
that redress of grievances which they seemed to have 
solicited in vain." 

On the same day an address to the army was cir- 
culated, admirably adapted to work on the passions 
and to excite the most desperate resolutions. In this 
paper the writer reviewed the services of the army, — 
the toils and privations that had been encountered in 
securing the independence of the States ; adverted to 
the injustice with which the army had been treated, 
and urged the necessity of some decisive action. " I 
would advise you. therefore," he concluded, " to come 
to some final opinion upon what you can bear, and 
what you will suffer. If your determination be in any 
proportion to your wrongs, carry your appeal from the 
justice to the fears of government. Change the milk- 
and-water style of your last memorial, — assume a 
bolder tone, — decent, but lively, spirited, and deter- 
mined, and suspect the man who would advise to more 
moderation and longer forbearance. Let two or three 
men who can feel as well as write be appointed to 
draw up your last remonstrance ; for I would no longer 
give it the sueing, soft, unsuccessful epithet of memo- 
rial. Let it be represented, in language that will 
neither dishonor you by its rudeness, nor betray you 
by its fears, what has been promised by Congress and 
what has been performed, — how long and patiently 
you have suffered, how little you have asked, and how 
much of that little has been denied. Tell them that, 
though you were the first, you would wish to be the 
last to encounter danger, and though despair itself 
can never drive you into dishonor, it may drive you 
from the field; that the wound often irritated and 



♦The "public building*^ here referred to was sometimes called the 
"new building" and "the Temple." The title of "new buildiiifr" is 
understood to have been used to distinguish it from a building wliicli 
had been erected in tiie early part of the war in connection Willi the bar- 
racks of the militia of the district. It Was situated on wliat is now th« 
farm of Mr. William McGill, in New Wind.sor, and was used for public 
assemblies. (See History of New Windsor.) 



never healed may at length become incurable; and 

that the slightest mark of indignity from Congress 
now must operate like the grave and part you forever; 
that in any political event the army has its alterna- 
tive. If peace, that nothing shall separate you from 
your arms but death ; if war, that, courting the au- 
spices and inviting the directions of your illustrious 
leader, you will retire to some un.settled country, smile 
in your turn, and ' mock when their fear cometh on.' 
But let it represent, also, that should they comply 
with the request of your late memorial, it would make 
you more happy and them more respectable ; that 
while war should continue, you would follow their 
standard into the field, and when it came to an end, 
you would withdraw into the shade of private life, 
and give the world another subject of wonder and 
applause; an army victorious over its enemies, — vic- 
torious over itself." 

Persuaded as the officers generally were of the in- 
disposition of the government to remunerate their 
services, this passionate address made a profound im- 
pression ; and nothing seemed wanting but the assem- 
blage fixed for the succeeding day to produce the most 
disastrous results. " Fortunately," says Marshall, 
" the commander-in-chief was in camp ; and his char- 
acteristic firmness did not forsake him in this crisis. 
The occasion required that his measures should be 
firm, but prudent and conciliatory; evincive of his 
fixed determination to oppose any rash proceedings, 
but calculated to assuage the irritation which was 
excited and to restore a confidence in government." 
This course he at once adopted ; and in the general 
orders of the next day he noticed the anonymous 
paper, and expressed the conviction he felt that the 
good sense of the officers would guard them against 
paying any " attention to such an irregular invita- 
tion ;" but his own duty, he conceived, " as well as the 
reputation and true interests of the army, required 
his disapprobation of such disorderly proceedings. 
At the same time, he requested the general and field 
officers, with one officer from each company, and a 
proper representation from the staff of the army, to 
assemble at twelve o'clock, on Saturday, the 15th 
March, at the New Building, to hear the report of the 
committee deputed by the army to Congress. After 
mature deliberation, they will devise what further 
measures ought to be adopted as most rational and 
\ best calculated to attain the just and important object 
in view." 

These orders changed the whole aspect of affairs 
and the meeting called by the anonymous writer was 
not held. By a master-policy Washington had placed 
I him.self, as it were, at the head of the movement for 
j redress, and had appointed in regular form a time 
and place of meeting. On the day succeeding the pub- 
lication of these orders a second anonymous address 
made its appearance, from the same pen which had 
written the former, in which the writer affected to 
consider the orders in a light favorable to his views. 



2(J-2 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Until now," said he, "the commander-in-chief has 
regarded the steps you have taken for redress with 
good wishes alone ; his ostensible silence has author- 
ized your meetings, and his private opinion has sanc- 
tioned your claims. Had he disliked the object in 
view, would not the same sense of duty which forbade 
you from meeting on the third day of the week have 
forbidden you from meeting on the seventh?"* 

On the loth, the convention of officers assembled at 
the New Building, and Gen. Gates took the chair. 
There was a full attendance of officers ; and deep 
solemnity pervaded the assembly as the commander- 
in-chief stepped upon the platform to read an ad- 
dress that he had prepared for the occasion. Amid 
the most profound attention Washington commenced 
reading : " Gentlemex : By an anonymous sum- 
mons an attempt has been made to convene you 
together. How inconsistent with the rules of pro- 
priety, how unmilitary, and how subversive of all 
order and discipline, let the good sense of the army 
decide." Pausing for a moment, he drew out his 
spectacles, carefully wiped and adjusted them, and 
while doing so remarked, " These eyes, my friends, 
have grown dim, and these locks white in the service; 
yet I have never doubted the justice of my country."! 
The efi'ect was electrical. The whole scene, when 
we consider the time, the place, the man, the object 
of the convention, was liardl)' surpassed in interest 
by any other event of those eventful days. 

Resuming his address, Washington exhibited the 
anonymous letters as " designed to answer the most 
insidious purposes," while their ostensible object was 
simply to secure the redress of grievances. He then 
noticed more particularly the remedies proposed in 
the letters for the assumed injustice of Congress. 
The alternative presented, said he, of " either desert- 
ing our country in the extremest hour of her distress, 
or turning our arms against it, which is the apparent 
object, unless Congress can be compelled into instant 
compliance, has something so shocking in it that 
humanity revolts at the idea. My God ! what can 
this writer have in view by recommending such 
measures? can he be a friend of the army? can he be 
a friend to his country? rather is he not the insidious 
foe plotting the ruin of both, by sowing the seeds of 
discord and separation between the civil and military 
powers of the continent." 

*The writer of these letters was Major John .\rmstrorig, at that time 
a young man of twenty-six, and aide-de-camp to Maj.-Gen. Gates. Some 
years after the letters were written, Armstrong acknowledged their au- 
tliorship; but insisted that they were written "at tlie solicitation of 
friends, as the chosen organ to express the sentiments of the officers of the 
army, and were only an honest and manly though perhaps an indiscreet 
endeavor to support puhlic ci'edit, and do justice to a patient, long-snffer- 
iug. and gallant army." Although entertaining a different opinion at 
the time tlie letters appeared, Washington, in 17'J7, writes: "I have since 
liad sufficient reason for believing that the object of the author was just, 
honorable, and friendly to our country, tliongh the means suggested by 
liim were certainly liable to much niisnnderstanUing and abuse. " — SparW 
Life of Waslihi'jton. 

t .\m. Bio. Diet., 827. Irving'e Washington, iv. 



He then explained what appeared to him to be the 

cause of delay in the action of Congress, pledged 
himself to exert whatever abilities he possessed in 
order to. obtain the demands of the army; and as- 
sured them that, previous to their dissolution as an 
army. Congress would cause all their accounts to be 
fairly liquidated, and that they would " adopt the 
most effectual measures in their power" to render 
ample justice to the army "for its faithful and meri- 
torious services." 

Concluding with a direct appeal to those present, 
he exclaimed, " Let me conjure you in the name of 
our common country, as you respect the rights of 
humanity, and as you regard the military and na- 
tional character of America, to express your utmost 
horror and detestation of the man who wishes, under 
any specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of 
our country ; and who wickedly attempts to open the 
flood-gates of civil discord, and deluge our rising 
empire in blood. By thus determining and acting, 
you will pursue the plain and direct road to the attain- 
ment of your wishes; you will defeat the insidious 
designs of our enemies, who are compelled to resort 
from open force to secret artifice; you will give one 
more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism 
and patient virtue rising superior to the pressure of 
the most complicated sufferings ; and you will, by the 
dignity of your conduct, afford occasion for posterity 
to say, when speaking of the glorious example you 
have exhibited to mankind, — had this day been wanf- 
itif/, the world had never seen (he last stage of perfection 
that human nature is capable of attainint/ .'" 

These sentiments, says Marshall, from a person 
whom they had been accustomed to love, to rever- 
ence, and to obey; the solidity of whose judgment, 
and the sincerity of whose zeal for their interests 
were alike unquestioned, could n6t fail to be irresist- 
ible. No sooner had the commander-in-chief with- 
drawn from the room than Gen. Knox moved, and 
Gen. Putnam seconded, a resolution tendering the 
thanks of the convention to "His Excellency, and 
a.ssuring him that the officers reciprocated his affec- 
tionate expressions with the greatest sincerity of 
which the human heart is capable." This resolution 
was unanimously voted ; and, on motion of Gen. 
Putnam, a committee, consisting of Gen. Knox, Col. 
Brooks, and Capt. Plownrd, was appointed to prepare 
resolutions on the business before the convention, 
and report in half an hour. 

The committee, after consultation, reported a series 
of resolutions, which were passed unanimously. These 
resolutions expressed unshaken confidence in the jus- 
tice of Congress ; and that the representatives of 
America would " not disband or disperse the army 
until their accounts" were " liquidated, the balances 
accurately ascertained, and adequate funds estab- 
lished for payment ;" and that in this arrangement 
the officers expected "that the half-pay, or commu- 
tation for it, should be efficaciously comprehended." 



NEWBURGH. 



263 



It was further resolved, "' that the officers of the 
American army view with abhorrence and reject with 
disdain the infamous propositions contained in a late 
anonymous address to the officers of the army, and re- 
sent with indignation the secret attempts of some un- 
known person to collect the officers together, in a man- 
ner totally subversive of all discipline and good order." 

The triumph of right was complete. The storm 
which had threatened to overwhelm the infant re- 
public was hushed. Washington immediately in- 
closed to the president of Congress the proceedings, 
accompanied by a letter in which he again urged 
prompt attention to the subject. Not only did he 
assume the entire Justice of the claims of the army; 
but, for the tirst time in his history, he asked a jjer- 
sonal favor of Congress. " Having," he wrote, " from 
motives of justice, duty, and gratitude, spontaneously 
oft'ered myself as an advocate for their rights, it now 
only remains for me to perform the task I have as- 
sumed, and to intercede in their behalf, as I now do, 
that the sovereign power will be pleased to verify the 
predictions I have pronounced of, and the confidence 
the army have reposed in, the justice of their country." 

Immediately on the reception of Washington's dis- 
patches, Congress passed, with the concurrence of 
nine States, the resolution commuting the half-pay 
of the officers into a sum in gross equal to five years' 
full pay ; and the result was received by the army 
with great satisfaction. 

Meanwhile the peace commissioners had concluded 
their labors, so far as arranging the articles between 
Great Britain and the United States was concerned ; 
but the exchange of ratifications was contingent upon 
a similar exchange between the contending European 
powers. It was feared for some time that the obstacles 
to a general pacification would not be overcome. These 
fears, however, were entirely dispelled by a letter from 
Lafayette, in March, announcing ageneral peace. In 
Ajiril, official notification was received of the ex- 
change of preliminary articles and the cessation of 
hostilities, and the commander-in-chief announced 
the joyful intelligence to the army in his orders of 
April 18th. "The commander-in-chief," reads this 
interesting paper, " orders the cessation of hostil- 
ities between the United States of America and the 
King of Great Britain to be publicly proclaimed 
at the New Building tomorrow at twelve o'clock, 
and that the proclamation which will be communi- 
cated herewith be read to-morrow evening at the 
head of every regiment and corps of the army ; after 
which the chaplains, with the several brigades, will 
render thanks to Almighty God for all his mercies, 
particularly for his overruling the wrath of man to 
his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease 
among the nations." 

Although the proclamation referred to extended 
only to the cessation of hostilities, yet it was regarded 
as the sure precursor of an event to the accomplish- 
ment of which had been devoted the toils and suffer- 



ings of a long and doubtful contest ; and as the morn- 
ing sun of the 19th tinged the mountain-tops it was 
hailed with reverberating peals of rejoicing. In this 
feeling Washington joined. "The commander-in- 
chief," continues the orders, " far from endeavoring 
to stifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom, otters 
his most cordial congratulations on the occasion to all 
the officers of every denomination, to all the troops 
of the United States in general, and in particular to 
those gallant and deserving men who have resolved 
to defend the rights of their invaded country so long 
as the war should continue, for these are th-e men who 
ought to be considered as the pride and boast of the 
American army, and who, crowned with well-earned 
laurels, may soon withdraw from the field of glory to 
the more tranquil walks of civil life. While the 
general recollects the almost infinite variety of scenes 
through which we have passed with a mixture of 
pleasure, astonishment, and gratitude, — while he con- 
templates the prospect before him with rapture, — he 
cannot help wishing that all the brave men, of what- 
ever condition they may be, who have shared in the 
toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, 
of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and 
of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be 
impressed with a proper idea of the dignified part 
they have been called to act, under the smiles of 
Providence, on the stage of human affairs; for happy, 
thrice happy, shall they be jjronounced hereafter who 
have contributed anything, who have performed the 
meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of 
Freedom and Empire on the broad basis of independ- 
ency ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of 
human nature, and establishing an asylum for the 
poor and oppressed of all nations and religions." . . . 
" The adjutant-general will have such working parties 
detailed to assist in the preparations for a general re- 
joicing as the chief engineer, with the army, shall call 
for, and the quartermaster-general will also furnish 
.such materials as he may want." 

The details of the "general rejoicing" at New- 
burgh, New Windsor, and other points of encamp- 
ment, on the, 19th of April, 1788, have not been 
preserved. The order of Washington, and the notes 
by Thacher and Heath,* indicate, however, that it 
was conducted with the most imposing military and 
civil ceremonies; that, as had been done on a former 
occasion, t the army lined the banks on both sides of 

* "April 19, 17.S3. — At noon the proftnmation of CongregB fertile cessa- 
tion of hostilities was proclaimed at the door of the new building, fol- 
lowed Iiy three huzzas; after which a prayer was made by th»* Rev, Mr. 
Gano, and an anthem '' Independence,' from Hillings) was performed by 
vocal and instrumental music." — Ht'itit'" Mr\noiis, .'171. 

"April 10, 178:'.— On the completion of eight years from the memor- 
able battle of Lexington, the proclamation of Congress for a cessation of 
hostilities was published at the door of the public bunding, followed by 
three huzzas; after which a prayer was oft'ered to the Almighty Ruler of 
the world by the Rev, Mr, Gano, and an an them wa.s peiformed by voices 
and instruments." — Thacher's JouriMl, .'144, 

fThe celebration of the birth of tlie dauphiii. Tradition affirms that 
the army exercises were the same on both occasions. 



204 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the river, with burnished arms and proudly floating 
banners, and at a given signid paused and presented 
arms. The pealing of thirteen guns from West Point 
now awoke the echoes of the hills, and was followed 
by :i/eu-de-joie which rolled along the lines from West 
Point to the utmost limits of the camp. The " thrill- 
ing fife-note and drum's heart-kindling beat" then 
called the hosts of freedom to the assembly, where 
patriot knees bent low in prayer with Chaplain Gano, 
and at its conclusion voices and instruments joined in 
Billings' anthem, " Independence." 

These services concluded, the army returned to 
quarters and united in festivities suited to the occa- 
sion. As the day closed, the signal-guns from West 
Point again called the soldiers to arms, aud the feu-de- 
Jiiie again rang along the line. This was three times 
repeated, accompanied by the discharge of cannon, 
■"and the mountain sides resounded and echoed like 
tremendous peals of thunder, and the flashing from 
thousands of fire-arms in the darkness of evening was 
like unto vivid flashings of lightning from the clouds." 
Then the beacons on the hill-tops, no longer the har- 
bingers of danger, lighted up the gloom and rolled 
the tidings of peace on through New England, and 
shed their radiance on the blood-stained field of 
Lexington. 

Released in a great measure from the cares and 
anxieties which had so long pressed heavily upon the 
commander-in-chief and the army, the discipline of 
the camp was relaxed ; officers and men desiring them 
were granted furlouglis, while the facilities for social 
intercourse were improved to the fullest extent by 
those who remained in camp. Entertainment.s were 
given by all the principal officers; at headquarters 
Mrs. Washington was surrounded by all the court of 
the camp. In the reception and dining-hall a dinner 
and supper were daily served as plentiful as the coun- 
try could supply and as good as could be made by 
Continental cooks. The repast ended, French wines 
for our French allies and those who affected their 
tastes, and more substantial Madeira for Americans 
of the old school, circulated freely, and were served 
with little silver inugs, or goblets, made in France for 
Washington's camp equipage. In the summer time, 
the guests soon withdrew from the table to the open 
grounds; but in the autumn, the long evenings were 
frequently passed around the table, beside the blazing 
fire. On such occasions apples and hickoi-y-nuts 
mingled with the wine, and the amazing consumption 
of the former by Washington and his staff was a 
theme of boundless wonder to the French guests.* 



*Verplauck relates the following anecdote, iu connection with this 
Bubject, as occuning in Paris: "The American minister (we forget 
whether it was Mr. Crawford, Mr. Brown, or one of their successore) and 
several of his countrymen, together with Lafa.vette, were invited to an 
entertainment at the liouse of a Jislitiguished and patriotic Frenchman, 
who had served his conntry in his youth in the United States, duiingthe 
war of our independence. At the supjier hour the company were shown 
into a room fitted up tor the occasion, which contr.-xjited quite oddly with 
the Parisian elegance of the other apartments, where they had spent the 



In July, accompanied by Governor Clinton, Wash- 
ington made the tour of northern New York, and 
discussed the question of improvements in internal 
navigation. On his return he was requested, by the 
president of Congress, to attend the session of that 
body at Princeton. In consequence of the illness of 
Mrs. Washington, however, he could not comply with 
the request until the ISth of August, on the morning 
of which day he took his final departure from New- 
burgli. 

The definite treaty of peace was signed on the 23d 
of September. After its ratification by Congress, that 
body issued a proclamation (October 18th ),t by which 
" that part of the army which had stood engaged to 
serve during the war, and by several acts of Congress 
had been furloughed, should be absolutely discharged 
after the 3d of November from said service; and the 
further service in the field of the officers on furlougli 
dispensed with, and jjermission given to them to retire 
from service, no more to be called to command."* 
On the passage of this proclamation, Washington, 
then at Rocky Hill, N. J., prepared his "Farewell 
Orders to the Array of the United States," which 
were dated in advance of their delivery (November 
3d), that they might be read at the same hour at all 
the points of encampment. In these orders he briefly 
reviewed the events of the j-iast, and suggested the 
general line of policy which, in his opinion, should 
be pursued by the army in the future; promising his 
recommendations to Congress in its behalf, and in- 
voking " the choicest of Heaven's favors" upon all 
its members, whose efforts had secured " innumerable 
blessings for others I" — with this benediction drawing 
the curtain of separation and closing the military 
scene to him forever. 

On the morning of Nov. 3, 1783, the patriot army 
assembled for the last time. At the head of each 
regiment and corps the proclamation of Congress and 
the farewell orders of Washington were read, and the 
formal and last word of command passed along the 

evening. A low, boarded, painted ceiling, with large beams; a single, 

smaH, uncnrbtined w indow, with numerous small doors, as well as the 
general style of the whole, gave at first the idea of the kitchen or largest 
room of a I>ntch or Belgian farm-house. On a long rough table was a re- 
past just as little in keeping with the retined kitchen of Paris as the 
room was with its architecture. It consisted of large dishes of meat, un- 

1 couth-looking pastry, and wine in decanters and bottles, accompanied by 

' glasses and silver mugs, such as indicated other habits and tastes than 
those of moiiern Paris. ' Do you know where we are ?' said the host to 
Gen. Lafayette and his companions. They paused for a few moments in 
suspense. They had seen simiething like this before, but when aud 
where? * Ah, the seven doors and one window,' said Lafayette, and 

i the silver camp-goblets, such as our marshals of France used in my 
youth ! We are at Washington's headquarters on the Hudson, fifty 

I years ago.' " 

t By a proclamation of Congress, adopted October 18th, all officers and 
soldiers absent on furlough were discharged from further seivice ; and all 
others who had engaged to serve during the war were to be discharged 
from aud after the 3d of November. A small force only, composed of 
tliose who had enlisted for a definite period, were to be retained in ser^ 
vice until the peace establishment should bo organized.— /rrinj, iv. 434. 
t When the army was disbanded, Washington was at West Point, mov- 
ing from thence to New York on the evacuation of that city by the Brit- 
ish, Kov. 25, 1783. 



NEVVBURGH. 



265 



lines. "Painful," says Thacher, "was the parting 

scene; no description can be adequate to the tragic 
exhibition. Both officers and soldiers, long unaccus- 
tomed to the attairs of private life, turned loose on 
the world to starve and become a prey to vulture 
speculators. Never can that melancholy day be for- 
gotten when friends, companions for seven long years 
in joy and sorrow, were torn asunder, without the 
hope of ever meeting again, and with prospects of a 
miserable subsistence in future."* 

Maj. North, who was also a participant in this part- 
ing scene, thus writes : " At the disbandment of the 
Revolutionary army, when inmates of the same tent 
or hut for seven long years were separating, and 
probably forever, grasping each other's hand in silent 
agony, I saw the Baron Steuben's strong endeavors to 
throw some ray of sunshine on the gloom, — to mix 
some drop of cordial with the painful draught. To 
go, they knew not whither ; all recollection of the art 
to thrive by civil occupation lost, or to the youthful 
never known. This hard-earned military knowledge, 
worse than useless ; and with their badge t of brother- 
hood a mark at which to point the finger of suspicion 
— ignoble, vile suspicion ! — to be cast out on a world 
long since by them forgotten. .Severed from friends, 
and all the joys and griefs which soldiers feel ! Griefs, 
while hope remained — when shared by numbers, al- 
most joys I To go in silence and alone, and poor and 
hopeless ; it was too hard I On that sad day how 
many hearts were wrung ! I saw it all, nor will the 
scene be ever blurred or blotted from my view. To a 
stern old officer, Lieut.-Col. Cochran, J from the Green 
Mountains, who had met danger and difficulty almost 
at every step from his youth, and from whose furrowed 
visage a tear till that moment had never fallen, the 
good baron said what could be said to lessen deep 
distress. ' For myself,' said Cochran, ' I care not ; I 



» Thatcher's JoiiiDal, 346. There were but few troops at Newburgh 
or New Windsor at this lime, those wlio had not been furluughed having 
been removed to West Poiut. The description Ijy Tliacher is of the 
scenes at the latter place, and of wliicli Waaiiiligton was also a witness. 

t " Headqiartees, Newbcegh, Wednesday, .\ug. 7, 1782.— Honorary 
badges of distinction are to be conferredou the veteran non-commissioned 
otBcers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years 
with bravery, fidelity, and good conduct : for this purjiosc a narrow piece 
of white cloth of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the 
uniformed coats ; non-commissioned officers and soldiei-s who have served 
with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two 
pteces of cloth set in parallel to each other in a similar form. Should 
any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume 
the badges of them, they shall be severely punished. On the other hand, 
it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all 
occasions be treated witli particular confidence and consideration. The 
general, ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as 
well as to foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs 
that whenever any singularly raeritorions action is performed, the author 
of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast the fig- 
ure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. 
Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidel- 
ity and essential service in any way shall meet with due reward. . . . 
This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and 
to be considered as a permanent one." 

t Robert Cochran, of C'uniherland County (now in Vermont), was com- 
missioned major of Third New York Battalion, Nov.21, 1770; lieutenant- 
colonel of Second New York, July 1, 1780. 

18 



can stand it ; but my wife and daughters are in the 
garret of that wretched tavern. I know not where to 
remove, nor have I means for their removal !' ' Come, 
my friend,' .said the baron, ' let us go; I will pay my 
respects to Mrs. Cochran and your daughters, if you 
please.' I followed to the loft, and when the baron 
left the poor, unhappy castaways, he left hope with 
them, and all he had to give! A black man, with 
wounds unhealed, wept on the wharf; there was a 
vessel in the stream bound to the place where he once 
had friends. He had not a dollar to pay his passage, 
and without it the vessel would not take him. Unused 
to tears, I saw them trickle down the good baron's 
cheeks as he put into the hands of the black man the 
last dollar he possessed. The negro hailed the sloop, 
and as he passed from the small boat on board, ' God 
Almighty bless you, master baron I' floated from his 
grateful lips across the parting waters." 

SUBSEQUENT GENERAL HISTORY. 
Amid these tragic scenes, the scanty record of which 
is so touching, the army of the Revolution passed 
away, and the new era of national independence was 
ushered in. The poverty of the departing soldiers 
scarcely exceeded that of the people of Newburgh. 
Money they had in abundance, but it was almost 
worthless ; lands they had, but not the means for their 
successful cultivation ; business they had none, — they 
were very poor; so poor indeed that in 1785 they pe- 
titioned the Legislature for relief, reciting in their 
memorial : " That by reason of the necessary supplies 
which we have afforded for the support of the late 
war, as likewise from the depreciation of paper cur- 
rency, and the unavoidable losses incident to the said 
war, added to the large quantity of personal service, 
which rendered it imjiossible for us to cultivate our 
farms as usual, we are become so impoverished that 

i we are unable to pay our just debts, and, through the 
scarcity of specie, we are unable upon the credit of 
our lands to hire money for the purpo.se aforesaid ; 
the frequent and many lawsuits in justices' and other 
courts, the enormous costs that accrues on small debts, 
issuing executions, taking effects and selling the same 

: for not near the value, oppresses and reduces many 
poor families to the want of the necessaries of life, 
that nothing remains to us in prospect but unavoid- 
able ruin, unless we are relieved by the wisdom of the 
Legislature."^ But though poor, it had a vigorous 

; population, which had been increased in number by 
refugees from New York, who had been compelled to 
remove from that city on its occupation by the British 
forces in 1776, and whose property there had been 



g This petition is dated Feb. 10, 178.>, and is one of two petitions from 
the precinct " of one tenor and date." It is signed by sixty-eight per- 
sons. It was this, and similar petitions from other places, that gave rise 
to the law of .\pril 18, 1786, entitled "An act for emitting the sum of 
two hundred thousand pounds in bills of credit," under which individ- 
uals were enabled to obtain the bills which were issued by mortgage on 
real estate. By this measure universal individual bankruptcy was 
avoided, and the people enabled to resume their long-suspended business 
avocations. The law expired in 1806. 



266 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



confiscated by the officers of the crown. Among these 
persons, Adolph DeGrove, Derick Amerman, Daniel 
Niven, and others became permanent residents after 
the peace.* Besides these refugees, quite a large 
number of persons who had been in the armj' took up 
their residence in it, among whom were Maj. .Joseph 
Pettingale, Maj. Phineas Bowman, Maj. Levi Dodge, 
and others, who engaged in commercial and business 
enterprises. Up to the commencement of the war, 
New Windsor {through the Ellisons) had mainly ab- 
sorbed the commercial business of the district, but the 
shipment of stores to the army demonstrated that 
Newburgh possessed much greater natural advantages 
for commerce, besides being nearer the centre of popu- 
lation. The opportunities for occupation and the 
facilities for development were also greatly in favor 
of Newburgh, having been much enlarged during the 
war. The old " Town of Newburgh Plot," which had 
been opened by the Coldens in 1743, was of limited 
extent, and without easy access to the river, a fault 
which had compelled Alexander Colden to buy the 
southeast corner of the Kockerthal farm, through 
which to sweep a winding road to his wharf at the 




TOWSSHIP OF \VA;SHISGTOX. 

streets designated by letters and (igiires. C, Colden's Dock 
L, Cuntilieutal Dock and Ferry. 



foot of First Street, and which had also compelled the 
oflBcers of the Continental army to push the public or 
Continental wharf, which they were obliged to estab- 
lish, as far north as Tliird Street, where a considerable 
village of hotels, l)arracks, and other buildings for 
army use was established, for the accommodation of 
which Mr. Benjamin Smith, in 1782, laid out in streets 
and lots that portion of his (the Kockerthal) farm 
lying east of Montgomery Street, between South and 
First Streets. This plot, to which he gave the name 
of" The Township of Washington," embraced seventy- 
two lots, and Montgomery, Smith, and Water, and 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets from 
Montgomery Street to the river.f These lots were 

* The Clinton papers, in the State Library, contain the petitions of 
these and other refugees, asking for the restoration of their confiscated 
lands. Under the treaty of peace, however, restoration was not possible. 

t The names of owners of lots entered on the first map of this plot are 
•Tohn Anderson, Nos. 1 and 6; James Denton, No. 2; Mr. Menge, Nos. 3 
and 13 ; E. C. Lutherloh, Nob. 4, 111, 11 , 23, 24, and 35 ; Jacob Reader, No. 6 ; 
A Fairchild, Nos. 7 and 2IJ; Hugh Walsh, Nos. 8, 21, and 36; William 



rapidly taken up, as well as adjoining plots on the 
Glebe and in the township of Newburgh ; and from 
the position of the lowest, in 1780, the precinct passed 
to the fourth, in 1790, and, in a (juarter of a century, 
to the first in rank of i>opulation. 

But for some years the village was a disjointed set- 
tlement. The three township plots of which it was 
composed had no connection except through Liberty 
Street and a few " cross-lot" roads. In 1790, however, 
the streets which had been dedicated in the plots were 
connected and opened by the road commissioners of 
the town, under a general act of the Legislature, and 
an order entered establishing "a street called Wagon 
Street, running from the S. W. corner of Lot 31, on 
Western Avenue, easterly on that avenue to the S. W. 
corner of Lot 16 ; thence N. E. to N. AV. corner of Lot 
9, in the Newburgh township ;t thence easterly until 
it intersects AVater Street in the township of Wash- 
ington. Also, a road beginning at the S. E. corner of 
High Street, and running N. E. along that street to the 
N. W. corner of Lot 19, in the township of Newburgh ; 
thence N. E. to First Street in the township of Wash- 
ington; thence across said street intersecting Smith 
Street, and thence northerly to South 
Street. Also, a street called Mont- 
gomery Street in the township of 
Washington, beginning at the S. E. 
corner of a lot given by Benjamin 
Smith for the use of the Presbyterian 
congregation, and thence northerly 
to South Street." Also, roads called 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, and 
Fifth Streets. Also, a road beginning 
in the S. W. corner of Lot 1, in the 
township of Washington, and run- 
ning southerly across the lands of the 
heirs of Richard Nicolls Colden in 
a direct course to the end of Water 
Street in the township of Newburgh, 
between Lots 1 and 9. 

This order, it will be seen, opened Water Street 
from South Street to Western Avenue ; Colden or 
Wagon Street from Water Street to Western Avenue; 

Forbes, Nos. 9 and 22; Mr. Crosby, No. 12; \Vm. Quackenbush, Nos. 14 
and 15; S. Clark, No. 16; B. Palmer, No. 17; William Thurston, No. 18; 
Adolph DeGrove, No. 19. Tlie remaining lota were held by Mr. Smith, 
and the streets conveyed by him to the public by deed. This deed and 
the map of the plot are still preserved. 

J Old Town of Newburgh Plot. The peculiar angles in all of the prin- 
cipal streets arose from this fact : Colden and his associates, in laying out 
the Old Town of Newburgli Plot, commenced their streets on the natural 
plateaus. The trustees of the Glebe laid out their streets parallel with 
the river. When Smith came to open his land, Water Street was placed 
nearer the river, and a corresponding division carried back in Smith and 
Montgomery Streets. When the road commissioners took the duly in 
hand of joining together the streets thus dedicated iu the three distinct 
original divisions of the present city, an angle was formed in Water Street 
at the junction with Wagon (now north end of Colden) and with South 
Street; and also at the junction of High and Smith Streets and of JSIont- 
gomery and Hasbrouck Streets. The angle is necessarily followed in 
Grand Street, and mars Chambers and other streets more recently opened. 
The citizens of Newburgh thus have a perpetual memorial of the " Town- 
ship of Newburgh," the " Township of Washington," and of the " Glebe." 



NEWBURGH. 



267 



High Street; Smith Street ; Montgomery Street ; and 
First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets, the 
latter t'roni the river to Montgomery Street. Wagon 
Street intersected tlie" Wallkill road," as it was called. 
The streets on the Glebe were, in the main, easily con- 
nected. South Street, the dividing line, originally laid 
out directly west to the west bounds of the patent, was 
first opened from Liberty Street to the river; west of 
Liberty Street its course was subsequently changed* 
and what is Cxidney Avenue formed. North Street 
was also ojiened from Liberty Street to the river. 
Such, with the addition of Liberty Street, already 
noticed, were the opened streets of the present city 
of Newburgh in 179L 

Tlie precinct of Newburgh continued to be recog- 
nized by that name until 1788, when, by an act of the 
Legislature " for dividing the counties of the State 
into towns," passed March 7th of that year, the title 
of "precinct" gave place to that of "town." The 
boundaries, however, remained unchanged, and as 
they at present exist. 

The history of the Glebe has been brought down to 
the period of the Eevolution. The Rev. John Sayer, 
the successor of Mr. ^V^1tkins, resigned the charge in 
1775, and during the war the church had no minister. 
The school, however, was continued by Mr. John Na- 
than Hutchius,t who, in addition to his duties as 
teacher, read prayers in the old cliurch on the Sab- 
bath. On the death of Mr. Hutchins, in 1782, Mr. 
Ricliard King was .selected as teacher ; and in 1790, 
the Rev. George H. Spierin performed the duties of 
minister and schoolmaster. Changes had also oc- 
curred in the trustees. Mr. Alexander Golden died 
in 1775, and his place had been filled liy Isaac Belknap ; 
and on the death of Mr. Albertson, Mr. Henry Smith 
was elected his successor. 

It was during the year 1790 that the discussions com- 
menced which subsequently terminated the control 
of the Episcopal Church over the Glebe. In June 
of that year. Col. Cadwallader Golden was elected 
trustee, t to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death 
of Henry Smith ; and almost immediately after his 
election those ojjposed to the church raised the ques- 
tion of his eligibility, he being a non-resident although 
a freeholder on the patent. To meet the difficulty, 
Golden proposed an amendment of the charter so as 
to permit the election as trustees of persons residing 

* Minutes of trustees uf Glebe, Sept. 22, 1191.— " Whereas, there is a 
vacancy of eiglit rods left on tlie south side of the minister's lot for a 
street, which, running through wet ground and over a high hill, is im- 
practicable, — agreed, to enclose said road, and allow a road of four rods 
wide to run through (he lot from opposite Martin W^eigaud's to the 
northward of a piece of swamp land adjoining said high hills." 

t Tlie fact here stated is from a manuscript found among the papers of 
Isaac Belknap. The paper recites that, owing to the scarcity of money 
and other difficulties in collecting the Glebe rents, Mr. Hutcliins' salary 
bad not been fully paid, there being due him at the time of hie death the 
sum of eighty-two pounds one shilling and si.\pence. 

X Juue 4, 1790.— Col. Cadwallader Col den elected trustee. Tliirty-si.t 
votes wore cast, thirty of which were for Colden, and six for Isaac Has- 
brouck. — Minutes. 



within twelve miles of the patent who were freeholders 
thereon ; and the trustees adopted a petition to the 
Legislature to that effect. 

The opponents of the church immediately drew up 
a counter-petition, asking the Legislature " that no 
act relative to the premises be passed until the col- 
lected sense of the parish he taken." This petition, 
or remonstrance, was very numerously signed, and 
led to the calling of a meeting, by the trustees, to take 
the whole subject into consideration. The call was 
issued on the 7th, and the meeting held on the 10th 
of February, at the house of Martin Weigand, at 2 
o'clock P.M. The inhabitants of the patent, regarding 
the affair as an attempt on the part of the church to 
divert the revenues of the Glebe from the support of 
a school to which they had been wholly applied since 
1775, were thoroughly aroused and attended the 
meeting in large numbers. After a turbulent discus- 
sion of considerable length, the proposition to amend 
the charter was rejected.^ 

The result of this meeting led to, in May following, 
the resignation of Colden as trustee, and of Spierin as 
schoolmaster.|[ Colden's resignation was accepted; 
and, on the 16th May, Isaac Hasbrouck was elected 
his successor, having received fifty-one votes and Wil- 
liam Seymour sixteen. The resignation of Spierin 
produced no other action than a resolution to divide 
the income of the Glebe equally as compensation for 
the duties of minister and schoolmaster respectively, 
until the 28th of May, when the trustees conferred 
with Spierin on the subject, and obtained his consent 
to be inducted.^ 

Mr. Spierin continued to serve as minister and 
schoolmaster until 179.3 or '94. Meanwhile the sub- 
ject of the disposal of the revenues of the Glebe was 
more or less discussed. The membership of the Epis- 
copal Church had dwindled away until very few of 
that denomination remained ; and the inhabitants 
belonging to other churches, as well as those who 
were opposed on principle to even an inferential 
association of the church with the conduct of the 
public schools, renewed their efforts to get the reve- 
nues exclusively applied to the support of a school- 
master. The old trustees insisted upon maintaining 

g Feb. 10, 1791 . — A motion wafl then made and seconded, whether there 
shall be an alteration of the charter or not. After some debate upon the 
question, it was agreed that the sense of the people should be taken by 
ballot, and was carried in favor of those against the alteration by a ma- 
jority of thirty-four. — Minutes. 

II May :i, 1791. — The trustees met at the house of Martin Weigand, and 
being opened. Col. Colden observed that upon consideration of the diffi- 
culties that seemed to attend the trusteeship since he was elected, and in 
all probability were likely to be continued, it appeared that the inhabi- 
tants of said patent were very much divided ; and therefore concluded 
that it might tend to restore peace and harmony among them, and so be 
for the public good of the parish, for him to resign his office as trustee, 
and accordingly lie delivered his resignation. The Rev. Mr. Spierin pro- 
posed not to have anything to do with the Glebe school any further, 
which the trustees agreed to. Agreed also, by said trustees, that the 
income of the Glebe lands be equally divided between Mr. Spierin and 
the schoolmaster. — Minutes. 

X Minutes, May 28, 1791. 



268 



HISTOllY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



their agreement with Mr. Spierin ; and, having no 
other alternative, the people held a meeting and 
elected William Seymour and Phineas Howell trus- 
tees, and voted that the Glebe rents should be paid to 
them. This action led to a compromise, in virtue of 
which both the old and the new trustees resigned 
their places, and Timothy Hudson and Phineas 
Howell were chosen their successors.* 

In this way the revenues of the Glebe passed from 
the control of the Episcopal Church. History repeated 
itself. The very means — the elective franchise con- 
ferred on the inhabitants by the charter — which the 
Episcopalians had employed to wrest the privileges of 
the patent from the Lutherans, had been successfully 
used for their own overthrow in the hour of similar 
numerical weakness. The Glebe passed wholly into 
the hands of the people, and its limited liut useful sys- 
tem of free education was divested of sectarian control. 

The concluding years of the century were marked 
by the formal incorporation of the Presbyterian and 
the Associate Kefornied Churches, and by the estab- 
lishment of the Newburgh Academy. An attempt 
had been made to organize the latter institution in 
1791, and for that purpose; authority was asked from 
the Legislature to establish a lottery, — a mode of 
raising money for such purposes very common at that 
time. This petition failed, and during the pendency 
of the difficulties in regard to the Glebe, little was 
done. In 1795, however, the project was again taken 
in hand by the trustees of the Glebe, and the present 
academy building was erected. 

Meanwhile, the jjrogress of the town had not been 
confined to the German Patent. As lands were cleared 
and planted, grist- and saw-mills were erected, and 
the ancient forests, " through which one could not see 
the sunshine," were filled with the hum of industry. 
The first mill, by authenticated records, was erected 
by Alexander Coldeu about 1743 ; was subsequently 
known as Hasbrouck's, and more recently as Dick- 
son's mill. The second was erected by Abel Belknap, 
situated west of the present New Mills, and known 
subsequently as Niven's mill. From thence west on 
the Quassaick, in successive order, were Foster's saw- 
mill, Gardner's grist-mill, Gardner's saw-mill, Belk- 
nap's saw-mill, and Burr's grist-mill, the latter occu- 
pying the site and privilege of a mill erected by 
Captain Thomas Machin in 1786-87, for the coinage 
of copper. On the Tent-Stone Meadow Creek, Penny's 
grist-mill. Hartshorn's mill. Penny's saw-mill, and 
Hasbrouck's saw-mill were early erections, as were 
also Denton's saw-mill and Smith's saw-mill on the 
Fostertown Creek. On Denton's (now I'owelton) 
Brook, Nehemiah Denton established a grist-mill, and 
a store and a landing on the Hudson ; further north, 
William Bloomer had a blacksmith-shop, and Michael 
Demott a hotel, and, with the neighboring farmers, 
made, prior to the Revolution, a village at Balmville, 

» MiiluteB, Sept. 22, Oct. 13 and 27, 1794. 



nearly if not fully as large as that on the Glebe. 
Daniel Smith went there subsequently and built a 
store and a wharf, from which he sailed a sloop to 
New York ; while on Jew's or Acker's Creek, in the 
extreme northeast part of the town, were Tooker's 
mill and Acker's mill. In the vicinity of all these 
mills were hamlets, — in most cases a smith's shop, 
and occasionally a "store" of goods of all kinds "for 
cash or barter," but principally the latter, for of the 
former there was little in circulation. Besides mills 
and hamlets there were many well-cultivated farms, 
and substantial dwellings which had supplanted rude 
log cabins. The lumber business of the town was espe- 
cially heavy, and large quantities of ship timber, 
planks, and staves were forwarded to market. The pub- 
lic landing which the trustees of the Glebe had estab- 
lished at the toot of North Street was almost entirely 
devoted to the shipment of lumber, and vessels were 
loading and rafts forming there almost constantly. 
Ship-building was also carried on to a considerable 
extent, at different points, by William Seymour and 
others ; and Newburgh ships entered into the Liver- 
pool trade, and her smaller vessels engaged in coast- 
ing and in trade with the West India islands. A 
more thriving town was not found on the banks of the 
Hudson, nor one in which the industry of the people 
had more substantial reward. 

In 1797 the village had attained to such size that it 
was found necessary to establish a fire department ; 
and for this purpose a law was passed by the Legisla- 
ture defining the fire limits of the village, and direct- 
ing the election of five trustees, " to be called the 
Trustees of the Fire Company in the Village of New- 
burgh." The fire limits defined by this act included 
that portion of the town lying south of an east-and- 
west line running six rods north of the academy ; and 
the district thus defined was "to be called the Village 
of Newburgh," the freeholders in which were empow- 
ered to elect annually not less than three nor more 
than five trustees, who should have the appointment 
of firemen and the control and management of a fire 
department.! This was the first crude form of village 
authority. 



t The third section of this act reads as follows : " The said trustees, to 

be chosen as aforcBaid, or a major part of them, shall have full power 
and authority to nominate and appoint a sufficient nunibor of firemen 
(willing to accept), not exceeding twenty to every fire-engine now pro- 
vided, or hereafter to Ijo provided, for tlie use of the said village, out of 
the inhabitants being freeholdei-s or pereous renting property to tlie 
value of one hundred dollars per annum, to have the care, management, 
working, aud usnig the said lire-engines, and other tools and instru- 
ments now or hereafter to be provided for tlie oxtingnisbmeut of flres 
witliiu the said village, whiili persons so to be nominated and appointed 
as aforesaid shall be called the firemen of the village of Newburgh, who 
are hereby required to be ready at all fires, as well by niglit as by day, 
to manage, use, and work the other tools and instruments aforesaid." 

By other secUons of the act firemen were exempted from service as 
constables or as jurors of imiuest; and tlie trustees had power to remove 
firemen for cause, to make all necessary rules and regulations, and, in 
case of fire, to command the assistance of all " able-bodied inhabitants in 
said village" to extinguish the same. The inhabitants of the village 
were also required to furnish their houses with suitable fire-buckets. 



NEWBURGH. 



269 



In September, 1797, the publication of The Mirror 
— the second newspaper published in Newburgh — was 
commenced by Philip Van Home, and in 1799 passed 
into the hands of Joseph \V. Barber. In 1798, The 
New Windsor Ouzrtfe was published at New Windsor 
by Jacob Schultz, but was soon after removed to New- 
burgh and called Tlie Oranrjc County Gazette. This 
paper was subsequently sold to David Denniston, the 
name being changed to TJie Citizen. It was afterwards 
merged in T/ir Bir/hts of Man * a paper established by 
Elias Wiulield, for whom it was printed by Benoui H. 
Howell. 27ie J/irro/- gave place to The Recorder of the 
Times, and the latter to The Political Index. 

These papers are mentioned in their order for the 
purpose of introducing the facts in the religious his- 
tory of the town which led to their publication. As 
the Revolution had severed the old connection be- 
tween Church and State, the people of America were 
naturally led to consider what should be the future 
political relation of the Church. These discussions 
finally subsided on the adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution, as that instrument expressly declared that 
Congress should " make no law resjiecting an estab- 
lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise 
thereof." But besides these debates, there were other 
and mightier agencies operating in the direction of 
skepticism. Voltaire ajid his friends had already be- 
gun the work of unsettling the religious faith of 
Europe ; they shook, as it were, the very pillars of 
the Church, and desolated France with the terrible 
revolution of '98. The doctrines taught by Voltaire 
and Paine were accepted by many prominent and 
able men in the United States ; but at no place did 
the anti-religious sentiments prevail to a greater ex- 
tent than in Newburgh. The Citizen, first, and subse- 
quently The Ru/hts of Man, hoisted the infidel flag; 
there was a regularly organized society of infidels, 
and a blind man, by the name of Elihu Palmer,! was 
induced to visit the village weekly and deliver lec- 
tures at the academy in opposition to the Bible. Be- 
sides the al)ove-nanied newspapers, Paine's " Age of 
Reason," Tyndall's " Christianity as Old as the Cre- 
ation," and works of a similar character, were re- 
published under the auspices of the society and circu- 
lated with all diligence. 

" That there was infidelity, and organized infidelity," 
says Dr. Johnston, J " I have no reason to doubt. Nay, 
I have my information from one who was a member 
of what was styled ' The Druid Society.' It was one 
of the branches of the ' Itluminati Society,' at the 



* In the Autobiography of Rev. Dr. Johnston, a paper under the tiUe 

of The Temple of Retison is mentioned (p. 94). The paper referred to was 
probably The Ei<jhU ttf Man, wliich was the only infidel paper publiahed 
at that time. 

t The Rev. Elihu Palmer waa born at Norwich, Conn., about the year 
1763, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1787. He was early settled 
as a minister of the gospel ; hut ho subsequently changed his faith to 
Universalism, and from that passed over to infidelity. In 1793 he was 
attacked by yellow fever, which left him entirely blind. He died at 
Philadelphia in 1805. 

X .\utobiography i>f Rev. .tiilin .lolinston. D.D., p. 92, etc. 



head of which was Weishaupt, of Germany, the 
leading object of which, according to his representa- 
tions, was destruction to all organized governments, 
' civil and divine.' Hence the Bible was the avowed 
object of their hatred, as well as all that pertained to 
the church of God and her institutions. I have a 
number of facts, dates, and particulars on this sub- 
ject, which would help posterity to know more of the 
sad effects of infidelity in Newburgh the latter end of 
the last and the commencement of this century than 
is generally known at present. A clergyman in- 
formed me that after preaching here he was attacked 
in the evening by a fierce dog, set on by several who 
were reputed members of the Druid Society. The 
place where the attack was made was near the large 
elm-tree on Liberty Street. I presume many have 
heard it stated (and I have never heard it contro- 
verted) that in the afternoon or evening of the day in 
which the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was dis- 
pensed by our officiating clergyman, a mock adminis- 
tration was performed at a spring^ within the limits 
of the corporation, by formally presenting to a little 
dog a cracker and a small quantity of water, using the 
words of our blessed Redeemer when he instituted 
the holy supper." 

" It ought to be known," continues Dr. Johnston, 
" that the principal actor in this impious transaction 
did not long survive. On the following Sabbath 
evening he was found in his room with the door 
locked, apparently in a fit, convulsed with awful 
spasms, and he died without being able to utter a 
word. Whether he had taken anything with a view 
to self-destruction, or whether it was the immediate 
act of God, without his voluntary agency, we know 
not. This occurred in July, 1799. In the graveyard 
there is a stone with the following inscription : ' The 

Tomb of , who died July 2d, in the year 

of the Christian Era, 1799, aged 34 years.' For a 
time it seemed as if these infatuated men had deter- 
mined that there should not remain in Newburgh 
and its vicinity a vestige of Christianity." 

Dr. Johnston's account of the objects and doings of 
the infidels of Newburgh comes to us somewhat col- 
ored perhaps by religious prejudice ; but the main 
facts are generall-s' conceded to have been as he states 
them. Mr. James Donnelly, a member for a short 
time of " The Druids," and Jlr. Jacob Schultz, the 
editor of the first anti-infidel paper, the last living 
witnesses of the events referred to, agreed that the 
accounts given by Dr. Johnston and by Abner Cun- 
ningham|| were exaggerated, especially in reference 

g The place referred to is said to have been a spring on the premises 
lately owned by Edward R. Johns, Esq., south of the iron-works. It was 
destroyed by excavations. 

I "Fate of Infidelity," by Abner Cunningham, in which the author 
professes to reveal the fate of several of the leading Newburgh infidels 
The files of the village papers show that the statements which he makes 
are incorrect in many instances. " D. D.," says Cunningham, referring 
to David Denniston, " a printer, three days after, fell in a fit, and died 
immediately." Tliis is not true, for Denniston editeil Tlit ItiijhVt of Man 



270 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to the deaths of several of the participants in the 
scenes described. Mr. Donnelly stated that the Druids 
" first organized as a debating society, and were com- 
posed of the best men in the place. Many of the 
members became infidels after they had joined the 
society, and then changed the association into an in- 
fidel club," when a good many withdrew, including 
himself. He regarded it as "a great mistake to assert 
that all the members were bad men and came to vio- 
lent deaths." Mr. Schultz stated that Dr. Phineas 
Hedges, whose sudden death Dr. Johnston refers to, 
"it was always understood, died in a fit brought on 
by nervous excitement. The circumstances were 
these : I printed an article in my Gazette in which 
Dr. Hedges and the infidels were handled severely. 
The doctor was very much excited over it, and came 
down to New Windsor to ask the privilege of a reply. 
I told him that I must see his reply before I would 
agree to print it; but that if it was couched in proper 
terms, he might expect its publication. The next I 
heard was that the doctor had died iu a fit. Some of 
the ardent anti-infidels said it was a visitation of God ; 
but this was not generally believed.* The discussions 
of that period will always be remembered by me; and 
after a lapse of sixty years I have come to regard the 
acts of my contemporaries in a .softer light than that 
in which I then looked upon them." 

While these corrections are due to the memory 
of the dead, the files of The Rights of Man and of 
The Recorder of the Times — the first the advocate, and 
the latter the opponent, of the doctrines taught in 
Paine's "Age of Reason" — give ample evidence of 
the violence of the discussion, and of the eftbrts made 
to overthrow all religious worship. According to a 
statement in Tlie Recorder of the Times, these efforts 
gradually subsided after the close of the century. 



III.— VILLAGE OF NEWBUKGH. 

At the opening of the present century the inhab- 
itants of the German Patent threw off the township 
titles into which it was principally divided, and, for 
the purpose of securing better municipal government, 
united in an application to the Legislature for an act 
to incorporate the village of Newburgh, a title which 
had been adopted in the act of 1797, organizing the 
fire department. In response to the application, the 
Legislature passed, on the 2oth of March, 1800, an 
act of incorporation, defining the bounds of the vil- 
lage and authorizing the election of trustees and other 
oflicers. The act further provided that the trustees 
should have power to make, ordain, and jjublish such 
by-laws, rules, and regulations as should be deemed 

after this, and was subsequently connected with the American Citizen and 
Watch-Toii'er, a paper printed in New Yorlt. He died Dec. 13, 1803, of a 
malignant fever. He was a man of considerable ability. 

* The Mirror of July 9tli thus speaks of Dr. Hedges : " In justice to his 
memory, it ought to be observed that he was a man possessed of a strong 
mind, and this mind highly improved and cultivated by the principles 
of general science and the knowledge of the philosophy of nature." 



meet and proper, particularly in reference to public 
markets, streets, alleys, and highways ; to abate 
slaughter-houses and nuisances generally ; to deter- 
mine the number of inns or' taverns, and grant li- 
censes to the same ; to restrain the running at large 
of geese, cattle, hogs, and other animals; to erect and 
regulate hay-scales ; and to have general powers 
" relative to anything whatsoever" that should con- 
cern the " public and good government" of the vil- 
lage thereby created.! 

The act took immediate effect, and on the first 
Tuesday in May after its passage seven trustees, three 
assessors, three fire-wardens, a collector, and a treas- 
urer were elected ; and the board of trustees organ- 
ized under the presidency of John Anderson. + The 
immediate duties devolving upon them were compara- 
tively light, and beyond the erection of a public mar- 
ket and the leasing of tlie stalls, the partial grading 
of Water Street, and the adoption of a few general 
regulations, very little was done. 

Immediately after the incorporation of the village, 
an act was passed (March 20, 1801) constituting and 
appointing Robert Browne, John DeWitt, William 
Seymour, Levi Dodge, Johannes Jliller, Hugh Walsh, 
George Clinton, Jr., Jacob Powell, John McAuley, 
Charles Clinton, William W. Sackett, George Gard- 
ner, and all such others as should associate for that 
purpose, a body corporate and politic by the name of 
"The President, Directors, and Company of the New- 
burgh and Cochecton Turnpike Road," with a capital 
of $126,000, for the construction of a road from New- 
burgh to the Delaware River.^ The stock was soon 
taken and the road constructed. In its effect upon 
the prosperity of the village it was of far greater im- 
portance than that of municipal organization, opening 
as it did an avenue of trade extending for many miles 
into the interior, and connecting the southern tier of 
counties with the city of New York, ria Newburgh.|| 

Meanwhile the afl'airs of the Glebe demanded at- 
tention. The trustees under the charter were acting, 
in a measure, in defiance of its provisions by denying 
to the church any participation in the revenues, and 
by appropriating the whole income to tlie supjjort of 
schools. To remove the legal disabilities under which 
the trustees labored, the Legislature passed, in 1803, 

t Newburgh was the second incorporated village in the State. The 
village of LansingburgU was the first. 

I The records of the board from 1800 to 1S04 have not been preserved ; 
but from published reports it appears that John Andei-son was president 
from May, ISOO, to 1802; Levi Dodge from May, 1802, to 1803; .Jacob 
Powell from 3Iay, 1803, to 1804, when Geoi'ge Monell was elected. 

g Tlie arched bridge at Bridgeville, Sullivan Co., which was completed 
in 1807, bears the only monument to the directors of this road now re- 
maining on its line. In the parapet on the eastern abutment of this 
bridge a marble slab was inserted with the inscription; " Jacob Powell, 
President; George Monell, Treasurer; William H. Weller, Secretary; 
.Tonathau Hedges, Charles Clinton, Levi Dodge, Daniel Stringhani, 
Jonathan Fisk, Cyprian Webster, Reuben Neely, Daniel C. Verplanck, 
Hamilton Morrison, David Craw ford — Directors, 1807." — QiiinlaiCn "l^nlli- 
van CouiUij," 537. 

p This subject will be found more fully related in the general history 
of the county. See " Trade and Commerce." 



NEWBURGH. 



271 



"an act to alter and amend the charter of the Glebe 
lands in the German Patent, in the village of New- 
burgh," by the terms of which the inhabitants on the 
patent were empowered to elect, on the second Tues- 
day in May, annually, three persons to "otHciate as 
trustees of the aforesaid Glebe." The act also or- 
dered that the moneys arising from the annual income 
should forever thereafter be appropriated solely to the 
support of schools ; that $200 should be paid annu- 
ally to the trustees of the academy, and that the re- 
mainder of the income should be paid to other schools 
which were then, or should be thereafter, established 
on said Glebe: " Provided" that if at any time there- 
after " a minister, of the Episcopal Church should be 
inducted on said patent," then the trustees should 
have power to " pay annually for the support of said 
minister" such proportions of the moneys as should 
be " reasonable, according to the true intent and 
meaning of the charter." Under this act an election 
was held at the house of Edward Howell (May 10, 
1803), when Daniel Smith, William H. Smith, and 
John Harris were chosen trustees. 

Thus the matter remained until 1805, when the 
members of the Episcopal Church determined, if 
possible, to regain possession of the income of the 
Glebe, and to re-establish the provisions of the old 
charter. With a view to accomplish this the bishop 
appointed the Rev. Cave Jones agent for the church, 
and Messrs. Jonathan Fisk and Walter Case were 
employed as counsel. To allay public excitement a 
card was issued by the agent and the counsel for the 
church, in which they pledged themselves that in 
case the church should succeed in establishing her 
claim to the Glebe, the income therefrom should be 
appropriated, according to the true intent and mean- 
ing of the charter, for the support of a free school for 
the children of the poor residing on the patent; and 
that in renewing leases all things should be made 
" commodious and agreeable to the parties con- 
cerned." 

To this card was appended a call for a meeting of 
the male inhabitants of the patent who were mem- 
bers of the Ejiiscopal Church and entitled to vote at 
other elections, to be held at the old Episcopal 
Church building, on Monday, Nov. 4th, for the pur- 
pose of choosing "two Trustees of the Parish of New- 
burgh, according to the true intent and meaning of 
the charter granting the Glebe on the said Patent." 

The meeting was held ; the votes offered by those 
who were not members of the Ej^iscopal Church were 
rejected; eleven votes only were received, and Jona- 
than Fisk and Joseph Hoft'man were chosen trustees. 
They then proceeded to reorganize the church, by the 
election of wardens and vestrymen, so that it might 
be in a proper position to maintain its authority by 
an appeal to the courts. 

For the purpose of determining the legality of the 
law of 1803, an action of ejectment was immediately 
brought by the church against Michael Nestle, who 



held a portion of the Glebe by virtue of a lease from 
the trustees elected pursuant to tluit act. The cause 
was tried Nov. 26, 1806, at the Orange Circuit Court, 
before Mr. Justice Tompkins, and the church was 
nonsuited. At the succeeding term, a motion was 
made to set aside the nonsuit, and argument was 
made before Justices Van Ness and Spencer. Mr. 
risk, on the part of the church, held that the orig- 
inal intention in granting the patent evidently was 
that members of the Episcopal Church alone should 
be permitted to vote at elections for trustees, and that 
to deny this position would be to defeat the intention 
of the charter. The act of 1803, he held, was void, 
as the Legislature had no power to divest the church 
of any rights vested by the charter in the original 
grantees of the Glebe. J. Radclitle and T. A. Em- 
met, on the part of the trustees under the act of 1803, 
held that the original charter was to " German Luth- 
erans. On their removal from the tract, the remain- 
ing inhabitants, being of the Church of. England or 
Episcopalians, met together, elected trustees, sur- 
rendered the original patent, and obtained a new 
charter to them and their successors. If none but 
persons of the same religious denomination with 
those named in the original grant had a right to vote, 
then the Episcopalians, in 1750, had no right to 
elect trustees ;" that there was as " much ground to 
object to the charter of 1752, under which the plain- 
tiff claims, as to the act of 1803, under which the 
defendant holds ; and that the Episcopalians, in 
1750, acted in the same manner towards the Luther- 
ans as the Presbyterians, in 1803, acted towards the 
Episcopalians." 

But while in the argument of counsel the case was 
made to depend entirely upon the question of the right 
of the inhabitants of the patent, irrespective of church 
membership, to vote at elections for trustees, the point 
raised was not decided by the court. In his opinion, 
Mr. Justice Van Ness avoided the issue presented, for 
the avowed purpose of leaving the matter open to a 
compromise ; but held that the trustees elected under 
the act of 1803 were the trustees de facto, and were 
hence clothed with competent authority to grant the 
lease to Nestle, and that a new trial ought to be de- 
nied. 

Mr. Justice Spencer, however, met the question 
presented, and held that " right of election" was " ex- 
pressly given, by the charter, to all male inhabitants 
of the German Patent who were above the age of 
twenty-one years," and that, " the plaintiff having 
failed to show any title," the defendant could not be 
disturbed in his possession. Although not regarded 
as a decision on the merits of the case, these opinions 
destroyed all hope of re-establishing the jurisdiction 
of the church over the Glebe, and further proceed- 
ings were stayed.* 

* The case may be found at length in 3 John. Eep., 115. No further 

legal proceedinga were taken. 



272 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The records of the trustees of the village contain 
many proofs that they were not neglectful of the du- 
ties devolved upon them by the charter. In 1S04, a 
public meeting was called by them for the purpose of 
adopting a plan for supplying the village with water ; 
and during the same year a night-watch was organ- 
ized. In 1806, public hay-scales were erected, and 
several improvements made in the streets. Private 
enterprise, too, began to yield its fruits. Turnpikes 
were opened in different directions,* thus increasing 
the commercial facilities of the town ; and the Bank 
of Newburgh was est.ablished in 1811. The results 
of these and kindred enterprises are forcibly illus- 
trated in the fact that, from the overwhelming in- 
debtedness, which rested like an incubus on the town 
at the close of the war of independence, in thirty years 
it had attained such a position of wealth that it paid 
one-fourth of the tax of the entire county. 

But while the citizens of Newburgh were thus en- 
gaged in these various enterprises the cloud of war 
again darkened the national horizon — the 

SECOND WAR WITH ENrTL-iND 
— SO disastrous to trade in all its branches. Notwith- 
standing its embarrassments, however, they never wa- 
vered in their devotion to their country. From first 
to last, by resolutions passed in conventions, by the 
expression of their sentiments through the ballot-box, 
by the prompt offer of volunteers, and by the contri- 
bution of men to actual service, they evinced their un- 
flinching purpose to resist the " attacks of domestic 
enemies, and the insolent aggressions of foreign 
powers." Soon after the declaration of war the local 
military companies were ordered on duty and sta- 
tioned at Staten Island ;t and, at a later period, New- 
burgh was temporarily made the rendezvous of the 
companies of grenadiers, light infantr}', and riflemen 
of the Thirty-fourth Brigade. J 

Among the many facts which showed the temper of 
the people of Newburgh during the war may be no- 
ticed the contribution of clothing, by the ladies of the 
village, to the volunteers in service on the northern 
frontiers;? the detestation expressed, on all public 



* The Newburgh and Cochecton turnpike was organized in 1801. 
In 1808, the Newburgh and New Windsor turnpilte was chartered, con- 
necting at New Windsor with turupiltes to Cornwall and Monroe. In 
1810, the Newburgh and Sullivan turnpike penetrated the heart of the 
present county of Sullivan ; and in 181'.i, the Newburgh and Plattekill 
turnpike opened to tlie Newbuigh market a rich agricultural section of 
southern Ulster. (See " Trade and Commerce.") 

t The company of artillery under the command of Capt. Henry But- 
terworth, and the uniform companies of light infantry under the com- 
mand of Capts. Alexander Denniaton and Charles Birdsall, of this town, 
have been ordered by His Excellency the Governor, to be in readiness 
to march to New York on the 15th inst." — Index, Aug. 11, 1812. 

J " General Orders— .\lbany, Sept. 1, 1813. — The companies of Grena- 
diers, Light Infantry, and ItiHemeD of the 34th Brigade will rendezvous 
for service at Newburgh, on the 8th September inst., at ten o'clock in the 
forenoon. . . ." 

^"Newburgh, Dec. 5, 1812. — Sir: .Vccompanying this your Excel- 
lency will tind a package of two Imndred and eighty woolen stockings 
and eighty mittens. They are forwarded to you by the ladies of this 
village, with the request that you will send to those of the volunteer 



occasions, of those who sympathized with the common 
enemy, or who esteemed the blessings of peace para- 
mount to national honor ;|] and the very spirited cele- 
bration of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. On the 
latter occasion the trustees of the village united with 
a committee of citizens, viz. : Solomon Sleight, Wil- 
liam Ross, Isaac Belknap, Jr., John S. Hunn, John 
Anderson, John Mandevill, Seth Belknap, John W. 
Morrell, Joseph Reeve, and Hezekiah Belknap. The 
national flag was displayed in all public places in the 
village and from the masts of the vessels lying in the 
harbor ; there was a public collation and sundry pa- 
triotic toasts at the Newburgh Coft'ee-House, and a 
procession and a very general illumination in the 
evening. The.se arrangements were entered into 
heartily by all classes of citizens, and the exercises 
on the occasion were long held in remembrance.^ 

But sadness as well as joy entered into the history 
of the town during the war. The embargo act de- 
tained in foreign ports many American vessels 



corps now on duty on our northern frontiers whom your Excellency may 
suppose to be most in want of them. The unremitting attention which 
has marked your Excellency's conduct since the declaration of war, 
towards the protection of our northern frontier and maritime coast, and 
your constant endeavor to alleviate the situation of our fellow-citizens 
who are in the military 6er\'ice, will; I hope, sufliciently apologize for 
troubling you witli the disposition of this small tribute of respect to those 
brave and patriotic defenders of their country's rights. With considera- 
tions of much respect and esteem, 

" I am yours, sincerely, W. ROSS. 

"His Excellency, Gov. Tompkins." 

II One of the resolutions adopted in 1813 is as follows; " Eesolveil, 
That we consider the Tories of the present war as having a much better 
title to the halter than the Tories of the Revolution, having had a longer 
time to get weaned from their unnatural mother." 

1[ The PoUticitl In<kx of Sept, 30, 1813, contains a lengthy account of 
this celebration. '* Never," says that paper, " did such universal joy 
pervade the breasts of American citizens as has been manifested on a 
recent occasion ; and never bos that joy been more distinctly, unequivo- 
cally, and universally expressed by the citizens of Newburgh and its vi- 
cinity than has been done on receiving the official letters announcing 
the late affair on Lake Erie. ... On the arrival of the news, a Federal 
salute was fired from the U. S. corvette 'John Adams,' moored opposite 
the village, which vessel was decorated with the Hags of different na- 
tions during the progress of the celebration. . . . -At 1 o'clock P.M. the 
trustees, with upwards of one hundred citizens, partook of a collation at 
the Newburgh Coffee-House, alter which, Joseph Morrell being chosen 
president and Solomon Sleight vice-president, toasts were drank, and a 
song written for the occasion by the editor of the Index was sung by 
Joseph Reeve. . . . At 7 o'clock p.m., at the signal of a cannon, all the 
windows in the village were brilliantly illuminated ; some were orna- 
mented with transparent paintings designative of the occasion, others 
inscribed with the names of our naval heroes, whose deeds are destined 
to illume the historic page ; all of which bad a handsome effect, and. 
connected with the occasion, fired the soul with a proud satisfaction of 
being an American, and made the conscious heart to swell with fore- 
bodings of the rising glory of America. X numerous procession of citi- 
zens, headed by the hand of music, now marched through the principal 
streets of the village. .M nine o'clock the lights were extinguished and 
the village enrobed in darkness." 

A tradition connected with this celebration relates that the official 
news of Perry's victory was brought to Newburgh by the corvette " John 
Adams," referred to by the Index, and that the vessel arrived in the bay 
on Sundiiy morning, and immediately fired a salute. The people, many 
of whom were in attendance upon divine service, were in great conster- 
nation and rushed into the streets, fearful that an enemy's vessel had 
passed the Highlands and had commenced a bombardment of the village. 
Presently the " Adaraa" ran up the " Stars and Stripes," and sent a boat 
on shore with the news, which was received with cheer after cheer. In 
the general joy the Sabbath was forgotten. 



NEWBURGH. 



273 



manned more or less by Xewburgh men, whose un- 
certain fate caused solicitude in no small circle of 
friends ; on the ocean American merchantmen were 
captured, and among their crews who languished in 
Dartmoor prison Newburgh also had its representa- 
tives ; mourning for his untimely fate and plaudits 
for his heroic example followed the announcement of 
the death of Lieut. Ludlow, who, standing beside the 
gallant Lawrence on the deck of the " Chesapeake," 
fought the English ship " Shannon" (June, 1813), 
and who, twice wounded and a prisoner, followed the 
body of his commander to its grave in Halifax, and 
on his return fell from his chair a lifeless corpse. 

GENERAL INCIDENTS. 
The history of the village and of the town was 
marked by many incidents of more or less moment in 
a local and temporary point of view during the early 
part of the century ; those which may be regarded as 
of historical significance, however, were few. Among 
the more important were the introduction of the Bap- 
tist and the Methodist Churches, the reorganization 
nf the Episcopal Church, the establishment of the 
theological seminary, and the visit to the village by 
Lafayette. The latter event was the occasion of pub- 
lic exercises in which the people of a large district of 
country participated. A meeting was held at the 
Orange Hotel on Aug. 17, 1824, and a committee of ar- 
rangements appointed, composed of the " members of 
the corporation of the village of Newburgh, together 
with William Ross, Selah Reeve, John D. Lawson, 
Ward M. Gazlay, John S. Hunn, Francis Crawford, 
David Ruggles, Samuel Williams, John W. Brown, 
Abraham M. Smith, Isaac N. Seymour, Walter Case, 
Samuel R. Betts, Leonard Smith, Daniel Smith, Levi 
Dodge, John Mandevill, Luther Halsey, Edmund 
Griswold, Thurston Wood, Joseph Morrell, William 
Belknap, John Belknap, Eleazer (Jidney, John P. 
Dodge, and Jonathan Noyes." From this committee 
a delegation was sent to New York to consult the 
general, and, in j)ursuance of arrangements for that 
pur])ose, beacon-fires* on the mountains, on the even- 
ing of Sept. l.Sth, announced that the visit would be 
made the next day. The streets were decorated with 
arches and evergreens and strewn with flowers ; in- 
scriptions suspended, and the village crowded to its 
utmost capacity with people ; four companies of cav- 
alry and five companies of infantry (under command 
of Col. John W. Brown) performed escort duty. The 
general arrived about six o'clock in the evening on 
the 14th, and was escorted to the Orange Hotel, where 
the addresses of welcome were delivered. At about 
9 P.M. he attended a banquet by his Masonic breth- 
ren of Hiram Lodge, where he was received with 
Masonic honors and was addressed by the Rev. John 
Brown. Supper was served at 12 m., and 2 a.m. the 



general took his departure for Poughkeepsie.f The 
lateness of the hour of his arrival and the shortness 
of the time of his remaining ])revented the more ex- 
tended demonstrations which ha<l been designed. 

Perhaps no local event, however, aroused so much 
local attention as the organization of the Highland 
Bank. At that time (1832-34) banks were chartered 
by the Legislature, and were regarded as part of the 
legitimate spoils of political parties, — charters being 
given to members of the party in power, who in turn 
apportioned the stock among their associates. The 
charter of the Highland Bank was measurably with- 
in the limits of this rule, although the petitions for 
it were based on an apparent local necessity for addi- 
tional banking capital. The Bank of Newburgh, 
established twenty years before, and, with the excep- 
tion of the Bank of Orange County, at Goshen, the 
only bank in the district, enjoyed a monopoly of the 
banking business of a large section of country. Its 
stockholders were naturally opposed to an encroach- 
ment on the privileges which had been granted to 
them, and did not hesitate to remonstrate, — assuming 
that it was amply able to supply all the legitimate 
commercial discounts that were required, that no 
further banking capital was necessary, and that the 
" sole object of many of the petitioners was to obtain 
directorships. "J But the petitioners w-ere active, and 
sent from Newburgh, Glenham, Matteawan, Walden, 
Cornwall, and Monroe a formidable list of advocates. 
The bill was vigorously fought in the Legislature, — 
passed the Assembly and was defeated in the Senate 
(April, 1833). At the succeeding session the appli- 
cation was renewed by the petition of two thousand 
persons. In the mean time the granting of the char- 
ter was made a question in the choice of members of 
the Assembly. The Democratic and the " National 
Republicans"? were then the parties of the day ; but 
the introduction of the question of rechartering the 
Bank of the United States changed the political 
associations of many, among others that of Isaac R. 
Van Duzer, a rising and somewhat distinguished 
politician of the county. After having been twice 
returned to the Assembly, he was dropped by the 
Democrats and immediately taken h(> by the opposi- 
tion. || A close canvass succeeded. The town of 
Minisink, which had given Jackson 417 majority, 
followed Van Duzer's lead and gave him 42(1. New- 
burgh, on the other hand, which had only given Jack- 
son a small majority, cast 686 votes for Gilbert O. 
Fowler and the Democratic ticket, and only 260 for 
Van Duzer, — a result which was due almost entirely 
to the Highland Bank question, and which secured 
the return to the Legislature of Gen. Fowler, its prin- 
cipal advocate. With a shrewdness fluite common in 



* The pyres of whicli these fires were Diade were thirty feet high, and 
their appearance is described as Vesuvian — " reflected from sliore to shore 
in tile still waters of the Hudson in two long trembling columns.'* 



+ Gazelle, Sept. 18, 1824. 

I CoDimunicatiou in Telegntph, January, 18.32. 

§ The opposition to the Democratic party ;U(8unied the name of" Whigs" 
in 1836. 

II Hammond's " Political History of New York." ii. 4:).">. 



274 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



later days, Fowler made the granting of the charter 
a ijolitical privilege. Oppo.sition thus became hope- 
less; the Bank of Newburgh quietly withdrew an 
application which it had made for an increase of 
capital, and the charter passed the Assembly by a 
vote of 109 to 4, and the Senate by 27 to .3. The 
institution was soon successfully organized, and proved 
the necessity for its creation in the demands for ac- 
commodation which it was enabled to supply to the 
business of the place. 

The expansions and speculations which swept over 
the country in 1835-37, and in the origin of which, 
viewed from one stand-point, the organization of the 
Highland Bank was an element, were not without 
their influence on the village ; real estate advanced 
to prices which, in many instances, have not since 
that time been realized, and hundreds of citizens 
found themselves suddenly comparatively rich by a 
process which they did not understand ; but neither 
the business of the banks nor of the village was ma- 
terially speculative, and when the suspensions of 1837 
came on they were little felt, except, of course, in 
the immediate channels of association with the uni- 
versally depressed trade and commerce of the nation, 
and in the locking up of banking capital in suspended 
paper and extensions. In another form, the history 
of 1780 repeated itself: instead of loaning bills of 
credit, the free banking law gave to individuals the 
power to convert their real estate into active capital 
by its mortgage for bills of circulation, and Mr. 
Thomas Powell and others associated under it and 
established, in 1838, the Powell Bank, which afforded 
relief to trade. 

It was during this period that the construction of 
the New York and Erie Railroad was commenced, 
and the Legislature was asked to aid the project by a 
loan of the credit of the State. Previous to this appli- 
cation, the citizens of Newburgh had secured a charter 
for a road from the Hudson to the Delaware River, 
with a view to reach the coal-beds of Pennsylvania; 
but this charter had been permitted to become void. 
When the loan was proposed, an effort was made to 
connect the Delaware and Hudson road with the 
Erie, and thus give to Newburgh the eastern ter- 
minus. Through local jealousies and bickerings 
between the leading capitalists of Newburgh and of 
Goshen, in regard to the route which should be given 
to the road, Newburgh lost the prize which her people 
hoped to grasp. The road to the Delaware, however, 
was rechartered, and a portion of the route was graded. 

Under the financial revulsions of 1837, work was 
suspended on both the Erie and the Delaware ; but 
on the former it was soon resumed and the road com- 
pleted from Piermont to Goshen. The effect of the 
opening of this section was even more disastrous to 
Newburgh than had been anticipated. The census 
returns, which, for the decade ending with the year 
18-40, had exhibited an increa.se in jiopulation of 
2509, gave only 68 as the increase. 



At this time difficulties arose in the prosecution of 
the work on the Erie road, and fresh efforts were made 
to secure to Newburgh some of the advantages of its 
construction. This was accomplished by an agree- 
ment on the part of the Erie Company — confirmed by 
an act of the Legislature releasing the company from 
its liabilities to the State — to construct a branch road 
to Newburgh. This road was completed in 1849, and, 
with the Erie, was the beginning of the railroad sys- 
tem which now so completely bisects and intersects 
the county, — literally covering it with a net-work of 
iron rails. 

Without the financial ability to so control the 
enterprise of other communities as to render the 
modern avenues of communication which they have 
constructed tributary to the interests of Newburgh, 
the capitalists and business men of the place have 
made a bold struggle for years against the combina- 
tions which have threatened its overthrow. At each 
successive stage of the changes growing out of the 
general development of the country, successive gen- 
erations have met the requirements which have been 
laid upon them. The labor, the liberality, and the 
capital which was necessary in 1801 to carry the Co- 
checton turnpike to completion was, considering the 
comparative value of capital and labor, equal to that 
involved in the construction of any railroad in the 
county. But it was not the only undertaking of that 
character : its capital of $126,000 was followed by a 
capital of $5000 in the New Windsor turnpike, 
$90,000 in the Newburgh and Ulster turnpike, .S35,000 
in the Newburgh and Sullivan turnpike, $14,000 in 
the Newburgh and Plattekill turnpike, and $14,000 in 
the Snake Hill turnpike,— making a total of $284,000 
expended for roads prior to 1820. This sum was, of 
course, shared to some extent by residents along the 
lines of the roads, but the greater part was drawn 
from Newburgh. The expenditure on the abandoned 
Delaware Railroad was undci-taken single-handed, 
and was followed by a subscription to the construc- 
tion of the Erie Branch of one-third its cost, and an 
additional sum of $145,000 by loan or indorsements. 
Scarce had this requirement been met when the con- 
struction of plank-roads to Ellenvilleand to Sliawan- 
gunk were undertaken, involving an expenditure 
of about $150,000 ; and further capital was drawn 
out for the Warwick Branch and for the Duchess 
and Columbia Railroad. On all this expenditure but 
a single bonded debt ($10,000) was incurred. The' 
wonder is not that so little, but that so much has 
been done ; that in the struggles of half a century 
the place has not been remanded to the comparative 
desolation which has overtaken other communities, 
rather than to have maintained a certain and sub- 
stantial growth. 

Sharing to some extent in the ventures which were 
followed by the panic of 1857, the business of the vil- 
lage was more or less affected by the revulsions of that 
period ; but this was due to outside associations 



NEWBUEGH. 



275 



rather than to local causes, and though for a time 
;he embarrassment of a single firm, largely interested 
in several commercial and mechanical enterprises, 
threatened general disaster, that result was happily 
averted. A single wreck, if such it may be called, of : 
iny considerable magnitude was thrown upon the j 
shore, — the Powell Bank ; not because of its insolv- 
?ncy, but through the necessity of employing its capi- 
tal in other channels, a change which was effected with- 
out loss to the public. The business of the village 
soon resumed its activity, and the decade closed with 
prosperity. 

WAR OF THE REBELLION. 
The local incidents of the succeeding decade, em- 
bracing principally the war of the Eebellion, have 
their record in the publications of the times, and need 
not be repeated. For over four years, in the going 
hence and in the return of volunteers, 

*' In the town— tliroiigh every street — 
Tramp, tramp, went the feet ;" 

3very church-spire became a staff from which floated 
;he national flag, and every pulpit its forum ; the 
iuties, the anxieties which the conflict imposed en- 
tered into the daily life of the community. In their 
:;ontributions to the prosecution of the war, it cannot 
be said that the people of Newburgh faltered in sus- 
taining the constitutional government. Growing out 
af political issues which had divided parties in some 
degree for half a century, the discussion of the ques- 
tions which the war evolved was more or less tinged 
with political associations during its entire progress, 
and many men were prejudiced or exalted at the be- 
hest of factions ; but the underlying sentiment of the 
great mass of the community was with the govern- 
ment. Before the drums of the conflict had begun 
the call for volunteers, the first company of men in 
the subsequent forces of the State was in organization,* 
and in rapid succession other organizations followed, 
anticipating or redeeming the fullest requirement of 
the national and State authorities. Briefly recapitu- 
lated,! these organizations were: 1. Company B, 
Third Regiment, recruited in March and April, 1861 ; 
2. Company B, Thirty-sixth Regiment, recruited in 
May and June, 1861 ; 3. Company I, Seventy-first 
Regiment militia, recruited principally from Company 
L, Nineteenth Regiment ; 4. Companies A and B, and 
parts of C, D, and G, Fifty -sixth Regiment, recruited 

* The following is a copy of the first reci-niting handbill issued in New- 
burgh. The volunteers enlisted under it were included in Co. B, Third 
Regiment, Capt. S. W. Fullerton, Jr.: 

" To Arms ! To Arms ! A recruiting office has been opened at the of- 
fice of FuUei-ton & Van Wyck, corner Second and Water Streets, New- 
burgh, for the purpose of enli-sting a company of volunteers, in pursu- 
ance of the provisions of the act passed April Ifi, 18GI, entitled ' .\n act 
to authorize the eiinipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the 
public defense.' Two hundred able-bodied men wanted, who will be 
armed, equipped, and paid by the State. 

^ " Jamts A. Ranev, llecniUinij Ojfficery 

Dated April 17, 1861. 

t Details are reserved for a subsetiuent chapter, including list of vol- 
unteers, etc. 



between July and October, 1861 ; 5. The Seventh In- 
dependent Battery, in part, recruited with Fifty-sixth 
Regiment ; 6. Companies D, E, F, I, and L, Nine- 
teenth Regiment militia; miscellaneous enlistments, 
prior to July, 1862, 111. Under the calls of July and 
August, 1862, 470 men were required from the town, 
and 501 furnished, 217 of whom were enrolled in the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, and 166 in the One 
Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment. The call of 
July, 1863, required 443 men, of whom 90 were fur- 
nished ; but it was merged in the calls of October, 
1863, and of February, March, and July, 1864, re- 
quiring 756 — number furnished, 827, of whom 71 were 
not credited. The total of enlistments (including re- 
enlistments) was 2250 — the total of men required 
1226. The public subscriptions and loans of the town 
(including at that time the village), for the promotion 
of enlistments and for bounties, were : 1861, by indi- 
vidual subscriptions §7385, bonds of the village $5000 ; 
1862, individual subscriptions $17,512; 1864, town 
bonds $175,100,— total, $204,997. In addition to this 
.sum, the town expended for special relief (1863-64) 
$1075.50; expended by aid society and in contri- 
butions to the Christian Commission, $12,387.31, rais- 
ing the total to $218,459.81, and the further sum of 
$321,3201 for special income and internal revenue 
taxes to Jan. 1, 1865,— a grand total of $539,779.81. 

CITY OF NEWBURGH. 
The sacrifices imposed on the town by the war were 
not without their compensations. The depressions in 
business incident to the suspensions of trade and the 
derangements of mechanical and commercial enter- 
prise were succeeded by activity in the channels 
which the war developed ; speculation became rife ; 
the prices of real estate and the compensation of labor 
were greatly enhanced ; the expansions or inflations 
of the times, illegitimate and unsubstantial though 
they may have been, marked their career in monu- 
ments of substantial progress. Born of the impulses 
of the new era, the village passed (April 22, 1865) to 
incorporation as the City of Newbcroh, and elected 
its first mayor and a Common Council ; a visible police 
was established ; the streets were given location and 
bounds by commissioners for that purpose ; the facili- 
ties for public education were multiplied ; the abodes 
of mechanics and artisans were made to vie with those 
of the wealthy of preceding generations; the homes 
of the wealthy to emulate the palaces of Europe. 
Perhaps many of these results were in advance of the 
necessities of the day, and inflicted subsequent detri- 
mental burdens on the community ; nevertheless were 
they the outgrowth of the war. 

REVIEW. 
Having traced the founding and the development 
of the town and city of Newburgh through its salient 

t This sum is partly estimated. The totals in some other instances are 
only those on record, and are believed to be less than the actual amounts. 



276 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



points, it is scarcely necessary to remind the reader 
that " things are not now as they once were" either in 
town or city. The pros|icroiis hamlet of seventeen 
houses in 1765, the poor liamlet of the Palatines of 
1709, are not alone among the changes of the past. 
The old Bank of Newburgh, and the building imme- 
diately opposite, are the only structures that remain 
of those which graced Water Street half a century 
ago. One by one, by removal or by fire, the wooden 
buildings of the Orange Hotel block, and those on the 
same side of the street as far as the old stand of Joseph 
Hoffman, which was the last to fall before the march 
of improvement,* gave place to those of the present; \ 
while fire swept off the stores on the east side from 
Third Street south to the middle of the block, and 
from First Street north to the brick building south of 
the Highland Bank.t Reviewing these changes in 
general terms, it may be remarked that the vicinity 
of Colden's Gore was the original business centre of 
the city ; and when the Bank of Newburgh w^a-s char- 
tered, an effort to locate the banking-house there was 
only defeated by a majority of one vote in the board I 
of directors. In 1812 the stores on the west side of 
the Gore were erected, and were occupied — counting 
from First Street north — the first by James Denniston, 
the second by Selah Reeve, the third by Lott & Cham- 
bers, the fourth by John Anderson, Jr., the fifth by 
Samuel Williams,]: and the sixth by William H. Smith, 
beyond which came the old stand of James W. Miller. 
On the opposite side of the street was the brick store 
of Jacob Carpenter, then occupied by A. Gourlay & 
Co.,? now the corner of Water and Carpenter Streets, 
and beyond this, on the corner of the old road to 
Gardner's Dock, was the brick store of Chauncey 
Griswold, while at the head of the Gore stood the old 
Colden house. Water Street was then extended south, 
and the Colden house, falling partly within its line, 
was removed ; and about the same time the old road 
to Colden's Dock was closed and First Street opened. 

* '"That venerable old wooden Imilding, on the corner of Water and 
Second Streets, with its humble front and mosa-covered roof, — its sign of 
a sheaf of wheat, denoting its occupant as one who furnishes the staff 
of life, — has been kuocked into rubbish under the impulse of improve- 
ment. After having served nearly half a century as a place of business 
to that patriarch amoug our citizens, Joseph^ioffmau, it has had to move 
the way of many sublunary things, to make room for a more costly and 
elegant specimen of art. Workmen are now employed in laying the 
foundation of a substantial brick edifice on a spot which so long sus- 
tained the old yellow wooden building, and around which were clustered 
so many associations connected with the history of Newburgh." — Tele- 
rjraph,Jaly 15,1841. 

t The account of these and other fires will be given hereafter. 

J".\3IEKICAN Mam'Factvrf.d Goods — The Subscriber respectfully 
informs the public that he has opened a store in Colden Street, where he 
has a general assortment of Cotton Goods, which he will sell at the fac- 
tory prices for cash or approved credit — among which are Bed-ticking, 
Ginghams, Stripes of different kinds, etc. Nitting, twist and colored 
Yarn from No. 5 to -tf), a general assortment of Kuropean, East and West 
India goods, which he will sell on advantageous terms to the purchaser. 

"S. Williams. 

" Newburgh, June, 1812," — AdfertUcment in Political Index. 

§ *' A. Gourlay & Co. have removed to Capt. Jacob Cari>enter's brick 
store, in Water Street, where they are now opening a very general as- 
sortment of Dry Goods." — Adi\ 



Soon afler, John D. Lawson erected, on the northeast 
corner of First Street, a block of wooden buildings, 
which were destroyed by fire, and were succeeded by 
the warehouse of Daniel Farrington and other stores. 
Those buildings were also destroyed by fire, and the 
present block took their place. About IS.S-o, the Col- 
onnade Row was erected by Col. James Denniston, 
and the banking-house of the Highland Bank by John 
Ledyard. The fine building adjoining the Highland 
Bank on the south was erected by John Flanagan. 
The buildings on the east side of Water Street, south 
of Third, were erected by Messrs. Reeve & Falls, .John 
Lawson, John Jamison, John Clugston, and Samuel 
G. Sneden, and the block was completed in its present 
form by Benjamin Tyler. On the west side of Water 
Street, between Second and Third, the first brick house 
was built by John Brown, an Irish refugee of the re- 
bellion of 1798, and was subsequently occupied by his 
sons, John and James S. Brown ; the buildings from 
thence north to Third Street, including the old store 
of John McAuley, gave place to the present structures, 
erected by William Walsh, C. A. Jones, and others. 
On the east side of the street, the Messrs. Crawford 
erected, in 1827, the buildings now standing on the 
northeast corner of Third Street, the upper part of the 
second of which was occupied as part of the Mansion 
House adjoining on the north ; the brownstone front 
was erected by A. K. Chandler on the site of a por- 
tion of the original Mansion House. || The succeed- 
ing brick stores were erected by Eli Hasbrouck, John 
Farnam (18.32), and William L. Smith; John P. 
DeWint filled up the street leading to his wharf with 
the building now 102 Water Street; the old Farmers' 
Hotel of Benjamin Case, corner of Water and Fourth, 
gave place to the present structure, erected by Corne- 
lius C. Smith. On the opposite side of the street, the 
Orange Hotel was erected in 1816; the buildings be- 
tween the Orange Hotel and the Bank of Newburgh 
were erected by John P. DeWint in place of the 
wooden block destroyed by fire in 1837 ; Jacob and 
Sebring Fowler erected' the Fowler drug-store, and 
Gardiner's old Newburgh Coffee-Houselj gave place 

II The Mansion House was erected by Hugh Walsh about 1798, It was 
one of four buildings erected by him, the second being now No, 100 
Water Street, the third that on the northwest corner of Water and Fifth 
Street, and uue on Western Avenue, Tliey were all of the hipped-roof 
style of architecture. The Mansion House is now represented by Nos. 
86 and 88 Water Street. Its original bar-room is now No, 84. Its use as a 
hotel was discontinued in 18;V4, when it was offered at auction sale, as 
appears from the following notice in the Teh'fjraph in March of that 
year; " Col. David Ci'awford offered at auction sale, Jan. 'J9. 18.34, three 
lots on Water Street. 17 by 75 feetftheolil Mansion House property). 
The north lot brought S4900, the iie.vt S4525 ; the sale of the third was 
stopped, the owner regarding the price too low," 

If An advertisement in the 7?i-y/(/jt o/ JUioi, Jan. 0, 180*), offering this 
property for sale, supplies the following ilescription of it and its sur- 
roundings at that time : "An elegant, well-built, three-story house, and 
another adjoining it, known by the name of the Newburgh Coffee-rooni 
and Coffee-house; also a commodious kitchen round the corner, a good 
well of water with a pump before the front door. 'Said houses are situ- 
ated on the corner of Water Street and Fourth Street, opposite to the 
public ferry." There were no buildings on the opposite side of the 
street, and the river flowed over Front Street, 



NEWBURGH. 



277 



o the more substantial structure on the corner. Jie- 
ween Fourth and South Streets, on the west side, 
here was Ijut one Ijrick liousc as late as 1837 ; that 
vas owned and occupied by John D. Lawson. A 
ilacksmitli-shop succeeded ; a stoneyard, and the 
esidences of Uriali Lockwood and Mr. Purdy, the 
atter on the corner of Water and Fifth; two or three 
rame buildings came next, and the barn of David M. 
JuBois, and a high garden wall filled out the corner 
if Water and South. The present structures were 
ilaced there by Jacob Brown, who also erected the 
ilock on the opposite side of the street ; from whence 
outh to Fiftli no material change has been made for 
ears. The building on the southeast corner of Fifth 
,nd Water is a modern structure, and soon after its 
rection the upper part was finished for a lodge-room, 
,t very considerable expense, by Orange County 
.lodge, I. O. O. F. An old wagon-wright's shop ad- 
aining was removed soon after by Edward Wait ; 
ames McCann's hotel is now a store ; Robert Gardi- 
ler's confectionery remains ; the northwest corner of 
''ourth and Water was the residence of William 
Seymour. 

Front Street was opened in 1833, and was mainly 
he river-front, filled in except where covered by 
locks, which, by its construction, were extended to 
he east side. Prior to that time the extensive brew- 
ry of Law, Beveridge & Co. had been erected on the 
iver-side ; the Messrs. Crawford erected their large 
tore-house in 1828,* and a similar building was put 
ip by Benjamin Carpenter in 1829. The latter is 
low included in the store-house of Homer Kamsdell 
c Co., and the former was destroyed by fire in 1873. 
n 1833, Isaac R. Carpenter commenced the erection 
f the United States Hotel and the construction of 
he long wharf ;t the latter was graced with a pas- 
enger house and the most famous bell on the river, 
'revious to that time the landing was near the east 
ine of Front Street; it was here that the "Chief 
"ustice Marshall" horrified the town by the explosion 
f her steam-chest. South of First Street was the 
Id Colden, -Denton, -Gardner,-Powell store-house and 
/harf, the birthplace of the steamers " Highlander" 
nd " Thomas Powell," whose reputations have been 
ireserved, while those of the " Baltimore," the 



* " Among the improvemente of the present season, we ought not to 
>rget the substantial anil commodious warehouse erected by the Messre. 
tawford, as it seems to indicate that the increase of business in tlie 
illage requires extended accommodations," — Index, Oct. 18, 1828. 

t " Tlie iniiiroveuients on tlie Ferry Wharf are on the most extensi?e 
nd, we migiit almost term it, rnagnilicent scale. This whaif is being 
onstructed by Col. I, R. Carpenter, and is to be extended to the utmost 
mita warranted by the State grant of the land under water, that is to 
ly, five hundred feet from higti-water mark. Its increased breadtii at 
le outer extremity, onehuiidred feet, will add much to the convenience 
nd safety of pas-ieugers going on board i.r landing from the steamboats ; 
fhile the splendid new hotel which Col. Carpenter is also erecting at 
[le junction of the whai-f with the mainland will not only offer a noble' 
bject to all who pass the village on the river, but will be of essential 
amfort to persons waiting for steamboats, or whose business confines 
aem to the water's side." 



"Legislator," the "Providence," the "William 
Young," the " James Madison," the " Superior," 
and the " Washington" have passed away with the 
purpose which they filled. The original store-house 
was destroyed by fire ; its successor was removed and 
incorporated with that of Carpenter's in the establish- 
ment now of Homer Ramsdell & Co. South of the 
Powell wharf was that of tlie Newburgh Whaling 
Comi)any, whose massive store-house remains. Ad- 
joining the latter the river-front was unoccupied ex- 
cept by a single fisherman's dwelling and reels ; then 
came the docking venture of John W. Wells ; then 
the large brick house (destroyed by fire a few years 
ago) known as the Bath Hotel, built by Thomas Col- 
den as a resort for invalids in ijuest of the pure air 
north of the Highlands ; then the old " Red Store- 
house," on a wharf in part constructed by Jonathan 
Hasbrouck prior to the war of the Revolution, and at 
which the barges of Gen. Washington were moored 
while he occupied the Hasbrouck house ; and finally 
the brewery of James Renwick, on the Kigler wharf, 
whose proprietor founded there a small city, with a 
church and a few dwellings, and an innumerable 
number of lots and streets now mainly traced in legal 
records. Neither Western Avenue nor Colden Street 
were opened through until after the commencement 
of the present century. The former was first occu- 
pied by the Cochecton Turnpike Company, who cut a 
road-bed four rods wide through the Ijluff west of 
Colden Street. This cut was long known as the 
" dug-way," and the plateau on either side was un- 
occupied until the Carpenter foundry was erected on 
the corner of Grand Street. A frame hotel and stable 
occupied the corner on Colden Street for nearly half 
a century, and on the opposite side of the avenue was 
a steam grist-mill and a blacksmith-shop. Near the 
north end of Colden Street was the rude stone tavern 
kept by Thomas Gardner, a building said to have 
been as old as headquarters, and the birthplace of 
Gen. Gardner of the Confederate service, in command 
at Port Hudson in the war of the Rebellion. None 
of the business streets of the city have been more 
improved during the past twenty-five years, unless it 
be Front Street. 

But without further specification, the a.s.sertion is 
justified that the resident of even forty years ago 
would now fail to recognize Front Street, Water 
Street, or Colden Street, except by a few ancient 
landmarks whose jiroprietors have not responded to 
the spirit of change; the plain old farmer with his 
Jersey wagon loaded with pyrk or butter, long since 
lost to trade, would himself b(^ lost in the magnitude 
of the single freighting establishment which has 
taken the place of its progenitors; the lad who cast 
his fortune.s on the Pacific in 1847, and carried with 
him visions of the orchards and open lands west of 
Liberty Street, would find, in the new streets and the 
many dwellings which to-day sweep from north to 
south, and shut out the sun from his old play-ground, 



278 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



no realization of tlie pictures on the walls of his 
memory. 

For the beauty of its private residences the city 
had not a high reputation fifty years ago, though per- 
haps its stantlard was quite up to the requirements of 
the age. The Ruggles house, in Washington Place, 
and the residences adjoining on the north, were, 
when erected, regarded as the most elegant, and 
views from the former found their way into the 
•sketch-books of the times. Then came the Storms 
house (late Edward R. Johnes, south of the iron- 
works), and the residences of William Roe and David 
Crawford, on Montgomery Street ; Francis Crawford 
(now Harvey Weed) ; John W. Knevels, north of 
the Washington Street school-house; Daniel Rogers,* 
between High and Grand Streets, and Benjamin Car- 
penter, adjoining, and those of Isaac R. Carpenter, 
Odell S. Hathaway, John W. Brown, and Frederick 
J. Betts (at Balmville). Now charming cottages and 
sumptuous villas are to be seen in every direction, 
and year by year the hills and plateaus in the city 
and vicinity are more and more crowded with the 
abodes of wealth, not only of modern structure but 
those whose walls have been rebuilt and enlarged ; 
among the latter, the former residence of Jacob and 
Thomas Powell, now of Homer Ramsdell ; that of 
Samuel Downing, now of William W. Carson ; and 
that of William Leach, now of S. R. Van Duzer, 
the latter mainly the result of the skill of the late 
Dr. Hull. While on Water Street may lie readily 
detected the prevailing architecture of places of busi- 
ness at different periods, on Grand, Liberty, and in- 
deed on almost all of the upper street.s may be seen 
that of residences, the headquarters hou.e represent- 
ing the earliest. More creditable to the city are these 
of the later period, from the fact that they are a ]ier- 
petual tribute to the memory of Andrew J. Downing, 
who, born amid the scenes which have been so briefly 
sketched, grafted his pure and artistic perceptions not 
only upon the community in which he lived, but 
upon the nation. 

In the architecture and appointment of its churches, 
its schools, and its public buildings improvement is 
everywhere apparent in the city. The years are but 
few since it could with truth be written, " In New- 
burgh are many very ugly places of worship ; and as 
the city rises abruptly from the river, their ungainly 
proportions are, of course, prominent in every di- 
rection ;" but it can be written with truth no longer, 
for since it was penned (1857) not less than $250,000 
have been expended by different denominations in 
the building and in the improvement of church edi- 
fices. Perhaps in no class of buildings is the change 
more marked, unless it be in those which have been 
erected for free schools. 

Not the least in the evidences of progress are the 



dispositions which have from time to time been made 
of the Glebe. Covering nearly one-half of the terri- 
tory of the city, it has necessarily entered into much 
of its history. Each half-century has brought its 
changes. Under the act of April 10, 1855, by which 
persons holding its lands by lease were enabled to ob- 
tain titles in fee-simple, by the payment of such sums 

I of money as would yield an annual interest equal to 
the annual rent, a very considerable portion of the 
tract has been converted into fee-simple titles. The 
annual income, which, until 1869, was expended 
yearly in the support of schools, ha.s, since that time, 
been found to establish an income upon which to 
found a School of Design, an object which, when ac- 

; complished, will indeed be a monument to the an- 
cient bequest, from which w-ill flow, if not the 
temples and the mighty works of ancient Rome, 
generations of mechanics converted by its instru- 

I mentality into thinkers as well as practical workers. 



* The residence of Daniel Rogers, tlie two Crawford mansions, and 
that of James S. Brown were erected about and prior to 1S34. 



IV.-VILLAGES, HAMLETS, STREAMS, Etc. 

The town of Newbui-gh is in the extreme north- 
^ eastern part of the county. It has a river-front of 
seven miles, and extends westward from eight to 
eleven miles. It is about sixty miles in a northerly 
direction from New York, eighty-three miles south of 
Albany, fifty miles east of the Delaware River, one 
hundred and twenty miles from the head of Cayuga 
Lake, and two hundred and fifty miles from Lake 
Erie in a straight line. It contains 26,870 acres of 
land, and had, in 1875, a population of 3543. The 
surface of the town is stony, and is broken into high 
hills, which run northeast and southwest. The soil is 
composed of deposits of clay, sand, and loam, and 
along the river is warm, productive, and well culti- 
vated. In the western part of the town the soil is not 
so deep and warm, and requires more laborious culture. 
The rock formations are principally slate and lime. 

The city of Newburgh lies in the southeast part of 
the original town of Newburgh. It contains 1570 
acres of land, and has a population of 17,433. It has 
a river-front of about two miles. Its harbor is the 
best on the Hudson, extending ( including the frontage 
of the town) a distance of about eight miles, with a 
width from one mile to one mile and a quarter, and a 
depth of from five to seven fathoms, and is protected 
from storms by ranges of mountains which, extending 
from the river in a northerly and westerly direction, 
describe nearly a semicircle. 

The city and the town are alike remarkable for 
their healthfulness of climate, and for the variety and 
beauty of their natural scenery. As has been already 
stated, the city was originally settled by German 
Palatinates ; the town by English immigrants from 
the eastern provinces and from the county of West- 
chester. The character of the population of the 
former was gradually changed, and that of the latter 
became divided into English, Scotch, and Irish nation- 



NEWBURGH. 



279 



lities. The site of the city was first called by the 
ilgonquin title Qiiassaici-, from tlie root terms qnssuk, 
iguifying stone or rock, and ick, — literally, stony 
ind. The present name was first applied by Alex- 
nder Colden in 1743, and is from Newburgh, a town 
:i Scotland, on the river Tay, which it resembles in 
lany of its physical features.* 

BALMVILLK. 
A small collection of houses two miles north of the 
ity of Newburgh, and named from a large tree grow- 
:ig there commonly called Balm of Gilead, which is 
emarkable for the strong balsamic scent of its leaves 
nd buds.f The place was part of the original Ger- 
lan Patent; was formerly called Hampton, and was 
ne of the commercial centres of the town as early as 
7(57. In later times the freighting business was con- 
ucted here by Daniel Smith, and subsequently by 
he Messrs. Butterworth. The village has a district 
chool, a burying-ground, and one or two shops. In 
he vicinity are several fine country-seats. 

MIDDLEHOPE. 
A small hamlet four miles north of the city of New- 
lurgh, and formerly called Jliddletown because half- 
ray between Newburgh and Marlborough. It has a 
lost-ofiice and a store ; a Methodist and a Presbyterian 
3iurch; a district school, and a cemetery under the 
itle of " Highland Cemetery," owned by an associa- 
ion organized under the general statute of the State. 
Lfter the establishment of a post-office here, consider- 
ble difficulty arose out of the fact that there was 
nother of the same name in the county ; and, at the 
uggestion of the Postmaster-General, a meeting of 
he residents in the neighborhood was held for the 
lurpose of changing the title. At this meeting sev- 
iral names were proposed and rejected, until finally 
he late Mr. James P. Brown, recollecting that there 
ras a village in Scotland, the land of his birth, by 
he name of Hopeton, proposed that of Middlehope, 
vhich was adopted. 

* The first applicatiou of the present name was to that portion of the 
atent long known as the "Old Town of Newburgh Plot" (1731). It 
ras next applied to the palish (1752), then to the precinct (176:i), then to 
he town (1788), to the village at its incorporation (1800), and retained 
n the title of the city. 

+ In regard to this remarkable tree, — which is certainlj' the " oldest 
nhabitant" of the town, — Mr. Gilbert Williams, now (1875) in his eight- 
etli year, and who became a resident in its vicinity in 1808, relates that 
t'hen in Nova Scotia (where he resided for nine years prior to 1832) he 
lecame acfiuaiuted with John Cosman, who was an apprentice to Wil- 
iani Bloomer before the Kevolntion, who slated that while he was an 
.pprentice he had shod horses under it many a time, and that it was a 
arge tree then. Mr. Williams measured the tree in lH;i2,atid its circum- 
erence (two feet from the ground) was fifteen feet two inches. He 
neasnred it again in 1808, and founil it to be nineteen feet five inches, 
bowing its growth to have been four feet and three inches in thirty-six 
fears. His own recollection of the tree added to Cosman's carries it back 
It least a hundred yeai-s, from which data and that of its rate of growth 
le is convinced that its age is nuich greater than that given to it by the 
>eniott tradition. The tree was evidently planted by some person, as it 
s not an indigenous one. The fii-st settler-s were there in 170!1, and may 
iave brought it with them, but the probabdities favor a later period. It 
8 decaying now, and will soon be gone. 



THE BANS KAMER. 
"De Duyfel's Dans Kanier!" (the Devil's Dance 
Chamber), so the point of land forming the north- 
western head of Newburgh Bay was described by 
some Dutch skipper more than two centuries ago. 
It has ever since borne the title of The Dans Kamer. 
The first notice of it occurs in the journal of De- 
Vries, under date of April 2(i, 1640 ; and as De- 
Laet, in his very minute description of the river, 
written in 1624, makes no mention of it, the name 
must have originated between 1624 and 1640. An 
explanation of the origin of the name is found in 
certain religious rites of the Indians, which were 
often performed here. These rites consisted in the 
worship of their God Bachtanio, and were denominated 
" devil worship" by the Dutch. For the celebration 
of this worship, the Indians held meetings prior to 
starting on expeditions of hunting, fishing, or war, to 
ascertain whether they would be successful or not. 
"At these meetings," says a paper describing the 
natives of New Netherland, written in 1611, "con- 
jurors act a wonderful part. These tumble, with 
strange contortions, head over heels; beat themselves, 
leap with a hideous noise through and around a large 
fire. Finally they all raise a tremendous caterwauling, 
when the devil ajjpears (they s.ay) in the shape of a 
ravenous or a harmless animal, — the first betokens 
something bad, the second something good." Lieut. 
Couwenhoven witnessed an exhibition of this char- 
acter at the Dans Kamer during the war with the 
Esopus Indians, in 1663. J The spot was dedicated to 
this rude worship, and was so occupied for perhaps a 
hundred years after the discovery of the Hudson. In 
point of fact, there were two dance chambers, — the 
first being the rocky point which juts out into the 
river, called in the original deed " the little dans 
kamer;" and the second, the plateau occupied by the 
Armstrong residence, whicli is specified in the same 
instrument as "the large dans kamer." The little 
dans kamer has a level surface of perhaps half an 
acre, and is separated from the mainland by a marsh 
over which the water flows at times, while the large 
dans kamer embraces a plot of ten acres. 

HAMPTON. 
This name was given by William Acker, son of 
Wolvert Acker, to the farm of his father, now the 
residence of Mr. Alexander Young, and is said to 
mean " a house or farm on a hill." It is in the ex- 
treme northeastern part of the town, and has a land- 
ing on the Hudson, from which Wolvert Acker estab- 
lished a ferry (known as Acker's Ferry) soon after the 

Revolution. 

FOSTERTOWN. 

This is a hamlet about four miles northwest from 
the cit)'. The patent on which it is located was first 
settled in 1768, by John Foster, William Foster, 

X " Documentary History of New York." The dances were discon. 
tinned under an order of the English government. 



280 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1 



Richard Ward, and John Griggs. The lands of John 
Foster were sold by him to James Innis, the father 
of William Innis; and the place owned by WiUiaiii 
Foster is now or lately occupied by David Wyatt. 
The descendants of Richard Ward and John Griggs 
continue to hold the lauds of their fathers. The Fos- 
tertown Methodist Episcopal Church is in this neigh- 
borhood. There is also a district school. 

ROSSVILLE. 
This is the name of a section of the town about six 
miles northwest of the city of Newburgh, and was 
originally covered by the Wallace Patent. As pre- 
viously stated, this patent was purchased by Joseph 
Penny, who sold about 250 acres to Robert Ross, and 
divided the remainder among his sons. Mr. Ross is 
said to have been the first to settle on the patent, 
where he established a tannery. As early, probably, 
as 1770 he built a substantial stone house, which is 
still standing, and forms a part of the residence of 
John L. Aderton, who now owns the place. The sons 
of Robert Ross — Alexander and William — subse- 
quently attained distinction in the town, and their 
birthplace was called Rossville.* There is a Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church here, a district school, and a 
post-office and store. The post-office address is Savill, 
a name of no local significance ; it was bestowed by 
the late Chauncey F. Belknap in honor of his son, 

Savill.t 

LUPTONDALE. 

This is a district and not a haml«t. It lies in the 
northwest part of the town, about seven miles from 
the city, and is not unfrequently called " Quaker 
Street." Mr. Birdsall, who bestowed the name, states, 
" They call the road west of the lake Rocky Forest, 
the name given to it by Mr. Kipp, and I gave this 
road the name of Luptondale in honor of William 
Lupton, who owned this part of the old patent." 

ROCKY FOREST. 
This district embraces the western part of the patent 
to Jacobus Kipp and Company. Orange Lake ad- 
joins it on the east, and from its elevation the views 
from many of its dwellings are unsurpassed in extent 
and variety. The name was conferred from the phy- 

* Alexander Rosb filled a number of military and civil officee with the 
approbation of the public. He died in 1S26. His children were William, 
James, Alexander, Emeline, Mary, and Agnes. Emeline was the first 
wife of George W. Kerr, Esq., of Newburgh ; Mary married ,\uthany 
Houston. — D. C. Houston, Col. Engineers U.S.A., and Theo. Houston, 
vice-president of the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad, are her 
sons; Agnes married Thomas T. Keene, now of Oshkosh, Mich. Wil- 
liam Ross has been noticed elsewhere. (See ''Bench and Bar.") 

t The name and the post-office had their origin in Mr. Belknap's 
office. The circum-stances were these : An old gentleman from Rossville 
called at Mr. Belknap's office, and in convei-sation on neighborhood 
matters Mr. Belknap jokingly asked him why they did not have a post- 
office there? The gentleman replied ho did not suppose one could be 
obtained. "Nothing easier," said Mr. Belknap, and turning to hie desk 
he drew up a petition, which was signed by himself and Mr. Tliomas 
George and forwarded to Washington, expecting that that would be the 
last of it. The department, however, regarded the application as having 
been made in good faith, and established the office and appointed a post- 
master. 



sical features of a portion of the district, which was 
originally and emphatically a rocky forest. Henry 
W. Kipp, son of Jacobus, was the first settler here, 
and continued his residence as late as 1778, when he 
was enrolled as an exempt for military tax. 

GARDNERTOWN. 
This is a small settlement four mile.s northwest of 
the city of Newburgh, so called from Silas Gardner, 
one of the first settlers. There is a neat Methodist 
Episcopal church here, also a .store or tavern, a dis- 
trict school, and one or two shops. A short distance 
south of the church stands the old residence of the 
original jiroprietor, — a massive stone structure of a 
style of architecture quite prevalent a century or so 
ago. In the same vicinity is the mill owned for 
many years by David Bond, but originally established 
by Gardner. 

GID.NEYTOWN. 

The settlement known as Gidneytown originally 
embraced the patent to John Spratt, which was pur- 
chased about the year 1760 by Eleazer Gidney, whose 
four sons, Joseph, Daniel, David, and Eleazer, about 
that time settled upon it. A part of the original 
purchase remains in the possession of the family. 

DUBOIS' MILLS. 
The water-power of the Quassaick Creek was first 
applied to practical use at the place long known as 
DuBois' Mills, about one mile and a half west of its 
confluence with the Hudson. Alexander Golden 
erected a mill here as early, jirobably, as 1743. This 
mill was one of the oldest, if not the first built, in 
this region. Colden sold it, and parts of lots No. 1 
and No. 2 of the German Patent, to Jonathan Has- 
brouck, by deed dated May 3, 1753.}: It remained in 
the possession of the Hasbroucks until after the Revo- 
lution, and during the war was frequently occupied 
by the militia when called out on alarms. The Has- 
broucks sold it to a Mr. Van Keuren. From him it 
was bought by a Mr. Dickonson, who occupied it in 
1798. Subsequently it became the property of Gen. 
Nathaniel DuBois, who erected in connection with it 
a saw-mill and a fulling-mill. It remained in his 
hands upwards of forty years. After his death it was 
purchased by a Mr. Weygant, who sold it to James 
R. Dickson. Mr. Dickson removed it (October, 1859), 
enlarged the water-power by a substantial stone dam, 
thus forming a lake covering some twenty-nine acres, 
and erected a large brick flouring-mill with six run of 
stone. Messrs. Enoch Carter and William B. Sanxay 
purcha.sed from Mr. Dickson, and conveyed the prop- 
erty (1871) to the Messrs. Chadwick, who converted 
it into a bleachery of cotton cloths and erected addi- 
tional buildings. 

I The price paid by Hasbrouck was S1050 for 100 acres, " together with 
the grist-mill and the appurtenances thereof, the mill-house, the mill- 
dam and dams, also the bolting-chests or boxes, bolts, bolting-clothe,, 
wheat-screena, and all other implements and utensils." — VUter Jiecord of 
Deeds, E. E., 501 . 



NEWBURGH. 



281 



NEW MILLS. 

The second enterprise of this sort, in the vicinity of 
DuBois' Mills, was Abel Belknap's (subsequently 
Daniel Niven's) grist-mill, about a mile and a quar- 
ter west of the city, south of the Cochecton turnpike, 
— now reconstructed and occupied as a woolen-mill. 
It was erected by Mr. Belknaj) some years prior to the 
Revolution, and was continued by Mr. Niven until 
his death in 1S09. The third was undertaken by 
Chancey, Joseph, Thomas, and Daniel Belknap, under 
the firm of C. Belknap & Co., who erected, in 1802, a 
large flouring-mill, and constructed a canal — the first, 
probably, in the State — to supply the water-power. 
This mill soon came to be called the " New Mills," and 
the name was extended to the hamlet which grew up 
around it. At the time of its erection it was one of 
the largest mills in the country; and for several years 
its proprietors were the only Newburgh firm repre- 
sented on 'change in New York. It said that when 
it was built there was but one dwelling — a log house 
— between it and the then village, and a considerable 
portion of what is now Broadway (Western Avenue) 
was still covered with heavy timber. It was pur- 
chased from the Belknaps by the late Jame.s Halstead, 
from whom it passed to William H. Beede. It was 
destroyed by fire (Oct. 6, 184(5), and a new mill was 
erected on its site by Mr. Beede, in 1847. Mr. James 
Ross is its present owner. The district is now known 
as 

WEST NEWBURGH. 

A fine school building, erected by the Board of 
Education of the city, is located here ; the Third (or 
Grace) Methodist Episcopal church ; a fire-engine 
and house ; the lime-kilns of Messrs. W. R. & C. L. 
Brown ; several stores and manufacturing establish- 
ments, the latter including two tanneries ; and also a 
considerable number of improved dwellings. The 
Highland Hat-Works are a short distance west. 

POWDER MILLS. 

About four miles northwest of the citj', in the town 
of Newburgh, are the powder-works of LatHin & 
Rand. The mill privilege here was originally occu- 
pied by Foster's saw-mill. It was purchased by Asa 
Taylor in 1816, who erected mills for the manufacture 
of powder. Mr. Daniel Rogers jiurchased the prop- 
erty in 1817, improved the mills, and converted them 
into over thirty substantial stone structures. He con- 
tinued the manufacture of gunpowder until 1838. 
Mr. Rogers' sons subsequently conducted the works 
for a few years. The present owners enlarged the 
works, which are now, as they were under Mr. Rogers, 
among the most complete and extensive in the 
country. 

BELKNAP'S RIDGE. 

This is about four miles west of the city. Its name 
is in honor of the Belknap family, who purchased 
and settled here in 1749-50. 
19 



EAST COLDENHAM. 
A name originally given by Governor Colden to 
his settlement in the town of Montgomery, and still 
retained there, but subsequently extended to the 
hamlet in the southwest part of the town of New- 
burgh, about six miles from the city. The East 
Coldenham post-office is located here ; there is also 
a hotel and one or two shops. 

ORANGE LAKE. 
This body of water lies in the northwestern part of 
the town, and covers about 400 acres. Its aboriginal 
name was Qussuk, or stony pond, from the large num- 
ber of bowlders on its western shore. The present 
name was conferred by the Rev. Dr. James Wilson, 
who resided in its vicinity. It is fed by internal 
springs, and by small streams which flow into it. Its 
outlet is the Quassaick Creek. The principal fact of 
historical interest in connection with it is the erec- 
tion of a coinage-mill, near its outlet, by Capt. Thomas 
Machin, about the year 1787-88. Capt. Machin be- 
gan to build a grist- and saw-mill here in 1784, and 
gave the name of New Grange to the place. In 1787 
he formed a copartnership with several residents of 
the city of New York for the purpose of coining 
money. The firm was soon after incorporated with a 
similar company chartered by the State of Vermont,* 
and continued business for a few years. The coins of 
this mill are to be found in specimens of Vermont 
currency of 1787, etc., and are probably those known 
as " Vermon Auctori." No coins of other States were 
issued, as operations were conducted solely under the 
Vermont charter. 

QUASSAICK CREEK. 
This stream is composed of the outlet of Orange 
Lake and of the Fostertown and Tent-Stone Meadow 

* On the 18th of April, 1787, Capt. Machin formed a copartnership 
with Samuel Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, and 
James Giles, all of New York. The term specified for its continuance 
was seven years, with a capital of £300. The firm seems to have been 
formed for the avowed purpose of coining copper, providing Congress, 
or any of the State Legislatures, enacted a law allowing individuals to 
coin money. As the object was to make money, a small capital was con- 
sidered sufficient for the undertaking. On the 7th of June following 
that firm formed a copartnership with one then existing, which con- 
sisted of four partners, — Keuben Harman, Esq., William Coley, of Ben- 
nington Co., Vt., Elias Jackson, of Litchfield Co., Conn., and Daniel Van 
Voorhis, goldsmith, of the city of New York, — for a term of eight years 
from the tirst of the following July, that being the limitation of an act 
of the Legislature of Vemiont to said Harman for the coinage of copper. 

At Machin's mills perhaps a thousand pounds of copper was manufac- 
tured, as appears by his papers, in the year 1789, previous to which time 
little seems to have been done. The business appears to have been dis- 
continued in 1790, for in a letter from J. F. Atlee to Mr. Machin, dated 
Yergennes, Oct. 14, 1790, he expresses a wish that the concern might 
arrive at a settlement on erjuitable terms, and compromise their matters 
without a tedious and expensive lawsuit. — Simms' " Hislory of Schoharie 
Conutify" ."iOe. 

Capt. Machin died at Charleston, Schoharie Co., April 3, 1816, aged 
seventy-two years. During the llevolution, he superintended the con- 
struction of the chain and other obstructions to the navigation of Hud- 
son's River, and rendered other important service. He settled in New- 
burgh at the close of the war, and subsequently removed to Schoharie 
County. " In the camp and in retirement his qualifications were bolden 
in very high consideration." 



282 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Creeks. Though sometimes called Chambers' Creek, 

from the fact of its having been the north bounds in 

part of the patent to Chambers and Sutherland, its 

Indian name now prevails. Its water-power is very 

durable, and has been largely employed from an early 

period. The question of the right of the creek to be 

regarded as the natural outlet of the lake was made a 

subject of legal controversy in 1825, it being assumed 

by the contestants that that outlet was a small stream 

forther west ; but this assumption was not sustained 

by the court. 

FOSTERTOWN CREEK. 

This stream rises in Ulster County, flows through 
Fostertown and Gidneytown, and empties into the 
Quassaick Creek. At Gidneytown it takes the name 
of Gidneytown Creek. 

TENT-STONE MEADOW CREEK. 
This creek rises in a large swamp in Ulster County, 
known many years ago as the Tent-Stone Meadow. 
It flows through Eossville, and empties into the 
Quassaick at the powder-mills. The name of the 
creek is given as recorded on a map of the town made 
by W. W. Sackett, in 1798, now on record in the office 
of the Secretary of State, Albany. 

BUSHFIELD'S CREEK. 
This creek has its source in a swamj) in the town of 
Plattekill, known as the Stone Dam Meadow from the 
fact that across the south end of the swamp is a stone 
dam about one hundred and fifty yards long, three 
feet high, regularly built and now in good preserva- 
tion. Neither the period at which it was erected, nor 
by whom it was built, are known.* The creek issues 
through a sluiceway in this dam and empties into 
Orange Lake. Its original name was Beaver Dam 
Creek ; the present name was given in honor of 
James W. Bushfield. 

DENTON'S CREEK. 
A small stream having its source west of Middle- 
hope and flowing south and east to the Hudson south 
of Balmville. It formerly furnished power for a lathe 
near the public highway, and also for the grist-mill 
of Nehemiah Denton (from whom its name was 
given), near its confluence with the Hudson. On 
the map of survey in 1717 it is called Brandywine 
Creek, a name suggestive of the " tipple" of the sur- 
veyor rather than of the quality of the water. 

POWELLTON BROOK. 
This is the outlet of Powellton Spring. It flows to 
the Hudson a short distance north of North Street. 

RACCOON HILL. 
This is north of King's Hill, and is so called from 
its having been infested with raccoons. 



* The early settlers attributed the erection of this dam to the beavers. 
The work is certainly not beyond the skill of these ingenious animals. 



ACKER'S CREEK. 
A small stream which runs through the northern 
part of the town for a short distance and joins the 
Hudson in the town of Marlborough. It was formerly 
called Jew's Creek, from a Mr. Gomoz, a Jew, who 
held a portion of the Harrison Patent. The present 
name is a memorial of Wolvert Acker, who had a 
grist-mill and a saw-mill upon it. 

TROUT BROOK. 
This brook flows north through Middlehope and 
empties into Acker's Creek. 

POLL ROSE'S POND. 
A sheet of water on Broadway (Western Avenue) 
near the New Mills ; more recently called Taggert's 
Pond. The outlet at the south end formerly fur- 
nished power for a turning-lathe. The original name 
was from a woman who lived many years at the head 
of the pond on the avenue. 

SPRINGS. 
Powellton Spring is on the Powell estate, north of 
North Street. Ledyard's Spring is on the Ledyard 
farm, west of New Mills. Cold Spring is south of 
Washington Street, near the public school. The latter 
was for some years the principal source of supply of 
water for the village, and the former were examined 
in connection with the increase of the supply in 1852. 

FITZPATRICK'S POND. 
This pond, known to some extent as Carpenter's 
Pond, is west of Powell Avenue and north of Gidney 
Avenue. It originally covered about half an acre, 

KING'S HILL, 
An eminence in the northwest part of the town, 
over the crown of which passes the boundary line be- 
tween the towns of Newburgh and Montgomery. The 
name is derived from a Mr. King, an old settler, whose 
descendants still reside in the town. 

CRONOMER'S HILL. 
This is about three miles northwest of the city, and 
is so called from having been the residence of an In- 
dian named Cronomer, prior to the Revolution. One 
of the lots on the farm late of J. Cornish is still known 
as " the hut lot," where Cronomer had his cabin. 
Tradition affirms that Cronomer once pointed out a 
deposit of lead-ore on this hill, and that, during the 
Revolution, it was examined with a view to opening 
it ; but where it was located does not appear. 

LIMESTONE HILL. 
A ridge of limestone about two miles northwest of 
the city of Newburgh. 

MUCHATTOES HILL. 
This extends from the southern part of the town 
into New Windsor. The Newburgh almshouse is 
situated on the northeastern spur, and along its east- 
ern base are several finely-cultivated farms and vine- 
yards. The northeast front of the hill is almost per- 
pendicular, while the west side is smooth and of 



NEWBURGH. 



283 



gentle declivity. It was known for many years as 
inake Hill, from the fact of its being infested with 
snakes at the early settlement of the town. 



WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS. 
The building now so generally known as " Wash- 
ington's Headquarters at Newburgh" is situated on 
Liberty Street, in the south part 
of the city. It is constructed of 
rough stone ; is one story high, 
fifty-six feet front by forty-six feet 
in depth, and is located on what 
was originally lot No. 2 of the 
German Patent. The title to the 
lot was vested, by the patent re- 
ferred to, in Herman Schone- 
man, a native of the Palatinate 
of Germany, who sold, in 1721, 
to James Alexander, who subse- 
quently sold to Alexander Col- 
den and Burger Meynders, by 
whom the property wis conveyed 
by Jonathan Hasbrouck. The 
southeast corner of the building, 
more particularly shown by the 
walls and the timbers of the roof 
remaining in the attic, is the old- 
est portion, but by whom erected 
is not positively known. The northeast cor- 
ner was erected by Hasbrouck in 1750, and 
the west half was added by him in 1770, and 
one roof thrown over the whole. The dates 
of the additions are cut upon stones in the 
walls. The building was made the head- 
quarters of Washington in the spring of 
1782, and remained in his occupation until 
Aug. 18, 1783. The general incidents oc- 
curring during that period have already 
been narrated. As is shown by the account 
which he rendered to the government, 
Washington maintained here his own house- 
hold.* While in his occupation the large 
room, which is entered from the piazza on 
the east, known "as the room with seven 
doors and one window," was the dining- 
and sitting-room ; the northeast room was 
Washington's bedroom, and the room im- 
mediately adjoining on the left his private 
office. t The family room was that in the 
southeast; the kitchen was the southwest 
room ; the parlor the northwest room, and 
between the latter and the former was the 
store-room, J hall, and staircase. The prop- 
erty remained in the Hasbrouck family until 1849, 

* No part of the building was occupied by the Hasbroucke, afl has gen- 
erally been supposed, during Washington's residence. 

f Tradition has assigned this room to Hamilton ; but it is now conclu- 
sively known that that officer was not a member of Washington's staff at 
the time, nor even a visitant. 

X So called from having been used by Col. Hasbrouck as a store. 



when the title became vested in the people of the 
State under the foreclosure of a mortgage given to the 
commissioners to loan certain moneys of the United 
States. By act of the Legislature, passed April 10, 
1850, it was placed in the care of the board of trus- 
tees of the village of Newburgh, to be preserved as 
nearly as possible as it was at the time of its occu- 




WASHINCtTON'S headquartees- 

■^•95 



-FROM THE EAST. 




tsi 


B 




? 

m 


to 


A 




9sr 






ST 






7 


s 


9 




*t 



G 



>»• 



dOOlS 

GROITXD PLAN. 

A, Sitting Room ; B, Family Room (oldest part of building) ; C, Kitchen ; 
I), Hall; E, Washington's Parlor; F, Washington's Private Room (com- 
municating with) G, Washington's Bed-room; H, Store-room. 



pation by Washington. The building was at once 
restored, by a committee appointed by the board of 
trustees, and the place formally dedicated on the 4th 
of July, 1850. The care of the property passed to 
the city authorities, by the city charter, where it 
remained until 1874, when the Legislature appointed, 



284 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



by act of May 11th, a board of trustees to hold and 
maintain it. A large, and in some departments valu- 
able, collection of manuscripts and relics is now de- 
posited in the building, for which, as well as for 
the initiatory steps by which the State authorities 
were induced to purchase the property, the public are 
mainly indebted to the late Enoch Carter, although 
many articles of value have been added by other par- 
ties, and especially by the State and the Federal 
authorities.* The trees now growing were planted 
by residents of Newburgh and vicinity. 

THE VALE. 

Originally a beautiful valley extending up the 
Quassaick Creek for half a mile from its mouth. A 
few years ago it was a favorite resort, and frequently 
visited by strangers, but is now mainly occupied by 
the Branch Railroad and the Pennsylvania Coal Com- 
pany. There is a tradition that, in the house once 
occupied by Mr. Richard Trimble, and more recently 
by Mr. Hale, Mr. Roe, and others, but which was 
known in the days of the Revolution as Ettrick Grove, 
an attempt was made to betray Washington, whose 
headquarters were then at the Ellison House, New 
Windsor. Ettrick Grove was then occupied by Col. 
Ettrick, a zealous Tory. The story goes that Wash- 
ington had accepted an invitation to dine with Col. 
Ettrick, who had, meanwhile, made arrangements 
with a company of Tories to take him prisoner. Wash- 
ington, warned of the design, ordered a detachment 
of the life-guard, dressed in the English uniform, to 
be on the ground before the arrival of the Tories. 
When this detachment made its appearance, Wash- 
ington's host, supposing them to be his Tory friends, 
stepped up to him and accosted him as hi.s prisoner. 
Washington looked at his troops for a moment and 
replied, " I believe not, sir, but you are mine." The 
treacherous host was spared his life, through the in- 
tercession of his daughter, who had betrayed her 
father's intention, and he was permitted to remove 
to Nova Scotia. The story has some elements of 
probability. 

PUBLIC STOCKS. 

By colonial law, minor offenses were punished by 
confinement in the public stocks, or by public whip- 
ping, and each town and precinct had its whipping- 
post and stocks. Those erected in Newburgh were in 
Water Street, opposite the Highland Bank, and were 
standing after the commencement of the present cen- 
tury. A map of the property of Thomas Golden, 
made in 1791, shows the location. The stocks con- 
sisted of a frame resembling a heavy square box, on 
the edge of which were seats. The bar for confining 
the feet of prisoners was about fourteen feet in length, 
and was secured by heavy padlocks. Near the centre 



* The state coutributed trophy and other guns from the old arsenal. 
Thirty trophy guns were added by orderof Hon. W. W. Belknap in 1S73. 



of the frame stood the whipping-post, which was some 
ten feet high, with arms placed in an angular position. 
The stocks were probably removed in 1810 or '12. 

NEWBURGH MARKET. 

The act incorporating the village gave the board of 
trustees power to establish a market and lease the 
stands, and a building for that purpose was erected at 
the foot of Third, now the west line of Front Street. 
The first lea.sing of stands occurred in 1811, when Jas. 
Lyon, Ed. Griswold, Chas. Birdsall, and David Tice 
were licensed as butchers, — Birdsall and Griswold 
occupying two stands each. Wm. Mathewson also 
occupied one for several years. The building was of 
wood, one story high, and open as represented in the 
engraving. Third Street divided and ran on the north 
and south sides of the market to the ferry and public 
landing. During the winters, when the stands were 
not occupied, the lads had merry times in riding down 
"McAuley's Hill," as Third Street was called, and 
shooting through the market. The building was re- 
moved in 1822 or '2.3, and about the same time a new 
market of improved architecture was erected by John 
Neely, on the north side of Third Street, east of 
Water. The amended charter of 1836 relieved the 
trustees from the duty of providing a market build- 
ing, and that then in use was removed or converted 
to other use. 

HAY-SCALES. 

The Hay-scales were a landmark on Western Ave- 
nue for over a quarter of a century. They were 
erected in 1806, and by the subsequent opening of 
Grand Street were left standing on a small triangle 
at the junction of that street and the avenue, where 
they remained in use until Jan. 8, 1838, when they 
were prostrated during a remarkably heavy gale of 
wind. The scales were of peculiar construction, and 
were composed of a beam from which chains were 
suspended for raising the teams which were to be 
weighed. The north end was inclosed for a weigh- 
ing-room, and the roof was extended south to cover 
the beam. It will be inferred, of course, that the 
structure was the approved pattern of the times ; 
platform scales were then unknown. 



V.-CENSUS RETURNS. 

Although enumerations of the inhabitants of the 
several precincts of New York were made at an early 
period, the returns are very imperfect. The early tax 
and military rolls, which have been given elsewhere, 
supply more correct information. An enumeration 
of the inhabitants of the precinct was taken in 1782, 
pursuant to an act of the Provincial Convention en- 
titled "An act for taking the number of white inhab- 
itants within this State," passed March 20th of that 



NEWBUKGH. 



285 



year. It gave a population to Newburgh of 1487, 
divided as follows : Males under 16, 429 ; over 16 and 
under 60, 252; over 60, 37. Females under 16, 368; 
over 16, 371. Number of persons making New- 
burgh their place of abode " by reason of the in- 
vasion of the enemy," 154, viz.: Males under 16, 
36 ; over 16 and under 60, 26 ; over 60, 6. Females 
under 16, 42 ; over 16, 44. 

In 1785 the pr.ecinct was divided into road dis- 
tricts, and a record made of the persons assessed for 
highway labor. This list embraces three hundred 
and nineteen names. In addition to these general 
facts, the following list of persons assessed for high- 
way labor in 1785 is of value : 



George Stanton. 
William Stanton. 
Kichard Wanl. 
Nathanifl Coleman. 
Samuel Bond. 
Joshua Burnet. 
John Sinipson. 
William Russell. 
Neheniiah Taylor. 
Gilbert Edmonds. 
Kobert Pool. 
Jonathan Norris. 
Samuel Weed. 
Martin Wygant, Jr. 
Robert Brockway. 
Beiij. Knap. 
John Jeftries. 
Samuel Coleman. 
Joseph Bond. 
Samuel Gardner. 
Joseph Gidney, Sr. 
Joseph Gidney, Jr. 
William Gidney. 
Timothy Lockwood. 
Elisha King. 
George Devall. 
William Ward. 
Doct. Hlorrison. 
Richard King. 
Cornelius Wood. 
Derick Ammernian. 
William Truraper. 
George Westlake. 
Samuel Westlake. 
Jeremiah Goldsmith. 
William Belknap. 
Caleb Chase. 
Cornelius Hasbrouck. 
James Waring. 
Herman Chase. 
Janies Owens. 
James Harris. 
Wni. Wear. 
Henry Evens. 
Joshua Brush. 
John Truniper. 
Benj. King. 
Clement King. 
Jonathan Cosmau. 
Ruleph Cosmau. 
John Whitehead. 
Archibald Elliot. 
Nicholas Watts. 
Robert Ross. 
John Dolsan. 
David Guion. 
Zebulon Robinson. 
Josepii Penny, Jr. 



Francis Harford. 
Samuel Sands. 
Joshua Lockwood. 
Black Peter. 
Robert Beaty. 
Samuel Sly. 
John Shay. 
George Shay. 
Charles Denniston. 
Tho. Hinks._ 
Richard Hudson. 
Henry Geralderman. 
Thomas Donally. 
James Guthery. 
William Wilson. 
Joseph Penny. 
William Albertson. 
Martin Wygant. 
EInathan Eoster. 
John Graham. 
Henry Smith. 
Thomas Smith. 
Allen Rogers. 
Burger Wygant, 
Haunse Cosmau. 
Gilbert Kniffen. 
Thomas Merritt. 
Isaac Merritt. 
Charles RnifTen. 
Daniel Kniffen. -_ 
Isaac Fowler. 
Elias Lyons. 
Thomas Ireland. 
John Kniffen. 
Stephen Ireland. 
Daniel Gillis. 
Timothy Wood. 
David Reynolds. 
Isaac Belknap, Jr. 
James Denton. 
Nathan Tupper. 
Dennis Heins. 
David Howell. 
John Anderson. 
Adolph DeGrove. 
Benjamin Smith. 
Aaron Eairchild. 
John Caird. 
Walter DuBois. 
John DuBois. 
Moses Beers. 
William Lawrence, Jr. 
Capt. Cooper. 
Levi Dodge. 
Richard Albertaon. 
William Nichols. 
John Rodman. 
Old Mr. Cropgfey. 



Jonas Totten. 
Wni. Dunn. 
Caleb Lockwood. 
Ebenezer Raymond. 
Wm. Penny. 
Cornelius Polhamus. 
Joshua G. Adsmith. 
Enoch Coddington. 
John Belknap. 
Jonathan Belknap. 
John Parehal. 
Patrick Burnet. 
Sttmuel Hallock. 
John Clark. 
John Winans. 
Benjamin Woodhull. 
David Belknap. 
Francis Beaty. 
William Bishop. 
Jonathan Belknap, Jr. 
Joshua Case. 
Reuben Holms. 
Daniel Aldridge.^ 
Frederick Hedly. 
Peter Snider. 
Benjamin Burling. 
Jolm Rumph. 
Robert Cooper. 
Thaddeus Smith. ' 
Albeilson Smith. 
Capt. Webb. 
William Lawrence. 
Isaac Belknap, Sr. 
Daniel Birdsall. 
William Birdsall. 
Benjamin Raw. 
Benjamin Birdsall. 
John Smith. 
Benjamin Lawrence. 
Jacob Strickland. 
Abraham Cole, Jr. 
Henry Genes. 
Kobert Aldridge. 
Cornelius Terwilliger. 
Zebulon Reynolds. 
Uriah Drake. 
John Campbell. 
Robert McCoUum. 
Nathaniel Devine. 
Solomon Dean. 
Stephen Case. 
Isaac DeWott. 
James Denton. 
George Merritt, Jr. 
Samuel Stratton. 
John Allen. _ 
John Garret. 
HoUet Jones. 
Solomon Utter. 
AVilliam Buckingham. 
William Scott. 
Gilbert Purdy. 
Wing Purdy. 
Henry Woolsey. 
William Smith. 
David Smith. 
Lewis Slutt. 
James Quigly. 
Garret Hardenburgh. 
Jacob Halstead, 
John Fitzpatrick. 
Stephen Stephens. 

Nathaniel 



Reuben Cropsey. 
Edward Howell. 
Richard Wood. 
Gushem Curren. 
Thomas Denniston. 
Daniel Hudson. 
Edward Franklin. 
Jesse Smith. 
James Martin. 
William Gardner. 
George Howell. 
Stephen Stihvell. 
William Bloomer. 
William Palmer. 
Isaac Brown. 
Thomas Palmer. 
Joseph Coleman. 
John Warren. 
Benjamin Coffin. 
Hugh Stevenson. 
James Patterson. 
Lewis Douevan. 
Eleazer Gidney. 
William Collard. 
William Maloy. 
William Bullard. 
Daniel Gidney. 
William McRania. 
Joseph Hollett. 
David Downing. 
Isaac Benschoten. 
Abraham Smith. 
Jonathan Brundage. 
Azael Smitli. 
Henry Lockwood. 
Peter Aldridge. 
Jacob Concklin. 
Abraham Strickland. 
Ebenezer Strickland. 
Abraham Cole. 
Marol Slutt. 
David Redman. 
Stephen Jones. 
Matthew McCoUum. 
William Snider. 
John Snider. 
Josepli Wilson. 
Isaac Fowler, Sr. 
Daniel Tooker. 
John Fowler, -..^^tf 
Daniel Thurston. 
Samuel Wandel. 
Thomas AVard. 
Wolvert Acker. 
Thomas Campbell. 
Benoni Lattimore. 
William W^hite. 
Samuel Prebble. 
Stephen Wandel. 
William Ward. 
Daniel Fowler. 
Jacob Cosman. 
Selah Reeves. 
John Roe. 
Benjamin Dean. 
Gilbert Aldridge. 
Gilbert Jonea. 
Burras Holms. 

Samuel Fowler. " 

Samuel Fowler, Jr. 
Francis Smith. 
Richard Torres. 
Drehmun. 



The several censuses taken since 1782 exhibit the 
following results : 



286 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Year. Popuhitimi, Increase. ' Year. Population. Increase. 

1790 23(io 878 i 1840 8,933 1150 

1800 3268 893 1845 9,001 68 

1810 4t)i7 1369 1850 11,426 2424 

1814 6107 480 ! 1855 12,773 1348 

1820 5812 705 | 1860 15,196 2423 

1825 0168 356 i 1865 17,389 2193 

1830 6424 250 I 1870 20,563 3174 

1835 7783 1359 I 1876 20,996 433 

These returns include the population of the town and 
of the village prior to, and of the town and city since, 
1865. An enumeration taken in the year 1814 gave 
the population of the village as 2323 ; in 1817, 2-164 ; in 
1821, 2877 ; in 1822, 3566 ; in 1855, 9256. The popu- 
lation of the city in 1870 was 17,021 ; in 1875, 17,322. 
The population of the town in 1870 was 3542 ; in 
1875, 3538. While the increase in population has 
been slow, it has not receded in any decade. 



in the course of the year. The system was conducted 
with success and economy, as the following figures 
from the annual report will show, viz. : 



1827 — House Expenses. 
Victualinp, 'clothing, etc.. 8297.71 

Wood 81.87 

Doctor's bin 63.19 

Keeper's wages 50.00 

Temporary relief. 051.75 



SU44.62 



Beceipts. 

Tax 3750.00 

On hand 386.41!4 

Fines, etc 17.81^ 

S1153.23 



VI.-NEWBURGH POOR SYSTEM. 
Provision for maintaining the poor was included in 
the act creating the precinct of Newburgh. The first 
record in relation to thesubject, aside from the annual 
election of overseers of the poor, occurs in 1769, 
when £30 were raised " for the support of the poor j 
for the year ensuing." In 1771 the following rules 
were adopted at the annual precinct meeting, viz. : 

" Rule Fnt.«!T. — Voted, as an encouragement to all succeeding Poor 
Masters, tlie more faithfully to discharge their duty in tlieir office, by 
preventing all unnecessary charges and needless costs on tlie inhabitants 
of the Precinct, and also as a reward for their good services, we freely 
vote them the sum of £10 each, to be paid out of the money voted to be 
raised for the use of the poor or out of such fines as may be raised for the 
same use. 

*'BuLE THIRD. — Voted, that no Poor Master for the time being shall 
for any cause wliatever relieve or cause to be relieved, or made charge- 
able, any person or persons whatever that may by law be transported; 
or any private person who can be made accountable according tu law ; 
on pain of perjury, and making themselves liable to pay all such 
charges, and forfeit to the use of the poor twenty shillings and charges 
of prosecution, to be recovered before any of his Miyesty's Justices of the 
Peace." 

In 1775, £50 were raised for the poor; in 1777, 
£100 ; in 1778, £200. At the annual meeting in the 
latter year it was 

" Voted, That donations be collected in tliis Precinct to be applied to 
such poor whose husbands or parents were either killed or taken pris- 
oners at Fort Montgomery." 

1780.—" Voted, That f SUO be raised for the poor." 

1800. — " Voted, To hire a house for the accommodation of the Poor." 

1805. — " Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be authorized to con- 
tract with one or more persons to take the whole of the poor, and to put 
out the children as they shall see best for the town." 

The increase of population made it necessary to 
provide larger accommodations for the poor ; and in 
1814 an act of the Legislature was passed, author- 
izing the construction of a town poor-house. The 
town voted (April 1st) a tax of $1500 for that pur- 
pose, and appointed John Mandevill and Benoni H. 
Howell overseers of the poor, to act with Andrew De- 
Witt, John D. Lawson, Eleazer Gidney, and Henry 
Butterworth, commissioners, " to direct the building of i 
the house and to take the whole management of the i 
same." A site was selected on the northeast corner \ 
of Water and North Streets, and a building completed 



In 1830 the receipts were $2172.64J, and disburse- 
ments $1158.58}. In 1831, receipts, $3160.69J ; 
disbursements, $1648.64 ; expenses of almshouse, 
$872.72|. 

In 1830 the Orange County poor-house was erected, 
at a cost of $12,000 ; and on the 22d April, 1831, the 
Legislature authorized the sale of the Newburgh poor- 
house and lands, which was soon after eftected, and the 
jjroceeds were applied to the payment of the county 
poor tax. Connection with the countj' system was 
continued until 1852, when the rapidly-increasing 
charges for temporary relief aroused public attention 
and investigation. The subject was first brought be- 
fore the Board of Supervisors by Jlr. Enoch Carter, 
supervisor, and the abuses of the county system were 
thoroughly exposed. At the instance of Mr. Carter, 
the board adopted the following resolution, viz. : 

'^ liesoUed, That in the opinion of this Board of Supervisors, it would 
be for the mutual interest of the citizens of Newburgh and of Orange 
County that an application be made to the Legislature by the citizens of 
the town of Newhuigh for the passage of an act paying to the town of 
Newburgh her proportionate interest in the present county house, and 
also empowering said town to provide a town house for her own poor, 
the expense of which shall be borne by the town of Newburgh." 

The inhabitants of Newburgh immediately re- 
sponded to the action of the Board of Supervisors by 
a public meeting held at Crawford's Hall, on the 
evening of the 11th of December, Mr. George Corn- 
well, chairman, and James W. Fowler, secretary. 
The subject was discussed by Messrs. N. Reeve, J. J. 
Monell, William C. Hasbrouck, and G. C. Monell ; 
and a series of resolutions, offered by J. J. Monell, 
were adopted. A committee of twelve persons — viz.: 
Messrs. John W. Brown, David W. Bate, William C. 
Hasbrouck, J. J. Monell, John Beveridge, Homer 
Ramsdell, Gilbert C. Monell, Lewis W. Young, Chas. 
Drake, Enoch Carter, Charles U. Cushman, and Rev. 
John Forsyth — was appointed to prepare, and report 
at a subsequent meeting, an act to be passed by the 
Legislature to re-establish a town system for support- 
ing the poor. 

At a meeting held Dec. 30th, Mr. Brown, from the 
committee for that purpose, submitted the draft of a 
law, accompanied by an able report illustrating the 
necessity of the movement, stating, among other facts, 
that 

"Previous to 1840 the sums expended for temporary relief seldom, if 
ever, exceeded glCOO for the county, anil S600 foi- this town. The Super- 
intendent's report for 1838 exhibits this item at $1689.27 for tlie county, 
of which S560.90 was for the town of Newburgh. The report for 1839 
exhibits the same item at S1668.45 for the county, of which S585.90 was 
for the town of Newburgh. This item of expenditure has grown with a 



NEWBURGH. 



287 



steady and rapid growth, until we find it set down in the Superintend- 
ent's report for the year 1852 at S12,802.13 for the county, of which 
SG451.90 is set down as expended in the town of Newburgh. But it is 
due to the occasion to say, that notwithstanding the figures of this report 
and tlie known integrity of its authors, the committee have good autlior- 
ity for saying that tile expenditure for temporary relief for ttie last year 
was little short of 814,000 for the county, and $8000 for the town of New. 
burgh." 

The act applied for passed the Legislature March 
23, 1853. By its terms the town of Newburgh was 
established as a separate and distinct poor district, 
and a corporation created by the name of " the Com- 
missioners of the Almshouse of the Town of New- 
burgh." The commissioners named in the act, viz. : 
Henry Wickoff, David W. Bate, David H. Barclay, 
George Gearn, Alfred Post, and Eugene A. Brewster, 
immediately entered upon the discharge of their 
duties, and a farm was purcha.sed and the erection of 
suitable buildings commenced under contract with 
Mr. John Little, Jr. The building was completed 
and opened Dec. 10, 1853, and was occupied by six 
persons from the town of Newburgh, and forty-nine 
(exclusive of insane) from the county poor-house, 
being the number apportioned to Newburgh under 
the act of separation. By the act incorporating the 
city (1865), the town and the city are united in the 
system. 

The operation of the system during the first fifteen 
years of its existence is stated in the fifteenth annual 
report of the commissioners, from which it appears 
that during that period the receipts from all sources 
were $152,332.87, and the expenses, including build- 
ings, etc., $149,365.87 ; average yearly cost by tax, 
$4558.77 ; average yearly cost of each pauper, $53.82 
— weekly, $1.03; estimated saving, as compared with 
the county system, in fifteen years, $108,378.93. 



VII.-TUKNPIKES AND PLANK-ROADS. 

The organizations of the Newburgh and Cochecton, 
Newburgh and New Windsor, Newburgh and Sulli- 
van, Newburgh and Plattckill, and the Snake Hill 
Turnpike Companies have already been referred to.* 
In the autumn of 1849 the construction of a plank- 
road from Newburgh to Ellenville was proposed. In 
January (14th), 185K, a meeting of citizens was held 
at the United States Hotel, — Homer Eamsdell, presi- 
dent, and Robert Proudfit, Jr., secretary, — and ou 
motion of David Crawford a committee of twenty- 
five was appointed " to go out to Ellenville, in com- 
pany with engineers, and inquire into the practica- 
bility of constructing a plank-road thither, and the 
best route for the same." The committee employed 
Mr. W. A. Perkins, engineer, to make a survey of the 
route, who, on Marcli 13th, submitted a report at a 
public meeting. The report presented a survey of 
three routes, southern, northern, and middle, with an 
estimate of the cost of each ; and, on motion, it was 
resolved that " measures be taken to organize a com- 



pany for the construction of a plank-road to Ellen- 
ville, with a capital of .*100,000." Committees were 
appointed to ascertain the amount of stock that would 
be subscribed, and the land damages claimed, by per- 
sons residing on each of the proposed routes. On 
March 24th a meeting of subscribers to the stock of 
the "Newburgh and Ellenville Plank-road Company" 
was held at the United States Hotel, — Homer Rams- 
dell, president, and E. Pitts, secretary, — and, on mo- 
tion, proceeded to the election of nine directors, when 
the following-named gentlemen were chosen : 

Newburgh, Homer Ramsdell, E. W. Farrington, David Crawford, 
Thornton M.|Niven, William Fullerton; Ulsterville, A. R. Taylor; 
Walden, A. F. Schotield ; Shawaugunk, Jiimes G. Graham ; Bruynawick, 
Richard Jackson. 

At a subsequent meeting of the directors, Homer 
Ramsdell was elected president; E. W. Farrington, 
vice-president ; T. M. Niven, secretary ; and David 
Moore, treasurer. At a meeting of the directors, held 
April 5th, it was resolved to adopt the southern route ; 
and at a meeting on the 11th, it was agreed to put the 
work under contract as soon as ."6100,000 should be 
subscribed. 

Immediately after this action, those in favor of a 
northern route organized the " Newburgh and Sha- 
waugunk Plank-road Company," and, at a meeting 
held April 18th, elected Robert A. Forsyth, Cornelius 
C. Smith, John B. Jamison, Odell S. Hathaway, 
Richard A. Southwick, Jacob V. B. Fowler, of New- 
burgh, and James G. Graham, S. M. Bruyn, and Jas. 
N. Mitchell, of Shawaugunk, directors ; Jacob V. B. 
Fowler was elected president; Robert A. Forsyth, 
treasurer ; and R. A. Southwick, secretary. 

Both comjianies were organized under the general 
statute of May 7, 1847, and the roads were completed 
in December, 1851.t The capital stock of the Ellen- 
ville road, paid in, was $79,770. To complete the 
work and pay existing indebtedness, the Legislature 
passed an act authorizing the issue of $44,000 in pre- 
ferred stock, and fixing the whole capital at $124,000. 
The capital stock of the Newburgh and Shawaugunk 
road, paid in, was $30,000. Both roads were subse- 
quently converted into turnpikes. 



* See "Trade and Commerce" (general history) for railroads and his- 
tory of freight lines from Newburgh. 



VIII.— BANKS. 
Bank of Newburgh. — The Bank of Newburgh was 
incorporated by act of the Legislature, passed March 
22, 1811, on the petition of Jacob Powell, John Mc- 
Aulay, Chancey Belknap, and Jonathan Fisk. The 
cajiital named was $120,000, in shares of $50 each ; 
and the State reserved the right to subscribe to the 
stock any amount not exceeding one thousand shares. 
The first directors were Isaac Belknap, Jr., Jacob 
Powell, Selah Reeve, Chancey Belknap, Freegift Tuth- 
ill, Leonard Carpenter, Samuel S. Seward, Jonathan 
Hedges, Francis Crawford, James Hamilton, John D. 
Lawson, and Richard Trimble, elected by the stock- 

t The opening of the south plank was celebrated at Ellenville, Dec. 
22d. A large delegation from Newburgh was present. 



288 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



holders; and William Ross aud Jonathan Fisk ap- 
pointed on the part of the State. The stock was all 
taken soon after the passage of the act of incorpora- 
tion ; and on June 15th the corner-stone of the pres- 
ent banking-house was laid. The building was com- 
pleted and the bank was opened for business on Sep- 
tember 9th. 

The charter of 1811 continued until 1830, wlien the 
stock held by the State was withdrawn, the bank was 
reorganized under the safety fund law, and the capi- 
tal increased to $140,000. In 1851 the capital was 
further increased to $200,000, at which time the bank 
was reorganized under the general banking law. 
In September, 1852, the capital was increased to 
$300,000. 

The first president of the bank was Isaac Belknap, 
Jr., and the first cashier, John S. Hunn. Wm. Walsh 
succeeded Mr. Belknap in 1827, and served until his 
death in 1839, when John Chambers was elected. Mr. 
Chambers served until his death in 1854, when George 
W. Kerr was elected. Mr. Hunn was succeeded in 
the cashiershi]) by F"rederick W. Faruum ; Mr. Far- 
num by Wm. M. Vermilyea ; Mr. Vermilyea by Levi 
Dodge ; Mr. Dodge, in 1836, by George W. Kerr ; and 
Mr. Kerr, in 1854, by Francis Scott. On July 5, 1864, 
the bank was organized as a national bank, — George 
W. Kerr, president, and John J. S. McCroskery, 
cashier, — and its capital raised to $800,000. 

William L. F. Warren was for many years a 
director in the Bank of Newburgh and also in the 
Savings-Bank. The Warren family are suppo.sed to 
be of Norman descent, and were among the first set- 
tlers of New England. Richard Warren, who was 
borne to our shores by the historic "Mayflower," lo- 
cated at Plymouth. John AVarren came to America 
about 1630, and settled at Watertown, Mass. Another 
John Warren settled at Salem in 1630. Peter Warren 
settled at Salem, and from him descended Gen. Joseph 
Warren, of Bunker Hill fame. 

The Newburgh branch of the family, represented 
by the subject of this memoir, are descendants of the 
John Warren who settled at Watertown. The earliest 
mention of the name at Newburgh is found on the 
records of the First Presbyterian Church, where, under 
date of July 23, 1783, the marriage of "John Warren, 
of Mass., and Eliz.abeth Belknap, of Newburgh," is 
recorded. This John Warren, the grandfather of our 
subject, was the you ngest son of Josiah and Hcphzibah 
(Hobbs) Warren, and being left an orphan during his 
infancy, was raised by his Aunt Beulah, wife of John 
Hobbs, of Brookfield, Mass. At the age of nineteen 
he joined the patriot army against the mother-country, 
and remained in active service throughout the Revo- 
lutionary war. He was engaged in several of tlie 
most important battles of that trying struggle, and 
for his bravery at Bunker Hill and Monmouth re- 
ceived the thanks of his commanding officers, and 
was subsequently raised to the rank of captain. He 
came with the Massachusetts line to the encampment 



at New Windsor, and while there became acquainted 
with Miss Belknap, a lady of rare intelligence and 
personal beauty, to whom he was married at the date 
given above. After the close of the war he engaged 
in business in Newburgh for some time, but subse- 
quently removed to Troy, and thence to Saratoga 
Springs, where he died on Christmas Day in the year 
1823. His wife died June 21, 18.37. The children 
were John H., born 1786, died at Montezuma, N. Y., 
1823; Cyntliia M., born Aug. 2, 1788, married Miles 
Beach, of Saratoga Springs ; Stephen R., born No- 
vember, 1790; William L. F., born Feb. 4, 1793; 
Elizabeth B., born 1795, married Dr. R. R. Davis, of 
Syracuse; Caroline S., born 1798, married Benjamin 
Carpenter, of Newburgh ; and Mary A., born 1800, 
married James H. Darrow, of Saratoga Springs. 

William L. F.Warren, only son of John H. and 
Fanny (Kellogg) Warren, was born at Marcellus, 
N. Y., July 3, 1811. He began life in Newburgh as 
a clerk in the employ of his uncle, Benjamin Carpen- 
ter, of whose family he became an inmate when a 
mere lad. He early learned correct business hab- 
its, and thoroughly familiarized himself with the 
principles of trade aud commerce, and in 1837 be- 
came a member of the firm of B. Carpenter & Co., 
with which he was connected until its dissolution. A 
man of modest and retiring temperament, he con- 
fined himself strictly to the prosecution of private 
business, and engaged but little in the strife and tur- 
moil of political life. He was actively associated 
throughout his career with the progressive move- 
ments of his day, and was prominent in many public 
and private enterprises. He was a man of positive 
convictions, and firm in support of what he thought 
to be right. He filled for several terms, and with 
marked ability, the office of president of the board of 
trustees of Newburgh ; was a member of the board of 
water commissioners, and also of the board of alms- 
house commissioners ; was a director of the National 
Bank of Newburgh from its organization until his 
death, a director of the Warwick Valley Railroad, 

! and a member of the board of trustees of the New- 

I burgh Savings-Bank. He sustained throughout a 
long business career in Newburgh a reputation for 

I integrity and uprightness which any one might justly 
envy him, was prompt in the discharge of every duty, 
a liberal contributor to church and kindred interests, 
and left behind him at his death the recollection of 
virtues that will never be forgotten so long as the in- 

I cense of memory burns on the altars of hearts that 
loved him. He married Catharine, daughter of John 

' H. Walsh, and died Oct. 22, 1879. 

After the demise of Mr. Warren appropriate reso- 
lutions were passed by the institutions with which he 
had been connected, from which we make a few ex- 
tracts, as best showing the character of the man and 

] the place which he filled in the hearts of the people 

j among whom he passed so many years of his life. 
At a special meeting of the board of directors of 




Ht^z.^/zr^ 



ct^yi^^'^^^,^ 



NEWBUKGH. 



•289 



the National Bank of Newbiirgh, lield Oct. 23, 1879, 
the following, among other resolutions, were passed : 

" Jtesolvedj That in meeting to iiay our triliute of respect to the mem- 
orj- of our late associate, William L. F. Warren, a director of this bank 
ever since its organization, and for many years prominently connected 
with the commercial and municipal affairs of this community, we feel 
our inability suitably to express our profound sorrow and deep sense of 
the loss we. as individuals and as u board, have sustained by his death. 

^^ ]ie£olfed^ That in the character of Mr. Warren a strict integrity, a 
lirm fidelity to trusts, a sound judgment, and a steady energy in the dis- 
charge of duty, which all who knew him recognized, were united with 
a genuine kindness of heart which those who knew him best appreciated 
most. 

'* Resolved^ That the ability, intelligence, and punctuality with which 
Mr. W'arren discharged liis duties as a member of this board, and his 
steady devotion to the best interests of the iustltution we represent, will 
be belli by bis surviving associates in honored and lasting remem- 
brance." 

Similar resolutions were passed by the board of 
directors of the Warwick Valley Railroad, in which 
cheerful and sincere testimony is borne to Mr. War- 
ren's " wise counsels," " eminent financial abilities," 
" unfailing devotion to the true interests of the com- 
pany," "his kindly and social nature," and "strict 
integrity" in the performance of " the varied duties 
of trust committed to his care." 

Branch Bank of Newhurgh. — In 1818 the directors 
of the Bank of Newburgh determined to establish a 
brancli at Ithaca ; the arrangements for which were 
perfected, and the institution went into operation on 
February 15, 1820, under the following officers : Lu- 
ther Gore, president; Charles W. Connor, cashier; 
Benj. Johnson, Joseph Benjamin, Levi Leonard, Cal- 
vin Burr, Herman Camp, and Charles A. Morrell, 
directors. The branch continued in operation until 
1830, when, on the expiration of the old charter, it 
was discontinued. 

Highland Bunk. — In 1833 application was made to 
the Legislature to incorporate the Highland Bank; 
but the bill was lost in the Senate. This result was 
followed by a meeting of citizens at the Mansion 
House, April 20,1833, "to take into consideration 
such measures as might be deemed necessary to ob- 
tain an increase of the banking capital of Newburgh." 
Of this meeting Selah Reeve was chosen president; 
Daniel Farrington and Robert Lawson, vice-presi- 
dents ; and Abraham M. Smith and Aaron Belknap, 
secretaries. After the ptissage of a resolution regret- 
ting the defeat of the bill, committees were appointed 
to renew and circulate ])etitions to the next Legisla- 
ture. The second application was successful ; the 
charter passed the Legislature April 26, 1834. 

The charter capital of the bank was $200,000. 
Nathaniel Jones, Egbert Jansen, Robert Fowler, 
Nathaniel P. Hill, John Forsyth, James Belknap, 
Aaron Noycs, Noah Matthewson, and Christopher 
Reeve were appointed commissioners to receive stock 
subscriptions. In a few weeks nearly double the 
capital required was subscribed, and a pro rata dis- 
tribution of the stock became necessary. 

The bank was organized July 21, 1834, under the 
following officers : Directors, Gilbert (). Fowler, 



Samuel Williams, Jackson Oakley, Thomas Powell, 
Charles Borland, Jr., Daniel Farrington, Benj. H. 

1 Mace, James Belknap, Benj. Carpenter, Nathaniel 
Jones, x\^bm. Vail, Robert Fowler; Gilbert O. Fowler, 
president, and James Belknap, cashier. Mr. Belknap 
subsequently resigned, and Thos. C. Ring was elected. 
Mr. Ring resigned in 1838, and Robert Burnet held 
the office until his death in 1840, when (May 10th) 
Alfred Post was elected. Mr. Fowler served as 

I jjresident until his death, when George Cornwell was 
elected. On the death of Mr. Cornwell (November, 

i 1867), Mr. Post was elected president and M. C. 
Belknap, cashier. Directors in 1867 : Alfred Post, 
John W. Brown, David Moore, Ed. R. Johnes, Jas. 
W. Taylor, Peter V. B. Fowler, Robt. Denniston, 
Thaddeus Hait, John Lomas, Walter S. Vail, George 
A. Elliott. 

The capital of the bank was increased to $350,000 
($100,000 from surplus, and $50,000 new stock), Jan. 
1, 1865. It was organized as a national bank April 
22, 1865, and its capital increased to $450,000. 

Powell Bank. — The Powell Bank was organized 
Dec. 12, 1838, a.s an associated bank, with a capital 
of $135,000. The first directors and officers were : 
Directors, Thomas Powell, Samuel Williams, Daniel 
Farrington, Benjamin Carpenter, Charles Halstead, 
Homer Ramsdell, William L. F. Warren ; Thomas 
Powell, president; Samuel Williams, vice-president; 
Thomas C. Ring, cashier ; Nathaniel R. Belknap, 
teller. The capital stock was held by Hiram Bennett, 
A. & M. H. Belknap, Benjamin Carpenter & Co., 
Daniel Farrington, A. P. Johnes, H. Ramsdell, Roe 
& Darby, Thomas Powell, George Sneed, and Samuel 
Williams. 

In January, 1843, the stockholders, with the ex- 
ception of Thomas Powell and Homer Ramsdell, with- 
drew their stock, and the institution became an indi- 
vidual bank, with a capital of $110,000, — Thomas 
Powell, president ; Homer Ramsdell, vice-president ; 
and T. C. Ring, cashier. Messrs. Powell and Rams- 
dell subsequently increased the capital to $175,000. 
The bank was discontinued in 1857. 

Quassaick Bank. — The organization of the Quas- 
saick Bank was based on the assumed necessity for a 
larger banking capital to accommodate the business 
of the village. The directors of the Bank of New- 
burgh endeavored to supply this want by increasing 
the capital stock of that institution $100,000 ; but this 
addition proved inadequate to the demand. On 
Thursday evening, Sept. 4, 1851, a meeting of citi- 
zens was held at the Orange Hotel for the purpose of 
considering the subject. David Crawford was chosen 
chairman, and O. M. Smith secretary. After ad- 
dresses by William Fullerton, W. E. Warren, S. W. 
Eager, T. M. Niven, and others, a committee was ap- 
pointed to name suitable persons for directors, and 
also to suggest a title for the institution. On the re- 
port of this committee a board of directors was nomi- 
nated, and " The Quassaick Bank" adopted as the title. 



290 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



On March 31, 1852, the bank was formally organ- 
ized by the adoption of articles of association, and 
commenced business with a capital of $130,000 in the 
spring of that year. The first officers were : Directors, 
E. W. Farrington, J. I. Crawford, I. R. Carpenter, 
Asa Sterling, Isaiah Townsend, Charles U. Cushman, 
John Jamison, W. K. Mailler, James Patton, John 
J. Monell. A vacancy in the board was filled at the 
ensuing election in May by the election of David 
Moore. At the organization of the bank E. W. Far- 
rington was chosen president, Jonathan N. Weed, 
cashier, and W. H. Gerard, teller. D. Gillis Leonard 
succeeded Mr. Farrington in May, 1862, and Odell S. 
Hathaway was elected in September, 1864, to fill the 
vacancy occa-sioned by the death of Mr. Leonard 
in May of that year. James N. Dickey was elected 
teller in 1863. The capital of the bank wa.s increased 
to 8200,000, September, 1852 ; and to $300,000, March, 
1854. It was organized as a national bank June 3, 1865, 
the capital remaining unchanged. Isaac K. Oakley is 
now (1880) president, and Jonathan N. Weed, cashier. 

Newburgh Sarinffs-Bank. — By act of the Legislature 
passed April 13, 1852, E. W. Farrington, John J. Mo- 
nell, Charles U. Cushman, Robert L. Case, Robert A. 
Forsyth, Richard A. Southwick, Odell S. Hathaway, 
Gilbert C. Monell, David H. Barclay, Adam Lilburn, 
Samuel W. Eager, Cornelius C. Smith, Robert Ster- 
ling, Robert D. Kemp, Charles Drake, David Moore, 
John H. Waters, James I. Crawford, James Patton, 
William K. Mailler, Benjamin Carpenter, T. M. Niven, 
and their successors were constituted " a body corpo- 
rate and politic, by the name of The Newburgh Sav- 
ings-Bank." The bank commenced business Jan. 1, 
1853, with the following officers, viz. : Robert L. Case, 
president ; O. S. Hathaway and E. W. Farrington, 
vice-presidents ; Charles V. Cushman, secretary and 
treasurer. In 1854, E. W. Farrington was elected presi- 
dent ; Charles Halstead, Jr., treasurer ; G. C. Monell, 
secretary. In 1858, Daniel B. St. John, president ; 
Thomas C. Ring, treasurer ; J. R. Wiltsie, secretary. 
These officers were continued until 1872, when the 
Rev. John Forsyth was elected president. He was 
succeeded by J. DeWitt Walsh, who served until Jan- 
uary, 1873, when Mr. St. John was re-elected, and Mr. 
Ring entered upon his seventeenth year as treasurer. 
The deposits on July 1, 1859, were $124,000; July 1, 
1875, $2,467,700. 

In the summer of 1866 the directors commenced the 
erection of the building now occupied by the bank, — 
Vaux, Withers & Co., architects ; Franklin Gerard, 
mason ; McClung & Deyo, carpenters. It was com- 
pleted in 1868, and occupied by the bank in October 
of that year. Its cost was about $130,000, which was 
paid from the earnings of the bank. 

Thomas C. Ring. — Benjamin Ring, grandfather of 
Thomas C. Ring, was born in Wales, and emigrated 
to Pennsylvania, where he erected mills on the 
Brandywine. He married Rachel James. Their 
children were eight in number. 



The battle of Brandywine was fought partly on the 
farm of Benjamin Ring, whose house was headquar- 
ters for Washington and staff, Lafayette, Pulaski, 
Knox, and others, when making themselves ac- 
quainted with the surrounding country and deciding 
on the battle-ground. 

Although Benjamin Ring was a Quaker, and on 
that account prevented from taking an active part in 
the war, it was well known that he was a strong sym- 
pathizer with the patriot cause. Just before the 
battle an American spy informed him that it would 
be unsafe for his family to remain, that they had 
better leave, taking with them what valuables they 
could carry. 

His wife, daughters, and young son, who drove, 
hastily left in a carriage, carrying with them $900 in 
gold, a quantity of silver plate, and other articles, in 
all amounting to quite a large sum, which, the roads 
becoming blocked by troops, they were obliged to 
abandon, and made their escape across the fields. 

Benjamin Ring, with two companions, joined them 
on horseback, and after seeing them to a place of 
safety returned to Washington, who had just heard 
that his retreat was likely to be cut off. Hearing the 
conversation, he rode up to Washington and pointed 
out a way by taking which he would cut off nearly 
two miles. He said that he would pilot them, but 
being stout and advanced in years, would not be so 
suitable as his friend, William Harvey, a young man 
and a fine horseman, and one in whom the general 
could feel every confidence. By hard riding across 
fields and over fences the balance of the army was 
rejoined and the retreat made in safety. 

Benjamin Ring's house, which was of stone, was 
used as a fort alternately by the contending parties. 
The roof was riddled with grape-shot, one six-pounder 
going through the gable, and there was not a place 
on the walls large enough to lay one's hand that did 
not bear a mark. Everything inside the house was 
destroyed, the farm was cleared of cattle, and not a 
fence left on the place. 

Nathaniel Ring, son of Benjamin, was born in 
1767, and emigrated to Cornwall, N. Y., at an early 
day. He was a millwright by trade, and captain of 
a sloop between New York and Cornwall for a score 
of years. His wife was Martha, daughter of Hon. 
Jeremiah Clark, of Cornwall, to whom were born 
seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch 
was the sixth. Nathaniel Ring died in 1850, and his 
wife in 1854. 

The maternal grandfather of Thomas C. Ring, 
Jeremiah Clark, was born in Bedford, Westchester 
Co., N. Y., in 1730. He married Martha Newman 
on Nov. 27, 1752 ; was elected a ruling elder of New 
Windsor Church July 6, 1783, and died May 30, 
1808. He was a man of much influence and promi- 
nence, and a firm friend of liberty and national union. 
He passed the greater part of his life at Cornwall, 
He was a member of the first Provincial Congress 




^^ S:/" 



11 



NEWBURGH. 



291 



•om Orange County in 1775, of the second Provin- 

ial Congress in 1775 and 1776, and of the fourth 
'rovincial Congress and Representative Convention 

I 1776 and 1777, at the last session of which the first 
anstitution of the State of New York was formed, at 
Kingston, April 20, 1777. He was member of Assem- 
ly of New York from Orange County, beginning 
itli the first Assembly of the State, which met at 
angston Sept. 1, 1777, and of the Assemblies of 
778-79, 1780-81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, '88, '89. 
[e also filled the offices of sheriif and lay judge of 
'range County. 

Thomas C. Ring was born at Cornwall, Orange Co., 
n Oct. 21, 1804. His early life was passed at home, 
here he enjoyed the advantages of a common-school 
ducation. At the age of thirteen he left the protect- 
ig care of his parents, and with no capital other than 
rong hands and an industrious and ambitious spirit 
;arted out to encounter the duties of life. He com- 
lenced as a clerk in the employ of Oliver G. Burton, 
t West Point, who kept a general store and supplied 

II varieties of goods to the military academy at that 
oint. After three years Mr. Burton died, and Mr. 
iing returned to the parental roof for the brief period 
f four months, during which time he assisted his 
ither in his brickyard. 

In 1821 he removed to Newburgh, and entered the 
inploy of Matthias G. Miller, a general trader at that 
lace, as a clerk. The firm subsequently changed to 
[iller & Smith, and besides carrying on a general 
lercantile business, ran a sloop between Newburgh 
nd New York, known as the " Neptune." This 
essel capsized near tlie Highlands in the year 1822, 
nd between twenty and thirty persons were drowned, 
.bout 1825 Mr. Ring was appointed a clerk in the 
ank of Newburgh, and filled that position for two 
ears. In 1831 he became clerk on board of the 
;eamboat " Albany," plying between New York and 
Ibany. In 1832, owing to the prevalence of the 
liolera in New York, the trips of that vessel were 
iscontinued for one season, during which period Mr. 
;ing was clerk on board of the "New Philadelphia," 
inning between the same ports. In 1833 he returned 
) his former position on the " Albany," where he re- 
lained until the fall of 1834. At that time he was 
ppointed cashier of the Highland Bank of New- 
urgh, and acted in that capacity until 1838, when he 
jsigned. In 1839 he became the cashier of the 
owell Bank of Newburgh, and remained in that 
snnection until 1864, the bank, however, commenc- 
ig measures for voluntary liquidation in 18.57. In 
B58 Mr. Ring was appointed treasurer of the New- 
urgh Savings-Bank, a position that he has since filled 
ith singular fidelity and success. From 1858 to 1864 
e was superintendent of the ferry running between 
rewburgh and Fishkill. 

Mr. Ring is recognized as one of the old, substantial 
itizens of Newburgh, and is held in high esteem by 
11 classes of people. Starting out in life with small 



means and at a tender age, he has, by close applica- 
tion to duty and industrious and regular habits, 
achieved success in the various undertakings in which 
he has engaged, and won for himself the reputation 
of an upright and honorable man. When he first 
entered the Newburgh Savings-Bank the total de- 
posits at that institution aggregated about S2S,000. 
This amount, owing to careful management, judicious 
investment, and the confidence of the public, has 
since regularly increased, until on March 1, 1881, the 
deposits at the bank amount to $3,154,540, and the 
loans to $3,174,442. 

The life of Mr. Ring has been passed in a quiet and 
unostentatious manner, and free from the turmoil and 
confusion of political strife. He has been actively 
identified with the social, educational, and material 
development of Newburgh, and contributed to the 
encouragement and sustentation of its institutions. 
He was treasurer of the village of Newburgh from 
1854 to 1864; one of the members of the first board 
of education under the State law ; secretary of the 
Newburgh Gas-light Company from 1867 to 1881 ; is 
the president of the Newburgh and Cochecton and of 
the Newburgh and New Windsor Turnpike Com- 
panies, and has been treasurer of Cedar Hill Ceme- 
tery since its organization in 1870. He has acted as 
executor of a large number of estates, and filled other 
fiduciary positions in a correct and faithful manner. 
In 1826 he was a member of a uniformed company of 
the State militia, under Capt. John D. Phillips, and 
is the last survivor of the forty-five members of the 
company at that date. In 1823 he participated in the 
reception of Gen. Lafayette, upon the visit of that 
distinguished friend of America to this country. 
Great changes have occurred in Newburgh since Mr. 
Ring's residence there, and but few are left to tell the 
story of its social and material life sixty years ago 
with so much distinctness and accuracy as himself. 
He loves a dog and gun, is physically well preserved, 
his memory is strong, and he is still fulfilling the 
duties of life in a faithful and successful manner. 
He is an attendant upon the ministrations of St. 
George's Episcopal Church, of which he has been one 
of the vestrymen. 

Mr. Ring has been twice married, — first, in 1832, to 
Miss Mary Ann Osborne, who died, leaving no chil- 
dren, Dec. 28, 1833, in her twenty-fifth year; and 
secondly to Miss Catharine Speir, in 1837. She was 
born July 31, 1810, and died Sept. 6, 1869. Of this 
union were born A. Smith Ring, ex-city treasurer of 
Newburgh, and the treasurer of the Fireman's Fund; 
Anna R., deceased, wife of Munson G. Muir; and 
Clara Belknap, who died in infancy. 

John Rapelye Wiltsie. — Hendrick Martensen 
Wiltsee, the ancestor of the many families of that 
name in America, emigrated from Copenhagen, in 
Denmark, early in the sixteenth century. He per- 
formed active service in the Esopus war in 1663, was 
captured and reported killed by the Indians, but, 



292 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



effecting his escape, settled on a farm at Hell Gate, 
L. I. He was married in ItJUO, and had three sons, 
— Martin, Hendrick, and Myndert. From Martin, 
fourth in degree from Hendrick Martensen Wilt- 
see, and his wife, Jane Suydam, whom he married 
in 1783, are descended the Fishkill Landing Wilt- 
sies. The family has been numerously and promi- 
nently represented in Duchess County since its first 
settlement, having emigrated from Long Island in i 
1734, locating at the Landing and at Sylvan Lake, 
and owning two tracts of land aggregating thirteen 
hundred acres. Johannes Wiltsie was commissioned j 
by William Tryon, Captain-General and Governor-in- 
Chief of the province of New York, on Feb. 10, 1773, 
as first lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Horton's company 
of foot, attached to Col. Brinckerhoff's regiment of 
militia in Duchess County. The name has been 
variously spelled Wiltsee, Wiltse, and Wiltsie. 

John R. Wiltsie was born at Sylvan Lake, East 
Fishkill, Duchess Co., June 5, 1814. His father, 
John C. Wiltsie, who died in 1820, at the early age of 
thirty-eight, was a farmer by occupation, and for a 
number of years prior to his demise filled the office of 
justice of the peace by gubernatorial appointment. 
His mother was Lavina Eapelye, a native of Long 
Island, and a representative of the ancient family of ' 
that name, who were early expelled from France, 
where they belonged to the nobility, because of their 
religious convictions, and who were among the first 
settlers on Long Island. The first white child born 
on the island was a Rapelye. 

The early life of Mr. Wiltsie was passed on the 
paternal farm with his mother, three brothers, and 
two sisters, his educational advantages being limited 
to the instruction given at the neighboring district 
schools during the winter months. At the age of 
fifteen he began life as an apprentice with B. F. 
Buckingham, of Newburgh, in the trade of saddle 
and harness making, with whom he remained until 
183.5, receiving during this period, as compensation 
for his services, his board and washing only. On 
May 1, 1835, having become proficient in the trade, 
Mr. Wiltsie commenced business for himself at No. 8 
Water Street, Newburgh, where he remained until 
18()1, being succeeded by his son, G. Fred Wiltsie. 
During a portion of the time, until 1801, Mr. Wiltsie 
had engaged to some extent in insurance business, 
and after retiring from his manufacturing enterprises 
he connected with his insurance matters the banking 
and brokerage business, which he has since continued 
to carry on, his being the first and only undertaking 
of the kind that ever existed in Newburgh. His son, 
Arthur V. Wiltsie, is associated with him in business, 
and since 1809 the firm of John R. Wiltsie & Son 
have occupied their present commodious rooms in the 
savings-bank building. 

During his long residence in Newburgh, and his 
participation in its affairs, Mr. Wiltsie has sustained 
the character of a straightforward and conscientious 



business man, of a decidedly original and independ- 
ent cast of mind, strong in his convictions, tenacious 
of his views, and adhering firmly to what he conceived 
to be just and right though he were compelled to 
stand alone. He has been intimately connected with 
various institutions of the city, and has ever felt a just 
pride in its material prosperity. As a manufacturer 
he was second to none in his line, being thorouglily 
educated to his trade and animated by a commend- 
able ambition to produce the best goods to be found 
in the American market. On Feb. 5, 1855, he was 
elected a member of the board of trustees of the 
Newburgh Savings-Bank, and has held the office 
from year to year to the present time, being the old- 
est member of the board of record, and the secretary 
of tlie institution since 18.55. He was one of the few 
men who took hold .of the bank after its projectors 
had failed to make it a success, the most of whom re- 
signed and their seats being declared vacant. The 
deposits at that time were only about $28,000. Mr. 
Wiltsie was instrumental, with others, in inducing 
sterling business men to join in making the bank a 
success, the deposits in 1881 amounting to $3,714,501. 
On Jan. 5, 1870, he was appointed secretary and treas- 
urer of the Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike Com- 
pany, and has since filled that position. Though no 
politician, ho filled the position of deputy internal 
revenue assessor for some years, and until the abo- 
lition of the income tax. During his term of office 
he had the satisfaction of having all his decisions on 
parts of the revenue law coming before him sustained 
by the department at Washington. The vigorous 
state of health which Mr. Wiltsie enjoys he attributes 
to his annual visit to the Adirondack Mountains, and 
his fondness for the rod and gun, which he has lialiit- 
ually used for the last half-century. On July 24, 
1869, he was elected president of the "Hudson River 
Association for the Protection of Fish and Game," an 
office which he still fills. 

In the institutions of Freemasonry and Odd-Fel- 
lowship Mr. Wiltsie has also taken an active interest. 
He is a member of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, 
F. and A. M. ; of Highland Chapter, No. 62, 
R. A. M. ; of King Solomon's Council, No. 31, R. A. 
S. M., and of Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, 
K. T. In Odd-Fellowship he has been especially 
honored. He was initiated in Highland Lodge, No. 
65, at Newburgh, in 1842, and passed to the highest 
office of the lodge during the first year of his member- 
ship. He was admitted to the Grand Lodge in April, 
1843, and was appointed D. D. Grand Master in 1844, 
during which time he instituted several lodges. He 
entered the Encampment Branch of the order May 9, 
1845, and passing through the chairs in Mount He- 
bron Encampment, No. 2, became a member of the 
Grand Encampment, and filled the position of D. D. 
Grand Patriarch for the district of Orange in 1845 
and 1846. He was elected Grand Warden of the 
Grand Lodge in 1850, and in 1851 was elected Deputy 





c-^^^t^c^ 



II 



NEWBURGH. 



293 



rand Master of the Grand Lodge of Southern New 
ork. At the annual election in August, 1852, he 
as unanimously elected to the position of Grand 
aster of that jurisdiction, filling the office with 
jnal ability and success, and winning the confidence 
id esteem of the members of the order. 
Mr. Wiltsie has also taken a prominent place in 
usical circles in Newburgh, and was one of the 
•iginal members of the Orange County Musical 
)ciety. In religious afi'airs he was formerly a 
ember of the Dutch Reformed Church of New- 
irgh, and tilled the offices of elder and deacon for 
any years, and of superintendent of the Sabbath- 
hool for seven years. He is now a member of the 
ir.st Presbyterian Churcji, and has been superin- 
ndent of the Sabbath-school for five years. As 
lunty secretary for the State, he instituted the first 
ibbath-school teachers' association in Orange County, 
e has been a member of the board of counselors 
' the Home of the Friendless since the organization 
' that institution. 

Mr. Wiltsie married for his first wife, on Oct. 17, 
137, Elmira, daughter of Robert Lawson, Esq., who 
ed in January, 1843, leaving one son, G. Fred 
"^iltsie. For his second wife he married Mary Susan, 
lughter of Rev. Luke A. Spofford, of Massachusetts, 
id sister of Judge Henry M. SpolTord, of Louisiana, 
id of A. R. Spoflbrd, librarian to Congress. Her 
ther was a lineal descendant of Israel Putnam. Of 
lis union were born six children, viz.: Arthur V.; 
Imira, wife of James T. Joslin, of Newburgh ; Henry, 
ed young ; Harriet M., Charlotte E., and Laura S. 
Bank Suspriisioiis. — The Bank of Newburgh and the 
ighlaud Bank suspended sj^ecie payments May 12, 
!37. On the morning of that day the directors and 
Beers held a meeting and passed the following among 
her resolutions : 

' Besolved, That during the suspension of specie payments by tlie New 
tIi City banlis, it will be prudent and necessary for the village banlvs 
retain their specie for the use of the town and county, to be used in 
3 ordinary business of the county. 

' i??s(Wrr?(i, Tliat the banlis will, therefore, for the present, suspend 
ying specie for tlie redemption of tlieir bills — other than such as may 
offered by our citizens to obtain small sums for the prosecution of 
sir accustomed business." 

At eleven o'clock, the same day, a meeting of citi 
:ns was held at the Orange Hotel, — John Ledyard, 
lairman ; Christopher Reeve and David Sands, sec- 
taries. After reading the resolutions adopted by 
le banks, their course was approved. 
In consequence of this action, the banks were able 
supply specie to the public during the whole of the 
;riod of suspension. On Sept. 1, 1837, the Bank of 
ewburgh held $23,921 in specie, and the Highland 
auk i!!lo,450. The suspensions of 1857 were made 
1 a similar manner. While amply prejjared to redeem 
leir circulation in gold and silver, the suspension of 
ew York City bauLs rendered the same course neces- 
.ry on the part of those of Newburgh. The suspen- 
on of specie payments growing out of the war of the 



Rebellion practically began on Dec. 30, 1861, when 
the New York City banks suspended, and has con- 
tinued since that time, under the substitution for gold 
and silver of an irredeemable national currency. 



IX.-INCORPORATED COMPANIES. 
NEWBURGH WHALING COMPANY. 

The precise date of the organization of this com- 
pany cannot now be ascertained, but the first entry of 
stock was made Dec. 31, 1831. On Jan. 24, 1832, the 
Legislature passed an act incorporating the company, 
by the terms of which " William Roe, John P. DeWint, 
Abraham M. Smith, John Harris, Benoni H. Howell, 
Samuel Williams, Benj. Carpenter, Christopher Reeve, 
and Augustus F. Schofield," and such others as were 
then or might thereafter be associated with them, were 
empowered to engage " in the whale fishery in the 
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and elsewhere, and in 
the manufacture of oil and spermaceti candles." The 
capital stock was fi.xed at $200,000, in shares of $50 ; 
but the company was authorized to commence busi- 
ness as soon as $.50,000 should be subscribed and paid 
in. The persons named in the act were to be the first 
directors of the company, and were also to act as com- 
missioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. Direc- 
tors were to be elected on the first Tuesday in January 
of each year ; the company authorized to purchase 
and hold real estate to an amount not exceeding 
$25,000, and to have and perform all the rights and 
privileges of an incorporated company, with the only 
restriction that " no foreigner" should " ever be a 
stockholder, or anywise interested in said company." 

The company was immediately organized under 
this act, and William Roe ajipointed president, Aaron 
Belknap, secretary, and Abraham M. Smith, agent. 
The books were opened for subscriptions, and $109,000, 
or 2186 shares, of the capital stock taken. On April 
1st the company purchased the ship " Portland," for 
$15,250; in August the ship "Russell," for $14,500 ; 
and in May following the ship "Illinois," for $12,000. 
During the same year they also erected a large store- 
house on Water Street, near First Street, and a com- 
modious wharf. The ships purchased were fitted out 
and made two voyages each. The " Portland" was 
under command of Capt. Cook ; the " Russell" under 
Capt. Brock; and the "Illinois," first voyage, Capt. 
Leonard, second voyage, Capt. Merchant. 

The business of the company was continued until 
1837. In 1834, Charles Ludlow, David W. Bate, John 
Harris, Edmund Sanxay, Abraham M. Smith, James 
G. Clinton, Daniel Farrington, David M. DuBois, and 
John Chambers were chosen directors. In the presi- 
dency, John D. Lawson succeeded Mr. Roe in 1833, 
and Charles Ludlow succeeded Mr. Lawson in 1834. 
Uriah Lockwood succeeded Mr. Belknap, and James 
Belknap Mr. Lockwood, as secretary. The last voy- 
age made was by the ship " Portland," Capt. Cook, 
wiiich arrived in New York in March, 1837, with 



294 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



2100 barrels whale oil, 350 barrels sperm oil, and 
19,000 pounds of bone. The carj;;o sold for about 
$40,000. 

The onteriirisc, however, failed to yield the profit 
anticipated, and was abandoned. Keeeivers were aji- 
])ointed, the ships and other property sold, and the 
stocklioldei-s paid baek their original subscriptions 
with the addition of a small dividend. The e.Kistence 
of the company ceased in 1S40; and in 184G its books, 
with the exception of an imperfect day-book, were 
destroyed by the tire which consumed the store of 
Daniel Farringtou, in which they were deposited. 



i 



NEWBURGII STEAM MILLS. 
In the early part of the year 1844 a stock company 
was Ibrmed for the purpose of erecting mills for the 
manufacture of cotton goods. The capital agreed 
upon was $100,000, and the subscriptions to the stock 
were completed on May 25th. On June 5th the com- 
pany was formally organized, and .lohn Foi-syth, lli- 
i-am liennett, David Crawford, Aaron P. Johnes, 
Homer liamsdell, Benjamin Carpenter, Cliristopher 
Reeve, Uriah Lockwood, and Daniel Farrington, 
elected directors ; Hiram Bennett, president ; Homer 
Ramsdell, vice-i)resident ; Daniel Farrington, treas- 
urer; and Uriah Lockwood, secretary. On June 12th 
the directors selected the site, and soon after com- 
menced the erection of the necessary buildings. The 
works were completed and the manufacture of cotton 
commenced in 1845, since which time the mills have 
continued in operation, and partial time kept during 
the most trying revulsions. A large portion of the 
original stockholders have disposed <<( their interest, 
and a majority of the stock is now held by the estate 
of Thomas Garner, and is under the super. ;itondency 
of Mr. HORATIO B. BECKMAN. The nuiiii Imild- 
ing is 250 feet long by 50 feet broad, and hai five 
floors beside the basement, — one floor being devoted 
to each of the processes of cotttm manufacture. In 
addition to this building is another 00 by 40 feet. 

GAS-LHiiri' COMPANIES. 

Sewburgh Ons-lie/hf Coinpiiny. — This com])any was 
organized in May, 1851, with a capital of t;().'),0(l(>. 
The following gentlemen composed the first board of 
directors, viz. : Homer Kamsdell, David Crawford, E. 
W. Farrington, and John J. Monell, of Newburgh, 
and J. A. Sabaten, of Albany, and S. Sabaten, of New- 
ark, N. J. David Crawford was elected president, and 
J. J. Mouell, secretary and treasurer of the board. 
Gas was first lighted in the latter part of September, 
1852. 

Consumers' Gas-light Company. — This company was 
organized in 1879, and its works constructed. The 
Newburgh Gas-light Company was consolidated with 
it in 1881. 



X.-SUPPLY OP WATEH. 
Prior to 1817 the village of Newburgh was mainly 
supplied with water by wells; but, as population in- 



creased, it became necessary to procure a supply from 
other sources. Private enterprise, for a time, relieved 
the more pressing demand. In 1804 the board of 
trustees took the subject in hand, and submitted to 
the inhabitant,* a |ilan for forming a stock association, 
which resulted in the incorporation, by an act of the 
Legislature, passed March 7, ISOO, of the "Newburgh 
Aqueduct Association." Beyond this, however, no- 
thing appears to have been done until 1809, when, on 
March 27lli, the Legislature passed an act empowering 
the trustees to procure a supply of water for the use 
of the village, and for that purpose to enter upon the 
possession of any sjirings or streams of water within 
the corporate bounds ; provided, that there should, 
" in all cases, be left a suihciency of water in said 
spring or s|)rings so taken, for the use of the owner 
of the lands wherein the sai<l spring or springs are 
situated, and his iu'irs and their assigns forever;" and 
further, that compensation should be made for the 
property so taken. Two hundred and fifty dollars 
were to be raised annually by ta'x to meet the expenses 
incurred, and the act of ISOti was repealed. The sum 
named in this act proved to be insufficient, and no 
further proceedings were had until 1812, when a iiiect- 
ing of the citizens was held (February 29th), who 
sanctioned the levying of a higher tjix by the trus- 
tees; but the latter regarded a compliance with the 
wishes of the former as illegal, and directed the rais- 
ing of only the amount s|)ecified. This was the first 
water tax levied. 

In May, 1813, the tnislees determined to contract 
with Jonathan Hasbrouck, the owner of Cold Spring, 
and Walter Case and Jacob Powell were appointed a 
committee for that purpose. No arrangement, how- 
ever, was made with Mr. Hasbrouck, and the subject 
rested until June 20, 1814, when the trustees " Ji>'- 
so/oal, That we will ]iroceed with all convenient speed 
to supply the inhabitants of the village of Newburgh 
with j)ure and wholesome water ;" and as Water Street 
was about to be ])aved, that water-logs be laid before 
that work was done. In 1815 the ditticnlties under 
which the trustees labored were partially removed by 
an ainendinent to the charter of the village, by which 
$2000 could be raised annually by tax for contingent 
expenses and for the introduction of water. An edbrt 
was then made to purchase a spring owned by Mr. 
Mandevill, late the property of Jno. J. Monell ; but 
it was not .snccessful. Nothing further was done un- 
til ISlt), when the trustees appointed a committee to 
examine the water lots of Jacob Ritchie, in the 
vicinity of Grand and Third Streets, for the purpose 
of ascertaining the extent of the supply which could 
be obtained from that source. Experiments were 
made by this committee, who subsequently reported 
that the yield was not sufficient. The proposition to 
take the Cold Spring was then renewed, and an agree- 
ment was made with Mr. Hasbrouck for that pur|)Ose. 
The water was to be taken from a " pen-stock" which 
had been erected on Liberty Street for supplying the 



NEWBURGH. 



295 



ewery of Robert DunIo|), and conveyed " from 
cure down Ann Street to Golden Street, thence 
rougli Golden and Water Streets as far north as the 
ore of Harris i*i; Miller." 

At this stage of the proceedings the Conrt of Chan- 
iry (Aug. 26, 181G), on the application of George 
ardner, through whose lands the outlet of the spring 
issed, granted an order restraining the trustees from 
rther action, as, under tlie act of 1809, they were 
((uired to leave sufficient water in the s|)ring for 
le use of those interested in it as a source of private 
ipply. The trustees referred- the subject to their 
)unsel, Mr. Henry, of Albany, who, after examining 
le act, advised them that he considered it ine.xpe- 
ent to make a motion to dissolve the injunction, 
he trustees then agreed (Jan. 10, 1X17), to ask the 
egislature to " repeal the act of 1800, and substitute, 
1 lieu thereof, a law for the same purpose based upon 
ore just and constitutional principles as to the mode 
id extent of contracting for or taking the water to 
i introduced into the'village." This action was ap- 
roved by the citizens, at a public meeting held on 
[arch 20th, and tlu^ act aiijilied for passed the Legis- 
.ture April 7th. This act authorized the trustees to 
ike, for the use of the village, such sources of supply 
i they might deem necessary. In case of disagree- 
lent with the owners of the property so taken, the 
ibject of damages was to be referred to \Vm. Tliomp- 
)n, Daniel G. Verplanck, and Abni. H. Schenck, 
ho should fix the amounts to be paid. The trustees 
nmediately made application to Jonathan and Eli 
[asbrouck, George Gardner, and Patrick McGahey 
-he guardian of the heirs of Charles Mackin), for the 
de of their several rights in the Cold Spring. Jon- 
;han Hasbrouck demanded $10,000; Eli Hasbrouck, 
■)000, Geo. Gardner, $5000, and the heirs of Charles 
[ackin, $500. The trustees regarding the sums as 
[together too large, applied to the commissioners 
anted in the act, who awarded to Jonathan Has- 
rouck $2000, to Eli Hasbrouck $100, to Geo. Card- 
er $1500, and to the Mackin heirs $50. The 
ward was accepted by the trustees, and the several 
ims paid. The deed from Jonathan Hasbrouck, 
owever, was made subject to a previous contract with 
[obert Dunlop, then held by James Law, for supply- 
ig his brewery with water. The construction of the 
'orks was resumed, and, in addition to those already 
amed, logs were ordered laid through Smith and 
iiberty Streets. In 1819 the Legislature passed an 
ct enabling the trustees to fund the water debt, then 
mounting to $5000. In 1821 a larger supply of 
■ater being deemed necessary, the trustees purchased 
ic Ritchie lots, on Grand Street, from John Ledyard, 
)r the sum of $450; and in 1829 sold the property, 
'itli the exception of I he spring, for $4715. Subse- 
uently, an additional source of supply wiis found on 
lie lands of Wm. P. C. Smith, and a reservoir built 
ear the residence of the late Rev. Dr. Johnston. 
Such — with the addition of several large reservoirs 



— were the Newburgh water-works prior to the intro- 
duction of a supply from the Little Pond. In regard 
to this source, it may be remarked that the proposi- 
tion to secure it was first made in 1885, and was re- 
newed, in various forms, until its final adoption in 

1852. To trace the several plans which were, from 
time to time, submitted to the public on the subject 
is unnecessary. It is sufficient to say that after a full 
examination of the Powellton Springs, the Gidney- 
town Creek, and the Little Poiid, the people of the 
village almost unanimously approved the latter as a 
source of supply ; and in March, 1852, an act ap- 
pointing commissioners for the purpose of construct- 
ing the works was passed by the Legislature. In ac- 
cordance with the terms of this act, on the report of 
the commissioners, an election was held (Nov. 15, 
1852), when 821 ballots were cast for, and 16 against, 
the plan of supplying the village with water from the 
Little Pond. The works were put under contract in 

1853, and $93,976.91 were expended by the commis- 
sionei-s. In addition to this sum, the trustees ex- 
pended in 1852, $950.1G; in 1854, $7007.87; in 1855, 
$2778.60; in 1856, $750.16 ; in 1857, $1646.88 ; in 1858, 
$4796.01 ; in 1859, $1541.36 ; and from March 1st of 
the latter year until Jan. 1, 1860, about $2000, — 
making a total of $115,448.75. The act, however, 
contemplated an outlay of only $100,000, for which 
sum Ijonds were issued. 

The works have been materially enlarged since the 
introduction of the supply, viz. : in 1867, by the con- 
nection of Silver Creek with Little Pond, and in 1872 
-73, by the laying of a new main connecting directly 
with the pond. The total of expenditures for con- 
struction, etc., from 1852 to 1875, was.$381,031.16. In 
1855 the water-rents were $8369 ; in 1875, $29,307.71. 
Of all classes of distributing pipes (exclusive of ser- 
vice pipes) there is a fraction over eighteen miles. 
The annual report of the commissioners and of Maj. 
E. C. Boynton, the superintendent, for the year 1875, 
supplies complete details of receipts and expenditures. 

NEWBURGH FERRY. 

On May 24, 1743, Alexander Golden presented a 
petition to the Hon. George Clark, Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor of the province, and Council, for letters patent 
enabling him to establish a ferry between Newburgh 
and Fishkill. This petition, after reciting the patent 
to the Palatinates, states " That as there are now 
many settlements on both sides of the Hudson River, 
persons frequently have occasion to cross over from 
one side of the river to the other, but are often obliged 
to wait a considerable time for a passage over the 
same, there being no ferry established on either side 
thereof: that your petitioner is willing to jirovide 
proper boats and persons constantly to attend lor the 
transportation of passengers, horses, and goods across 
the said river to and from the aforesaid tract of land, 
now commonly called the Newburgh Patent; and has 
obtained liberty of the owners of the land on the 



296 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



easterly side of the said river to land or take on board 
any passengers that shall have occasion to cross the 
said river with their horses and goods, wliich will be 
of great use and benefit to travelers and other persons 
that may have occasion to cross said river." The 
petitioner asked that the letters patent be issued to 
himself, his heirs and assigns forever, for " all the soil 
under the water one hundred feet into the river from 
the high-water mark, the whole length of the patent 
(219 chains), that he.may be enabled to make proper 
wharves and landing-places ;" and also that " His 
Honor and the Council" should establish " such fer- 
riage fees" as they should deem reasonable. 

The petition was accompanied by a statement show- 
ing the " Kates heretofore taken by way of Ferriage 
for crossing Hudson's River above the Highlands," 
as follows : 

"For every Mull ainl Horse £0 6«. Od. 

For every pei-soii without a Horae 2 

And if bull weatlier, a Mail and a Horse 10 U " 

The following were the " Rates" proposed to be 
taken : 

" For every Man and Horse £0 2s. Gd. , 

But if tbref* or more together, for eacli Man and Horse. 2 

For a single person only 10 

For each footman (if three or more together) 

For every Horse or single beast 16 

Bnt if three or more together, for each 1 :{ 

For every Calf or Hog G 

For every Sheep or Lamb 4 

For every full Barrel 10 

For every empty Barrel 4 

For every Pail of Butter a 

For every Firkin or Tub of Butter 6 

For every bushel of Salt or Grain :l 

For every hundred-weight of Iron, Lead, &c 9 

For evei-y Chaise, Kitterin, or Sleigh 4 

For every Wagon and Cart 6 

and so in proportion for all things according to their bullc and weight." 

At a meeting of the Council, May 24th, the patent 
asked for was granted, and the petitioner thereby 
invested with the "sole keeping of a ferry between 
any and every part of the said tract, and for the soil 
under water (so far only as his own land run), 100 
foot into the water from high-water mark, under the 
yearly quit-rent of five shillings" at the " rates pro- 
posed to be taken." i 

Immediately after receiving the patent, Colden 
complied with its provisions, and continued for several ' 
years in the exercise of its privileges. Sail- and row- i 
boats were used for the purpose of ferriage; a landing 
place was constructed at the foot of T'irst Street, and 
the enterprise conducted with consideraljle system. 
What became of the ferry during the Revolution does 
not a]5pear, l)ut it is of record that a ferry called the 
"Continental ferry" was maintained from Fishkill. 
Its owners in 1782 were Martin Wiltsie and Jacob 
Carpenter. The place of landing was at the foot of 
Third Street. In 1782 it changed its regular jdace of [ 
landing from Newburgh to New Windsor, and this 
change, coupled with the fact that the Colden charter, 
as well as all similar grants, was regarded as void in 
consequence of the Revolution, was the occasion of ! 
the establishment of a new ferry " at Fishkill and 
Newburgh landings, where the public (or Continental) 
ierry was formerly kept" by Peter Bogardus, of Fish- 



kill, and John Anderson and James Denton, of New- 
burgh, w'ho announced that tliey had "built boats for 
the purpose of attending said ferry, of the best con- 
struction, for the transporting of wagons and horses, 
and a good scow for tlie convenience of transporting 
loaded wagons," and that the prices of ferriage would 
be as thev were before the war, viz. : 



"For a footman I shilling. 

Man and horse 2 shillings. 

Two-horse Wagon 10 shillings. 

Loaded do. ...12 shillings. 
Hiding Cliair G shilling 



Four-horse Wagon 14 shillings. 

Loaded do 1 pound. 

Vhaiton and pair 12 shillings 

Ton of Iron 8 sbilliDgs. 

Hogshead of Rum 5 shillings. 



and so in proportion for every other article.' 

This ferry was continued until after 1826, under the 
proprietorship of John P. DeWint. Its place of land- 
ing was changed to near the foot of Fourth Street, 
and was subsequently consolidated with the Colden 
ferry, as hereinafter stated. 

The Colden charter was sold by the heirs of the 
patentee (Dec. 15, 1802) to Leonard Carpenter for the 
sum of $2500. On Oct. 24, 1804, Leonard Carpenter 
sold to Jacob Carpenter one-half of the charter for 
the sum of $1250. In August, 1805, the New Windsor 
and tlie Colden ferries were combined, the joint owners 
being Leonard and Jacob Carpenter, Martin Wiltsie, 
Martin Wiltsie, Jr., and Peter Bogardus. On Oct. 
26, 1825, Ann and Catharine Bogardus, heirs of Peter 
Bogardus, sold their interest in the ferry to Benjamin 
Thorne for $200 ; and on November 9th Mr. Tliorne 
sold the interest thus jHirchased to J. P. DeWint for 
the same sum. On April 1, 1826, Bridget, widow of 
Leonard Carpenter, sold to Alexander R. Carpenter 
her right in the ferry for the sum of $300. On the 
same day Alexander and Jane B. Carpenter sold to 
Isaac R. Carpenter their interest, — the former for the 
sum of «;2800, and the latter for $2500, the difierence 
in the sums being made by the addition of the third 
held by Mrs. Carpenter to that of Alexander. Isaac 
R. Carpenter was now the owner of the entire interest 
held by his father; to which he added, by purchase, 
March 1, 1827, from Henry B. Carpenter, the interest 
formerly held by Jacob Carpenter. On Feb. 25, 1832, 
Mr. Carpenter purchased from the heirs of Martin 
Wiltsie, Sr., all the right, title, and interest of their 
father for the sum of .'¥8000 ; and sold (November 27th) 
to John P. DeWint one-half of the interest purchased 
for $6000. On March 1, 1833, Martin Wiltsie, Jr., 
sold to Mr. DeWint and Isaac R. Carpenter, by whom 
the ferry was now conducted in partnership, all his 
right, title, and interest for the sum of $5000; and on 
March 26th of the same year Carpenter purcliased 
the entire right of DeWint, and became sole proprie- 
tor. On May 1, 1835, Mr. Carpenter sold the ferry to 
Mr. DeWint for the sum of $52,000 ; and on May 30th 
of the same- year Mr. DeWint sold the whole to 
Thomas Powell for $80,000. Mr. Powell remained 
the owner until 1850, when, on October 15th, by deed 
of gift, the property passed to his daughter, Mrs. 
Frances E. L. Ramsdell. 

Sail- and row-boats alone were used until 1816, when 
a horse-boat was launched at Newburgh (July 16th), 



NEWBUEGH. 



297 



and commenced ber trips on August 8tli. The Political 
Index of August 10th says, "The team-boat 'Moses 
Rogers' passed from this village, on Wednesday last, 
to Fishkill Landing with the following load: one 
coach and horses, a wagon and horse, seventeen chaises 
and horses, one horse, and fifty passengers." The 
''Rogers" was succeeded by a horse-boat called the 
" Caravan," a flat-bottomed vessel with a wheel in the 
centre. She was run in connection with the sail-boat 
"Mentor" and the horse-boat " Duchess" (the latter 
built by Mr. DeWint for his ferry), and was subse- 
quently converted into a steamer under the name of 
the "Jack Downing." In 1S28 the steamer " Post- 
Boy" was built at Low Point and placed on the line. 
Her engine was made in Philadelphia, and was a very 
unique affair. Her name was subsequently changed 
to " Phreni.x." She gave place to the " Gold Hunter," 
which was built by Mr. Powell, at Xewburgh. The 
" J'ulton," the " Williamsburgh," and the " Union" 
were successively purchased by Mrs. Ramsdell, by 
whom also the present ferry-houses were erected. 
The "Union" having been destroyed, Mrs. Ramsdell 
had its place supplied (1880) by an iron boat, eon- 
Btructed by Ward & Stanton, of Newburgh, and which 
bears the name of "City of Newburgh." The deed 
from Mr. Carpenter requires the proprietors of the 
krvy to continue the landing at the foot of Second 
Street, and to preserve an open and free passage to 
and from the public street. 



XI.— NEASTBURGH POST-OFFICE. 

From the destruction by fire of the records of the 
Post-Office Department at Washington in 1836, it is 
impossible to ascertain the date of the appointment 
af the first postmaster, or of the establishment of the 
sffice at Newburgh. From the records of the auditor's 
jffice, in which the accounts of the postmasters are 
kept, the books of which were preserved, it is ascer- 
tained that the office at Newburgh commenced render- 
ing accounts Jan. 1, 1796, and that Ebenezer Foots 
was the first postmaster. It is therefore presumed that 
the office was established some time during the mouth 
jf December, 1795. A list of all the ])ostmasters, prior 
;o 1810, is annexed, each appointee holding the office 
ip to the time of the rendering of accounts by his 
successor, to wit : 



Bbenezer Foote, fiuni Jan. 1, 179G. 
[lairv Caldwell, from Oct. 1, 1707. 



Daniel Birdsall, from Oct. 1, 1S02. 
Chester Clark, from July 1, 1810. 



The following have been appointed since 1810: 



iaron Belknap, March 26, 1812. 
rooker Wygant, Nov. 26, 1830. 
4. C. JIulliner, May 23, 1833. 
Benj. n. Mace, Nov. 23, 1836. 
[Jliver Davis, June 17, 1841. 
Fames Belknap, May IS, 1843. 
Samuel W. Eager, Aug. 6, 1849. 



Joseph Casterline, Jr., May 4,1853. 

Ezra Farrington, May 22, 1861. 
James H. Reeve, Nov. 1, 1866. 
Henry Major, May 7, 18G7.* 
Jos. Lomas, Aug. 22, 1807. 
Ezra Farrington, July 19, 1869. 
John C. Adams, April 1, 1875. 



The early mails of the district were carried and 
letters received and delivered by post-riders, who, for 
their own convenience, as well as for the convenience 
of those wishing to send letters, appointed stations 
for that purpose. The Newburgh station was, for 
many years, at the tavern of Michael Weigand ; the 
New Windsor station, at the " Glass House" in the 
village of New Windsor. Letters were left at these 
stations until called for. The Newburgh office was 
the secondt in this section of the county ; its delivery 
included letters for Marlborough, Plattekill, New 
Windsor, etc. 



• A special officer of tlie Post-Offlce Department, who held the place 
n consequence of the refusal of the Senate to confirm the appointments 
)f President Johnson. 
20 



XII.— FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The fire department of Newburgh was organized 
under an act of the Legislature, passed March 24, 
1797, by which the inhabitants of the town residing 
east of Liberty Street and south of an east and west 
line running si.x rods north of the academy, were au- 
thorized to elect five trustees, " to be called the Trus- 
tees of the Fire Company of the Village of New- 
burgh," who should have full power "to nominate 
and appoint a sufficient number of firemen, not e.K- 
ceeding twenty to every fire-engine" then provided 
or thereafter to be provided for the use of the said 
village, " out of the inhabitants being free-holders or 
persons renting property to the value of one hundred 
dollars per annum, to have the care, management, 
working, and using the said fire-engines and other 
instruments." The persons so appointed were to be 
called " the firemen of the village of Newburgh ;" 
they were required " to be ready at all fires, as well 
by night as by day," and were exempted from service 
as constables or as jurors of inquest. Prior to the 
passage of this law, there is no record of the existence 
of an engine, or apparatus, or of any organization for 
the extinguishment of fires, nor is there record of any 
proceedings under the law, although it is probable 
that an organization was made in accordance to its 
terms. The act was superseded by the act of incor- 
poration (1800), under which the powers which it 
conferred were vested in the trustees of the village. 
The minutes of the latter body make no reference to 
the department until May, 1806, at which time two 
fire companies are of record, both fully organized 
and supplied with engines. At what precise date 
these companies wei-e organized cannot be shown ; 
but from a certificate issued by the board of trustees 
in 1802, both companies were clearly in existence at 
that time, from which fact it may be inferred that the 
trustees of the village found the department organ- 
ized, and simply accepted the work which had been 
done. 

From May, 1806, the record of the department is 
essentially complete. The two companies which were 
in existence at that time were composed of the follow- 
ing members : 

f Montgomery, or " Ward's Bridge," was the first. (See " Trade and 
Commerce.") 



298 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



No. 1.— Wni. L. Smitli, Enocli E. Tilton, Walter Burling, Henry Tudor, 
Ward M. Gazlay, Gilbert N. Clement, Minard Harris, John Care- 
kaden,CalebSuttou,GeorgeE.HuIse,Jolin Coleman, John Hoagland, 
William Adee, Andrew Preston, Nicholas Wright, John Forsytli, 
Walter Case. 

No. 2. — lohn Harris, Jonathan Fisk, John Richardson, SelaU Eeeve, 
Joseidi Reeve, John Anderson, Jr., Leonard Carpenter, James Ham- 
ilton, Samuel I. Gregory, Willisim Gardiner, Nathaniel Burling, 
Solomon Sleight, Jonathan Carter, Hiram Weller, Samuel W"ri{:ht, 
Hugh Spier, Thos. Powell, Cornelius DeWitt, Joseph Hoffman, Cad- 
wallader Roe, Daniel Nivin, Jr., Benoni H. Howell, Sylvanus Jessup. 

The house of Company No. 1 was ordered estab- 
lished (July 17, 1806) "near the house of Robert W. 
Jones, on Eight-rod Street ;" and the house of No. 2 
(May 17, 1810) was located on "the northeast corner 
of the Presbyterian church lot." 

No further reference to these companies appears in 
the minutes of the trustees — except lists of their offi- 
cers — for several years. On Dec. 9, 1823, a meeting 
of citizens was held at Crawford's hotel, and a resolu- 
tion adopted requesting the trustees to " purchase a 
new engine for the jtrotection of the village against 
fire." In compliance with this request, the trustees, 
on January 1st, following, contracted with E. Force, 
of New York, for a new engine at a cost of $750. On 
the 20th of the same month they purchased the lot on 
the corner of Montgomery and Second Streets for the 
sum of $92, and subsequently laid a tax of $1200 for 
the erection of an engine-house thereon and to pay 
for the engine. In addition to this sum, the Wash- 
ington Insurance Company of New York contributed 
$100 ; the Fulton Insurance Company, $100 ; and the 
North River Insurance Company, $50, towards the 
purchase of the new engine. The new engine was 
completed in March, 1824, and the question at once 
arose among the firemen which company should be 
honored with its use and preservation. After a sharp 
discussion the question was decided by the trustees 
(March 18tli) in favor of Company No. 1, by the casting 
vote of the jiresident of the board. The company ipi- 
mediately reorganized under the title of No. 3, and a 
new companj' was soon after raised for the old engine. 
During the same year the engines were removed to 
the new engine-house. 

The first hook-and-1 adder company, if such it may 
be called, was organized March 3, 1810, by the addi- 
tion to the two fire companies of eight men, viz. : Jo- 
seph Carpenter, Elijah Boardman, James Donnelly, 
Benjamin Anderson, Thomas Phillips, Jr., William 
Thayer, Nathaniel Boyd, and Samuel Burtis. This 
organization continued until Aug. 5, 1828, when three 
persons were selected from each company and a more 
independent organization effected. The implements 
of the company were housed in a shed which was 
erected in the rear of the engine-house. New ladders, 
etc., were procured in 1852, and a suitable house (now 
the police station) erected on First Street. The 
company has borne, at different times, the names of 
" Clinton" and " Brewster," the latter since April, 
1861, in honor of Hiram S. Brewster, for several 
years its foreman. 



In 1835 (May 6th), on the petition of John McClel- 
land, James G. Clinton, Francis Bolton, and others, 
the trustees organized Washington Engine Company, 
No. 4, and ordered a new engine from James Smith. 
On July 1st they purchased a lot on Western Avenue 
for $300, on which a small, but then regarded as 
suitable, building was erected for the company. The 
new engine was delivered in a rough coat of paint, 
and was subsequently finished in a very complete 
manner at the expense of the company. More mod- 
ern and of more power than No. 3, it took the rank to 
which it was entitled. Songs and music were written 
in its honor ; its company overflowed with the most 
vigorous element in the community. 

In 1837 (July 4th), Niagara Engine Company, No. 5, 
was organized by the trustees, on the petition of Sam- 
uel J. Farnum, Albert Noe, C. A. Gardiner, and others. 
On August 22d a lot was purchased on South Street, a 
house was ordered erected thereon, similar in every 
respect to that occupied by No. 4, and a contract 
made for the construction of an engine. This ma- 
chine was a duplicate of No. 4, and the question of 
superiority led to many spirited contests. 

In 1840 the membership of several of the com- 
panies exceeded the number fixed by the trustees, 
and it was proposed that the surplus should be per- 
mitted to act as volunteers. The trustees referred the 
subject to a committee, who reported (July 18th) 
against the plan. This result led to an " indignant 
parade" on the part of the volunteers of Company 
No. 5; but the excitement soon subsided, and the 
cause of complaint was removed by the adoption 
(Sept. 14th), on the part of the trustees, of a resolu- 
tion permitting each company to have a membership 
of fifty. 

In 1844 (Aug. 22d), a meeting of citizens author- 
ized the purchase of a new engine for Company No. 
3; and the trustees (Dec. 2d) contracted with James 
Smith, of New York, for its construction. The en- 
gine was delivered in the spring of 1845, and was 
finished in an elegant manner by the company. It 
was the first " piano" machine. In 1849 a new en- 
gine was purchased for Company No. 4; and, in 1850, 
one for Company No. 5 ; both of the improved style. 
The engine of No. 4 was again exchanged in 1861. 

The first hose company was organized in 1840. Its 
oflicers (Jan. 1, 1841) were William Scott, foreman; 
Rensselaer Whited, assistant, and Abel Belknap, Jr., 
secretary and treasurer. At this time the only hose 
carriage was a "jumper" attached to Engine No. 3. 
The occasion of its organization was the prior organi- 
zation by a number of boys of a hose company, of 
which Maxwell Wiley was foreman, Cornelius O. 
Madden, assistant, and E. M. Ruttenber, secretary, 
j whose purpose it was to perform in this way the 
I taking of the "jumper" to and from fires, to which 
duty they were invariably generously assigned by the 
members of the engine company. The sages of the 
i corporation had " no power" to recognize boys as 



NEWBURGH. 



299 



members of the departinetit, and, lest they should do 
some mischief, appointed men who, if too old to run 
with the machine, could see to it that due decorum 
and solemnity was observed in the discharge of that 
duty. Columbian Hose is the oflspring of this com- 
pany. 

The introduction of water from Little Pond brought 
with it several changes in the apparatus of the de- 
partment. Engine Company, No. 1, became 
Excflsior Hose Company, No. 1, and, in Sep- 
tember, 1852, Columbia Hose Company, No. 2. 
Ringgold Hose Company, No. 1, was organized 

Feb. 1, 1854. Neptune Hose Company was or- 

ganized Sept. (5, 185S ; name changed to Leonard 
Hose Company, No. 3, and, in 1873, to Leonard 
Steam Fire-Engine Company, No. 2. Chapman 
Hose Company, No. 4, was organized in Septem- 
ber, 1859. Cataract Engine Company, No. 3, 
was cbanged to Lawson Hose Company, No. 5, 
in 1871, when the engine purchased in 1845 was 
sold. Washington Engine Company, No. 4, was 
changed to Washington Steam Fire-Engine 
Company, No. 4 (now No. 1), in 1872, and the 
first steam fire-engine purchased by the city 
assigned to its care. The hand-engine pur- 
chased for the company in 18t)l was rebuilt and 
transferred to West Newburgh, in charge of 
Highland Engine Company, No. 3. The en- 
gine of No. 5 wa.s sold in 1872, the company 
having been disbanded some time previously. 
The department is now composed of one hook- 
and-ladder company, one hand-engine com- 
pany, two steam fire-engine companies, and 
four hose companies. The estimated value of 
the property of the department is $60,000. The 
steamers uovv in use cost $4200 each. 

The first engines are remembered by many 
of our citizens. No. 1 was a plain old-fashioned 
machine of very limited power. No. 2 was what 
was called a Philadelphia engine ; it wa.s manned 
by a double rank of men at each end, one rank 
standing in part on the deck and in part on a 
folding platform. The manning force was about 
sixteen, but as the deck men could not be re- 
lieved when the engine was in motion, they 
were of limited usefulness. The forte of the 
engine was in throwing a small .stream at what 
was then regarded as a great distance ; it was 
able to send water and spray about ninety feet. 
No. 3 was a heavy machine and the only suction en- 
gine of the three. It was the fancy engine of the vil- 
lage, and the first to bear a specific name, that of 
" Cataract." 

The houses now occujiied by the dqiartment are 
modern structures. The first was erected for Neptune 
Hose Company (now Leonard steamer), in 1859; the 
lot costing $400, and the house $1247.75. It is of 
brick, two stories high, and located on North Water 
Street. Hook-and-Ladder Company and Ringgold 



Hose Company were granted new buildings in 1862. 
A lot for the former (on Western Avenue) was pur- 
chased for $600, and for the hitter (on Colden Street) 
for $950. The plans of the Ijuildings were by John 
D. Kelly, architect; the contract for erection was 
awarded to Little & Kelly (June 21, 1862), for $2835. 
The house of Hook-and-Ladder is of brick, two stories; 
that of Ringgold, two stories, with basement, and 




KINGGOLP HOSK HOl'Si:. 

brownstone front, — the latter a contribution by the 
company. Chapman Hose Company exchanged the 
shed on Liberty Street, in which it was organized, for 
a new house on South Street in 1863. The lot was 
purchased (August 17th) for $400; the building was 
from plans by J. D. Kelly, and cost $1975.33. Wash- 
ington Company's house was enlarged, under contract 
with J. D. Kelly, architect, in June, 1868, at a cost of 
$608.48. The house occupied by Highland Company 
was erected in 1867, under contract with Brown & 



300 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



McMeekin, for $2990; the lot cost $350. The original 
engine-house, so long occupied by Engines 1, 2, and 3, 
though enlarged and improved, yielded to the demand 
for a more fitting structure in 1875. The plans for 
the new building were by E. K. Shaw, architect, and 
the work executed under contract with Wm. McMee- 
kin, for $5494. The lot was enlarged by the purchase 
of adjoining property at a cost of $1600. The build- 
ing is two stories high and basement ; pressed brick 
and Ohio stone trimmings. It supplies accommoda- 
tions for Columbian and Lawson Hose Companies. 

Chief Enghicrr. — The duties of chief engineer, for 
several years after the organization of the fire depart- 
ment, were performed by the president of the board 
of trustees and by the fire wardens. Benoni H. Howell, 
it is said, was the first engineer; the date of his 
appointment is not recorded. He was succeeded by 
James Belknap, and he by Benj. F. Buckingham, who 
filled the station for six years prior to 1850, when 
William Lisle was appointed. In 1851 the trustees 
gave to the fire department the power to nominate an 
engineer and two assistants ; and (May 1st) Cicero A. 
Gardiner was elected chief, and Isaac Wood, Jr., and 
John AV. Thomas, assistants. On May 1, 1853, Isaac 
Wood, Jr., was elected chief, and John W. Thomas 
and J. A. McCartney, assistants. In 1853 the depart- 
ment failed to elect, and the trustees appointed Benj. 
F. Buckingham, chief, and Aikman Spier and Jas. T. 
Hamilton, assistants. In December, 1854, the trustees 
adopted more strict regulations for conducting the 
nomination, under which, in January following, the 
department elected John K. Lawson, chief, and J. A. 
McCartney and John Prnudfoot, assistants. In 1857, 
John D. Kelly was elected chief, J. H. H. Chapman, 
first assistant, and J. J. S. McCroskery, second assist- 
ant. In 1859, J. H. H. Chai)man, chief, J. J. S. 
McCroskery, first assistant, and Hugh McCutcheon, 
second assistant. Chancey M. Leonard was elected 
chief in 1861, and served until 1874, when he was 
chosen mayor of the city. His assistants were, — 1861, 
H. S. Brewster, James C. Taggart; 1863, John B. 
Stansbrough, John W. Forsyth ; 1865, John DeLancy, 
James C. Farrcll ; 1866, James T. Van Dalfsen, 
Archibald Hays; 1869, Archibald Hays, Patrick Her- 
bert; 1873, Archibald Hays, John Fitchey. In 1874, 
Archibald Hays was elected chief, and John Fitchey 
and O. S. Hathaway, Jr., assistants. In 1875, Wil- 
liam Nixon, chief, and Elkanah K. Shaw, Robert W. 
Hamilton, and Michael Barry, assistants. 

Fire Department Fund. — In 1851 an incorporation 
of the fire department became necessary, in order to 
make available the provisions of an act of the Legis- 
lature, passed the previous year, requiring the pay- 
ment by insurance companies of a certain percentage 
of their receipts for the benefit of local fire depart- 
ments. To accomplish this object the several com- 
panies appointed committees, who agreed to the terms 
of an act of incorporation, which was submitted to 
the Legislature, and became a law July 1, 1851. This 



act directed the organization of a board of trustees, 
composed of representatives from each company, to 
"manage the affairs and dispose of the funds of the 
corporation ;" .and the corporation, by its by-laws, 
established a " Fire Department Fund," the income 
of which should be appropriated to the relief of indi- 
gent or disabled firemen, or their families, if such 
cases should arise. This ftind, on July 24, 1851, 
amounted to $175.68; and, although rejieatedly drawn 
upon for the purpose for which it was constituted, is 
now about $7000. 



XIII.— KrE"WBCrHGH REGATTA ASSOCIATION. 
The Kewburgh Regatta Association was organized 
in the spring of 1837, through the exertions of Capt. 
Henry Robinson. Capt. Charles Ludlow was elected 
president, and J. J. Monell secretary. The first re- 
gatta took place June 27, 1837, when the following 
four-oared boats were entered, viz. : 

1. "Gazelle," scarlet, red and white dress, red and white cap, New 
York. 

2. '■ Highland Wave," black, white dress, blue and white cap. New- 
burgh. 

3. "Gull," blue, blue aud white dress, straw hat, New York. 

4. " Wave," black, blue and white dress, blue and white cap. New York, 
o. " Halcyon," greeu, green and white dress, blue and white cap. New 

York. 
G. " Pearl," white, blue and white checked dress, straw hat, New York. 

7. " Minerva," East India Particular, red aud white dress, red and 
white cap, New Y'ork. 

8. "Corsair," black, green and white dress, red cap, Newburgh. 

The distance rowed was five miles, and the time 
made by the winning boats as follows, viz. : " Wave," 
32m. 38s. ; " Gull," 33m. 38s. ; "Corsair," 35m. The 
prizes were awarded by J. J. Monell, who delivered 
an appropriate address on the occasion. 

The regatta of 1838 was for the benefit of the New- 
burgh Library Association. The following were the 
boats entered, viz. : " Galatea," " Highland Wave," 
" Corsair," and " Scilla." Time : " Galatea," 24m. 
35s.; "Wave," 24m. .50s.; "Corsair," 25m. 46s.; 
"Scilla," 27m. Another regatta was held in 1839, 
but the record has not been preserved. 

The association was reorganized in 18.56, and a re- 
gatta was held July 4tb of that year. Three races 
were run, viz. : By four-oared boats, double-scull 
boats, and single-scull boats. For the first race, the 
"W. H. Terboss," the "Jacob Swartzer," and the 
" Whitehall," of New York, and the " Witch of the 
Wave," of Cold Spring, were entered. The first prize 
was taken by the " Terboss" in 27 minutes, the second 
by the " Swartzer" in 272 minutes, and the third by 
the " Whitehall." For the second race, the " Enoch 
Carter," the "T. C. Ring," the " Geo. W. Shaw," the 
"S. Roach," and the "Fanny Fern" were entered. 
The first prize was won by the " Carter" in 30 minutes, 
the second by the " Ring," and the third by the 
" Shaw." The third race was won by the " Gale" in 
36 minutes. 

The regatta of the association on the 4th of July, 
1857, was one of more than usual historic interest 



NEWBURGH. 



301 



from the fact that it was the oceasion of the debut of 
the famous oarsmen, Joshua and William H. Ward. 
The race was a double scull, and the distance full four 
miles. The Wards rowed in the " Fanny Fern," and 
carried off the first prize ; time, 33 minutes and 30 
seconds. The regattas of the association were among 
the first on the Hudson, and from them and the oars- 
men which they developed s])rang, in a great measure, 
all the princi])al contests which have occurred in this 
country, whetlier local or international.* 



XIV.-NEWBURGH HORTICULTURAL SO- 
CIETY. 

The first horticultural society of Newburgh was 
organized Jan. 13, 1829, — Rev. John Brown, president; 
Selah Reeve and William Roe, vice-presidents; Aaron 
Belknap, treasurer ; John W. Knevels, corresponding 
secretary ; Tooker Wygant, recording secretary. The 
first exhibition of the society was held Aug. 28, 1829, 
when premiums were awarded for twenty-four diiTer- 
ent kinds of culinary vegetables, and also for melons, 
grajjes, peaches, and twenty specimens of flowers. 
The officers for the succeeding year were, — Rev. John 
Brown, president; David Ruggles and Charles Lud- 
low, vice-presidents ; the other ofiicers remaining as 
during the previous year. The society continued 
annual exhibitions for several years, but ultimately 
ceased. Its successor, the Newburgh Bay Horticul- 
tural Society, was organized in 18(i2, — H. W. Sargeant, 
president ; Odell S. Hathaway and Robert Sterling, 
vice-presidents ; Alfred Post, treasurer ; E. W. Gray, 
recording secretary ; J. C. Rennison, corres]>ondiug 
secretary. The society has held annual and semi- 
annual exhibitions since its organization, and devel- 
oped a previously latent interest in the higher branches 
of garden culture. 



XV.-CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, Etc. 
CHURCHES. 
St. George's Episcopal. — The history of the first 
church (the (Terman Lutheran), as well as that of the 
introduction of the Church of England, has been 
given elsewhere. The latter, as the successor to the 
income of the Glebe, continued its existence under 
the name of St. George's until 1775. During the 
Revolution it was without a rector, and at the close 
of the war it had become literally destroyed. On 
Nov. 4, 1805, the church was reorganized under the 
old name of St. George's, and Rev. Cave Jones was 
inducted as rector. " So fearfully small," says Dr. 
Brown, " was the number of her friends here that it 
was found necessary to resort to the neighboring 
parishes for a sufficient number even to form an in- 
corporation." At this time the special purpose of 



* The Ward brothers, William H., Joshua, Gilbert, and Ellis F., de- 
feated two picked English crews in the internatioDal regatta at Saratoga, 
Sept. 11, 1871. Joshuii was the winner of the clianipion belt in the con- 
test off Staten Island, Oct. 11, 18r>9. Walter Brown and John Hancon 
were also pupils in tlie regattas of the association. 



the reorganization was a legal one, such a step being 
deemed necessary in order to a recovery of the old 
church and Glebe. Of the trial at law which ensued 
it is unnecessary to speak, as a full account of it is 
given in a previous chapter. The following is the 
record of the reorganization : 

" Nov. 4, 1805. — At a meeting of the persons attached to the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the United States of America, it was unanimously 
agreed that the Protestant Episcopal Church of the parish of Newburgh 
should be known, as heretofore, by the name of St. George's Church; 
and that the election for church wardens and vestrymen of said church 
should be held annually on Tuesday in Easter week at the Protestant 
Episcopal church, on the German Patent, in the said parish of New- 
burgh. 

"The following wardens and vestrymen were elected: Arthur Smith 
and George Merritt, wardens; Wni. W. Sackett, Gilbert Golden Willet, 
Samuel Floyd, Thos. Carskadden, John Garrit, David Fowler, Henry 
Caldwell, and Justin Foot, vestrymen : and Jonathan Fisk and Joseph 
Hoffman, trustees of the Glebe." 

" Jan. 28, 1806.— On motion, Raoletd, That Mr. Sackett, Mr. Fisk, and 
Mr. Carskadden be a committee to wait on Mr. Foster for his consent 
that our minister, next time he preaches in this parish, preach in the 
academy. 

"On motion, Beaoh-eii, That Mr. Fisk, Mr. Hoffman, and Mr. Carskad- 
den be a committee to open and repair St. George's church in this 
parish." (The old Lutheran church.) 

"April 8,1806. — At a meeting of the wardens and vestrymen of St. 
George's Church, in the parish of Newburgh, held on Tuesday, the 8th 
day of April, 1806, at the house of Robt. R. Dolph, in the parish of New- 
burgli, for the purpose of electing two wardens and eight vestrymen : 
George Merritt in tlie chair ; J. Fisk, clerk. The following were chosen : 
Henry Caldwell and David Fowler, wardens; Wm. W. Sackett, G. C. 
Willet, Samuel Floyd. Tiios. Carskadden, Justin Foote, Francis Smith, 
John Garrit, and Wm. Taylor, vestrymen. 

" On motion, Eesohed, That Mr. Fisk be clerk to the vestry and war- 
dens. 

" On motion, Resolvvd, That Henry Caldwell be treasurer of this 
church. 

" On motion, Resohed. That Messrs. Floyd, Hoffman, Fowler, and Wil- 
let be a committee to procure subscriptions and solicit donations for the 
purpose of enabling the church to support a clergyman. 

" Mr. Graham and Mr. Golden, a committee from St. Andrew's, applied 
to St. George's to ascertain if this cliurch will unite with them in the 
support of a clergyman. On motion, Resolved, That this ctiorch will 
unite with St. Andrew's in the support of a clergyman ; and that Mr. 
Fowler, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Fisk be a committee to confer with the 
said committee from St. Andrew's, and conclude the terms on which such 
clergyman shall be employed by our united support, and that the said 
committee also confer with the Episcopal Church at Goshen and ascer- 
tain if that church will unite with this and St. Andrew's to support a 
clergyman." 

"July 28, 180C. — Committee on pastor reported that they had not been 
able to meet with committees from St. Andrew's and Goshen. 

" Aug. 4, 1806. — Committee i-eported that the church at Goshen, St. 
Andrew's, New Windsor, and Newlmrgh had agreed to unite iu sup- 
porting a clergyman." 

The pastor whose services were secured under the 
agreement of August 4th, above quoted, was the Rev. 
Frederick Van Home, who resided at St. Andrew's 
(at the time probably the strongest congregation in 
the proposed circuit), who continued in that capacity 
until 1809, when he removed to Ballston. The Rev. 
Mr. Mackin succeeded him, but remained in the field 
only a few months ; and during the next year (1810) 
an engagement was made with Rev. Mr. Powell, 
rector of St. Andrew's, Coldenham, by St. George's 
Church, for the one-third of his time. This state of 
things continued until 1815, when the Rev. Dr. John 
Brown entered upon the duties of rector of St. George's 



302 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



} 



Church, having pieaclied his inaugural sermon on 
December 24th of that year. Dr. Brown, then only 
in deacon's orders, had just commenced his minis- 
terial labors in Trinity Church, Fishkill. By the ad- 
vice of the late Bishop Hobart, he was induced to 
perform a third service in Newburgh for many Sun- 
days in succession, during which period "the Holy 
Communion was administered for the first time in the 
parish since the Revolutionary war to the small 
number of three."* During the first year of Dr. 
Brown's incumbency the number of persons con- 
firmed was 37, and 28 were admitted to the holy com- 
munion. Dr. Brown continued in full charge of the 
work of the parish until January, 1859, when Eev. 
Caleb S. Henry, D.D., was engaged as assistant min- 
ister, and served until March, 1861. In October, 
18.59, Rev. Hobart Chetwood was engaged in tlie 
same capacity, and served until June, 1860. He was 
succeeded in October by Rev. John W. Clark, who 
served until November, 1862, when the office was dis- 
continued. Revs. T. M. Riley, John F. Potter, John 
Downie, and Alexander Davidson successively served 
as assistants to the rector until October, 1868, when 
the Rev. Octavius Applegate was elected assistant 
minister with duties involving the active rectorship. 
Dr. Brown resigned in 1880, but holds the honorary 
position of Rector Emeritus; Mr. Applegate that of 
Becfor. 

The first edifice occupied by the congregation of 
St. George's was, as before mentioned, the one erected 
by the Lutherans, and long known as the old Glebe 
school-house. When the Episcopalians ceased to 
occupy this church is uncertain, but it was probably 
very soon after the war of the Revolution began. 
In 1815 the congregation was temporarily accommo- 
dated, through the kindness of the late Mr. Thomas 
Ellison, of New Windsor, in a building on Liberty 
Street, known as the Mcintosh house. Here it re- 
mained for some years. The church edifice (St. 
George's) was begun in 1816, and was consecrated by 
Bishop Hobart, Nov. 10, 1819. The increase of the 
congregation rendering more room necessary, a gal- 
lery was put up in 1826, and at the same time an 
organ was purchased. In 1834 the building was en- 
larged, and the steeple was added, in which a fine- 
toned bell was hung. The church was again enlarged 
and beautified in 1853, at an expense of 19000. 
At that time the tasteful and commodious Sunday- 
school room and vestry was built on the south side of 
the church. The church edifice is the Doric style of 
architecture. It has a front on Grand Street of 45 
feet, and is 90 feet in depth. Its pews furnish accom- 
modations for 650 persons. 

The accommodations furnished by the enlargement 
of the church, however, failed to meet the require- 
ments of the congregation, and in March, 1859, the 



* Dr. Brown waa first located iu New Windsor village. {See General 
History — " Churches.") 



rector and vestry of St. George's purchased the 
edifice originally erected by the congregation of the 
Union Associate Reformed Church. This building 
was thoroujrhly refitted and improved in its archi- 
tecture, and in the following May it was consecrated 
for Episcopal worship under the name of St. John's 
chapel. The enterprise failed of success, and the 
building was (1864) sold for other purposes. In 
the mean time the necessity which its purchase was 
designed to supply had found accommodation in 

St. Paul's Episcopal Churcli, the organization of 
which sprang from a desire, on the part of several 
members of St. George's parish, to extend the influ- 
ence of the Episcopal faith over a field wider than 
that which it was thought could be successfully em- 
braced under a single church jurisdiction. The prop- 
osition to divide the old ])arish and erect an additional 
one was made in 1858, but no steps were then taken 
to accomplish that object. On May 12, 1860, the 
proposition was renewed, and a formal application 
was made to the rector of St. George's, in accordance 
with the laws of the Episcopal Church, for his official 
consent to the organization of a new congregation 
within the limits of his parish. 

The application received the consent of the Rev. 
Dr. Brown, and the congregation of St. Paul's Church 
was soon after informally organized. On June 5th 
the members of the proposed new congregation ex- 
tended a unanimous call to the Rev. Hobart Chet- 
wood, at that time assistant minister of St. George's 
Church, to be their pastor. This call was accepted 
by Mr. Chetwood, — the acceptance to take effect at 
the termination of his engagement to the old parish, 
Nov. 1, 1860. By the subsequent action of the vestry 
of St. George's, Mr. Chetwood's connection with that 
parish ceased on June 23d, and on June 25th he con- 
sented to enter at once upon his duties as minister of 
St. Paul's. The organization of the church was com- 
pleted September 11th by the election of David M. 
Clarkson and William E. Warren, wardens, and F. C. 
Withers, Hiram Falls, H. H. Bell, William Bogert, 
R. V. K. Montfort, John Gordon, E. W. Gray, and G. 
J. Appleton, vestrymen. Mr. Chetwood exchanged 
with Rev. H. P. C. Melville during the winter of 
1866. Rev. Dr. Lundy served as assistant minister 
from Sept. 1, 1867, to his death in April, 1868. Rev. 
Dr. Irving was his successor for six months. In June, 
1872, Mr. Chetwood resigned the rectorship, and in 
September following Rev. Rufus Emery became his 
successor. 

The first service of the church was held in the High- 
land Academy (now the Home for the Friendless), on 
Sunday, .luly 1st. Within a fortnight after that date 
a lot was ])urchased on Grand Street, at a cost of 
$4100, and a contract entered into with Mr. John 
Little for the erection of a chapel. The building was 
opened for divine worship on the first Sunday in Oc- 
tober (Oct. 7, 1860). Its cost, including furniture, 
was about $2300. On June 1, 1864, the erection of a 





(fk-K^ Cyj^-irun^ 



il 



NEWBUKGH. 



303 



church edifice was formally inaugurated, with the ex- 
press intention of prosecuting the undertaking to in- 
closure, leaving the nave, tower, etc., to the future. 
The corner-stone was laid on Thursday afternoon, 
Aug. 24, 1865, by Eev. John Brown, D.D., under ap- 
pointment of the bishop of the diocese. The build- 
ing, although in occupation and supplied with an 
organ, etc., awaits completion in the resiiects already 
mentioned. The expenditure so far made is about 
$35,000. 

St. George's Mission. — St. George's Mission was be- 
gun June 4, i871, in an upper room, called McCon- 
key's Hall, on Western Avenue. In October following 
two floors of a tenement were engaged and fitted up 
for service as well as Sunday-school, which were con- 
tinued from Oct. 29, 1871, until Feb. 16, 1872, when 
the chapel, which had been erected in the mean time, 
was occupied. The cost of the chapel, including lot, 
furniture, etc., was $4353.16. Revs. Boss, Smith, and 
G. W. Hinkle have been the ministers in charge. 

Rev. John Brown, D.D. — Probably no man in 
Orange County is more widely known and revered for 
his many excellencies of character, and the devoted 
Christian work that he has done through a long series 
of years, than is the subject of this memoir. Born 
in New York City May 19, 1791, his collegiate training 
was obtained at Columbia College in that city, whence 
he was graduated in 1811, being the valedictorian of 
his class, and its last living representative to-day. Se- 
lecting the sacred ministry as his calling in life, he 
engaged in ecclesiastical studies under Bishop Ho- 
bart, and was ordained deacon of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church at St. Paul's, New York, in 1812. At 
the request of the bishop he went to Trinity Church, 
Fishkill, which had then been without a rector for 
seventeen years, and reorganized the congregation. 
During the same period he was induced to hold 
a third service in Newburgh for many Sundays 
in succession, during which time "the Holy Com- 
munion was administered for the first time in the 
parish since the Revolutionary war to the small num- 
ber of three." In 1815 he was ordained priest by 
Bishop Hobart, at St. Paul's Church, New York, and 
during the same year removed to Newburgh, having 
received and accepted a call to St. George's Church 
of that city, an ecclesiastical body reaching back in 
its origin to the year 1729, at which time the first 
missionary was sent to that field by the English " So- 
ciety for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Parts." Dr. Brown preached his inaugural sermon 
on Dec. 24, 1815. He also reorganized St. Thomas' 
Church, New Windsor, and was chosen rector of that 
parish also, dividing his time between the two parishes 
until 1844, when he resigned the New Windsor 
charge. 

When Dr. Brown entered upon the discharge of 
his duties as rector of St. George's Church a vast 
amount of work required to be done. The prosperity 
of the church had been sadly affected by the Revolu- 



tionary war, and its organization well-nigh effaced. 
A reorganization of the parish had been effected on 
Nov. 4, 1805, but only a slight degree of spiritual 
prosperity had been enjoyed up to the time of Dr. 
Brown's installation as rector. During the earlier 
years of his rectorship he performed a large amount 
of missionary work in this section of country, and 
exerted himself faithfully to the building up of his 
own parish and the extension of the Episcopal form 
of worship in other sections of the county. In this 
field he organized St. John's Church at Monticello, 
Grace Church at Middletown, and later the churches 
at Cornwall and Marlborough. He also revived the 
church at Goshen, St. Andrew's at Walden, St. Peter's 
at Peekskill, and St. Philip's at Garrison's, holding 
services at intervals in those places until the churches 
were able to support a minister. For many years he 
was the only minister of his church on the west side 
of the Hudson between New York and Catskill. 
Under his rectorship the church edifice of St. George's 
parish was consecrated by Bishop Hobart, Nov. 10, 
1819, and the subsequent repairs and alterations were 
made. His active individual work continued until 
January, 1859, when an assistant minister was en- 
gaged. Dr. Brown retaining the rectorship. That 
state of affairs continues at the present writing (1881), 
at which time Rev. Octavius Applegate is the a.ssistant 
minister, with duties involving the active rectorship. 

The services of Dr. Brown in his own parish are 
more fully referred to in its history on preceding pages 
of this work. His life has been a singularly devoted 
one, full of self-sacrifice and of zeal in the cause of 
the Master. His influence has ever been exerted in 
the encouragement and support of the various benev- 
olent, educational, and philanthropic movements of 
the day, and to the maintenance and consecration of 
the institutions of his locality. Throughout the long 
passage of years, years fraught with many trying 
scenes, many sad vicissitudes, he has ever remained 
the same faithful, sincere friend, the same earnest ex- 
emplar of Christian devotion and simplicity. His 
spoken as well as printed discourses have ever breathed 
the spirit of a pure religion, and the good that has 
been accomplished by them is immeasurable. Now 
in his ninetieth year, the oldest minister of his de- 
nomination in the State, he can look back with satis- 
faction upon the record of a life well spent, conscious 
that he enjoys the respect and love not only of his own 
people but of the community at large, and calmly 
awaits the welcome call to the higher life beyond. 

Aside from his services as a Christian minister, Dr. 
Brown has also been actively identified with other 
movements of a -secular character in Newburgh. As 
a member of the board of trustees of the Newburgh 
Academy, and subsequently of the free schools, he 
performed valuable service, and as a member of 
the Horticultural Society, chaplain of the Masonic 
fraternity, chaplain of the Nineteenth Regiment of 
Militia, and in connection with other local organiza- 



304 



HISTOKY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tions and enterprises, his labors have been arduous 
and efficient. 

Dr. Brown married on Nov. 15, 1819, Frances 
Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Ludlow, the ceremony 
being performed by Bishop Hobart at St. George's 
Church. Mrs. Brown lived to celebrate the fiftieth 
anniversary of her wedding, and died April 18, 1872. 
Six children were the issue of the union, namely, 
Mary, who married Daniel T. Rogers ; Margaret T. L., 
who married George W. Kerr, president of the Na- 
tional Bank of Newburgh ; Augusta P., who married 
Moses Ely ; Helen ; Anna W., who married Eugene 
A. Brewster, a leading lawyer of Newburgh ; John 
Hobart ; and Charles L. 

The Churvh of the Corner-Stone. — Aug. 8, 1875, 
Bishop Cummings, of the Reformed Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, held service in the American Reformed 
church, and on the evening of the 25th "The Church 
of the Corner-stone" was organized under the general 
statute of the State of New York, and the following 
officers elected : Wardens, Daniel T. Rogers and 
Walter C. Anthony ; Vestrymen, James G. Graham, 
J. Wilson Stratton, William J. Roe, Jr., George 
Middleton, Robert L. Case, James G. Birch, Edward 
Haigh. Benjamin F. Clark, secretary and treasurer; 
James G. Birch, superintendent of Sabbath-school. 
Regular services were subsequently held in the lecture- 
room of the Associate Reformed church. Rev. Dr. 
Leacock was called to the rectorship in October, and 
entered at once upon the discharge of his duties. In 
November ground was broken for the erection of the 
church edifice on South Street ; and on the 24th of 
that month the contract for building was given to 
Thomas Dobin at $4969. The structure is of Gothic 
style, and has a frontage of 33 feet. Seating accom- 
modations are provided for about 250 persons. It 
was first occupied on Easter-Sunday (April 16), 1876. 
First Presbyterian Church. — The adherents of the 
Presbyterian faith who first came to Newburgh were 
connected with the Bethlehem Church in Cornwall, 
w-hich was founded about 1726. From this parent 
stem sprang the church of New Windsor, which was 
organized Sept. 14, 1764, when the sermon was 
preached by the Rev. Mr. Moflat, and Joseph Wood, 
William Lawrence, Samuel Brewster, and Henry 
Smith were chosen elders. The Rev. Timothy Johnes, 
afterwards and for many )-ears pastor of the church 
of Morristown, N. J., was appointed stated supply of 
the church by the Presbytery of New York, and 
served in that capacity from May 5, 1766, until Oc- 
tober, 1767, when he was succeeded by the Rev. 
Francis Peppard, who remained until 1773. During 
the pastorate of Mr. Peppard the district was divided 
into four parts, viz. : Bethlehem or New Cornwall, 
Murderer's Creek, New Windsor, and Newburgh, in 
each of which trustees were appointed for the purpose 
of raising funds and taking charge of the temporal 
affairs of the church in their respective neighborhoods, 
thereby creating, as it were, four informal societies. 



The withdrawal of Mr. Peppard left the station vacant, 
and measures were taken to secure the services of the 
Rev. John Close. While these arrangements were 
pending, however, the Marlborough Society invited 
the trustees of the Newburgh district to unite with 
them in temporarily settling the Rev. John McCallah 
over both districts. This invitation was accepted, and 
Mr. McCallah entered upon his duties Sept. 26, 1773. 
But his labors in Newburgh could have been only for 
a few weeks, as in November of the same year, the 
arrangements for that purpose having been perfected, 
Mr. Close was invited to take the vacant charge, and 
soon after entered upon the duties of pastor. The 
war of the Revolution, however, prevented his formal 
installation, and, a large portion of his time being 
occupied as chaplain in the militia, the public services 
of the church were very irregular. In consequence 
of these facts, the informal society in Newburgh 
appears to have maintained a separate organization 
during the war. Elder William Lawrence performing 
the pastoral duties. 

Immediately after the war, this informal society, 
strengthened by the addition of several persons who 
became permanent residents on the disbandment of 
the army, obtained the building which had been 
erected by the army as a store-house for clothing, 
where it appears to have held public worship in the 
winter of 1783 or spring of 1784. The records of the 
church state that divine service was held here in 
1784, and that the congregation was formally organ- 
ized in the same year. The minutes of the meeting 
held for the purpose of organization are as follows : 

"In ptirsnance of an jict entitled * An act to enable all Religious I>e- 
nominatione in the State to appoint Tnistees, who shall be a body cor- 
porate for the purpose of taking care of the Temporalities of their re- 
spective congregations and for other purposes,' i)as8ed the 6th day of 
April, 1784, the congregation or Keligions Society desirous of forming 
themselves into a regular well-constituted congregation or society, agree- 
able to the Canon of tlie Church of Scotland, at Newburgh, did, on the 
12tli day of July laBt past — being stated attendantson Divine worship by 
Elder William Lawrence — advertise a meeting of the said congregation, 
agreeable to the said Act, to meet at the house of Adolph DeGrove, for 
the purpose of electing, according to the true intent and meaning thereof. 
Trustees for the good purposes intended and mentioned in the said act ; 
and being convened at the time and place aforesaid, did, in the first place, 
by plurality of voices, nominate and appoint Mr. Asa Steward to act with 
the said William Lawrence as Returning Officers, who proceeded to open 
the poll, and after taking that part of the said congregation or society con- 
vened on the occasion and present agreeable to said Act— .\dolph De- 
Grove, Daniel Hudson, Thomas Palmer, Joseph Coleman, and Isaac 
Belknap, were al>pointed and legally elected Trustees for the said con- 
gregation or society, agreeable to the said Act. 2d. W'e then proceeded 
to elect a Clerk to insert the certificate of the Returning officers. 

" Be it rememhernl, that we, William Lawrence and Asa Steward, having 
been legally elected and appointed the Returning officers at the election 
held at the house of Adolph DeGrove, at Newburgh, the 12th day of 
August, 1784, for the purpose of electing Trustees for taking care of the 
Temporalities of the congregation or Religious Society at Newburgh, 
aforesaid, agreeable to an Act entitled 'An Act,' etc., do hereby certify, 
that .\dolph DeGrove, Daniel Hudson, Thomas Palmer, Joseph Coleman, 
and Isaac Belknap, were legally and unanimously elected as Trustees foi- 
[he purpose aforesaid, and that the said persons so electeil, and their suc- 
cessors forever hereafter, shall be known by the name, style, and title of 
tITe Trustees of the Presbyterian Congregation at Newburgh. In witness 
whereof, we have hereunto set our bands and seals the 12th day of 
August, in the year of our Lord, 1784." 



JMEWBUEGH. 



305 



As the congregation was quite too feeljle in means 
ind membership for the support of a pastor, it was . 
•esolved at a meeting lield Feb. 8, 1785, to unite for 
his purpose with the cliurch of New Windsor. The 
ecords declare that "the congregation assembled at 
he meeting-house, William Lawrence, ruling elder, 
)eing moderator. It was agreed 

"1. To join in union with the congregation of New Windsor. 

" 2. Tliat the Trustees for tlie congregation of Newburgli be empow- 
red to form a union witli tlio Trustees of New Windsor congregation, 
or iironioting tlie preaching of the Gospel, not exceeding seven years, 
lor under five." 

A joint meeting of the trustees named was soon 
tfter held (Feb. 11, 1785) at the house of Adolph 
DeGrove, at which Abel Belknap presided. Daniel 
Hudson, Joseph Coleman, Isaac Belknap, and Adolph 
DeGrove represented Newburgh, and Abel Belknap, 
Samuel Logan, Leonard Nicoll, Silas White, Benja- 
nin Birdsall, Isaac Schultz, and Samuel Brewster 
epresented New Windsor. After conversation it was 
' unanimously agreed between the trustees of the said 
•ongregations for joining the union for seven years." 

In April, 1785, application was made to the Pres- 
)ytery for the appointment of Mr. Close to be the 
tated supply of both churches. The request was 
;ranted, and he continued to labor here until 1796. 
During the first year of his service Mr. Close preached 
n Newburgh one-third of his time, for which he was 
)aid £23. He was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac Lewis, 
vho served the congregation as stated supply until the 
pring of 1800, when he became the pastor of the 
j'resbyterian Church of Cooperstown. On May 6, 
800, the Rev. Jonathan Freeman was installed pas- 
or of the united church, and the first pastor of that 
if Newburgh. He resigned the charge in 1804. His 
uccessor was the Rev. Eleazer Burnet, who was or- 
lained and installed pastor Nov. 20, 1805, and who 
leld the station until his death, in 1806. The Rev. 
Dr. John Johnston, then a licentiate, first preached in 
'fewburgh about the time of Mr. Burnet's decease, 
ind occasionally supplied the united churches during 
he winter of 1806-7. He was ordained and installed 
.s pastor on Aug. 5, 1807. 

In the spring of 1810 the connection between the 
wo churches was dissolved ; and the services of Mr. 
fohnston were henceforth confined to Newburgh. 
lere he continued to labor with unwearied diligence 
,nd great success until February, 1855, when he was 
>rostrated by severe illness, which subsequently termi- 
lated his life. 

The congregation was supplied during Dr. John- 
ton's illness and until the summer of 1856 by Mr. 
i. H. McMullcn, a licentiate of the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia. On September 20th of that year the 
lev. W. T. Sprole, D;D., was chosen pastor, and on 
)ctober 28th following was installed. He resigned 
n July, 1872, and was succeeded by Rev. W. K. Hall,^ 
fho was installed in October of that year. 

The building in which jniblic worship was first held 



was one erected by the commissary-general as a 
clothing store-house while the army of the Revolu- 
tion was encamped here. It stood on the site subse- 
quently occupied by the old first church, and was 
destroyed by fire about the year 1790. Dr. Johnston 
says it was burnt on a Sabbath day, after service had 
been held in it. From an inventory of their corporate 
property in a return made to the Legislature, the 
building appears to have belonged to the congrega- 
tion in 1787, and, from the statement in the records 
that the " congregation assembled at the meeting- 
house" (1785), it is probable that it was transferred 
to them soon after the war. 

There seems to have been some diflereuce of opin- 
ion in regard to the location of the church after the 
old building was burnt ; but in February, 1791, the 
trustees voted that " the lot of land where the house 
formerly stood, with the addition that Mr. Smith 
proposes to make, be accepted in preference to any 
other location" as the site for a new church. On 
December 20th of the same year the trustees agreed 
to erect a church 50 by 55 feet, with the addition of a 
steeple. The ground was staked out May 25, 1792, 
and on the 31st of the same mouth the deed for the 
lot was executed by Mr. Benjamin Smith. During 
the interval between the destruction of the old build- 
ing and the occupation of the new church, the min- 
utes state that the meetings of the congregation were 
" held at St. George's church," — i.e. the old Lutheran 
church. The new building must have been occupied 
in 1793, as it is of record that during that year pews 
were erected and sold. But the interior of the build- 
ing remained in a half-finished condition until after 
the settlement of Dr. Johnston, who says that it was 
without gallery, plastering, or pulpit, " a mere shell." 
" I often i)reached standing on a carpenter's bench, 
with a few boards standing in front on which to rest 
the precious Bible." Very soon after Dr. Johnston 
was settled the interior was properly fitted up, and 
made more tenantable. In 1828 an unsuccessful effort 
was made to erect a new church of stone, 66 by 70 
feet, at a cost not exceeding $9000. Finally, as more 
accommodation was imperatively demanded, it was 
determined to repair the old building, which was done 
in 1828. Formerly the pulpit was at the north end, 
and the pews were old-tashioned square ones. Though 
the audience-room was unchanged in size, the intro- 
duction of slips enabled it to hold a larger number 
than it did before. Under this alteration the build- 
ing remained until its removal, in July, 1871. 

On July 25, 1857, the trustees, at a regular meeting, 
adopted the following preamble and resolutions : 

" Wlierea^i, The circumstances of the church and congregation render 
it imperative tliat a new editice be erected for their accommodation, and 
liaving the assent and concurrence of the pew-liolders and members, as 
appears from tlie subscriptions for said object, therefore 

*' Resoh-ed, TIi.it we proceed to accomplisli tiie same, according to the 
plan and specifications drawn by Mr. F. C. Withers, whicli has been sulj- 
mitted for the consideration and adoption of tlie subscribers, and that 
the following persons be a building committee to supervise Ihe ean.e an 



306 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



carry it forward, viz. : S. R. Van Duzer, E. R. .lohiiee, J. .1. Moiiell, 
Henry Ball, Isaac SUinton, and George Claili. 

^* Resolved, Tiiat tlie churcli ediiice be erected upun tlie lot on tlie 
northwest corner of Grand and Sontii Streets." 

The site fixed upon was purchased, and a contract 
was made with Mr. George Veitcli, Ijuilder, for the 
construction of the new edifice for $:i7,oOO. The work 
was begun Aug. 8, 1857. The building was dedicated 
Nov. 4, 1858, and on Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 10) 
the iron cross was fixed on the spire. 

The building is in the early geometrical style of 
Gothic art, and is composed of a nave with clere-story, 
north and south aisle, a tower and .stone spire at the 
east end of the north aisle, and a porch on the south. 
A lecture-room and a minister's room are provided at 
the west end of the building. The walls are of blue- 
stone laid in random courses, and graystone dressings 
to the copings, windows, doorways, buttresses, water- 
tables, etc. The pews are of yellow pine, and afford 
comfortable accommodations for 830 persons. The 
principal dimensions of the building, internally, are 
as follows, viz.: nave, 97 feet long, 60 feet high, and 
25 feet wide. The aisles are 84 feet long and 17 feet 
wide. The lecture-room is 42 feet long and 2(3 feet 
wide. The tower is 20 feet and 8 inches square at the 
base, and its height is 63 feet, making, with the spire 
and cross, a total of 135 feet from the ground. The 
extreme length of the building, including lecture- 
room, is 159 feet; and its width, including porch, S5 
feet. The total cost of the building, with interior 
fittings complete, including land, iron fence, bell, etc., 
was about $43,750. An organ, built by Geo. Jardine 
& Son, of New York, and costing $3000, was obtained 
in September, 1860. It only remains to add that the 
congregation sold their old place of worship to the 
Union Church, in March, 1859. 

Rev. John Johnston, D.D., was born in the town- 
ship of Montgomery, Ulster Co., N. Y. (now Crawford 
township. Orange County), on the 28th of January, 
1778. His great-great-grandfather went from Eng- 
land to Ireland in connection with the army under King 
William, and fought in the battle of the Boyne, July 1, 
1690. When the army was disbanded he remained 
in Ireland, and settled in the cq.unty of Cavan. There 
the father of Rev. Dr. Johnston, William Johnston, 
the youngest of thirteen children, was born Dec. 1, 
1743. In 1774 he emigrated to this country and set- 
tled in the province of New York, intending to re- 
turn to his native land at the end of seven years. 
But meeting Jane Moncriff, who came to America in 
company with her brother Charles in 1775, he made 
her his wife in 1777, and was compelled by the 
troublous condition of the times, and the force of 
family ties and connections, to abandon his original 
idea of returning to Ireland. He had a good educa- 
tion, and was employed nearly seven years in teaching 
school in one neighborhood. He was an industrious 
and worthy man, and passed most of his life farming 
in Montgomery. 



Mr. Johnston passed the earlier years of his life 
at work upon the paternal farm, and often engaged 
in plowing from morning till night when so small 
that he was compelled to seek assistance in extrica- 
ting the plow from the furrow. Before he was nine 
years of age himself and a younger sister traveled 
four miles a day, winter and summer, to attend the 
nearest district school of their locality. In the fall 
of 1794 he entered a neighboring .store for the win- 
ter, and in the spring, being offered by his father a 
choice between a business life and an education, he 
chose the latter, and after working hard on the farm 
for the summer, on Dec. 14, 1795, he entered upon a 
course of study under the direction of Rev. Jonathan 
Freeman, pastor of the congregation at Hopewell. 
In the spring of 1797 he entered an academy at 
Montgomery in charge of Reuben Neely, where he 
remained two years. At the expiration of that time 
he attended the academy at Kingston, Ulster Co., 
taught by Timothy Smith, continuing there until the 
sudden and unexpected death of his father. This 
sad visitation of Providence, occurring at such an un- 
fortunate period of Dr. Johnston's career, produced a 
train of thought solemn and trying, and he was often 
led to inquire, " What shall I do — what is best to be 
done?" It was finally decided, however, that in spite 
of the necessary sacrifices that had to be made his 
educational training should continue, and that he 
should enter Princeton College. 

In the latter part of October, 1799, he left his 
mother's house, about twenty miles west of New- 
burgh, and did not reach Princeton until the next 
Saturday week, progressing as fast as the public con- 
veyances would carry him. He entered the junior 
class of the college. Among his classmates were 
Nicholas Biddle, of Philadelphia, Dr. John E. Cook, 
of Virginia, Rev. Dr. John McDowell, of Philadel- 
phia, Henry E. Watkins, Edward D. Watts, and John 
G. Gamble, of Virginia. Dr. Johnston was gradu- 
ated in the class of 1801, and having decided to enter 
the ministry, he returned to Princeton to study di- 
vinity under Dr. Smith. But owing to the destruc- 
tion of the college building by fire on March 6, 1802, 
the theological students were scattered, and a few 
months later Dr. Johnston arranged to continue his 
studies under Dr. McMillan, in western Pennsylvania. 
In the summer of 1803 he was taken under the care 
of the Presbytery of Ohio as a candidate for the gos- 
pel ministry, but his means being exhausted, he was 
forced to intermit his theological studies for a time, 
and to engage in teaching. Securing a position as 
tutor in a gentleman's family in Maryland, he re- 
mained there until May, 1805, when he returned to 
Princeton and resumed his studies, being also ap- 
pointed tutor of the sophomore class in the college. 
He continued in this position until September, 1806, 
when he resigned and was licensed to preach the gos- 
pel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in the city 
of Trenton, on October 8th of the same year. Re- 



1 



NEWBURGH. 



307 



turning to his home he received appointments from 
;he Presbytery of Hudson to preach in Newburgh, 
Sew Windsor, Florida, and Pleasant Valley, all of 
which congregations were then vacant. Soon after 
le received and accepted a call as pastor from the 
jnited congregations of New Windsor and New- 
jurgli, and on Jan. 27, 1807, was united in marriage 
;o Mary, daughter of Daniel Bull, of Orange County. 

Mr. Johnston had preached several times in New- 
jurgh and New Windsor at the close of 1806 and the 
)cginning of 1807. He began his regular service on 
Ipril 1st, although he was not ordained and installed 
intil Aug. 5, 1807, the services of ordination taking 
)lace at New Windsor. He took up his residence in 
■^ewburgh in May, 1807, and resided at that place 
uitil his death, and from December, 1813, in the 
ame house. In the month of April, 1810, he was 
eleased from the charge at New Windsor, the congre- 
;ation of Newburgh having presented through the 
^resbytery a call for the whole of his services. He 
lontinued to discharge the duties of pastor over the 
>fewburgh Church for the remainder of his life. 

It would be beyond the scope of this work to de- 
cribe in detail the pastoral experiences and labors 
if Dr. Johnston during his long service as a Christian 
ninisterin Newburgh. At the outset of his ministry 
he state of morals in the city was lamentably bad. 
riie Society of Druids, an association organized to 
each and propagate infidel views, was flourishing, and 
nfidel publications were scattered there broadcast; 
ntemperance and drinking to excess even at funeral.s 
i^as not uncommon ; the Sabbath was not regarded, 
nd games and sports of all kinds were indulged in 
n that day. Dr. Johnston met this state of affairs 
n a resigned, Christian spirit, labored modestly and 
lithfully in his proper sphere to overcome the tenden- 
ies of the times, and from that time throughout the 
ong years of a devoted ministry his influence for 
:ood in the community was immeasurable. Frequent 
evivals occurred under his pastorship, and many 
rere added to the church. Besides his home labors 
le performed much missionary work under the direc- 
ion of his Presbytery, and he was many times a dele- 
;ate to the synods and assemblies of his denomi- 
lation. He was possessed of a genial and happy 
pirit, and made many friends in the community in 
I'hich he passed his life. In 1840 he was elected a 
rustee of the College of New Jersey at Princeton, a 
osition in which he felt great pride and which he 
Jled until his demise. One of the last public acts 
f his life was to attend the session of the board of 
rustees at Princeton. In 1848 the degree of Doctor 
f Divinity was conferred upon him by Lafayette 
/Ollege, Easton, Pa. He preached his last discourse 
n Jan. 14, 1855. During the closing months of 
lis life he was unable to appear in the pulpit, but 
is salary was regularly continued to him by his con- 
regation as some recognition of his long and faithful 
ervices. He died on Aug. 23, 1855, and over his re- 



mains was erected a handsome monument, having, 
among other words, this inscription: "The Citizens 
of Newburgh, cherishing an affectionate veneration 
for one who for nearly half a century adorned his 
sacred office by his purity and fidelity, and in every 
relation of life commanded the respect of all who 
knew him, have united in erecting this monument to 
his memory." 

It is fitting to add in this connection a few remarks 
regarding her who lor nearly half a century was the 
partner of Dr. Johnston's joys and sorrows, the help- 
meet of his home. Her wise and affectionate counsels 
aided him in doubtful and difficult cases. She man- 
aged with discretion his domestic concerns, sought 
out the poor and afflicted and supplied their wants, 
and visited, nursed, and watched with the sick and 
the dying. She was a faithful co-worker with him 
in the discharge of his ministerial duties, and contrib- 
uted largely to his success and usefulness among his 
people during forty-eight years. She died March 2, 
1857. The children were ten in number, of whom 
six are now living. Mrs. Lewis D. Lockwood and 
Mrs. George Lawson, of Newburgh, are daughters. 

Sernnd I'resbi/teriaii Churcli. — The proposal to organ- 
ize a Second Presbyterian Church was first discussed 
in 1837, but nothing was done until April, 1838, when 
Dr. Johnston preached an earnest and forcible sermon 
on the subject. At his suggestion a meeting was held 
to consider the propriety of sending a colony from the 
old church. The meeting was held in the First church. 
May 15, 1837, William Walsh being chairman, and 
J.H.Wells, secretary. After discussion, it was unani- 
mously " Resolncd, That measures be immediately 
, taken to forward the enterprise." 

Accordingly, Messrs. J. H. Corwin, Abel Belknap, 
and O. M. Smith were appointed a committee to ascer- 
tain the number of persons willing to unite for this 
purpose. On May 22d, at an adjourned meeting, the 
following-named persons were reported as ready to 
associate and walk together as a church, viz. : O. M. 
Smith, Helen M. Smith, Saml. Tuthill, Sarah Tuthill, 
Jefferson Roe, Mary Roe, Eliza C. Boice, William H. 
Wells, Robert Sterling, Isabella Sterling, Asa Ster- 
ling, John H. Corwin, Cynthia Corwin, James P. 
Buchanan, Sarah Buchanan, Daniel D. T. Blake, D. 
McDowell, Abigail Waters, J. R. Hardenburgh. Wm. 
M. Johnson, Jane E. Johnson, Eli Corwin, Jr., Abel 
Belknap, Sarah M. Belknap, Henry Tice, Jr., Char- 
lotte Tice, Edgar Perkins, Ann Forsyth, Abigail Wells, 
William Waller, Henry Vail, Seth Belknap, George 
M. Gregory, Hiram K. Chapman, Jane Chapman, 
Peter H. Foster, Mary S. Foster, William Townsend, 
Lydia C. Parkham, George T. Hoagland, Betsey 
Harris, Mary E. Waterfleld, James H. Reynor, Job 
Clark. 

It was immediately and unanimously resolved to 
apply to the Presbytery, which was to meet on June 
9th, for an organization as the Second Presbyterian 
Church of Newburgh. Mr. William Sterling was 



308 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



deputed to present the application and to aslc for sup- 
plies for six months from the Presbytery. The request 
was granted, and the church was organized June 15th, 
by a committee of the North River Presbytery, con- 
sisting of the Rev. Messrs. Johnston, Prime, and 
Ostrum. The following persons were chosen ruling 
elders, viz. : J. H. Corwin, Hiram K. Chapman, Abel 
Belknap, James P. Buchanan. Mr. Ostrum gave the 
charge to the church, and Mr. S. I. Prime to the 
elders. 

The first public service was held in the court-room 
in the academy, when Rev. S. I. Prime preached from 
Amos vii. 5 : "By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is 
small." The pulpit was for some time supplied by 
the Presbytery. On August 20th, Messrs. Peter H. 
Foster, Jefferson Roe, Edgar Perkins, Samuel Tuthill, 
O. M. Smith, and Henry Tice, Jr., were chosen trus- 
tees. 

During the greater part of 1838 and 1839 the Rev. 
Abram C. Baldwin supplied the pulpit. In the former 
year the prospects of the infant church were very 
seriously atlected by the disruption of the Presbytery. 
Most of those concerned in starting it, who had 
strong Old-School affinities, returned again to the old 
church, which adhered to the Old-School Assembly. 
The Second Church recognized that which styled 
itself the constitutional. Though weakened by this 
cause, the church made vigorous efforts to grow. The 
Rev. William Hill was the first pastor, and filled the 
office until the winter of 1843, when he was deposed 
by his Presbytery for what was deemed heretical doc- 
trine on the subject of Christian perfection. After a 
vacancy of some months, the Rev. John H. Lewis 
became the pastor, and discharged the duties of the 
office very acceptably until called to Bethlehem in 
1845. He was succeeded for a short time by the Rev. 
J. C. Beach, and next by the Rev. John Gray, who 
remained as supply until the spring of 1851, when a 
division arose in the congregation on the question 
of his settlement as pastor. Before this matter was 
adjusted a vote of the church was taken, and by a 
majority of one it was resolved no longer to receive 
supplies. This vote closed the doors of the meeting- 
house and virtually disbanded the society, which had 
never become strong. 

In 1840-41 the society erected the meeting-house at 
the corner of High Street and Western Avenue, at a 
cost of $6600, in which divine worship was observed 
until the church ceased to exist. The building was 
designed to accommodate about 600 persons. It was 
sold, in 1852, to the Second Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Calvary Presbyterian Church. — The circumstances 
which led to the organization of this congregation, 
as well as its subsequent history, are briefly stated in 
a historical sketch, which was published by the trus- 
tees in connection with their annual report, August, 
1857. In this paper it is said that the Rev. S. H. 
McMullin, who had served as supply during the ill- 



ness of the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 
performed the duties of his engagement until about 
three months after Dr. Johnston's death. After hear- 
ing several other candidates for the vacant pastorate, 
" a day was fixed," says the sketch to which reference 
is made, " on which, according to notice given, the 
congregation were to select a pastor. When, how- 
ever, all had assembled, a question arose as to whether 
females should be permitted to vote, which was decided 
in the affirmative. The vote was taken and resulted, 
100 for Mr. McMullin and 74 for another pei-son. 
Messrs. William K. Mailler and Robert Sterling were 
then appointed commissioners to prosecute the call 
before the Presbytery, and the meeting adjourned. 

" At the meeting of the Presbytery, when the call 
was considered, a remonstrance was presented by the 
minority of the congregation against the settlement 
of Mr. McMullin. In consequence of this remon- 
strance the Presbytery intimated to the commission- 
ers that they would not, in all probability, permit the 
call to be prosecuted, and it was withdrawn without 
any formal action being taken. 

" Immediately after the return of the commissioners 
a meeting of the congregation was held to hear their 
report, when it was resolved, by a majority of votes 
present, ' that the commissioners be directed to prose- 
cute the call.' The Presbytery, however, continued 
to regard the call as inexpedient ; and a meeting, 
called for the purpose of its consideration, failed to 
accomplish the result desired. 

" The situation of affairs becoming known, the fol- 
lowing paper, asking for certificates of membership 
and dismission, was presented to the Session of the 
church on the 27th day of August : 

" * To the Session of the First Presbi/teriau Church of the Village of Neu-biirgh : 
" ' The uDdersigneii, members in fuM communion of the First Presby- 
terian Churcli of the Village of Newburgh, do hereby respectfully re- 
quest you to grant them certiticates of membersliip and disniissiou, for 

the purpose of being organized into a cliureh, to be known as the 

Presbyterian Church of the Village of Newburgh: 
"'John McClelland. E. L. Spalding. 

Abigail W. McClelland. Catharine Sly. 

James C. McClelland. M. W. N. Johnston. 

Sally R. Logan. Robert Wallace. 

Abby L. Scott. Mary Ann W'allace. 

J. Ferguson. Mary G. Starr. 

Sarah McElrath. Eliza P. Spier. 

Anna Pettie. Sarah Waugh. 

Anna M. Clugston. L. Bradford. 

Margaret Sti'achan. Eunice McKune. 

Amanda L. DuBois. Rebecca Brown. 

Mary Albertsoii. Eliza Rogers. 

Alexander Uargiave. Jenieha Gerard. 

Mai-y Ann Hargrave. Sarali Ludlow. 

Amelia Birdsall. Delia Smith. 

William G. Gillespie. Hugh S. Banks. 

William McClughan. Rosalie H. Banks. 

Mary D. McClughan. Hugh McKissock. 

Hannah Andruss. Agnes McKissock. 

Mary Burnett. Laura A. Gorham. 

Catharine Hamilton. Rachel CIngston. 

Anna E. Roe, Sarah Hildretb. 

Elizabeth Blake.' 

"On the first day of September, 1856, the Church 
Extension Committee of the Presbytery of North 



NEWBUKGH. 



309 



iver met in the session-room of the First Presby- 
rian Church. Present, B. T. Phillips, Wm. H. 
irk, F. T. Williams, ministers; and Peter V. B. 
owler and Benj. Tyler,. elders. The petition of the 
arsons above named was presented, asking to be or- 
iuized into a Presbyterian Church, to be known as 
rhe Calvary Presbyterian Church of Newburgh ;' 
id after the examination of their certificates it was, 
1 motion, ' Resolvol, That the request be granted.' 
he applicants then formally agreed and covenanted 
) walk together in a church relation, according to 
le acknowledged doctrine and order of the Presby- 
;rian Church. Messrs. Wm. G. Gillespie and John 
[cClelland were then unanimously elected ruling 
ders by the congregation. Mr. Gillespie was duly 
rdained, and Mr. McClelland and Mr. Gillespie (the 
)ruier having previously served as an elder in the 
irst Presbyterian Church) were formally installed 
5 elders of the Calvary Presbyterian Church of New- 
urgh. 

" On the loth day of September, Rev. S. H. Mc- 
[uUin was unanimously elected pastor of the church, 
'he call was presented to him at a meeting of the 
'resbytery, held at Buttermilk P'alls on Tuesday, Oct. 
th, and accepted by him ; and on the 16th day of 
le same month he was ordained to the work of 
;ie gospel ministry and installed pastor of the church 
1 the court-house at Newburgh. The services on the 
ccasion were conducted by Rev. Dr. Jones, of Phila- 
elphia, who preached the sermon ; Rev. E. K. 
Irower, who ofl'ered the ordaining prayer and pro- 
osed the constitutional questions ; Rev. B. T. Phil- 
ps, who gave the charge to the people ; and Rev. F. 
I,, blasters, who gave the charge to the pastor. 

" On the 20th October an election for trustees was 
eld in the court-house, — Elders John McClelland 
nd Wm. G. Gillespie presiding, — which resulted in 
lie choice of Messrs. Moses Upright, Wm. K. Mailler, 
Salter H. Gorham, Wessel S. Gerard, Peter Ward, 
nd Charles Johnston. 

" The first meeting of the session of the church 
ras held on Friday evening, Oct. 17th, at the resi- 
ence of Mrs. C. Sly, in High Street. At the meeting 
f the session on the 31st October the following 
lersons were admitted on profession of faith : Mrs. 
C. C. Gillespie, Mrs. M. A. Casement, Miss M. Case- 
iient; and the following by certificate : Asa Sterling, 
'ha-be E. Sterling, Margaret Sterling, Mary Sterling, 
*rancy Sterling, Robert Sterling, Maria Sterling, Wm. 
C. Mailler, Hannah P. Mailler, Mary E. Halstead, 
^ipporah Clark, Ann Barr, John L. Westervelt, 
Mharine Westervelt, Susan A. Jessup, Margaret 
shields, Jane Shields, John Little, Ann Little, Isa- 
)ella M. McMullin, Benj. Tyler, Julianna Tyler, Mary 
ioyd. Marietta Watkins, Jane Ellen Roe, Maria 
Uinor, Deborah Blake, William and Sarah Gervin. 

" The first communion of the church was celebrated 
)n the first Sabbath in November, 1856, at which time 
he membership had reached 81. 



"Soon after the organization of the church it was 
determined to erect a suitable edifice, the public 
services in the mean time being held in the court- 
house. A subscription was opened and a sufficient 
sum subscribed during the winter of 1856 to justify 
the trustees in purchasing a site on Liberty Street 
and procuring a plan for the building. From differ- 
ent plans which were submitted, one drawn by Messrs. 
Gerard & Boyd was selected ; and, estimates having 
been invited, the contract for erecting the building 
was awarded to Mr. John Little. A building com- 
mittee of three trustees, viz. : Messrs. Mailler, Gor- 
ham, and Ward, was appointed ; and Mr. Withers, 
architect, was engaged to superintend the work. The 
gi'ound was broken in the month of April, 1857; and 
the corner-stone laid, with appropriate exercises, on 
the 9th of July following, at 2 P.M. The services 
commenced by singing the hymn entitled ' Beyond 
the starry skies.' Rev. Dr. McLaren followed with a 
very appropriate address to the Throne of Grace, and 
a portion of the Scriptures was read by the Rev. Dr. 
McCarrell. Chas. Johnston, on behalf of the trustees, 
then read a statement showing the organization and 
progress of the church, which was followed by the 
hymn ' Let every heart rejoice and sing.' The Rev. 
Mr. Crowell, of Philadelphia, then delivered an ad- 
dress, which was followed by the laying of the corner- 
stone by the Rev. Dr, Forsyth, who, on account of the 
ill health of Mr. McMullin, had been selected by the 
trustees for that duty. Dr. Forsyth introduced the 
ceremony by a short address, and was followed by 
Rev. Alex. R. Thompson. The exercises closed with 
an anthem by the choir, and the benediction by Dr. 
Forsyth. The building was dedicated on the 2-lth of 
February, 1858. The services were opened by an an- 
them by the choir, and invocation by the pastor. The 
Rev. Dr. Sprole then read a selection from the Scrip- 
tures, which was followed by singing the 504th hymn. 
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. McCarrell, and 
the 502d hymn sung. Rev. Dr. Murray, of Elizabeth, 
N. J., then delivered a discourse from 1 Kings vi. 4, 
and vii. 63. At the conclusion the congregation 
arose, and with impressive words the speaker dedi- 
cated the house to the worship of God. The services 
were concluded with prayer by the pastor and the 
singing of a hymn. 

" The style of the church edifice is that sometimes 
known among architects as Flemish, having, however, 
many of the peculiarities of the Gothic. It has a 
front of 56 feet on Liberty Street, running back to 
the depth of 96 feet, with a lecture-room in the rear. 
The audience-room is 72 by 52 feet, the lecture-room 
62 by 22 feet. The aspect of the interior is that of 
severe simplicity. A trestle-work supports the roof, 
obviating the necessitj' of pillars, thus affording an 
unobstructed view from every part of the house. All 
the wood-work is grained, the pews being of chestnut 
oiled and grained so as to retain the natural color and 
grain of the wood ; and the finish throughout has a 



310 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pleasing effect. The cost of the building, lot, fencing, 
fiirniture, etc., was about $21,o00." 

Mr. McMullin continued in pastoral relation with 
the church until Jan. 24, 1860, when, in consequence 
of ill health, he tendered his resignation, to take 
effect May following. On December 19th of the same 
year Rev. Judson H. Hopkins was installed, and 
subsequently served until July, 1864, when, at his 
request, the relation was dissolved. He was without 
a successor until March, 1866, when the Rev. George 
S. Bishop, of Trenton, N. J., was installed, and con- 
tinued in the relation until October, 1872, when, at 
his own request, and by consent of the church, he 
was relieved of the charge by the Presbytery. His 
successor, Rev. Jeremiah Searle, of Peekskill, was 
elected in February, and installed May 6, 1873. 

To its real estate the society added, in 1867, a par- 
sonage at a cost of $ilO0(l ; and to its appointments, 
during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Bishop, an organ 
and a bell. 

Union rrenhi/lrrian Church. — This church was 
founded July 13, 1837, by a colony of twenty-seven 
persons who lielonged to the First Associate Reformed 
Church. Their names are as follows : E. W. Farring- 
ton, Mrs. Farrington, Thornton M. Niven, Mrs. Niven, 
John Wise, Mrs. Wise, John Beveridge, Mrs. Bever- 
idge, Arnold McNear, Mrs. McNear, James John- 
son, Mrs. Johnson, Matthew Sims, Mrs. Sims, James 
Blacklaw, Mrs. Blacklaw, James Danskin, Mrs. Dans- 
kin, Stewart Kelly, Mrs. Kelly, John James Monell, 
Miss E. Cypher, Mrs. E. Purdy, Miss C. Anderson, 
Mrs. Catharine Stewart, Mrs. N. Barclay. 

The meeting for organization was held in the First 
Associate Reformed church (July 13th), and was con- 
ducted by Rev. Dr. McJimpsey and Rev. James 
Mairs, constituting a committee of the Pre.sbytery. 
The sermon was by Dr. McJimpsey, from John xvi. 
7. The following persons were elected as ruling 
elders, viz. : John Beveridge, E. Ward Farrington, 
Thornton M. Niven, John Wise. On December oth 
following the Rev. John Forsyth, Jr., was installed 
pastor, the services being held in the academy where 
the congregation met for worship until the comple- 
tion of the church edifice. The Rev. Dr. McJimpsey 
preached the sermon ; the Rev. Drs. Wallace and 
McLaren gave the charges to the people and the 
pastor. 

A church edifice was erected on a lot at the corner 
of Water and Clinton Streets, which had been given 
to the congregation for this purpose. Ground was 
broken July 27, 1837, and the building was dedicated 
May 1, 1838, when a suitable sermon was delivered 
by the Rev. Dr. M. N. McLaren, then of Hampton- 
burgh. Here the congregation continued to worship 
until March, 1859, when the property was sold to the 
rector and vestry of St. George's Church. The last 
time it was used by Union Church the sermon was 
preached by the first pastor, Dr. Forsyth. 

Dr. Forsyth was elected to a professorship in the 



College of New Jersey at the end of the year 1846, 
but he did not retire from the pastorate until near 
the autumn of 1847. He was succeeded by Mr. Abra- 
ham R. Van Nest, a recent graduate of the theologi- 
cal seminary at New Brunswick, who was ordained 
and installed pa.stor on June 20, 1848. Mr. Van Nest 
remained here about a year. He was called by the 
Reformed Dutch Church, Twenty-first Street, New 
York, and having accepted the invitation he removed 
thither in the spring of 1849. Almost immediately 
upon his departure, the Rev. Dr. Robert McCartee, 
formerly of Canal Street Church, but at this time of 
Goshen, was called, and having accepted the invi- 
tation was installed Aug. 17, 1849. Dr. McCartee 
labored here with great acceptance and success until 
1855, when he removed to New York to take the pas- 
torate of the Twenty-fifth Street Associate Reformed 
Church. Union Church was supplied by various 
persons during the first six months or more after Dr. 
McCartee's removal, particularly by the Rev. Mr. Cun- 
ningham. Finally the Rev. Mr. Jack, who had grad- 
uated in the seminary in the spring of 1856, was 
called, ordained, and installed June 2, 1856, by the 
Presbytery of New York. On this occasion the ser- 
mon was preached by the Rev. John Brash, of New 
Y'ork, who also proposed the usual questions to the 
candidate, and offered the ordaining prayer. The 
charge to the pastor was given by the Rev. G. M. 
McEachron, of Mongaup Valley, and that to the 
Ijeople by Rev. Dr. Forsyth. Mr. Jack was succeeded 
in 1869 by Rev. Wendell Prime, and the latter by 
Rev. C. C. Hall, who was ordained and installed Dec. 
2, 1875. 

In October, 1859, in consequence of the union of 
the A.ssociate Reformed and the Associate Churches, 
out of which the United Presbyterian Church grew, 
the congregation of Union Church was induced to 
unite with the Old School branch of the Presbyterian 
Church, and is now a component part of that body. 

The old First Presbyterian edifice was purchased in 
March, 1859, by the Union Church, and was occupied 
by the society until .Tuly, 1871, when it was removed 
to give place to the present edifice. The work of re- 
moval was begun July 5, 1871, and on the 13th the 
last timbers of the old house were prostrated. The 
corner-stone of the new edifice was laid on Friday, 
Sept. 15th, following. The exercises were conducted 
by the Masonic fraternity, G. Fred Wiltsie officiating 
as Grand Master of the " Grand Lodge of Ceremony." 
The dedication was on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1872, on 
which occasi(ra the service was opened with prayer 
by Rev. Dr. Forsyth. Rev. Dr. Ormiston read the 
48th Psalm, and the Rev. Wendell Prime the dedica- 
tory prayer. The discourse was by the Rev. Dr. Hall, 
from 2 Peter iii. 2 ; the closing prayer by Rev. J. B. 
Wakeley. 

The edifice is of Gothic architecture, from plans by 
Elkanah K. Shaw, of Newburgh. It is in the form 
of a T, and embraces an auditorium with gallery and 



NEWBURGH. 



311 




UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



abbath-school and lecture-rooms. The auditorium, 
•onting on First Street, is 61 feet wide by 68 feet 
eep, 30 feet ceiling, and has, with the gallery, a 
eating capacity of 1000. The Sabbath-school room, 
routing on Montgomery Street, is 33 by SI feet, 22 
let ceiling, with seating for 600 pupils. The lecture- 
9om is 27 by 57 feet, 15 feet ceiling, seating 300, — 
Dtal seating capacity 1900. The windows throughout 
re of stained glass, the painting is in fresco, the 
lews of chetitnut walnut oiled, and the entire finish 
heerful. The walls of the building are of hard 
mooth brick with brownstone trimmings. The First 
Itreet front has two towers 18 by 18, the east 100, and 
he west 75 feet in heigllt ; the former contains the 
lell and city clock. The contracts for construction 
vere executed by Thos. Shaw & Sons, carpenters, for 
118,000, and Thomas Dobbin, mason, for $23,000 ; in 



addition to which sums about $19,000 was expended 
for furniture, carpets, furnaces, gas and water fixtures, 
etc., making the total cost $60,000. The organ (Reu- 
ben Midmer, builder) was the gift of John Gait and 
John G. Wilkinson. Its cost, including painting, 
was about $5000. 

Mrst Presbyterian Church, Middlehope. — The project 
of building a Presbyterian church at Middlehope was 
proposed in January, 1859, and was readily embraced 
by several of the active members of the Presbyterian 
Church at Marlborough. The enterprise having re- 
ceived sufficient encouragement to warrant further pro- 
ceeding, a meeting was held (March 12th), at which 
Nathaniel T. Hawkins, Peter V. B. Fowler, James 
Rodman, and James O. Conklin were appointed " to 
contract for and build a church, and to take such 
measures to raise funds and to carrr out and finish 



312 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the work as they may think proper." This committee 
.soon after awarded the contract for building to James 
D. Purdy, and that for painting to Ward & Leonard. 
The building was completed in St'ptember, 1859, 
and dedicated October 6th, at an adjourned meeting 
of the Presbytery of North River. The dedicatory 
sermon was delivered by Rev. W. T. Sprole, D.D., 
reading of the Scriptures by Rev. B. T. Phillips, 
and the dedicatory prayer by Rev. S. H. Jagger. 
The building is 30 by 40 feet, with a lobby 8 by 20 
feet. Its cost, including furniture, was about S2500. 

First Associate Rfformi'il Chiirc/i. — Until near the 
close of the last century the adherents of the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church resident in Newburgh were 
connected with the church of Little Britain, which 
was founded in 1763. Measures were taken to gather 
a congregation in 1797, and a church was formed con- 
sisting of the following i)ersons, viz. : Hugh Walsh 
and his wife Catharine Walsh, Daniel Niven and his 
wife Jane Niven, Robert Boyd and his wife Eleanor 
Boyd, Janet Boyd, Robert Gourlay and his wife Mar- 
garet Gourlay, Derick Amerman, Robert W. Jones, 
Elizabeth Belknap, wife of Isaac Belknap, Samuel 
Belknap, Hugh Spier, Alexander Telford, and George 
Telford. The exercises in connection with the formal 
organization of the church were probably conducted 
by the Rev. Thomas G. Smith, at that time pastor of 
Little Britain. 

The legal incorporation of the congregation did not 
take place until Feb. 7, 1803, when Messrs. Derick 
Amerman, Hugh Walsh, Daniel Niven, Robert Gour- 
lay, Robert Boyd, John Brown, Isaac Belknap, Jr., 
John Colter, and Robert W. Jones were elected trus- 
tees. The ruling elders at this period were Daniel 
Niven, Samuel Belknap, Hugh Spier, John Sl.aw, and 
Derick Amerman. 

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Roliert 
Kerr, who is reported to have been a preacher of more 
than usual ability. He was a native of Ireland, and 
had been settled in the ministry in that country. He 
came to the United States in 1797, and was received 
by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, 
Oct. 10, 1797, aud probably began his labors in New- 
burgh at that time, as steps were taken at that meet- 
ing of Presbytery to give him a regular call. He was 
installed pastor April 6, 1799. He resigned his charge 
Jan. 14, 1802. He subsequently removed to the 
South, and labored " with great diligence, approba- 
tion, and success" within the bounds of the Associate 
Reformed Synod of Carolina until his death, which 
occurred in Savannah, June 11, 180."), when on his 
way to the General Synod. 

Mr. Kerr was succeeded by the Rev. James Scrim- 
geour, who was installed as piustor on Aug. 11, 1803. 
He was a native of Scotland, and had been settled in 
the ministry for seven or eight years at North Ber- 
wick. The loss of health obliged him to resign his 
charge and the work of his profession for some years. 
Up to this time he had been one of the most popular 



preachers in Scotland. Having recovered his health 
in a good degree, he was induced by the Rev. Dr. 
John M. Mason to emigrate to America in 1802. He 
remained in the pastoral care of the church of New- 
burgh until 1812, when he accepted a call to Little 
Britain, and was installed there on June 24th of that 
year. In this charge he remained until his death in 
1825. 

A vacancy occurred after Mr. Scrimgeour's removal 
of about four years, during which time various unsuc- 
cessful ettbrts were made to obtain a pastor. Calls 
were addressed to Rev. Robert McCartee and to Rev. 
John Knox, then licentiates and graduates of the 
theological seminary; but finally an invitation was 
given to tlie Rev. Arthur I. Stansbury, which he ac- 
cepted, and was installed Dec. 4, 1816. Mr. Stans- 
bury's pastorate was very brief. He resigned his 
charge in April, 1818, having accepted a call to the 
First Presbyterian Church of Albany. The Rev. 
James Chrystie, minister of the Reformed Dutch 
Church of Union Village, Washington Co., having 
been invited to succeed Mr. Stansbury, accepted the 
call, and was installed Sept. 20, 1818. He remained 
as pastor, winning the warm attachment of the con- 
gregation, until October, 1821, when he joined the 
Reformed Presbyterian Church and removed to Al- 
bany. His successor, the late Rev. Dr. McCarrell, 
commenced his labors here as a su|iply Dec. 4. 1822. 
He was ordained and installed pastor March 14, 1823. 
The sermon was by the Rev. Dr. John McJimpsey, 
the ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. James 
Scrimgeour, the charges to pastor and people were 
delivered by the Rev. James Mairs, of Galway, N. Y. 
Dr. McCarrell faithfully discharged the duties of his 
office until his death. His successor, the Rev. Thomas 
T. Farrington, began his labors July 1, 1869, and 
continued until his death, June, 1875. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. John MacNaughton, Dec. 24, 1875. 

The first edifice occupied by the church was erected 
on a lot given by James Renwick, of New York, and 
which now forms part of the farm of the late Capt. 
Henry Robinson. The church stood a little to the 
north and west of the gambrel-roofed house, with its 
side to the river, which forms so conspicuous an ob- 
ject on the hill west of the shipyards. It was sur- 
rounded by magnificent old apple and pear-trees, and 
in form was very similar to tlie First Presbyterian 
church at that time, having a square tower on the 
south end. Mr. Renwick deeded the lot, which was 
200 feet square, to William Renwick, Dr. John Kemp, 
Rev. John M. Mason, Alexander Robertson, Alexan- 
der Hosack, John Turner, Jr., George Lindsay, 
Robert Gosman, of the city of New York, and Hugh 
Walsh, George Gardner, Robert Gourlay, Daniel Ni- 
ven, Robert Boyd, Robert Ferguson, Thomas Tait, 
Robert W. Jones, and Alexander Murray, of New- 
burgh, as " trustees appointed by the said James 
Renwick for the Presbyterian Church of Newburgh, 
in connection with the Associate (Reformed) Synod 




(^^o-a (AiyC (_Aa-^ Sco^-'-^^ 



NEWBURGH. 



313 



n the United States of America, for the sole use and 
ntent that the trustees and members of said church 
ihould erect a churcli for Christian worship, and also 
I school-house for the instruction of youth." The 
■hurch was completed in 179S, but no effort was ever 
nade to erect a school-house, the locality being wholly 
insulted for such an edifice. As the growth of the 
■illage was more towards the north than the south, 
he church came to be quite out of town and very in- 
;onveniently located for the great mass of its mem- 
jers. Accordingly, in 1821, measures were taken 
-owards the erection of a new church within the vil- 
age ; the old building was taken down in the year 
ust named, and while the new one was being built 
;he congregation met for worship in the old court- 
■oom in the academy. The present edifice was dedi- 
cated with appropriate services on Jan. 4, 1822, on 
vhicli occasion the Rev. James Scrimgeour jireached 
rom Hosea viii. 17. The lot on which the church 
vas erected was the gift of Hugh Walsh, one of the 
bunders of the society, who also gave the largest por- 
iion of the lot on which the parsonage stands, and 
vhich was erected upon it in 1820. Internally the 
church is unaltered with the exception that it was re- 
lated in 1879, and the location of the pulpit changed 
'rom the east to the west end of the auditorium ; but 
jxternally some change has been made since its erec- 
ion. The cupola was completed in 1834, and a bell 
procured. The lecture-room, on the north side of the 
diurch, was built about 1840. 

Rev. Joseph McCarrell, D.D., was a native 
)f Shippensburg, Pa., and was born on the 9th 
)f July, 1795. His parents were warmly attached 
nembers of the Associate Reformed Church of that 
5lace, and that region was one whose history was 
connected with the earliest annals of the denomiua- 
iion in the communion of which Dr. McCarrell lived 
md died, and for which he had an unchangeable af- 
'ection. His mind was early turned towards the min- 
stry of the gospel, and he entered upon studies prepar- 
itory thereto, availing himself of such helps as were 
vithin his reach, though in the main he had to depend 
ipon his own etibrts, and was, in fact, to a great extent 
I self-made man. 

While thus engaged the war of 1812 came on. In 
;he summer of 1814 Washington was burnt by the 
British, and Baltimore was threatened with the same 
'ate at the hands of Admiral Cockburn, the man who 
sromised his followers "the booty and beauty" of that 
;ity. The whole country was aroused ; the adjacent 
counties of Pennsylvania sent as quickly as possible 
;heir militia to the point of danger, while from Ship- 
jensburg every person capable of bearing arras hurried 
;o the defense of Baltimore. 

Joseph McCarrell was one of these volunteers. He 
hus not only had a taste of military life, but from the 
lill, about two miles from the city, on which his regi- 
ment was placed he witnessed the magnificent spec- 
tacle of the bombardment of Fort McHenry. And 
21 



he was one of those who through the long night 
watched the garrison flag, and when the morning 
dawned saw with inexpressible joy the glorious 
banner still waving defiance to the foe. 

Soon after his return home he entered Washington 
College, Washington, Pa., and graduated with high 
honors in the class of 1815. One of his classmates is 
an eminent pastor in this county, the Rev. Dr. Snod- 
grass, of Goshen. 

For several years after leaving college he was en- 
gaged in teaching in Bellefontaine, in Greensburg, 
and in Carlisle, while he was at the same time pursu- 
ing the studies that would fit him for the sacred pro- 
lession to which he was looking forward. 

In 1818 he entered the theological seminary of the 
Associate Reformed Church, then in New York, 
under the care of that distinguished man, Dr. John 
M. Mason. He brought to the seminary an amount 
of attainment in certain branches of learning which 
very few possess when leaving it, for he had made 
himself a thorough Hebrew scholar, and had read the 
whole of the Old Testament in that language. Hav- 
ing finished the prescribed course of study, he was 
licensed by the Presbytery of Big Spring, Pa., on the 
21st of June, 1821. 

For several months he supplied the Associate Re- 
formed Church in Murray Street, New York (made 
vacant by the resignation of Dr. Mason), with so much 
acceptance that not a few of its members wished to 
call him as their pastor. At the same time he received 
calls from the churches of Hagerstown, Md., and 
Shippensburg, Pa., but he was destined to spend his 
life in another sphere. 

Dr. McCarrell went to Newburgh in the autumn of 
1822. He was soon afterwards invited to assume the 
pastoral care of the Associate Reformed Church 
there, and on the 13th of March, 1823, he was ordained 
and installed pastor. The edifice, corner of Grand 
and First Streets, in which he commenced to preach 
was erected in 1821, and had been dedicated but a few 
months before Dr. McCarrell arrived in Newburgh: 
He was consequently at his death the only one who 
had served the congregation as pastor since it began 
to worship in that building. His pastorate was nearly 
twice as long as the united pastorates of his four pre- 
decessors. The society, though one of the oldest in 
Newburgh, was by no means large when he became 
its pastor, but from that time it steadily increased in 
numbers, and has become the mother of two other 
congregations. 

In 1829 the seminary, which had been suspended 
for some years, was revived, established at Newburgh, 
and Dr. McCarrell was chosen professor of theology. 
Towards the close of that year he entered upon his 
work of instruction, and from that period until near 
the end of life he continued to discharge his two- 
fold duties as pastor and professor. During the last 
two years it was evident to those who saw him that 
his strength was on the wane. He was able, however, 



314 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to preach until within a few weeks of his decease, and 
was mercifully spared the endurance of acute physical 
pain. His mental strength was unabated, and at last 
he peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. 

Dr. McCarrell had lived and labored in Newburgh 
for so many years that in one sense it might be said 
everybody knew him. While his manner in the 
pulpit was quiet rather than demonstrative, his trains 
of thought were clear and striking, his logic unan- 
swerable in argumentative directions, and his style 
forcible and compact. Some of the best legal minds 
of the country sat for years under his ministry. His 
students in the theological hall thoroughly loved 
him. Whilst he was always dignified and learned, 
and thorough in his instructions, yet his manner was 
so kindly they were always made to feel at their ease, 
and if any went from the class-room in ignorance the 
fault was theirs, and not his. It has been matter of 
great regret to his friends that so few results of his 
pen found their way into print. Vigorous, pleasant, 
and clear-cut as a thinker, he wielded "the pen of a 
ready writer." Admirable discourses in answer to 
Dr. Channing, the eloquent Unitarian champion, as 
also a series of sermons on a phase of the temperance 
question, and some others on the form of baptism, 
with an occasional special sermon, were all that have 
ever been published. Commentaries of great ability 
were prepared by him on the Epistle to the Hebrews 
and the Book of Revelation, but for some reason they 
were never published. 

In private life he exhibited a rare combination of 
Christian graces, so that by all who knew him he was 
loved with an affection singularly warm and enduring; 
and all who saw him as he went out and in his own 
home and those of the community for so many years, 
knew that they were looking upon " a living epistle of 
Christ." His death occurred on the 28th of March, 
1864, in the .sixty-ninth year of his age, having occu- 
pied the pastorate of the same church for forty-one 
years. 

Dr. MtCarrell married in his native village. His 
wife survived hira eleven years. Of eight children, 
four are living, besides one grandson. 

First Rfformed Pirsbyterian Church. — The origin of 
this congregation may be traced to the self-denying 
exertions of a few individuals in the communion of 
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, who settled in 
the village of Newburgh and vicinity during the early 
part of the century, among whom were James Clark, 
O. Galley, and Robert Johnston. A society for prayer 
and other devotional services was formed and regu- 
larly attended as early as 1816 or 1817, which i)rovcd 
the means of gathering together and combining the 
efforts of a sutficient number to warrant an applica- 
tion for occasional preaching. From 1817 until 1824 
the society was .supplied with preaching by the Rev. 
J. R. Wilson, D.D., at that time pastor at Colden- 
ham. Increasing in numbers, and desirous of obtain- 
ing a fuller supply of ordinances, the members of the 



Newburgh branch of the Coldenham congregation, 
as it came to be called, were, by deed of Presbytery, 
separated from the Coldenham congregation, and in 
1824 organized as a distinct church, of which Samuel 
Wright and John Lawson were elders, and William 
M. Wiley and .Tohn Crawford deacons. Soon after 
the organization, Matthew Duke was added to the 
elders, and William ThomjisoD to the deacons. 

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Jas. R. 
Johnston, who was ordained and installed in 1825. 
His connection with it was dissolved in 1829. June 
8, 1830, the Rev. Moses Rooney became his successor, 
and served with great acceptance until 1848, when he 
was compelled to resign on account of failing health. 
Nov. 14, 1849, the present pastor, the Rev. Samuel 
Carlisle, was installed. 

The society held its first public services in the 
academy. Arrangements were made for the erection 
of a church edifice in 1818, which was completed the 
following year and is still occupied by the congrega- 
tion. In 1852 it was rebuilt, during which time the 
public services of the congregation were held in the 
court-house. In 1876, it was remodeled and a brick 
front added, on Grand Street, of fair architectural 
appearance. 

Second Reformed I'resbi/terian Church. — The Second 
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Newburgh was or- 
ganized by a commission of the New York Presby- 
tery, Dec. 12, 1854. The original membership was 
composed of William Thompson, James Frazier, and 
William Johnston, elders ; John Lawson and James 
Hilton, deacons, and 26 private members. 

In accordance with a call made by the congrega- 
tion, the Rev. J. Renwick Thompson, the present pas- 
tor, was installed Dec. 19, 1855. 

The public services of the church were first held 
in the court-house. Arrangements for the erection 
of a church edifice, however, were made soon after 
the organization, and the building was completed in 
Noveml)er, 1855, and dedicated on the 25th of that 
month. The morning services were conducted by the 
Rev. Dr. Christy, of New York, who delivered an 
able lecture on the 12th chapter of Isaiah. In the 
afternoon the discourse was by the jiastor of the 
church, from (len. xxviii. 17; and the evening ser- 
vices were conducted by Dr. Christy. The church 
building, originally without much architectural char- 
acter, was improved by the addition of a tower, etc., 
in 1872, at a cost of $3400. It is of brick, and has 
accommodations for 600 persons. 

Firxt United PreKhtiteria II Church.— On May 25, 1858, 
a union, with reference to which negotiations had long 
been jiending, was consummated at Pittsburgh, Pa., 
between the two branches of the Presbyterian family 
known as the " Associate" and the " Associate Re- 
formed" Churches, under the title of the " United 
Presbyterian Church of North America." The two 
Associate Reformed congregations of Newburgh de- 
clined to enter this union. The friends of the united 



NEWBURGH. 



315 



hurch in these lOiigregations believing that the 
nion was right, and an important step towards the 
nity of the church, petitioned (Nov. 9, 1859) the 
few York Presbytery of the United Presbyterian 
lluirch for the constitution of a congregation to be 
nown as the " First United Presbyterian Church of 
Jewburgh." Tliis ])etition having been granted, Rev. 
Llexander McWilliams was appointed by the Pres- 
lytery to organize the church, which then embraced 
(5 members. George Gearns, George Lendrum, John 
J-eddes, Sr., and Dr. Matthew Stevenson were elected 
tiling elders, and Andrew Johnston, B. W. Cham- 
lers, Thomas M. McCann, .las. S. Strachan, Robert 
lyndman, (ieorge Lendrum, George Gearns, John 
Jeddes, Sr., and John Brown were chosen as trustees, 
,nd the society organized Dec. 6, 1859. On Decem- 
ler 31st the trustees purchased the edifice then occu- 
lied by the Baptist Church, situated on Montgomery 
Street (corner of Fourth), where the congregation 
las since held public worship. It was enlarged and 
niproved during the summer of 1871 at a cost of 
,bout $1800. The first passtor of the church was Rev. 
lobert Armstrong, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa. 
le was installed March 12, 1861, and continued in 
he office until Oct. 21, 1868, when he was released 
rom the charge. The present pastor, Rev. J. G. D. 
<"indley, was ordained and installed Oct. 14, 1869. 
)n April 21, 1862, Messrs. George Guy, Thomas M. 
ilcCann, and Andrew Johnston were ordained and 
nstalled as ruling elders in the congregation. 

Amerk-itn. Reformed Churcli. — The history of this 
ihurch dates from October, 1834, when the Rev. Wm. 
>uickshank, on the application of .some of the mem- 
>ers of the Reformed Dutch Church in the city of New 
fork, was induced to visit Newburgh and undertake 
he establishment of a church. His efforts were suc- 
lessful, and on Feb. 24th following the church was 
brmally organized by the Classis of Orange, at which 
ime Isaac Belknap, Thomas G. Stansborough, Isaac 
^. Knevels, and John W. Knevels were ordained 
ilders ; and Cornelius Bogardus, Thos. Jessup, Daniel 
^orwin, and Albert Wells, deacons. Eighteen per- 
ons were then received into its communion by cer- 
ificatc. 

April 13, 1835, the Consistory invited the Rev. 
iVilliam Cruickshank to become their pastor, and 
he call having been approved by the Classis of 
Grange, he was installed as the first pastor of the 
diurch on October 22d of the same year. In Decem- 
)er, 1837, Mr. Cruickshank resigned, and on June 
.3, 1838, a call was addressed to the Rev. Isaac JI. 
?isher, which was accepted, and he was in.stalled in 
Fuly. He remained pastor only until October 5th of 
he same year, when he resigned on account of fail- 
ng health. May 17, 1839, the Rev. F. H. Vander- 
^eer was called, and continued the pastor of the 
;hurch until Aug. 19, 1842, when he resigned. Sept. 
.3, 1842, a call was made upon the Rev. \. B. Van 
!andt, and he was installed by a deputation of the 



Classis of Orange on December 14th following. He 
resigned in June, 1849, and was succeeded by the Rev. 
Malcolm N. McLaren, who was installed Nov. 12, 
1850. He resigned the charge Feb. 5, 1859, and on 
June 14th a call was made upon the Rev. G. H. Man- 
deville, of Flushing, L. I., who entered upon the 
duties of pastor August 21st of the same year. He 
resigned Nov. 1, 1869. Rev. W. H. Gleason, the 
present pastor, was called on April 9th, and installed 
in May, 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Halsted 
Caroll, the present pastor, in October, 1876. 

The church was organized in the First Associate 
Reformed Church edifice, and its subsequent meet- 
ings, until the completion of the building now occu- 
pied by it, were held in the academy. Mr. Cruick- 
shank, the first pastor, devoted all his energies to the 
interests of the infant church, and its early success 
was due, in a great measure, to his indefatigable ex- 
ertions. He obtained from his congregation, and 
from New York, a handsome subscription for the 
erection of a church edifice, the site for which was 
selected on the corner of Grand and Third Streets. 
The building was commenced about Oct. 1, 1835 ; the 
corner-stone was laid October 22d. Mr. Warren, of 
New York, was the architect, and Gerard & Halsey, 
masons, and A. Whitmarsh, carpenter, were the con- 
tractors. Service was first held in the basement on 
Sunday, Nov. 13, 1837, and on December 7th, following, 
the edifice was dedicated. The financial difficulties 
of 1837 seriously affected the temporal interests of 
the church, and the Consistory were compelled to 
submit to a sale of the church property (April, 1839), 
which was purchased by Mr. Daniel Farrington, on 
behalf of the creditors, for the sum of $10,053. An 
arrangement, however, was soon after effected by 
which Matthew V. B. Fowler became the purchaser 
of the property in trust for the church. The debt 
was greatly reduced, and in 1849 the Consistory was 
enabled to resume the title. 

The church edifice is of Grecian architecture. It 
is built of stone stuccoed, and was originally 50 by 
80 feet with a portico of 20 feet, making a total depth 
of 100 feet; the roof was surmounted by a massive 
dome, which formed a prominent feature in the land- 
scape. The style of architecture was continued in 
the interior, and gave to the auditorium a cold, mas- 
.sive grandeur. The first cost, including lot, etc., was 
about $20,000. The dome proved troublesome and 
was removed ; the acoustics of the auditorium were 
bad, and led to a recessed pulpit. During the year 
1851 the parsonage was built on the east side of the 
lot on Third Street at a cost of $3277. It has since 
been enlarged and improved at a cost of about $5000. 
The church edifice was enlarged in the fall and winter 
of 1867-68 by the addition of a transept in the rear 
15 l>y 22 feet on each side and 20 feet high, giving 
an audience-room 100 feet in depth and 82 feet in 
width at transept. The improvements were from 
plans by J. E. Harney, architect, and including 



316 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



frescoing, grading, etc., involved an expenditure of 
about S20,000. It was reopened for service April 19, 
1868. Its seating capacity (including gallery) i.s now 
about 1000. 

First Bapf'ist Church. — The first Baptist Church in 
Newburgh was a colony from the Baptist Church of ! 
Pleasant Valley, who were set off by themselves 
April 24, 1790, and formally organized as the church 
at Newburgh on the 2d of June following. This 
church continued in existence until 1817. In the 
mean time (1803) Elder Luke Davis, a Baptist mis- 
sionaiy, raised a small congregation at Fostertown, 
which was incorporated with the original society. 
AVilliara Brundage served as pastor from 1790 to 1795 ; 
Levi Hall from 179(5 to 1799, holding service one- 
third of the time; Jethro Johnson from 1799 to 1803; 
Luke Davis from 1803 to 1811 ; William C. Thomp- 
son, a licensed preacher, but not an ordained minister, 
from 1812 to 1815, and John Ellis from 1815 to 1817, 
whose time was equally divided between the New- 
burgh and the Pleasant Valley Church. Nov. 18, 
1817, the two churches were united under the title 
of the Union Church of Pleasant Valley and New- 
burgh, and continued in existence down to Dec. 5, 
1840, when the last entry is made in the minutes. 
From 1817 to 1832 meetings were held alternately at 
Pleasant Valley, where a church edifice had been 
erected in 1786, and in the " Stone Meeting-house," 
as it was called, in Newburgh. After 1832 meetings 
were held at Pleasant Valley only, and practically 
the Newburgh branch of the society closed its exist- 
ence. The stone meeting-house which it occupied 
and its burial-ground were on the farm late of John 
Rodman, near Luptondale, on the Newburgh and 
Shawangunk plank-road. The building was about 
30 feet square with walls about 20 feet high, 10 feet 
of which were stone, and covered by what is called a 
barrack roof, rising to about 25 feet in the centre. It 
was erected about the year 1806, and abandoned in 
1832. The pulpit was on the west, tlie entrance on 
the east. In the adjoining burying-ground head- 
stones mark the resting-place of many of the founders 
and supporters of the church, among others of Deacon 
Joseph Cauldwell and of Deacon William Winterton. 
A parsonage-house was also a part of the property, 
and Orange Lake was the baptismal font. 

No effort appears to have been made to organize a 
church in the village of Newburgh until 1821. Bap- 
tist missionaries, however, frequently visited the place, 
and among others the Rev. Mr. Price, Charles Mais, 
and Thomas Powell, the latter afterwards or at that 
time (1820) pastor of the church at Cornwall. In 
1817 the Hudson River Baptist Association made ar- 
rangements to supply the village with missionaries for 
one year. The Rev. Rufus Leonard held the first ser- 
vice under this arrangement in the academy on De- 
cember 14th. From the records of the present church 
it appeal's that on Wednesday evening, Feb. 21, 1821, 
a meeting was held at the residence of Lydia Ann 



Hill, for the purpose of consulting in reference to the 

organization of the church. " As the result of this 
meeting, an invitation was sent to Elder Daniel C. 
Stears to visit the brethren and give them such coun- 
sel as circumstances required. On the fourth Wed- 
nesday in March following a committee was appointed 
to draft articles of faith and covenant, which were pre- 
sented and adopted at a meeting held on April 11th. 
On May 16th the church was formally organized, 
William Pierce acting as moderator, and Lewis Leon- 
ard as clerk. There were fourteen members at the 
time of its constitution, five of whom were brethren. 
This church survived, with all the attending diffi- 
culties usual to weak churches, until .Tuly 12, 1828. 
During its existence forty persons united with it, of 
whom only four were by baptism. The members at- 
tached to the church at the time of its dissolution re- 
moved their membei-ship, and gradually all trace of it 
vanished." 

From 1828 until 1834 there was no Baptist Church 
organization in the village. Dec. 23, 1834, however, 
a meeting was held " in the brick meeting-house, then 
owned by the Methodists, tor the purpose of organ- 
izing a church. There were four ministers present, 
viz. : Parkinson, Bernard, Martin, and David James. 
Having resolved to constitute a church, it was agreed 
that Elder Parkinson preach the sermon. Elder Mar- 
tin was appointed clerk. Elder Bernard gave the 
charge, and Elder Parkinson the right hand of fel- 
lowship. Elder David James was the first pastor of 
this church, it having been formed under his charge. 
The number of members at the time of its constitu- 
tion is said to have been 13. At the first church 
meeting, held January 10th, there were i)resent three 
brethren and seven sisters. The three brethren were 
David James, the pastor; William Mitchell, deacon; 
and Joseph Chase, clerk." 

Mr. James continued to serve as pastor until Jan- 
uary, 1838, when he resigned. The church does not 
appear to have gained much, in point of numbers, 
during his ministry. In April, 1838, Elder Spencer 
accepted a call to the pastorate, and served in tliat I 
capacity until August following, when he resigned. ' 
The pulpit was temporarily supplied by Elder James 
until December, when Ehler Van Gilder took the 
charge. He served until July, 1839, when Elder 
Daniel T. Hill accepted an invitation to supply the 
pulpit ever}' Sabbath morning. This arrangement 
continued for only a few months. In July, 1840, I 
Elder George Phippen accepted the j)astorate, and 
remained in the charge until Nov. 1, 1842, when he 
resigned. During his ministry the condition of the 
society considerably improved. " Some old difficulties 
were removed, some prejudices which had long existed 
were broken down, and, as a denomination, some 
progress was made in gaining a more favorable opin- 
ion on the part of the community." 

The Rev. C. A. Raymond succeeded Mr. Phi2)pen, 
and entered upon his duties on the first Sabbath in 



NEWBURGH. 



317 



November, 1842. He was a young man of superior 
talent and great energy, and under his ministry the 
church rapidly increased in membership. He re- 
signed the charge iu 1844. The Rev. W. S. Clapp 
and the Rev. Thomas Applegate served the church as 
supplies until April, 1847. In November of that year 
a call was extended to the Rev. James Scott, who en- 
tered upon the duties of the pastorate in December, 
and held the station until Sept. 11, 1855, when he was 
removed by death. On May 4, 1856, the Rev. J. H. 
Castle accepted the vacant pastorate, and served until 
March, 1859. His successor. Rev. Isaac Wescott, en- 
tered upon the charge May 1, 1859, and continued 
pastor until Sept. 13, 1861. He was succeeded by 
Rev. G. W. Lasher, who became pastor in March, 
1862, and resigned April 25, 1864. In October of the 
same year Rev. Lyman Wright entered upon the pas- 
toral work, continuing in the office until Dec. 31, 
1868. His successor was Rev. E. W. Bliss, who ac- 
cepted the pastoral office April 1, 1869, and resigned 
April 1, 1872. Rev. John Quincy Adams entered 
upon the pastorate April 1, 1873, and resigned in 1877. 
The present pastor. Rev. Arthur Jones, became Mr. 
Adams' successor in 1879. 

After its reorganization in 1834 the church held 
services in the old Mcintosh house (formerly in use 
by St. George's), and from thence it removed to the 
old Methodist church on Liberty Street, which was 
purchased by the society. Tliis building was sold in 
the spring of 1842 for S925, and on the third Sabbath 
in May of the same year the church commenced 
worship in Washington Hall. In 1849 an edifice 
was erected on the corner of Montgomery and Third 
Streets (now occupied by the First United Presbyterian 
society), and opened for public worship in the spring 
of 1850. In the fall of 1859 the society purchased a 
site on South Street and commenced the erection of 
the edifice which it now occupies. It is 52 by 90 feet, 
and is in the Roman style of architecture. The 
tower and spire are 175 feet high ; audience-room, 50 
by 72 feet in the clear ; height of ceiling, 32 feet. The 
audience-room has 156 pews, and will seat about 800. 
The lecture-room in the basement is 50 by 55 feet, and 
has 100 pews ; it was renovated in 1875. The cost of 
the building and lot was about $19,500. It is supplied 
with a baptistery and other modern appointments. It 
was dedicated on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 1860, on which 
occasion Dr. Hague, of New Yorlc, preached in the 
morning from Eph. iii. 19, and Dr. Gillette in the 
evening from Luke ii. 49. 

Second Baptist Church. — In the summer of 1860 
(Aug. 12th) Mr. John Hagan, Jr., opened a Sunday- 
school in what was known as tlie Crystal Palace build- 
ing, on the north side of Washington Street, and im- 
mediately thereafter a lot was procured on the oppo- 
site side of the street, and a small frame building 
erected at a cost of $700. This building was opened 
Sept. 1, 1860, under tlie name of the " Scott Mission 
School." In the fall of 1867 a larger building of brick 



wa^ erected at a cost of $5000, and was opened for 
service on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1868. Missionaries were 
employed by the First Baptist Church to labor in con- 
nection with this mission until June 10, 1871, when 
41 members were, at their own request, dismissed for 
the purpose of forming the Second Baptist Church, 
and on Sept. 6, 1871, that body was formally recog- 
nized by a Council as an .independent church. Rev. 
John Gray, who had acted as a missionary, was 
soon after called and ordained to the jiastorate, which 
office he filled up to the destruction of the building 
by fire, when the organization ceased. 

Methodist Episcopal Churches. — Methodism was in- 
troduced in Newburgh by Rev. Ezekiel Cooper in 
1786.* In 1788 there were seven " classes," or infor- 
mal societies, in the town, viz. : Samuel Fowler's at 
Middlehope, Elnathau Foster's at Newburgh Village, 
Munson Ward's at Fostertown, George Stanton's at 
Gardnertowu, Daniel Holmes' at Middlehope, and 
Luff" Smith's near Marlborough. In 1808 the "New- 
burgh," or " Elnathau Foster's class," as it was orig- 
inally called, was organized into a church under the 
title of the "Methodist Episcopal Church in the 
Parish of Newburgh." Its trustees were Morgan 
Cole, Lewis Carter, William Baker, Joseph Cole, 
and George Westlake. It continued to be supplied 
by circuit preachers until 1820, when Rev. Samuel 
Fowler, its first located pastor, was appointed to the 
charge. Since that time the following ministers have 
held the station, viz. : 1820, Samuel Fowler ; 1821-22, 
Tobias Spicer; 1823, William Jewett; 1824-25, John 
D. Moriarty ; 1826-27, Thomas Mason ; 1828-29, Rob- 
ert Seney ; 1830-31, Stephen L. Stillman ; 1832-33, 
James Covell ; 1834, William Thatcher; 1835-36, 
Seymour Landon ; 1837-38, John Kennedy; 1839-40, 
Robert Seney ; 1841-42, Edmund E. Griswold; 1843, 
Friend W. Smith ; 1844-45, Davis Stocking ; 1846-47, 
Zephaniah N. Lewis; 1848-49, John L. Gilder; 1850- 
51, Abiathar M. Osbon ; 1852-53, Charles B. Sing; 
1854-56, Luther W. Peck ; 1856-57, Edwin R. Keyes ; 
1858-59, John W. Beach; 1860-61, Charles Shelling; 
November, 1861, to April, 1862, John Parker; 1862, 
one year, M. D. C. Crawford ; 1863-66, George S. Hare ; 
1866-69, John Miley ; 1869-72, William P. Abbott ; 
1872-75, Andrew Longacre ; 1875, George S. Hare ; 
1878-79, DeLos Lull. 

The class from which the society sprung held its 
first meeting (1786) at the house of Elnathan Foster, 
which occuijicd the site on which the First Presby- 
terian Church edifice now stands. The old Lutheran 
church and the old clothing store-house were also 
used when the circuit preachers visited the station, 
and after the erection of the academy the services 
were held in the upper room of that building. Sub- 
sequently the old Mcintosh house was occupied. Im- 
mediately after the organization of the society it was 

* See Chapter XI. of genenll bistory for a more complete account of 

early history. 



318 



HISTOllY OF OKANGE COUj^T!, NEW YORK. 



resolved (June S, ISOS) to erect "a house of \vorshii>, 
45 by 35 feet," and Georjre Westlake and Morgan 
Cole were appointed to "circulate subscription papers, 
as well as to have tlie general direction in erecting 
the building." The sum of ^773 wjis subscribed for 
the purpose, and a lot on the corner of Gidney Avenue 
and Liberty Street was purchased from EInatlian 
Foster for a nominal consideration. The trustees 
note their tirst meeting in this building, which 
was called the " Brick Chapel," under date of 
Feb. IS, ISU.but it was undoubtedly occupied 
at an earlier period. Even then, however, the 
interior of the edilice was not finished, nor was 
it completed until ISIG or 1817. 

In 1833 (December 23d) the trustees of the 
church resolved to build " a new nieeting-luiuse, 
to be 50 by 02 feet, after the plan of the Wash- 
ington Street Jlethodist Episcopal Church, 
Brooklyn, capable of accomnunlating 100(1 per- 
sons." A suitable site wivs purchased on 
Second Street, and on July 29, 1834, the cor- 
ner-stone of the edifice was laid with appropri- 
ate ceremonies. The building wixs completed 
in ISoo, and was dcdicateil April 1st of that 
year. Its cost wjis.about .'^lO.OOO. It was erec- 
ted by Sylvanus Loud, builder, and Heury 



work. The corner-stone was laid Nov. 14, 1S(!0, by 
Bishop James. One year from that date ( Wednesday, 
Nov. 13, 18G1 ) the building was dedicated, in the usual 
form, by Bishop Simpson, of Indiana. It is in the de- 
corated style of the thirteenth century Gothic, and 
has a front on Liberty Street of 73 feet G inches by 
140 feet on Third Street. The chief features of the 
e.\terior consist of three towers with their entrances^ 
the transept, and the lecture-room 
front. The centre tower and spire 
rises to the height of 180 feet ; the 
side towers to tio feet. The interior 
dimensions are : Nave, 85 feet long 
by 62 feet wide ; transept, 78 feet 
long, terminating at the ends with 
large enriched windows. The ceil- 
ing of nave and transept is 40 feet, 
and is richly groined and ribbed. 
The auditorium contains 150 pews ; 
the lecture-room, on the second 
floor in the rear, will accommodate 
about 400 persons, and the class- 
rooms on the tirst floor are large 
and convenient. The cost of the 
building and lot was about $35,000. 
.Vn organ was added in Februarv. 




i 



TKISITY METHOPIST EriSlVlWI. 0111 KCII— ImU 



Veltman, mason. A parsonage on Montgomery Street 
was subsequently added to the property. In the spring 
of 1860 the society determined to build a new edi- 
fice, and for that purpose the trustees purchased a 
site on the corner of Liberty and Third Streets. 
Plans by K. Lockwood, architect, were adopted, and 
the contracts awarded to Little i*c Kelly, carpenters, 
John Little, masou, and Madden vt Fitzgerald, stone- 



1870, at a cost of S500ii. It only remains to add that 
the title of the church was changed from " First"to 
" Trinity" in 1871. The property of the church on 
Second Street was sold to private parties, and subse- 
quently converted into an opera-house. 

The original "■ Sanuicl Fowler's chtss" and the 
" Daniel Holmes' class" were organized into a church 
at Middlehope, Dec. 14, 1821, and Win. Smith, Daniel 



NEWBURGH. 



319 



Soliiies, Diivid Wyatt, (Hll)(rt HoIiir'.s, and Daniel 
Hcrritt were cU'ctcd trustees. Arranfrcments were 
(ion after made for erecting a church edifiee, whicli 
vas dedicated Dec. 29, 1822, under the name of "As- 
)ury Chapel." It has always been supplied by circuit 
ireachcrs, and is now associated with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Fostertown, the two churches 
ormin;; the "North Newburgh Circuit." Its building 
las undergone some slight architectural changes since 

Slid. 

In 1.S25 the " G(«rge Stanton's class" was organized 
nto a church, and (December 15th) Burroughs West- 
ake, Joshua Marston, David W. Gidney, Silas B. 
Tardner, and Robt. Lockwood were chosen " trustees 
)!' the Methodist Ki>iscoi)al Church at Gardnertown." 
\ house of worship was ereetc<l the next year, and 
vas dedicated November 20th. It remained in occu- 
lation until Nov. 24, 1858. The present edifice was 
roni plans by E. K. Shaw. It was erected in 1858, 
inder contract with Thomas Shaw & Sons, at a cost 
if i?27oO, and was dedicated November 24th. It is a 
imple Gothic chapel, accommodating about 400 per- 
lons. The society was for some years a.ssociated in a 
circuit with that at Little Britain. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rossville was 
irganized Oct. 8, 183(t, when Thomas Aderton, Alvah 
iV'aring, Wm. Penny, John Bushlield, Nehemiah Fow- 
er, Thomas Bushfield, and Gilbert Lockwood were 
dected trustees. The edifice now occupied by the 
lociety was erected in 1831. It is 30 by 42 feet, and 
:ost originally about $600. It was considerably im- 
sroved and refurnished and painted in 1876. The 
lociety cannot be satisfactorily traced to any of the 
iriginal classes. It is now associated with the Meth- 
)dist Episcopal Church at Pleasant Valley, Ulster 
Jo., in the support of a minister. The parsonage is 
it the latter place. 

December 31, 1833, the Munson Ward's class was 
)rganized as the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fos- 
ertowM, an<l David Wyatt, Jethro Allison, John F. 
^Villiams, .lacob Gillis, and Wm. S. Holmes were 
'lected trustees. In 1834 the building now occupied 
5y the society was erected, and was dedicated in Sep- 
ember of that year. Like its contemporaries of the 
)rimitive Methodistic era, it has been improved since 
ts original dedication, but ha-s no architectural claims. 

In addition to these original churches there are the 
'•Second (now »S'^ Jnhn's Church) and Grace Church, 
vhile for a few years there was St. Paul's, a German 
IJhurch. The first (St. John's) was organized through 
he instrumentality of Joseph Longking, Henry Cor- 
lell, and James Martin, who proposed to the trustees 
)f the First Methodist Episcopal Church (1851) that 
bat bo.dy should hire for the use of such a society the 
>uilding formerly occupied by the Second Presby- 
;crian Church, the applicants agreeing to pay the 
nterest on the debt then existing on that building 
or one year. The trustees, however, declined to take 
iny steps in the matter. After further consideration, 



and with the approval of the presiding elder of the 
district and of Rev. A. M. Osbon, the preacher sta- 
tioned in Newburgh, Mr. Longking and his associates 
determined to prosecute the enterprise, and in com- 
pliance with their request the presiding elder ap- 
pointed Rev. Aaron F. Palmer, a local deacon, 
preacher in charge until the ensuing session of the 
New York Conference. The society was formally 
organized on Sunday, May 23, 1852, at the residence 
of Mr. Cornell, at which time certificates of member- 
ship were received from seven persons. 

Previous to this time, however, arrangements had 
been made for the use of the Secf)nd Presbyterian 
Church edifice, and on the 9th of June following 
Henry Cornell, James Martin, John H. Waters, Nel- 
son Austin, and .Joseph Longking were unanimously 
elected trustees, and the articles of corporation were 
formed. At the annual session of the New York 
Conference for 1852, Rev. Ruftis C. Putney was ap- 
pointed to the charge. The church edifice was dedi- 
cated June 13tb, and on the 25th of that month the 
society had a membership of 129 persons, nearly all 
of whom had been previously connected with the 
First Church. 

The building which had been rented for the society 
at the time of its organization was purchased by its 
trustees in March, 1853, for $5000, which was prin- 
cipally paid by subscriptions, and at about the same 
time arrangements were made for erecting a par- 
sonage and also a building for lectures and class- 
meetings. These buildings were completed Sept. 12, 
1853,— the former at a cost of $2349, and the latter at 
$2109. The building was badly injured by fire in the 
fall of 1S73, and in the summer following was repaired 
and Tnaterially improved at a cost of about .'B70(l0. It 
was reopened for service in October, 1874, Bishop 
Peck conducting the exercises. In the spring of 1876 
the iiresent front of 36 feet with towers was added 
(from jilans by E. K. Shaw, architect) at a cost of 
$10,000. The edifice is now one of the most thoroughly 
modern in the city. The principal floor has seats for 
650 persons, and the Sunday-school gallery over the 
vestibule for 300. A recess in the rear of the pulpit 
accommodates the choir and organ, and was part of 
the improvements of 1874. 

The society adopted the title of "St. John's" at its 
reopening in 1874. The following have been its pas- 
tors : 1852-53, Ruftis C. Putney ; 1854-55, L. W. Wals- 
worth ; 1856-67, David Buck ; 1858-59, E. L. Prentice; 
1860-61, John P. Hermance ; 1862-63, Chas. S. Brown; 
1864, G. H. Gregory (three months) ; 1864-66, Thos. 
B. Smith; 1867-68, DeLos Lull; 1869-70, H. H. 
Birkius ; 1871-72, W. E. Clarke ; 1873-74, George H. 
Corey ; 1875-7C), L. H. King ; 1877-80, F. W. Hamlin. 

Grace Church is at West Newburgh, on Broadway. 
It was the outgrowth of the Second or St. John's 
Church, and especially of a mission Sunday-school 
established under its auspices in 1848. The society 
or school was legally organized in June, 1865, when 



320 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



P. S. Haines, James Harrison, C. H. Bond, Josejjh W. 
Bond, F. Klaproth, David Gibb, Charles Estabrook, 
John Haskins, and Charles L. Brown were elected 
trustees. The regular church organization, however, 
dates from April 25, 1868, when 30 members from the 
Second Church united for that purpose. The building 
of a church edifice was commenced in May, 186G, and 
the basement completed and occupied by the Sunday- 
school and by a free school, the latter under the charge 
of the Board of Education. The corner-stone was 
laid in the autumn of 1867, Rev. J. B. Wakely deliv- 
ering the address, and the edifice was completed under 
plans by J. D. Kelly, architect. It was dedicated 
Sept. 2, 1868, on which occasion the sermon was by 
Rev. Dr. Fletcher, from Mark ix. 18, 19. Dr. McAl- 
lister preached in the evening. Rev. Dr. A. M. Osbou, 
presiding elder, had principal charge of the exercises 
at both services. The structure is of brick, and in- 
cludes basement, auditorium, and choir gallery ; it is 
in neat but plain finish, and has seats for about 400 
persons. It is 35 by 61 feet; lot 66 by 105 feet, — the 
latter presented by Messrs. W. R. & C. L. Brown ; its 
cost was about .t!lO,000. A parsonage was added to 
the property in 1874 at a cost of $3500. Rev. Van 
Ness Traver (1868) was the first minister in charge. 
He was succeeded by Rev. D. W. C. Van Gaasbeck, 
the latter by Rev. Dr. Osbon, and the latter by Rev. 
W. S. Bouton. 

St. Paul's German Methodist Episcopal Church 
was the outgrowth of an effort to organize a German 
Reformed Church, for which latter purpose a meeting 
was held in the lecture-room of the Associate Re- 
formed Church on Sunday, Jan. 5, 1S68. The exer- 
cises were conducted by Rev. A. Rahn, and resulted 
in the constitution of a society (February 7th) under 
the title of " St. Paul's German Reformed Church." 
Mr. Rahn was elected pastor, and was installed on 
Sunday, March 29th, by Rev. Dr. Schaff. At a sub- 
sequent meeting the society resolved to unite with the 
Presbytery of North River, and it was duly received 
by that body under the title of " St. Paul's German 
Presbyterian Church." Soon after organization the 
society purchased a site on Johnston Street near 
Western Avenue for the erection of a church edifice, 
the corner-stone of which was laid September 10th, 
by the Masonic fraternity in Grand Lodge of Cere- 
mony. The building was completed and dedicated 
in the summer of 1869. Its cost, including lot, was 
about $12,000, and its capacity suflicient for the ac- 
commodation of about 400 persons. Mr. Rahn re- 
signed the charge, and was succeeded, in July, 1870, 
by Rev. E. Lubkort, who served as supply until Sep- 
tember following, when he was installed pastor, and 
continued in that relation until July 28, 1872. His 
resignation was mainly in consequence of a union 
which was effected in April of that year with the 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, under 
which it was agreed by the tru.stees of Trinity Church 
that that body would assume the mortgage debt of 



St. Paul's, amounting to about W500. The title of 
the society was then changed to " St. Paul's German 
Methodist Episcopal Church," and its pulpit supplied 
by the appointment of Rev. G. Myers. A subsequent 
board of trustees of Trinity Church refused to carry 
out the agreement which had been made, on the 
ground that the action which had been had was ille- 
gal, it not having been in compliance with a vote of 
the congregation. This conclusion compelled St. 
Paul's to submit to a sale of its property, under mort- 
gage foreclosure, in 1876. After a period of suspen- 
sion the society reorganized as a German Lutheran 
Church, repurchased its building, and is now under 
the pastorate of Rev. W. S. Buehler. 

Roman Catholic Churche!<. — St. Patrick's, the first 
Roman Catholic Church in the county, was organized 
in 1826. Previous to that time Newburgh was visited 
by itinerant Catholic priests, among whom was the 
Rev. Dr. Ffrench, who said mass, in 1817, at the house 
of Mr. Gilmore on Western Avenue. The attendants 
upon his ministrations, which were only occasional, 
were as follows, viz. : Mark Mclntyre, John Fitzpat- 
rick, Henry Gilmore, Daniel Devlin, Dennis McCool, 
Enos McAllister, Michael Bird, George McCahill, 
Charles Mackin, Owen McGahey, Patrick McGahey, 
and Thomas and Hugh Riley, and their families. 
At the time of the organization of St. Patrick's the 
number of Catholics in the town did not exceed 30, 
and mass was said every six months. Soon after this 
time the Rev. Philip O'Reilly was stationed on the 
Newburgh district, and said mass here once every 
month. In 1836 the Rev. Patrick Duffy was ap- 
pointed to the station, and for seventeen years re- 
mained Catholic pastor of Newburgh. He died in 
1853. After an interval of one year, during which 
time the church was ministered to by the Rev. Mr. 
Gallagher, the Rev. E. J. O'Reilly was appointed 
pastor, and served until June 1, 1867, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. E. S. Briady. Rev. Joseph F. 
Mooney is now in charge of the parish. 

The service of mass was first said in Mr. Gilmore's 
house, as already stated. Afterwards, and for a num- 
ber of years, the Mcintosh house was used by the 
congregation. In 1838 the preliminary steps were 
taken for the erection of a church edifice, and the 
site now occupied was purchased by subscriptions 
from resident Catholics, aided by outside collections 
and contributions from members of other denomina- 
tions. The building was completed and opened for 
service in December, 1842. Its value was then esti- 
mated at about $12,000. It was a stone structure, 
about 100 by 60 feet, with no architectural features. 
It wa-s neatly fitted up with pews and a small gallery, 
had an organ and two fine oil jjaintings about 14 by 
9 feet, representing the birth and the entombment of 
the Saviour, painted by Rembrandt Lockwood. 

In 1852 a field was purchased at the corner of First 
and Stone Streets, and a cemetery opened. In 1854 
a lot was purchased adjoining the church, and a pas- 



NEWBURGH. 



321 



torn] residence erected thereon, — the house and lot 
costing about $10,000. The year 1858 was signalized 
by the erection of a commodious school-house, situ- 
ated immediately west of the church, which was com- 
pleted and opened November 29th of that year. The 
school was instituted in 1850. In 1855 a library 
association was organized, and some 600 volumes 
collected. For four years, ending with August, 1860, 
this association published a very spirited monthly 
magazine, edited by the late John Ashhurst. A 
Sabbath-school and other organizations peculiar to 
the Catholic faith are also connected with the church. 

In 1860 the church made extensive alterations and 
additions to its house of worship, rendering it one of 
the finest ecclesiastical structures on the Hudson. 
Its plan is in the style known as the decorated Gothic 
of the thirteenth century. The building is cruciform, 
the front ornamented with pinnacles and parapets of 
rich crochet and quatrefoil work. A tower, sur- 
mounted by a spire of open tracery work, adorns the 
front. The windows are of heavy carved work and 
filled with richly-stained glass. The ceiling is arched \ 
and ribbed, and the finish throughout of the highest 
order. The plans were furnished by Rembrandt 
Lockwood, and the work executed under his direc- 
tion by J. Gill, mason, and Little & Kelly, carpenters. 
The following are the dimensions of the building, 
viz.: length, 150 feet; length of transept, 75 feet; 
front, 55 feet 3 inches ; height of ceiling, 29 feet ; 
spire, 135 feet. 

During Father Briady's administration the church 
edifice and the school-house were thoroughly repaired 
and refurnished and the parsonage rebuilt, the latter 
in 1869 at a cost of $13,000. In 1871 the property 
on Grand Street near Washington was purchased and 
improved at a cost of about $15,000, and opened (1872) 
as St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum, under the manage- 
ment of Sisters of Charity. It is now occupied in 
part for that purpose and in part by a select school 
for young ladies. In the spring of 1875 a plot of fif- 
teen acres near Muchattoes Hill was purchased for 
cemetery purposes at a cost of $7200. 

St. Mary's Church was organized in March, 1875, 
on the application of a number of members of St. 
Patrick's to Archbishop McCloskey, who granted 
an order dividing the original parish and constitut- 
ing from the northern part of its territory St. Mary's 
parish. Eev. M. J. Phelan, formerly of Port Ewen, 
was appointed pastor, and said his first mass in the 
parish on Easter Sunday, 1875, in the opera-house. 
Property was soon after purchased on Gidney Avenue 
and South Street for $20,000, and mass celebrated in 
the mansion on the premises. In May following a 
temporary frame building for church purposes was 
erected, costing $3500. In 1880 the building now oc- 
cupied by the church was erected at a cost of $25,000, 
including cost of organ. It was dedicated by Arch- 
bishop McCloskey on Sunday, October 3d. 

Embraced in St. Mary's parish is the Academy of 



Our Lady of Mercy (a branch convent of the Sisters 
of Mercy of New York), which was opened at Balm- 
ville in the summer of 1875. 

Unitarian. — The Church of Our Father was formed 
Feb. 21, 1859. On the last Sunday of July, 1867, 
Eev. William R. G. Mellen commenced Unitarian 
worship at the court-house with an audience of 25 in 
the morning and 30 in the afternoon. Subsequent 
services were held by Mr. Mellen and other preachers 
until Feb. 15, 1868, when the Rev. C. B. Webster was 
elected pastor. On July 7th following a Unitarian 
society was organized. A building-lot was soon after 
purchased at the corner of South and Johnston 
Streets at a cost of $3000, and in the summer of 1869 
a church edifice was erected at a cost of $12,300. 
This building is in the early Gothic style, of brick 
with bluestone borders and granite caps ; the roof is 
supported by iron pillars resting on brick piers. It 
is 40 feet by 60, and provides seats for 400 persons. 
A small pastor's room and a choir gallery are fur- 
nished in the rear. The dedication took place July 
17, 1870. Mr. Webster resigned the pastorate in 1871, 
and Rev. F. W. Holland became his successor in June 
of that year. Rev. James Huxtable succeeded Dr. 
Holland in 1878. The principal patrons and founders 
of the society were the late Josiah S. Young and the 
late John P. DeWint, the latter a resident of Fishkill. 

In addition to the societies already enumerated, the 
First Presbyterian Church maintains the Bethel Mis- 
sion on North Water Street, and the American Re- 
formed Church the Gleason Mission on Western 
Avenue. The Jews have a synagogue, — " Congrega- 
tion Beth Jacob," — of which David Fleishowr is 
rabbi. There are also two societies of colored people, 
— the Shiloh Baptist Church and the African Metho- 
dist Episcopal Zion Church. The latter has a neat 
edifice on Washington Street. 

COMPARATIVE STATISTICS. 



= >• »& g-s 1.- se 

Chuech. .• 3 » s a S a E c •■: .2 

s . ■3§' iS.<£Sg« = 

_ .. . fl855 1 $7,000 450 250 167 $700 

""P"" 11875 2 35,000 1300 600 402 3.300 

,. 1. J- . i:. ■ 1 ( 1866 6 22,400 3200 191)0 833 37B0 

Methodist Episcopal U^^^ g ,j^,^g ^^ ^^^ l,-,31t 7600 

J 1855 1 8,000 600 400 247 1000 

I resh.vtenan \lS^i 4 110,000 350 200(1 1215 9000 

_ , „ ... (1865 2 15,000 9l«) 600 4:11 2000 

Asso. Ref. Presbyterian | j^^j j ,||„|^, ^^ g,,,, ^r^ -^-^^^ 

. „ ... fl856 2 14,000 1200 480 250 1100 

Reformed Presbyterian jjg,- j .^,,i^^ ^^m 60ll 416 33(K1 

United Presbyterian 1875 1 8,000 475 30O 218 1500 

„...„. , (1855 1 15,000 750 600 ISO 1200 

Protestant l-piscopal jjg^j ^ ^^^^ jj,^ guy 547 ,(„^, 

Eef. Protestant Episcopal... 1875 1 7,000 30O 100 31g 1500 

. . „ , . (1865 1 15,000 600 250 180 800 

American Reformed |,g,j , jd^^j j^,,,,, g,„, j,,,, ;j,jf|Q, 

„ r- .1 ,■ (1866 1 15,0(K1 800 700 600 1000 

Konian Catliohc •! jg^j .^ ^yoo,, jj.m .,500 4000 28001 

Unitarian 1875 1 12,1X10 400 200 lOOg 1200 

RECAPITULATIO.V. 

„ . f, .. Attend- Conimu- o i«..-.,o 

Property. Capacity. ^^^.^ „i^.„,„^ Salaries. 

1855 $111,400 8,000 .5,180 2888 811,500 

1875 507,000 15,775 11,000 9113 41,700 

* Estimated. t 891 probationers in addition. 

X Additional from fees. § New. 



322 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
The theological seminary of the Associate Re- 
formed Church was the first institution of the kind 
in the United States. There were indeed Professors 
of Divinity (most of whom were connected with col- 
leges) who were accustomed to give lectures on the 
.science of theology to such students as pleased to at- 
tend ; but there was no institution expressly designed 
for the training of candidates for the ministry, and 
formally organized on an academic basis, in existence 
in this country previous to the erection of this semi- 
nary. 

The first steps towards its establishment were taken 
by the Associate Reformed Synod in 1796, on the 
suggestion of one of its youngest members, Mr. (after- 
wards Dr.) John M. Mason, of New York, then in the 
early dawn of his brilliant career. At the meeting 
of Synod in 1796 an act was adopted " concerning a 
Synodical Fund," the main object of which fund was 
to aid poor and pious youth in their studies for the 
niini.stry , and to maintain a Professorship of Theology. 
The church was snuill, the country was very poor in 
those days, and the growth of the fund was necessarily 
slow ; but the ideas thrown out by Dr. Mason had 
taken root in the minds of his brethren, and at the 
meeting of Synod in 1801 it was resolved, after much 
discussion, to erect a theological seminary on a pecu- 
liar jilan, and of a higher order than any " school of 
the prophets" then in being. Dr. Mason was sent to 
Great Britain to ask help from the churches of the 
Fatherland, and he obtained the handsome sum of 
$5500, which was chiefly expended in the purchase of 
a noble library. Dr. Mason returned in 1802, and 
was unanimously chosen to preside over the infant 
institution, which was at first located in New York, 
where it was opened in 1805. The number of students 
rapidly increased, and considering the size of the de- 
nomination, it continued to be comparatively large 
until the suspension of the seminary in 1821. This 
result was mainly owing to the failing health of Dr. 
Mason, which had compelled him to retire from a 
sphere in which he had spent the best years of his 
life, and to which he was enthusiastically devoted. 
By a vote of the General Synod of the church in 1822 
(which was judicially declared a few years afterwards 
to have been illegal), the library was transferred to 
the seminary at Princeton. 

The operations of the seminary were suspended 
until the summer of 1829, when the Associate Re- 
formed Synod of New York determined to resuscitate 
the institution and to locate it at Newburgh. The 
Rev. Joseph McCarrell, D.D., of Newburgh, was 
elected Professor of Theology, and the Rev. Drs. 
John McJimpsey, Alex. Proudfit, Robert Forrest, 
and D. 0. McLaren were chosen superintendents. 
During the following year the necessary steps were 
taken (after sundry fruitless appeals to the General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church) for the re- 
coverv of the library and funds removed to Princeton 



in 1822, and after a protracted lawsuit they were re- 
stored to their old owners. 

Another important movement was made in 1835, 
viz. : for the erection of a suitable edifice for the 
accommodation of the students and professors. For 
so small a body as the Synod of New York the under- 
taking was an almost herculean one. Money was 
collected from various sources, an admirable site 
covering thirteen acres of land was purchased, and a 
charter of incorporation was granted by the Legisla- 
ture of this State on May 25, 1836. The trustees 
named in the act were Hon. John Willard of Salem, 
Hon. William M. Oliver of Penn Yan, Hon. Archi- 
bald C. Niven and Alpheus Dimmick of Monticello, 
Hon. Robert Denniston of Salisbury, Hon. John W. 
Brown, D. W. Bate, and Daniel Farrington of New- 
burgh, James Waugh and William Wear of Little 
Britain, James D. Bull of Hami)tonburgh, and Ben- 
jamin Parker of Kortright. The foundation of the 
seminary wa.s laid in 1837, and the building was com- 
pleted in 1839 at a cost (including land) of about 
.$25,000. 

In 185S an organic union was effected between the 
Associate Presbyterian Church of North America and 
the Associate Reformed Church, under the title of 
the United Presbyterian Church. A few congrega- 
tions of the Associate Reformed Synod of New -York 
refused to enter into this union. These laid claim to 
the seminary, but by a suit at law it w-as decided 
that the property rightfully belonged to that portion 
of the Synod, the great majority, which had assented 
to the union. In 1865 the Associate Reformed Synod 
of New York, the legally recognized owners of the 
property, took measures, in co-operation with the 
United Presbyterian Synod of New York, for reopen- 
ing the institution, and elected as professors therein 
Rev. J. B. Dale, D.D., of Philadelphia, and James 
Harper of New York. On Oct. 2, 1867, accordingly, 
the building was opened again for the training of 
young men for the ministry, and now has students 
from nine or ten States. The number of bound vol- 
umes in the library is nearly 3600. The professors 
have been as follows : 

Systematic Theology. — Rev. John M. Mason, D.D., 
1805-21; Rev. Alex. Proudfit, D.D., 1820-21; Rev. 
Joiel* McCarrell, D.D., 1829-60; Rev. James Harper, 
D.D., 1867 — now professor. 

Biblical Literature.— Rev. James M. Matthews, 
1809-16; Rev. James Arbuckle, assistant, 1820-21; 
Rev. John Forsyth, Jr., 1837-45; Rev. David L. 
Proudfit, 1840-42; Rev. Robert Stewart, D.D., 1872 
— now professor. 

Church History, etc. — Rev. John Forsyth, D.D., 
1852-59; Rev. J. B. Dales, D.D., 1867— now pro- 
fessor. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Glebe School.— The first public school in New- 
burgh was that contemplated in the charter to the 
Glebe, and was known for many years as the Glebe 



NEWBURGH. 



323 



School. Tho time at which it was first opened cannot 
now be ascertained, but it was probal)ly soon after the 
settlement of the Rev. Hezekiah Watkins. Nor is it 
l)0ssible to determine who was the first schoolmaster. 
The offices of minister and schoolmaster, however, 
were not combined in one person, as has been gener- 
ally supposed. This is evident from the setting apart 
of a lot for the minister and another for the school- 
master, and the erection of dwellings thereon respec- 
tively, as well as from the books of the trustees of the 
(xlebe. During a portion of the time that Mr, Wat- 
kins held the oftice of minister a Mr. Palmer per- 
formed the duties of schoolmaster. In 1768, Lewis 
Donveur conducted the school ; in 1769, Joseph Penny ; 
and in 1773, Thomas Gregory. In 1774, John Nathan 
Hutchins was employed, and continued in the school 
until a short time prior to his death, which occurred 
in 1782. His successor was Richard King, who served 
from Sept. 18, 1782, until the settlement of the Rev. 
Mr. Spierin, in 1790. Mr. Spierin's engagement con- 
templated the combining of the two offices of minister 
and schoolmaster, and gave rise to difficulties which 
eventually terminated the jurisdiction of the Episco- 
pal Church over the Glebe. He resigned in 1793. 
The records of the trustees fail to show the name of 
Mr. Spierin's successor, or indeed that of any teacher 
for several years. It is probable, however, that the 
school was conducted in the academy from 1796 to 
1804, during which time the latter school was under 
the charge of the trustees of the Glebe. The "act to 
amend the charter of the Glebe," passed by the Legis- 
lature in 1803, directed that " the sum of $200 of the 
revenues arising from the Glebe" should be " paid 
annually to the trustees of the academy ;" and that 
" the remainder of the money arising from such 
annual income" should be "paid to the trustees 
<if the other schools which are, or may hereafter 
be, established on the Glebe," as the inhabitants 
should direct. The jurisdiction of the trustees of the 
Glebe being thus terminated, the old Glebe School 
ceased to exist. 

No division of the revenues fnmi the Glebe, as re- 
quired by the act of 1803, appears to have been made 
until 1809, when what was called " the juvenile school 
in old town" was established. This school was subse- 
quently known as the Glebe School, from the fact that 
the trustees of the Glebe were directed by the inhab- 
itants of the patent to pay to it that portion of reve- 
nues not appropriated to the academy. It also re- 
ceived one-half of the public money after the creation 
of the common school fund. It was conducted for 
several years by Ebenezer Adams, and for a few years 
prior to 1830 by John P. Tarbell. Mr. John Goodsell 
succeeded Mr. Tarbell, and continued the school until 
1846 or '47. 

The first building occupied by the school was that 
previously spoken of as the " schoolmaster's house." 
All the teachers appear to have occupied this building 
prior to 1774. Mr. Hutchins and Mr. King (the latter 



at least part of the time) held the school in the "par- 
sonage-house." In 1789 the trustees rented a house 
for the school from James Van Orsdall, and Mr. 
Spierin held it in a house which now forms part of 
the late residence of Charles F. V. Reeve. The school 
(under the title of "the juvenile school of old town") 
subsequently occupied the old Lutheran church, where 
it was continued down to 1846 or 1847, when it was 
removed to the academy. 

April 0, 1848, the Legislature passed an act to divide 
school district No. 13 and to erect No. 15. The law 
also directed the levying of a tax of $.5000 upon dis- 
trict No. 13, as it existed prior to the passage of the 
act, and that $3000 of the money so raised should be 
applied to the extinguishment of a debt on that dis- 
trict, and that the remainder should be expended in 
the erection of a school building in district No. 15. 
The trustees of the new district were also empowered 
to receive such portion of the Glebe moneys as the in- 
habitants should direct, and apply the same to the 
reduction of rate bills. 

The new district was immediately organized un<ler 
this law, and a site was selected and the erection of a 
school building commenced. Before the building was 
completed the inhabitants were called to determine 
what disposition should be made of the Glebe reve- 
nues beyond the amount directed by law to be paid to 
the trustees of the academy. The trustees of the Glebe 
at that time — viz. : John Bevridge, Samuel J. Far- 
num, and T. M. Niven — proposed that the unappro- 
priated balance should be devoted to the payment of 
scholarships in the academy ; but the suggestion was 
not favorably received, and at a public meeting held 
April 13, 1849, it was rejected. At the same meeting 
a resolution was adopted directing the trustees of the 
Glebe to pay to the trustees of school district No. 15 
whatever revenue might be derived from the Glebe 
" over and above the sum required by law to be paid 
to the academy." The resolution also declared that 
" the said district school No. 15 shall hereafter be 
known as the Glebe School," and this designation 
continued until tlie adoption of the present free school 
system. 

Newburgh Academi/. — The Newburgh Academy was 
erected in 1795-96. On the settlement of the Rev. 
Mr. Spierin, in 1790, he announced his intention to 
open " an academy for the instruction of youth in the 
Greek and Latin languages and the ditterent other 
branches of literature;" and with a view to encourage 
the establishment of a school of the character pro- 
posed, the trustees of the Glebe stated that " a sub- 
scription would be set on foot for the building of a 
convenient house for a seminary." In 1791 an eflbrt 
was made to carry this promise into efl'ect, and to that 
end an application was made to the Legislature for 
permission to establish a lottery, but for reasons al- 
ready stated the application failed. The trustees 
again took up the matter in 1795, and succeeded in 
completing the building in 1796. 



324 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 






Tlie institution continued under the charge of the 
trustees of the Glebe until 1804, when a meeting of 
the inhabitants of the patent was held (June 2d), at 
which the following persons were elected " trustees to 
take charge of the school in the academy," viz. : 
James Bate, Anthony Davis, William W. Sackett, 
Daniel Birdsall, James Coulter, William Ross, Rich- 
ard Hudson, Charles Clinton, and Edward Howell. 
In 1806 it was incorporated under the general statute 
of the State. The trustees named in the charter were 
Daniel Niven, James Scrinigeour, Daniel Birdsall, 
Jonas Storey, Abraham Schultz, David Fowler, John 
Johnston, John McAuley, John Brown, Hugh Spier, 
Derick Araerman, William Ross, and Daniel C. Ver- 
planck. 

The names of the first and of several of the succeed- 
ing teachers of the academy cannot now be ascer- 
tained. In 1799, Samuel Nicholson was principal, 
and John Gillespie was assistant ; 1802, James Law- 
remore, principal; 1803—1, Nathan H. White; 1805, 
Joel Cooper; 1806, Mr. Brackett ; 1807, R. W. Thomp- 
son ; 1809, Jabez Munsel. The more recent princi- 
pals were Luther Halsey, Rev. J. T. Halsey, E. C. 
Benedict, E. Burt, J. Stark, Edgar Perkins, Rev. Dr. 
Prime, and Rev. R. B. Hall. The school was especi- 
ally successfully conducted during the administrations 
of Mr. Halsey, Mr. Perkins, and Mr. Prime. 

The academy building is located on the west side of 
Montgomery Street, a short distance north from South 
Street. When it was erected only the principal floor 
was iinished for school purposes. In 1798 the courts 
of the county were directed by law to be held at New- 
burgh and at Goshen alternately, and for their ac- 
commodation the upper floor was finished. A stair- 
way was placed on the north side, and two jury-rooms, 
a hall, and court-room occupied the floor. Courts 
were held here from 1798 until 1843, or about forty- 
five years. The court-room was also used for public 
meetings ; the general and town elections were held 
there, and, as has been already shown, it was the 
cradle of several of the churches of the city. A few 
changes have since been made in the external ap- 
pearance of the building, as well as in its internal 
arrangement. It is now held by the Board of Educa- 
tion, and is occupied by the senior or academic de- 
partment of the public schools. 

Hiyli School. — This institution was incorporated 
April 23, 1829, and was constituted the common 
school for district No. 13, which then embraced the 
whole village of Newburgh. For the erection of a 
school building .f 1400 was raised by a tax on the in- 
habitants of the district, and $8600 by a loan which 
was divided into shares of $25 each. The building 
was completed and opened for scholars in February, 
1830, at which time John P. Tarbell and Miss Mary 
Ross were employed as teachers. The following per- 
sons composed the first board of trustees, viz. : Wil- 
liam M. Wiley, Edmund Sauxay, and James Belknap ; 
Thomas C. Ring, clerk, and David M. DuBois, col- 



lector. Orville M. Smith succeeded Mr. Tarbell in 
1834, and held the position of principal with great 
credit until the close of the December term in 1848, 
when he resigned. His successor, James P. Brown, 
served until March, 1852, when S. G. McLaughlin 
was a])pointed principal and held that position until 
the system of free schools was established and the old 
organization dissolved. The building was removed 
in 1872. 

Free Schools. — The movement which resulted in the 
adoption of the present free school system was com- 
menced in the spring of 1851, when, by the passage 
of the general free school law, the necessity of fur- 
nishing increased school accommodations was thrown 
upon the trustees of the several school districts. With 
a view to meet the requirements of the new system, 
and to extend the principle upon which it was founded 
beyond the provisions of the State law, so far as the 
village of Newburgh was concerned, Moses H. Belk- 
nap, Nelson Haight, and Robert Sterling, trustees of 
district No. 13, and John Beveridge, A. Gerald Hull, 
and Nathan Reeve, trustees of district No. 15, held a 
joint meeting in May and passed the following resolu- 
tion, viz. : 

" Iteiohefl. That the iahabitants of tlie village of Newburgh lie invited 
to attend a meeting, to be held at Washington Hall on Slonday evening, 
the 12th inst., to consider the propriety of applying to the next Legisla- 
ture for a law to unite the whole village in one district, — to make all 
schools in the district free schools, — the same to be under the charge of 
a Board of Kducatiou to be elected by the people, in manner similar to 
other cities and villages in the State." 

At the meeting held pursuant to this resolution 
Mr. Haight arid Mr. Reeve united in a report show- 
ing the necessity for increased school accommodations, 
and proposing a system of free schools and the estab- 
lishment of a free academy. The report was accepted, 
but definite action was postponed until the 23d, for 
the purpose of ascertaining the probability of secur- 
ing the co-operation of the trustees of the academy, 
with a view to make that institution the free academy 
suggested. Mr. Reeve then submitted the draft of a 
law for the purposes embi-aced in the report, which 
was referred to a committee for examination. 

The meeting held on the 23d adojited the plan pro- 
posed, and the trustees of the academy signified their 
willingness to unite in the movement. In this shape 
the subject remained until Feb. 27, 1852, when it was 
again considered at a public meeting and the law pre- 
pared in 1851 approved. On April 6th the "act to 
provide for the establishment of free schools in the 
village of Newburgh" passed the Legislature, and the 
academy, the high school, and the Glebe school ceased 
their separate organizations. 

The first election under the law of April 6th was 
held on the 3d of May, when John Bevridge, John J. 
Monell, Nathaniel Jones, Charles F. V. Reeve, George 
W. Kerr, D. G. Leonard, L. B. Gregory, Rev. John 
Brown, and Thomas C. Ring were chosen " trustees of 
common schools," and constituted " The Board of 
Education of the Village of Newburgh." The first 



NEWBURGH. 



S25 



meeting of the board was held May 12th, when its 
organization was completed by the election of John 
Bevridge president, and Nathaniel Jones clerk. 

The schools were soon after reorganized under what 
is known as the graded system. The academy was 
made the senior or highest department, and interme- 
diate and primary schools were opened in the high 
school and in the Glebe school. The accommoda- 
tions for the attendance of pupils were Soon after 
materially increa.sed by the erection of a commodious 
building on Washington Street; the Glebe school 
building was enlarged, and a building for a primary 
school fitted up adjoining the academy; a school for 
colored children, and a system of evening schools, 
were also established. Several changes have since 
been made. The senior department is now substan- 
tially academic, the intermediates are grammar 
schools, the grade of the primaries has been raised, 
and the colored school abolished. Three modern 
buildings have been erected, and two enlarged. Six 
buildings are now in occupation, with accommoda- 
tions for 3000 pupils.* The value of school property 
in 18G0 was $40,000 ; in 1875, $185,000. In addition 
to the free schools of the city, there are in the town 
fourteen school districts under the general school law 
of the State. A free school is also maintained by St. 
Patrick's Church, to which more extended reference 
has already been made. 

Private Schools. — Very creditable ])rivate schools 
have been conducted at different periods. The first 
of this class, with the exception of that opened by 
Mr. Spierin, was established by Rev. Jonathan Free- 
man and Silvanus Haight, April 17, 1802, under the 
title of Cliosophic Hall. It was a boarding and day 
school, and was held in the building now No. 169 
Montgomery Street. Miss Heffernan succeeded Mr. 
Freeman in 1804, and established the first purely 
female school. A private school conducted by Robert I 
Gardner about the same time attracted a fair patron- 
age. Mrs. DeVendel followed Miss Heffernan in 1820, 
and subsequently similar schools by the Misses Phil- 
lips, the Rev. Mr. Raymond, Mr. A. Barker, and 
others ; one of some note is now conducted by Miss 
Mackie. Joel Turrill, subsequently distinguished in 
politics in western New York, had a select school for 
young men in 1816. Rev. Saml. Phinney, Mr. Alza- 
mora, and M. L. Domanski had similar schools sub- 
sequently ; the latter was succeeded by H. S. Banks. 
A mixed school on Smith Street, known as the New- 
burgh Institute, was conducted for several years by 
John J. Brown. In 1858, Mr. W. N. Reid purchased 
the building erected in 1837 for a boarding-house in 
<?onnection with the academy, and established a board- 

* The South Street building was erected in 1866, and cost (Including 
furniture) S3o,830. The West Newburgli building was erected in 18G7, 
at a cost of $16,795.60. The Washington Street building was enlarged 
in 1860 and again in 1873, autl (with original expenditure) cost $25,639.36. 
The (irand Strei-t building was erected in 1872, at a cost of S)7,072.91. 
The Clinton Street school was enlarged in 1870, at a cost of S6738.92. 
The Library building cost $26,000. Total, $147,076.35. 



ing and day school, which he continued a few years. 
The most prominent of the private schools at the 
present time (1880) is that established by Prof. H. W. 
Siglar in 1863, and known as the " Newburgh Insti- 
tute." It occupies the stone school building erected 
some years since on the theological seminary prop- 
ty, and first occupied by Mr. Saunders. 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES. 

Ncwburtjli Library Association. — The Newburgh 
Library Association was organized December, 1835, 
by stock subscriptions. A. J. Downing, Abm. M. 
Smith, John W. Knevels, J. J. Monell, M. V. B. 
Fowler, D. G. Leonard, and Alfred Post were the first 
trustees. A. J. Downing, president; Alfred Post, 
treasurer; Charles U. Cushman, librarian. The first 
books held by the association were donated to it by 
individuals. Subsequently funds were raised by fairs. 
In 1838 a regatta for the benefit of the library yielded 
S300; and during the same year Abm. M. Smith, by 
will, gave 8500 to the association. It continued in 
existence until 1847, when it was united with the 
Mechanics' Library Association. 

Ncirburfjh Mechanics' Library Association. — This 
association was organized Nov. 27, 1838, by the joint 
exertions of a few individuals who felt deeply the 
necessity for an institution which should combine the 
advantages of a well-selected library with that of a 
debating society. A plan of organization having 
been agreed upon, a meeting of the mechanics of the 
village was called at Nicholson's Hotel, on Wednesday 
evening, December 5th. At this meeting, which was 
well attended, a constitution was adopted and officers 
for the association elected. 

The minutes ot the association date from Dec. 4, 
1839 ; hence the names of its first officers do not ap- 
pear. The officers elected in 1839 were as follows : 
President, Miles Warren ; Vice-Presidents, Charles 
U. Cushman, D. H. Barclay; Recording Secretary, 
John R. Wiltsie ; Corresponding Secretary, John 
Caughey ; Librarians, Robert Sterling, John Little, 
Jr. ; Treasurer, John B. Jamison ; Executive Com- 
mittee, Robert Sterling, John Filkins, E. G. Woolsey, 
C. S. Russell, James S. Young. 

March 29, 1842, the association was incorijorated, 
by an act of the Legislature, under the name of the 
" Newburgh Mechanics' Library Association," for the 
■' purpose of establishing and maintaining a library, 
reading-room, literary and scientific lectures, and 
other means of promoting the moral, intellectual, and 
mechanical improvement" of its members. 

The association established its first course of public 
lectures Jan. 5, 1846, and continued them annually 
until 1858. The library of the association was col- 
lected by the contribution of books, and by purchases 
made from the proceeds of several fairs. Sept. 23, 
1847, an arrangement was effected with the stock- 
holders of the Newburgh Library, by which the books 
and property of the association were transferred to 



326 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Mechanics'. This arrangement established a 
library of upwards of 3000 volumes, which was con- 
tinued until 1S6], when, public attention having been 
called to the subject in a series of articles in the Xeics, 
it was, by the unanimous concurrence of the members, 
united with the school library and the foundation of 
the present free library established. 

Newburgh Free Library. — By the act establishing 
the present system of free schools, the several school 
district libraries of the village were consolidated, and 
a single library established. The collection embraced 
some 2000 volumes, principally standard works. By 
subsequent purchases the number was increased to 
about 5000. In 1861 a union was effected with the 
Mechanics' Library Association, by which a material 
addition was secured, and in 1865, by an amendment 
to the free school law, the library thus formed became 
the Newburgh Free Library, with ])ower in the Board 
of Education to provide for its maintenance by tax. 
During the year 1860 a very neat library building was 
erected, on Grand Street, by the Board of Education, 
and was occupied until its removal in 1874. The 
present commodious building was erected in 1876. 

In addition to the public libraries named, there are 
in the town fourteen school district libraries; and the 
Sunday-school libraries of the several churches prob- 
ably embrace not less than 6000 volumes. The library j 
of the Theological Seminary, embracing some 3600 
volumes, is also located here. A small library in con- 
nection with St. Patrick's Church has been referred 
to elsewhere. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The present (1880) newspapers of the city are the 
yewburgh Register, daily and weekly, and the New- 
burgh Journal, daily and weekly. The history of 
their predecessors is embraced in the general history 
of the press of the county. 

LITERARY, RELIGIOUS, AND BENEVOLENT SOCIE- 
TIES. 

Newburgh Lyceum of the Natural Sciences. — This 
society was organized Sept. 7, 1824, and had an active ' 
existence for several years. Its officers were as 
follows: President, William Ross; Vice-Presidents, 
David R. Arnell, Albert Christie, A. M. Smith, S. R. 
Betts, David Fowler ; Corresponding Secretaries, Jas. 
R. Wilson, Luther Halsey, Jr. ; Treasurer, William 
Seymour ; Curators, John T. Halsey, John Johnston, 
George Gordon. 

Newburgh Lyceum Association. — The first meeting 
in reference to the organization of the Newburgh 
Lyceum was held in the high school on the evening 
of Dec. 18, 1837, when a committee, of which Rev. 
Dr. Johnston was chairman, was appointed to confer ' 
with leading citizens on the subject. At a meeting 
held on the evening of the 20th, Dr. Johnston made 
a favorable report. A constitution and by-laws were 
.submitted by S. W. Eager, N. S. Prime, J. W. Knevels, 
Samuel Phinney, A. J. Downing, Victor M. Watkins, 



James H. Perry, A. B. Belknap, and John J. Monell, 
committee, which was adopted. The first lecture be- 
fore the a.ssociation was delivered by Rev. N. S. Prime, 
Dec. 27, 1837. An annual course was maintained 
until 1844 or 1845. 

Nrirburgh Historical Society. — This society was or- 
ganized in February, 1845, by Rev. John Forsyth, 
Rev. A. B. Van Zandt, Samuel W. Eager, Peter F. 
Hunn, G. C. Monell, A. J. Prime, M. Stevenson, and 
other gentlemen. At its first meeting Rev. Dr. For- 
syth was elected president ; Dr. A. J. Prime, secre- 
tary ; and Dr. M. Stevenson, S. W. Eager, and P. F. 
Hunn, curators. The society had an active existence 
for about two years, during which time a considerable 
collection of manuscripts, coins, minerals, etc., was 
made, now mainly |jrcserved at Washington's head- 
quarters. 

Young Men's Afutua/ Lnprovement Society. — This so- 
ciety was organized Nov. 20, 1840, by David C. Ring- 
land, Jno. K. Lawson, Cieo. W. Clarke, and other 
young men, who took an interest in it, but were de- 
barred from participation in the debates instituted by 
the Mechanics' Library Association. The society at- 
tained considerable strength and accumulated a library 
of about 600 volumes, but after a year or two disbanded 
and transferred its books to the Mechanics. 

Newburgh Sabbath-School Society. — This society was 
formed in 1816. It was one of the first agencies em- 
ployed to awaken an interest in Sabbath-schools, and 
to promote their establishment in connection with the 
several churches. A union Sabbath-school was con- 
ducted for several yeai-s under its auspices in the 
session-room of the First Presbyterian church. The 
society continued in existence until the object had 
in view by its founders was accomplished. 

Newburgh Bible Society. — This society was organized 
Sept. 0, 1818, at a meeting held in the First Presby- 
terian church, W'hen a constitution was adopted and 
the following officers elected, viz. : Jonas Storey, 
president ; Isaac Belknap and Jos. Clark, vice-presi- 
dents ; Rev. John Johnston, corresponding secretary; 
Charles Miller, recording secretary; Benj. F. Lewis, 
treasurer. It still has an active existence. 

Newburgh Mission Society. — The Newburgh Mission 
Society, for " aiding missions in tlie ])ropagation of 
the gospel," was organized in 1823, and continued in 
existence for several years. 

Young Men's Chrintian Association. — The first asso- 
ciation of this character was organized Sept. 15, 1858, 
Arthur Potts, president. The present association is 
its successor. 

Newburgh Home for the Friendless. — This institution 
was organized in the autumn of 1861, at a meeting of 
ladies connected with the several churches, under the 
title of the Newburgh Union Female Guardian So- 
ciety. At the meeting of the Legislature in 1862 the 
society was incorporated by special act under the 
title which it now bears!^ Its object is to provide a 
home for "friendless or destitute girls under fourteen 



NEWBUllGH. 



327 



and over three years of age, and boys under ten and 
over three years, until permanent homes can be se- 
cured for them by adoption or otherwise." The 
Home was organized in tlie building on the northwest 
corner of Grand and Clinton Streets. In 1864 the 
academy boanling-honse building was purchased, and 
has since been devoted to that purpose. Its cost was 
about $8700, which was principally obtained from 
subscriptions. In 1866, from constitution as residuary 
legatee of Lewis Jennings, a fund of $13,097.77 was 
secured, the income from which, with the addition of 
subscriptions, has hitherto been sufficient to meet the 
annual expenditures. 

Sf. Lute's Home and Hospital. — This institution was 
formally organized by the adoption of constitution, 
Nov. 4, 1874. The firet board of managers was elected 
on the 11th of the same month, viz. : Mrs. Haslit Mc- 
Kim, president; Mrs. Smith Ely, vice-president ; Mrs. 
John L. Rogers, secretary ; Miss .Tulia E. LeRoy, treas- 
urer. Soon after organization a house was leased on 
DuBois Street, and has since been occupied. The ob- 
ject of the institution is "to provide a home for the 
aged, the indigent, and the infirm, and a hospital for 
the sick." 

New England Society. — This society was organized 
February, 1867 (Daniel B. St. John, president), and 
has since held annual festivals. 

MfMonic. — The first Masonic lodge in this section of 
the State was called American Union Lodge. It was 
organized under a traveling dispensation, and usually 
accompanied the headquarters of the ariliy. The first 
located lodge in Newburgh was Steuben Lodge, No. 
18. Its history, as well as that of its immediate suc- 
cessor, has been given elsewhere. In 1853 (June 
11th) Newburgh Lodge, No. 309, was constituted; 
Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, was constituted June 
11, 1866 ; Highland Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M., Feb. 
10, 1864; King Solomoa's Council, No. 31, Feb. 4, 
1868; Hudson River Comraandery, K. T., Sept. 27, 
1865 ; Adonai Grand Lodge of Perfection, 1872. 

Odd-Felloirs. — The following are the organizations 
of this order, viz. : Highland Lodge, No. 65, instituted 
1842; Bismarck Lodge, No. 420 (German); Acme 
Lodge, No. 469; Mount Olive Encampment, No. 69; 
Daughters of Rebecca, Van Nort Degree, No. 12. 

Temperance Societies. — Three divisions of the Sons 
of Temperance — viz. : Orange, Quassaick, and Frater- 
nal — were organized prior to 1858 ; also, Avoca Tent of 
Rechabites, a .social union of the order introduced by 
Col. E. L. Snow ; a section of the Cadets of Temper- 
ance ; and a tent of Good Templars. They all failed 
after a few years' continuance, and their places are 
now supplied by Mission Lodge, No. 639, Newburgh 
Lodge, No. 282, Union Lodge, No. 114, and Orange 
County Lodge, No. 38, Good Templars; St. Patrick's 
T. A. B. Society, and St. Mary's T. A. B. Society. 

Benevolent Societies. — O'Connell Benevolent Asso- 
ciation, Newburgh Branch of American Society for 
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Newburgh Bible 



Depository, Newburgh Society for Improving the 
Condition of the Poor. 

Jewish Societies. — Eliezer Lodge, No. 115, 1. 0. B. B. ; 
Maccabee Lodge, No. 22, A. I. O. K. S. B. 

Orand Armi/.— Post Ellis, No. 52, G. A. R. 

MusiciiL — German Manner-Chorand the Newburgh 
Choral Society, the latter organized April, 1877. 

Knights of Pythias. — Storm-King Lodge, No. 11. 

United Americans. — Newburgh Council, No. 58. 

Tiirn-Verein. — Newburgh Turn-Verein (German). 

Xrwburr/h Bay Horticultural Society. — Organized 
February, 1862. (See Horticultural Society.) 

CEMETERIES. 
The oldest cemetery is that generally known as " The 
Old Town Cemetery," on Grand Street in the city. 
It was probably used by the Palatine settlers from the 
time of the erection on a part of the plot of the first 
church (the Lutheran). The cemeteries at Middle- 
hope and Gardnertown are next in the order of time, 
St. George's the fourth, St. Patrick's the fifth, Big 
Rock the .sixth, Woodlawn the seventh, and Cedar 
Hill the eighth. Big Rock has been practically aban- 
doned and the remains therein removed to Woodlawn, 
which, though a Newburgh undertaking, is located in 
New Windsor. St. George's is under the charge of 
St. George's Episcopal Church, and St. Patrick's is 
under the charge of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic 
Church. Cedar Hill Cemetery is at North New- 
burgh. 



XVI.-CIVIL LIST. 
PRECINCT AXD TOWN OFFICERS. 

1763. — Samuel Sanrts, clerk; Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck, supervisor; 
Richard Barker, Jesse "Windfield, Samuel Wiatt, assessors; David 
Gidney, constable; Henry Smith, collector; Joseph Gidney, Benja- 
min Woolsey, poor-mastera ; John McCrary, John Wandal, Burras 
Holmes, Isaac Fowler, Humphrey Merritt, path-masters; Nathan 
Purdy, Isaac Fowler, fence-viewei-s and appraisers of damages. 

1764. — Samuel Sande, clerk ; Lewis DilBois, supervisor; Nehemiah Den- 
ton, Henry Tarbush, Peter Ostrander, assessors; Samuel Winslow, 
constable and collector; Daniel Thurston, Michael Demott, poor- 
masters; Cornelius Wood, Martin Weygant, Leonard Smith, Ileury 
Smith, Sr., Gilbert Denton, Edward Hallock, Benjamin Carpenter, 
path-masters; Samuel Sprague, Henry Smith, Jehiel Clark, David 
Purdy, Isaac Fowler, pound-masters. 

1778. — The town officers subscribed the following oath : "We do, that is 
we, the subscribers, solemnly swear and declare, in the presence of 
.\lmighty God, that we will bear true faith and allegiance to the 
Stiite of New York, as a free and independent State ; and that we 
will in all things, to the best of our knowledge and ability, do our 
duty as good subjects of the said State ought to do, — so help us God.'* 
.Signed — Thomas Palmer, Isaac Belknap, Joseph Coleman, Jacob 
Lawrence, Cornelius Hasbiouck, Benjamin Birdsall, David Hand- 
more, Samuel Stratton. 

1785, — Benjamin Birdsall. moderator; Daniel Birdsall, clerk; Thomas 
Palmer, supervisor; Eichard Wood, constable ; John Belknap, secu- 
rity; Joseph Bloomer and John Gerow, evidences; John Belknap, 
Samuel Stratton, Reuben Tooker, Josejih Coleman, Robert Ross, 
assessors; Daniel Hudson, Benjamin Birdsall, poor-masters; Capt. 
Isaac Fowler, Isaac Fowler, Jr., Joseph Sherwood, William Codding- 
ton, John Fowler, commissioners of roads; Martin Weygant, David 
Gue, David Belknap, Arthur Smith, pound-masters; Martin Wey- 
gant, Abel Belknap, William Lawrence, committee to settle with 
overseers of poor; John Robinson, Abel Belknap, Robert Waugh, 
George Gardner, Robert Carscadijen, Maj. Pettingale, Silas Gardner, 
James Lyons, Samuel Giiggs, Theophilus Mushier, Samuel Divine, 



328 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW. YORK. 



Willitim Coiikling, Arthur Sinitli, Johannes Cosnian, Johannes 
Suyiler. .lolin Stratton, John Thomas, William Cope, George Merritt, 
John KnifTon. iiath-uiastei"«. 

TOWN SUPERVISORS. 

1763, Jonathan llasbnmck ; 17G4, Lewis DuBois; 1765, John Waudal ; 
1766, Benjannti Carpenter; 1767, Lewis DuBois; 1768, Kdwaril Hal- 
lock ; 1760-71, Latting Carpenter; 1772, Jonathan Hasbiouck ; 1773, 
John Flewwelliug; 1774, Samuel Fowler; 1775, Wolvert Acker; 
1776, Morris Flewwelling: 1777-80, Wolvert Acker; 1781-86, Thos. 
Palmer; 1787-88, John Robinson; 1789, Isaac Fowler. Jr. ; 1790-91, 
John Robinson; 1792-95, Isaac Fowler; 1796-1S07, Reuben Tooker; 
1808, Isaac Belknap, Jr.; 1809-10, William Ross; 1:^11, Jonathan 
risk ; 1812-18, Leonard Smith ; 1819-20, Daniel Tooker ; 1822, Leon- 
ard Smith; 1823, William Wear, Jr.; 1824-31, William Walsh ; 1832 
-33, Robert Lawson; 1834, William Walsh; 1835-36, James G. Clin- 
ton ; 1837, Daniel Tooker ; 1838, David W. Bate; 1839, Jackson Oak- 
ley ; 1840-44, David W. Bate; 1842, John W.Brown ; 1843^6, David 
W Bate; 1847-49, Odell S. Hathaway; 1850, Enoch Carter; 1851, 
Odell S. Hathaway ; 1852, Enoch Carter; 1853, Samuel J, Farnum; 
1854, Henry Walsh; 1855, Stephen W. Fulleiton; 1856, Odell S. 
Hathaway; 1857, Albert Noe ; 1858, Enoch Carter; 1S59-60, Albert 
Noe; 1861-63, Odell S. Hathaway; 1864, William H. Beede; 1865, 
(Jeo. W. Underbill; 1866, C. Gilbert Fowler; 1867-70, Nathaniel 
Barnes, Jr. ; 1871-76, John W. Bushfield; 1878-80, Henry P. Clau- 
son. 

CITY SUPERVISORS. 

1866, James R. Dickson, Ezra Farringtou, John C. Adams, Jackson Oak- 
ley; 1867, Chancey M. Leonard, Ezra Farriiigton, James E. Horton, 
Jackson Oakley; 1868, James R. Diikeon, Ezra Farrington, James 

E. Horton, Jackson Oakley ; 1869, Patrick Brennan. George Lawson, 
William G. Straclian, Lewis C. Vernol ; 1870, Patrick Brennan, 
George Lawson, James B. Beveridge, Lewis C. Vernol ; 1871, Patrick 
Brennan, Henry F. Travis, Alexamler Leslie, Jackson Oakley; 1872, 
Patrick Brennan, Andrew Johnson, Daniel S. Waring, Jackson Oak- 
ley ; 1873, Patrick Brennan, Andrew Johnson, Isaac C. Chapman, 
David D. Leon ; 1874, Patrick Brennan, Andrew Johnson, Daniel S. 
Waring, Daviil D. Leon; 1875, Patrick Brennan, H. M. Ilireliberg, 
Daniel S. Waring, Jolm Miller; 1876, Patrick Brennan, Jacob 
Tremper,* Daniel S. Waring, John Miller; 1877, Patrick Brennan, 
Alexander Withers, Daniel S. Waring, Jolm Miller; 187S, Patrick 
Brennan, Ale.\. J. Withers, Daniel S. Waring, George Moshier ; 
1879, Jonathan Taylor, John A. Mason, Dai.it-l S. Waring, George 
Moshier. 

COMMISSIONERS OF ALMSHOl SK f 
1853.— Davi.l W. Bate, president; David H. Barclay, Thom.is M. Roe, C. 

F. Belknap, S. W. FuUerton. L. B. Gregory ; W. C. MilK-i', sn| crin- 
tendent (serveil utitil 1S67). 

1854.— David W. Bate, president ; Henry Wyckoif, David H. Barclay, S. 
W. Fnllerton, E. A. Brewster, Alfred Post. 

1855. — Henry Wyckoff, president ; David H. Barclay, Tliomas H. Roe, 
C. F. Belknap, S. W Fullerton, L. B. Gregiuy. 

1856.— C.F. Belknap, president; Thomas H. Roe, L. B. Gregory, S. W. 
Fullerton, Isaac Wood, Sr. 

1857. — Thomas H. Roe, president ; Oliver Belknap, L. B. Gregory, Enoch 
Carter, Isaac Wood, Sr. 

1858. — Thomas George, president; Enoch Carter, James Belknap, Isaac 
Wood, Sr., James H. Mallery, Oliver Belknap. 

1859. — Tliomas George, president; Oliver Belknap, James Belknap, 
Enoch Carter, George C. Spencer, William H. Beede. 

1860. — Thomas George, president; James Belknap, George C.Spencer, 
William H. Beede, Enoch Carter, Charles S. Lockwood. 

1861.- Thomas George, president; Enoch Carter, William U. Beede, 
George C. Spencer, Charles S. Lockwood, Ezra Farrington. 

1862. — Thomas George, president; Enoch Carter, Ezra Farrington, Chas. 
S. Lockwood, William H. Beede, David E. Fowler. 

1863.— Thomas George, Enoch Carter, Ezra Farrington, Charles S. Lock- 
wood, William II. Beede, David E. Fowler. 

1864. — Thomas George, Enoch Carter, George Clark, Charles S. Lock- 
wood, Ezra Farrington, William H. Beede. 

1865.— Charles S. Lockwood, Ezra Farrington, Tliomas George, George 
Clark, Enoch Carter, AVilliam H. Beede. 



* Died. Gen. W.R. Brown appointed. 

f Under the act "for the better support of the poor of the Town of 
Newburgh," passed March 23, 185^, and the act incorporating the city 
of Newburgh, passed April 22, 1865. 



1866. — Ezra Farrington, Thomas George, George Clark, Enoch Carter, 
John Little, Chancey M. Leonard. 

1867. — Ezra Farrington, Thomas George, John Little, Chancey M. Leon- 
ard— ciiy; John S. Purdy,I. Belknap — town. L. I. Wynans, super- 
intendent. 

1868.— Cornelius McLean, William C. Noble, Ezra Farrington, William 
L. F. Warren— city; John S. Purdy, Wm. H. Beede— town. Mac- 
Leod Rogers, superintendent. 

1869.— Cornelius McLean, William C. Noble, Ezra Farrington, W. L. F. 
Warren — city; John H. Bond, John S. Purdy — town. 

1870.— Ezra Farrington, Enoch Carter, Cornelius McLean, Wm. L. F. 
Warren — city; John H. Bond, John S. Purdy — town. 

1871. — Enoch Carter, Cornelius McLean, Wm. E. Smiley, L. B. Halsey — 
city ; Jolui H. Bond, John S. Purdy — town. 

1872.— William E. Smiley, David F. B. Coreon, Cornelius McLean, L. B. 
Halsey — city; John II. Bond, John S. Purdy — town. 

1873. — David Carson, president; L. B. Halsey, Cornelius McLean, W^m. 
E. Smiley — city ; John H. Bond, Wm. D. Barns, Jr.— town. Wm.H. 
June, superintendent. 

1874— Thomas S. McAlles, David Carlson, John L. Sloat, Gavin R. Mc- 
Gregor — city ; John H. Bond, Wm. D. Barns — town. 

1875. — Thomas S. McAllee, president: David Carson, John L. Sloat, Gavin 
R. McGregor — city; John Birdsall, Wm. 1>. Barns — town. 

1876. — Thomas S. McAlles.J president ; Jtdiu L. Sloat, Thomas J. Bannon, 
Gavin R. McGregor — city; John Birdsall, Wm. D. Barns — town, 

1877. — John L. Sloat, president; Gavin R. McGregor, Thomas J. Bannon, 
James W. Taylor — city; John Birdsall, Wm D. Barns — town. 

1878. — William D. Barns, president; Gavin R. McGregor, Thomas J. 
Banuoii, James W. Taylor, Charles J. Lawson — uity ; John Birdsall, 
Wm. D. Barns, town. 

1879. — James W'. Taylor, president; James W.Taylor, Charles J. Lawson, 
Gavin R. McGregor, Thomas J. Bannon — city; John Birdsall, Alex. 
Beattie, town. 

VILLAGE AND CITY OFFICERS. 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

1804.— Hugh Walsh, George Mo n ell, Jacob Powell, William H. Smith, 

Hugh Spier, John Mandevill, Solomon Sleight. George Monell, 

president. 
IS05.— George Monell, Charles Clinton, Hugh Walsh, Hugh Spier, Jacob 

Powell, Solomon Sleight, John Mandevill. Geo. Monell, president. 
1806. — Isaac Belknap, Jr., Leonard Carpenter, John Mandevill, Samuel 

Downing, John Anderson, Jr., Jonathan Hedges, Alex. Denuislon. 

Isaac Belknap, Jr., president, Charles Clinton, clerk. 
1807.— Hiram Weller, George Monell, Jacob Powell, John McAuley, 

Daniel Stringham, Hugh Spier, William Taylor. George Monell, 

president. William Taylor, clerk. 
1808.— George Monell, Hiram Weller, John McAuley, William Taylor, 

Jacob Powell, Daniel Stringham, Hugh Spier. George Monell, 

president. William Taylor, clerk. 
1809.— Jacob Powell, Edmund Giiswold, Jonathan Hedges, Hugh Spier, 

Selah Reeve, George Monell, William Ross. George Monell, presi- 
dent. Wm. Ross, clerk. 
1810. — Jacob Powell, Selah Reeve, Jonathan Fiek, John D. Lawson, John 

Mandevill, James Hamilton, John Chambers. James Hamilton, 

president. Aaron Belknap, clerk. 
1811.— Jacob Powell, George Monell, Seth Belknap, Jonathan Fisk, 

Isaac Belknap, Jr., William H. Smith, John Chambers. Jonathan 

Fisk, president. Aaron Belknap, clerk. 
1812.— Jonathan Fisk, Seth Belknap, Jacob Powell, George Monell, 

John Chambers, John Harris, Cadwallader Roe. Jonathan Fisk, 

president. Aaron Belknap, clerk. 
1813.— Walter Case, Jacob Powell, John Harris, John Chambers, Leonard 

Carpenter, James Hamilton, John D. Lawson. Walter Case, presi- 
dent. Aaron Belknap, clerk. 
1814.— Walter Case, Jacob Powell, John Chambers, John D. Lawson, 

John Harris, Leonard Carpenter, William Rosa. Walter Case, presi- 
dent. Aaron Belknap, clerk. 
1815.— Walter Case, Jacob Powell, John Chambers, John Harris, John 

D. Lawson, Leonard Carpenter, Solomon Sleight. Walter Case, 

president. David W. Bate, clerk. 
1816.— Isaac Belknap, Francis Crawford, John Anderson, Jr., Jonathan 

Carter, Levi Dodge, Samuel Downing, Henry Walsh. Francis 

Crawford, president. Nathan C. Sayre, clerk. 



X Died in December. James W. Taylor appointed to fill vacancy. 



NEW BURGH. 



329 



1817.— Francis Crawford, Thomtis Phillips, Jr., Benoni H. Howell,* Isaac 
Belknap, John Anderaou, Jr., William Walsli, Samuel Downing. 
Francis Crawford, president. M. R. Griewold, clerk. 
1818. — Francis Crawford, Thomas Phillips, Jr., Benjamin Case, Jr., 
Selah Keeve, William L. Smith, Jacob Carpenter, Jonathan Hedges. 
Selah Keeve, president, M. U. Giis\Yold, clerk.f 
1819.— Selah Reeve, Thomas Phillips, Jr., William L.Smith, Jonathan 
Hedges, Siiniuel Williams, Wni. Seymour, Isaac Belknap. Selah 
Reeve, president. M. K. Giiswold, clerk. 
1820.— Selah Reeve, Isaac Belknap, Thomas Phillips, Jr., Samuel Wil- 
liams, Jonathan Hedges, Wm. Seymour, Wm. L. Smith. Selah 
Reeve, president. M. R. Gri-swold, clerk. 
1821.— Sehih Reeve, Jonathan Hedges, Samuel Williams, Thomas Phillips, 
Jr.. Isaac Belknap, Wm. L. Smith, Francis Crawford. Selah Reeve, 
president. John W. Brown, clerk. 
1822. — Francis Crawford, Samuel Williams, Isaac Belknap, Thomas 
Phillips, Jr., W' m. L. .Smith, Alex. Falls, Jonathan Hedges. Francis 
Crawford, president. John W. Brown, clerk. 
1S23.— Francis Crawford, Isaac Belknap, Wm. L. Smith, Saml. Williams, 
ThoB. Phillips, Jr., John Foi-syth, Alex. Falls. Francis Crawford, 
president. John W. Brown, clerk. 
1824.— Francis Crawford, Samuel Williams, Isaac Belknap, Wm. L, Smith, 
TlioB. Phillips, Jr., John Forsyth, Alex. Falls. Francis Crawford, 
president. John W. Brown, clerk. 
1823. — Francis Crawford, president; Isaac Belknap, John Forsyth, Sam- 
uel Williams, Thom«s Phillips, Jr., William L. Smith, William 
Walsli. John W. Brown, clerk. 
1826. — William Walsh, Samviel Williams, John Forsyth, John Ledyard, 
EoViert Lawson, Ward M. Gazlay, Thomas Phillips, Jr. William 
Walsh, president. Benj. H. Mace, clerk. 
1827. — William Walsh, Robert Lawson, Saml. Williams, John Ledyard, 
John Forsyth, Thos. Phillips, Jr., Joseph Hoflman. William Walsh, 
president. Benj. H. Mace, clerk. 
1828. — William WaUh, Samuel Williams, Robert Lawson, John Ledyard, 
John Forsyth, Joseph Hoffman, Selah Reeve. Robert Lawson, pres- 
ident. B. U. Mace, clerk. 
1829. — Selah Reeve, Samuel Williams, Joseph Hoffman, William Walsh, 
John Ledyard, David Sands, Samuel G. Suedeu. Saml. Williams, 
president. B. H. Mace, clerk. 
1830. — John Ledyard, president; Charles A. Johnes, Jackson Oakley, 
David Sands, David Crawford, Robert Kelley, Benjamin Carpenter. 
William B. Wright, clerk. 
1831.— Jackson Oakley, president; Robert Lawson, Benjamin Carpenter, 
Samuel Williams, David Crawford, Aaron Noyes, Moses H.Belknap. 
Alex. C. Mulliuer, clerk {served until ISIio). 
1832. — Moses H. Belknap, president, Robert Lawson, Benjamin Car- 
penter, Samuel Williams, David Crawford, Aaron Noyes, Jackson 
Oakley. 
1833. — Moses H. Belknap, president ; Robert Lawson, Benjamin Car- 
penter, Samuel Williams, David Crawford, Aaron Noyes, Jackson 
Oakley. 
1834. — Moses H. Belknap, president; Sanmel WUliams, Benjamin Car- 
penter, Christopher Reeve, David Crawford, Eli Hasbrouck, Jackson 
Oakley. 
1835.— John Ledyard, president; Minard Harris, William C. Hatbrouck, 
Samuel Johnson, John Jamison. Samuel J. Farnum, Aaron Noyes. 
Horace Armstrong, clerk (served until 18:t8). 
1836. — John Ledyard, president; Minard Harris, William C. Hasbrouck, 

Samuel Johnson, George Reeve, Samuel J. Farnum, Aarou Noyes. 
1837. — John Ledyard, president; Samuel J. Farnum, William C. Has- 
brouck, Benjamin Carpenter, Jackson Oakley, David Crawford, 
Christopher Reeve. 
1838. — Moses H. Belknap, president; Samuel J. Farnum, William C. 



* Resigned, but resignation not accepted. 

fTlie following singular oath was taken by Griswold on enteringupon 
his duties: 

"I, Marvin R, Griswold, being chosen Clerk of the Corporation of the 
Village of Newburgh, do solemnly swear that I will in all things, to the 
best of my knowledge and ability, execute and iierform the duties en- 
joined on me, and that I will nut divulge or make public any of the pro- 
ceedings of the Corporation until the same shall be published by them 
or their order; nor at any time disclose or discover the votes or opinions 
of any member of the said body, unless required to give evidence tht-reof 
in a Court of Justice. [Signed] M. R. Griswold. 

"Sworn and subscribed the 5th day of May, 1818, James Hamilton." 
22 



Hasbrouck, Benjamin Carpenter, Jackson Oakley, Nathaniel Dubois, 
Robert Lawson. Solomon Tuthill, clerk (served until 1841). 
1839.— Moses H. Belknap, president; Samuel J. Farnum, William C. 
Hasbrouck, Odell S. Hathaway, Jackson Oakley, Nathaniel Dubois, 
Robert Wardrop. 
1840. — Moses H. Belknap, president; Samuel J. Farnum, Thornton M. 
Niven, Odell S. Hathaway, George Cornwell, Nathaniel Dubois, Rob- 
ert Wardrop. 
1841.— Moses II. Belknap, president; Samuel J. Farnum, Ebenezer W. 
Farringtun, Odell S. Hathaway, Benjamin Carpenter, Nathaniel 
Dubois, Benjamin F. Buckingham. Jackson Oakley, clerk. 
1842.— Minard Harris, president; William 31. Wiley, Joseph Hoffman, 
George Reeve, William K. Mailler, Samuel Johnson, Alexander 
Whigam. S. C. Parmenter, clerk. 
1843. — Moses H. Belknap, president; Samuel J. Farnum, Joseph Hoff- 
man, Benj. Tyler, Jefferson Roe, Robert D. Kemp, David W. Gridley. 
Stephen B. Brophy, clerk. 
1844.— Moses H. Belknap, president ; Benjamin Tyler, Joseph Hoffman, 
Ebenezer W. Farrington, Aiknian Spier, Robtrt D. Kemp, Homer 
Ramsdell. Jackson Oakley, clerk (served until 1847). 
1845.— Samuel J. Farnum, president; Lewis W. Young, David Crawford, 
Robert A. Forsyth, William L. F. Warren, Edmund S. Sanxay, Ho- 
mer Ramsdell. 
1846. — Samuel .1. Farnum, president; Lewis W. Young, David Crawford, 
Robert A. Forsyth, M'illiam L. F. Warren, Aiknian Spier, Homer 
Ramsdell. 
1S47. — Stimuel J. Farnum. president; Homer Ramsdell, David Crawford, 
Robert A. Forsyth, Williiim L. F. Warren, Aikman Spier, Wm. P. C. 
Smith. Peter F. Hunn, clerk. 
1848.— Sanmel .). Farnum, i»resident; Homer Ramsdell, David Crawford, 
Robert A. Forsyth, William L. F. Warren, Aiknian Spier, Wm. P. C. 
Smith. David C. Ringland, clerk. 
1849.— Samuel J. Farnum, president ; Homer Ramsdell, Lewis W. Young, 
Robert A. Foisyth, William L. F. Warren, Lewis D. Lockwood, Eli 
Hasbrouck, Jackson Oakley, clerk. 
1850.— Samuel J. Farnum, president ; Homer Ramsdell, Lewis W. Young, 
Robert A. Forsyth, William L. F. Warren, Lewis D. Lockwood, Eli 
Hasbrouck. Jackson Oakley, clerk. 
1851. — Samuel J. Farnum, president ; Minard Harris, Homer Ramsdell, 
Robert Lawson, Henry T. McConn, Thornton M. Niven, Eli Has- 
brouck. Daniel G. Niven, clerk. 
1852. — Ebenezer W. Farrington, president; Robert Lawson, Charles 
Drake, George Gearn, William L. F. Warren, John R. Gorham, Eli 
Hafibrouck. Charles Halstead, Jr., clerk (served until 1864). 
1853. — Ebenezer W, Farrington, president; Robert Lawson, Samuel J. 
Farnum, George Gearn, W'illiam L. F. Warren, John R. Gorham, Eli 
Hasbrouck. 
1854.— William L. F. Warren, president; Samuel B. Gregory, Franklin 
Gerard, James H. Mallory, Edson H. Clark, John R. Gorham, Charles 
Johnson. 
1855. — William L. F. Warren, president; John F. Van Nort, Eli Has- 
brouck, Edwin T. Comstock, William E. Peck, Charles H, Doughty, 
William H. Callahan. 
1856. — William L. F. Warren, president; George W. Kerr, Franklin Ge- 
rard, Edwin T. Comstock, James H. Mallory, Isaac Wood, Jr., Lewis 
D. Lockwood. 
1857. — William L. F. Warren, president; Ebenezer W. Farrington, 
Franklin Gerard, Halsey R.Stevens, Robert Sterling, George Law- 
son, Michael Doyle. 
1858. — William L. F. Warren, president; Ebenezer W. Farrington, 
Edwin T. Comstock, Halsey R. Stevens, Robert Sterling, George 
Lawson, Michael Doyle. 
1859. — William L. F. Warren, president; Ebenezer W. Farrington, J. H. 
H. Chapman, Halsey R. Stevens, Robert Sterling, George Lawson, 
Michael Doyle. 
1S60. — William L. F. Warren, president ; Ebenezer W. Farrington, J. U. 
H. Chapmau, George C. Spencer, Robert Sterling, George Lawson, 
Michal Doyle. 
■ 1861. — Homer Ramsdell, president; Robert Sterling, J. H. H. Chapman, 
[ Thomas Beveridge, John Lomas, George Lawson, Isaac S. Fowler. 

I 1862.— Robert Sterling, president; Thomas Beveridge, J. H. H. Chap- 
I man. Homer Ramsdell, John Lomas, Hugh McCutcheon, Isaac S 

I Fowler. 

1863.- Robert Sterling, president; Thomas Beveridge, J. H. H. Chap- 
man, Homer Ramsdell, John Lomas, Cornelius McLean, Isaac S. 
! Fowler. 

1864. — William L.F.Warren, president; David Moore, Benjamin B. 



330 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, ijiEW YORK. 



Odull, James Bigler, Cbarles Root, Robert A. Fors.vth, Lewis Jen- 
nings. Cliarles B. Royce, clerlt (served until 1806). 
1365. — David Moore, president; James Bigler, Benjamin B. Odell, Alex- 
ander Leslie, Charles Root, Edson H. Clark, Jacob Brown. 

MAYORS AND COMMON COUNCIL. 

18G6.— Mayor, George Clark ; Aldermen : First Ward, Daniel A. Rheu- 
tan, John Lomas; Second Ward, Henry Ross, John Corwin; Third 
Ward, Edson H. Clark, Benjamin B. Odell; Fourth Ward, James 
Bigler, James Whitehill. Charles B. Royce, clerk '(served until 
1870). 

1867. — Mayor, George Clark; Aldermen; First Ward, Daniel A. Rh en- 
tan, George M. Clapp ; Second Ward, Henry Ross, James H. Phil- 
lips; Third Ward. Edson H. Clark, Charles Root; Fourth Ward, 
James Bigler, David Moore. 

1808.— Mayor, George Clark; Aldermen; First Ward, G. M. Clapp, 
Alexander McCann ; Second Ward, James H. Phillips, William R. 
Brown; Third Ward, Charles Root, Jonathan N. Weed; Fourth 
Ward, David Moore, Abram S. Cassedy. 

1869.— -Mayor, Georse Clark ; Aldermen ; First Ward, Alexander Mc- 
Cann, Gavin R. McGregor; Second Ward, William R. Brown, 
Francis Boyd ; Third Ward. Jonathan N. Weed, J. J. S. McCroskery ; 
Fourth Ward, Alexander Caldwell, Jacob Bi-owu. 

1870. — Mayor, Robert Sterling tdeceased ) ; Alexander McCann, presiding 
officer and acting mayor; Aldermen; First Waid, .Alexander Mc- 
Cann, Gavin R. McGregor; Second Ward, Klkauah K. Shaw, Francis 
Boyd; Third Ward, Charles Root, J. J. S. McCroskery; Fourth 
Ward, Alexander Caldwell, James T. Lawson. Orville M. Smith, 
clerk (served until 1872). 

1871. — Mayor, William W. Carson; Aldermen: First Ward, Alexander 
McCauu, William Doyle; Second W'ard, Elkanah K.Shaw, Robert 
Whitehill ; Tliird Ward, Charles Root, J. J. S. McCroskery ; Fourth 
Ward, Nathaniel II. Hayt, James T. Lawson. 

1872. — Mayor, Samuel E. Shutes; Aldermen: FirstW'ard, Joseph M. 
Dickey, William Doyle ; Second Ward, Henry F. Travis, Robert 
Whitehill ; Third Waid, Edward Haigh, J. J. S. McCroskery ; 
Fourth Ward, Nathaniel B. Hayt, Robert Kernahan. Daniel J. 
Coutant, clerk (18S0). 

1873. — Mayor. Samuel E. Shutes; Aldermen: First Ward, Joseph M. 
Dickey, William Doyle; Second Ward, Heuiy F. Travis, William 
Cameron; Third Ward, Edward Haigh, John C. Adams; Fourth 
Ward, Nathaniel B. Hayt, Robert Kernahan. 

1874. — Mayor, Chancey M.Leonard;* Aldermen: First Ward, William 
Doyle, Hugh llaniiltou; Second Ward, William F. Cameron, John 
Dotzert; Third Ward, John C. Adams, Grant E. Edgar; Fourth 
Ward, Nathaniel B. Hayt, Lewis B. Ualsey. 

1875-76. — Mayor, John J. S. BlcCroskel-y ; Aldermen ; First Ward, Wil- 
liam Doyle, Hugh Hamilton; Second W'ard, William F.Cameron, 
John Dotzert; Third Ward, John C. Adams, Grant E. Edgar; 
Fourth Ward, Noah Collaril, Kichard Sterling. 

187C-77.— Mayor, John J. S. BIcCruskery; Aldermen; First Ward, Wil- 
liam Doyle, Benjamin Clitl; Second Ward, William F. Cameron, 
John Dotzert; Third Ward, Jolrn C. Adams, Wallace Shoonmaker; 
Fourth Ward, David S. Lockwood, Richard Sterling (the latter ap- 
pointed to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of Noah CoUard). I 

1878-79. — Mayor, Charles H.Weygant; Aldermen: First Ward, William 
Doyle, Benjamin Cliff; Second Ward, James C. Giant, George L. 
Chadborn; Third Ward, William I. Underbill, Bartholomew B. 
Moore ; Fourth Ward, James Dickey, Robert Kernahan. 

1879-80. — Mayor, Charles H.Weygant; .\ldermen: First Ward, Benja- 
min Clifi', Charles J. Embler ; Second Ward, James C Giant, William 
Chambers; Third Ward, Bartholomew B, Moore, Joseph Van Cleft; 
Fourth W'ard, Robert Kernalian, Hugh McKissock. 

MEMBERS OF BOARD OF EDDCATION. 
1862-65, Egbert Alsdorf ; 1852-67, John Bevridge ; 1858-60, Thomas Bev- 
ridge ; 1858-63, 1867-68, 1873-77, 1880-84, E. A. Brewster ; 185'2-68, 
Rev. John Brown ; 1855, Jacob Brown ; 1S61, W. H. Callahan ; 1874 
-77, Robert L. Case ; 1875-77, A. S. Cassedy ; 1865, George M. Clapp; 
1868-60, George Clark ; 1864-72, 1876-80, John Corwin ; 1856-57, Dr. 
W. A. M. Culbert ; 1857-59, James R. Dickson; 1876-80, Dr. Smith 
Ely ; 1864-72, Charles Estabrook ; 1853-77, Rev. John Forsyth ; 1870 
-80, W. W. Gearn ; 1859-61, Thomas George ; 1852-54, L. B. Gregory ; 

* Mayor Leonard having died Dec. 3, 1874, the president of the Com- 
mon Council, N. B. Hayt, became acting mayor, in accordance with pro- 
vision of the city charter. 



1867-70, P. S. Haines; 1871-80, M. H. Hirschberg; 1862-56, Na- 
thaniel Jones ; 1861-63, Edward R. Johnes ; 185'2-54, George W. Kerr ; 
1864-67,1873, Thomas Kimball; 1858-61, John K. Lawson; 185'2- 
57, 1860-62, 1864, D. Gillis Leonard; 1869-71, Chancey M. Leonard; 
1870-72, John N. Lewis; 1808-73, Cyrus B. Martin; 1803-66,1868- 
09, Hugh McCutcheou; 1870, Theodore Merritt ; 187'2-75, B. B. 
Moore; 1852-54, 1865, J. J. Monell ; 186'2-64, William E. Peck; 1852, 
Charles F. V. Reeve; 1872-75, John Reilly; 18.5-2-57, Thomas C. 
Ring ; 1806-72, 1875-77, Daniel T. Rogei-s; 1857-64, 1866-69, E. M. 
Ruttenber; 1856-57, 1850-64, Orville M. Smith ; 1855, John S.Thayer; 
1861-66, Peter Ward; 1860-58, Samuel W'illiams; 18i;7-74, Nicholas 
Wilson. President, 1862-57, John Bevridge; 1858-77,. lohn Forsyth; 
1878-79, A. S. Cassedy ; 1879-80, M. H. Hirschberg. Clerk, 1852-57, 
Nathaniel Jones; 1852-59, Hugh S. Banks; 1859-63, 1872-80, Dr. R. 
V. K. Montfort ; 1863-64, E. M. Ruttenber ; 1864-72, Hiram A. Jones. 

WATER COMMISSIONERS. 

With the exception of the commissioners appointed 
for the construction of the water-works, the duties of 
water commissioners were discharged by the board of 
trustees until the adoption of the city cliarter, since 
which time the following persons have been members 
of the board of water commissioners: 

1866-71, George Clark; 1866-71, Francis Scott; 1866-69, J. D. Shafer; 
1809, Robert Sterling; 1869-72, C. M. Leonard; 1869-72, William 
Wyckofl'; 1870-75, Jolin F. Van Nort; 1871-75, Franklin Gerard; 
1871-75, Timothy Townsend; 187'2-78, Wm. W. Carson; 1872-77, 
Samuel G. Kimball; 1875-80, J. H. H. Chapman; 1875-76, E. K. 
Shaw ; 1875-76, L. M. Smith ; 1876-78, Charles Root ; 1878-82, Wm. 
O. Mailler; 1870-78, Charles Root; 1870-79, H. B. Beckman ; 1879- 
83, W. C. Lawson; 1880-84, Frank W. Gerecke. Superintendent, 
1866, D. T. Rogers ; 1866-69, Leander Clark, Jr. ; 1869-70, N. W. Al- 
lard; 1870-73, Charles B. Royce; 1873-80, E. C. Boyuton. 

SEALS OF THE VILLAtJE AND CITY OF NEWBURGH. 

The first seal in use by the board of trustees was 
one previously obtained by the trustees of the fire de- 
partment. It had for its design a figure 'of Justice, 
encircled with the words, "Seal of the Trustees of 
Newburgh." 

The second seal was adopted June 7, 1S19. It is 
described by Mr. William Rollinson, of New York, 
by whom it was engraved, as follows : " The figure is 
a representation of the deity of the Hudson, or a 
river-god (Aquarius, the water-bearer), according to 
heathen mythology, pouring forth the river from his 
urn, and bearing in his right hand an antique rudder 
of a vessel, as an emblem of the extensive navigation 
and commerce of the river, and the Hudson is desig- 
nated by the arms of the State of New York being 
blazoned upon the rudder, which I believe corresponds 
with the idea communicated to me." This descrip- 
tion is rather crude, but it was approved by the board 
and entered ujjon its minutes. 

The seal of the city of Newburgh was adopted in 
1866. 



XVII.-MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 

Immediately following the war of the Revolution 
very little attention was given to the militia. The 
enrollment was of course preserved, and embraced 
the name of every able-bodied male resident between 
the ages of sixteen and fifty. After tlie adoption of 
the Federal Constitution more attention was given to 
the matter, and prior to 1806 five uniformed militia 



NEWBURGH. 



331 



companies were organized in the regimental district* 
of which Newbnrgh was a part, viz. : 

1. The Orange Hus-mrs. — This company was organ- 
ized in 1793. At that time it had its headquarters in 
the town of Montgomery, but subsequently removed 
them to Coldenham, in Newburgh. It was organized 
under the auspices of Josepli Barbour; was for many 
years under the command of William Wright ; was 
on duty in 1812, and was again called to the field 
during the anti-rent troubles in 184(5. It was detached 
from the Second Regiment of cavalry, Aug. 30, 1844, ' 
and attached to the Fourteenth (Nineteenth) Regi- I 
nient, and disbanded in 1863, at which time it was I 
under the command of William C. Brewster. 

2. Copt. Acker's Company of Curafry. — A company 
of cavalry was organized under the command of Wil- 
liam Acker, about the year 1804, and continued in 
existence until 1837 or 1838. It was composed of \ 
members residing in the north part of the town and i 
in the adjoining towns of Ulster, and was in service i 
on Long Island in 1812-13. Capt. Acker was sue- i 
ceeded by Nathaniel DuBois, who served for several 
years. The last captain of the company was Robert 
D. Mapes, of Marlborough. The uniform of the 
company consisted of red coats with buff facings and 
buff pantaloons. 

3. The Republican Blues. — This company was prob- 
ably formed about the commencement of the present 
L'cntury. It appears to have been in a very nourish- 
ing condition in 1807 (when it stood on the roll of the 
regiment as Company No. 1), and to have continued 
30 until 1814. It was composed almost entirely of 
aatives of Ireland or their descendants, and hence 
(vas familiarly known as the Irish Blues. Very few 
companies in the State exhibited a more patriotic 
spirit than did the Blues. In 1807, during the dis- 
cussions which eventuated in the second war with 
England, it tendered its services to the Governor to 
lid in the jiublic defense, and from that time until 
1812, when it was ordered to Staten Island, it stood 
ready to take the field. From the time of its organi- 
zation until 1813 it was under the command of Alex. 
Denniston.t Its officers in 1809 were Alex. Denniston, 
captain ; George Gordon, first sergeant ; James Alex- 
inder, second sergeant ; Paul Stewart, third sergeant; 
rhomas Kelso, fourth sergeant; William Camack, 
(irst corporal ; John Kernochan, second corporal ; 
lames Coleman, third corporal; Isaiah Titus, fourth 
corporal. From 1813 to 1815 it was under the com- 
mand of James Hamilton. Its uniform consisted of 
I blue dress, and caps made in the form of a Roman 

• Several changes have been made in the boundaries of the district, 
ind tiie regiment has been numbered the 4th, the 14th, and the 19th. 

t In 1812 (Nov. 30th), Capt. Denniston jiroposed the organization of a 
;ompanyof volunteers, to gerve for one year or during the wai-, aud suc- 
:eeded in enlisting about fifty men, who elected Jonathan Gidney cap- 
«in. The company went to New York, and there formed part of a de- 
Acbed regiment of riflemen. Denniston was appointed major in tliis i 
■egiment, and the vacancy thus created in the captaincy of the Blues 
vaa filled by James Hamilton. 1 



helmet. The organization of the company was so 
broken up during the war that its disbandment took 
j^lace June 3, 181.5, " in consequence of not having a 
complement of men agreeable to the statute." 

4. Capt. BirdsaU's Company. — The date of the or- 
ganization of this company cannot now be ascertained. 
In 1809 it stood on the roll of the regiment as Com- 
pany No. 2, and was then under the command of the 
following officers, viz. : Charles Birdsall, captain ; 
Abel Belknap, first sergeant; John Polhamus, second 
sergeant ; Jeremiah Albertson, third sergeant ; Briggs 
Belknap, fourth sergeant; George Marvin, first cor- 
poral ; William P. Hatch, second corporal; David 
Sands, third corporal ; Joseph Albertson, fourth cor- 
poral. These officers served until 1814, when Robert 
Gardiner was elected lieutenant, and Sylvester Roe 
ensign. The uniform of the company was the same 
as that of the Republican Blues, with the exception 
of the facings of the coat; and, like its contemporary, 
it was in service on Staten Island in 1812. The same 
causes which led to the disbandment of the former 
struck the latter from the roll of the regiment June 
3, 1815. 

5. Capt. Buttcru'orth's Artillery Co7npany. — This 
company was organized Nov. 2, 1804, and had its 
headquarters at the Mcintosh house on Liberty Street. 
It was first under the command of William Ross, who 
served as captain until 1810 or 1811, when he was 
succeeded by Henry Butterworth. Its headquarters 
were then removed to Balmville, where an artillery 
house was erected. In 1812, while under the com- 
mand of Capt. Butterworth, the company was sta- 
tioned on Staten Island. Positive facts in reference 
to its subsequent history cannot be obtained, but it is 
said that Charles Clinton was its captain in 1819 or 
1820; in 1822, James Kelso, captain; Robert Lock- 
wood, first lieutenant ;. Gilbert Holmes, ensign ; 1829, 
John B. Cromwell, captain, and afterwards Thornton 
M. Niven. As the artillery was embraced in a sepa- 
rate regiment (of which T. D. Lander was colonel), 
the roster of the Nineteenth contains very little in 
reference to this company. 

In addition to the uniformed companies there were 
three companies of militia, which in 1812 were known 
as follows, viz.: No. 4, or Capt. Daniel T. Smith's 
company,— Daniel T. Smith, captain ; Daniel Tooker, 
first sergeant; Nathaniel Tooker, second sergeant; 
James Waring, third sergeant ; Henry Cosman, drum- 
mer. No. 5, or Capt. Seth Belknap's company,— 
Seth Belknap, captain; Charles Humphrey, first 
sergeant; Sovreign B. Anderson, second sergeant; 
James Crawford, third sergeant; William Belknap] 
fourth sergeant ; Hezekiah Fairchild, first corporal ; 
James Wayland, second corporal ; Robert Gourlay] 
third corporal ; John Wood, Jr., fourth corjwral. No! 
7, or Capt. Falls' company,— William H. Falls, cap- 
tain; Robert Lawson, lieutenant; James Belknap 
first sergeant; James M. Gardiner, second sergeant,' 
William W. Sackett, third sergeant ; Stephen Bel- 



332 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



knap, fourth sergeant ; Gilbert W. Crissey, first cor- 
poral ; Samuel G. Saeden, second corporal ; Gardiner 
Thompson, thii'd corporal ; Daniel Gidney, fourth cor- 
poral. These companies were in existence until 1846. 
In 1817, James Belknap, John W. Brown, and others 
effected the organization of a company of infantry, 
subsequently known as the Bell-Button Company. Its 
first officers were James Belknap, captain ; William 
Smith, lieutenant; John W. Brown, ensign. In 1822, 
^Villiam Smith was captain ; Samuel G. Sueden, lieu- 
tenant ; and Fred. W. Farnam, ensign. In 1824, 
Charles Niven, captain ; Thomas Smith, lieutenant ; 
and E. Ward Farrington, ensign. The uniform of the 
company consisted of a blue short jacket ornamented 
with bell-buttons, blue pantaloons, and a cap with 
ornament and plume. It was disbanded in 1824, and 
its active members united with the other military 
associations of the town, viz. : 

1. The Village Guard. — This company was organized 
in 1822 under the command of Henry B. Myers. Its 
uniform consisted of a blue cloth coat, white vest and 
pantaloons, a black stock or cravat, white webbing 
cross and waist belts, a leather cap trimmed with an 
armor or scale chain plate, with a black vulture plume 
and cockade. It preserved its organization until 1846, 
when it was disbanded under the militia law of that 
year. The following list of the officers of the com- 
pany is from the roster of the regiment : 

Date Captaiu. Lieutenaut. Ensign. 

1822 Henry B. Mjors. John D. PLillips. Ezra B. Sweet. 

1825-26... " Nathaniel Vail. " 

1827 " Wm. C. Hasbrouck. David Harris. 

1827 Wm. C. Hasbroucli. Alauson Eandull. " 

1828 " Daviil Harris. Wm. Butterworth. 

1829 " Wm. Butterworth. Odell S. Hathawaj. 

1831-33... " O. S. Hathaway. Walter W. Weed. 

1834-36. ..Odell S. Hathaway. Walter W. Weed. Cyrus S. Hawkins. 

1836 Walter W. Weed. Cyrus S. Hawkins. Tliunias McCullough. 

1839 " Thos. McCullough. Wm. H. Boberson. 

1840 Adam Lilburn. Richard J. Whitney. Charles H. Ball. 

1843 Ricli'd.1. Whitney. Clias. H. Ball. Wm. I. Underbill. 

1844-^6. ..Addison W. Brown. Benj. B. Hawkins. '* 

2. The Neu'buryli Volunteers. — This company was 
organized Oct. 30, 1824, — John D. Phillips, captain ; 
John Johnson, lieutenant; and Thomas Smith, en- 
sign. Its uniform was the same as that adopted by 
the Village Guard, with the exception of the plume, 
which was white. It was disbanded under the militia 
law of 1846, at which time it numbered about seventy 
muskets. The following list of its officers is from the 
books of the company : 

Date. Captaiu. Lieutenaut. Ensign. 

1824 John D. Phillips. John Johnson. Thouas Smith. 

1829 '• " Orson Tarbell. 

1830-31. ..John Johnson. Orson Tarbell. John McAuley. 

1831 Cicero A. Gardiner. " " 

1832-33... " '• Oscar Marsh. 

1834-35. ..Oreon Tarbell. Oscar Marsh. Nelson Kelley. 

1836 Oscar Marsh. Nelson Kelley. Alanson Miller. 

1837-38... " Alanson Miller. Muses Camack. 

1839-41... " Adam Lilburn. Selab T. McCoUum. 

1842 " Lewis W.Gardiner. Joseph A. Starr. 

1843 Lewis W. Gardiner. N. P. Emett. ■' 

1844 " John F. Baldwin. Westiake Cannon. 

1846-46... " Westiake Cannon. John S. Wear. 



The operation of the law of 1846 was disastrous to 
uniformed companies. This law providefl for the 
organization of only one company in each company 
district ; and by its rearrangement of the regimental 
districts confined the Nineteenth to the county of 
Orange, thereby cutting oif such members of the 
Newburgh companies as resided in Ulster. The 
Orange Hussars alone survived the measure. The 
law of 18-54, however, was more favorable, and led 
to the organization of five companies, viz. : 

1. The Washington Continental Guard (Co. D). — 
The organization of this company was perfected by 
Mr. Robert D. Kemp and nineteen others, Nov. 22, 
1855. It adopted the Continental uniform of 1780, 
which was procured at a cost of $3400 ; but was sub- 
sequently compelled to substitute, on general parade, 
the regular uniform of the militia. Its original roll 
embraced the names of forty-two men. Its officers 
were, — • 

Captains, R. D. Kemp, Isaac Wood, Jr., Michael Doyle, Thos. S. Mar- 
vel, Jr., Isaac Jenkinson, Isaac M. Martin, James T. Cha^e. 

First Lieutfuantii. George M. Van Nort, Isaac Wood, Jr., Isaac Jenkin- 
son, Wm. M. Hatliaway, Wm. B. Marvin, Archibald Ferguson, Jas. T. 
Chase, Geo. W. Hawkins, John S. Terwilliger. 

Second Lieutenants, Isaac Jeukinsou, Michael Doyle, Wm. M. Hatha- 
way, Wm. B. Marvin, John Bocock, George C. Marvin, George W, Haw- 
kins, Nathaniel Jackson, John S. Terwilliger, Christian F. Dietzeroth, 
James F. Niel. 

2. Pincell Corps (Co. E). — The Powell Corps was 
organized Dec. 1, 1857. Its officers were, — 

Caflaim, J, N. Arnold (1857), Eli H. Evans (1S59), John S. Watts 
(1860). 

First Limileimnta, Wilson Bruyn, E. J. Rocs, D. A. Mabie, W. II. Tice. 

Second Limtemmtf, E. G. Fowler, W. C. Oakley, W, H, Tice, J. P. 
Vought, E. D. Hayt. 

3. The Neirburgh Guard (Co. F). — This company 
was organized Dec. 23, 1858. One of the features in 
its history was the erection of the monument to Uzal 
Knapp, at Washington's headquarters, which was in- 
augurated with )niblic ceremonies on Monday, June 
18, 1860. The officers of the company were, — 

Captains, John D. Kelly, .Tames A. Bauey, John H. Toohey, Timothy 
Donoghue, Francis Rose. 

FirH Lieutenants, James O'Neil, John H. Toohey, Patrick Day, Patrick 
Brennan, Robt. H. Brown, Patrick J. McDonald. 

Second Lieuteiiaittti, Joseph Wilson, Patrick Day, Robt. H. Brown, Pat- 
rick J. McDonald, Patrick McArdle. 

4. The Parmenter Riflemen (Co. L, subsequently C). 
— This company was organized in December, 1858, 
and took its name in honor of the colonel of the regi- 
ment, Stephen C. Parmenter. Its officers were,^ 

Captains, R. D. Kemp, Egbert Alsdorf, James Smiley, Robt. H. Kerno- 
cban. 

First Lieutenanls, E. A. Jones, James Smiley, Robt. H. Keruochan, E, 
J. F. Marsh. 

Second Lieutenants, H. F. Adams, Alex. Mann, J. W. Stevenson, John 
H. Brooks. 

5. £llis Guard (Co. I). — This company was organ- 
ized Sept. 12, 1865, and named in honor of Col. A. V. 
H. Ellis, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth New 
York Volunteers. Its officers were, — 



NEWBURGH. 



333 



Ciiptaim, James C. Tiiggart, Saml. MLMJuaiii, David A. Mabie,Jr., Alex. 
McMeekin, B. B. Muore. 

First Lieutenants, Sylvester Lawsou, B. B. Moore. 

Second Lietiteiiaiils, Saml. McQuaid, W'm. C. Carmicliael, Geo. Wallace, 
T. J. Collius. 

In 1873 Coiupanie.s C and I were consolidated and 
the united company named C, under the following 
officers : B. B. Moore, captain ; E. F. J. Mareh, first 
lieutenant ; John H. Brooks, second lieutenant. This 
company alone survived the disintegration caused by 
the war, but its continuance was for only a short time. 

Companies D, E, F, and L, and a company specially 
recruited called I, were in the service of the United 
States as part of the Nineteenth Regiment militia for 
three mouths from June 4, 1862. In the spring of 
1861 (June 28th), Company I, Seventy-first Regiment 
militia, was recruited princijially from the Parmenter 
Riflemen, Company L, for three months' service, and 
was in the first battle of Bull Run, where Saml. O. 
Bond, one of its members, was killed. It was again 
recruited for three months' service in the Seventy-first 
in the spring of 1862, and many of its members passed 
directly from the field into the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth New York Volunteers. Not less than 
ninety officers of the volunteer service, from colonel 
to second lieutenant, were drawn from the active and 
honorary members of the uniformed companies of 
Newburgh. 

Under the law of 1877 the following companies 
were organized : 

A Compainj ( Wmhinyion Lifjlit-Guard). — James 
F. Neil, captain; James P. Barr, first lieutenant; 
William C. Kemper, second lieutenant. 

B Company (Emmet Guard). — Thomas J. Bannon, 
captain; John C. Green, first lieutenant; Patrick J. 
Silk, second lieutenant. 

C C'o7npani/. — William Wilson, captain ; John H. 
Wells, first lieutenant; , second lieutenant. 

D Compatii) (Neivburgh Guard). — Patrick J. Mc- 
Donald, captain; William Bartley, first lieutenant; 
, second lieutenant. 

E Company. — Joseph M. Dickey, captain ; William 
B. Brokaw, first lieutenant; William H. Smith, second 
lieutenant. 

These companies compose the Seventeenth Bat- 
talion N.G.S.N.Y., now under command of Lieut.- 
Col. and Brevet Col. Edward D. Havt. 



XVIII.-BEBELIilON RECOED. 
The totals of quotas and credits of the town of New- 
burgh (then including the city) during the war of the 
Rebellion were, — 

Quotas under all calls prior to Dec. 19, 1864 12*26 

Quota under the call ot Dec. 19, 1864 122 

1348 

Credits under all calls prior to Dec. 19, 1864 1267 

Credits under the call of Doc. 19, 1864 122 

1379 

On settlement with the State authorities, under the 
bounty act of 1865, the town was allowed for an ex- 
cess of 237 years, or for 78 three years' men over the 



quota required, amounting to $47,400, and in the same 
settlement received $49,800 for bounties. The official 
record of quotas and the response which was made to 
them, however, fails to accurately represent the num- 
ber of men furnished under the several calls, nor are 
the enlistments prior to July, 1862, entered in the 
account. The quota under the call of July, 1862, 
was 470, the number furnished 501. The quota under 
the call of July. 1863 (draft of October 7th), was 443, 
which number, with an addition of 50 per cent, (total 
552), was drawn, of whom 90 commuted, entered the 
service personally, or furnished substitutes. The total 
of quotas under the merged calls of July and October, 
1863, and of February, March, and July, 1864, was 
756; the number furnished (including 90 credited by 
draft of 1863), 827, of whom 71 were not credited. 
The volunteers in the two years' regiments, and in 
the militia for three months, prior to July, 1862, 
reached the aggregate of 1078 men. The enlistments, 
therefore, may be summarized as follows : 

Enlistments prior to July, 1862 1078 

under call of July, 1862 601 

•■ under calls of 1863-64 827 

" under call of December. 1864 122 

showing a total of 2410, an excess of 1033 over the 
number credited and of 1062 over the quotas required ; 
or, reducing the enlistments prior to July, 1862, to 
three years' men and adding the number (78) allowed 
under the settlement of 1865, an excess over quotas 
of 518. 

The volunteers recruited in the town were for every 
branch of the service, but were mainly embraced in 
the Army of the Potomac. The following general 
enumeration is from official records : 

Third Kegiment, Co. B 96 

Thirty-sixth Regiment, Co. B 82 

Fifty-.'iixth Regiment, Co. A, B. etc 228 

One Hundred and Twenty-Iourth Regiment, Co. A, H, 

etc 223 

One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, consolidated 

with One Hundred and Seventy-sixth 41 

One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment 166 

Sixty-third Regiment 36 

Ninety-eighth Regiment, Co. C 71 

Seventy-first Regiment Militia, Co. 1, 1861 58 

Seventy-first Regiment Militia, Co. I, 1862 6.5 

Nineteenth Regiment Militia, 1862 357 

Seventh Independent Battery 131 

Fifth Regiment Artillery 11 

Sixth " " 4 

Seventh " " 37 

Fifteenth " " Co. M 16 

Sixteenth " " 10 

Second *' Cavalry 57 

Fifteenth " " Co. 1 72 

Eighteenth Regiment Cavalry 6 

Colored Regiments 56 

Navy 116 

Miscellaneous, including substitutes, etc 471 

Total 2410 

The following list of officers and privates is not sub- 
mitted as accurate or complete, but as the best that 
can be prepared without free access to official records. 
Many names are embraced in it of persons who never 
had other connection with Newburgh than in filling 
its quotas for bounties paid. As such it is true they 
were representatives, but in a higher sense are the 
representative men to be found in those who were 
known residents of the town, many of whom counted 



334 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



not their lives dear to them iu the terrible struggle. 
Earnest effort has been made to perfect the record of 
those who were killed or wounded in battle, or who 
died of wounds or disease, and if omissions there are 
in this respect, it is due to the absence of information. 
Responsibility in this direction has been very keenly 
appreciated. In many of its details the list is at least 
semi-official. The record of nanies is of those officially 
credited to the town, and the accompanying statements 
are from muster-out rolls. With this explanation the 
list is submitted. 

Note. — Unless otherwise marked tlie numbers are of infantry regi- 
ments of volunteers. M indicates uiilitia. 

Abrams, Aaron, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 13, 1861. 

Aids, Levi, l.'ith Cavalry. 

Abrahams, Abraham, IGCth, call of ,\ugu8t, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 

Anderson, James, Co. I, 19tli M., June 4, 18G2 ; 3 mouths. 

Allen, William L., Jr., Ist U. S. Cavalry, March 1, 1861. 

Astley, George D., 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, ISCl. 

Astley, Ernest A., 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1861. 

Allen, Henry S.. 7th lud. Bat., Aug. U, 1864. 

Allen, Henry S., 20th. Colored. 

Andrews, Thomas, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; 7th Ind. Bat., Jau. 
2, 1864. 

Anderson, John, Co. B, 36th, Sept. 17, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to 65th. 

Ackley, Uezekiah, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years 

Acheson, Robt., Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; June, 1862, 3 
months; re-enl. iu loth Cavalry Jau. 2, 1864. 

Anderson, Edward D., Co.I, 7l3t M., June,1862,3 months; Co. B, 3d, call 
of August, 1862, 3 years. 

Anderson, William W., Co. E, M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Ackert, Adam, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Ackerman, Daniel, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 7, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 
23, 1864 ; died of wounds June 4, 1864 ; entered on " Roll of Honor" 
as "Eckman, D." 

Alexander, Stephen, lG8th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 

Allen, Cornelius S., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 

Allen, Chas. Oscar. 

Allen, Wm. L. 

Ammerman, William W., Co. C, 124th, August, 1862; 3 years. 

Anderson, James H., capt, 168th, Feb. 6, 1863, 9 months; capt., 98th, 
Feb. 4, 1864; disch. Sept. 17, 1864, for disability. 

Anderson, Charles H., 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Anderson, George L., 168th, Aug. 1, 1862, 9 months; Co. C, 98th, Janu- 
ary, 1864; 3 years. 

Aldridge, William, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Aldrich, Edward L., 18th Cavalry ; between July and October, 1863. 

Abbott, Wnliam D., corp., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; disch. in 
May, 1861, for disability. 

Atwood, Thomas, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; pro. 1st lieut. Sept. 
4, 1862; resigned April 24, 1863. 

Armstrong, Bernard, 7th lud. Bat., Aug. 16,1861; died in hospital at 
Hampton, Va., Sept. 15, 1862. 

Armstrong, Andrew, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 12, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 
1863. 

Anthony, Wilber I., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 26, 1861. 

Arnott, Charles H., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

.\rnott, A. Wellington, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Alsdoif, Egbert, capt., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Armstrong, William, 15th Cavalry, Jan. 4, 1864. 

Allwood, Jos. S., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; killed at Gettys- 
burg July 2, 1863. 

Allwood, Thomas E., 5Gtli, Sept. 6, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Alsdoi-f, Johannes, 56th, Sept. 1, 1864; 1 year. 

Ayres, John W., 5th Heavy Artillery, Jan. 5, 1864. 

Balfe, William C, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; served term, and re- 
enl. in Co. C, 98th, January, 1864; Corp.; pro. sergt. July 1,1865 
mustered out. 

Bailey, William, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Blair, George F., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; seriously wounded 
at Malvern Hill ; must, out with regiment; re-enl. 80th Regt. (20tli 
Militia). 



Bakewell, Sidney V., Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in 2d 

Vet. Cav., Co. M, December, 186;i ; taken prisoner near Mobile, Ala., 

Nov. 20, 1864, and released April 29, 1805. 
Brady, John, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; lOSth, August, 1862, 

9 months. 
Barr, James C, Co. B, 36th, June 18, 1861, 2 years ; disch. for disability 

March 28, 1862; 16Sth, August, 1802, 9 months. 
Baird, Charles K., Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Ball, Sherwood, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months ; re-enl. 7th Artil- 
lery, Battery B, Dec. 15, 1803, 3 years; killed in action. 
Barr, James C, Co. A, 60th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Barry, Cornelius, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Baker, Charles, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Baker, Charles W., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 16, 1861, 2 years ; disch. Jan. 26, 

1863. 
Barnes, Smith F., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 6, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Jan. 1, 1864. 
Bailey, Charles H., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; disch. for disability from 

wounds Sept. 1, 1862. 
Bailey, Walter M., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 24, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Bates, Joshua, 7th lud. Bat., Sept. 23, 1801. 

Babcock, Norman C, 7tl] Ind Bat., 1861; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1803. 
Baugh, Alphooso M., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 168th, 

call of August, 1862, 9 months ; Co. C, 98th, call of July 18, 1864, 1 

year. 
Barrett, Daniel J., Co. E, lOtli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Bradenburgh, Jacob, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Barnes, John, Co. F, 19th M., Juno 4, IS62 ; 3 months. 
Bradley, Bernard, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 mouths. 
Barrow, Thomas, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Barrett, Charles, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Barclay, William, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, call of 

August, 1862, 9 months. 
Blacklaw, James, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Barton, Isaac, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Bradley, George, 7tli (2d) Cav., Nov. 14, 1861. 
Blair, Samuel H., U.S.N ., "Onward," 1861 ; 5th, August, 1862. 
Blacklaw, Joselih, U.S.N., 1864. 
Baker, John A., U.S.N., " San Jacinto," 1803. 
Barr, Charles, Co. C, 98th, Jauuary, 1804; pro. 1st sergt. May, 1864; 2d 

lieut., 1st Cav. Regt., Nov. 1864 ; killed in action at Wilmington, 

Feb. 20, 1865. 
Baker, James H., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863, 
Baughan, Charles, 15tli Cav. 

Bailey, Robert C, 10th Art., Dec. 28, 1863; 3 years. 
Blake, Charles E. G., Co. C, 98th, January, 1864. 
Bailey, Charles, I68th, August, 1862; 9 mouths. 
Barrett, James S., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 17, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Baird, Rensselaer D., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years ; wounded in 

finger May 6, 1864, and taken prisoner; paroled and sent to hospital. 
Barnhart, Ira, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862. 3 years ; disch. Feb. 17, 1863. 
Bartorbury, William, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Barrett, Samuel, 2d (Harris) Cav., August, 1862; 3 years. 
Blair, John H., Co. C, 124th, August, 1862,3 years; disch. Feb. 6, 1866, 

for disability from wounds received at Manassas Gap and Fredericks- 
burg. 
Barr, James P., S4tli, August, 1862. 
Banks, Cluirles, Colored, October, 1863. 
Barton, John C, Raney's Vols., 1864; 1 year. 
Brady, Hugh, Raney's Vols., 1864 ; 1 year. 
Bailey, James, 7th Bat., 1864 ; I year. 

Baughan, Robert, 3d New Jersey, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Bartley, Jacob, 19th M., 1862; accidentally shot, and died of wounds. 
Bates, Thomas C, Feb. 28, 1865. 
Beard, Patrick, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861; 2 years. 
Benson, James M., Co. B, 36th, June, 1861, 2 years ; disch. Aug. 16, 1862, 

for disability ; re-enl. in r28th. 
Benjamin, William II., Co. B, 36th, Sept. 15, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to 66th. 
Bennett, William, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Brewer, Henry J., Co. B, 50th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Becket, Isaac, Co. D, 56th, 2 years; 2d lieut., Aug. 16, 1861; 1st lieut., 

Dec. 30, 1862 ; must, out Jan. 27, 1805. 
Bennet, John S., 1st lieut., 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 15, 1861 ; resigned Nov. 6, 

1861. 
Benedict, Augustus A., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Brennan, Patrick, 4th sergt., Co. F, lOtli M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Brett, Wesley, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 



NEWBURGH. 



335 



Brewer, Cliarles 11., Corp., Co. L, lOtli M., June 4, 1862_; 3 monthB. 

Brewer, Henry, 7tli (2d) Cav., Aug. 10. 1861. 

Brewer, William, 7lli (2d) Cav., Aug. 10, 1861. 

Belknap, Thomas. U.S.N., " Octorora," 1862. 

Best, Charles, ir.th Art., 1SG4. 

Benton, James, G3il, ISM. 

Brennau, Martin, Co. I, 124th, April 15, 18C4. 

Becroft, Sliiihacl W.. ll'.Stli, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Beardsley, Truman H., 16Sth, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Bell, Benjamin, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Bellows, Abraham, Co. A, 124th, July 28, 1862, 3 years; wounded at 

Chancellursville: trans, to V. It. C. 
Brennan, Lawrence, 168th, August, 1S62; 9 mouths. 
Benjamin. John I., 2d (Harris) Cavalry, August, 1862; 3 years. 
Benjamin, Samuel C, 2(i (Harris) Cava!i7, August, 1862; 3 years. 
Berriger, John, 160th, August, 1SG2. 
Beattie, Justus, ISSth, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Benjamin, Dewitt, 36th, August, 1862; 3 years. 
Bell, William J., 15th Cavalry, July, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Berry, James, Raney's Vols., Jul.v, 1864; 1 year. 
Beaton, William A., Raney's Vols., 1864; 1 year. 
Bennett, Theodore, 5Gth, 1864; 1 year. 
Bell, William, Feh. 27, 186,'.. 

Bingham, Samuel H., 3d sergt., May 14, 1861, Co. B, 3d; 2 years. 
Birdsall, John M., Co. B, 36th, Sept. 23, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to 66th. 
Birdsall, Archihald, Co. B, 36th, Sept. 1, 1862, 3 years; trans, to 65th. 
Briggs, Vespasian, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Briggs, Joseph, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862,3 months ; 168th, August, 1862, 

9 months. 
Birch, William H., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 20, 1861. 
Birkens, William, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 27, 1861, 2 years , re-eul. call ot 

Oct. I7,1.S03. 

Bice, Addise, 7th Ind. Bat., , 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

Bishop, Alonzo, Co. D, I9th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Bishop, Cassius M. C, Co. E, Ulth M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 montlis. 

Birdsall, John N., Co. L, 10th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Brinckerhoff, Boardman E., Go. C, 9Sth, January, 1864. 

Birdsley, Smith, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862; 3 years. 

Briggs, George W., Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; trans, to navy 

March 29, 1864. 
Bicknell, Alexander, Met. Guard, August, 1862. 
Birdsall, George, Feb. 6, 1865. 

Boyd, Duncan W., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; must, out with regt. 
Bond, Samuel 0., Co. I, Tlst M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; killed at Bull 

Run (tirst battle). 
Brown, Bartley, Co. I, "Ist M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. h, 19th M., 

June 4, 1862, 3 months; , 168th, August, 1862, 9 months. 

Boyd, James, Corp., Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Booth, David, Co. B, .S6th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Boyd, James H., Co. C, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re.enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Brown, Nathaniel B., 7th Ind. Bat, Aug. 16, 1861. 
Brown, Morgan L., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 19, 1861; died in hospital at New 

York, Oct. 20, 180:i. 
Bowen, George L., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. Oct. 17, 1863. 
Bogardus, Frederick, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 14, 1861. 
Boorock, John W. (2d lieut.), Co. D, Ulth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Brown, John H., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862,3 months; Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 

11, 1862, 3 years. 
Bohen, Robert H., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Brock, Elias W., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Booth, George, Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Brown, William C. (2d lieut. |, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Brown, William R. (col ), I'.llh M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, Aug. 

1862, 9 months. 
Bloomer, Reuben R. (corp.), 7th (2d) Cavali-y, Nov. 3, 1861. 
Booth, Alonzo, U.S.N., " Nereus," 1804. 
Bohen, Charles, Co. C, 98th, Jan. 1864; killed inaction at Petersburg, 

June 23, 1864. 
Brown, Peter, Colored, 1864. 
Brown, William It., Colored, 1864. 
Booth, Samuel H., 16th Cavalry, 1864. 
Brooks, William, 7th Art., Dec. 16, 1863. 
Bowles, William J., 26th U. S. Colored, 1864. 
Brooks, William, 63d, 1864. 

Brownlee, Joseph, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 8, 1862, 3 years; killed in Wilder- 
ness, May 12, 1864. 



Boyd, Duncan W., Co. C, 124th, Aug. 1862; pro. to corp. Sept. 1, 1863; 

missing in action at Tolopotomy Creek, June 6, 1864. 
Boyd, William, 3d, August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Bovell, James, (k). 1. 124th, Aug. 17, 1862, 3 years; lost finger at Chan- 

cellorsville; trans, to V. R. C. 
Bowen, Benjamin, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 9, 1862, 3 years ; entered on roll as 
a desei ter. 

Brower, Charles, 166th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Brownlee, Thomais, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Brooks, John H., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 19, 1862, 3 years ; disch. Nov. 15, 
1862. 

Brock, Harvey, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 22,1862,3 years ; severely wounded in 
right side. May 5, 1864. 

Brown, George, Co. E, 124th, Aug. 5, 1862 ; 3 years. 

Brooks, Spencer C, Co. 1, 124th, .Aug. 14, 1862, 3 yeare; pro. to sergt. 
Nov. 1, 1862: disch. Aug. 21,1863. 

Bond, Holtou,7th Art, 1863. 

Brown, Washington, Colored, 1863. 

Brown, Richard H., 14th Art., 1864 ; 1 year. 

Brown, Benjamin, 14th Art., 1864 ; 1 year. 

Brown, George, 26th Cavalry, 1864; 1 year. 

Brown, Thomas, March 7, 1866. 

Bloomer, Oscar, 16th Art., 1864 ; 1 year. 

Buckle.v, Joseph, Co. B, 36th, June 16,1861, 2 .years; shot through lungs 
at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862 ; died of wounds July 4, 1862. 

Brundage, Ezekiel, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861. 

Bush, Charles, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 12, 1861. 

Bush, Caleb, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; reported as a deserter Jan. 23, 
1863. 

Bunas, John H., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; died in hospital at Wash- 
ington, Dec. 1, 1861. 

Burns, Edward, 7th Ind. Bat., Nov. 26, 1861 ; 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Brundage, William A., Co. 1, 19th M., Juno 4,1862, 3 months; 168th, 
August, 1862, 9 months. 

Bush, Ira, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Sept. 1, 1861. 

Bruyn, Wilson (2d lieut.), 1st Engineers, Dec. 3, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieut. U. S. 
Signal Coi-ps Feb. 1, 1864. 

Buxtou, Charles, U.S.N., " Brooklyn," 1864. 

BuUis, William H., U.S.N., " Philadelphia," 1861. 

Burns, John, 16th Cavalry, 1864. 

Burns, John J., 7th Artillery, Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch. by muster out July 
31, 1865. 

Burnes, John, 16th Cavalry, 1864. 

Buchanan, Leonard, 63d, 1864. 

Burkenshire, Matthew, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Barton. Alanson H., Co. C, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; disch. for dis- 
ability June 9, 1863. 

Burr, Charles, I66th, August, 1862 ; 9 montlis. 

Buchanan, Charles J., 168th, August, 1862, 9 months ; re-enl. Feb. 13, 
1865. 

Buchanan, John, 2d (Harris) Cavalry, August, 1862; 3 years. 

Burmiugham, John, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Bush, Alexander P., Raney's Vols., 1864; 1 year. 

Brundage, Samuel, 56th, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Byrnes, John J., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; Ist sergt. ; trans, to Co. H, 
and pro. to 2d lieut. 

Cameron, Alexander, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Carmichael, Paul, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in 7th .Ar- 
tillery. 

Carrol, Barney, Co. B, 36th, June 17,1861, 2 years; severely wounded 
at Malvern Hill ; disch. on account of disability from wouuds Sep_ 
tember, 186-2. 

Carst, Joseph, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; wounded at Malvern 
Hill ; served full term, and re-enl. in 2d (Hawkins') Zouaves. 

Chamberiuin, B. F. (Ist lieut.), Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861, 3 months ; 
Ist Va. Cavalry, 1861. 

Carmichael, William J., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. L, 
19th, June 4, 1862, 3 months; Feb. 7, 1865. 

Crasser, Charles L., I'o. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 

Carter, James A., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 

Clark, George S., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Carroll, Thomas, Co. A, n8th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Carroll, Daniel, Feb. 28, 1865. 

Clark, Francis W., Co. A, 56tli, Oct. 28, 1861; 2 years. 

* Raney's Volunteers was composed of recruits for a battery, but 

were subsequently included in 63d Regiment. 



336 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cash, Samuel, Co. A, 50th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Crawford, Moses L., 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 10, 1861 ; re-cul. Oct. 17, 1803. 

CaufleW, John M., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 13, 1861. 

Caltin, David S., 7th lud. Bat., Sept. 1, 1861. 

Crawford, William, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 1, 1861. 

Cassin, John, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct. 18, 1861 ; died in hospital at Point 

Lookout, M(i., Sept. 10, 1862. 
Carroll, James, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 18, 1861. 
Cannon, Patrick, 7th Ind. Bat, Sept. 6, 1861. 
Cavanaugh, Wilson, 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. October, 1863. 
Chappell, Ira, 7th Ind. Bat, 1861 ; re-enl. October, 1863. 
Chase, James I., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 108th, August, 

1862, 9 months ; , Feb. 23, 1865. 

Clark, John W., Co. D, 19th M., June i, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Campbell, Hugh, Co. I), 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, August, 

1862, 9 months ; 6th Art, 1864, 1 year. 
Clark, J. Dewitt,Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Calyer, Abram M., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Carpenter, Nathaniel H., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Clarke, John, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Cahill, Jeremiah, Co. F, 19lh M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Cameron, David, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; , Feb. 11, 

1866. 
Cragg. Charles, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Campbell, Robert, Art 
Camp, Alexander, 168th Regt, 1 year, August, 1862; died of fever Aug. 

5, 1863. 
Callender, Charles, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 24, 1861. 
Chapman, William G., U.S.N., " De Soto," 1863. 
Clark, Leander, Jr., U.S.N., " Somerset," 1802. 
Clark, Leander, capt, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; resigned May 13, 

1863. 
Cameron, Isaiah, U.S.N., "Nereus," 1864. 
Carpenter, Wilbur F., 7th Bat., 1863. 
Chranger, John, 63d, 1864. 
Clark, George, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Chambers, John, Co. C, 98th, January, 1864. 
Carnes, John, 56th, March 14, 1864. 
Cassady, John, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Cassidy, Henry, 168tb, August, 1862,9 months; Co. C, 98th, October, 

1803, 3 years; discharged for disability. 
Carey, Edward, lOhth, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Calyer, John M., Co. G, 124th Regt., Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; wounded at 

Chancellorsville; trans, to Vet Res. Corp. 
Carpenter, William, Co. A, 124th, July 28, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 

12, 1864. 
Campbell, William, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 16, 1862, 3 years; killed at Get- 
tysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Carlin, Bernard, 108th, August, 1802,9 months; Co. C, 98tb, between 

Oct. 17, 1803, and July, 1864 ; killed at Drury's Bluff, May 13, 1864. 
Chalmers, Samuel, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years ; Corp., Nov. 1, 1862 ; 

wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; disch. Jan. 8, 1864. 
Chandler, George H., Co. C, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; pro. to qr.mr.- 

sergt. March 1, 1863. 
Chatfield, Jacob B., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 16, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to V. B. C. 

March 10, 1804. 
Clark, Charles C, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years ; disch. April 16, 

1863, for disability. 
Cannon, Henry M., musician, Co. A, 124th, 3 years ; disch. Feb. 4, 1863; 

16th Cavalry, October, 1803. 
Crawley, Matthew, Co. B, 124th, Aug. 4, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 3, 

1803; wounded May 0,1864; died Dec. 19, 1864, of chronic diarrhcea. 
Carman, Angus, Co. H, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; died at Walden, 

N. Y., June 30, 186;J, from effects of fever. 
Carman,* Daniel, Co. H, 124th, Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 3, 

1863 ; wounded May 6, 1864. 
Campbell, William, 7th Art., 1863. 
Carr, Bernard, 7th Art, 1863. 
Calen, Daniel, Feb. 7, 1805. 
Carle, James, .')th Art., 1864 ; 1 year. 
Carey, John. Feb. il, 1865. 
Chambers, David, 128th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Cahill, James, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Cleary, Felix, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct. 18, 1861. 

* Daniel and Angus Carman were credited to Newburgb, but probably 
resided at Walden. 



Celle, James R , 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Clelland. Samuel, leotb, August, 1802, 9 months ; 7th Bat., 1804. 

Cleary, Patrick, 108th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Clearwater, Nicholas, Co. E, 124th, Aug. 7, 1862, 3 years ; absent, sick, from 
Oct. 10, 1862 ; must out by General Order 77. 

Cline, John, Feb.6, 1865. 

Conklin, Perry, Co. B, 3d, May 14,1861, 2 years; served term; subse- 
quently killed by railroad cars. 

Corkey, Newton, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; served full term; a 
native of town of Crawford. 

Conley, Owen, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; wounded at Malvern 
Hill. 

Cosgrove, James, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 yeais ; wounded at Mai. 
vern Hill ; disch. for disability October, 1862. 

Cornish, Noble 31.. C.). B. 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Coleman, Henry. Co. B, 36th, Sept. 9, 1802, 3 years; trans, to 66th. 

Connell. John, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. D, 66th, Oct. 
28, 1801, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 14, 1804. 

Conby, Frank, Co. I, 71st M., June 28,1801,3 months; died in Washing- 
ton, July 26, 1801. 

Corwin, Daniel W., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of 
March 14, 1864. 

Cox, Charles, Co. A, 5Gth, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 14, 
1864. 

Corwin, David C, Co. A, 56th, Oct 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Crosby, John, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Connelly, Henry M., 2d lieut, Co. C, 66th, Aug. 16, 1861, 2 years ; 1st 
lieut., June 10, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 3, 1862. 

Coger. John W., 7th Ind. Bat, Sept. 13, 1861. 

Cox, Michael, 7th Ind. Bat., July 28, 1861. 

Coddington, Johu B.. 7th Ind. Bat., Oct 9, 1861. 

Coddington, Hiram, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct 9, 1861. 

Colyer, Benjamin S., 7th Ind. Bat, Oct IS, 1861. 

Cooper, Joseph, 7th Ind. Bat, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct 17, 1863. 

Colwell, Clark B., 2d sergt., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 1st 
sergt., Co. C, 98th, January, 1864 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Dec, 2, 1864. 

Conklin, John V., Co. D, 19tb M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Covert, George J., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 

Connelly, Joseph, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 

Coleman, James H. (Corp.), Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Coleman, George W., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 

Connolly, Michael, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Colden, William, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 

Corcoran, Thomas, Co. F, loth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Conkling, Luther (corp.), Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Conkling, Charles W., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1802, 3 months ; 66th, 
1804, 1 year. 

Conkling, Samuel E., Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Conklin, George S., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1802, 3 months ; 168th, Au- 
gust, 1862, 9 months. 

Coulaut, Cornelius (Corp.), 48th, Aug. 28, 1861. 

Cortwnght, Aloy G., 1st Engineers, 1801. 

Connolly, Joseph, 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1801. 

Conway, Martin (musician), 9th, May, 1861. 

Connolly, John, U.S.N., 1863. 

Coyle, James, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Cox, William, Co. C, 9Sth, 1864. 

Cronk, James, 2d Veteran Cavalry, 1864. 

Conway, John, 63d, 1864. 

Crosley, James J., Co. C, 98th, 1864. 

Conway, John, 43d, 1864. 

Cook, Joel. 4.3d, 1864. 

Coombs, Henry M., Co. C, 98th, January, 1864 ; died of wounds received 
at Drury's Blufl', May 13, 1804. 

Copeland, Jackson, Colored, 1804. 

Corey, Harvey P., Co. B, 124th, Dec. 10, 1863 ; disch. May 12, 1865. 

Condict, William C, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Conklin, Robert, re-enl. 1864. 

Couser, James W., 7lh Art. 

Connell, Petei-, 15th Cavalry. 

Cromie, John, 63d. 

Conklin, George W., 63d. 

Cornish, William J., 108th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Corwin, Dewitt C, 166th, August, 1862, 9 months; 56th, March 14, 1804. 

Connelly, Michael J., 160th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Cooper, James, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 19, 1862, 3 years ; killed at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863. 



NEWBUKGH. 



337 



Connelly. James, Co. B, 3d, August, 1862; 3 years. 

Collins, Cliailes, 5th, August, 1862. 

Cole, JosliuaV., Co. G, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, *3 years; Corp., January, 

1863; aergt., September, 1863; 1st sergt., January, 1864; disch. 

March 2S, 18G5. 
Coe, Theodore, UiStli, August, 1862; It months. 
Cole, John N. (musician, aged sixteen years), Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 21, 1862, 

3 years; must, out with regt. June 3, 1805. 
Cosgrove, John S., 3d, August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Cornish, William, «h, August. 1862. 
Cornish, Noble, sth, August, 1802. 

Collins, "William, 1st Fire Zouaves; killed at Ist Bull Run. 
Council, James, 8th, August, 1802. 
Coutant, Roswell G., I56th, August, 1862. 
Cronk, James S., I68th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Conlon, Patrick, 7th Art., 1803. 
Conkeley, John P., 7th Art., 1863. 
Conklin, Lemuel, 128th, 1864. 
Conklin, Samuel H., Raney's Vols., 1864; 1 year. 
Conklin, Edgar, o6th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Clony, John James, 5th Cavalry, 1861 ; 1 year. 
Collins, Thomas, 6Gth, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Corwell, John, 56th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Coleman, Joseph, 183d ; 1 year. 
Couch, Robert, U.S.N., 1864 ; 1 year. 
Covert, Albert N., 1864 ; 1 year. 
Conway, Richard, Feb. 28, 1865. 
Crowell, James, Feb. 28, 1865. 
Conkling, James B., March 2, 1866. 
Coleman, Erastus, March 2, 1865. 
Conner, James, March 8, 1865. 
Cunningham, John G., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861,2 years; pro. corp. 

Oct. 1, 1862. 
Cummings, William, sergt., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; 7th 

(2d) Cavalry, Nov. 13, 1801. 
Clugston, Hugh, Co. A. 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Cullum, John, Co. D, 19th M.. June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Cullens, Hezekiah, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 159th, 1864, 

1 year. 
Cunningham, John, Co. F, 19tb M., June 4, 1862, 3 months. 
Cunningham, Henry Clay, marine artillery. 
Cunningham, William, 6th. 
Cunningham, Peter, 15th. 

Cunningham, Robert C, U.S.N. ,'* Cumberland," 1861; lost on "Bain- 
bridge," Aug. 21, 1863. 
CuUius, James, Co. C, 98th, January, 1864 ; severely wounded at Cold 

Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
Cunningham, Thomas, 7th Ind. Bat., 1864. 
Cunningham, Charles H., 7th Bat., 1864. 
Curren, Giles. Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years; wounded; right foot 

amputated July 30, 1864 ; died of wounds Aug. 25, 1864. 
Currie, Joseph, 168th, August, 1862; 9 mouths. 
Cunan, Patrick, Co. K, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; taken prisoner at 

Tolopotomy Creek, June 1, 1864, and never returned. 
Cum, Joseph, 48th, August, 1862. 
Curtin, Robert, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Cutler, Richard, 56th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
CuUeu, John, Feb. 28, 1866. 
Cyphers, Henry, 7th Iiid. Bat., Oct. 4, 1861. 
Clyue, Asa D., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1863 : 3 months. 
Clyde, David, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Daniels, William A., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in 7th 

Heavy Art., 1864; must, nut August, 1865. 
Drake, Benj. C, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Davenport, Jesse, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861,2 years; honorably men- 
tioned for services at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill ; subsequently 

disch. for disability. 
Drake, David E., Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Drake, Benjamin, Co. B, 30th, Juno 17,1861, 2 years; disch. for disability 

Jan. 20, 1863. 
Davis, Clarence. Co. A, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Daniels, James, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Day, William, Co. E, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Davies, Robert, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861. 
Drake, Benjamin C, 7th Ind. Bat., Nov. 6, 1801. 
Davis, Nelson, 7th Ind. Bat., 1801 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1803. 
Daniels, Joshua, Co. E, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 



Day, Patrick, 1st lieut., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Daughaday, John H., 2d lieiit., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 

lieut., 168th, August, 1862, 9 months. 
Davy, John J., 2d Cavalry. 
Day, Patrick H., 5th Cavalry, 1861 . 
Darrach, David, C.S.N., "Gallatee." 
Davis, James, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Daniels, James C, Co. C. 124th, August, 1862 ; wounded Aug. 20, 1864. 
Drake, Nicholas C, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years ; disch. Jan. 20, '63. 
Dailey, Timothy, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Dalson, William, Colored. 
Dawson, Thomas, 15th Cavalry, 1804. 
Dalenthy, John, Co. C, 9Sth, January, 1864. 
Dalson, James, Colored, 1864. 
Davidson, Maxwell, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Davis, John, 16th Art., Aug. 27, 1864; 1 year. 
DeWitt, George D., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Devaney, George, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Decker, Lewis W., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Decker, Alfred, Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
DeGraw, John, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Decker, Charles, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; 168th Regt., 

August, 1862, 9 months. 
Delevirne, John, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
DeWitt, David W., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1801, 3 months ; Co. G, 124th 

Regt., Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Manassas Gap, July 24, 1863. 
DeGroat, Samuel, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Depuy, Thomas G., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Dennis, Albert, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Drennan, Edward, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 166th Begt., 

August. 1862, 9 months. 
Depuy, John BI., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Dermady, John, Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 mouths. 
Dermady, Timothy, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Depuy, Jacob R., 48th, Aug. 28, 1861 ; killed on Morris Island, July 18, 

1863. 
Depuy, Thomas R., 44th. 
Decker, James N., 2d lieut., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 4, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieut. 

April 12, 1802 ; killed near Falmouth, April 17, 1862. 
Decker, Andrew, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Decker, Moses, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Decker, Morrison, 168th. August, 1862,9 months; 66th, July 18, 1864, 

1 year. 
DeGroat, John, 7th Art. 
DeGraw, Thomas, 18th Cavalry. 
DeGroat, Richard J., 26th U. S. Colored. 
DeGroat, .Tames, Colored. 
DeWitt, James H., 26th U. S. Colored. 
Decker, William H., 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Deyo, Charles H., 26th U. S. Colored. 
Deyo, Alexander, 26th U. S. Colored. 
Dernan, Michael I., 63d N.T.S.V. 
Depuy, Abel R.,63d N.Y.S.V. 
Decker, Daniel B., Raney's Vols. 
Decker, Thomas H., Raney's Vols. 
Drew, Horace, 66th. 
Dennis, Egbert, Raney's Vols. 

Dietzgroth, George A., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Dickey, William D., sergt., Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; Ist 

lieut., 168th, Nov. 26, 1862, 9 months ; capt., 16th Art., Jan. 30, 1864 ; 

pro. m.ijor May 11. 1865. 
Diamond, Cornelius, Co. I, lOtli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Dickey, Joseph M., Co. L, 19tli M., June 4,1862, 3 months ; 168th, August, 

1862, 9 months; 2d lieut., 1.5th Art., Aug. 23, 1864; pro. but not 

mustered as 1st lieut. May 30, 1865. 
Dill, Henry, Co. L, 19tli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Dlngee, Hezekiah, 48tli, Sept. 6, 1861. 
Dillon, Henry, 168th, August, 1862, 9 months; 63d. 
Dinge, John H., Co. A, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862; 3 years. 
Diamond, George, Colored. 
Divine, James, 66th. 
Donaghue, Timothy, lieut.; pro. capt. Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 

years ; recommended for pro. to mEU. for distinguished services at 

Malvern Hill. 
Dotzert, William, Co. D, I9th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; Co. B, 36th, 

Sept. 23, 1802, 3 years ; trans, to Ootli to complete term. 



388 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dougherty, John G., Co. B, 36th, June 17, ISGl, 2 yeare; served full 

term ; mustered out July lo, 1803. 
Dowdell, Henry 0., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Dowljng, Roe C, Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Donnelly, Byron, Co. A, oOth, Oct. 28, 1801; 2 years. 
Dolaiid, John G., Co. A, oOth, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of 

March 14, 1864. 
Dolan, William, Co. K, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Donnelly, Thomas, 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Doyle, Felix, Co. D, 10th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Dore, Henry, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Doran, Daniel, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Donnelly, Michael, Jr., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Donahue, Michael, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Doremus, Solomon, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; Co. B, 3d, 

August, 1862, 3 years ; wounded in service. 
Douglass, Andrew, Co. L, I9th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 3d, August, 

1862, 3 yeare. 
Dobbs, Valentine, sergt., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 11, 1861 ; re-enl. March 

2, 1865. 
Dobbs, George, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 19, 1861. 
Dodge, William Foster, lieut., GOth, May 31, 1862 ; pro. ai^jt. March 13, 

1863 ; resigned April 16, 1864. 
Dodge, John P., capt., 66th, Dec. 27, 1861 ; killed in action at Fredericks- 
burg, Dec. 16, 1862. 
Doyle, John, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Doyle, Michael, 168th, August, 1802,9 months; 7th Art., Jan. 4,1804, 

3 years. 
Dodge, Samuel, Co. C, 124th, August, 1802, 3 yeare; killed at Chaucel- 

lorsville. May 3, 1803. 
Dougherty, William L., Co. E, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862. 3 years; wounded 

May 3, 1863; left ranks Oct. 27, 1864, and probably taken prisoner. 
Downie, John, 03d, 1804. 

Donnelly, William, Co. C, 9Sth, January, 1864 ; did nut leave the State. 
Donovan, Charles, loth Cavalry. 
Donahue, Peter, 80th (20th), 1 year. 

Dunn, John, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; U.S.N., gunboat, 1863. 
Dunphy, Patrick (1st Corp.), Co. F, 19th M , June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Dunn, James, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 mouths; Raney's Vols., 

1864, 1 year. 
Dufly, James, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 25, 1861. 
DuBois, Nathaniel, U.S.N. , "Chippewa," 1802. 
Duffie, John, Co. H. 124th, Aug. 13, 1862; 3 yeare. 
DuBois, Hiram, Colored. 
DuBois, James, Colored. 
Duffy, John, 5th Art. 
Dudley, Jonathan, re-enl. 
Dutcher, Jesse, Eaney's Vols., 1864. 
Dye, Cornelius B., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 21, 1861. 
Dwyer, Thomas, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Dyckman, George, Co. L, 19th SI., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Dyer, Nathaniel, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 19, 1861. 
Earle, George, Co. B, 36tli, Sept. 17, 1862, three yeare ; trans, to 65th. 
Eaton, William, Co. B, 36th, June 21, 1861, two yeare; pro. to Corp., sergt., 

and orderly sergt. ; severely wounded in action at Malvern Hill; 

honorably noticed for services at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill ; must. 

out with company. 
Evans, Eli H. (adjt.), 66th, Sept. 1, 1861, 2 years; dismissed Oct. 2.6, 

1863. 
Easton, Edmund A., Co. G, 60th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. 1S64. 
Evans, James 0., Co. G, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 yeare ; re-enl. March 14, 

1864. 
Edwards, Andrew, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Earls, George, Co. F, 19th JI., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Egan, James, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Eastman, Francis, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Jan. 2, 1802. 
Eager, Amos M., Co. I, 124tli, Aug. 0, 1862. 3 years; pro. to 6th, 4th, and 

3d sergt.; wounded at Gettysburg; trans, to V. R. C. 
Edwards, Aaron G., 166th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Edgar, William, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1802, 3 years; killed in action 

May 15, 1864. 
Estabrook, Sandford T., Co. G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; taken pris- 
oner at Cliancelloreville, May 3,1863; wounded May 5, 1804; died 
of wounds Aug. 12, 1864. 
Estabrook, Horatio J., 2d sergt, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1802, 3 yeare; 
wounded in ankle at Chancellorsville; assigned to hospital duty. 



Evans, Isaac, 16Sth, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Evans, John D., 7th Art., Dec. 24,1863, 3 yeare; disch.for disability. 

Embler, Hiram, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Egleston, James H , Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Egleston, John, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 16, 18(11. 

Emsley, William, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 12, 1861. 

Este, Michael, 100th, August, 1802; 9 months. 

Elmer, William, 1st Engineers, 1804. 

Elliott, James, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801 ; 2 yeare. 

Ellis, Van Home A., capt.. Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 mouths ; June, 

1862,3 mouths; col., 124th; kille.1 at Gettysburg. 
Ellison, Alexander, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Ellison, Isaac, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 22, 1862, 3 yeare; trans, to non-com. 

staff as hospital steward ; died of fever, 1863. 
Ellison, William J., 7tli Art., Dec. 14, 18M : disch. for disability. 
Ecord, Herman, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 yeare; re-enl. in 73d; killed July 

30, 1864. 
Edmondston, James H., U.S.N., "Minnesota," 1861. 
Edmondston, William F., 7th Ind. Bat.. Oct. 17, 1863. 
Frannce, Abm., Jr., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 yeare; disch. for loss of 

finger ; re-enl. in Co. C, 98th. 
Fraunce, Isaac, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861. 2 yeare; discharged. 
Farron, John, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 yeare. 
Fraunce, Abraham, Co. E, 66th, 2 years; disch.; Co. I, 71st M., June 

1802, 3 months. 
Franklin, Daniel R., lieut., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; res. after muster, 

Sept. 17, 1861. 
Flannigan, Edward (corp.), Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 yeare; re-enl. '64. 
Fagens, Thomas, Co. B, 56tli, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 yeare. 
France, Henry S., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 25, 1861. 
Flannigan, James, 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861. 
Fairbanks, Charles L., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1801 ; re-enl. 1863. ' 
Farrell, Patrick, 7tli Ind. Bat., Sept. 26, 1861. 
Fay, James W., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Farley, Peter, Co. F, 19tli M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Farley, Thomas, Co. I, 19th M., Juno 4. 1862, 3 months; Co. I, 124th, 

Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years. 
Flagler, Peter, 1st Mounted Rifles, Oct. 24, 1801. 
Flanagan, Daniel, 168th, .\ugust, 1862; 9 months. 
Flanagan, James, Co. I, 124tli, Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years; wounded, severe, 

April 0, 1866. 
Fairchild, William B., 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Flaize, Valentine, 124th, August, 1862, 3 yeare ; not on roll. 
Farrell, David, 15th Cavalry. 
Faulkner, Lawrence C, 03d. 
Farrell, Peter, 16th Engineere. 
Fannon, William P., Feb. 1, 1865. 
Fallon, John C, Feb. 28, 1865. 

Ferguson, George, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 yeare ; 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Ferris, John, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years. 

Ferguson, Peter, Co. B, 36th, Sept. 9, 1802, 3 years ; trans, to 66th. 
Feltman, .lolin H., Co. B, 36th, June 17,1861,2 yeare; disch. Nov. 7, 

1801, for disability. 
Fletcher, Harmon P., Co. I, 71st M., June 2'8, 1861, 3 months ; Co. L, 19th 

M., June 4, 1862, 3 months. 
Fee, John W., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1802; 3 months. 
Fleming, James, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Forkel, Jacob, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 yeare. 
Felt, John W., 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 31, 1801. 
1 Fremole. Solomon, 7tb Ind, Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; re-enl. Oct. 17, 1863. 
' Fenton, Robert, 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. Oct. 17, 1863. 
Ferguson, Archibald (Ist sergt.), Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 

108th, August, 1862, 9 months. 
Ferguson, Reuben, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Freeman, Frederick, Ist Mounted Rifles, Oct. 24, ISOl. 
French, Bcnoni H., 9th, May 4, 1801. 

Ferguson, Francis, 108th, call of August, 1802 ; 9 months. 
Ferguson, William P., 106th, August, 1862, 9 months; 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 

17, 1803. 
Ferguson, Daniel, 16th Cavalry, 1864. 
Freeman, .\ugustu8. Colored. 
Ferris, John E., Feb. 14, 1865. 

Fisher, James S., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Finnegan, James, Co. K-C, 124th, 3 yeare; 2d lieut., Aug. 23, 1862; 1st 

lieut., March 7, 1803; capt., Feb. 17, 1864, and trans, to Co. C ; 

wounded in legand arm at Gettyslairg; killed before Petereburg, Oct. 

27, 1864. 



NEWBURGH. 



339 



Flinn, Andrew, Co. C, 124tli, August, 1862 ; :i jeai-s. 

Finney, John, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 niontlis. 

Friece, John D., 20th Colored, 1S04. 

Fitzpatrick, Thomas, 7th Ind. Bat., Jan. 18, 1S04. 

Fitzpatrick, Thomas, 7th Art., Feb. 1,1864; noted on return as second en- 

lit^tmeut. 
Fisher, Alanson, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1S61, 2 years; re-enl. in 7th Art.; 

wounded June 10, 1864, and disi^harged. 
Fitzpatrick, James, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; right name said 

ttt liave been Cliristoplier Burke. 
Fisher, James W., Co. I, 71st SI., Juue 28, 1S61 ; 3 months. 
Fields, John (coi-p.), Co. A, 66tli, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Fitzpatrick, John (3d sergt.), Co. F, 19tli M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 

166th, August, 1862 ; 'J mouths. 
Finally, William, Co. F, 10th M., June 4, 1862; 3 mouths. 
Fisher, Augustus, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 18C2 ; 3 months. 
Fitzgerald, Daniel, 15th Cavalry. 
Finley, Daniel, Feb. 13, I860. 
Foley, John W., Co. B, 3d, M.ay 14, 1861,2 years; disch. for disability ; Co. 

C, 124tli, August, 1862,3 years; severely wounded and taken pria- 

ouer at Chancellorsville; died from effect of wounds Jan. 12, 1864, at 

Newburgh. 
Flood, John, Co. B, .'Jeth, Juue 17, 1801 ; 2 years. 

Fowler, George W., Co. B, 36th, Sept. 22, 1802, 3 years ; trans. 65th Regt. 
Forsythe, John W., Co. I, 71st M., Juue 28, 1861 ; 3 montljs. 
Foster, John \V., Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Ist sergt., Co. 

I, 71st 31., June, 1862, 3 months. 
Foos, Richard, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
FlouriKch, John. 7th Ind. Bat., 1801 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Ford, Terrance P., sergt., Co. E, 19th M , June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Fowler, James B., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Fowler, Daniel S., Co. L, 19th M , June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, call of 

August, 1862, 9 months. 
Frost, Henry, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 19, 1861. 
Fowler, Erwiu O., lieut., 5th, Sept. 8, 1861. 
Fowler, David E. (com. sub.), 3d, division staff, 1801. 
Forbes, Lucas II., 108th, cull of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Fowler, John S., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 20, 1S62 ; 3 years. 
Fowler, George, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 10, 181.2; 3 years. 
Foley, Thomas, Jr., Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 yeare ; first man enl. in 

company; pro. sergt.; color-bearerat CliancellorsviUe, and shot dead 

in that action May 3, 1863. 
Foley, Robert Havelock, Co. C, 124th, Aug. 6, 1802, 3 years; second man 

enl. in company ; killed in action at Boydtou Road, Oct. 27, 1864. 

John W., Thomas, Jr. and Robert H. Foley were brothers, natives of 

Canada, but residents of Newburgh. 
Foot, Nelson, 124tb, Aug. 13, 1802, 3 years; trans. V. R. C. Nov. 15, 1863. 
Fogerty, John, 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Fowler, William C, loth Cavalry. 
Fowler, Charles B., 3d. 
Fowler, Daniel W., Colored. 
Foran, John, Co. C, 98th. 
Ford, Theodore S., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863 ; name should be "Sau- 

ford." 
Fox, Thomas, 133d ; died of fever June 22, 1863. 
Ford, John M., Feb. 27, 186.5. 
Fullerton, Stephen W., capt., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; died of fever Sept. 

12, 1861. 
Fullager, William, Co. D, luth M., June 4, IK62,3 months; 168tll, August, 

1862, 9 months. 
Furgerson, William, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Fuller, Stephen D., 168th, August, 1862, 9 months ; 63d, 1864. 
Garrison, John D., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801, 2 yeare; 7th Bat., Dec. 20, 

1863. 
Gardner, Thomas, Co. B, 3Gth, June 17, 1801,2 years, trans, to ambu- 
lance corps. 
Gallagher, Hugh, Co. B 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Garrison, William H., 1st sergt., Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861, 3 mouths; 

1st lieut., Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862, 3 months; U.S.N., " Vauderbilt," 

1864. 
Galvin, Dennis, Co. 1, 7l8t M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Garrison, John, Co. A, SOtli, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Gray, Patrick, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Grady, John, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; Co. C, 98th, January, 

1864. 
Gardiner, Charles W., Co. D, 19th M., Juue 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Gardiner, Frederick P., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 



Gardiner, Walter G., Co. E, 19tli M., June 4, 1S62, 3 mouths ; 168th, 

August, 1862, 9 moulhs. 
Garrison, Dewitt, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Gracey, John, Co. I, lOtli M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 njonths. 
Gracey, James, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Gardner, Rufus, 48th, Aug. 12, 1861. 
Gardner, Savillion,48th, Aug. 12, 1861. 
Gaines, Hiram, 168th, August, 1862, 9 months; died of fever Aug. 31, 

1863. 
Gaines, John Henry, 168th, August, 1862, 9 months; died Aug. 29, 1863. 
Gardner, Joseph A., Co. A, 124th, July 20, 1862, 3 years ; wounded in 

1863. 
Gallow, Francis B., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Gray, William, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Gallow, Charles W., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years ; lost arm from 

wound in Wilderness, May 12, 1864. 
Gardiner, William. 48th, August, 1862. 
Garder, John, 5th Cavalry. 
Gauon, Daniel, Feb. 15, 1865. 

Gregory, Lewis E., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Gerard, John C, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; discharged Nov. 3, 1862. 
Green, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; re-enl. Oct. 17, 1863. 
Green, William, Co. E, 19th M,, June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Green, Thomas, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862,3 months; 166th, call of 

August, 1862, 9 months. 
Germain, Gilbert, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Geuung, Lester, Co. E, loth M., Juue 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Green, Jolin, Co. F, loth M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Green, Francis R. M., Co. I, 19th M., Juue 4, 1862, 3 months ; 15th Cav - 

airy, 1864. 
Green, John, 1st Mounted Rifles, Oct. 27, 1861 ; 2years. 
Gregory, William, U.S.N., 1862. 
Green, Silas, 108th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Green, Elias, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Gery, John, 168th, August, 1802 ; 9 months. 
Gerow, Charles, 2d (Harris) Cavalry, August, 1802 ; 3 years. 
Greahl, Charles, 63d, 1864. 
Geruioud, Gilbert, Raney's Vols., 1864; 1 year. 
Germond, James, Raney's Vols., 1864 ; 1 year. 
Glee, Joseph, Feb. 8, 1865. 
Gerow, George, March 8, 1865. 
Gillis, Daniel, Co. B, 3d, May 14,1861 ; 2 years. 
Gilcrist, Ale.xunder, Jr., Cu. B, 36th, Juue 17, 1861, 2 years; disch. Aug. 

18, 1862, for disability. 
Grier, James A., Co. I, 81st M., June 18, 1861, 3 months ; Co. K-C, 124th, 

Aug. 25, 1S62, 3 years ; sergt. -maj. ; 2d lieut., Co. C ; Ist lieut. ; capt., 

Oct. 27, 1864. 
Griuier, Max, Co. I, 7lst M., Juue 28, 1861, 3 months ; Co. L, lOtli M., 

Juue 4, 1862, 3 mouths. 
Girling, William B., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 nuinths; 168th, August, 

1862, 9 mouths. 
Gillespie, Charles E., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. call of 

March 14, 1864. 
Gidney, William, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Grilfltb, David, 7th Ijid. Bat, Oct. 1, 1861. 
Gillesi)ie, William H., 7th Ind. Bat., Nov. 26, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 

17, 1803. 
Gibb, Eleazer. Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Gillespie, C, U.S.N., "Senapee." 
Gilme]', William, 3d, August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Gibb, David, lieut. ; 2(1 lieut., 124th, Aug. 20, 1802, 3 years ; resigned 

Feb. 25, 1803, on account of dis.ibility. 
Griffin, Jesse, 168th, August, 1802 ; 9 months. 
Griltitb, Smith, 168th, call of August, 1802, 9 months; 7th Art., Dec. 26, 

1863; disch. for disability. 
Grifflu, George E., Co. G, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; trans, to Invalid 

Corps. 
Gidney, Solomon, 21st New Jersey, August, 1862 ; Raney's Vols., 1864, 

1 year. 
Gidney, Charles, 63d, 1864. 
Gidney, Gabriel N., March 2, 1865. 
Gillespie, J.icob L., 5th .\rt., 1864. 
Gibson, Thomas, Feb. •J3, 1865. 
Gidney, Isaac, 56th, 1864; 1 year. 
Gilbert, James, 56th ; died of dysentery Sept. 4, 1863. 
Gordon, Robert, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; served term, aud re- 
enlisted in same cumpauy. 



340 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Goldwin, James, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861,2 years; riglit name was 
" Noah Burton ;" served full term. 

Grove. Jamee, Co. B, 36th, June 17,1861, 2 years; served full term ; born 
in Goshen ; resided in Montgomery ; enl. in Newlmrgh. 

Gowdy, James, Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 montlis. 

Gould, James, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Gordon, Daniel, Co. B, oGth, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Gorden, David, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 
14, 1864. 

Gorden, William, Co. B, Sfitli, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Grogen, Daniel, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Goldsmith, Charles It., Co. I, .56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Goodsell, Anthony, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 7, 1861 ; killed in action at Fair 
Oaks, May 21, 1862. 

Gordon. Robert D., corp., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Gould, John B., Co. 1, 10th M., June 4,1862; 3 months. 

Goodsell, Charles W., "tli (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 15, 1861. 

Goetchius, Isaac Newton, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 8, 1862, 3 years; wounded 
at Chancellorsville. 

Groat, L. A., 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Gorden, John, Colored. 

Gorden, Aaron, Colored. 

Golden, John B., 15th Art., Jan. 18, 1864; 3 years. 

Gough, Christopher, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Grogan, John, Rauey's Vols ; 1 year. 

Goodwin, William, 2d Cavalry, call of July 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Goodly, Samuel, 2d Cavalry, call of July 18, 1864; 1 year. 

Griggs, James, 51h ; killed at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. 

Goble, Morris G., 168th, Aug. 1, 1862, 1 year; died of congestion of lungs 
March 19, 1863. 

Gurven, James, Co. B, 36th, June 17,1861, 2 years; was in tifteen battles 
and skirmishes. 

Gunn, Charles A., Co. 1, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months ; 168th, call of Au- 
gust, 1862,9 months. 

Gordon, John, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; wounded in shoulder 
at Gettysburg ; taken prisoner May 6,1864; was in Richmond, Sa- 
vannah, Andersonville, etc. ; paroled Nov. 20, 1864 ; discb. June 22, 
1865. 

Gurling, Edmund, 168tb, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Giuner, Edward, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 6, 1862 ; 3 years. 

Gunn, Charles A. (2d), 16sth, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Gurling, William, Feb. 27, 1865. 

Hanna, David, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in 7th H. Art. 

Hayes, Garret, Co B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Hamilton, Robert J., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; had previously 
been with Walker in Nicaragua; served full term with credit; after 
his discharge had three ribs and arm broken by boiler explosiou at 
Washington Iron-Works. 

Harrington, Theodore, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Halleck, John D., Co. B, 36th, Sept. 2, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to 65th. 

Hartford, William H. (corp.), Co. B, 36th. June 17, 1861, 2 years ; had pre- 
viously served five years in U. S. army ; pro. to corp. and sergt. ; se- 
verely wounded and taken prisoner at Malvern Hill ; soon after 
being must, out he re-enl. in " Hawkins' Second Zouaves." 

Hays, Alexander, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Hawkins, George W., 2d lient., Co. I, 7lBt M., June 28, 1861, 3 months ; 

U.S.N., Western Flotilla, 1862. 
Hanman, James D., 3d sergt., Co. X, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 

Hall, Edwin J., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. I, 71st M., 

Corp., June, 1862, 3 months. 
Hastings, James, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. I, 71st M., 

June, 1862, 3 months. 
Hammond, William D., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Hanna, David, Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Hawley, Thomas, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Hath way, Hiram F. (corp.), Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Hastie, John (Corp.), Co. A, 66tli, Oct. 28, 1861; 2 years. 
Halstead, Isaac, Co. A, S6th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Hamilton, William (drum.), Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 (disch.), 2 years ; 
Co. F, 191h 51., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 166th, c»ll of August, 1862, 
9 months ; 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Hargrave, Thomas, Co. B, 56tb, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Havermeyer, John, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Hall, Alanson, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 30, 1861. 
Hall, Garwood, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 26, 1861. 
Harmau, Franklin D., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 26, 1861. 



Harden, Patrick, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 7, 1861. 
Hasbrouck, Hiram, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 13, 1861. 

Hamilton, Isaac, 7th Ind. Bat., , 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

Hadley, Thomas J., 7tb Ind. Bat., , 1S61 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

Howell, Charles S., 7th Imi. Bat., Jan. 1, 1862. 
Hartig, Frederick, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Hancock, Robert G., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
I Havens, Gardiner B., sergt., Co. E. 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Harris, David, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Hayes, Michael. Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Haight, Robert M., sergt., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Hathaway, William M., 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; adjt., 168th, 

Sept. 29,1802, 9 months. 
Harding, John, Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
I Hays, Hugh M., S2d Regt., May 21, 1861 ; re-enl. 1863-64. 

Hasbrouck, Henry Clay, lieut., U.S.A., 1861. 
1 Harris, George W,, 6th Cavalry, 1861 ; re-enl. March 2, 1865. 
Hanford, John, 2d Cavalry, 1861. 
Havens, David, U.S.N., " Kerens," 1864. 
Halstead, Israel, U.S.N., " Keokuk." 
Harris, Hezekiah, Co. E, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; wounded in head 

at Gettysburg, and subseiiuently died from same. 
Hall, George, 108th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Hanna, James, lOOtb, August, 1802 ; 9 months. 
Hanson, Christian, 166th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Hagan, John, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 yeat^; disch. for dis. Jan. 13, 

1863. 
Hanna, George, Co. B, 3d, August, 1862. 
Haggerty, James C, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18,1862, 3 years; trans, to Vet 

Res. Corps. 
Hamill, John, Co. I, 124tb, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years; wounded in arm May 

3, 1863, and in leg May 6, 1864. 
Hamilton, William, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years; wounded 

in leg May 3, 1863; died of wounds June 30, 1863. 
Hannah, Joseph, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 3, 

1863. 
Halstead, Daniel, Co. E, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862,3 years; disch. April 16, 

1863. 
Hamilton, Anson, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; wounded in foot 

May 3, 1863 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Hagar, Michael, Co. A, 124tli, Aug. 8, 1862, 3 years; wounded severely 

at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Hanegan, Michael, 166tb, .\ugust, 1862; 9 months. 
Hartnett, Jeremiah, Co. A, 124tli, Aug. 2, 1862; 3 years. 
HoUey, Abraham, Co, H, 124th, Aug. 28, 1862,3 years; shot in neck and 

lost use of right arm ; disch. June 25, 1863. 
Hanmore, Howard B., 7th Ind. Bat., 1864. 

Hair, Samuel, Co. I, 9Sth, January, 1864 ; died of disease in July, 1864. 
Halstead, Stephen H., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Haley, Samuel, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Hall, Horace, Co. C, 98th, January, 1864. 
Hallock, Edward A., 15tli Cavalry. 
Hart, Jacob, Colored, 1864. 
Harrigan, Michael, o:id, 1864. 
Halt, Silas, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Harmon, John, 50th ; 1 year. 
Harrison, John J. E., 56th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Hardenbergh, George W., 56th, 1864; 1 year. 
Hanuigan, Jolin, 3d, 1864; 1 year. 
Harrington, William, 5th Cavalry, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Harwood, B. W., Feb. 23, 1865. 

Henry, Alexander, Co. B, 36tb, June 17, 1861, 2 years; 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 

1803; honorable notice for conduct at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill. 

Hewitt, Thomas, Co. D, luth M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 15th Cavalry, 

1864. 
Henderson, James, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 10, 1861. 
Hennersey, Philip H., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 14, 1861. 
Henderson, George, 2d Cavalry, 1861. 
Henry, William, 16Sth, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Hepper ^or Hopper), David, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; died in 

Washington, Dec. 16, 1862. 
Henry, Philip, 6th Art., bet. Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864. 
Henry, Joseph Y., 143d, bet. Oct. 17, 186.), and July, 1864. 
Hennesy, Patrick, loth Cavalry, bet. Oct. 17, 186:), and July, 1864. 
Hedges, William, 128th, cnll of July 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Herbert, George, 1st Cavalry, call of July 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Herbert, Charles, Feb. 1, 1866. 



NEWBUKGH. 



341 



Hines, Bichard M., sergt., Co. I, Tlst M., Jane 28, 1861, 3 months ; licut., 

Co. E, 66th, Sept. 20, 1861 ; res. Feb. 6, 1862 ; sergt., Co. E, 19th M., 

June 4, 1862, 'i months. 
Hines, Fmiicis, Co. I, "1st M., June 28, 1.S61, 3 months; Co. E, 56th, Oct. 

28,1861, 2 years; 2d lieut., Aug. fl, 1862 ; 1st lieut, Dec. 30, 1862; 

cal>t., June 10, 1863; must, out with regiment <.)ct. 17, 1865. 
Hines, Joseph, Co. D, lOth M., June 4, 1S62; 3 months. 
Hicks, Matthew, Tth Iiid. Bat , Oct. 0, 1861 ; killed in battle at Fair Oaks, 

May 31, 1862. 
Hill, John, Co. E, 19th JI., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Higgs, George W..Co. F, loth M., Juno 4, 1862,3 months; 166th, August, 

1862, 9 months; Co. C, 98th ; died of wounds received at Cold Har- 
bor, June, 1864. 
Hilleker, Alonzo, 48th, Aug. 5, 1861 ; killed at Fort Wagner, June, 1863. 
Hines, Stephen, 166th, AuRUst, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Higgs, Cornelius, 166th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Hill, Lewis H., 13th U. S. Colored; 1 year. 
Horton, George W., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Howard, James E., 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861. 
Homeny, Adam, 20th, May, 1861. 
Hobb, John, 166tli, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Holley, George, 124th, call of August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Human, AVilliam A., 124tli, call of August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Hopkins, William H., 7th Art., between July aud October, 1863. 
Home, Francis, Raney's Vols.; 1 year. 
Howard, John, 56lh ; 1 year. 
Hozier, Wm. H., surgeon, 174th ; resigned. 
Hoffman, "Wm. H., 156th ; died of diarrhcea at New Orleans. 
Hoppenback, Austen, Feb. 28, 1865. 
Hulse, Lewis H., Co. I. 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months ; Hawkins' Zouaves, 

August, 1862; U.S.N., 1863. 
Hume, Henry C, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1S62; 3 months. 
Hunter, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 27, 1801. 

Hunter, David 0., 7tli Ind. Bat., Oct. 17,1861; re-enl. call of Oct. 17,1863. 
Hunter, Alpheus S., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Hunt, Robert C, Co. D, 19th M., Juno 4, 1862, 3 njonths; Co. C, 124th, 

jviig. 8, 1862, 3 yeai-s; wounded in right breast May 12, 1864, while 

charging enemy's breastworks at Spottsylvania Conrt-House ; diseh. 

at hospital ; pro. Corp. 
Hughes, James B. (ord.-sergt.), 11th, April 27, 1861 ; 66th, 1864, 1 year. 
Hnddleson, William, U.S.N., '• Cactus," 1861. 
Hughes, Joseph, 7th Art., 1863. 
Hunter, Titus, Colored. 
Hughes, William, 15th Art. 

Hynes, John, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Hyatt, Abraham, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 4, 1862, 3 years; disch. Feb. 2, 1S64, 

at Brandy Station, Va., by order of Gen. Birney. 
Ireland, Alfred, Co. D, 19lh M., June 4. 1862; 3 months. 
Ireland, James, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1S62, 3 months; 56th, Aug. 27, 

1864, 1 year. 
Ireland, William C, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Ireland, Albert, oOth, Sept. 1, 1864; 1 year. 
Ireland, Levi, 56th, Aug. 16, 1864; 1 year. 
Jackson, Israel D, Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861; 2 years. 
Jackson, Andrew, Co. B, 36£h, June 22, 1861, 2 years; mortally wounded 

at Malvern Hill; died of wounds July 1, 1862. 
Jamison, John, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Jaggei-, John W., sergt., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Jamisun, David S., Co. 1, 19tb M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 166th, August, 

1862, 9 months; Co. C, 98th, January, 1864, 3 years; severely 

wouuded at Colli Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
Jagger, David, major, lotli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Jackson, Leonard L., Co. A, 124th, call of Aug. II, 1862,3 years; wounded 

in arm May 5, 1864 ; dlsch. at hospital. 
Irving, John R., U.S.N., " Colorado," 1862. 
Irwin, Hugh, 5th Art., 1864; 1 year. 
Jackson, Nathaniel, Co. I, 124th, August 14, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 

ankle at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Jackson, William, Colored. 
Jackson, Ca-sar, 20tli Colored. 
Jackson, Luke, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Jeffery, John, Co I, 7l8t M., June, 1862, 3 months ; 2d (Harris) Cavalry, 

August, 1862, 3 years. 
Jennings, Charles, Co.D, 56th, Oct. 28. 1861 ; 2 years. 
Jenkinson, Isaac, capt., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; capt, 

168th, Jan. 20, 1863, 9 months. 
Jennings, John, U.S.N., " Kerens," 1864. 



Jennings, George, 56th ; 1 year, 

Jones, Erwin A., Co. B, 3d, 1861, 2 years : 1st lieut.. May 14, 1861 ; capt., 

Sept. 14, 1861 ; dismissed Aug. 16, 1862. 
Jones, Walter D., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Joy, William, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 yeai-s ; disch. for disability 
Aug. 15, 1862, 9 months ; re-enl. in 168th, and subsequently (Jan. 16, 
1864j in 63d ; killed in Wilderness, April 12, 1864 ; name on rolls as 
Joy and Joice. 
Jones, Michael, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Johnston, John F., sergt., Co. L, 19th SI,, June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Johnston, Thomas, Co, L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Jones, David, Cavalry, 1861. 
Joyce, John, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862,3 years; trans, to Vet. Ees. 

Corps June, 1864. 
Jones, Joseph, Co. G, l*24th, August 14, 1862, 3 years; pro. Corp. March 

12, 1865. 
Jones, James, Co. A, 124th, July 22, 1862, 3 years; disch. Sept. 17, 1863. 
Johnston, Joseph H., Co. E. I24th, Aug. 13, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 

hip severely May 6, 1864. 
.Tuhnson, Augustus, Colored. 
Johnson, George, Colored. 
Johnson, Andrew, Colored. 
Johnson, William, 5th Art. 
Jones, James, 63d, 1864. 
Joice, William, 40th, Feb. 10, 1864. 
Johnson, William, U. S. Colored ; 1 year. 
Jones, Adiilphus, Feb. 21, 1865. 
Knapp, William H., Co. I, 7l3t, June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. C, 98th • 

wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
Kane, Eugene, Co. B, 56th, (.)ct. 28, 1861, 2 jears; re-enl. 1864. 
Knapp, Alonzo, 7th Ind, Bat., Oct. 15, 1861. 
Kain, Jolin (3d corp,), Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Kane, Patrick, Co. 1, 124th, Aug, 12, 1862,3 years; wounded in arm June 

15, 1864, and arm amputated ; disch, Aug, 31, 1864. 
Knapp, John H., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862; 3 years. 
Kane, Edgar A,, 156th, August, 1862. 
Kennedy, James, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Kenny, Timothy, sergt., Co, B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; wounded in 

arm at Malvern Hill ; honorably noticed for conduct at Fair Oaks 

and Malvern Hill, 
Kennedy, Henry, Co, I, 7l8t M,, June 28, 1861; 3 months. 
Keiter, .\uguBtus, Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Kehoe, Edwaid J., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Keeler, William, Co. E, D6th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Kelly, Edward, sergt., 7th Ind. Bat,, Oct. 1, 1861. 
Keaney, Edward, 7th Iiid, Bat,, Sept, 1, 1861, 
Kelly, James, 7th Ind, Bat, ; re-enl, in same battery, 1863. 
Kerrigan, Robert, 1st sergt., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Kellosher, Charles, U.S.N., *' Maumee." 
Keeley, Albert, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Ketihum, James M., Co, G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years ; detached as 

provost-gTiard 3d Div, H, Q, 
Keeler, Robert S,, Ist lieut., 15th Art., Aug. 23, 1864; bvt. capt. N.T.V. 
Keane, Frederick W., Co. C, 98th ; disch, at hospital. 
Kehoe, John, 63d, 1864, 

Kimball, George H., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 yeare, 
Kidd, I, Oscar, Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862,3 months; U.S.N., "Gertrude " 

1863 ; 56th, Sept. 27, 1864, 1 year. 
Kirby, George, Co. A, 56th, Oct. '28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Kinslear, George, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
KnifTen, Abram, 2d lieut., Tth Ind. Bat., Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. 

Dec, 30, 1862, 
Kliue, Henry, 7th lud. Bat,, Sept, 16, 1861, 
Kniffen, Charles, 7th Ind, Bat,, Oct. 6, 1861, 
Kisselbrack, Minard, 7th Ind, Bat,, Oct, 17, 1861 ; re-enl. in same in 

1863 ; died while home on furlough. 
Kirk, David H,, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Kimbark, John T., Co, L, 19th M., June 4, 1862: 3 months. 
King, William H., 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1861 ; Co. L, 19th M., June 

4, 1862,3 months; 63d. 
Kimball, Harvey, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 8, 1862, 3 years ; disch. Aug. 28, "63. 
King, George. G., Co, C, 124tli, August, 1862,3 years; killed Sept. 10, 

1864, near Peterebnrg, Va., while in the act of removing from the 

field Lieut.-Col. Michael, of 20th Ind., who had been wounded. 
King, William, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; disch. April 16, 1863. 
Kimball, Eliphalet B , Ch,, B, 3d, August, 1862, 3 years ; died of diarrhcea 

Nov, 20, 1863, 



342 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Kirwin, William, IBSth, August, 18C2; i) months. 
King, Bernard, 15th Cavali*y. 
King, Patrick, loth Cavalry. 
King, Theodore \V., Colored. 
Kirkpatrick, Joseph, loth Cavalry. 
Knight, William, 26th U. S. Colored. 
Kinkade, John, loth Art., Jan. 20, 18G4. 
Kilday, Patrick, 6:Jd. 
Krismyre, Conrad, 1st Engineers. 
Kirk, Cliarles A., 2d Cavalry. 

Krismyre, Henry, IGtUh, August, 1862; li months. 

Kimher, Herhert P., Co. K, Gtli, 18G1 ; wounded at Gaines' Mills; taken 
prisoner at tentporary hospital at Savage's Station ; exchanged ; disch. 
for disability at convalescent camp. 
Knowlea, Benjamin E., 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. 1863. 
Kronk, Charles W., U.S.N. , ''Nereus," lS(i4. 
Knowlea, John, lG8th, August, 1862; 9 mouths. 
Klyne, Charles G., Co. A, 124tli, Aug. 12, 1862 ; 3 yeare. 
Lau'sou, William S., Co. B, -U], May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Lamb, Frederick, Co. B, 36tii, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; 63d, 186-t. 
Laughlin, John, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Lawson, Sylvester B. (lleut.l, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861,3 months; 1st 
lieut., Berdau's Sharjjsliooters, June 30,1864; Co. H, 124th (trans, 
from Berdan's Sbarpshuuters), 2d lieut., March 19, 1865. 
Laubenheimer, Adiini, Co. 1>, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Laforge, James, Co. E, 19th M.,Juue 4, 1862,3 months; died offerer 

Aug. 9, 1862. 
Lamb, George H., Co. E. 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Latour, R. James, Co. E, 19th M.. June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Lawrence, Thomas, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 168th, Au- 
gust, 18G2, 9 montlis. 
Larue, John T., 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years ; wounded in shoulder at 

Gettysburg. 
Lancaster, Benjamin, 124th, Aug. 6, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Lawson, Joseph, 166th, August, 1862 ; died in service, of consumption, 

March 7, 1863. 
Lamoreux, George C, 7th Ind. Bat., 1863. 
Lamoreux, Charles H., loth Cavalry. 
Lafarge, Eli V., 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 1863; died in hospital at Furt Monroe, 

Va., July 6,1864. 
Lauchback, John, 124tli, Dec. 31, 1863 ; 3 years. 
Lambertson, William, Raney's Vols., Sept. 3"! 1864; 1 year. 
Lawrence, William S., U.S.N., 1864; 3 years. 

Leonard, Marcus, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 yeai-s; re-enl. in 7th Heavy 
Art. ; shot in right breast, causing loss of use of arm, at Cold Har- 
bor, May 30, 1864; discli. for disability. 
Lewis, John N., 2d lieut, Co. B, 3Gth, June 17, 1861, 2 years; pro. to 1st 
lieut. Nov. 12, 1861 ; recommended for promotion as captain for dis- 
tinguished services at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill; assisted in 
recruiting a company for 03d. 
Lewis, Charles E., 2d sergt., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; 1st sergt., 
Oct. 1, 1862; 2d lieut, Nov. 12, 18G1 ; 1st lieut, Aug. 20, 1862, and 
trana. to Co. A ; his promotion as 1st lieut. was for "distinguished 
services at Malvern Hill ;" recruited company for 63d in 1863-64, but 
did not go out. 
Lodwith, John, Co. B, 36th, May 13, 1861, 2 years; trans, to Co. F, No- 
vember, 1861. 
Lent, Henry, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. 
Lee, William H., 2d lieut, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 2, 1861 ; res. May 14, 1862. 
Legg, Nelson, 7th Ind. Bat, Sept. 25, 1861. 
Leo, James, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Levitt, Charles E., Co. E, I'Jth M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Leeper, Joseph M., capt., 140th, Dec. lU, 1862; disch. March 26, 1864. 
Leighton, Jacob M., 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Leeper, Samuel, 168th, call of August, 1862, 9 months; Co. C, 98th ; 

wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
Lee, Francis, Co. B, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862, 3 years; taken prisoner at 

Chancellorsvillc; paroled May 14, 1863. 
Lewis, Houls, Hawkins' Zouaves, August, 1862, 
Levine, Jacob, Colored. 

Lewis, William H. H., IGth Art. Dec. 28, 1863. 
Lewis, Morgan, Colored. 
LeRoy, Edward, otith, Aug. 16, 18G4; 1 year. 
Leibsliner, Chailes, 4Stli ; killed in ussault on Fort Wagner. 
Litze, Henry, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. 1864. 
Little, David, 7tli Ind. Bat., Nov. 26, 1861 ; died in hospital at Antioch 
Church, Va., May 28, 1862. 



Lindsay, Joseph, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 4, 1861 ; re-enl. 
Lindsey, James B., corp., Co. D, 19tli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Little, Edward, drummer, Co. L, IDth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Little, Edward W.,168tli, August, 1852, 9 months; sub. in loth Cavalry; 

died of diarrha-a Dec. 7, 1864. 
Little, John J., 2d (Harris) Cavalry, August, 1862; 3 years. 
Linderman, Willet H., lath Cavalry. 

Low, George S., sergt., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Lockwood, James H., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 166th, 

August, 1862; 9 months. 
Lounsbury, Thomas, Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Lowers, Andrew, Co. L, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Law, James, lieut.-col., 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 mouths ; 168th, August, 

18G2, 9 months; resigned Aug. 27, 1863. 
Loomas, William B., U.S.N., •' Nereus," 1864. 
Loughbridge, Daniel, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862,3 years; wounded in 

shoulder at Chancellorsville; pro. corp., sergt. 
Lockwood, David C. (sergt.), Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years; right 

name " Lockard ;" served full term. 
Loumy, John, musician, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; taken from 

service by his jiarents. 
Lomas, Edward H., Corp., Co. B, o6th. Oct. 28,1861,2 years; 2d lieut., 

Aug. 11, 1863; 1st lieut, Aug. 12, 1864; dismissed Jan. 9, 1865. 
Lomas, Joseph, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. 1864. 
Lockwood, John. Co. B, TiGth, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Lockwood, Absalom, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 23, 1861. 
Low, Andrew, 7th Ind. Bat, Sept. 25, 1861. 
Lozier, Charles, Co. I, 124tli, Aug. 15, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Lockwood, William M., 63d. 
Low, Francis, Colored, 18G4. 
Lowden, George, 7tb Ind. Bat, Oct 17, 1S63. 
Lossee, Gilbert A., Feb. 24, 1865. 
Lousberry, Marcus D., March 2, 1865. 

Lumney, Patrick, Co. B. 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; trans, to Co, F. 
Luther, George, Co. I, 7tst M., June 28, 1861 ; three months. 
Luther, Francis, 7th (:id) Cavalry, Dec. 31, 1861. 
Luyster, John P.. 7th Art., between Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864. 
Ludlow, John, Colored. 

Lutes, Calvin C, Co, A, 124th, Aug. 9,1862; 3 yeare. 
Lynch, Richard (corp.), Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Lynch, James, 5th Cavalry, 1861. 
Lynn, James, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Lyon, Charles H., 1st lieut., 16th Cavalry, Jan. 6, 1864; disch. by consoli- 
dation. June 17, 1865; brevet capt. N.Y.V. 
Lybolt, Archibald, 9th Art., Dec. 30, 1863 ; 3 years. 
McCann, Julm J., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
McGrady, Felix, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; traufl. to " Scott's 900 ;** 

died in New Orleans in 1864. 
McCann, Charles, Cu. B, 36th, Juue 17, 1861, 2 years; trans, to Co. P. 
McCabe, William, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; served full term 

and re-enl. in " Hawkins' Second Zouaves." 
McGrath, Michael, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; two years. 
McLaughlin, Dennis, Co. I, 71st M., Juue, 1862; 3 months. 
McManus, John, Co. B, 5Gth, Oct 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
McCabe, John, Co. B, Oct 28, 1861, 2 years; killed at Fair Oaks, 1862. 
McCauley, Robert, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
McCann, Henry, Co. D, 19th M., June 4,1862,3 months; Co. C, 98th, 

1864. 
McAnulty, Bernard, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
McLaughlin, John E., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 15th Cav- 

ali:y, 1864. 
McAuley, John, 3d Regt., August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
McAuley, Andrew, 3d Regt, August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
McAllister, John H., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18, 1S62, 3 years; wounded at 

Chancellorsville ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
McCartney, Robert, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 

right arm at Chancellorsville; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
McGaw, John, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 22, 1862 ; 3 years. 
McLane, William, 166th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
McLaughlin, John E., 16Stli, August, 1862; 9 months. 
McNamara, Patrick, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
McCall, William, 15th Cavalry. 
McGrath, George. 
McFarrel, Josei'h, 1st Engineers. 
McAvoy, James, 63d. 
McAnany. James, Co. C, 98th, 1864. 
McDauiels, Daniel, Co. C, 9Sth; died at Fort Schuyler, March, 1864. 



NEWBUllGH. 



843 



McFadden, Kobert, Co. C, 98th. 

McManu, Hugh, U.S.N. ; 1 year. 

McCauley, Thomas, Raney's Vols.;l year. 

McElrath, Thomas, Co. B, Sil, May U, 1801 ; 2 years. 

McCready, Tliomas, Co. B, 3Cth, Sept. .s, 1862, 2 years ; trans, to 65th. 

McCleary, Johu, Co. B, 3Cth, June 17, 1861, 2 years; Corp., Co. C, 98th, 

January, 1SG4; wounded at Swift Creek, May 9, 1864. 
McMeekiu, John, 2d sergt., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; 3d 

sergt., Co. I, Tist 31., June, 1862, 3 months. 
McVettie, William, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
McNeal, John, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
McSherry, Thomas J., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
McPhelmy, Amos, 7lh Iml. Bat., Oct. 1, 1861. 
McCreery, John, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Mcleary, George, Ist sergt., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
McLean, John T., Co. F, lUth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
McLeau, Johu, Jr., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
McCleary, George, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
McCleary, Rohert, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
McDermot, John, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
McElroy, Jolin, l6Bth, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
McVey, Charles, 16Sth, August, 1862; 9 months. 
McVeigh, Charles, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years ; died Dec. 27, 

1862, of typhoid fever. 
MoPeek, Henry, 7th Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 

McClenn.in, Kenneth, Co. 1, 124th, Doc. 25, 1863 ; trans, to 93d. 
McKee, David J., 1st Engineers. 
McKeug, John, Feb. 28,1865. 
McMillan, Archibald, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; wounded in 

right leg at Malvern Hill ; leg amputated. 
McSkimmin, Samuel, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. I, 7lBt 

M., June, 1802, 3 mouths. 
Mclntyre, Martin V., ord.-sergt., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 26, 1861 ; lat lieut., 

Feb. 14, 1802. 
McKissock, David, 7tli Ind. Bat., Sept. 14, 1861. 
McMilleu, James, U.S.N., " Kittatinny.'' 
McBride, Thomas, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862 ; 3 years. 
McGibbon, George, 56th, March 14, 1864. 
McKnight, Alexander, 63il. 
McGinnis, David, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
McBride, James, loth Art., Jan. 29, 1864; 3 years. 
McDonald, William, Co. 1, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
McDougal, Andrew D., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1801 ; 3 months. 
McCotter, Robert, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
McDowell, William, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 3 years. 
McDonald, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 10, 1861. 
McDowell, John H., Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; detailed as 

wagoner. 
McCormick, Robert, Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1801, 2 years; an orphan boy 

who proved a faithful drummer. 
McDonald, James, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
McGowan, Michael, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
McConnell, James, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 15th Cavalry. 
McGovern, William, f'o. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
McCoUum, George, Co. L, Ulth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
McCollins, Henry, Ist Mounted Rifles, Oct. 22, 1861. 
McDowell, John, Corp., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Sept. 1, 1801. 
McCloy, Joseph, 51st, Aug. 10, 1861. 
McCoUum, James, Co. A, 124tli, Aug. 6, 1802, 3 years ; disch. Feb. 16, 

1864. 
McCoy, James, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 16, 1862; 3 years. 
McGowen, William, 3d, August, 1802; 3 years. 
McCroskey, Theodore, 166th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
McGoug, William, 3d, .\ugust, 1802 ; 3 years. 
McCormack, Francis, Co. C, 98th ; disch. March 6, 1864. 
McConnell, Robert, Co. C, 98th. 
McDonald, I'atrick J., 15th Cavalry. 
McGowan, Edward, 2d Cavalry. 
McConnell, William, 15th Cavalry. 
McGovern, Thomas, 16th Art., Dec. 24, 1863 ; 3 years. 
McConnell, Hugh, 5l'.th, Aug. 27, 1804; 1 year. 
McDonald, Andrew, Fob. 8, 1605. 
McCord, John, March 2, 1805. 
McKuue, Theodore J., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; died Feb. 6, 1865 

(out of service). 
McCluskey, Joseph W., Co. I, 7l3t M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
McKune, Charles F., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 1, 1861. 



McGuire, Hugh, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 9, 18G1 ; re-enl. 1863. 

McHugh, Tliomas (2d corp), Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

McCutclieon. David, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 12, 1861. 

McMunn, William, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 22, 1861. 

McQuaid, Samuel, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1SG2, 3 years ; Corp., Nov. 1, 1862 ; 

wounded at Gettysburg ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
McCue, James, Co. 1, 98th, between Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864 ; disch. 

for disability. 
Manny, Eleazer, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Mann, Alexander, Co. B, 3d; 2d lieut.. May 14, 1861 ; 1st lieut., Sept. 14, 

1861; capt, April 21, 1862. 
Mabie, Jeremiah D,, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; pro. sergt. ; 2d Jieut., Sept. 

14, 1861 ; 1st lieut., Nov. 11, 1861 ; capt., Oct. 23, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 

18, 1864. 
Masterson, James, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Martin, Thomas, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in 7th H. Art. 
Mapes, Henry C, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in same 

company. 
Martin, David, Co. B, 3flth, June 17, 1861, 2 years; died of fever Nov. 15, 

1861. 
Mann, John, Co. B, 36th, May 10, 1861, 2 years; wounded at Malvern 

Hill ; disch. for disability from wounds Feb. 25j 1863. 
Many, fllortimer, Co. B, 36th. June 17, 1861, 3 yeare; disch. for disability. 
Martin, John D. R., Co. B, 36th, June 21, 1861, 2 years; 2d lieut., Co. E, 

July 8, 1S(;2; 1st lieut., Co. C, January, 1863. 
Marsh, Edwin J. F., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months; 15th Cavalry. 
Masten, Peter F., Co. I, 7Ut M., June, 1862, 3 months ; 50th, 1864, 1 year. 
Marvel, Thomas S., Jr., capt., Co. .\, 56th, Oct.28, 1801, 2 years; res. Aug. 

5, 1862. 
Mahle, William, Co. B, 50th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; killed at Fair Oaks, 

1862. 
Matthews, George, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. 1864. 
Matthews, James H., Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. 1864. 
Martin, Thomas, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in Raney's 

Vols., 1864, 1 year. 
Mack, Jesse, 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. 1863. 
Maer, Joseph, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 19, 1861. 
Mapes, John F., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861; re-enl. 1863. 
Marvin, William B. (1st lieut.), Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Mason, Joseph L., Co. D, Ulth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Maholand, James, Co. E, I'Jth M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Mansfield, William L., tki. F, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Martin, William, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Masten, John K. (sergt.), Co. I, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Mackey, Harrison G., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Malone, John, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Maxwell, Kobert, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 12, 1861. 
Mackimson, Hugh, 5th, 1861; sergt., Co. C, 98th, Jan. 1, 1864; taken 

prisoner June 24, 1804 ; exch. and disch. June 22, 1805. 
Mapes, Charles J., U.S.N., " Iroquois," 1863. 
Mapes, Albert W., U.S.N., " Susquehanna," 1864. 
Mabie, George W., 168th, 1802; 9 months. 

Marvin, George C, 2d lieut., 168th, Jan. 20, 1863; 1862, 9 months. 
Mattern, Johu, 168tli, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Marvel, Benjamin, lOSth, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Maxstead, William, 108th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Maleese, John H., 168th, August, 1862, 9 months; 56th, July 18, 1864, 1 

year. 
Madden, John, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 

Martin, Isaac M. (2d lieut.), Aug. 20, 1862; Co. I, 124th, 3 years; dis- 
missed May 15, 1863, for absence without leave while sick. 
Malcom, Samuel, 168th, August, 1862; mouths. 
Marvin, Henry, Co. A, 124tll, Aug. 8, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Manny, Matthew, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862, 3 years; wounded in arm 

May 6, 1864; wounded in head April 6, 1865 ; taken prisoner May 6, 

1864. 
Mnjor, Hugh, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862 ; 3 years. 

Mathers, , Colored. 

Mangiu, Robert, Colored. 

Manny, Daniel, 7th Ind. Bat., Dec. 26, 1863; died of wounds, Point of 

Rocks, Va., July 26, 1864. 
Matthews, Hugh H., Co. I, 98th, 1864. 
Matthews, Henry, Colored. 
MaiTin, Edwin, hosp.-steward, Co. C, 98th. 
Martin, John H., 56th, March 14, 1864. 
Mangin, Charles, Colored. 
Mack , James D., 5th Cavalry. 



344 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mackney, Abram, 5Gth, March 14, 1804. 
Manny, William, 6;td. 
Maaten, I>anie), o6tli. 
Maaten, Hezekiali C , 128tli ; 1 year. 
Masten, Selah F., orith ; 1 year. 
Mann, George, 183il ; 1 year, 
Machin, Edward, Itaney's Vols,; 1 year. 
Mack, Patrick, Ranej's Vols.; 1 year, 
Matthews, Artliur J., Feb. 27, ISB.'i, 
Manny, Olortimer, Feb. 27, 186i>. 
Maloy, Joseph, March 7, 1865, 

Merwin, David S., Co. B,36th, May 16, 1861, 2 years; corp, on organiza- 
tion of company; pro, to 1st sergt.; to gergt.-major; to 2d lieut. 
Mead, Thaddeus, Co, I. 71st M,, June, 1862; 3 months, 
Metcalf, John, Co, E, 66th, Oct, 28, 1861, 2 years; Ist lieut., April 24, 1863 ; 

capt.. May 1, 1865. 
Meed, John, Co. L, 56th, Oct, 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Merritt, George W,, 7th Ind, Bat., Sept. 9, 1861 ; re-enl, call of Oct, 17, 

186:i. 
Bleltz, Adam, 7th Ind. But., re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 18G3. 
Medina, Julius A., Co. I), 19th M., Juno 4, 1862, 3 months ; Co, C, 98th ; 

disch, at hospital. 
Meeds, Cephas, 3d, August, 1862 ; 3 yearB, 

Meyers, John Adam, Co. 1, 121th, August, 1802, 3 years ; trans, to quar- 
termaster's department. 
Mehan, John R., Co. K, 124th, Aug, 20, 1862, 3 years; disch, April 17, 

1863, for disability, 
Meyers, William, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Meyers, Ben.jamin, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 mnutlis. 
Messenger, George, 18th Cavalry, 
Mead, Patrick J., Co. C, 'J8th. 
Merritt, Charles F., o6th, Aug. 16, 1864; 1 year. 
Melrose, John, Feb. 6, 1866, 
Mills, DeWitt Coe, Co, B, 3d, May 11, 1861, 2 years; must, out and re- 

eulisted. 
Miller, Andrew, Co. B, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Millspaugh, Charles C, Co, B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Milliken, David, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; disch. for disability. 
Millikeu, Harvey, cor|)., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Millspaugh, Jonathan M., Corp., Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years; 

wounded in foot while exercising with gun ; a faithful soldier. 
Miller, John, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Miller, William M., drummer, Co. I, 7l8t BI., Juu.-, ISG2; 3 months. 
Miliiken, John N., Co, I, 7l8t M,, June, 1862 ; 3 monllis. 
Mink, John, Co. I, 71st M.. June, 1862; 3 months. 
Miller, Harmon B , nnisician, Co, A, 60th, Oct, 28, 1801, 2 .vears; died of 

lever Jan. 28, 1862. 
Millspaugh, Virgil, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Miller, Jolm, Co, B, oOtli, Oct, 28, 1861 ; 2 years, 
Milton, James H. F., Co. F, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; 1st lieut., Aug. 29, 

1801; capt., Aug. 5, 1802. 
Milliken, Francis B., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months, 
Mitchell, William, Co, E, 19th M,, June 4, 1802, 3 months ; 108th, August, 

1802, 9 njonths. 
Miller, Henry, Co, F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 160th, August, 

1802, 9 months, 
Mickle, William, Co, L, 19th M,, June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Mills, William, 5th Cavalry. 
Miller, John, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug, 10, 1861. 
Minnick, Francis, U.S.N., '• Vermont," 1804. 
Millspaugh, James, 168th, August, 1802,9 months; died of fever July 31, 

1803. 
Mitchell, Oliver B., 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Mittee, Benjamin, 168th, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Miller, Lewis P., Co. G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1S62, 3 years; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville. May 3, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
MillspaMgh, .\ndrew P., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years; wounded 

May 3, 1863, and May 10, 1864 ; pro. sergt. Sept, 1, 1863, 
Millspaugh, Jeduthan, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 

breast, severe. May 12, 1864; taken prisoner in action Oct, 27, 1864, 
Millspaugh, Archibald V„ Co, G, 124th, Jan, 1, 1804, 3 years; sei-ved 9 

months in lOSth, and re-enl. as a veteran as above ; trans, to 93d, 
Milliken, William H,, Co, 1, 124th, Aug, 13, 1862, 3 years; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps, Nov, 13, 1803, 
Millson, Thomas, Co. C, 124th, Aug. 20, 1802; 3 years. 
Miller, Joseph, 143d. 
Miller, Frederick A,, 15th Cavalry. 



Mitchell, P. Nicoll, 56th, Aug. 27, 1804 ; 1 year. 

Millspaugh, Henry D., Feb. 9, 1865. 

Moshier, John, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years ; disch. for disability. 

Mosely, Henry, Co, B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; trans, to Co, F, June 

30, 1861. 
Mould, J, W, R,, Co, I, 7lBt M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months, 
Montgomery, James B., Co, I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; 4th sergt., 

Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months. 
Moore, George, Co, I, 71st M,, June 28, 1801, 3 months ; corp,, Co, L, 19th 

M., June 4, 1862, 3 months, 
Moore, John, 7th Ind, Bat., Oct. 4, 1861 ; died in hospital at Washington, 

Dec. 25, 1801. 
Mote, John S., 7th Ind. Bat.; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Mortou, George C, Co. I, 7)stM., June 2s, 1801 ; 3 months. 
Morris, John C, Co. B, 50th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl, call of March 

14,1804, 
Mosher, Elijah, Co, E, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Mosher, William A., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Mooney, Patrick, Co. F, 19th M„ June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Mooney, John, sergt,, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Morgan, Joseph, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months, 
Morris, Jesse, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Moss, John K., musician, 9th, May, 1801, 
Monson, Frank, U,S,N,, "Florida." 
Moshier, Charles, U.S.N., 1803. 

Morehouse, Isaac N., 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Moore, William, Co, 1, 124th, Aug, 20, 1862, 3 years; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863, 
Moores, James B., 121th, Aug. 7, 1802, 3 years ; Corp. ; died July 8, 1863, 

of wouuds received at Gettysburg: buried at Gettysburg, in Section 

B. A native of New Windsor. 
Montgomery, James, Co. C, 124th, August, 1802, 3 years; disch. Dec. 21, 

1863, for disability. 
Montfort, R. V. K., asst. surg., 124th, August, 1802 ; 3 years. 
Monk, Edward I., 7l8t, call of .\ugnst, 1802. 
Morton, E. M., 18th Cavalry. 
Mooney, William, 15th Cavalry. 
Moran, George, Colored. 
Monagan, P. K., l."»th Cavalry. 
Morgan, Charles, 15th Cavalry. 
Moshier, Harvey, 13th Art. 
Morris, John, 159th, Sept. 20, 1804; 1 year. 
Morgan, Hamilton, Feb, 27, 1865, 
Murphy, John, Co, B, 3Gth, June 17, 1861, 2 years; wounded at Malvern 

Hill ; re-enl. in 18th Cavalry, 
Murphy, Stephen, corp,, serg,, Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1801, 2 years ; hon- 
orably noticed for services at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill ; must. 

out July 15, 1863. 
Murray, James, Co. G, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, two years; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Muir, Samuel A., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Murphy, Owen, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Murphy, Michael, Co, I, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Murphy, William, 166th, call of August, 1862: 9 months, 
Munks, James, 15th Cavalry, 
Murphy, John, 63d. 
Murphy, James, Co. C, 98th. 
Murphy, Charles, Co, C, 98th, 
Murphy, Stephen, 168th, August, 1862 ; 9 months, 
Munn, James, 90th; died of fever July 15, 1863. 
Murray, Henry, March 7, 1865. 

Myers, Alfred B., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Myers, James W., Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months, 
Myers, George W., 56th ; 1 year, 
Myers, John, Raney's Vols, ; 1 year. 
Newport, Thomas, Co. B, 36lh, June 26, 1861, 2 years; slightly wounded 

at Malvern Hill. 
Newman, William H,, Co, B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of 

March 14, 1864. 
Nelson, Augustus, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861. 
Newman, George, Co. C, 98th. 
Nevill, Dennis, 56th, Aug. 27, 1804; 1 year. 
Nixon, John, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Nichols, James, Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Nixon, Edward, Co, G, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1804. 
Nicholas, James, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 



NEWBURGH. 



345 



Nickerson, Joscpli, U.S.X., '* Pantlicon." 

Nickereon, Alexander, IGSth, call of August, 1862; 9 montliB. 

Nichmaller, Henry, insth, call of August, 1862; 9 mouths. 

Nicol, James, Co. K, 124tli, Aug. 1.5, 1862 ; 3 years. 

Nichols, George L., Feb. 27, 1865. 

Noonau, James, Co. B, 36th, Juno 17, 1861, 2 years: ilied March, 1863. 

Norman, Charles (1st sergt.), Co. li, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

O'FarrolI, Francis, Co. B, 36th, June 17, IS61, 2 years ; houorahly noticed 
for services at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill ; captured flag of 14th 
N. C. Confed. Regt. at Malvern Hill, and slightly wounded. 

Oaknian, Robert, 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861. 

Oakley, William C. (2d lieut.), Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Ostrandei-, David \V., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 2, 1861. 

Oakley, Jacob K. R., lieut.. Co. C, 168th, call of August, 1862, 9 months; 
Co. C, 98th, 1864; 1st lieut., March 5, 1864; appointed adjt. Nov. 14, 
18G4; com. capt. Sept. 18, 1864, but not mustered. 

Ostrander, John, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 yeai-s; disch. Jan. 11, '64. 

Owen, Peter, Co. B, 36th, Sept. 17, 1862, 3 years; trans, to 65th. 

Odcll, George, Co. A, 5Gth, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Owens, Richard, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

O'Neil, Daniel L., 4th Corp., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Odell, Morvalden, Co. C, 124th, August, 18G2, 3 years; detailed to ambu- 
lance train Sept. 13, 186;J; pro. to Corp. May 1, 1865. 

O'Neil, Patrick, Co. I, 124tli, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years , disch. Feb. 7, 1863. 

Owen, Levi J., 166th, August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Owen, Charles, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 

Owens, .\llen G., Co. A, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years; wounded in left 
thigh at Deep Bottom, Aug. 14, 1864. 

Owens, George W., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1803. 

O'Prey, William, loth Cavalry. 

Osterhout, Jonjus, 15th Cavalry. 

Odell, Charles, 60th ; 1 year. 

O'Brien, Thomas, Co. B, 30th, June 17, 1861, 2 years; disch. July 6, 1861, 
for disability. 

O'Brien, Daniel, 7th Ind. Bat, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

O'Brien, Michael, 16sth, call of August, 1802; 9 months. 

O'Brien, Patrick, 156th, call of August, 1862. 

O'Brien, William, Co. C, 98th, 1864. 

O'Brien, John, Feb. 20, 1865. 

O'D.uinell, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 1, 1801. 

O'Connors, Michael J. (2d lieut.), Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 

Osborne, John, 48th, Aug. 14, 1861. 

O'Rourk, James, 166th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 

O'Counell, Morris, loth Cavalry, 1864. 

Osburn, James, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Paisley, William, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1801, 2 years; must, out with 
credit July 15, 1863. 

Parker, Joseph A., Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Phaleon, John. Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Parlimen, James, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 1, 1801 ; re-enl. call of Oct, 17, 1803. 

Partington, James, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, July 2, 1863; died of wounds July 8, 1863; buried in Get- 
t ysburg Cemetery, Sec. C. 

Pasho, Charles, 7th Ind. Bat., Jan. 1, 1864; 3 years. 

Pratt, George E, 63d. 

Parker, John P., 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Parker, James R., 1st Engineers. 

Patterson, Edward A., 1st Art., 1864. 

Patterson, William, 5th Art. 

Palmer, Edward F., 6th Art., Sept. 16, 1864. 

Parmalee, Charles W., 16th Art., Aug. 27,1864. 

Piatt, Leander, 56th, Sept. 0, 1804 ; 1 year. 

Patterson, Henry L., Feb. 24, 1865. 

Pelton, Eligol, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 2 years. 

Pepper, William, Co. B, AOth, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Prestler, George W., Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Peircy, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861. 

Pentreath, John (Corp.), Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 

Penny, Jesse, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 160th, call of 
August, 1862, 9 months ; U.S.N., " North Carolina," 1863. 

Pendergrass, William, Sickles' Brigade, call of August, 1862. 

Percy, Jonas, entered service under draft of Oct. 7, 1863. 

Peek, Francis A., 15th Art., Jan. 20, 1804. 

Penfleld, James H., 50th, Sept. 1, 1864; 1 year. 

Pearsall, William, Kaney's Vols., Sept. 1, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Perry, William H., Slarch 7, 1865. 

Pierce, Theodore, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 2 years. 
23 



Prince, John E., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; re-enl. in SOth. 

Pike, George, Co. B, 3d, Slay 14, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in same company. 

Phillips, William N., Co. I, "Ist M., June 28,1861, 3 months; Co. A, 

5Gth, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; died in Washington, 1861. 
Pidgeon, Robert E., Co, I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Pierce, Samuel, Co. B,56th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Phillips, Henry M., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1802, 3 months; SOth, Aug. 

27, 1864, 1 year. 
Pine, Fayette, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Pinckney, James, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 13, 1861 ; killed in Shenandoah 

Valley, 1864. 
Pine, Daniel, Co. C, 124th. Aug. 1, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Pierson, Newton B., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 6, 1862; 3 years. 
Phillips, Jerome S., Co. I, 98th, between Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1804; 
wounded in arm at Cold Harbor, June 3, '64 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Phillips, John J., 15th Cavalry, 1864. 

Potts, Joseph B., Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; pro. corp. Feb. 1, 
1862 ; Corp. color-guard at Fair Oaks ; re-enl. in 63d ; wounded May 
6, 1864; died of wcmnds June 4, 1864. 
Potter, John, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Pope, Thomas B., 1st lieut., Co. A, 56th, Sept. 16, 1S61, 2 years ; dismissed 

Sept. 4, 1802. 
Proudfoot, John, 7th Ind. Bat., Jan. 1, 1802. 
Potter, Samuel, 7th Ind. Bat. ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Probus, Ezekiel, 7th Ind. Bat. ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
P.dlanI, Biirllett G., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Power, Micliael, 2.1 sergt., &i. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Polsten, William A., 168tli, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Poi-ter, Thomas, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Powles, William H., 2d (Harris) Cavaliy, call of August, 1862; 3 years. 
Point, Joseph, Co. K, 124th. Aug. 22, 1862, 3 years ; wounded in leg, se- 
vere, at North Anna, May 24, 1804. 
Polhamus, John L., Co. A, 124th, Aug. 23, 1862, 3 years; wounded in arm 

before Petersburg, April 6, 1805; died of wounds April IV, 1865. 
Post, Ellis, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 8, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to non-commissioned 

staff as com.-sergt. Sept. 4, 1862 ; qr.mr., April 21, 1863. 
Powers, Edward, Co. I, 98th, bet. Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864; wounded 

at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864. 
Porter, Edward, 15th Cavalry. 
Potter, Charles H., 128th, Sept. 2n, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Potts, James H., Feb. 27, 1805. 
Purdy, David, Co. B, SOth, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 14, 

1864. 
Pugh, James, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct 18, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Purdy, David S., Co. K, 124th, Aug. 15, 1802 ; 3 years. 
Plunket, Thomas, 7th Art. 
Purcell, Patrick, 15th Cavalry, 1864. 
Pyres, Levi, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 14, 1801. 
Quick, William, Co. B, 3eth, June 17, 1861, 2 years; detached in Light 

Art. July 10, 1862. 
Qiiigley, James, Co. C, 56th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Quinn, Edward, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 20, 1801 ; died in hospital at Craney 

Island, Oct. 9, 1.862. 
Quick, Nelson, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Quinn, Peter J., 108th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Quinn, William, 166tli, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Quinn, Michael, 1st Engineers. 
Quinn, Patrick, 20th, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Randall, James W., Co. B, 3d, April 20,1801, 2 years; re-enl. in same 

company ; killed in action at Fort Drury, 1804. 
Kaney, James H. A., capt., Co. B, 36th, June 17,1801,2 years; pro. to 
niaj. Nov. 12, 1861 ; res. Oct. 15, 1862 ; subsequently recruited a com- 
pany styled Raney's Volunteers. 
Kay, Robert H., 7th Ind. Bat., 1861. 
Eaney, Arthur H., Feb. 27, 1865. 

Rathbun, Frank R., 1st lieut., Co. I, 19lh M.. June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Raymond, Charles A., corp., Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Randal, Alauson, lieut., U.S.A., 1861; col., 2d Cavalry, Nov. 24, 1864; 

brevet brig.-gen. U.S.V. 
Raymond, Charles, call of August, 1862; 3 years. 

Ranisdell, Henry P., 2d lieut., Co. C, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862 ; 1st lieut, Dec" 
31, 1862 ; pro. to capt., Co. F, Oct. 7, 1863, but, having previously re- 
signed and been honorably discharged, declined to be remustered in. 
Raywood, Thomas, 2d Cavalry, Sept 1, 1864; 1 year. 
Reeve, James H., 4th sergt., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861 ; 1st sergt. ; 2d lieut., 
April 21, 1862; 1st lieut, July 21, 1804; capt, Co. I, Oct 3, 1864; lost 
a limb at Fort Fisher; disch. June 26, 1865. 



346 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Keeve, Sclali V., let lieut., W9tli, Aug. 18,1862; res. March :iO, 1864; 

CHpt., C3d, March 17, 1804 ; disch. May 19, 1864 (brevet maj. U.S.V.). 

Reed, Chauncey A., Co. B, 3lith, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; Corp. ; received 

two trtiijshot wounds at Malvern Hill; disch. on account of wounds 

Jan. 21, 1803. 
Rechter, Alphonso, Ist sergt., Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; 2d lieut., 

Oct. :l, 1S02; Ist lieut., Dec. 30, 1862; disch. May 29, 1804. 
Regan, Peter C, capt.,7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 1, 1861 ; must, out witli battery 

July 22, 186.5. 
Reynolds, Horace, 7th Ind. Bat. ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Rennison, James C, capt., Co. 1, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; Co. I, 

168th, August, 1862,9 months; capt., Lith Cavalry, Jan. 6, 1864, 3 

years; disch. by consolidation of regiment June 17, 1865. 
Reeve, John A., Corp., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 5, 1861. 
Reed, Horatio Blake, lieut., U.S.A., 1861 ; col., 22d Cavalry, Jan. 24, 1866. 
Reidy, Thomas, Feb. 23, 1805. 

Reuuison, William, lOHtli, call of August, 1802 ; 9 mouths. 
Relyea, JIartin W., 16Sth, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Redner, Pavid, 108th, call of August, 1SG2, 9 months; died in Nelson 

Hospital. 
Reed, Albert, 15th Cavalry, 1803. 
Relyea, Jnm.'S, lotli Art., Jan. 20, 1864. 
Reeves, George, Rauey's Vols., Sept. 3, 18G4; 1 year. 
Ritchie, John, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; 2d lieut., loth Art, Feb. 

3, 1864; 1st lieut., 15th Art., Feb. 25, 1865. 
Riley, Thomas, Corp., Co. 1, 7l8t M., June 2S, 18G1, 3 mouths; 1st sergt., 

Co. I, June, 1862, 3 months. 
Rikeman, Joselih T., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 7. 1801. 

Hhinebart, . 7th Ind. Bat., Jan. 1, 1862. 

Ritchie, William H., U.S.N., " Nereus," 1S04. 

Rhinofield, Francis H., Co. A, 124th, Aug. 8, 1802, 3 years; killed in 

action at Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863. 
Richardson, Frederick A., 7tb Art., 1803. 
Richardson, James, Colored, 1863. 
Richardson, Peter, Colored. 
Riley, George, Co. C, 98th. 
Riley, James, 2d Cavalry, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Ross, William, Co B, 30th, May 1, 1861, 2 years; killed at Turkey Bend, 

July 1, 1862, and body left on the iield ; a worthy, faithful soldier. 
Robinson, Thomas, Co. I, 71st M.,June 28, 1801,3 months; Co. I,7lBtM., 

June, 1S02, 3 mouths. 
Robinson, George F., drummer, Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Rodman, William C., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months ; Co. C, 98th, 

Feb. 1, 1864; wounded severely at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864 ; disch. 
Rosa, James H., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Rodgers, John, Co. B, 56lh, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Rosenburgh, Jacob, Co. B,56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Roseucrantz, Martin, Co. B, 561h. Oct. 28, 1801; 2 yeara. 
Rhodes, Thaddeus, Co. B, 60tb, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Rose, John, 7th Ind. Bat, .\ug. 16, 1861; Co. I, 98th, January, 1804; 

slightly %vounded at Drury's Bluff, May 10, 1864. 
Rossell, Edward, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct. 9, 1861. 
Roberts, Abrnm, 7tli Ind. Bat.; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Roos, Evert J., 1st lieut., Co. E, 19tb M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Bockfellow, Stephen, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 27, 1801. 
Rhodes, George W., lOSth, call of .\ugust, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Roe, William M., Feb. 16, 1865. 
Rose, Robert, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 17, 1802, 3 years; taken prisoner Dec. 

16,1861. 
Kose, Algernon Sidney, 2d lieut., Co. B, 50th, October, 1802. 
Rose, Peter H., Co. A, 124th, July 29, 1862, 3 years; pro. sergt. Aug. 15, 

1862; wounded at Chancellorsville, and on the 18th of June, 1864; 

trans, to V. B. C. 
Rodman, Thomas, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862,3 years; Corp., June 20, 

1864 ; sergt., Aug. 1, 1864 ; wouuded at Cbaucellorsville. 
Rodman, William C, Co. C, 9.stb, Jan. 30, 1864; severely wounded at 

Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864 ; disch. 
Robinson, John, Co. A, 124tli, August, 1862; 3 years. 
Robinson, John, 2d Cavalry, call of August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Rollins, Samuel T., Co. A,124tli, Aug. 12, 1862; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863, and in Wilderness, May 12, 1864. 
Rollins, Richard, Co. A, 124tb, Aug. 12, 1862, 3 years; wounded atChau- 

cellol-sville, at Gettysburg, and in the Wilderness. 
Roberts, Harvey, Colored. 
Rogers, William, Feb. 28, 1865. 
Rousiue, Richard, 15th Cavalry, ISt'A. 
Robertson, Robert, Co. C, 98th, Jan. 13, 1804. 



Rogers, Peter, 03d. 

Robinson, Alfred S., Colored. 

Rodgers, Joseph, 1st Engineers. 

Roosa, John H., 16th Art., Aug. 3, 1804; 1 year. 

Roach, Stephen C, U.S.N., July 18, 1804; 1 year. 

Rogers, Thomas, Feb. 1, 1865. 

Russell, Martin, Co. F. 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Ruddcn, Peter, 7tli (2d) Cavalry, Nov. 27, 1861. 

Russell, William B., 7th Art, Dec. 10, 1863; 3 years. 

Rumsey, Moses, Co. B, 124th, Dec. 24, 1863 ; trans, to 93d, June, 1865. 

Ryan, Michael, Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801, 2 years; re-enl. U.S.N. 1863, and 

subsequently in 7tb Ind. Bat. 
Ryder, James, Co. B, oGth, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Ryder, Franklin B., Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1801, 2 years; died of fever iD 

hospital at Washington, and buried at Soldiers' Home. 
Ryerson, John W., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861. 
Ryan, Patrick, Sr., Co. F, IStli M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; Co. I, I24th, 

Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years. 
Ryan, Patrick, Jr., Co. F, 19th BI., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Rysdyk, James, 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1801. 
Ryan, John, 168th, call of August, 1862, 9 months ; 1st Engineers, Jan. 

20, 1864. 
Ryan, James, 15tii Cavalry, Jan. 5, 18G4. 
Ryan, George, 15th Art., Jan. 21, 1864. 
Ryan, James, Feb. 13, 1865. 
Strachan, James H. K., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 yeara; re-enl. iu 7th 

Ind. Bat Dec. 7, 1803. 
Sammis, Geo. R., Co. B, 3d, April 20, '61, 2 years; re-enl. in 15th Cavalry. 
Spaulding, William D., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Sagar, Edwin B., Co. B, 30tb, June 17, 1801, 2 years; honorably noticed 

for services at Fair Oaks ami Malvern Hill. 
Sagar, Morris, Co, B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years; wounded in arm at 

.Malvern Uill. 
Sarvis, Daniel, Co. B, 3Ctb, June 22, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Sarvis, William, Jr., 19th M., 1861 ; 3 months. 
Sanxey, Frederick D., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1802, 3 months; 7th Ind. Bat, 

Jan. 25, 1864. 
Shaw, Andrew K. C, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Sackett, Henry M. C, sergt., Co. E, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; killed at 

Fair Oaks, 1862. 
Schwartz, William, Co. E, 60th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; 2 years. 
Shaw, Organ, drummer. Co. I>, littli M., June 4, 1802 ; 3 months. 
Strang, Sylvanus, Co. D, lytli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Sparks, James, Co. I), 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Strachan, William G., Co. E, 19th M., June 4,1802,3 months; 6th H. 

Art., Sept 16, 1864, 1 year. 
Shay, T. F., Co. L, I'JtIi M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Sarvis, J. H., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Sprague, Manly A., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 25, 1861. 
Schmalz, Jacob, 1st Engineers, 1861. 
Strachan, James C, musician, 9th, Slay, 1861. 
Stanton, Curtis, U.S.N., "Onondaga," 1864. 
Savage, George, 166th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Sager, Matthias, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Sanders, William, Co. A, 124tli, Aug. 4, 1862, 3 years; wounded in foot 

May 12, 1864; iu hospital, and must, out by General Order 77. 
Shaw, H. W., 108th, cull of August, 1802; 9 months. 
Smalley, John, IO8II1, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Stanton, Daniel B., ICSth, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Stalter, Charles W., 166th, call of August, 1802; 9 months. 
Stansbrough, John H. (1st lieut.), Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years ; re- 
signed Nov. 12, 1862. 
Stanton, John H., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years ; 2d Corp. ; disch. 

Nov. 24, 1863. 
Sarvis, John H., Co. E, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Stanfleld, Robert, 15th Cavalry. 
Sailor, Isaac, Colored, Dec. 29, 1863. 
Sailor, Samuel, Colored, Dec. 31, 1863. 
Sailor, William B., Colored, Dec. 19, 1863. 
Sharot, Philip M., U.S.N., call of July IS, 1804; 1 year. 
Saunders, Benjamin, Rauey's Vols. ; 1 year. 
Swartz, Richard L., veteran ; re-enl. March, 1804, Co. E, 56th. 
Sarvis, Lockwood, Feb. 27, 1865. 
Stabler, John, March 2, 1865. 
Shray, Michael, March 3, 1865. 
Sneed, Joseph A., 2d sergt., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; 98th ; 2d 

lieut., Feb. 4, 1803; disch. Jan. 3, 1805. 



I 



NEWBURGH. 



347 



Steveneon, John W., Co. B, 3d, May 14, 1861, 2 years; 3d Corp.; re-enl. 

in same company. 
Sneed, John A., Co. B, 3d, .\|nil in, 18G1, 2 years; re-enh iu same com- 
pany. 
Sheenan, Thomas, Co, B, 30tli, June 17, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Sterling, James, Co. B, :)6th, June 22, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Seaman, William H., Co. B, 36th, June 21, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Sterling, George, Co. I, "1st 51., June 28, 1861, 3 months; Corp., Co. B, 

66th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 14, 1864. 
Sherdan, James, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Shelling, Charles (chaplain), 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2. years; disch. Dec. 23, 

1862. 
Seaton, Mark, Co. B, 56tli, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. call of March 14, 

1864. 
Slieibner, Eugene, Ist lieut., 7th Ind. Bat., Nov. 15, 1861 ; resigned June 

26, 1862. 
Streeter, Harmon D., 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 26, 1861. 
St. George, Thomas, 7th Iml. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861 ; re-enl. March, 1864, in 

Co. C, 66th. 
Sherman, Stepheu,7tli Ind. Bat., Oct. 16, 1861. 
Sherwood, Bishop A., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 29, 1861. 
Sherwood, James I., 124th, Dec. in, 1863. 
Stevens, Warren, 7th Ind. Bat. ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Sherwood, Warren. Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Bweetmau, John P., Co. F, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Stenson, William, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, call of 

August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Stead, Matthias, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Sneed, Henry C, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 15th Cavalry, 

Dec. 14, 1863. 
Seymour, William, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Dec. 26, 1861. 

Stephens, , 44th, 1861. 

Sering, George, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 6, 1862 ; 3 years. 

Seaman, Sylvester, 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Shelby, James, 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Shelly, Christopher, 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Sherman, Samuel, Co. B, 124th, July 22, 1862, 3 years; wounded May 12, 

1864, and died May 19, 1864; buried in National Cemetery, Arling- 
ton, Va. 
Spencer, George C, qr.mr., Sept. 27, 1862,168th ; 9 months. 
Stephens, George R., 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Stephens, George Henry, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years; killed at 

Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Stewart, Cbarle3,Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862, 3 years; 3d sergt.; 2d lieut, 

July 7, 1863; Ist lieut., Oct. 18, 1863; wounded May 3, 1863; taken 

prisoner May 30, 1864 ; disch. by special order. 
Stewart, John, Colored, Jan. 4, 1864. 
Stevens, John J., 4l8t, call of August, 1862. 
Stephenson, Jeremiah, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Secor, John, Colored. 
Steep, Thomas, Colored. 
Stewart, George W., Colored, Dec. 9, 1863. 
Sheridan, Michael, Co. I, 98th, Jan. 15, 1864. • 
Stead, Joseph, 15th Cavalry, Jan. 6, 1864. 
Sherman, Ephraim C, 15th Cavalry, Dec. 28, 1863. 
Selke, Cornelius, 15th Cavalry. 
Sheldon, William H., Co. C, 98th, Dec. 22, 1863. 
Stewart, .lohn, 15th Cavalry, Dec. 26, 1863. 
Shepherd, Patrick K., 151h Cavalry, Jan. 12, 1864. 
Scroti, Philip, Co. C, 98th, Jan. 6, 1864 ; wounded at Cold Harbor, June 

3, 1864. 
Sweet, Charles, 7th Art., Dec. 17, 1863; 3 years. 
Semmon, Michael, Raney's Vols., 1864. 
Sperling, Edward B., 28th Art., 1864; 1 year. 
Sperling, James H., 16th Signal Corps; 1 year. 
Sweeney, Dennis, 3d, call of July 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Senior, James, call of July 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Secor, Daniel, vol., re-enl. March, 1864; Co. A, 66th. 
Simms, Isaac, Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. in 7th Heavy Art. ; 

wounded in right arm and in hip at Cold Harbor; disch. June, 1865. 
Smith, Oliver, Co. B, 3Gth, June 21, 1861, 2 years ; disch. for disability 

Feb. 5, 1862. 
Smith, John T., Co. B. 36th, Jan. 22. 1862, for unexp. term ; taken pris. 

on march between Berlin and Warrenton, Nov. 9, 1862 ; returned 

March 1, 1863. 
Smith, William W., Co. I, 71st M., Juno 28, 1861, 3 months; Co. 1, 124th, 

Aug. 6, 1862, 3 years; Ist sergt.; pro. 2d lieut. Sept. 17, 1863, hut 



not mustered ; wounded in shoulder May 5, 1864 ; disch. May 4, 
1866. 
Simpson, William H.,Co. I, Vlst M., June, 1861, 3 months; 7th Ind. Bat., 

Oct. 17, 1863. 
Strickland, Jeremiah, corp., Co. B, 5Gtli, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Silverburgh, Levi, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Smith, George, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Smith, William, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Stickle, John C, Co. B, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Sizer, Joseph, Co. D, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Smith, Oscar, Co. E, 56th, Oct. 28, ISCl ; 2 years. 
Smith, Albert Alfred, 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 

1863. 
Sniffen, Sylvester, 7th Ind. Bat, Aug. 16, 1861. 
Sniffen, William, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 31, 1861. 
Sniffen, Daniel, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct. 24, 1861. 
Swim, James M., 7th InJ. Bat., Oct 28, 1861. 
Smith, Abraham A., 7th Ind. But., Sept. 26, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 

1863. 
Smith, Charles, 7th Ind. Bat, Oct. 28, 1861. 

Simmons, Joseph A., 7th Ind. Bat., , 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

Smith, George W., 7th Ind. Bat,, , 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 

Sicrine, Joseph H., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Simmons, Joshua, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 

Smith, Cliarles, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 raontlis. 

Smith, Benjamin F., Co. E, 19th 51., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Smith, Ira H., Co. T, 19th 51., June 4, 1S62 ; 3 mouths. 

Smith, George-W., Co. I, 19th 51., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Smith, Philip, Co. I, 19th 51., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Smiley, James, 1st lieut., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 

Simpson, Thomas J., sergt., Co. L, 19th 51., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 

Smith, Henry, Ist Slouuted Rilles, Oct IS, 1861. 

Smith, John, Ist Mounted Rifles, Oct. 28,1861; 7th Art., bet Oct 17,1863, 

and July, 1864. 
Smith, Oliver T., 1st Engineers, 1861. 
Spier, William, U.S.N., " Daffodil," 1863. 
Shields, Francis, Co. K, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Simpson, John H., 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Simpson, Cornelius, Sr., 168tli, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Simpson, C^^rnelius, Jr., 168tb, call of Augu.st, 1862; 9 months. 
Simpson, Cornelius, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 mouths. 
Smith, John W. F., 168th, call of .\ugU8t, 1862; 9 months. 
Smith, Daniel, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862, 3 years; wouuded May 24, 

1864; tr.ans. to V. R. C. 
Smith, Theodore S., Co. A, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862, 3 years; pro. to corp. 

Sept. 1, 1864; wounded Oct 27, 1864. 
Smith, Pliineas, 156th, call of August, 1862. 
Springer, John L , 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Springstead, Charles E., lOstb, call of August, 1802; 9 months. 
Spier, John G., 16Sth, call of August, 1802; 9 mouths. 
Simmons, Ephraim, Colored. 
Simmons, Alonzo, Colored. 
Smith, William, 16th Cavalry. 

Smith, Daniel, 7th Ind. Bat, Jan. 1, 1864 ; 3 years. 
Smith, James, 15th Cavalry. 
Smith, James, 15th Art. 
Smith, Joseph, let Engineers. 
Smith, John, 7th Art. 
Swift, Elijah, Co. I, 98tli, Jan. 18, 1864 ; wouuded at Cold Harbor, Juno 

3, 1864. 
Sinsabaugh, Charles H., 5th Art. 
Schlitt, John, 15th Art, Jan. 20, 1864. 
Smith, Jonjis 51., Raney's Vols., Sept. 3, 1864; 1 year. 
Smith, Oscar C, U.S.N. ; 1 year. 
Smith, Charles, U. S. Colored, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Schmidt, Henry, 56th, call of July IS, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Smith, James, Feb. 13, 1805. 
Shick, Frank, Feb. 27, 1865. 
Sproll, John W., Co. B, 3d, .\pril 20, 1861, 2 years ; died in hospital after 

time expired. 
Stone, James, Co. B, 3d, April 20,1861,2 years; re-enl. in 7th Heavy 

Art.; missing June 10, 1864. 
Schrneder, William J., Co. B, 3Gth, June 17, 1861; 2 years. 
Scott, Charles, Co. B, 36th, June 17,1861,2 years; killed in action at 

Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, and body left on the held. 
Scott, Mason, Co. A, 66th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 



348 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ScofielcJ, David, Co. A, 5Gtli, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 

Sloan, Bernard. 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 28, 1861. 

Scott, Ira S., Tth Ind. Bat., Oct. 9, 1861; died in hospital at Waahiugton, 

Dec. 18, 1861. 
Southwick, William C, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Scott, William A., Co. E, inth M., June 4, 1862, 3 months. 
Scott, Homer R., drummer, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862,3 months; 168th, 

call of August, 1862, 9 months. 
Schofleld, George W., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Scott, Henry, corp., 7th (2il) Cavalry, Nov. 8, 1861. 
Sprole, William T., orderly-sergt., 7th M., 1861; died of fever, 1861. 

Sprole, , capt., U.S.A., 1861. 

Scott, James K., 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 

Scott, George D., Co. 1, 124th, Oct. 9, 1862, 3 years; wounded in foot at 

Chancellorsville ; trans, to V. R. C. 
Storms. David, Co. 1, 124th, 3 years; wounded in wrist at Chancellors- 
ville. 
Storms, James H., 7th Art. 
Scott, John, 5th Art. 
Scott, John, Ist Engineers. 

Scott, James W,, com. lieut., March 8, 1864; com. revoked; 63d. 
Schoonmaker, Simeon, Colored. 
Schaonmaker, Edward, Colored. 
St. Johu, Isaiah, 56th ; 1 year. 
Schoonniaker, George, Jan. 27, 1865. 
Shont, John W., Feh. 10, 1865. 
Scott, Winfleld J., Feh. 15, 1865. 
Schroeder, Kohert, Feb. 25, 1865. 

Shurter, William H., Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 year^; wounded in 
thigh at Malvern Hill; disch. ou account of wounds, hut subse- 
quently recovered, and re-enl. for three years. 
Shurfeldt, Eugene, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Sutlitf, John, Co. A, 56th,0ct. 28, 1861,2 years; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Shurdan, George W., 97th. 

Stumpf, Henry, capt., 20th, May 3, 1861 ; res. July 11, 1862. 
Stumpf, John, 2llth, May 3, 1861. 
Sutherland, William, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 

wrist (slight) April 1, 1865 ; pro. to corp. Nov. 7, 1864. 
Sullivan, John, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; disch. for disability 

April 16, 1863. 
Schultz, Suffern, 119tli, August, 1862. 
Sutton, Andrew J., 15th Cavalry. 
Shutee, John, Co. C, 98th, 1864 ; severely wounded at Swift Creek, May 

9, 1864. 
Shurdan, William, Co. I, 9Sth, bet. Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864. 
Studley, Daniel, Raney's Vols.; 1 year. 
Sullivan, Charles, March 7, 1866. 

Snyder, Alfred G., Co. K, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Snyder, Harvey H., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 13, 1862, 3 years; taken prisoner 

and paroled, and did not again report to regiment. 
Snyder, James, 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Snyder, William H., 63d. 
Sybolt, Archibald, 9th Art. 
Syres, Rosevelt, Feb. 8, 1865. 
Syphers, Gilbert, Feb. 20, 1865. 
Taylor, Charles E., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years ; served term and 

re-enl. in 15th Cavalry. 
Travis, Henry F., Corp., Co. 1, 71st M., June 28,1861,3 months; 2d sergt., 
Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months; Co. G, 124th, August, 1862, 3 
years; qr.mr.-sergt., Sept. 21, 1862; 1st lieut. and reg.-qr.mr., June 
23, 1863; capt., Co. I, Sept. 3, 1863. 
Taggert, James C. (2d lieut.), Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861, 3 months; 2d 
lieut., Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862, 3 months; wounded in 1st Bull 
Run. 
Thayer, Charles F., capt., Co. li, 56th, Aug. 16, 1861, 2 years; res. April 

9, 1862. 
Thayer, S., Co. E, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Talmadge, William T., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 16, 1861. 
Tacey, James, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 27, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Travis, Benjamin H., 7th Ind. Bat., 1801 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Tairs, Robert, 7th Ind. Bat.; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Taylor, Samuel V., 18th, 1861 ; 7th Art. 
Tatham, Steadman, 1st Mounted Killes, Oct. 18, 1861. ■ 
Taylor, John, 166th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Taylor, John W., Co. E, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862, 3 yeara ; died of fever June 
25, 1863; buried in Mil. Cem., Alexandria, Va. 



Taylor, Moses, 19th, call of August, 1862. 

Talmadge, William F., Ist Engineers. 

Taylor, Charles W., "th Art. 

Trail, George, Raney's Vols. ; 1 year. 

Tallman, James ; 1 year. 

Talmadge, Nathaniel, Feb. 27, 1865. 

Theal, Joseph D., Co. B, 3d, April 20,1861, 2 years; re-enl. in same 

company. 
Terwilliger, Jacob, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in 7th Art. 

Dec. 17, 1864; wounded (slight) at Malvern Hill. 
Terwilliger, Jasper C.^ Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Terwilliger, Harrison, Co. B, 56tb, Oct. 28, 1861; 2 years. 
Terry, Harrison, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 10, 1861. 
Terwilliger, WiHiam. &■. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 3d, call of 

August, 1862, 3 years. 
Terwilliger, Augustus H., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 

Raney's Vols., call of July IS, 1864, 1 year. 
Terwilliger, Abram S., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Terwilliger, A. B., Co. L, 19tb M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Tremper, Johu J., U.S.N., " Nereus, ' 1864. 
Terwilliger, Bushrod, 168th, call of .August, 1862; 9 months. 
Terwilliger, James, 108th, call of August, 1862,9 months; 16th Alt., call 

of July 18, 1804, 1 year. 
Terwilliger, Whitmore, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; wounded in 
head (severe) May 5, 1864 ; in hand (slight) April 6, 1865 ; pro. to 
Corp. Aug. 1, 1864; to sergt. Nov. 7, 1864. 
Terwilliger, John R., 2d (Harrist Cavalry, call of August, 1862; 3 yeara. 
Terwilliger, Charles L., Co. H, 124th, .\ug. 13, 1862 ; 3 yearn. 
Terwilliger, Thomas, 156th, call of August, 1862. 
Terwilliger, Peter, 156th, call of August, 1862. 
Terry, Christopher B., 168th, call of .\ugust, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Terry, David, Co. I, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years ; not on rolls of regt. 
Tbeal, William L., 3d, call of August, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Terhune, Lewis, call of August, 1862. 
Terwilliger, Charles J., Jr., Co. C, 98th. 
Tetrt, Charles H., 5th Art., Sept. 6, 1864; 1 year. 

Twiggs, Eugene L., Co. B, 36tli, June 17, 1861, 2 years; pro. to drum- 
major June IS, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Titus, Watson, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 14, 1861. 

Trip, Norman D., "th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Ticehurst, David, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Ticehurst, William, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Tilston, Robert, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Thichner, James I., 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Tinny, Johu, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Tinny, Hector, 124th, call of August, 1862; 3 years. 
Titus, Egbert, entered service under draft of Oct. 7, 1863. 
Thiol, Isaac L., Co. C, 98th. 
Tompkins, Stewart, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1801, 2 years; re-enl. call of 

March 14, 1864. 
Toey, Michael, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Townsend, Henry, Co. D, 19tli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Townsend, Nathan, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Toohey, John H. (capt.), Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Tole, Francis M., Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Tole, Thomas, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Thompson, Hugh, Co. F, 19th M., June 4, 1S62, 3 mouths; 168th, call of 

August, 1862, 9 months ; Co. C, 98th, 1864. 
Tole, James, U.S.N., "Resolute," 1861. 

Townsend, William H., 108th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Thompson, Alexander, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; disch, Dec, 

27, 1863. 
Thompson, John, Co. C, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; wounded and 
taken prisoner at Chancellorsville ; disch. Dec. 21, 1863, for disability 
from wounds. 
Tompkins, William A., 3d, call of August, 1S62 ; 3 yeara. 
Topping, Hugh, Co. A, 124th, Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. June IS, 1863 ; Co. 0, 
98th, between Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864; wounded (slight) at 
Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1804. 
Thompson, Michael, 7th Art. 

Townsend, William, Co. C, 9Sth, January, 1864 ; drowned at Fort Schuy- 
ler, N. Y., February, 1864. 
Townsley, Charles H., 16th Art., Dec. 28, 1863; three years. 
Toot, Frank, 5th Artillery ; 1 year. 
Thompson, Leander, 56th; 1 year. 
Thornton, Thomas W., Feb. 25, 1865. 
Thoip, George W., March 2, 1865. 



NEWBURGH. 




Turner, Frederick William, Co. F, 19th Eegt. N.T.S.M., June 11, 1862, 

3 months ; Co. B, 36tli, Sept. 28, 1862, 3 years. 
Tnttle, Abraham, Co. I, 7!st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Turner, John S., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-eul. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Tuthill, John P., Co. B, 55th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Tuthill, Abram, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Thurston, Isaac, Co. I, lOtli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Tuttle, William (sergt.), Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Tuthill, Daniel, Co. I., I9th M., Juno 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Turner, DeWitt C, 168th, call of Aug. 1862; 9 months. 
Turner, Henry R., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years ; pro. Corp. April 

28, 1865. 
Turner, Beuhen, Sr., Co. G, 124tli, Aug. 20, 1862, 3 years ; disch. April 20, 

1863. 
Turner, Reuben, Jr., Co. G, 124tli, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years ; disch. Feb. 11, 

1863. 
Turner, James, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 20, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Tucker, George N., Co. I, 124tb, Aug. 18, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Turner, Charles F., 56th ; 1 year. 
Tyler, Manning, Co. E, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Tyndall, Alfred, 7th Ind. Bat., re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Tysoe, William, Co. G, 124th, Aug. 27, 1862, 3 year^ ; Corp., January, 1863; 

3d sergt., Oct. 1, 1864. 
Underbill, Isaac L., U.S.N., " Powhatan," 1862. 
Underbill, John, 168th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Vandewater, Fiancis R., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Valentine, John H., Co. B, 3d, April 20,1861, 2 years; re-enl. in same 

company. 
Van Zile, Marshal M., Co. I, 71st M., June 28,1861,3 months; Co. L, 

19th, June 4, 1862, 3 months ; lieut., 168th, Feb. 11, 1863 ; pro. capt. 

July 1,1863. 
Vanderburgh, Effingham, lieut., Co. B, 56th Regt. N.T.S.V., Aug. 16, 1861, 

2 years ; resigned Feb. 1, 1862. 
Van Steinburgh, Charles, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 4, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 

17, 1863. 
Van Steinburgh, Bartley, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 4,1861. 

Van Corris, Thomas L., 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Vanderwerker, Edward, Co. D, 19tli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Van Gorden, William P., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Van Hagen, Charles A., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 166th, 

call of August, 1863, 9 months. 
Vance, Smith. Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Vance, John \V., C«. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Van Norsdall, James, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Van Voorhis, John A., Co. I. 19tb M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Vance. William. 481h. Aug. 29, 1861. 
Van Aken, Martin, 4Sth, Sept. 5, 1861. 
Van Duzen, James, 1st Mounted Rifles, Oct. 25, 1861. 
Van Nosdall, Horton, 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1861. 
Van Nosdall, James, 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1861. 
Van Tassell, Theodore R., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; disch. 

March 24, 1863. 
Vanderburgh, Martin, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Van Kenren, Charles, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Van Keuren, Edward, 168tlj, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Valet, Alexander M., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862 ; 3 years. 
Van Zile, John C, Co. 1, 124tli, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years; on detached ser- 
vice after June 26, 1863. 
Vance, Eli, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years ; disch. March 28, 1863. 
Van Keuren, Albert C, Co. C, 98th, disch. at hospital. 
Van Keuren, Charles W., Co. C, 98th, January, 1862. 
Van Keuren, William, Ist Rifles. 

Van Norwick, Isaac N., 15th Art., Jan. 18, 1864 ; 3 years. 
Van Donk, Samuel, Colored. 
Van Vliet, Edward, 56tb ; 1 year. 
Van Orden, Robert, 183d; 1 year. 
Vradenburgb, James, 56th ; 1 year. 
Valentine, Samuel, 16th Art.; 1 year. 
Van Vlack, Abraham E., Feb. 27, 1865. 
Van Keuren, Cornelius, Feb. 27, 1865. 

Verplank, William M., Co. I, 7l8t M., June, 1862; 3 months. 
Vredenburgh, Odell B., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Vredenburgh, Peter, Co. 6, 124th, Jan. 2, 1864,3 years; wounded May 

20, 1864, in abdomen. 
Vredenburgh, Theodore, Co. C, 98th, 1864 ; wounded twice during cam- 
paign of 1864. 



Vredenburgh, Willett, Co. C, 98th ; slightly wounded at Dmry's Bluff, 

1864. 
Vought, James H., 7th Art., 1864. 
Waugh, Frederick A., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years; 7tb Ind. Bat., 

Oct. 17, 1863. 
Wallace, John M., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. on gunboat ; 

fell from maintop and killed. 
Wallace, Hugh, Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Watts, Charles .S,, Co. B, 36tb. June 17, 1861, 2 years ; subsequently trans. 

to U.S.N., Western Flotilla, 1862. 
Whalon, Michael, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; wounded at Mal- 
vern Hill ; sent to hospital. 
Walsh, William, Corp., Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; killed at Fair 

Oaks, 1862. 
Waddle, Robert, Co. B, 56tb, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Waltz, Joseph, Co. E, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861, 2 years; re-enl. call of March 

14, 1864. 
Waters, William A., 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 26, 1861. 

Wallin, Edward, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 14, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1861. 
Walsh, James, 7tb Ind. Bat., N.Y.S.V., Aug. 16, 1861 ; 7th Heavy Art., 

1863. 
Watson, Titus, 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Ward, James, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Watts, John S., capt., Co. E, 19tli M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Walsh, Patrick, Co. E, 19th M., June 4. 1862; 3 months. 
Ward, Moses, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Ward, OstranJer, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 66th, call of 

July 18, 1804, 1 year. 
Waller, George, qr.mr., 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; maj., 168t1i, 

call of August, 1862, 9 months. 
Wardrop, Gerald, U.S.N,, Western Flotilla, 1864. 
Wardrop, William, U.S.N., " Black Hawk." 
Wallace, William, Co. I, 121tb, Aug. 25, 1862, 3 years; Corp., Nov. 1, 

1862 ; liilled at Cbancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Warford, John H., Co. A, 124lh, August, 1862, 3 years ; pro. Corp. Sept. 

1, 1864; sergt., Nov. 15, 1864; slightly wounded at Cbancellorsville, 

May 3, 1863; in foot. May 12, 1864; in tliigb, severe, April 6, 1865. 
Walsh, Samuel H., lOStli, August, 1862; 9 months. 
Warren, William G., Co. I, 124th, Aug. 15, 1862, 3 years ; died of fever at 

Stonewall Station, Feb. 18, 1863; buried in Newburgh. 
Watkins, Pavid, entered service under draft of Oct. 7, 1863. 
Watson, Cornelius, Colored, 54tli Maes. Vols., 1863; killed at Fort Wagner. 
Walsh, Dennis, Co. C, 98th; died June 9, 1864, from wounds received at 

Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
Washburn, Thomas, 15th Art. 
Waibel, Jacob, 7tb Ind. Bat., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Wainwright, William, 7th Heavy Art., Dec. 17, 1863; 3 years. 
Warring, James, 15th Art., Feb. 8, 1864; 3 years. 

Ward, John E.. Co. C, 98th, 1864; died June 24, 1864, from wounds re- 
ceived at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864. 
Walter, David, 56th ; 1 year. 
Wallace. Joseph, 66th ; 1 year. 
Ward, Sylvester, 56th ; 1 year. 
Ward, Charles, 56th ; 1 year. 

Ward, William, 14tli U.S.A.; killed before Richmond, 1862. 
Warren, Peter H., lieut., 3d Colored ; died of fever, Sept. 17, 1863. 
Ward, J. R., Feb. 13,1866. 
Walden, Oliver VV., Feb. 23, 1865. 
Walker, Henry H., March 2, 1865. 

Webber, Charles D. G., Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Wheeler, Seth, Co. I, 71st M., June, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Westcott, Volney, Corp., Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Westcott, Almeron, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Weller, James T., Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Weber, Rudolph, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 mouths. 
Welch, James, Co. L, 19th M., Juno 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Wetherhead, George C, 1st Fire Zouaves, April 20, 1861. 
Wetherhead, George, U.S.N. 
Weygant, Wines E., Co. B, 124th, August, 1862, 3 years; 1st lieut., Aug. 

14, 1862; resigned Feb. 8, 1863. 
Weygant, Harvey, 168tb, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Weygant, Charles H., 3 years; capt., Co. A, Aug. 12, 1862; pro. maj 

Sept. 14, 1863; lieut.col., Oct. 10, 1863; col., Sept. W, 1864 (not 

mustered) ; brevet col. U.S.V. 
Weygant, Wilson, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 12, 1862, 3 years; pro. sergt. ; died 

of fever Oct. 18, 1862. 



350 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Weygant, George, Co. I, 124th Regt., Aug. 12, 18G2, 3 years ; killed at 

Chancelloreville, May 3, 1863. 
Whan, William, Co. I, 124tli, Aug. 15, 1802 ; killeJ at Gettysburg, July 2, 

1863. 
West, Henry, 115th Art., between Oct. 17, 1863, and July, 1864. 
Westleigh, Charles P., Co. C, 98th ; sergt.; pro. Ist sergt. Dec. 2, 1864; 

1st lieut., April, 1865 (not mustered) ; had previously ser^-ed fourteen 

years ou West Point. 
Welsh, John, Co. I, 98th. 

Whepley, Augustus, 7tli Ind. I!at., Oct. 17, 1863. 
Weymour, Joel B., 15th Cavalry, July, 1864. 
Wells, William H., 2d Mounted Rifles ; 1 year. 
Willis, Howard J., Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in same 

company. 
Wiseman, Joseph, Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl in Co. C, 98th ; 

pro. sergt. 
Wilson, John. Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. (1864-65) ; disch. 

at rendezvous. 
Wilson, Charles W., Co. B, 36th, Sept. 21, 1862, 2 years; trans, to 65th 

Regt. 
Wilkinson, James H., Co. I, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Wilson, Samuel C, Co. 1, 71st, M., June 28, 1801, 3 mouths ; 4th sergt., Co. 

D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months ; 168th, call of August, 1862, 9 

mouths. 
Whittenbecker, Augustus, Co. I, 71st M., June 28, 1861, 3 months ; 2d 

lieut., (3o. E, 124th, Aug. 19, 1862, 3 years ; dismissed for absence with- 
out leave. 
Williamson, Samuel, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1801, 2 yeai-s; re-eul. call of 

March 14, 1864. 
Wilson, David, Co. A, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Wilson, John, Co. A, 50th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
White, William, Co. A, 50th, Oct. 28, 1801 ; two years. 
Williams, William J., capt.,Co. E, 60th, Sept. 20, 1861, 2 yeare; killed at 

Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 
Wilcox, Abraham, 7th Ind. Bat., Oct. 3,1861. 
Williams, Lewis W., 7th Ind. Bat., Aug. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 

1863. 
Wilson, Robert, 7th Ind. Bat., Sept. 26, 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17,1863. 
Widden, John, 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
White, Francis W., 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Wires, William H., 7th Ind. Bat., 1861 ; re-enl. call of Oct. 17, 1863. 
Wilson, David F., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 168th, call of 

August, 1862, 9 months. 
Wilkins, George G., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1S62; 3 months. 
Wilbert, Lewis, Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Wilson, Tilden, Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Williams, James H., Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862, 3 months; 166th, call 

of August, 1862, 9 mouths. 
Wilson, John, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 mouths. 
Wisner, G. F., Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 mouths. 
Wright, Charles, Co. L, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Wiley, Alfred H., 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 15, 1801. 
Wiggins, Abram B„ 2d (Black Horse) Cavalry, 1861. 
Withers, Frederick E., 1st lieut., 1st Engineers, Aug. 17, 1861; resigned 

Aug. 19, 1862. 
Whitehill, Robert, U.S.N., "Couemaugh," 1863. 
White, William J., 108th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
White, John, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
White, Daniel S., Co. G, 1241h, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; wounded at Ckan- 

cellorsville ; traus. to V. R. C. Jan. 1, 1865. 
White, Samuel A., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; trans, to Ambu- 
lance Corps after Gettysburg; disch. April 4, 1864. 
White, John H., Co. G, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years; died of fever Dec. 

10, 1802, at Falmouth. 
Whitmore, Baxter, Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years ; trans, to V. E. C. 

Oct. 10, 1863. 
Wilson, James, 160th, call of August, 1802, 9 months ; 15th. 
Wilson, Robert, Co. I, 124th, Aug. 14, 1862, 3 years ; wounded May 3, 

1863, and taken prisoner. 
Wilson, William, Co. B, 36th, Sept, 21, 1862, 3 years; trans, to 65th. 
Williams, Johii, 168tli, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Wise, Joseph, 16Sth, call of August, 1862 ; 9 mouths. 
Wilkin, David N., Co. K, 124th, Aug. IS, 1862,3 years; disch. for disa- 
bility Dec. 13, 1862. 
Wright, Frederick E., 84th, call of August, 1862; died July 27, 1863, of 

wounds received at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Wiggins, Benjamin, 2d (Harris) Cavalry, call of August, 1862 ; 3 years. 



Wilson, Henry M., 7th Art., bet. July and October, 1863. 

Wilson, William, 63d. 

White, Robert, 15th Cavalry. 

Wright, James, 63d. 

Wright, Henry E., 15th Art. 

Whiltington, Daniel, Colored. 

Williams, John H., 15th Cavalry. 

Williams, Ezra, Co. I, 124th, April 5, 1864, 3 yeare; trans, to 93d, June, 

1865. 
Wright, James, Colored. 
Whigham, John P.., 28th Ind. Bat.; 1 year. 
Williams, Levi M,, 7tli Ind. Bat.; 1 year. 
Wilson, Emanuel, U.S.N., call of July 18, 1S64; 1 year. 
Wightman, Joseph P., Co. 1, 124th, Aug. 18, 1862, 3 years ; wounded May 

3, 1863 ; died May 24, 1863. 
Wilson, John S., Feb. 7, 1806. 
Williams, George, Feb. 23, 1865. 
Williams, Cateline, March 2, 1865. 
Wilson, Frank, March 6, 1805. 

Woodruff, David, Co. B, 3d, April 20, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Wood, Cliarles B., Co. 1, 7l8t M., June 28, 1861 ; 3 months. 
Wood, Lewis T., Co. D, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Wood, Abram. Co. E, 19th M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Wood, Charles H., Co. I, 19tli M., June 4, 1862; 3 months. 
Wordin, John, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1802; 3 months. 
Wood, Jarvia, Ist Mounted Rides, Oct. 28, 1801. 
Wood, Francis, 5th Cavalry, 1861. 

Wood, Sprague R., 166th, call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Wood, Lewis F., 166th, call of August, 1802 ; 9 months. 
Wood, John A., 160th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Wood, James, 168th, call of August, 1862; 9 months. 
Wood, Isaac, Jr., col., 166th (not mustered), call of August, 1862 ; 9 months. 
Wood, George, 63d. 

Woods, James, 15th Cavalry, between Oct. 18, 1863, and July, 1864. 
Worden, Erastus S., 16th Art., Dec. 28, 1863. 
Woolfender, Thomas, Co. C, 98th. 
Wood, John W., Feb. 24, 1865. 
Wulfe, Frank, 5th Art.; 1 year. 
Wyantz, Charles, Co. B, 56th, Oct. 28, 1861 ; 2 years. 
Wyms, James, Co. I, 19th M., June 4, 1862 ; 3 months. 
Wyman, William J., Feb, 11, 1805. 
Young, Selden, sergt,, Co. B, 36th, June 17, 1861, 2 years ; re-enl. in 63d ; 

wounded in Wilderness, 1864, and died of wounds in hospital. 
Young, Charles J., Feb. 28, 1865. 
Zyloph, Ferdinand, 7th (2d) Cavalry, Aug. 19, 1861. 

PERSONS WHO COMMUTED. 



DRAFT OCT. 7, 1863. 



Albertson, Ezekiel. 
Brown, Abram S. 
Berrian, Daniel. 
Brooks, Charles. 
Brown, Eugene. 
Bennett, George. 
Bush, Charles. 
Barns, Nathaniel. 
Barnes, Edgar C, 
Boyd, Simon, 
Collins, James, 
Coutant, William A. 
Coleman, Hector S. 
Chapman, Charles F. 
Chapman, Thomas P. 
Cromwell, Simon H. 
Cherwood, Hobart. 
Cotnu, John Louis. 
Corwin, Howard. 
Deyo, Abram. 
Delaney, John, 
Edmonston, AVilliam. 
Ely, Smith. 
Ferguson, Charles. 
Fleming, Morris R. 
Finley, William L. 
Greene, George, 
Gardiuer, John C, 



Harris, John. 
Horton, James £. 
Jager, John. 
King, George. 
Knapp, James F. 
King, Stephen, 
McVey, James. 
McCullough, William H. 
McCann, Alexander. 
McKinnie, William H, 
Marvel, F. S. 
Murphy, Owen. 
Merritt, Theodore. 
Martin, William. 
Merritt, Daniel H. 
Parker, James. 
Purdy, James W. 
Pine, George W. 
Rorapaugh, David. 
Kelyea, Miller. 
Ronk, James. 
Rose, Amos, 
Redfield, Abram S. 
Southwick, Richard A. 
Sarvis, Charles. 
Sutton, David R. 
Shutes, Samuel E. 
Smith, Nathaniel. 




(7hj&^yr\£i^ 




NEWBURGH. 



351 



Schoonmaker, John. 






Wood, Isaac. 


CALL OF DEC. 


19, 1864. 


Seymour, Charles. 

Stilzer, John. 
San-is, James S. 
Thompkins, George. 
Tice, Daniel. 
Terry, Henry. 
Underhill, Stephen. 






Waugh, James W. 
Waugh, Robert B. 
Willifims, Jonas. 
Watts, John. 
Woodward, Benjamin. 
Westlake, Theodore. 
Waring, Clement. 


Adams, John C. 
Ashurst, John. 
Barns, Daniel D. 
Barns, William D. 
Berry, Daniel. 
Brown, Theron J. 
Bull, William H. 
Baird, Caleb J. 


Hartshorn, Charles H. 
Hillard, William. 
Martin, Cyrus B. 
Mardine, Lewis D. 
Martin, Isaac M. 
Odell, Benjamin B. 
Potter, Leonard. 
Rogers, John A. 


PERSONS FURNISHING SUIJSTITUTES. 


Blizzard, William. 


Stewart, John. 


DRAFT 


OCT. 


7, 1863. 


Carpenter, Leonard W. 
Casterline, Joseph. 


Stern, FerdinarftJ. 
Sanxay, Willinm B. 


Bartlett, William E. 






Robinson, Ebenezer G. 


Doyle, Michael. 


Scharps, Simon A. 


Dickson, William J. 






Bouk, Alfred A. 


Dunning, Frederick. 


Toohey, John 11. 


Griffin, Henry J. 






Rogers, Robert. 


FiiUertoD, Stephen W. 


Van Dalfsen, James T. 


Moore, George. 






Stanton, Samuel. 


Fowler, Isaac S. 


Weygant, Wesley J. 


Moss, Charles. 






Snider, William M. 


Gardiner, G. W. V. 


Wood, Isaac, Jr. 


Mailler, William 0. 






Townsend, Thomas P. 


Hutchinson, William D. 


Woolsey, George D. 


Quaid, William. 






Weller, James T. 


Halstead, Charies H. 
Hedges, Lewis. 


Wood, Isaac E. 


CALL 


OF 


JULY 


18, 18G4. 







Allen, George S. 
Allison, John. 
Adams, Elijah. 
Alsdorf, Egbert. 
Brown, William R. 
Brown, Daniel G. 
Bradley, Ambrose. 
Bazzoni, James C. 
Birdsall, Tliomas W. 
Beveridge, James B. 
Belknap, Moses C. 
Blizzard, Bloomer. 
Berry, William H. 
Brewster, Eugene A. 
Bodine, John. 
Banks, Frederick W. 
Belknap, William C. 
Chambers, William. 
Coleman, DeWitt C. 
Clarendon, M. E. 
Clark, George H. 
Clarkson, David M. 
Cauldwell, Alexander. 
Corwin, Samuel W. 
Chapman, Isaac C. 
Cassidy, Ambrose S. 
Clapp, George M. 
Deyo, Emmett. 
Dickey, James. 
Dickey, James N. 
Edwards, Thomas. 
Fenlon, John B. J. 
Fowler, George W. 
Farrington, Thomas J. 
Farrington, John M. 
Farrington, Ezra. 
Fowler, Henry D. 
Gait, John. 
George, George. 
Hardenbnrgh, J. C. S. 
Hasbrouck, William U. 
Haiglit, Henry M. 
Hasbrouck, Eli, Jr. 
Hanmore, Benjannn. 
Hayt, Nathatiiel B. 
Hunter, Ezra J. 
Johnes, Goldsmith D. 
Jansen. William L. 
Kennedy, John B. 
Krismeyer, Meadoray. 
Leonard, Channcey M. 
Little, John W. 
Lawrence, David T. 
Lawaon, William C. 
Leslie, George M. 



McGregor, William. 
McDonald, William J. 
McCutcheon, Hugh. 
McCord, James. 
Morris, William G. 
Mapes, William E. 
Moffatt, Bruce. 
Millspangh, Henry E. 
Millspaugh, Frederick L. 
Mills, Samuel C. 
Mapes, Charles. 
Miller, Samuel W. 
Miller, James W., Jr. 
Miller, John. 
Oliver, George W. 
Peck, Thomas M. 
Parmalee, William S. 
Purdy, ThoTnas W. 
Pressler, William A. 
Peck, Jonathan C. 
Perry, James. 
Quackenbush, Tunis S. 
Ross, Samuel J. 
Bamsdell, Henry P. 
Ramsdcll, Jamei A. P. 
Ramsdell, Thomas P. 
Root, Charles. 
Ruttenber, E. M. 
Riley, George F. 
Straw, L. S. 
Seymour, James H. 
Smith, Lewis M. 
Scott, David A. 
Smith, Charles. 
Sears, John M. 
Skidmore, E. 
Sutt»jn, Charles G. 
Townsend, George W. 
Townsend, James A, 
Thomas, Jonathan W. 
Taylor, James W. 
Ward. Peter. 
Wiltsie, G. Fred. 
Wilson, Arthur. 
Walsh, Robert. 
Whigham, David P. 
W'eed, Jonathan N. 
Waring, James K. 
Wardrop, Gerald H. 
Wiggins, L. Y. 
Weller, Alanson T. 
Young, James H. 
Young, Robert. 
Young, Josiah S. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



THOMAS POWELL. 
Tliomas Powell was born at Hempstead, L. I., on 
Feb. 21, 1769, and was the grandson of Thomas Pow- 
ell, who emigrated to this country with his family 
from Powelton, in Wales, where his ancestors held 
large landed possessions. He located on Long Island, 
where he became permanently identified with the 
growth and settlement of the locality, and where he 
passed the remainder of his days. His son, Henry 
Powell, born at Hempstead in 1741, inherited his es- 
tate, but jihoosing to espouse the cause of the colonies 
in their struggle for independence, his possessions 
were confiscated and he himself confined on board the 
" Jersey Prison-Ship," and later in the " Old Sugar- 
House." Surviving the horrors of this confinement 
for three years, he was finally released. Two of his 
sons, Jacob and Thomas, survived his death, which 
occurred in 1781 by drowning while attempting to 
save the life of his son Joseph, who likewise perished. 
Jacob and Thomas Powell, though but sixteen and 
twelve years of age respectively, set to work with 
determined energy to support their sister and widowed 
mother. After several business adventures they set- 
tled in New York in 1798 and engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, but were driven out by the presence of yellow- 
fever in the city, and took up their residence tempo- 
rarily at Newburgh. At this time a single dock and 
one or two stores sufliced for the business of the vil- 
lage, but the possibilities of the place were so apparent 
that the brothers decided to locate there permanently. 
They engaged in the mercantile and fonvarding trade, 
and later added a banking business. Energy and fair 
dealing speedily secured for them a large measure of 
success and the respect of the community, and as 
the village grew their business and wealth increased 
correspondingly. They were selected from among 
numerous applicants to rebuild Fort Putnam, at West 
Point, a work which they executed promptly and to 



352 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1 



the satisfaction of the government. Jacob died in 
1823, and the business was continued by Thomas. 
The successful experiments of Fulton in steam navi- 
gation gave a decided impetus to the carrying trade, 
which was an important part of Mr. Powell's business. 
About 1834 he built the "Highlander," one of the most 
substantial and rapid steamers of the day. In 1844, 
Homer Ramsdeil became associated with him in 
business. 'In 1846 the "Thomas Powell," a steamer 
celebrated for remarkable speed, was built, and 
with the " Highlander," still traverses the waters 
of the Hudson. The business of freighting was, how- 
ever, soon carried on almost entirely by barges, and 
of these the firm built several which are without su- 
periors on the river. Although largely devoted to 
developing and perfecting the carrying trade upon 
the Hudson, Mr. Powell's energies were not confined 
to that field of operations. He was actively inter- 
ested in every work of progress and development 
which took place in Newburgh in his day, and was 
the originator of many jirojects which have greatly 
increased the prosperity of the city. He was a large 
stockholder in various manufacturing enterprises, 
and in railroads, docks, store-houses, ferries, banks, 
steamers, and barges. He was respected for his hon- 
esty and integrity of character, and beloved for his 
large-hearted kindness and active philanthropy. He 
was a member of the Society of Friends, and quiet 
and unostentatious in his habits and tastes. He died 
on May 12, 1856. 

At a public meeting held a few days after his de- 
mise, called to pay a tribute of respect to his mem- 
ory, the late Judge John W. Brown remarked as 
follows : " In a public meeting of his neighbors and 
townsmen, it were idle to speak of his public spirit 
and the uses he made of his wealth during the last 
twenty-five years of his life. How he applied it and 
what he did with it is first in the recollection of us 
all. It is sufficient to say that whatever measure of 
activity pervades our public streets, our work -shops, 
our wharves and places of business, we owe to the 
prompt and intelligent interposition of Mr. Powell's 
wealth and credit between us and the legitimate re- 
sults of great public improvements which threatened 
to dry up the sources of our prosperity and divert the 
streams of our business into other channels. He was 
not alone in his exertions to arrest the downward 
tendency of our prosperity. There were others, and 
especially one other, whose eflbrts were conspicuous 
in the same emergency, and to whom the citizens of 
Newburgh owe a debt of gratitude which it will be 
difficult to pay." Reference was here made to Mr. 
Powell's course, and that of his son-in-law, Homer 
Eamsdell, in connection with the construction of the 
Newburgh Branch Railroad, in which the firm became 
responsible, through indorsements, acceptances, and 
advances, for $202,219, and without which the con- 
struction of the road would have been indefinitely 
deferred. Mr. Powell's usefulness was not less mani- 



fest in the organization of the Powell Bank in 1838, 
and in the establishment of the Newburgh Steam- 
Mills in 1844. 

He married Mary, daughter of Robert Ludlow, and 
had a family of five children, of whom the youngest, 
Frances E. L., is the wife of Homer Ramsdeil. 



HOMER RAMSDELL. 

Homer Ramsdeil was born in Warren, Worcester 
Co., Mass., on Aug. 12, 1810. His parents were Joseph 
and Ruth (Stockbridgej Ramsdeil, natives of the old 
town of Hanover, Mass., both being representatives 
of pioneer families that, sharing in all the vicissitudes 
of New England life in the early period of her his- 
tory, developed such independence of spirit, such 
powers of endurance, and such a tenacity of purpose, 
as was destined to fit their descendants for positions 
of honor and usefulness in the several communities 
in which they might subsequently reside. 

Mr. Ramsdeil was educated at the excellent academy 
at Monson, Hampden Co., Mass., and after the close 
of his educational course entered the dry-goods trade 
in New York, where he remained from 1832 to 1840. 
In 1844 he became one of the firm of Thomas Powell 
& Co., of Newburgh, and from that time until the 
present he has continued his connection with the mer- 
cantile and forwarding business of the city. " From 
the date of his association with the firm until Mr. 
Powell's death he was very largely the administrator 
of Mr. Powell's fortune, and to him, perhaps, the 
communit}' owe most of the undertakings in which 
the firm engaged. No public enterprise has for many 
years been complete without his aid, while those of a 
private character to which he has been a party have 
not been limited in number or unproductive of general 
benefit. The history of Newburgh for over a quarter 
of a century has been his history, — its pathway is 
studded with mementos of his usefulness."* 

Mr. Powell died in 1856. Since that time Mr. 
Ramsdeil has, by purchase and consolidation, added 
other neighboring forwarding lines to his enterprises, 
embracing not only those of Newburgh, but also those 
of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, in Duchess County 
and Highland, Ulster County, so that to-day, by a 
far-reaching capacity and extent of business, he stands 
at the head of the forwarding and transportation 
business on the Hudson. His undertakings are 
characterized throughout by a spirit of enterprise 
and accommodation to the public, of which his 
maintenance and management of the excellent ferry 
between Newburgh and Fishkill, and his spacious 
covered wharves and commodious warehouses, are 
an example. In every public enterprise his financial 
ability and talents have been the leading factors, 
while even those of his works of a more private 
character have been such as, necessitating the em- 

* History of Newburgh. 






tZ^^^ 



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< 



NEWBURGH. 



353 



ployment of labor on a large scale, and the conse- 
quent distribution of capital, have tended to promote 
business interests generally, and thus conduce to the 
welfare of the community. He is intimately identified 
with the various local institutions of Newburgh, and 
is a prompt contributor to the progressive and ele- 
vating movements of his day. He sees from afar re- 
sults to be attained only by a long train of operations, 
and combining in an eminent degree the faculty of 
perceiving the jiractical relations of things with a 
skillful use of the means at his command, he has been 
instrumental in bringing certain pul)lic questions to 
a successful issue, and in converting what threatened 
disaster to the community into a means of renewed 
prosperity. 

His resources and influence have been directed to 
the development of the business and growth of New- 
burgh as a means of promoting his own interests, so 
that it may be justly said of him that he regards the 
interests and advantage of his town as identical with 
those of his own. 

In 184.5, from a previously prosperous condition, 
the village of Newburgh was nearly depleted of its 
business and inhabitants by the opening of the New 
York and Erie Railroad two years earlier to Goshen. 
At this time that company had defaulted in the pay- 
ment of interest to the State upon a $3,000,000 loan, 
and a sale under foreclosure appeared inevitable. 
The company appealed to the Legislature for relief. 
A bill for that purpose, with conditions, one of which 
was the construction of a branch railroad to New- 
burgh, was accordingly presented ; but those adverse 
to the measure outnumbered the friends of the Erie 
Road, and for a time this now great trunk line seemed 
doomed to defeat. 

At this juncture, with a view to regaining its lost 
importance and of aiding the completion of this 
crippled yet important outlet to southern New York, 
Newburgh came to the rescue and enlisted its best 
men in the interest of the Erie Railroad. Her repre- 
sentatives in the Legislature — the Hon. Robert Den- 
niston, of Blooming-(jrove, in the Senate, and the 
Hon. Thornton M. Niven, of Newburgh, in the As- 
sembly — were appealed to, and, strongly backed by 
their constituents, barely .saved the bill. 

By reason of Mr. Ramsdell's commanding influence 
in this connection, his successful labors in procuring 
large subscriptions to its capital stock, and his effi- 
ciency in reorganizing the company, he was later in 
that year (1845) elected to fill a vacancy in the board 
of directors, and, excepting a brief interval, has been 
continued in the board, through all the various changes 
of administration, to the present time. 

In 1847 the question of the change of gauge of the 
Erie Railroad from (5 feet to 4 feet 8.! inches was dis- 
cussed, and Mr. Ramsdell advocated and voted for the 
narrow gauge.' The road was then in operation only 
between Piermont and Otisville, a distance of sixty- 
one miles, and had a limited equipment of rolling 



stock. The change that could then have been made 
for a few thousands has since been done at the cost of 
many millions. 

In June, 1853, he was elected president of the com- 
pany. The Legislature of the State of New York, in- 
fluenced by State pride, — a popular fallacy at that 
time throughout the country, — in granting the orig- 
inal charter of the New York and Erie Railroad 
Company limited its termini within the State, — Dun- 
kirk at the west and Piermont at the east. It thus 
encountered at its origin every winter an embargo 
which threatened to defeat the object of its construc- 
tion, and forced a direct connection with the city of 
York by a divergence at Suftern's, thence through the 
State of New Jersey. 

On assuming the administration of the corporation 
by Mr. Ramsdell, this connection, then just made, was 
imperfect in all respects, and without terminal fiicili- 
ties. Thus hampered, upon his own motion and indi- 
vidual responsibility, he sought relief for his company 
by the purchase of the Long Dock property, substan- 
tially the property which is now owned by the New 
York, Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company, — 
viz., the lands pierced by the Bergen tunnel, the river- 
front at Pavonia, and the intermediate lands connect- 
ing them, a distance of more than two miles through 
Jersey City. 

At the next sitting of the Legislature of New Jer- 
sej' (1856) he procured the passage of an act incor- 
porating the Long Dock Company, to which he con- 
veyed the property, and also obtained another act 
authorizing the Erie Railroad Company to purchase 
and hold lands in New Jersey, and to finish and com- 
plete the Paterson and Hudson River Railroad. 

In this way a legislative mistake was overcome, 
and this great national thoroughfixre was extended 
into the business centre of the great metropolis, and 
the foundation was laid for terminal facilities equal to 
its then extended and rapidly increasing necessities. 

Upon the resignation by Mr. Ramsdell of the presi- 
dency, in July, 1857, Messrs. Samuel Marsh, vice- 
president, and others, a committee in behalf of the 
board, by letter, after expressing for him their per- 
sonal esteem and their appreciation of other valued 
services by him rendered to the company "during a 
long period of trying vicissitudes," .say, " we desire 
particularly to tender the thanks of the board for that 
crowningserviceof your administration, your original 
conception and judicious purchase of the Long Dock 
property ; which project, when fully completed and 
annexed to the Erie Railroad, will constitute an un- 
broken channel of communication between the im- 
mense granaries of the productive West and the 
markets of this great metropolis and Europe ; so that 
while one end of our road terminates at the lakes and 
rivers of the West, the other end shall discharge and 
receive its freights and passengers at the wharf or 
shipping at the port of New York, an advantage of 
location, productiveness, and economy which is with- 






354 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



out precedent in the history of railroads ; and as long as 

New York continues the great commercial centre and 
distributing point for the commerce of this country, 
the Erie Railroad must be the great channel of its 
western transportation. 

"Your project has, therefore, not only rendered the 
Erie Railroad a permanent and valuable auxiliary to 
the commercial prosperity of our city, but it opens at 
the same time an unfailing resource of income to the 
company, which must yield a permanent profit to the 
stockholders." 

The construction of the Hawley branch of the Erie 
Railroad was originated by Mr. Ramsdell more than 
twenty years ago. It is the connecting link between 
the road.s of the Pennsylvania Coal Comiiany and the 
Erie Road, and by this means the coal-beds of Penn- 
sylvania — direct communication with which was the 
object in whose interest the construction of the Hud- 
son and Delaware Railroad was contemplated by the 
citizens of Newburgh more than forty years ago — 
now pour their wealth into this popular enin'pot. 

Mr. Ramsdell was also active and influential in pro- 
moting the construction of the Newburgh and New 
York (Short-Cut) Railroad between Vail's Gate on 
the Newburgh Branch and Greenwood on the main 
line of the Erie. This short road is a valuable con- 
tributor to the business and convenience of New- 
burgh. His agency, also, in bringing to a successful 
completion the Newburgh Branch Railroad is else- 
where referred to in this work. 

Before the introduction of railroads into our system 
of internal communication, the migration from New 
England to the more productive lands of the West 
was largely through Newburgh. To restore this lost 
trade Mr. Ramsdell was among the first advocates of 
a railroad from New England, and forty years ago 
made the first reconnoissance of the country prepara- 
tory to such an undertaking. The New York and 
New England Railroad, now about to be opened to 
Fishkill, will fulfill his early anticipations. 

Mr. Ramsdell was married on June 16, 1835, to 
Frances E. L., daughter of Thomas Powell, of New- 
burgh. The children have been Mary L. P., who 
died in childhood; Frances J., wife of Maj. George 
W. Rains; Thomas P., James A. P., Henry P., 
Homer S., and Leila R. Ramsdell. He has per- 
sistently declined to accept political office, although 
feeling a deep interest in the public events of his day, 
and exerting a wide influence in the counsels of his 
party. In early life he filled for many years a num- 
ber of local offices, including those of trustee and 
village president of Newburgh. 



BENJAMIN CARPENTER. 

The Carpenter family of Newburgh, N. Y., are 

descended from Benjamin Carpenter, who was born 

in England in 1730. He emigrated to this country 

at an early age, and settled on Long Island, from 



whence he removed to Latintown, now in the town 
of Marlborough, Ulster Co. He resided at that place 
until his death. His wife was Jane, daughter of Rev. 
Mr. Leonard, of Goshen. Six children were the issue 
of this marriage, among whom were Jacob and Leon- 
ard Carpenter. These sons were closely identified 
with the early mercantile and commercial life of New- 
burgh, and were also owners of the ferry at that place. 
Leonard Carpenter married Bridget, daughter of Isaac 
Belknap, and had the following children, viz.: Ben- 
jamin, the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, who 
married William Thayer; Isaac R., for many years a 
prominent and substantial citizen of Newburgh ; 
Jane Belknap ; Alexander L., who removed to Ohio ; 
Sarah ; Lydia ; Stearns ; and Cynthia Warren, who 
married Francis Crawford. 

Benjamin Carpenter, son of Leonard Carpenter, 
was born on Feb. 14, 1793. For more than half a 
century he was engaged in business in the city of 
Newburgh. During the whole of that long period 
he bore an intimate relation to the growth and com- 
mercial development of the city, and was one of the 
foremost of the business men of the day. From 
memoranda left by himself we derive a correct ac- 
count of his varied business enterprises and under- 
takings. 

Mr. Carpenter commenced mercantile life in the 
year 1812, in Newburgh. and two years later formed 
a partnership with Messrs. John and William Thayer. 
Soon after the close of the war, 1812-15, this firm 
purcha.sed the schooner " Ann," and engaged in the 
West India trade. In the spring of 1817 this part- 
nership was dissolved by Mr. Carpenter, and he com- 
menced the freighting and mercantile business on his 
own account, in the store afterwards occupied by 
Charles Halstead, on Water Street. Subsequently 
Mr. Carpenter removed to Front Street, where he 
pursued a general commission and forwarding busi- 
ness, grain constituting the chief commodity of 
commercial export at that period. 

This was the principal business in which Mr. Car- 
penter engaged throughout the remainder of his life, 
although a large number of collateral undertakings 
in connection with it received his attention. 

He was also interested in the encouragement of 
other local enterprises. About the year 1818 he 
erected the first hay-press in Newburgh. He also 
built a starch factory on DuBois Street for parties 
desirous of introducing that industry in Newburgh. 
He purchased a building on Ann Street, and aided 
George Fredorf in establishing a fancy soap business. 
After the death of the latter the establishment was 
sold to Ames & Spencer, and in course of time it 
formed the basis of the large enterprise of Jesse 
Oakley. 

Mr. Carpenter was also a stockholder and director 
in the Newburgh Whaling Company' from 1831 to 
1840. After that company discontinued business he 
purchased the sloop " Russell," in company with par- 




^. 



-^i>2--? 



^. 



t^i^y 




I 





-L^t^ 



NEWBURGH. 



355 



ties in New York, and sent that vessel to Havana, 
wliere ii charter was received to go up the Baltic Sea. 
This enterpriisc proved successlul. 

In the year 1825, Mr. Carpenter established, in 
company witli Henry B. Carpenter, the first foundry 
in Newburfrh, in which, on March 18th of that year, 
iron was melted for the first time in the town. 

In 1828 he built the steamboat " William Young," 
for conveyiuf; freight, as well as passengers, between 
Newburgh and New York, one of the first steamboats 
launched upon the Hudson for both the accommoda- 
tion of passengers and the transportation of freight. 
In 1838, B. Carpenter & Co. built the steamboat 
".James Madison," to take the place of the " William 
Young." Subsequently the freighting business of this 
firm was carried on by barges, the barge " Superior" 
having been placed on that line in 184(i, and after- 
wards the barge "Minisink." The entire business 
of this firm was subsequently sold to Homer Rams- 
dell & Co. 

In 18.30, Mr. Carpenter became one of the original 
stockholders and directors of the Hudson and Dela- 
ware Railroad Company, and on the first establish- 
ment of the Newburgh Steam-Mills Comjiany he 
became also a stockholder and director in that enter- 
prise. For several years, including the first year of 
its organization, Mr. Carpenter was a director in the 
Powell Bank (now discontinued), and he was one of 
the original trustees of the Newburgli Savings-Bank, 
founded in 1852. 

He was greatly interested in the project of building 
the Branch Railroad to Newburgh, connecting with 
the lOrie Railroad, and materially aided in the accom- 
plishment of that end. 

The firm of B. Carpenter & Co., of which he was 
the senior member, also became large stockholders in 
the South plank-road enterprise. 

In various other ways Mr. Carpenter was actively 
interested in the establishment and conservation of 
the institutions of Newburgh, and to no man more 
than to him are due the prosperity and success of 
many of the leading enterprises of the city. In con- 
nection with his brother, Isaac R. Carpenter, he pur- 
chased all the water-front between First and Second 
Streets, laid out Front Street, built and filled up the 
necessary wharv&s, and with the aid of a small vol- 
untary subscription, he purchased the land and opened 
Carpenter Street. He, together with Mr. Parmenter, 
also gave the land and opened Eager Street. 

In these and in many other enterprises his public 
spirit and his interest in whatever pertained to the 
growth and prosperity of Newburgh were manifested. 

In 1830, Mr. Carpenter was elected a trustee of the 
village of Newburgh, and was re-elected in 1831, '32, 
'33, '34, '37, '38, '40, and '41. He also filled many 
other positions of trust and honor in political and 
business circles. 

He was also prominently associated with religious 
and benevolent work, being one of the founders of 



the Bethel Mission, to the support of which he liber- 
ally contributed, and he was one of the founders of 
the Newburgh Bible Society. He was a leading 
member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, 
which office he held at the time of his death, which 
occurred Jan. 31, 1871. 

In all the relations of life, either as husband, father, 
or friend, he ever manifested an unselfi.sh and devoted 
spirit ; and in the community in which he pa-ssed a 
long and useful life his name was a synonym for in- 
tegrity, uprightness, and honorable dealing. 

The wife of Mr. Carpenter was Miss Caroline S. 
Carpenter, daughter of John Warren, of Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y., who died April 5, 1856. 

The children were Mary F., widow of the late 
Lewis M. Strong, of Northampton, Mass. ; John W., 
who died in infancy ; Warren, who died just as he had 
entered the legal profession, and had given large 
promise of a successful and brilliant career ; and Alida 
Josepha, now residing in Newburgh. 



UAVID CRAWFORD.. 

No better or more appropriate sketch of the Craw- 
ford family can be given than the following from the 
" History of Newburgh" : 

" There are several branches of the Crawford family 
in this country, all of Irish origin, and all more or 
less remotely connected. The Newburgh lamily of 
that name are the descendants of John Crawford, 
who came to America in 1730. He settled at Little 
Britain, in this county, soon after the Clinton immi- 
grants located there. His children were David, who 
succeeded to the homestead farm, and had Francis, 
for many years a resident of Newburgh ; Mary, who 
married John Van Arsdale ; Jane, who married 
James Denniston ; and James, who settled in what 
is now the town of Crawford. 

" Francis Crawford, only son of David, remained 
on the homestead at Little Britain until 1806, when 
he removed to Newburgh and entered into the mer- 
cantile and freighting business with John Harris. 
He retired from the trade in 1810, but re-entered it 
in 1817, and continued in it until his death (April 23, 
1829), in the sixty-seventh year of his age. 'There 
were traits in his character well deserving notice and 
imitation. From the uniform tenor of his conduct 
through life it is believed that he lived and died 
without a single personal enemy. Blessed with a 
natural temper almost peculiar to himself, — an utter 
stranger to petulance, passion, and the inordinate 
love of gain, — he was the same man under all cir- 
cumstances ; no one was ever wounded by his tongue 
or made the victim of his avarice. He received the 
bounties of Providence as they were bestowed, and 
reaped the benefits of his prudence and industry, and 
thereby secured to himself and his associates in busi- 
ness the universal confidence of the public and the 
esteem and admiration of innumerable friends. In 



356 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



short, he lived as a man should live in relation to his 
fellow-man, and he died a.s a man should die in rela- 
tion to his God and his Redeemer, — 

* 'Tis only noble to be good : 
Kind hearts are more than coronets. 
And simple faith than Norman blood.'* 

" Francis Crawford was thrice married, — first to 
Eunice Watkins, by whom he had: 1, Samuel; 2, 
Thomas ; 3, David ; 4, James. Mrs. Eunice Crawford 
died in 1791, in her twenty-eighth year. Second to 
Lydia, daughter of Jeduthan Belknap, Dec. 1, 1792. 
Third to Fanny Denuiston (widow of Capt. Isaacs), 
born Jan. 20, 1780, died Feb. 26, 1829. His sons 
David and James came to Newburgh with him in 
1806, and were his associates in his business until 
1810. James afterwards opened the Mansion House, 
of which he was for several years the proprietor. He 
married Elizabeth Munson, who after his death mar- 
ried John Farnum. David continued with his father, 
and at his death received the principal portion of his 
estate. 

" David Crawford was born at Little Britain about 
the year 1788. The precise date cannot now be ascer- 
tained, in consequence of the destruction of the family 
records by fire. He received such educational advan- 
tages as the country .schools at that time afforded, and 
in 1806 entered the store of his father as clerk. In 
1810 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Orange 
County, and discharged the duties of that office for 
about one year. When the war of 1812 broke out, 
he promptly responded to the call of Congress for 
volunteers, and raised a company of artillery of which 
he was elected captain, in which capacity he served 
for about one year, when he received a commission 
in the army of the United States, and remained in 
the service until the close of the war in 1815. He re- 
entered the mercantile and forwarding business with 
his father in 1817, and prosecuted it until 1851. He 
died July 23, 1856. 

" As a citizen Mr. Crawford was highly esteemed, 
and for several years held positions of honor and 
trust. His integrity was undoubted, and throughout 
his long business career his reputation was unsullied. 
Always ready to lend a helping hand to others, there 
are those among our citizens who can look back with 
grateful remembrance to the kindly aid which he I'en- 
dered to them when assistance was needed. In his 
business and social intercourse he was especially affa- 
ble and agreeable, — the sunlight of a perpetually happy 
disposition appeared to be his. The Yorick of a thou- 
sand jests, his genial humor was irresistible, and would 
chase the clouds away from the gravest face. He was 
unusually well informed in dramatic literature. Atone 
time in his life he had a decided passion for this kind 
of reading. With the plays of Shakespeare he was 
very familiar, and could recall their scenes, charac- 
ters, and many of their choice passages at will. His 

* Newburgh Telegraph, April al, 1829. 



love for children was another characteristic ; he de- 
lighted in their presence, sympathized in their amuse- 
ments, and always seemed to enter into the spirit of 
their frolic. In a word, he was a patriotic, honest, 
kind-hearted gentleman, and an excellent citizen. 

" David Crawford married Fanny C, daughter of 
Isaac Belknap, May 15, 1822, and had : 1, Isaac B. 
(died young); 2, Mary Elizabeth, married Sands 
McCamly, Aug. 6, 1844, died July 8, 1845, leaving 

j Mary E. C. McCamly ; 3, James Thoma.s (died young) ; 

I 4, Anna (now deceased), married Richard A. South- 
wick, Oct. 11, 1849, had Fanny C, Anna C, and 

' Florence." 



THE WALSH FAMILY. 
The Walsh family came from the north of Ireland, 
and were of Scotch descent. Thomas Walsh was 
born near Carlisle, Pa., in 1751. His father, also 
named Thomas, came to America and settled in the 
Cumberland Valley, which was rapidly peopled by 
hardy Scotch Presbyterians. About 1769, Thomas 
Walsh, his parents having died, joined his only sister, 
Mary, who was married to Maj. Hawks, of Sussex 
Co., N. J. In 1772 he removed to New Windsor, 
Orange Co., and settled on a farm near Washington 
Lake, where he resided for the remainder of his life. 
He was an intelligent Christian man, a great reader, 
and a successful farmer. He was enrolled in Capt. 
Nicoll's company of New Windsor. He turned out 
with his company at the attack on Fort Montgomery, 
and marched with it to repel the threatened Indian 
raid at Peenpack. Dr. Higby, of silver-bullet fame, 
was his intimate friend. It was found after his 
death that all he owed in the world was one dollar. 
His son William became the owner of the farm, on 
which the old dwelling-house, built a century ago, is 
still standing. He died March 19, 1819. Thomas 
Walsh married Margaret Brush, of Rockland County, 
who was of a New England family early settled in 
the eastern part of Long Island. Mrs. Walsh sur- 
vived her husband many years, and died at the resi- 
dence of her son Henry, April 18, 1837, in the 
eighty-fourth year of her age. She was of a cheerfiil 
disposition and possessed great activity and energy. 
The children of Thomas and Margaret Walsh were 
William. John, Thomas, Mary, Rachel, Henry, Eliza- 
beth, Michael, Harriet, and Anna. 

WILLIAM WALSH. 

William Walsh was born in the town of New 
Windsor, near Washington Lake, Oct. 4, 1773. He 
passed his earlier years on the homestead of his 
father, availing himself meanwhile of the privilege 
of acquiring such an education as the ordinary schools 
of his day afforded. After leaving school he went to 
New Windsor village, where he worked at ship-build- 
ing. In those days New Windsor was an active, 
thriving place. Many vessels were constructed there. 
Sloops sailed on regular dates to New York, carrying 





^ 



^/Tu^/C 




NEWBURGH. 



357 



passengers and freight, and much business was trans- 
acted. A partnership was formed between Judge 
Morrell and William Walsh, and they carried on the 
freight and passenger business, owning sIoojjs sailing 
at regular dates for New York. William Walsh was 
cajitain of a sloop, and sailed the same for several 
seasons. Appreciating the superior advantages of 
Newburgh, he removed to that place in 1812, and 
engaged in the general dry-goods liusiness with his 
brother Henry, the firm being William and Henry 
Walsh. Subsequently the brothers dissolved and 
continued business, each on his own account. Mr. 
Walsh was president of the village of Newburgh for 
two years, and a trustee for six years. He was town 
clerk for three years, and supervisor of Newburgh for _ 
nine years. He had the honor to represent New- 
burgh at the celebration in New York in 1825 of the 
opening of the Erie Canal. He was a member and 
officer in Rev. Dr. Johnston's church for many 
years, and one of its most active and influential sup- 
porters. He was a man of fine presence, upright and 
honorable, a firm friend and a kind neighbor, social 
and friendly to all with whom he came in contact, 
and a successful business man. He took an active 
part in all public matters, and in the advancement of 
the interests of Newburgh. 

In 1827, William Walsh became the president of 
the Bank of Newburgh, and continued in that posi- 
tion until his death. Under his judicious and con- 
servative management the bank prospered, and had 
the entire and deserved confidence of the public. 

Mr. Walsh erected the brick buildings at the south- 
west corner of Water and Third Streets, Newburgh. 
He lived there for several years, and subsequently 
purchased the Betts property on Montgomery Street, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred 
Nov. 2, 1839. During his last sickness he was visited 
by Henry Clay, and the interview between the two 
men is said to have been an affecting one. 

William Walsh married Mary, daughter of Isaac 
Van Duzer, of Cornwall. Mrs. Walsh died Oct. 18, 
1801, and their children — Isaac V. and Abram — died 
in infancy. Mr. Walsh's second wife was Mary, 
daughter of Judge Joseph Morrell, of New Windsor, 
who was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. 
Walsh died March 24, 1866. The children of Wil- 
liam and Mary Walsh were Joseph M., Margaret, 
William H., Albert, Charles, Mary A., Norman A., 
John J., Edward L., and Sarah E. 

HENRY WALSH. 

Henry Walsh was born in the town of New Wind- 
sor, Dec. 24, 178.5. After leaving school he sailed for 
a season on board his brother William's sloop, and in 
1803 went to New York, and remained for several 
years in the office of the Republican Watch- Tower, a 
newspaper of which David Denniston, of Newburgh, 
was the publisher, and Mr. Cheatham the editor. 
While connected with this journal Mr. Walsh made 



the acquaintance of many of the leading public men 
of that period. In 1808, Mr. Walsh engaged in busi- 
ness with Isaac Schultz at Middletown, Orange Co., 
and subsequently with Mr. Schultz's nephew, James 
Thompson, at Pine Bush ; they dissolved Feb. 21, 
1810. 

In the spring of 1810, Henry Walsh removed to 
Newburgh, and engaged in the general dry-goods 
business at the southwest corner of Water and Second 
Streets. He associated with him Samuel Williams, 
the firm being Walsh & Williams. They dissolved 
May 7, 1812, and the firm of William & Henry 
Walsh was formed. The brothers subsequently dis- 
solved. Henry became the owner of the premises 
Nos. 39 and 41 Water Street, and carried on a large 
business there for many years. Through long years 
ofclo.se application to business his health had become 
somewhat impaired, and in 1828 he purchased the 
southern portion of the Smith farm on Liberty Street, 
and repaired and enlarged the old cottage for his resi- 
dence after retiring from business. He subsequently 
disposed of a portion of his farm, and lived to see it 
cut up by streets and covered with houses, and the 
village of Newburgh grow to be a city. He experi- 
enced a paralytic stroke in 1861, and died July 30, 
1868. Mr. Walsh was a successful merchant, and 
confined his attention to the legitimate lines of trade. 
He was a great lover of books, and sought his highest 
enjoyment in his own family and at his own fireside. 
He was vice-president of the Bank of Newburgh for 
a number of years, trustee of the village of New- 
burgh in 1816, trustee of the Newburgh Academy, 
and supervisor of Newburgh in 1854. He was a trus- 
tee of the Associate Reformed Church for more than 
fifty years, with which he early united, and with 
which he maintained steadfast relations until his 
death. 

Henry Walsh was married Sept. 9, 1809, to Meheta- 
bel, daughter of Capt. William Bull, of Wallkill, 
who was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. 
Walsh was possessed of a kind heart and loving, 
sunny nature, and was a devoted wife and earnest 
Christian mother. 

The children of Henry and Mehetabel Walsh were 
William B., .lulia A., James, Abram, Thomas, Me- 
hetabel, Henry R., George H., Harriet, Augustus H., 
and Robert. 

HON. DANIEL B. ST. JOHN. 
Daniel B. St. John was born in Sharon, Litch- 
field Co., Conn., on Oct. 8, 1808. His ancestors 
originally settled at Norwalk, Conn., from which 
place Timothy St. John, his great-grandfather, re- 
moved in the year 1756, settling at Sharon, where' he 
died in 1806. In 1818 his grandfather, Daniel St. 
John, and his father, Russell St. John, removed from 
their native town, Sharon, to the city of Hartford. 
Daniel St. John held various positions of importance 
in his lifetime, was for many years a magistrate, and 



358 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



represented the town of Sharon in the Legislature of 
the State. He also held the ofBce of county surveyor 
of Hartford County for many years. He died at 
Hartford, in 1846, at the ripe age of eighty-five years. 
Russell St. John, father of our subject, was a promi- ' 
nent agriculturalist in his time, and in 1825 received 
from the Hartford County Agricultural Society a 
silver cup, as a premium for the best cultivated farm in 
Hartford County. This relic is still in the possession 
of Senator St. John, and is greatly prized by him. 

Daniel B. St. John received a substantial education 
in the district and grammar schools of Hartford, and 
for the last two years of his educational course re- 
sided with his uncle, Milo L. Bennett, of Manchester, 
Vt., then a practicing attorney, and afterwards judge . 
of the Supreme Court of that State for many years. 
In the year 1824, Mr. St. John removed to Monticello, 
Sullivan Co., N. Y., and entered the store of his i 
maternal uncle, Hiram Bennett, at that place as a 
clerk. In 1831 he was admitted as a partner in the 
business, and soon after became the sole proprietor. 
He continued in active trade as a merchant and as a 
dealer in real estate until 1848, when he retired from 
mercantile pursuits. 

The public career of Mr. St. John commenced in 
1840, when he was elected to the State Legislature 
from Sullivan County. He was at first a Henry Clay 
Whig, and remained in the party until its dissolution. 
He was a member of the committee on the anti-rent 
difficulties between the manorial tenants along the 
Hudson and the patroon Van Kensselaer, a position 
of great importance because of the high feeling that 
existed at the time between the parties, it being one 
of the most prominent political questions in the State. 
He was also a member of the committee, then annu- 
ally appointed by the Legislature, to examine the 
accounts of the treasurer, canal and bank depart- j 
ments, etc. He was elected supervisor of the town 
of Thompson, Sullivan Co., for the years 1843, 1844, 
1845, and 1846, and in the latter year was elected a 
representative to the Thirtieth Congress, serving 
from 1847 to 1849. While a member of Congress he 
served on the committee on post-offices and post- roads 
with Abraham Lincoln, a warm personal friendship 
existing between the two. At the close of his Con- 
gressional term, in March, 1849, Mr. St. John was 
invited to take charge of the bank department at 
Albany, then under the supervision of the comptroller 
of the State. Hon. Washington Hunt, afterwards 
Governor, was then comptroller of New York, and at 
his solicitation Mr. St. John accepted the position of 
chief register, and occupied that place until 1851, 
when, by act of the Legislature, the bank department 
was made a separate and independent branch of the 
State machinery. Mr. St. John was immediately 
appointed superintendent, and organized the depart- 
ment as a separate and distinct service. He continued 
to hold the office until the year 1855. 

In 1856, Mr. St. John concluded to retire from active 



business life, having by industry and economy ac- 
cumulated an estate sufficient to enable him to do 
so ; and having a long cherished desire to engage in 
rural pursuits and to enjoy country life, he pur- 
chased about twelve acres of land on the banks of 
the Hudson, in the town of Newburgh, which he 
improved by the erection of suitable and convenient 
buildings, cultivating the ground, planting fruit and 
ornamental trees, and where he still makes his home. 
In 1858 he was elected president of the Newburgh 
Savings-Bank, when the total deposits amounted to 
only S28,000. These have since increased to nearly 
$3,500,000. The institution, of which Mr. St. John 
is still president, is one of the strongest of its kind in 
the State, and it is speaking strictly within bounds 
to say that the great success which it has attained 
is largely due to the business experience, sound judg- 
ment, and strict integrity that was brought to the 
management of its affiiirs by the selection of Mr. 
St. John as president. In 1860, Mr. St. John was 
elected a delegate to the National Union Convention, 
at Baltimore, which nominated Bell and Everett for 
the offices of President and Vice-President of the 
United States. He was also nominated as a Presi- 
dential Elector on that ticket, and for representative 
in Congress the same year. In 1863 he received the 
Democratic nomination for Secretary of State. In 
1875 he was elected to represent the Tenth Senatorial 
District of New York, consisting of the counties of 
Orange and Sullivan, in the State Senate, by a ma- 
jority of 996 over Morgan Shuit; and was again, 
elected to the same office in 1877, defeating John A. 
Clements by a majority of 1442. In 1879 he declined 
a renomination to the Senate. In 1876 he was a 
delegate to the National Democratic Convention, held 
at St. Louis, which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for 
the Presidency, and in the counsels of the Democratic 
party throughout the State of New York he holds a 
l>rominent and honorable place. His domestic life 
is simple. In the community in which he resides 
he enjo)'s the respect and esteem of all classes of citi- 
zens, and is regarded as one of the most jirogressive 
and substantial residents of Orange County. His in- 
fluence is always exerted for the good of his fellows, 
and he is in active sympathy with the philanthropic, 
benevolent, and educational movements of the day. 
His public and private dnties have been performed 
with the greatest care, and through a long service in 
public life his personal honor and official integrity 
have never been questioned. He is of an affiible and 
genial temperament, and justly one of the most popu- 
lar men of his section. 



CHARLES DOWNING. 
Prominent among the old citizens of Newburgh, 
whose lives, well spun out in the passage of years, 
connect us with a past and rapidly-receding genera- 
tion, is the subject of this sketch, who was born near 




C^^y ty?7^^ /^ 




^^^^'^^^ 



21 



m- 



■^^ 




JOHN FORSYTH. 



•John Forsyth was born near the city of Aberdeen, 
in Scotland, in 1786 or 1787. His parents were in 
comfortable circumstances, but the death of his father 
in the meridian of life, and the subsequent miscon- 
duct of some persons with whom ho had been asso- 
ciated in business, left his widowed mother, with a 
family of young children, for a time in a straitened 
condition. Her son was sent to the grammar-school 
of Aberdeen, where he had for a school-mate the 
famous Lord Byron, but from the cause before men- 
tioned he was deprived of these educational advan- 
tages sooner than he otherwise would have been. 

Mr. Forsyth came to this country in 1805, intend- 
ing to proceed to North Carolina or Georgia, in both 
of which States some branches of his father's family 
were settled. But by the advice of Prof. Kemp, of 
Columbia College, to whom he had a letter of intro- 
duction, and Mr. Robert Gosman, he was induced to 
remain in the North. He came to Newburgh in 
1810, simply to visit the Rev. Mr. Scrimgeour, pastor 
of the Associate Reformed Church, and an old friend 
of his mother, but with no intention of remaining 
here. Here, however, he was induced to settle, and 
here he spent the largest portion of his life. He soon 
found employment, and until 1825 was largely en- 
gaged in business as a builder. In the latter year 
he became a partner in the firm of Law, Bevridge & 
Co., — afterwards and more widely known as J. Bev- 
ridge & Co., — in which he continued until his death, 
in 1854. 



Mr. Forsyth was a man of singularly robust frame, 
and for many years his life was one of great activity. 
He was a man of presence, — one of those whose face 
and form would arrest the attention of a stranger, and 
his mental and moral qualities were accordant with 
the impression thus made. He was a wise counselor, 
and there were few men whose advice was more sought 
by persons of all classes ; and none who knew him 
could doubt his unbending rectitude, his large heart- 
edness, or his rare sagacity. He was for years a 
director in the Bank of Newburgh, and a trustee of 
the academy. He had a good deal to do with the 
establishment of the Newburgh Steam-Mills — of 
which company he was president — and of the Branch 
Railroad. Indeed, to every public improvement he 
was ready to lend a helping hand. 

From early manhood Mr. Forsyth was an exem- 
plary Christian, and was long a ruling elder in the 
Associate Reformed Church. Catholic in spirit, he 
was yet warmly attached to his own denomination, 
and was widely known in it as one of its most zealous 
and generous members. He was twice married, viz. : 
first, to Jane, eldest daughter of John Currie, who 
settled in Newburgh in 1802 ; second, to Anna Jane, 
youngest daughter of John Brown. His children 
(there were none by the second marriage) were 
John, Robert A., and James C. The former is Rev. 
John Forsyth, D.D., chaplain at West Point, and 
an influential and highly esteemed citizen of New- 
burgh. 



4 



NEWBURCtH. 



359 



the present residence of William W. Carson, on July 
9, 1802. His fether, Samuel Downing, was of English 
extraction, and was born in the year 17G1. He re- 
moved fr(mi Cambridge, Mass., to Newburgh, and 
from thence to Montgomery, intending to pursue his 




^kJi tytTL^^^^^-^—y^ 



avocation as a carriage-maker at that place. Owing 
to the bad state of his health at Montgomery, he 
returned to Newburgh, where he established, on the 
northeast corner of Broad and Liberty Streets, about 
the commencement of the present century, a shop for 
the manufacture of wagons and carriages. While yet 
in the early stages of this undertaking, failing health 
led him to engage in the more healthful Itusiness of 
market gardening and cultivating a nursery, which 
he planted on the property adjoining his shop. As 
early as 1810 he ofl'ered lor sale trees ingrafted and 
inoculated, including apples, pears, peaches, apricots, 
and cherries. Although not the first to engage in this 
avocation in the present county of Orange, he was the 
first to conduct it so successfully as to secure its con- 
tiiuiance. He led an industrious and sober life, and 
died Nov. 1, 1822. His wife, Eunice, died Oct. 29, 
1838, leaving five children, namely, Emily, born Jan. 
24, 1801, married Sylvester Ferry, died March 11, 
1864; Charles, the subject of the sketch ; George W., 
born Feb. 22, 1804, died April 5, 1846; Fanny, died 
■in intimcy; and Andrew J., born Oct. 31, 1815, whose 
useful life ended in the burning of the steamer " Henry 
Clay," near Yonkers, July 28, 1852. 

The early life of Charles Downing was passed under 
the careftil training of his father in the nursery busi- 



ness, and in attendance upon the common schools of 
his day. At the age of fifteen his educational career 
was completed at the Newburgh Academy, where he 
attended during the winter months. Before he had 
attained his majority his father died, and the re- 
sponsibility of conducting his business and the sup- 
port of the family, to a large extent, devolved upon 
Charles. These duties he performed successfully until 
his brother, Andrew J., reached adult years, when he 
united with his brother in the management and con- 
trol of the business under the firm-name of C. & A. 
J. Downing. This business connection continued for 
a few years only. In 1837, Mr. Charles Downing re- 
moved to where Alfred Bridgman now resides ; his 
brother remaining on the home place. The former 
continued in the nursery business for thirty years at 
that point, and by close and faithful application to 
his chosen avocation established for himself a place 
among the first pomologists of the United States. 

Naturally of a penetrating and inquiring mind, he 
studied closely the forms, varieties, and qualities of 
the difl^erent fruits that came under his observation, 
and by careful graftings and the collection of choice 
seeds he was enabled to improve many varieties of 
fruits, and originate others that bear his name to this 
day. Among these latter may be mentioned Down- 
ing's ever-bearing mulberry, champagne and red-cheek 
cherries, and Downing's gooseberry. After retiring 
from the nursery business, Mr. Downing continued 
the investigation of fruits by obtaining trees and 
grafts of new varieties to prove their nomenclature, 
quality, and other characteristics, until a few years 
ago, when he sold his grounds and removed to his 
present residence in the city of Newburgh. He still 
keeps up his interest in pomology, however, and is 
studying with care the ever-changing forms and varie- 
ties of fruit-life. His brother, Andrew J., devoted 
himself more particularly to landscape gardening and 
rural architecture, and as an author and writer on 
such subjects, as well as the editor of the Horti- 
culturist, secured a reputation which was not con- 
fined to the country of his nativity. Charles Down- 
ing was of a more practical turn of mind. He de- 
lighted more in the cultivation, study, and growth of 
those things of which his brother wrote, and it was 
often the case that the pen of Andrew J. Downing 
drew its inspiration from the practical knowledge of 
his brother Charles. The latter, however, has been a 
regular contributor to the current literature of the 
day on such topics as he best understood, and since 
the death of his brother has twice revised the latter's 
book on " Fruit and Fruit-Trees," first in 1867, and 
again in 1869. Since the last revision he has added 
two appendixes, containing new iruits, corrections, 
etc., making the whole work twice the original size. 

While the days of Mr. Downing have been passed 
within the inner circles of society, free from the tur- 
moil and strife of political life, and in the peaceful 
pursuits of husbandry, he has nevertheless sustained 



360 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



an important relation to the growth antl development 
of liis native place, and been faitliful to all the duties 
of the citizen. Great changes have taken place in 
Newburgh since he made his debut upon the stage 
of life, churches and schools have been established, to 
which he contributed with liberal hand, and in a 
quiet, modest way his influence has been exerted in 
every good work. Physically of weak and feeble con- 
stitution, he has. by careful self-discipline, regular 
habits, and an industrious out-of-door life, achieved 
a ripe old age, and his straightforward and honorable 
career have won him the esteem of every good citizen. 
Mr. Downing was married on Sept. 20, 1830, to 
Mary, daughter of Samuel Wait, of Montgomery, 
N. Y., but no children were born of the union. Mrs. 
Downing died on Oct. 18, 1880. 



HON. JOEL T. HEADLEY. 

Joel T. Headley, of Newburgh, is descended from an 
English family of title, some of whom have been dis- 
tinguished as literary men. He was born in Walton, 
Delaware County, on Dec. 30, 1813. His father was 
for a long time pastor of the only church in the vil- 
lage, which is picturesquely situated in a valley 
hemmed in by sparkling streams and surrounded by 
bold mountains. Amid such scenery his youthftil 
imagination was kindled and strengthened, and his 
love for the mountains and forests was born. Having 
graduated at I'nion College, he studied theology in 
Auburn Seminary, with the intention of making the 
ministry his profession for life. Compelled to aban- 
don it from ill health, he traveled aliroad, where he 
remained a part of the years 1842 and 1S43. His cor- 
respondence, published at the time in the New York 
Tribune, made him first known to the public, and on 
his return from Europe he became for a while assist- 
ant editor of that paper. His first published work 
was a translation of one of Sarsfield's works in Ger- 
man. This was published anonymously. Soon after- 
wards letters from Italy were published simultane- 
ously in New York and Loudon. This was followed by 
" Alps and the Rhine." " Napoleon and his Marshals" 
succeeded, which had an extensive sale and enjoyed 
a wide popularity. This popularity was increased by 
" The Sacred Mountains." The next year he gave to 
the press " Washington and his Generals." 

These three books, by their unprecedented circula- 
tion, founded the well-known house of Scribner & Co. 
Mr. Headley was now fairly launched as an author, 
and the demand for the productions of his pen was 
unceasing. But in the mean time his health had 
driven him to the mountains and wild forests, where, 
with an Indian guide, he passed through the great 
northern wilderness, where guides were then un- 
known and tourists never came. The result was 
a book called "The Adirondacks, or Life in the 
Woods." It opened up this vast wilderness to the 
public, which is now called the " Switzerland of 



America." The pure air of the forest and the rough- 
ness of camp-life restored the balance of the brain, 
which for a while threatened serious consequences. 
"Sacred Names and Characters," "Life of Crom- 
j well," "The Old Guard," — the latter in part translated 
from a French work,-^and the "Second War with 
England" succeeded each other at shorter or longer 
intervals. Mr. Headley 's success as an author caused 
him some annoyances, and books that he never wrote 
I were attributed to him, such as " Sacred Plains," by 
j T. H. Headley. " Kossuth and his Generals" and 
a pirated edition of his "Sacred Mountains" were also 
i published, while fugitive pieces written for maga- 
I zines were gathered up and published as his miscella- 
nies, which compelled him to issue in self-defense 
two volumes of miscellanies. A large house in 
Philadelphia published two volumes that were, as far 
as the outside went, fac-ximi/cs of " Washington and 
his Generals," evading the law against piratical 
works by calling it " Washington and the Generals 
of the Revolution." " Sacred Heroes and Martyrs" 
was a large octavo, and was so well received that an 
English clergynuui published it in London, and had 
the audacity to affix his own name to it as " revised 
and corrected." Biographies of Gens. Scott and 
Jackson had a limited sale. A period of inactivity 
followed, during which Mr. Headley was elected to 
the Legislature of New York State. The following 
year, 1856, he wa.s elected Secretary of State. At the 
end of two years he retired, disgusted, from political 
life. "A Life of Washington," a large octavo, had 
an immense sale, as did also, a few years after, his 
" History of the Great Rebellion." " Grant and 
Sherman, their Campaigns and Generals," also had 
an immense circulation. This was followed by "Far- 
ragut and our Naval Commanders." A history of 
the " Great Riots" of New York City possessed only a 
local interest, and had a limited sale. It was after- 
wards published in a new form, embracing the great 
railroad riots throughout the country. The " Life of 
Grant," however, preceded this. His next work was 
" The Recent Great Explorers of Central Africa," 
including Livingstone, Stanley, Baker, and Cameron. 
His last work was " Grant's Tour Around the World." 



THOMAS SHAW. 

The Shaw family of Newburgh and New Windsor 
are descended irom Thomas and John Shaw, brothers, 
who emigrated from Ireland in the year 1790 and 
took up a settlement in New Windsor. Thomas 
Shaw had two sons, — Thomas, Jr., the subject of this 
memoir, and Robert, who was born in 1803. 

Thomas Shaw, Jr., was born at Clinton Farm, 
Orange Co., N. Y., on June 12, 1799, and received- 
his early education in New Windsor. He was sub- 
sequently apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpen- 
ter. He removed to Newburgh in 1832 and engaged 
in the carpentering and general building business. 




i:z:^>-^-Z" 



C^^^i^ei.yt<^' 






NEWBURGH. 



361 



A few of the older buildings that were erected by him, 
and that bore witness to his architectural, as well as 
his mechanical, skill, were the United States Hotel, 
the old Powell store-house, the store-house of Benja- 
min Car])enter, and the store-house of Mailler & Co., 
and of Skidniore, Bull & Co. In 1852 he established 
the firm of Thomas Shaw & Sons, erected the large 
building now occupied by his successors, Thomas 
Shaw's Sons, and engaged extensively in the manu- 
facture of building materials, and in the business of 
carpenter and joiner. For many years he carried on 
a large and successful business, and did much in 
building up and beautifying the city of Newburgh. 
He was a man of modest parts, plain and unassuming, 
devoted to his profession, and of industrious and 
regular habits of life. Holding himself aloof from 
active j)articipation in public affairs, he confined him- 
self strictly to his own business, and by his straight- 
forward and honorable dealing commandeil the respect 
i]f the community in which he passed so many years 
of his life. He filled the office of street commissioner 
of Newburgh for two years. He was a member and 
trustee of the Union Presbyterian Church, and a 
prompt contributor to all worthy objects. He died 
Feb. 6, 1877. Mr. Shaw was three times married, — 
first to Miss Eleanor Burnett, of whom was born one 
son, Samuel Crawford ; secondly to Harriet, daugh- 
ter of John Walsh, and granddaughter of Samuel 
Logan, having issue who reached mature years, — 
George W., born July 31, 1824 ; Charles B.,born July 
29, 1827 ; and Elkanah K., born Dec. 27, 1834 ; and 
thirdly to .Tane, daughter of John Walsh. 

The successors of Mr. Shaw in business are George 
W. and Charles B. Shaw, who are associated together 
under the firm-name of Thomas Shaw's Sons. Con- 
nected with them is Elkanah K. Shaw, who has repre- 
sented the Second Ward of Newburgh in the Common 
Council, has been a member of the board of water 
commissioners, and for eighteen years a trustee of 
the Union Presbyterian Church. He studied archi- 
tectural drawing with John W. Priest, served three 
years in the machine business with Samuel Stanton, 
and is the architect of the establishment. Many 
public and private buildings in Newburgh attest his 
architectural skill, among which may be mentioned 
the Union Presbyterian Church edifice, the Grand 
Street public school building, the engine-houses of 
Nos. 2, 4, and 5, the city post-office, the Third Ward 
grammar school building, the Erie Railroad depot, 
and the bleachery of Chadwick Brothers, all of which, 
save the grammar school, were built by the firm. The 
firm is also doing a large business in the way of ship 
and steamboat joinery. The joiner- work on five of the 
ferry-boats of the New Jersey Central Railroad was 
done by them, and among the vessels that they fin- 
ished were the " Edgar Stuart" and " Anna," after- 
wards known as Cuban privateers. In addition to their 
business as Imilders, they manufacture everything in 
the shape of house-builders' supplies. 
24 



HON. JAMES MACKIN. 

James Mackin was born at Newburgh, Orange Co., 
N. Y., on Christmas Day in the year 1823. His 
parents were John and Eliza (Jenkins) Mackin, the 
former of whom was a general carter at Newburgh, 
and agent for the People's Line of steamers. He 
died about the year 1829, at the early age of twenty- 
eight, and his wife a few years later. Of a family of 
four children, James Mackin was the second. His 
brother Charles, the oldest of the family, commenced 
life as a clerk in the employ of John D. Phillips, of 
Newburgh, when eleven years of age. After a few 
years he clerked for Odell Gregory, in the shoe busi- 
ness, and finally entered the dry-goods store of George 
Cornwall. When only eighteen years of age he was 
made a partner in this house. About 1825 he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah J. Merritt, daughter of Isaac Mer- 
ritt, of Hart's Village, Duchess County, and a niece 
of Charles A. Macy, of the firm of Howes & Macy, 
bankers, of New York. Soon after his marriage Mr. 
Mackin removed to New York and established the 
wholesale dry-goods firm of Carpenter & Mackin, 
doing a successful business for several years. At the 
opening of the war he withdrew from the firm and, 
in connection with his brother Francis, engaged ex- 
tensively in the manufacture of clothing for the army. 
The enterprise proved so remunerative that Mr. 
Mackin retired from business life in 1865. His first 
wife having died, Mr. Mackin married, several years 
after. Miss Lizzie Hart, whom he met in Europe while 
traveling abroad, the ceremony being performed in 
Paris at the house of the American minister. After 
an extensive tour, Mr. Mackin returned home with 
his bride in the fall of 18()7, and died in February 
following. His death was greatly lamented. Mary, 
only sister of James Mackin, is the widow of James 
M. Kernochan, formerly captain of the " James Madi- 
son," running between Newburgh and New York, 
and who at the time of his death was assistant naval 
officer at New York. Francis, a younger brother, is 
a prominent banker and large real estate owner in 
Newark, N. J., and has been several times a member 
of the Legislature of New Jersey. 

By the death of his parents Mr. Mackin was thrown 
upon his own resources at an earl}- age, and his op- 
portunities for obtaining an education were of the 
most limited kind. Through some mysterious agency 
he crossed the Hudson River to Fishkill at about the 
age of ten years, where he found employment and 
protection with John Peter DeWint, a wealthy and 
influential resident of that place, and the owner of 
large tracts of land and a large river frontage. He 
continued to remain with Mr. DeWint, and upon at- 
taining the age of sixteen or seventeen years assumed 
charge of some of that gentleman's business matters. 
He gradually rose to the p<isition of Mr. DeWint's 
general business agent and manager, and at his death 
in 1870 was appointed executor of his large estate. 



362 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the discharge of tlie responsible duties of that 
place he is at present engaged. 

Wliile Mr. Mackin has displayed in the manage- 
ment of the large business interest that he represents 
a high order of executive and financial ability, it is 
in the more uncertain field of political life that he 
has become most widely known. He entered public 
life as a Whig, and was a delegate to the State Con- 
vention at Syracuse, at which the Whig party and 
Free-Soil Democrats united, and was secretary of that 
body. He was appointed postmaster at Fishkill by 
President Fillmore in 1849, and filled the position for 
four years. In 1857 he was elected supervisor of the 
town of Fishkill against the candidate of the Know- 
Nothing party, and was made the chairman of the 
board upon its organization. He was re-elected the 
following year, and in the fall of 1S58 was chosen by 
the Republicans to represent Duchess County in the 
State Legislature by a majority of 568. He has sub- 
sequently been supervisor of Fishkill for three years, 
acting as chairman of the board. 

He was an active supporter of the war, and in warm 
sympathy with the Union cause and the preservation 
of the integrity of the nation. He assisted greatly 
in enrolling and fitting out the quota of troops called 
for by the national government from Fishkill, and 
in obtaining the commissions of the ofl5cers of the 
companies. He was the third United States assessor 
appointed by President Lincoln at the opening of his 
administration, and filled that office for Duchess and 
Columbia Counties for two and a half years. At the 
close of the war Mr. Mackin transferred his political 
fealty to the Democratic party, and occupies a promi- 
nent place in its deliberations and counsels. As the 
candidate of that party, he represented Duchess 
County in the State Legislature in 1873, 1874, and 
1875. In 1877 he was elected to the responsible office 
of treasurer of the State of New York, and filled the 
position in an able and popular manner for two years. 
He was the candidate of his party for re-election in 
the fall of 1879, but was defeated, owing to the de- 
fection of Tammany Hall, by a majority of only two 
thousand out of over a million of votes cast. 

In business life Mr. Mackin has been uniformly 
successftil, and sustains in the community in which 
he dwells and in his native city of Newburgh a repu- 
tation for integrity and ujirightness of character. So- 
cially he is the most affable of men, of frank and 
generous nature, and is justly popular with a large 
circle of friends. He is a member of the Manhattan 
Club of New York City, and on intimate terms with 
many of the leading public men of the day. He is a 
warm personal friend and admirer of Governor Tildcn, 
and a frequent visitor at his home. For a short time ho 
was in the mercantile busine.ss at Fishkill, was one of 
the organizers of the First National Bank of Fishkill 
Landing, and has been the president of that institu- 
tion since 1867. He is of a progressive spirit, and 
lends the support of his means and influence to the 



various benevolent and social enterprises of the day. 
He has frequently served as a delegate to the State 
Conventions of his party, and was a delegate to the ]; 
National Convention at St. Louis in 1876 that nomi- Ij 
nated Governor Tilden. ]• 

Mr. Mackin has been twice married. His first wife j' 
was Miss Sarah E. Wiltsie, daughter of Capt. James 
Wiltsie, of Fishkill, and died in 1862. To his present 
wife, nic Miss Sarah S., daughter of e.\-Mayor Col. 
James H. Britain, of St. Louis, he was united on 
Nov. 13, 1879. 



HON. GEORGE CLARK. 
George Clark was born in the city of Newburgh on 
Aug. 6, 1817. His parents were William and Mary 
Clark, the former of whom emigrated from the north 
of Ireland at an early day and took up his residence 
in Newburgh. The only surviver of the family of t«n 
children is Mrs. Anna E. (Clark) Copeland, wife of 
ex-Mayor Judge Copeland, of Brooklyn. 

The book education of Mr. Clark wiis obtained at 
the common schools of Newburgh, and at Goodsell's 
Academy of that city, where he was graduated. At 
the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to Daniel Far- 
rington and Benjamin Lander, of Newburgh, to learn 
the trade of a painter. After two years he commenced 
business on his own account in partnership with 
James S. Young, and remained in that connection for 
two or three years. In 1840 he was married, and one 
year later he removed to New York City, where he 
carried on the wholesale and retail painting business 
for fifteen years. At the expiration of that time, hav- 
ing, by close attention to business and judicious and 
careful investments, accumulated a competency, he 
returned to his native city of Newburgh, in 1856, and 
thereafter engaged in no special business, but devoted 
his time and attention to public affairs, and to the 
support, direction, and management of various local 
institutions and enterprises. He died June 3, 1871, 
the flags on the buildings in Newburgh, and on the 
shipping at that place, being displayed at half-mast. 

The special characteristics of Mr. Clark were the 
possession of great force of character, indomitable 
will-power and perseverance, strong individuality, 
and a laudable desire to succeed and excel in any- 
thing which he undertook. In his trade he was es- 
pecially skillful, and as a grainer he had few. equals in 
the State, having taken the prize for superiority in 
that department of his profession at several successive 
fairs at the American Institute, New York. He 
brought to the discharge of public afl^airs the same in^ 
dustrious and indefatigable spirit, and many of the in- 
stitutions of Newburgh owe much of their success to 
his strong business ability and his devotion to their 
interests. Personally he was magnetic, of agreeable 
presence, and well calculated to lead and control 
others. A devoted adherent to the Republican party, 
he represented one of the districts of New York City 



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NEWBUKGH. 



363 



in the State Legislature in 1851, and was also a mem- 
ber of the Common Council of that city. He was 
i warm supporter of the war, strongly devoted to 
Union principles, and during the war exerted himself 
actively in raising and equipping the necessary troops 
from his city, and gave them all God-speed as they 
wended their way southward to encounter the perils 
jf the battle-field. As the Republican candidate for 
^enator from the Tenth District of New York he 
vviis defeated by Hon. Wm. M. Graham. 

Mr. Clark was identified in a prominent way with 
the administration of public affairs from the time of 
liis return to Newburgh until his death. He was 
elected the first mayor of the city in 1866, when 
Newburgh was incorporated as a city, and, in the 
face of much opposition and an inadequate supply of 
funds, so successfully conducted the affairs of the new 
municipality as to secure his re-election in 1868. He 
retired in 1870, and was succeeded by his brother-in- 
law, Robert Sterling. In 1868 he was the delegate from 
his congressional district to the Chicago Republican 
Conventiou which nominated Gen. Grant to the Presi- 
dencj', of whom he was always a warm friend and 
admirer. Upon the occasion of President Grant's 
visit to Newburgh, on Aug. 7, 1869, he was the 
special guest of Mayor Clark, at whose hospitable 
home he was entertained, and the address of welcome 
was delivered by Mr. Clark at " Washington's Head- 
quarters," in that city. 

On Jan. 5, 1857, Mr. Clark was elected a trustee of 
the Newburgh Savings-Bank, but resigned on Jan- 
uary 4th of the following year. At the time of his 
death he was persident of the Board of Water Com- 
missioners of the city, president of the Newburgh 
Midland Railway Comjjany, a member of the Board of 
Managers of the Hudson River State Hospital, and 
occupied various other positions of honor and trust. 
He was the virtual founder of Woodlawn Cemetery 
on the southerly borders of the city, selected the site 
for it, purchased the land, had it surveyed and laid 
out and adorned with trees, and at the time of his 
demise owned a large part of it. One of the most 
successfiil enterprises of its kind in the county, it 
must ever stand as a monument to his business judg- 
ment and tact. 

The integrity of George Clark was never ques- 
tioned. To the discharge of the various duties of 
life he brought a straightforward, honorable spirit that 
was actuated and controlled by deep-seated religious 
convictions. During his residence in New York City 
he was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian 
Church on Twenty-third Street, of which Rev. Dun- 
lap Smith, D.D., was pastor, and after his removal to 
Newburgh he united with the First Presbyterian 
Church of that city, and remained a devoted and 
faithful member until his death. He was a member 
of the building committee of the church, and per- 
formed other valuable functions in connection with 
his membership thereof. At the time of his demise 



appropriate resolutions were passed by the various 
institutions with which Mr. Clark was connected, 
among which were the following by the Common 
Council of the city, on June 3, 1871 : 

^^liesolved, As we have received intelligence of the death of our friend 
and citizen, Hon. George Clark, with tlio most profound sorrow, we deem 
it appropriate that this Council should make a record of the high esteem 
in wliich he was held by us, and of our grief at his unexpected decease. 

" Jieaoli-ed, That his faithful discharg'e of the duties t>f the various offi- 
cial positions he has filled, his unswerving integrity as a man, his enter- 
prise and energy as a citizen, were the admiration of all who knew him. 
Ho waa a devoted friend, a true gentleman, a kind and loving husband 
and father. 

"/?e«o/ved, That with these convictions of tJie qualities of our deceased 
friend, we can but regard his death a« a calamity to the public and a 
source of profound grief to his family. 

^^Itemhed, That we willingly bear testimony to his being a most esti- 
mable and valuable citizen. So diligent was he in his duties, so sincere 
of purpose, and so moved by the spirit of public enterprise, we can but 
feel that our city has sustained an almost irreparable loss. Most sin- 
cerely do we deplore his death." 

Mr. Clark was married on Jan. 27, 1840, to Miss 
Augusta, daughter of Jason W. and Martha (Grif- 
fith) Rogers, of the town of Montgomery, and grand- 
daughter of Daniel Rogers, one of the first settlers on 
the Wallkill, in that town. Her father served as a 
captain in the war of 1812. Her maternal great- 
grandfather was Robert Griflith, a sea captain and a 
native of Wales, who married Miss Peck, daughter of 
the gentleman after whom " Peck's Slip" was named. 
Crissy, his daughter, married Cadwallader Colden, 
and lived at Coldenham. Robert, his son, grand- 
father of Mrs. Clark, settled in Orange County, two 
miles beyond Walden, about 1795, and was twice 
married. His first wife was Rebecca Barnes, of whom 
were born six children, among them Martha, wife of 
Jason W. Rogers. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Clark were Mary 
Augusta, wife of T. Powell Townsend, of Newburgh ; 
George H,, a graduate of the College of New Jersey, 
Princeton, in 1864, and a practicing lawyer at New- 
burgh ; Martha Louisa, who married Jonas Williams, 
of Newburgh, Nov. 8, 1876, and died July 15, 1877 ; 
and Robert Sterling, who graduated at Princeton in 
1874, and died Aug. 20, 1876. 



WILLIAM WRIGHT. 

William Wright was born near Newark, Wayne 
Co., N. Y., on the 17th day of May, 1818, and was the 
third of a family of four children who reached ma- 
ture years. His parents were Jncob and Mary (Drake) 
Wright, and the other members of the family, Mary 
E., who married AVatsOn Clark ; Sarah, who married 
James D. Ford ; and John D., who married Catharine 
Brow-er. 

Born in humble circumstances in life, Mr. Wright 
enjoyed such educational advantages ahme as the 
common schools of his locality aftbrded. But while 
still a mere youth the bent of his mind manifested 
itself in the direction of mechanical investigation and 
experiment, and gave evidence thus early in life of the 



364 



HISTORY OP ORAJSfGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



possession by him of an original cast of mind and a 
genius for invention. Before lie was eighteen years of 
age he built a small steam-engine out of crude mate- 
rials, with a stove-pipe for a boiler, doing all the work 
alone in the cellar of his father's house, and when he 
had only seen one small engine before. This quite 
unusual feat by a lad of his age attracted the attention 
of many peojile in his native place, and among others 
of John Daggett, with whom he soon after associated 
himself, and commenced to learu the trade of a me- 
chanic. He remained with Mr. Daggett for two and 
a half years, being foreman of his sh(jp a portion of 
the time, and exercising a general oversight over his 
business. At the end of that time he removed to Ni- 
agara Falls, and worked in the repair-shops of the 
BuflTalo and Niagara Falls Railroad, with the inten- 
tion of becoming an engineer of that road, but ill- 
health prevented the consummation of this plan. He 
soon after engaged in the construction of steam- 
engines at Palmyra, N. Y., where he continued until 
1842. In that year he removed to Rochester, N. Y., 
where he also engaged in engine-building, in con- 
nection with John Bush, until 1845. In that year 
lie invented a rotary .steam-engine, and soon after 
removed to Providence, R. I., where, in partnership 
with Mr. F. Church, he engaged in building the 
engine that he had invented. This business enterprise 
continued for one year, at the expiration of which 
time Mr. Wright worked for a short period in the 
employ of the Providence Tool Company, and finally 
engaged with Corliss, Nightingale & Co., of that city, 
manufacturers of steam-engines, as superintendent of 
their works, with whom he remained until 1850. At 
that time what is now known as the " Corliss engine" 
was deficient in several points necessary to make it a 
successful mechanical engine. The rotative valve 
which is now used by Corliss and others in the con- 
struction of their engines was designed at that time 
by Mr. Wright, and tended greatly to give the Corliss 
engine the success it afterwards attained. The original 
sketch drawn by him, verified by a fellow-workman, 
and adopted at that time by Corliss, is still in the pos- 
session of JJr. Wright. To those who are familiar 
with mechanics, and especially with the mechanical 
construction of steam-engines, the value of this dis- 
covery becomes apparent. By it Mr. Corliss was 
enabled to perfect his own engine, and he has ever 
since continued to use it. At a later period Mr. Cor- 
liss attempted to enjoin Mr. Wright and others, in the 
United States Circuit Court, from employing the prin- 
ciple of automatic cut-off, but foiled to maintain a 
case. 

In the year 1850, Mr. Wright withdrew from the 
employ of Corliss, Nightingale & Co., and built a 
large condensing engine for Brown Brothers, of 
Waterbury, Conn., which is still in use by that firm. 
Soon after he was employed as general superintendent 
by Messrs. Woodruff & Beach, of Hartford, Conn., 
and superintended the designing, building, and erec- 



tion of several large engines similar to tlie one built 
for Brown Brothers, besides the large pumping-engines 
for the Brooklyn Water- Works, which he patented, to- 
gether with another automatic cut-off" engine, exten- 
sively built and used in all parts of the country. This 
eut-off engine was one of the first of that kind made. 
During the time that Mr. Wright was emjiloyed by 
Messrs. Woodruff & Beach he superintended the build- 
ing and erection of the machinery of the " Kearsarge," 
and other gunboats used in the late war. In 1863 he 
resigned his position with the firm and became a 
member of the New York Steam-Engine Company, 
remaining as such until 1806, and building during 
that period many engines for government gunboats. 
In 1866 he became supervising engineer for the Wash- 
ington Iron-Works, of Newburgh, N. Y., for the pur- 
pose of building his patented steam-engines, Mr. 
Wright receiving a salary and royalty on his patents. 
In 1870 he organized, in connection with several j)art- 
ners, the firm of William Wright & Co., doing busi- 
ness in the shop formerly oceujiied by the Washington 
Iron-Works. On the dissolution of the firm, in 1876, 
Mr. Wright continued the business, and is still engaged 
in manufacturing engines and general machinery. 
He is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of 
a new style of engine, under a patent issued in May, 
1880, as well as under his original patents of 1866 and 
1873. These engines are extensively used in all parts 
of the country, and enter into successful competition 
with the best engines in the market. Besides these, 
Mr. Wright has lately built several of his patented 
pumj^ing-engines, gi'eatly improved by applying the 
principle of compound engines, which perform a duty 
heretofore unprecedented and which are a credit to 
his mechanical genius. 

Owing to his long experience and his natural me- 
chanical talents, Mr. Wright stands at the head of his 
profession as a steam-engine builder, and has a wide 
reputation tliroughout the countrj' in that regard. 
Although his life has not been free from difficulties 
and trials, and although he has had many obstacles to 
surmount, his mechanical genius, his patient assiduity 
in his profession, and his industrious habits, have 
advanced him to a prominent place among the in- 
ventors of the age. It has been well said that " he 
who creates anything is a benefactor to mankind," 
and among those who have proved themselves worthy 
of this encomium his name mu.st ever be placed. Of 
simple habits, courteous and dignified in bearing, 
kind-hearted and benevolent, industrious and earne.st, 
devoted to family and friends, abreast with the dis- 
coveries and inventions of the age, and in sympathy 
with every good work, he enjoys in the community in 
which he resides the reputation of an honorable and 
upright man, and of a substantial and worthy citizen. 
He was married, in 1841, to Miss Elizabeth G. Taft, 
and has one daughter living. 



Il 



III 




^J^tTSf^ oS^->^ 



NEWBURGH. 



365 



PETER VAN BENSCHOTEN FOWLER. 

The Fowler family is of English extraction, and 
has been identified with tlie pioneer history of several 
portions of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New 
York. Representatives of the family resided in the 
neighborhood of Islington, England, at as early a 
date as the year 1538. Sir Thomas Fowler, knight 
and baronet, dwelt at Islington in 1630. Philip Fow- 
ler was admitted a freeman of Massachusetts colony 
in 1634, and settled at Ipswich. William Fowler 
emigrated to America in 1637, and located at New 
Haven, Conn., becoming the first magistrate of that 
place. He is supposed to have been the ancestor of 
the Connecticut and New York Fowlers, but what re- 
lation he was to Philip Fowler is not known. 

The Newburgh branch of the family trace their 
descent from Joseph Fowler, who is said to have been 
an early settler near Mespat Kills, L. I., in 16G5, and 
the son of William, Jr., of New Haven. William, 
son of Joseph Fowler, had two sons, John and Jere- 
miah. John was born at Flushing, L. I., in 1686, 
and his sons were Samuel, Isaac, John, James, and 
Nehemiah. Samuel and John having purchased a 
portion of the Harrison Patent, he removed with his 
family to Newburgh, where he resided until his death 
in 1768. Jeremiah, his brother, settled at Rye, West- 
chester Co., and died in 1766. 

Isaac Fowler, son of John, settled on the lands 
now occupied by Henry D. Fowler and M. W. Du- 
Bois in the town of Newburgh, his property extend- 
ing to the Hudson River. He was an industrious and 
thrifty agriculturist, and the progenitor of the branch 
of the family to which the subject of this sketch be- 
longed. His dwelling-house, a portion of which is 
now embraced in the residence of Henry D. Fowler, 
was built prior to the Revolutionary war. He mar- 
ried Margaret Theall, and had one son, who bore his 
name. Isaac, Jr., was born April 3, 1746, and mar- 
ried for his first wife, Slartha, daughter of Charles 
Tooker, of Dans Kammcr Point. She died in March, 
1771, and was buried with her only child at Marl- 
borough. In 1773, Isaac Fowler, Jr., married Glori- 
anna, daughter of Caleb Merritt, of Marlborough, 
the children being Caleb, born Feb. 8, 1775, died 
March 8, 1826 ; Martha ; Charles, a physician, who 
lived and died at Montgomery ; Gilbert, who died in 
early life ; Nehemiah, who passed his days in Platte- 
kill, Ulster Co. ; David, who resided in Genesee and 
Livingston counties ; Francis, also a physician, who 
died in Ohio ; and Isaac, who was also a practitioner 
of medicine, and who died in Ohio in early life. The 
third wife of Isaac Fowler, Jr., was a Mrs. Owen, of 
whom were born two children. Mr. Fowler died in 
1823. During the trying scenes of the American 
Revolution he warmly espoused the cause of the col- 
onies, and served as an officer in the patriot army. 

Peter V. B. Fowler was born on the family home- 
stead in Newburgh, on Feb. 20, lS(tO, and was the 
oldest of the children of Caleb Fowler, and his wife. 



Catharine Sebring, granddaughter of Catharine Se- 
bring and Isaac Van Benschoten. The other children 
were Caroline, who married James E. Slater; Dr. 
Gilbert S., born April 11, 1804, died April 30, 1832 ; 
Ann Catharine, born 1806, died 1833 ; Amelia, mar- 
ried Wm. D. Weygant, died Dec. 30, 1834 ; Martha 
B., who died in infancy ; Margaret, who died young; 
Matthew V. B. ; Jacob V. B. ; Elizabeth, born 1819, 
died 1836 ; and Isaac Sebring. 

Peter V. B. Fowler passed his entire life on the 
home farm with the exception of a few years im- 
mediately following his marriage in 1826, during 
which he resided at Shawangunk, Ulster Co. He was 
a man of plain habits, retiring in disposition, and 
confined himself closely to his chosen avocation of a 
farmer. He participated in political matters only so 
far as it was necessary to secure a successful adminis- 
tration of public affairs at home, and ever manifested 
a deep interest in the prosperity of his native town, 
and in the maintenance of the institutions of his 
locality. He was an ardent supporter of the temper- 
ance cause, and contributed liberally to church and 
kindred institutions. For many years he was con- 
nected with the First Presbyterian Church of Marl- 
borough, of which he was a trustee and elder. He 
subsequently united with the First Presbyterian 
Church of Newburgh, where he filled the office of 
elder at the time of his death. In connection with 
Capt. N. T. Hawkins, he gave the land whereon the 
Presbyterian church of Middlehope stands, and near 
it laid out the Highland Cemetery, of which he re- 
mained president and treasurer until his death. He 
was the oldest director of the Highland National 
Bank of Newburgh, at the time of his demise, and 
appropriate resolutions were passed by that institution 
at the time, testifying that his " fidelity to the right, 
purity of character, kindness and generosity of heart, 
safe counsel and uniform courtesy have won for him 
during a long and eminently useful life the affection 
and esteem of all who knew him." He died on April 
21, 1875. 

Mr. Fowler was married on Oct. 4, 1826, to Eliza, 
daughter of Garrett DuBois and of his wife, Hannah 
Cooper, sister of Capt. Elias Cooper, of Sussex Co., 
N. J. She was born Aug. 21, 1801, and died April 12, 
1866. The children were Henry D., born July 26, 
1827 ; Abram D. B., born July 17, 1830, died Oct. 7, 
1854; Caleb Gilbert, born Oct. 27, 1835, a prominent 
farmer in Newburgh for many years, died Jan. 29, 
1879; and Peter D. B., born July 20, 1844, died Feb. 
17, 1855. The second wife of Peter V. B. Fowler was 
Anna, widow of Peter H. Fowler, of Montgomery, to 
whom he was unitfed on June 23, 1868. 

Henry D. Fowler is the only living child of Peter 
V. B. Fowler. He was born in Shawangunk, but has 
resided on the old homestead of his ancestors since 
1833, being the fifth generation of his family on the 
place. He is one of the leading farmers of his section, 
a director in the Highland National Bank of New- 



366 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



burgli, !ind a man of probity ami moral worth. He 
was married on Oct. 20, 1853, to Anna, daughter of 
M. W. DuBois, of Newburgh, and has five children, 
viz. : Eliza D., Abram D., Wni. Jennings, Charles D., 
and Weygant D. Fowler. 



DANIEL MBRRITT. 

The ancestor of the Merritt family of Newburgh 
was George Merritt, who was born in the year 1702, 
and died Feb. 2, 1750. He is presumed to have been 
the son of John Merritt, Sr., a native of England, who 
settled at Rye, Westchester County, as early as 1680, 
and who was one of its proprietors in 1715. He mar- 
ried Glorianna Purdy, and removed to Newburgh 
about the year 1747, in company with the Purdy and 
Fowler families, with whom he was connected by 
marriage. His wife died on SeiJt. 13, 1765, aged fifty- 
one years, five months, and thirteen days. Their chil- 
dren were George, Samuel, Caleb, Gabriel, David, 
Josiah, Humphrey, Elizabeth, who married Thomas 
Merritt; Jane, who married first, Morris Flewwelling, 
and second, Eluathan Foster ; and Glorianna, who 
married Joseph Morey. 

Humphrey, born May 17, 1737, purchased in 1758 
a part of the farm upon which his grandson, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, resided at Middlehope. His chil- 
dren were Glorianna, Mary, Underbill, Caleb, Char- 
lotte, and Moses. Underbill wa.s born Feb. 7, 1769, 
and was suddenly killed by being run over by his 
wagon on Nov. 19, 1804. Both he and his father, 
Humphrey, were successful farmers at Middlehope, 
tilling the soil upon which Humphrey Merritt settled 
in 1758. The children of Underbill and Mary Mer- 
ritt were Martha, born July 8, 1794, married Gilbert 
Holmes, settled in Newburgh, died Sept. 14, 1848; 
Josiah, born Aug. 21, 1796; Daniel, born March 10, 
1799 ; Elizabeth, twin-sister of Daniel, born March 
12, 1799, married John Goodsell, died Dec. 28, 1824; 
Charlotte, born Sept. 19, 1801, married Joseph Fur- 
man, settled in Plattekill, died Aug. 24, 1824; and 
Maria, born April 21, 1804, who married Robert Phil- 
lips, of Newburgh. 

Daniel Merritt was born upon the old family home- 
stead at Middlehope, at the date indicated above, and 
passed his entire life thereon. He enjoyed the bene- 
fits of a common-school education only. By the sud- 
den death of his father the farm of his ancestors was 
left to his mother, and at an early age its care and 
management devolved upon Daniel. He subsequently 
became the owner of the place by purchase from the 
heirs. Throughout a long life he was one of the rep- 
resentative farmers of Newburgh, taking an active 
interest in events transpiring around him, and being 
closely identified with the progressive and evangelical 
enterprises of the day. He was formerly an Old-Line 
Whig, but subsequently an ardent Republican, and 
was one of the influential politicians of his locality. 
Although averse to the holding of public oSice, he 



was frequently honored by his fellow-townsmen by 
election to local ofl5ces of importance. For many years 
he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Middlehope, with which he was officially connected 
throughout his life, and of which he was one of the 
pillars. He was an earnest temperance man, and 
contributed liberally to worthy objects around him. 
His integrity, personal honor, kindness of heart, gen- 
erosity and frank nature, and fine social qualities won 
for him the respect and esteem of his friends and 
neighbors. He died on May 7, 1867. 

Daniel Merritt was married on Feb. 22, 1826, to 
Eliza Halt, of Latintown, Ulster County. She was 
born April 26, 1805. The children were Mary Jane, 
wife of Daniel T. MacFarlan, of Yonkers, N. Y. ; 
Hiram, a real estate broker in New York City ; 
Daniel H. ; and Theodore, a leading druggist of 
Newburgh. Hiram and Daniel H. Merritt reside on 
the family homestead with their mother, the place 
being handsomely fitted up, and being one of the 
most picturesque and attractive in the town of New- 
burgh. They are the fourth generation of the family 
wlio have resided on the farm. 



DR. JOHN L. FOSTER. 

Dr. John L. Foster was born at Stamford, Fairfield 
Co., Conn., on March 7, 1804. His grandfather, Jesse 
Foster, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and 
resided at Danbury, Conn. David Foster, his father, 
was a cooper by trade, although he passed the greater 
part of his life as a farmer. He was born at Danbury, 
Conn. His wife was Sarah Weed. In the spring of 
1810, David Foster removed with his wife and six chil- 
dren to the town of Warwick, Orange County, where 
he lived for eighteen years, engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. In 1828 he removed to Newburgh and pur- 
chased the farm where the subject of this sketch re- 
sides, where he died on Aug. 8, 1854, aged eighty-one 
years and six days. His wife died in June, 1848, 
aged about seventy-eight years. David Foster was a 
quiet, unpretentious man, and a member of the Society 
of Friends at Canterbury. His children were Wil- 
liam, Alvah, Henry, John L., George, Mary, James, 
and Elizabeth. All are dead save our subject. Mary 
married for her first husband Charles Cox, and for her 
second Isaac N. Lester. 

Dr. John L. Foster passed the earlier years of his 
life on the farm in Warwick, and received his educa- 
tion in the common schools of the town. In 1826-29 
he taught in one of the district schools of Warwick. 
He pursued the study of medicine under Dr. James 
P. Young, of Edenville, N. Y., and attended lectures 
under the Rutgers Medical Faculty in the city of 
New York, graduating with the degree of Doctor of 
Medicine in the spring of 1830. The year following 
he located in practice at Deckertown, N. J., where 
he remained until his removal to the town of New- 
burgh in 1836. Preferring the life of a farmer to that 




c:^..^..^ /^t^v^^^^ 



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/jm<^,j£, ^:^P^;^ 



NEWBURGH. 



367 



of a physician, he purchased the Washington Wood 
farm at West Coldenham, and engaged in tilling the 
soil for fourteen years. After the death of his father 
he purchased the family homestead near the city of 
Newburgh, whereon he has continued to reside since 
1865. Dr. Foster has led a quiet and uneventful life, 
and confined himself closely to his chosen avocation 
of a farmer. Naturally of a retiring and modest tem- 
perament, he has avoided public life, and sought his 
highest enjoyment in the performance of home duties 
and in the bosom of his family. He takes an active 
interest in the benevolent and evangelical movements 
of the day, and is a member of Trinity Methodist 
Epi.scopal Church of Newburgh. He enjoys the re- 
spect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 

Dr. Foster was married on Dec. 17, 1834, to Har- 
riet, daugliter of the late John .Scott and Abigail 
(Chichester) Scott, of Coldenham. The Scott family 
was originally from Long Island, but settled at the 
close of the Revolutionary war in Orange County. 
John Scott gave the land for the Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church at Coldenham, and for the cemetery 
and school-house, and led an active, earnest Christian 
life, filling numerous positions of influence and prom- 
inence. He died July 21, 1840, and his wife on Feb. 
14, 1826. Mrs. John L. Foster is the last survivor of 
a family of ten children. 

To Dr. and Mrs. Foster have been born a family 
of seven children, six sons and a daughter, namely, 
Scott, John Gray, David N., William Wisner, Fanny 
S., Albert Zabriskie, and Samuel Monell. Fanny S. 
died Jan. 8, 1868, and John G. on Jan. 22, 1878. 
The remaining sons are nicely settled in life, and 
under the firm-name of Foster Brothers, Scott, David 
N., Albert Z., and Samuel M. are carrying on a suc- 
cessful mercantile business at difterent points in the 
West. Scott resides in New York, and does the pur- 
chasing for the business; David N. resides at Fort 
Wayne, Ind. ; Albert Z. at Terre Haute, Ind. ; and 
Samuel M. at Danville, 111. William W. Foster is a 
commission agent in New York City. 

David N. Foster, the third son of Dr. John L. and 
Harriet S. Foster, enjoys the honorable distinction 
of being the first person from Grange County to enter 
the Union army at the breaking out of the war of 
the rebellion. At the time he was attending school 
at the Montgomery Academy. The morning after the 
firing upon Fort Sumter the students of the academy 
made arrangements to raise a flag over the school- 
building, and young Foster was selected as speaker 
for the occasion. The burden of his speech was the 
duty of every loyal citizen to spring to the defense of 
his country. Not caring to hold the position of preach- 
ing what he did not practice, he closed his address 
by bidding his schoolmates good-by, and immediately 
started for home, and the next morning took the boat 
to New York, and was the same day enlisted as a 
private in the Ninth New York Militia, which re- 
mained in the service for the full term of three years. 



He was engaged in most of the battles fought by 
the Army of the Potomac, and at the first battle of 
Fredericksburg was severely wounded in the assault 
made by Franklin on the enemy's right. While 
lying in the field-hospital he was commissioned lieu- 
tenant and appointed an aide to Gen. Robinson, after- 
wards to a position on the staft' of Gen. Reynolds, 
killed at Gettysburg, and eventually came home cap- 
tain of the company in which he entered the service as 
a private. He is at present a resident of Fort Wayne, 
Ind., a member of the firm of Foster Brothers. 



BEVERLY K. JOHNSTON. 
Beverly K. Johnston was born in Shawangunk, 
Ulster County, on June 21, 1818. The family was 
identified with the early settlement and pioneer life 
of that section of country, both his grandfather and 
father being residents of the locality. The latter, 
John Johnston, was a blacksmith by occupation, and' 
died about the year 1822, in his sixtieth year. 





^ -^ '^^^h:iL^<i,ZI2i 



The early life of Beverly K. .Tohnston was passed 
in his native town, and his educational advantages 
were such only as the common schools of his day 
afibrded. He engaged in various kinds of business 
during his minority, but on March 15, 1840, he 
came to the town of Newburgh and entered the em- 
ploy of John E. Goetchius, in the hotel business at 
East Coldenham. He remained there four years, 
then accompanied Mr. Goetchius to Montgomery for 
one year ; but, returning, leased the property at East 



368 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Coldenham and commenced keeping hotel on his own 
account. In 1847 he became the owner of the place, 
and has since that time remained at the head of the 
establishment. 

Mr. Johnston has applied himself to the profession 
of a hotel-keeper through a long series of years, and 
has done more to elevate the business than any man 
in Orange County. Actuated by an earnest desire 
to excel in anything which he undertook, he has 
placed himself at the head of his class, and his liouse 
is known for miles around as a well-aj^poiuted, well- 
regulated, and well-kept hostelry. While not atem- 
perance house, it is run on temperate principles, and 
is free from the usual objections attaching to a rural 
hotel. It is patronized by leading men throughout 
the county, and is a popular place of resort in both 
the summer and winter season. 

While Mr. Johnston has confined himself closely 
to his business, his affable manners, strict integrity, 
and generous hospitality have made him one of the 
most popular men of his section, and recommended 
him for appointment to several positions of responsi- 
bility and trust. He was formerly an Old-Line Whig, 
but now a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, 
and has been postmaster at East Coldenham, under 
all administrations and with brief exceptions, since 
1845. He was one of the commissioners for apprais- 
ing the damages caused by the putting through of the 
Short-Cut Railroad to New York, and for laying out 
the boulevard in the town of Cornwall. He was the 
candidate of the Democratic party for sheriff in 1870, 
but was defeated by a small majority. For the past 
twenty years he has been one of the directors of the 
Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike Company. He 
is a member of Hudson River Lodge, No. 109, F. & 
A. M., of Newburgh. 

Mr. Johnston was married in 1846 to Elvira S., 
daughter of Alexander W. and Elizabeth (Moore) 
Beatty, of New Windsor, and a representative of an 
old family of Orange County. William J., Anna F., 
John A., and Adaline L. Johnston, the children, are 
all living at home. 



WILLIAM I. UXDERHILL. 

William I. Underbill was a lineal descendant of 
Capt. John Underbill, who emigrated to New Eng- 
land from England and became notorious for his skill, 
daring, and heroic bravery in the Indian wars there 
about 1640, and in 1643 was employed by the Dutch 
of New Netherlands to fight the Indians, and com- 
manded several expeditions against them on Long 
Island, Westchester County, and other points. His 
father, Samuel Underbill, was a well-to-do farmer in 
the town of Newburgh, owned real estate in Sullivan 
and Ulster counties besides, and by his wife, Alche, 
had twelve children, of whom the subject of this 
sketch was youngest. 

William I. Underbill was born in the town of New- 



burgh in March, 1817. In early life he took an active 
interest in local matters, and soon after reaching his 
majority was elected collector of his native town. 
Prior to 1840 he took up his residence in Newburgh, 
j where he was engaged in the grocery business until 
I January, 1847, when he accepted the office of deputy 
sheriff under Sheriflf Welling, who was then entering 
upon his second term of service. In the fall of 1849, 
Mr. Underbill was the Whig candidate for sheriff, but 
was defeated by John Van Etten, Jr., who represented 
^ the political party then in the majority. For six 
j years follovving he was engaged in brick making in 
New Windsor, then sold out his business, and for a 
I brief time afterwards was engaged in the hat business. 
In 1867, Mr. Underbill again accepted the nomina- 
tion for sheriff, and was again defeated by Daniel 
Van Sickle, the majority candidate. In 1873, James 
W. Hoyt was elected sheriff of Orange County, and 
made Mr. Underbill his principal deputy, giving him 
in charge the eastern half of the county, which posi- 
tion he filled for the full term of three 3'ears, dis- 
charging tbe duties incumbent ujion him with in- 
tegrity and ability. Mr. Underbill was the Republican 
candidate for alderman of the Third Ward of the city 
in the spring election of 1878, was elected over Stephen 
King, and was filling this position at the time of his 
decease, Jan. 1, 1880. 

Mr. Underbill was known as a man of strength of 
character in all tbe relations of life. He possessed a 
warm heart and generous impulses, decided convic- 
tions of duty, responsibility and justice in all the acts 
of his life, and met with a determined opposition any 
aggression or diversion of what he conceived honor- 
able, frank, and manly. Naturally fearless and frank, 
it was always known where he could be found ; ever 
ready to serve a friend, he was equally open and above 
board in his oppositiim to any one, and when once he 
had determined upon a course he did not hesitate or 
falter because of obstacles. Being free from any taint 
of hypocrisy he made strong friends, who only knew 
him to admire him for his sterling integrity and un- 
sullied character. Altbough not a member of any 
church, he was ever sensible of duty and always ready 
to relieve, commensurate with bis means, the needy 
and distressed. 

Upon the occasion of his death the flags at the dif- 
ferent engine-houses of the city were hung at half- 
mast, and Mayor Weygant called a special meeting of 
the Common Council to take appropriate action in 
honor and memory of one whose counsel was ever 
judicious, safe, and just. 

Mr. Underbill was first united in marriage to Ann 
Eliza, daughter of Isaac Lockwo<jd, of Gardnertown, 
who died leaving two sons, one of whom, William, 
survives. For his second wife he married, Jan. 4. 
1871, Miss Selina Montrose, eldest daughter of Dr. 
James D. Johnston, a gentleman of English birth 
who settled in Middletown a.s a practicing physician 
in 1842. 




/// /A J. ^^Clt-*^^^^,<^^lc'<^ 




^-t^^^^^^^^i^ ^. 



^Jityf^-hth 



Among the old citizens of the town uf Newburgh who fur 
many years occupied a prominent place in its social life, and 
who did much by his industry and modest eiforts to advance 
the interests of the township, was the subject of this sketch. 
He was born in Litchfield, Conn., on Sept. 2;i, 17S2. Shortly 
after that event his father, Ipaac Barns, hod the misfortune 
to lose all of his property through a defective title to real 
estate which he had purchased in Litchfield, nnd he moved to 
Cobbleskill, Schoharie Co. After ten years' residence nt that 
place the family removed to the wilds of Otsego County, and 
endured the hardships of pioneer life. Here, without oppor- 
tunity for olttaining even Ihe rudiments of an education, Na- 
thaniel Barns grew to manhood. Shortly before he attained his 
majority one of his sisters, who had been educated by a rela- 
tive living on Long Island, visited her father's family in Otsego. 
The contrast between her and the rest of her brothers and sis- 
ters determined Nathaniel to endeavor to better his condition 
by coming more in contact with the world. When twenty-one 
years of age he left home and commenced life for himself. 
Hiring out to work for ten dollars a month, and being obliged 
t<) i)ay fifty cents a j'ard for narrow unbleached muslin, gave 
him small opportunity to save money. Yet at this time he at- 
tended school long enough to acquire the rudiments of an edu- 
cation. Building turnpike roads was then in fashion. Before 
reaching his thirtieth year he had found his way to Ulster 
County, and was taking contracts to build parts of turnpike 
roads. Portions of the Farmers', the Huckleberry, the Snake 
Hill, and the Newburgh and PlattekiU turnpikes were built by 
him. 

The tirst real estate Nathaniel Barns ever owned was pur- 
chased in the year 1822, and is now part of the property owned 
by the Cedar Hill Cemetery Association, Careful and extensive 
observations had satisfied him that the town of Newburgh was 
a desirable place to establish a family-seat, and he shortly after 
married and settled where he subsequently resided at Middle- 
hope, Hero ho passed his days engaged in farming pursuits, 
and through industry, economy, and the e.xercise of good judg- 
ment in business matters he accumulated a large estate, and 
took rank among the most successful and enterprising farmers 
of Orange County. When a little over seventy years of age he 
was deprived by an accident of his eyesight, and for the re- 



maiuiler (tf his life ho was totally blind. Although feeling 
keenly the deprivation, no murmur ever escaped his lips, but 
he bowed in humble submission to this trying visitation of 
Providence. His life was characterized by strict integrity, a 
conscientious regard for the rights nnd privileges of others, and 
by a faithful discharge of the duties devolving upon him as a 
citizen, a husband, and a father. After a long life of usefulness 
ho passed away on Sept. 17, 1879, in his ninety-seventh year. 

Mr. Barns was married on Jan. 3, 1828. to Effie. daughter 
of Dr. Wm. Dusinberre. of the town of Plaltekill, Ulster Co. 
She was born April 3, ITUn. She proved a faithful helpmeet, a 
loving wife and mother, nnd through a long life performed her 
varied duties in a commendable manner. Her memory of dates, 
names, and events was remarkable, making her a sort of ency- 
clopajdia of such facts, and the faculty remained unimpaired 
until she was over eighty years of age. She was possessed of a 
kind heart, of quick perception, seeing by intuition what others 
must needs reason out, and, together with her husband, was 
in active sympathy with the temperance cause, and was one of 
its pioneers in her locality. She died Aug. 5, 1880. The chil- 
dren were William D., Nathaniel, Jr., Daniel D., and Mary E., 
residing in the city of Newburgh. The three sons were all 
settled by Mr. Barns on farms adjoining his own, and are still 
among the first farmers of the town, in sympathy with every 
good work, contributing as they can to the ]»rosperity and de- 
velopment of their section of the county, and tilling with suc- 
cess the various positions of trust and responsibility that have 
been conferred upon them. 

The following testimonial referring to Nathaniel Barns was 
written to Mrs. Barns by an intimate acquaintance imme- 
diately after hearing of his death : 

"None of those whom I have delighted to claim as relative 
and friend have ever reached the advanced age allotted to him. 

** Venerable with years, respected by all, the counselor and 
guide of three generations, tired of life, he has stopped on his 
journey to rest, forever. 

'* Thus earth loses and heaven gains one more attraction. 

" The life ended was one ornate with goodness, gentleness, 
patience, and parental love; and the memory of such a life 
must ever be a conscious and constant culture to those he has 
left behind him." 




^/)'r^i^ 



Gilbert Williams was born iii Westchester 
County, N. Y., on March 5, 1796. His parents were 
Benjamin and Sarah (Lewis) Williams, and the fam- 
ily were early located in Westchester County, being 
quite numerous at the breaking out of the Revolu- 
tionary war. The father of Benjamin Williams was 
Frederick, aud his grandfather Stephen Williams, 
both of whom resided in Westchester County. 

The early life of Gilbert Williams, until the age of 
twelve years, was passed upon the paternal farm in 
his native county. In 1808 his father removed to 
the town of Newburgh, Orange Co., where he engaged 
in farming. Gilbert Williams during his boyhood 
served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith with Samuel 
Corwin. His schooling advantages were meagre. 
Frederick Williams, his grandfather, had removed to 
Nova Scotia, wliere he owned a large landed estate. 
Here young Gilbert repaired, by invitation, when 
about sixteen years of age, taking charge of his grand- 
father's affairs, and inheriting at his death consider- 
able property. With a portion of this he returned 
to Newburgh and purchased his father's farm, wliere 
he resided for twenty-one years. At the expiration 
of that time he bought his present farm, whereon he 
has since continued to reside. 



Mr. Williams has led an active and industrious life, 
and confined himself strictly to the legitimate pur- 
suits of husbandry. He has accumulated a good 
estate, is a man of good judgment, careful and cir- 
cumspect in all of his affairs, a great talker, and 
devoted to family and friends. He has taken no in- 
terest in political affairs, and has voted only half a 
dozen times during his long residence in the town of 
Newburgh. He was formerly an officer in Capt. 
Daniel Tooker's company of militia, and delights in 
recalling the martial trainings and experiences of that 
body. Since 1832 he has been a member of the 
Methodist Church at Middlehope, and has filled most 
of the offices of the church and society with general 
acceptance. He has always been a stanch supporter 
of the temperance cause. He is now in his eighty- 
sixth year, mentally sound, possessed of considerable 
activity and ambition, and is one of the last living 
representatives of an old and fast-vanishing race of 
men to whose industry, toil, and self-denial so much 
of our present prosperity is due. 

Gilbert Williams was married on April 11, 1832, 
to Jemima, daughter of Samuel Corwin, of the 
town of Newburgh. No children were born of 
the union. 




His fatlier, Jacob Gillies, w]io was an early 
farmer of tiie town of Newburgh, was born 
on April 20, 1790. His mother, Martha, 
daughter of James Waring, of Newburgh, was 
born on Dec. 30, 1796. The children were 
Jolin W., born June 13, 1816, lives in Haver- 
straw ; Jacob, the subject of this memoir; 
Wright, born Dec. 10, 1820, head of the spice 
firm of Wright Gillies & Brothers, New York; 
Sarah W., born Feb. 2, 1824, married Clark- 
son Gerow, of Plattekill, Ulster Co. ; Martha, 
born June 16, 1826, married David Marston ; 
James, born April 7, 1829, in the spice l)usi- 
ness in New York ; and Charles Wesley, born 
May 30, 1834, died in infancy. 

Jacob Gillies was born ou his father's farm, 
in the town of Newburgh, on June 1, 1818. 
His early education was obtained at the com- 
mon schools of the neighborhood. Plis father 
died when he was fifteen years of age, and for 
a number of years thereafter he remained on 
the family farm with his mother. 

On May 22, 1844, he married Phebe, daugh- 
ter of Isaac and Sabina Griggs, of Newburgh, 
and a few years later he began the manufacture 
of brick, on the old Smith property, at Balm- 
ville. He subsequently purchased the (iardner 
l)rick-yard near by, where he also followed 
brickmaking. Still later he purclia.sed the in- 



terest of his brothers and sisters in the home- 
stead farm, where he passed the remainder of 
his life engaged in tilling the soil. He died 
Feb. 12,1881. 

Mr. Gillies belonged to that class of men 
who confine their lives to the inner circles of 
society, attending strictly to his legitimate pri- 
vate affairs, and avoiding publicity of every 
k-ind. His private life was free from reproach, 
and to the support and encouragement of church 
and kindred institutions he lent liberal assist- 
ance, often in excess of his means. He was a 
zealous member of the Fostertown Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and held at different times 
the offices of class-leader, steward, and trustee 
in that body. He was an earnest terajierance 
man, a member of tlie Newburgh Bible Society, 
and one of those modest, substantial citizens 
upon whose industry, integrity, and personal 
worth the foundations of society rest. He bore 
in the community in which he dwelt the reputa- 
tion of an upright and honorable man, and left 
behind him at his death recollections of a well- 
spent life. 

Of a family of fourteen children, ten sur- 
vive, namely, — James, Jacob, Milton, John, 
Wright, Homer, Anna, Frank, Frederick-, and 
Martha. James and Homer are engaged in the 
mercantile business in Newburgh. 



iNEWBURGH. 



369 



ROBERT WHITEHILL. 
Robert Whitehill was born at Glasgow, Scotland, 
on June 1, 1845. His parents, Hugh and Jeannette 
(Murray) Whitehill, were also natives of Scotland, 
the former being born at Glasgow, and the latter at 
Ayrshire. 

When Mr. Whitehill was two years of age he was 
brought to this country by his father, who emigrated 
in that year, settling first at Wappinger's Falls, 
Duchess Co.. where he worked in a cotton-mill, and 
subsequently at Newburgh. The early life of Robert 
Whiteliill was passed until the age of ten years at 
Wappinger's Falls, where he attended the common 
schools of the neighborhood. Upon the removal of 
his father to Newburgh he enjoyed the benefits of 
academic instruction at the Newburgh Academy until 
he attained the age of thirteen. At that period of 
life he left school and went to New York City, where 
he filled the position of book-keeper and cashier in a 
millinery and fancy-goods store on Canal Street for 
three years. At the expiration of that time he re- 
turned to Newburgh and entered the foundry of Stan- 
ton, Mallory & Co., for the purpose of h\irning the 
trade of a machinist. He remained there until the 
suspension of business by the firm, and during that 
period, with his father's assistance, invented an im- 
proved machine for sizing and dressing cotton-yam, 
and had put it in operation at the Newburgh Steam- 
Mills, then run by (Jarner & Co., at whicli place his 
fatlier was employed. 

After leaving the foundry of Stanton, Mallory & 
Co., Mr. Wliitehill engaged as a journeyman in the 
employ of the Novelty Iron-Works, of New York, 
where he labored most of the time on ships. He re- 
mained in that position for one year, and then, being 
seized with a desire for a sea-faring life, he entered 
the United States navy as third assistant engineer on 
board the transport vessel " Kensington." He was soon 
after detailed and ordered to join the Gulf Squadron, 
where he filled the same place on the gunboat "New 
London" for six weeks, when she was ordered Nortli. 
Upon arriving at Boston again Mr. Wliitehill was 
ordered to report on board of the "Ticonderoga" for a 
foreign cruise. At this point he came to the conclu- 
sion that he must either decide to pass his life on the 
sea, a thing which he was little inclined to do, or to 
adopt another calling in life at once. He accordingly 
resigned liis position in the navy in 18G5, and return- 
ing to Newburgh, rented a room in the steam-engine 
works of Corwin, Stanton & Co., on Western Avenue, 
and engaged in tlie manufacture of his machinery for 
sizing and dressing cotton-yarn, his father being also 
interested in the enterprise. In 1870, in connection 
with his father, Mr. Wliitehill purchased the steam- 
engine works of Wood, Frisl)ie & Co., retaining Amos 
R. Wood as a partner. The firm was known as White- 
hill, Wood & Co., he himself holding a one-half in- 
terest in the business. Mr. Wood died a short time 
afterwards, and Mr. Whitehill took in as a partner 



Lewis M. Smith, the firm continuing as Whitehill, 
Smith & Co. until 1873, in which year Mr. Hugh 
Whitehill disposed of his interest to Whitehill & 
Smith, and a firm was organized as Whitehill, Smith 
& Hampson, in Newburgh, and Hampson, Whitehill 
& Co., in New York, for the purpose of manufacturing 
general machinery. In the winter of 187(5-77, Mr. 
Hampson withdrew from the business, and Mr. White- 
hill has since carried it on in the interestof Mr. Smith 
and himself The enterprise is now a prosperous 
and successful one, and a large amount of work is 
turned out each year. Among other branches of ma- 
chinery manufactured in the shop is the cotton-yarn 
dresser invented by Mr. Whitehill. A specialty is 
made at the present time of the manufacture of ma- 
chinery for making artificial ice, and for cooling pork- 
packing establishments and breweries. Both Mr. 
Whitehill and Mr. Smith are also interested in the 
Chadborn & Coldwell manufactory of lawn-mowers 
on Western Avenue. 

While Mr. Whitehill is young in years, he is en- 
titled to a place among the successful and growing 
manufacturers of Newburgh, whose industry and in- 
ventive talent, intelligently directed, contributes 
much to the development and prosperity of the city. 
He takes an active interest in local affairs, and, as the 
candidate of the Republican party, represented the 
Second Ward in the board of aldermen in 1871 and 
1872, being the president of the board in the latter 
year. 

. JAMES McCORD. 

James McCord was born in the city of Philadelphia 
on July 1, 1S2G, and was the second of the five chil- 
dren of John and Rosella (Cargin) McCord. His 
parents emigrated to this country from the north of 
Ireland, being of hardy, Scotch-Irish descent. John 
McCord located in Newburgh about the year 1827, 
where he engaged in shoemaking. He died about 1845, 
in his forty-fourth year, and his wife, Rosella, on March 
4, 1869, in her sixty-ninth year. Their daughter Jane 
was born in Ireland, and was brought to this country 
by her parents, becoming the wife of William Haxby, 
of Newburgh. James, William, Eliza (who married 
Stephen Vandewater), and Charles were born, in this 
country. 

The educational advantages of James McCord were 
.such only as the common schools of his day afforded. 
He was early inured to a life of toil, and at eleven 
years of age worked in a tobacco-stripping factory for 
two years. He subsequently clerked for five years in 
the clothing store of William Sterling & Sons, of 
Newl)urgh, and with Moss Brothers, and Joseph Slee, 
for four years more, in the same business, in Pough- 
keepsie. During all of this time, although Mr. Mc- 
Cord had been in the receipt of modest wages, he 
managed through industry and economy to lay aside 
something for the future. About 1852 he entered the 
employ of the firm of S. H. Tift & Co., of Newburgh 



370 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



(consisting of S. H. Tift and his brother, Win. Mc- 
Cord), who were engaged in the manufacture of 
bruslies by hand in an upper story of the Oakley 
Building, corner of Fourth and Water Streets, and he 
also loaned money to the enterprise. In 1854 Mr. 
Tift withdrew from the concern, and the firm of J. & 
W. McCord was formed and still continues in the 
same business. 

The enterprise at first was a small one. The work 
was all performed by hand, and the annual product 
of the factory aggregated about $6500. Through good 
management and close application to business the 
firm increased its trade, adding to the facilities for 
manufacture and improving upon the quality of the 
work produced ; and in the winter and spring of 1879 
and 1880, James McCord erected the present factory 
ujjon Broadway, which he owns individually, and 
where they removed from their factory in Lander 
Street. The building is one hundred and eighty feet 
long, with an average width of thirty-five feet, and is 
five stories high. The firm now employs about one 
hundred and fifty hands, and the annual jiroduction 



in brushes is about $fiO,000. The enterprise is next 
to the largest in the country of its kind, and occupies 
the largest brush factory in the United States. The 
firm manufacture all varieties of brushes, which are 
sold principally in the large cities. 

Mr. James McCord is the head of the concern, and 
to his enterprise, business tact, and administrative 
ability much of its present prosperity is due. He con- 
fines himself closely to his business, leaving all out- 
side enterprises alone, and avoids politics and public 
life. He is looked upon as one of the successful, self- 

! made manufacturers of Newburgh, who has achieved 
success through the only sure road to attain it — by 
perseverance, honest toil, temperate and economical 
habits, and an intelligent attention to business matters. 
Mr. McCord was married in July, 1848, to Hester 
M., daughter of Felix Shurter, of Duchess County. 
She died on Nov. 8, 187.3, leaving five children, viz., 

j Alexander, James Luther, Mary Rosella, Hester Jane, 
and Nellie. In June, 1874, Mr. McCord married for 

[ a second wife, Sarah A. Shurter, a sister of his first 

I wife, who died without issue .Tan. 15, 1880. 



MONTGOMERY. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE. 

This is the central town of the three which border 
upon Ulster County. It is bounded north by that 
county, east by Newburgh and New Windsor, south 
by New Windsor, Hamptonburgh, and Wallkill, and 
west by Crawford. 

The area of Montgomery is 30,821 J acres. The 
total assessed valuation of the town (1879-80) was 
$2,017,710, and the total amount of taxes levied on 
that sum was $26,003.47. 

This town is a part of the original John Evans 
Patent, which was set aside for indefiniteness and for 
other reasons. 

The territory embraced in the present town was 
originally (1714) covered by the precinct of Shawan- 
gunk, in which relation it remained until 1743, when 
it was constituted a jiart of the precinct of Wallkill, 
at which time it embraced the following patents: 

CadwaUaaer Coldnn, April 9, 1719, 2000 acres. 
John JohnBou, Jr., Feb. 3, 1720, lUOO acres. 
Thomaa Brazier, Marcl] 17, 1720, 2000 acres. 
Henry Wileman, June SO, 1712, 3000 acres. 
David Gallatian, June 4, 1719, 1000 acres. 
Edward Gateliouse, Jan. 22, 1719, 1000 acres. 
James Alexander, Apiil 9, 1719, 2000 acres. 
Archibald Kennedy, April 9, 1719, 2000 acres. 
James Smith, Dec. 15, 1722, 2000 acres. 
Patrick McKnight, April 9, 1719, 2000 acres. 
Thomas Noxon, May 28, 1720, 2000 acres. 



Francis Harrison & Co., July 7, 1720, 5000 acres. 

Jeremiah Schuyler & Co., Jan. 22, 1719, 10,000 acres. 

Philip Schuyler and othere, July 20, 1720, 8000 acres. 

Jacobus Bruyn and Henry Wilenuin, April 25, 1722, 2500 acres. 

Frederick Morris and Samuel Heath, Jan. 24, 1736.. 

Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, Nov. 12, 1750. 

Cadwallader Coldeu, Jr., and David Colden, June 2U, 1761, 720 acres. 

Upon a part of these patents Rev. Mr. Dickson, in 
his recent work on the Goodwill Church, makes the 
following remarks with reference to their location and 
settlement : 

"Taking our stand at the point where the Goodwill church was after- 
wards built, we are within the limits of the patent to James Smith, Sec- 
retary of the province of New Jersey, dated Dec. 15, 1722. This tract 
was a somewhat irregular strip, extending from a point aliout half a mile 
east of the village of Montgomery to the Colden property (afterwards 
Coldenham). 

" The northern boundary of our parsonage farm is on a line with the 
northern limit of Smith's Patent. To the south of this, extending 
through what is now termed Neelytown, Thomas Noxon owned, by 
letters patent dated May 28, 1720, 2fKX) acres. Immediately east of this, 
extending from the Smith tract in a southerly direction, was Patrick 
McK night's 2000 acres, patent dated April 9, 1719. North of James 
Smith's Patent was that of Archibald Kennedy, dated April 9,1719; and 
north of that again the patent of James Alexander, dated April 9, 1719; 
while to the west of Noxon's Patent was a 5000-acre tract, extending 
beyond the Wallkill, granted by letters patent dated July 17, 1720, to 
Francis Harrison, Oliver Schuyler, and Allan Jarrat." 



II.-NATURAL FEATURES. 
The distinguishing characteristic of this town is the 
valley of the Wallkill, which extends from the south- 





^^^^^-^^z^^^ 




MONTGOMERY. 



371 



west to the northeast, and for a part of the way in 
nearly a straight course. The Tinn Brock, with its 
long, sinuous course, is the most important tributary. 
This rises south of Coldenham, in New Windsor, flows 
in its general course north and then west, and enters 
the Wallkill below Walden. In the southeast are the 
head-waters of the Beaver Dam, a stream which flows 
south into the town of Hamptonburgh. Its source is 
a spring of several yards in diameter, and of unknown 
<lepth. 

The Muddy Kill is a small sluggish stream, which 
has its rise in the eastern slope of the Comfort Hills, 
north of the turnpike, runs south, draining the 
meadows, and enters the Wallkill. 

The surface of the country may be described as a 
hilly upland. The Comfort Hills, on the west border, 
rise to 600 or 800 feet above tide- water. The town, 
with its fertile alluvial flats and its valuable high- 
lands, constitutes an agricultural section of great pro- 
ductiveness. 



III.-EARLY SETTLEMENT. 
This can be introduced in no way more clearly and 
more satisfactorily to the people of Montgomery than 
in the following paragraphs from Kev. Mr. Dickson's 
*' History of the Goodwill Church :" 

"The settlement by Heurj- Wilenmn north of the village of Waldeu 
Wiia of very early date. It was made ou his patent of 300n acres soon 
after its purclitise, (.Ve Puteiits^ and aho lulditiomil arcoKut below.) 

"With reference to the Harrison Patent we may state tlie following 
facts. The year after this patent was granted; or May 25, 17:^1, the name 
of Oliver Schuyler was dropped from the number of tlie patentees, and 
with Fiancis Harrison and Allan Jarrat were associated six others, — 
Adolphus Phillips, George Clark, Johannes Lansing, Heniy Wileman, 
Jacobus Brnyn, and William Sharpas. The whole tract was surveyed, 
an extensive village was laid out, and ari'aiigements were made to give 
deeds to several wlio were actual settlers on the land. The date of the 
indenture that recites this is Dec. 22, 1722. The parties named therein 
as actual settlers were Hans Newkirk, Hendrick Newkitk, Matthias Slim- 
mer, Peter Kysler, Kraus, Brandos. These were Palatines, 

and as their community increased they erected a log church within the 
limits of their village, though neither the village nor the chnrcli attained 
to any size. The site of the church is indicated by the remains of the 
graveyard attacheii thereto on the east side of the Goshen roatl leading 
from Montgomery village, opposite the I'oad which runs towai'ds the 
Wallkill, between the lands of Hashrouck Decker and Peter Bliller. It 
is marked on the old maps as the * Harrison Meeting.' 

"But leaving Wilemantown and the Palatine settlement iGermantown, 
as then the village was called), we return to the 'people of Wallkill.' Their 
incoming we may date from about 1724-26, but as we attempt to trace it 
we are met with the difficulty that the early <leeds of their lands were 
not recorded at the time they were executed, and but few of them were 
recorded afterwards. These few, however, are invaluable as guides. 
From them we learn that on the 4th of May, 1721, Thomas Neely, of 
Westchester County, purchased from Patrick McKnight 2U0 acres of land, 
and about the same time, or a little later, the exact date not ascertained, 
Samuel Neely purchased from Thomas N'oxon 40" acres. Among the 
witnesses whose names appear on McKnight's deeil to Thomas Neely we 
find that of John McNeal. 

" The Neelys were still in Westchester County. When they came here 
we cannot definitely ascertain, but from the above, in connection with 
what follows, we can hardly fail to recognize in them and John McNeal, 
with the patentees, the men who were specially active in bringing in the 
colony. 

" In 1727, according to family tradition, Archibald, James, and Robert 
Hunter came to the precinct. The former purchased 200 acms of land 
from James Alexander, including the farai now occupied by Henry Suy- 
dam. In 1728, Cadwallader Golden occupied land in the region still 
known as Coldenham. 



" A manifestly defective list of the freeholders in the precincts of High- 
lands and Shawangunk, made in 1728, contains the names of Alexander 
Neely and John McKneal (McNeal, Jr.), with others not mentioned above, 
who no doubt belonged to tlie 'people of Wallkill.' 

"These are but hints at the incoming population. In the years imme- 
diately foUowingother names appear. In 1731, James Munell purchased 
land from Thomas Noxon in the neighborhood of wliere Charles Miller, 
the senior elder of Goodwill Church, resides ; and as witnesses to the deed 
we find the names of William and Robert Neely. . . ." 

The above observations are based upon early docu- 
ments, as there is no other source from which reliable 
information can be obtained with reference to the 
remote period under discussion. 

The first settlement upon the patent of 5000 acres 
to Schuyler & Co. was by Jeronomous Weller & Co. 
in 1721, and ou tlie patent of 10,000 acres by a com- 
pany of whom Johannes Mingus and his son Jerono- 
mous and Mattias Miltzbagh were a part ; the agree- 
ment being, in the case of each patent, that any 
number of families, from ten to fifteen, might be 
located, to each of whom a tract of 100 acres should 
be given. Johannes Mingus built the mill, which 
was the nucleus of the old village of Ward's Bridge. 
The following original paper, furnished by Mr. Rut- 
tenber, refers to this settlement : 

" Nf.w York, May 25th, 1721. 

"Gentlemen, — We hereby Desire, Authorize and Impower you or 
either of you to Contract and Agree with any Number of Persons and 
Families to settle upon and Improve part of a certain tract of Ten Thou- 
sand acres of Land lying in Ulster County upon the Paltz Creek (which 
was granted unto Jeremiah Schuyler and (Company under the great seal 
of this Province the twenty-second day of January, 1719), upon such 
Terms and Conditions and under such acknowledgments, rents, cove- 
nants and restrictions as you or either of you shall think most for our 
advantage and for the speedy settling and improvement of the said 
lands: 

" We shall he willing to grant One Thousand, Twelve hundred, or 
Fifteen hundred acres of said tract of land to you or twelve or fifteen 
families, that is to say one hundred acres to each family .who will imme- 
diately settle and improve the same, to them their heirs and assigns for- 
ever, on the like conditions that Jeroninuis Weller and Company are to 
he settled on the five thousand acres contiguous to the said ten thousand 
acres of land ; and that upon such contract and agreement, to be by you 
or either of you mad*', we will execute conveyances accordingly. 

"We desire you will be as expeditious hereiu as you possibly can and 
remit to us the contract and agreements you or either of you shall so 
nnike in order grants he executed without delay according to the pur- 
port and tenor theret)f. We also desire (if such contract and agreement 
he made) that Capt. Jarrat do survey and lay out one thousand, twelve 
hundred or fifteen huuilred acres of the said land^ in one entire field or 
one hundred acres for each family that shall so settle and improve the 
same, from the Paltz creek aforesaid backwards to the hills or mountains 
to the westward thereof. 

" What troubles and expense you are at we shall readily p:iy and satisfy 
with a handsome gratuity for your services. Your diligence herein will 
very much oblige, 

"Gentlemen, 

" Your Humble Servants, 

" Geo. Ci.ARKK, 
"Adolph Pnii.iPSE, 
"Will. Sharx-as, 
"j. v. coktlandt. 
" To JAt'OBUS Bruyn, Esq., 
and Capt. Alune Jarrat. 
" A True Copy 

"Pr me J. Briyn. 

" Memorandum : — No meadows are to be granted hut remaine in com- 
mon," 

indorsed. 

"Pursuant Ut the within Power, Jacobus Biiiyn and Allane Janat did 
contract with and lay out for Johannis Mingus and his sou Jeronimus 



372 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mingiis each of them one hundred acres, which they accordingly settled 
and improved and huilt a Mill thereon wherein the said Johannis Min- 
gU8 mittfortuiiately happened to be killed soon after, before they had 
grants for tlie land, whereon adispnte arising between the said Jeronimns 
Mingtis (who being the oldest son claiming the whole as heir at law) and 
the widow of said Johannis Mingus, the proprietor refused giving grants 
until an agreement was made, the same not being done in time and the 
children being under age it was neglected until the decease of some of 
the Patentees, since which Mattis Miltzbagh, having married the widow, 
hath purchased some of the proprietors' rights, and also the one half of 
Jeronimns Mingus' right, who is removed from the place. 

"Mattias Miltzbagh has also satisfied tlie children of Johannis Mingus, 
deceased, for their right in said land. The widow is lately dead." 

As the result of this arrangement, Henry Crist, 
Stevamis Crist, Matthias .Millspaugh, and others made 
a settlement on the opposite side of the Wallkill from 
the present village of Montgomery. The lot known 
as the Crist mill-lot of 200 acres was a valuable piece 
of property. Indeed, these lands generally were the 
best in the town. The proprietors, soon after reaching 
here, immediately entered actively upon the work of 
clearing and cultivation. The names of these Ger- 
mans generally appear in the account of the forma- 
tion of the Reformed Church, given below. They 
were a vigorous and enterprising people. They soon 
made for their families comfortable homes, and secured 
ample farms, portions of which may doubtless still be 
found in the hands of their descendants. Gradually 
they ventured out from the Wallkill Valley, located 
farms upon the slopes of the Comfort Hills, and tiiially 
in the territory now constituting the town of Crawford 
beyond. 

It must also be stated here that the Scotch-Irish 
element was very soon intermingled with the Germans 
through all this section. Together they laid the 
foundations of churches and schools, and opened up 
this fair country to all the advantages of civilization. 

Of the Crist families a few notes should be added. 
The agreement to settle a number of families was made 
in 1721, as shown in the original paper, but that does 
not determine the precise date at which the various 
settlers entered upon their lands. It was, liowever, 
within a few years following that date. 

The pioneer Henry Crist had one son, Jacob. He 
was the father of William, Jacob, and Henry, well- 
known citizens of former years. Of these, William \ 
died without issue; Jacob was drowned in the Hud- 
son going to or returning from New York, where he 
had been to get his wedding clothes ; and thus Henry 
heired all the property with one-half of the mill-lot. 
Turning to another of this family, we find that Ste- 
vanus Crist was the father of Christian, Jonathan, 
Simeon, and David. The lands owned by Stevanus 
Crist were afterwards the property of Dr. Joseph 
Whalen, and descended to his son, Joseph V. Whalen. 

There was a third pioneer Crist, the fatlier of Mar- 
tinas and William Crist, of a later generation. His i 
lands were subsequently owned by William P. Decker. 
Henry Crist, of the early emigrants, built at the foot 
of the hill east of the Dutch church and north of the 
turnpike, where there used to be an old orchard. 



Town-meetings were held here in the early years. 
His son Jacob built on the hill opposite the village ot 
Montgomery, at the mill where his son Henry resided 
during his life. The place was afterwards the resi- 
dence of Daniel W. Waring, Esq. 

Stevanus Crist built his first house about half-way 
from the end of the bridge to the residence in after- 
years of Joseph V. ^V^lalen. Town-meetings were 
held at this place, and there the turnpike-gate upon 
the Cochecton road first stood, though it was after- 
wards removed west and became known as Has- 
brouck's gate. 

Among these settlers may be also mentioned Mr. 
David Bookstaver, who located a mile or two north 
of the Dutch church ; Jacob Bookstaver, Frederick 
Sinsabaugh, and Johannes Youngblood, who also 
located in that vicinity. They bought a tract of 800 
acres, and it has been said that they cleared the first 
land in that vicinity, but this is not correct, in view 
of the facts brought out in the original agreement 
given above. They were from Germany, and their 
names are conspicuous in the early nnnals of the Re- 
formed Church. 

To erect even a log cabin was out of the question : 
their neighbors, few and far between, and but little 
better off than themselves in facilities to accommo- 
date them, — like the inhabitants of the regions of the 
north, and the earlier settler, Johannes Miller, on the 
hill at the Wallkill, hereinafter mentioned, — they con- 
cluded to excavate a resting-place for the winter in 
the side of a hill, and abide there till spring, with its 
genial influences, should dissolve the snow-drifts and 
permit them to go abroad and bestow some labor 
upon family comforts. This location wa.s in the side 
of a gravelly hill, just east of the old brick church, 
and north of the Newburgh and Cochecton turnpike, 
and there, in that humble dwelling, the first-born of 
Mr. Bookstaver saw the light of heaven and heard 
the bowlings of the winter's storm. 

The Assembly of 173o naturalized the following- 
named persons among others : Matys Milsbagh, 
Heudrick Christ, Stephanes Christ, Larens Christ, 
Philip Milsbagh, Jacob Sinsebagh, Jacob Booch 
Staber, and .Johannis Jong Bloet.* 

Johannes Miller settled on the Harrison Patent in 
1727. He was a German, and came to this country 
about 1 700. He resided for a time in Ulster County. 
His location was on the hill where in later years Mr. 
Elinor Miller, one of his descendants, lived. " The 
old square stone house stood on the crown of the hill 
like some fortified baronial castle of the olden time, 
with two doors in front to enter adjoining rooms, and 
windows like port-holes." This was in the ancient 
Harrison settlement, begun before Mr. Miller's ar- 
rival, interesting particulars of which are given in 



* Mr. George W. Millspaugh, of Goshen, states that the tradition in the 
family indicates the settlement to have been earlier somewhat than the 
above date. The orthography of the names is from the original. 



MONTGOMERY. 



373 



the General History and in tlie paragraphs from Rev. 
Mr. Dickson's work. 

Among the settlers may also be mentioned Fred- 
erick Shafer. This old gentleman, before his death, 
manifested a laudable desire to protect and perpetuate 
the buried ashes of his German brethren, and en- 
joined it on liis heirs, as a dying request in his will, 
to keep up and preserve this yard forever. His chil- 
dren religiously observed the dying injunctions of 
this pious patriarch. 

Mr. Shafer was a tanner, and the first to set up a 
yard for that purpose in this part of the town. The 
place where he settled and conducted his trade was 
just south and east of where the turnpike crosses 
Comfort's Hill, on a fine durable stream that comes 
foaming and tumbling down through a gorge in the 
hill from the flats beyond, passing in its rapid and 
headlong de.scent the old residence of Mr. Jonathan 
Miller and of his son, Wickham Miller. Daniel 
Shafer, a son of Frederick, established a new yard 
nearer the kill and on the flat below. It was a fortu- 
nate circumstance for the early settlers that many of 
them were brought up to trades of the most useful 
and necessitous character, that they might exercise 
them in their new locations for their own benefit and 
that of others. 

The name of some of the other settlers were Oolis 
Shulp, Hanse Jerry Smith, Jacob Rickey, Jacob 
Pitts, Matthew Newkirk, Dederick Shafer, and Mr. 
Fillmore. 

Of the Wileman settlement, already mentioned, the 
following particulars are added : The location was on 
the east bank of the Wallkill, a mile below the village 
of Walden, at the mouth of theTinn Brock. The patent 
was divided into lots in 1712. In the history of St. 
Andrew's Church it appears that Mr. Wileman was 
a member of that congregation as early as 1733. This 
church is said to have been built on his land, of logs, 
and it was standing in 1775, as appears from the town 
record. There was a graveyard attached to it, and 
some of the gravestones remained in a field plowed 
over for half a century. This was the beginning of 
St. Andrew's Church, now at Walden. It was a mis- 
sionary station, and their third minister, in 1744, was 
the Rev. Hezekiah Watkins. The farm on which the 
church stood afterwards belonged to Peter Hill, Esq., 
and Samuel Monell, deceased, and subsequently to 
Lucas E. Millspaugh. One of these gravestones had 
this inscription on it : " Here lies the body of Mary, 
wife of John Green, who died June 17, 1752, aged 
57." 

Mr. Wileman was an Irishman, noble and open- 
hearted. He was a Freemason. Either to found a 
lodge or perpetuate one already formed, Wileman 
built a house on his farm for its accommodation, 
where they met during his life. After his death the 
institution, having lost its principal i)atr()n, went 
down. 

During the Revolution, in 1782, a portion of the 



American army, consisting of a part of the Virginia 
line and some others, laid encamped on the farm 
owned in modern times by Mr. Peter Neaffie, about 
one mile north of the village of Walden, and on the 
north bank of the Tinn Brock, then known as the Wile- 
mantown farm.* The forces — a portion of the army 
at New Windsor — wintered at the place to protect a 
number of baggage-wagons, cannon, and other mu- 
nitions of war, sent for safety, and more abundant 
subsistence, in the country during winter. One cold 
night in the latter part of October, 1782, John Mc- 
Lean, afterwards commissary-general of this State for 
many years, was sent as a special messenger from this 
encampment to the commander-in-chief at Newburgh 
on some important business. While on his way, and 
where Stony Brook crosses the Shawangunk road, he 
was waylaid, seized, taken from his horse, gagged, 
tied to a tree, and the papers relating to his mission 
taken awa)' from him. Here he was left to the mercy 
of accident, to be relieved by the first neighbor or 
traveler who should pass that way. As good luck 
would have it, he was fortunately relieved during the 
ensuing morning, although almost perished by the 
cold of the night. This incident, no doubt, together 
with a familiarity with the Clinton family soon after 
the war, contributed to aid the jiolitical preferment of 
this gentleman. The individuals who perpetrated 
this outrage on Mr. McLean at the time were sus- 
pected to be some of the gang of Claudius Smith. He 
had been executed, yet his band of marauders were 
still alive. The rascals were not content with inflict- 
ing this personal violence, but stole his horse, and 
Mr. McLean afterwards claimed and received com- 
pensation from the proper authority.t 

At the time we speak of there was a large brick 
dwelling-house on the farm, which the troops used as 
an arsenal. Many years afterwards, in 1806, when 
taken possession of by another proprietor, several gun- 
barrels and an old wrought hand-grenade, with other 
warlike implements, were dug up in the cellar, where 
they had laid undisturbed for twenty years. The sol- 
diers for some cause, perhaps to make musket-balls, 
tore off the lead which secured the pediment and roof 
of the building, which, being untenanted for many 
years after the war, and unobserved, caused it to leak, 
and brought the edifice to a premature decay. It was 
torn down about the year 1809. Among the soldiers 
were two Scotchmen, who were directed to cut down, 
for camp purposes, a large white-oak tree, which they 
effected by cutting it around on all sides. When the 
tree was about to fall the two men ran away from it, 



* This is a loug-Btandiiig tradition, but tliere is no documentary proof 

(if it. 

t Extract from the Joiirnnl of the Commiltee of Safety, Dec. 1.3, 1777. 

" The account of John McLean for riding four days to Pouglikeepsie — 
from tlience to New Windsor and Little Britain and returning, to wit: 
Ist, 2nd and :ird days of December to convey a lettei- to Maj.Gen. Gates, 
and two other letters to Brigadier Gen. George Clinton. 

"Ordered, That the Trea'iurer pay Julin McLean £4 168. in full of said 
account." 



374 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



but having no idea, from the manner cut, which way 
it would fall, both ran along the same snow track 
and were killed. The stump, showing the manner in 
which the tree had been cut down, remained unde- 
cayed and visible for many years. The army, while 
here, flearcd about twenty acres of woodland. 

This Wileman farm was confiscated after the war as 
the property of Peter DuBois, who was a loyalist, 
and abandoned the place at the opening of the war. 
In consequence of some conveyance made by him be- 
fore he left to evade a forfeiture, and a claim founded 
upon it by the Hchuyler or Livingston family, wlio 
were good Whigs, the confiscation was revoked or 
never carried into efi'ect. 

The Committee of Safety appointed and employed 
several persons as riders to convey despatches, letters, 
etc., from place to place. John McLean, Abraham 
De Lamater, and John Van Duzer were three of 
them. These were very useful and im)iortant officers, 
as they were trustworthy and always at the direction 
of the committee. 

Neelytown was settled at an early date. Wm. 
Eager, some time about 1728-29, purchased a tract and 
located upon it, a part of which remained in the hands 
of his descendants of the fourth generation. 

The Neelys, Booths, and others were in the neigh- 
borhood either then or soon after, as shown above and ; 
in the church records below. Neelytown is a fine j 
body of land and well adapted to grass and grain. ' 
Through the central portion of the settlement runs 
the Beaverdam Creek. Along this are the natural 
meadows, extending in one unbroken glade from just 
south of the Goodwill meeting-house at the north 
down to Campbell Hall on the south, and from the 
Wallkill on the west to the line of New Windsor on 
the east. 

A general statement of early settlers on this terri- 
tory would include Little John Neely, Grandy John 
Neely, Charles Booth (his sons Charles and George), 
Wm. Eager (his sons William and Thoma.s), James 
Houston, Patrick Barber, John Blake, Alexander 
Tremble, James McCobb, Robert Monell, Tennis Van 
Orsdell, Gideon Pelton, Robert Sutter, Rev. Robert ' 
Annan, James McBride, William .Jackson, James ; 
Jackson, Dr. Chas. Clinton, Col. John Nicholson, 
James Barkley. 

It was this community which, in 1765, established 
the Neelytown Church. A former writer describes 
this church and relates various anecdotes, as follows, j 
together with items concerning some of the settlers: 

"In old times, when churclies were few and the poimlalion sparse, 
a cniigregation covered a large extent of territory. Within the recollec- 
tion of the writer, Messrs. Shaw, McWilliams, Mrs. Wilson, and otliere, 
from Scotchtown ; Messrs. W'ood and Younj^s, from Little Britain ; Moses 
Bill], William Bull, James Bnll, Robert Hall and his sister Miss Miriam, 
Younians, John Wilkin, Itoheit Wilkin, and otliers, from Wallkill, were 
in regular attendance at tiiis church, besides a largo nund)er of those who 
formed the congregation of Graham's CInirch in the now town of Craw- 
ford. We shall never forget the Sabbath-day appearance of Kobert Hall, 
his sister Miriam, and colored servant-woman. They usually came in a 
a cart, driven by Miriam. A certiiin form and order indicating no- 



tions of rank and superiority were cloarly observed in the manner of 
these Jieople. In tlie cart, drawn by a horse which spent the day in go- 
ing to and returning from kirk, fii'st sat Miriam, holiUug the lines in one 
hand anil driving with the other, cutting and hurrying on, but making 
little progress by the hour. Ne.\t, and straight behind her, sat Robert, 
dull and stupid as a piece of carved wood, and in greater dread of 
Miriam's tongue than the horse was of her gitd. Third, and last in the 
row, sat tlie Afiican servant, clean antl respectful, the very image of sub- 
mission and obedience, who would not speak unless bidilen by her mis- 
tress, if her poor life depended upon the act. Wlien they arrived, cart 
unloaded and horse secured, t!ie same order of precedence in the line of 
nuirch to the church-door was systematically taken up and rigidly en- 
foiced. We have seen this a huniired times and never saw it otherwise. 
The return from church wa.s coniluctcd in the same invariable order. 
The whole affair was novel and truly ridiculous in the eyes of young re- 
publicatis, and between the three, tlie neat and obedient African shared 
the largest respect of the people. Peace to the memory of Miriam I for, 
though hard and cruel in all her exactions, self-willed, dictatorial, and 
bigoted, but rigid in the discharge of (Christian duties, by her last will, 
she established and founded the Ed scholarship in the theological semi- 
nary at Princeton. 

" This old Scotch lady that would be, in despite of public opinion, was 
always in trouble with Sir. William Wilson, a neighbor and countryman 
of hers. They used to figlit, quarrel, and come to blows, in wliich Miriam 
fretjuently had the best of it. Mr. Wilson, perhaps in respect to her 
Be.v and fiailty, had forborne to use his powers to the extent he was cap- 
able of, but at last concluded there was no virtue in longer forbearance. 
One day they met on the highway, and after the exchange of a few sharp 
long shot, by way of preparation, came to blows. Mr. Wilson threw her 
down and intentionally bioke her arm, and there the battle ended. 
Miriam sued him at the law, which frightened him lest it might take 
his farm to pay the damages. He proposed to leave it to men ; the prop- 
osition was accepted, antl early one morning Mr. Wilson called on the 
writer's father to get him to act as one of the men. He stated his case, 
and ended by saying 'that he and Mrs. Hall had agreed to leave the 
decision of the matter to Capt. Trimble and Scinire Eager, and trouble 
no honest people with it, and he would be much obliged if he would 
serve him.' Tliis compliment insured a compliance." 

When the Eager family came they found Mr. Neely 
on the farm afterwards owned and occupied by Mrs. 
Mary Trimble and Mr. Charles Booth, at the north 
end of the Tamarack Swamp, beside a beautiful spring 
of clear water. The Booths were English, the Neelys 
and Eagers, Irish. 

The first stock the Eager family owned in their new 
residence was two heifer calves, to support which 
through the winter they went over to the Tamarack 
Swamp, some two miles off, in the vicinity of Mr. 
Booth, at the proper season, and cut the long grass 
which grew there for fodder, which, in the winter, they 
drew home on a hand-sled with the aid of snow-shoes. 
Their first house was a log one, and situated in the 
orchard west of the tanyard owned in modern times 
by Mr. .Tames Peek. The second was of stone. This 
was built before the Revolution. The land w.as culti- 
vated for a year or two with the hoe and spade, as 
they had no horses or oxen ; a plow could not have 
been used if they had one. Wheat was the first, and, 
for many years the principal, crop. Rye was not 
raised by the family till after 1800. The land, till then, 
would produce as much wheat as rye, and one was 
twice the value of the other. The quantity of grain 
raised exceeded home consumption, and was carried 
to market. The market-places were either at the 
village of New Windsor or John Ellison's mill, after- 
wards JIaJor Morton's. When grain was first taken 
to either of those places, the usual mode was to load 



MONTGOMERY. 



375 



three horses with bags, ride one and lead two. Re- 
turning home, the two were turned loose to follow the 
rider. The usual price of wheat was fifty cents. 

James McBride, the grandfather of Gen. John Mc- 
Bride, of Hamptonburgh, and Mr. White, the grand- 
father of Maj. John White, of AVallkill, well-known 
citizens of later times, were passengers on board the 
same vessel with William Eager. Capt. James Mc- 
Bride, of the Revolution, married the daughter of 
William Eager, son of the first settler. These families 
arrived in 1728. 

We have mentioned that Charles Booth was an 
early settler at Neelytown. He had two sons, Charles 
and George, each of whom married a daughter of 
William and Sarah Bull, early settlers in the town of 
Goshen. Mr. Booth purchased 1000 acres and located 
it. The spot occupied by his first house, at the north 
end of the Tamarack Swamp, was in later years 
occupied by Mr. William Conning, of Scotch descent, 
who married in the family. 

Charles continued to reside during his life on the 
spot selected by his father. Capt. William Jackson, 
of the Revolution, father of Capt. William Jackson, 
of Neelytown, and Dr. Samuel Jackson, of the navy, 
married a daughter of Charles Booth. George, the 
other son, made a new location on the original pur- 
chase, and built a house on the farm owned by Wil- 
liam Booth, of a former generation, just east of the 
thread of woods separating the lands subsequently 
owned by Mrs. George Conning from the Booth estate, 
and about the fourth of a mile southwest from the 
former residence of William Booth. The largest part 
of this 1000 acres was held by the Booth family for a 
long series of years. At an early period in the history 
of the town Mr. George Booth was an active member 
of the community, and we find his name on the records 
as early as 1770, discharging the office of a justice of 
the peace. The Booth family emigrated first to Long 
Island, and from there to this town. 

The enrollment of the freeholders of Shawangunk 
of 1728, already given in the General History, has 
considerable value in determining early settlement, 
though it relates partly to territory beyond the limits 
of the present town of Montgomery, and may not be 
a fiill list of settlers, as there may have been a number 
living here who were not " freeholders," and, as shown 
in the General History, the list was prepared for the 
special purpose of obtaining a jur>'. The names of 
persons upon that list who are known to have been in 
Montgomery were Abraham Schutt, Hendrick New- 
kirk, Hendrick Krans, Edward Gatehouse, David 
Galatian, Henry Wileman, John McNeal, Jeronimus 
Mingus, Christoffel Moul, Samuel Neely, Israel Rogers, 
John Neely, Alexander Neely, Col. Cortlandt. 

The roll of a military company in Wall-a-kill, 1788, 
given in the General History, is a valuable record of 
the population at that time. There was then no pre- 
cinct of Wallkill. "Wall-a-kill" was simply the 
early settlements in the present town of Montgomery. 



An examination of the names will show that the great 
majority were certainly on that territory and probably 
all were. It is the arms-bearing population from 
sixteen to sixty. 

The story of early settlement thus traced for various 
parts of the town might be enlarged upon to an in- 
definite extent. It must, however, be kept within 
reasonable limits in a single volume devoted to the 
entire county. 

The following names appear on the town record, 
including Crawford, from 1768 to 1778 : 

Nicbolas Davie. 



Cadwallader Golden. 
Samuel McColm. 
Patrick Barber. 
Henry Patterson. 
James White. 
George Smith. 
Thomas Bull. 
Alexander Trimble. 
.Tohu Robinson. 
Archibald McCurdy. 
Charles BuoUi, Jr. 
George Booth. 
William Cox, 
Thomas Baty. 
James Gahitian. 
Hans Jerry Smith. 
Andrew Walker. 
Jacob Crist. 
James McCobb. 
George Monell. 
Barney Roe. 
Jonathan Webb. 
David Current. 
Jacob Crans. 
James Crawford. 
Hans Jerry Tice. 
Nathaniel Hill. 
Daniel Butterfield. 
John McNeal. 
Wm. Faulkner. 
John Milliken. 
Kdward McNeal. 
Jacob liinderman. 
John Tate. 
James Wilkins. 
Francis Newman. 
John Dubois. 
John Miller. 
Henry Newkirk. 
Hetiricus Van Keuren. 
Adam Newkirk. 
James McCobb. 
Nathaniel W^ells. 
Wm. Dean. 
Matthew Seely. " 
Ned Hopper. 
Benj. Booth. 
Sam'l Watkins. 
Jnhn McNeul. 
David Harmon. 
Nicholas Holtjilander. 
John McCreary. 
John Crans. 
Abraham Colwell. 
Christian Miugiis. 
HelemuB Weller. 
Nathaniel Hill. 
Hendrick Terwilliger. 
Johannes Weller. 
Robert Monell. 
John McClean. 
Petrus Crans. 



John 31illtgan. 

Johannes W. Yonngblood. 

Artliur McKing. 

Sam'l Smith. 

Dr. Cbas. Clinton. 

James Gillespie. 

Hans Nip. 

Jacob Sinsabaugh. 

Sam'l Miller. 

"Wm. Miller. 

Wm. Comfort. 

Au?it Grover. 

Cobus Johnson. 

Little John Neely. 

David Jagger. 

George Smith. 

Wm. Moore. 

Wm. Mickles. 

Sam'l Rainey. 

James Houston.-^ 

Cornelius Slott. 

Stuftle Moul. 

Andreas Trempour. 

Wm. McBurney. 

George Clark. 

David Mingus. 

James McMunn. 

Thomas Neely. 

William Eager. 

Zachariah Codington. 

Thomas McKee, 

Wm. Wilkins. 

Johanes Decker. 

Philip Milspaugh. 

Jonathan Low. 

John Robinson. 

Joseph Crawford. 

Jacob Low. 

James Dug I ass. 

James Hunter. 

Peter Bodine. 

Thomas Peacock. 

Jacob Newkirk. 

Jerry Kimbark. 

Thomas Clineman. 

Robert Milligan. 

Philip Moul. 

Peter Hill. 

James Rainey. 

John Lackey. 

Robert Cross.- 

James Rea. 

Samuel White. 

John Comfort. 

Robert Dill, 

Grandy John Neely. 

William Bodine. 

William Crist. 

Henry Neely. 

Samuel Harris. 

Jeremiah Fit/.gerald. 



376 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jamea SlcCord. 
Matice Felter. 
James Bark ley. 
Johanoes Moill. 
Jacob Crist. 
Arthur Parks. 
John Davidson. 
Win. Watson. 
James McKee. 
David Crawford. 
Christian Kuckafeller. 
Henry Savage. 
John Arcliy. 
Moses Philips. 
David Moore. 
John McGarrah. 
Kia Gate. 
John Youngs. 
John Blake. 
•Stevanus Crist. 
Hugh Milligan. 
Doct. Hill. 
John Booth. 
Johannes Snider. 
Wni. Barkley. 
John Graham. 
Joseph Crawford. 
John Wilkins. 
Andrew Graham. 
Hanreck Smith. 
George Kimhark. 
Joseph Watkins. 
Henry Snider. 
Benj. Hains. 
Wm. Neely. 
Hendiick Newkirk. 
James McBride. 
James Ward. 
John Hill. 
Henry Grist. 
Jacob Crist. 
Jacob Milspaugh. 



Edward Bums. 

Hugh Milligan. 
James Jackson. 
Andrew Thompson. 
Jonathan Smith. 
James Eager. 
John Colter. 
Martin Tice. 
William Still. 
Daniel Snider. 
John Gillespie. 
Abraham Dickerson. 
Adam Beamer. 
Jacob Bodine. 
Coonrad Moore. 
Christian Crist. 
Wm. Hill. 
John Young. 
Mattias Shulp. 
James Milligan. 
Dr. Smith. 
James Latta. 
Robert Thompson. 
Wm. Simerall. 
John Comfort. 
David Smith. 
Henry Neely. 
Josel'h Houston. 
James McBride. 
James Graham. 
Peter Dubois. 
Tennis Yan Arsdel. 
Cromas Weller. 
Adam Sinsabatigh. 
Hans Weller. 
Jason Wilkin. 
John Constable. 
James Slonell, Jr. 
Wm. Jackson. 
Hans Se.tse. 
Robert Hunter. 
Robert Kidd. 



From this historical review, it iippear- tliat the 
eastern portion, extending from the west line of New 
Windsor to the Wallkill, was originally settled almost 
entirely by Scotch-Irish ; that the valley of the Wall- 
kill was settled by emigrants from Holland and 
Germany ; and that the western portion, extending 
from Comfort's Hills, west of the Wallkill, to the Sha- 
wangunk Kill, embracing the town of Crawford, was 
jointly settled by Irishmen and Dutchmen. Though, 
at the original settlement of the town, large districts 
were in possession of the Dutch and Germans, yet 
those languages were never taught in the public or 
private schools, except in two instances. There was 
one at the foot of the hill east of the brick church, 
and another at Hans Youngblood's ibr some years. 
The consequence was those languages soon ran out, 
and though kept up by use in the family circle, in the 
pulpit, and conversations of aged persons, they literally 
expired, without an effort to preserve them, in the 
second and third generations. Among the Germans 
and their first descendants it was very common to 
send to Philadelphia for almanacs printed in their 
language. They were a little prejudiced on the point, 
and credited a statement found in them about all the 
matters and things usually contained in such books. 



even down to the wind and weather, with an easier 
faith than if the same were found elsewhere. 

In the following special family notes we are in- 
debted to the works of Eager and Dickson. 

Johannes Miller emigrated to this country from 
Germany as early perhajjs as 1720. He remained at 
New York for a time, then removed to Esopus, Ulster 
Co. From there he came to the precinct of Shawan- 
gunk, in the neighborhood of the Schoonmakers and 
the Bruyns. He engaged in weaving, and finally mar- 
ried Jemima Schoonraaker, a daughter of Cornelius 
Schoonmaker. He whiled his lonely way on horseback 
along the valleys and hills which skirted the Wallkill, 
and entered the town of Montgomery. Here, from in- 
spection, he was satisfied he had found lands upon 
which he could live by honest industry. He returned, 
laden with good fortune and high hopes, with a saddle 
of lilt venison behind him, to relate the adventures of 
a week and the rich discoveries he had made. 

When the time came to be ready and off, some of 
the friends and neighbors in Ulster, who were op- 
posed to their removal, refused to assist in conveying 
them to their new location, but said they would be 
ready at all times to move them back. The removal, 
however, proceeded, and was conducted on horseback, 
as they had neither sideboard nor piano-forte to trans- 
port. Without accident they arrived at the land of 
promise, and deposited their rude and scanty articles 
of housekeeping in a shanty constructed of two 
crotches, a pole thereon, and other timbers reaching 
from that and resting upon the ground. In this open 
hut they resided a whole year. The situation was 
airy and cool in summer and winter, upon the crown 
of the hill upon the bank of the Wallkill, on the road 
from Montgomery to Goshen, and afterwards occupied 
by the old square stone house taken down a few years 
since by his grandson, Mr. William Miller. At the 
foot of the hill is one of the most glorious springs 
that ever gushed from the earth. 

In settling on this spot they planted their shanty 
directly in the vicinity of the natives, and side by side 
the Indian wigwams, which were on the flat imme- 
diately below, with whom they lived on terms of 
friendship. 

Their first summer crops — corn, potatoes, pumpkins, 
and watermelons — were raised on a spot cleared by 
the Indians, which, being low on the margin of the 
stream and annually overflowed by it, was made rich 
with the sediment deposited by the water and needed 
little cultivation. The crops came fully up to Mil- 
ler's most sanguine expectations. The fruits of the 
season ingathered, the new settlers could not do less 
than pay a filial visit to their friends and kin in 
Ulster, and not only tell of their success and joyful 
prospects, but exhibit the fruits their own hands had 
produced from the earth. 

To satisfy the discontented in Ulster, and prove to 
his friends his judicious selection of lands. Miller 
placed two watermelons in a bag and loaded them 



MONTGOMERY. 



377 



upon his horse, determined to have it in his power to 
say, "Judge of my lands by their produce." On their 
way they stopped at old Mr. Bruyn's, in Shawangunk, 
to refresh themselves and rest their horses. Bruyn 
was fond of a joke. While at his house he substituted 
two pumpkins for the melons, which he carefully laid 
by to be restored when the exchange should be dis- 
covered. The guests departed and made their way to 
Mr. Elting's, near the Paltz. This individual had been 
very friendly to the parties, and assisted them to move 
to their new location in the spring. On arriving at 
his house the horses were unladen for the night, 
the travelers received and entertained. AVlien the 
suljjects of land, quality, jiroducts, etc., were being 
mentioned and discussed, Miller had his bags and 
melons brought in for exhibition. On untying the 
string and turning them out, lo ! the melons had most 
mysteriously changed into two beautilul yellow pump- 
kins of about the same size. Miller stood confounded 
for a moment, but Elting, knowing that they had 
stopped at Bruyn's, instantly exclaimed that " old 
Bruyn or the devil had been the enchanter !" 

The issue of this marriage was one child, whose 
name was John. After the death of his wife he 
married Sarah Bull, the widow of William Bull, of 
Hamptonburgh, remarkable for her great age and the 
number of her descendants. Johannes Miller, the 
first settler, died in 1782, aged about ninety years- 
His son, John Miller, was twice married. His first 
wife was Miss Esther Bull, the oldest daughter of 
William and Sarah Bull, of the old stone house in 
Hamptonburgh, the daughter of his father's second 
wife by a former marriage, as above stated. The issue 
of this marriage was Peggy, Jemima, Johannes, and 
William. His second wife was Miss Anne Weller, 
daughter of Henry Weller.* His death was caused 
by an accident in 1774. He was found dead in the 
Wallkill, in the vicinity of his father's residence. 
The supposition of the family was that he was 
drowned in an attempt to swim his horse across the 
Wallkill, though himself an expert swimmer. It is 
not known whether he or his father built the old stone 
house. He was town clerk of Wallkill in 1768, and 
held the office for several years. 

The consequence of this unexpected death was that 
it deprived the family of its natural head and pro- 
tector at a time when, from the age of the children, 
the disturbed condition of the country, verging daily 
to an outbreak with the mother-country, his protection 
and presence could be ill dispensed with ; and the 
care of the mother and children instantly devolved 
principallj' upon Johannes, the eldest son, then a mere 
lad. He was born in 1760, and the duties of the 
father were performed by his son in a becoming and 
filial manner. The family were Lutheran, and so 
remained till after the Revolution, and until all the 



* Of his issue l>y this marriage his son, James W., was the father of 
John, James W., and Samuel, resideuts of Newburgh. ' 

25 



families of that denomination of Christians in the 
settlement at the place were swallowed up by or 
merged into other denominations. 

Mr. Johannes Miller was not liberally educated, 
but instructed only in the elementary department of 
a slight English education. Indeed, when he ought 
to have been at school he was industriously laboring 
to support his mother and sisters, or on duty as a 
militiaman guarding the frontiers against the incur- 
sions of the Indians. The war continued from the 
time he was sixteen till he was past the age of twenty- 
one, and he had little opportunity to leave home for 
educational purposes. This deficiency of an early 
education he endeavored to supply by after-reading 
and observation. 

For a short period after he was fifteen years of age 
he was boarded out at the old stone house of William 
Bull, in Hamptonburgh, where he attended a school 
taught by an Irishman, and learned reading, writing, 
aritlimetic, surveying, etc. Soon after the commence- 
ment of the war, and when about sixteen or seven- 
teen years of age, his brother-in-law, Hendrick Van 
Keuren, of Montgomery, commanded a company of 
militia, in which he was orderly sergeant, and when 
it was called out into service went with it. Notwith- 
standing the troubled and hostile condition of the 
country, he had the moral courage to enter a service 
for life, and made Miss Eve Mould Mrs. Johannes 
Miller on the 17th of March, 1779, and moved into 
the old stone house on the hill at the Wallkill. Here 
he had the satisfaction of entertaining a troop of 
horse at his expense a part of one winter for the 
benefit of the country, and of paying a Continental 
tax of three hundred and fifty bushels of corn. 

Soon after the war closed his neighbor, Johannes 
Smith, proposed to sell his farm of 125 acres, which 
adjoined him on the north, at ten dollars per acre. 
Miller contracted to purchase, but was unable to meet 
his contract. Smith refused to take jjaper money, 
and specie could not then be had in the county. He 
proceeded to New York to borrow the amount, but 
they asked a premium of five per cent, besides the 
legal interest. This he concluded not to pay, and re- 
turned without the money. Determined to have the 
land, he issued twenty notes of £25 each, payable at 
different periods, without interest till due, which 
Smith received, finding he could pay for a farm iu 
Shawangunk with them, and which he had agreed to 
purchase. These notes were all paid at maturity 
when presented, except four which had found their 
way into the pocket of some friend at Hackensack, iu 
New Jersey, and were not presented for several years 
after due. This would be thought a small specimen 
of raising the wind at this day of financial improve- 
ment and kite-flying, yet the reader must remember 
that Mr. Miller was just of age, of no financial ex- 
perience, an uneducated and illiterate young countrv- 
man, with no father to guide, no friend to counsel. 

He was an extensive reader on the subjects of theo- 



378 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



retic and practical agriculture, and no farmer in the 
county had a more extensive library. Ambitious in 
this, he \va.s no less so in becoming a politician, and 
his reading extended to that and kindred objects, and 
he settled down firmly in the school of Washington. 
He was early known as a Federalist, and so continued 
till his party was dissolved, when lie became a Whig, 
and so continued till he died. He was a hearty op- 
poser of Mr. .Jefferson, his gunboat system and ultra 
democracy. From 1798 to 1806 politics raged in this 
county, as indeed they did everywhere else in the 
country, and Mr. Miller was actively engaged to sus- 
tain his party and accomplish its objects. 

One dark night, returning from Goshen, where he 
had been attending a political county meeting, he 
was waylaid, attacked, and knocked from his horse, 
though not dangerously injured. From some old 
hostile feeling still subsisting between himself and 
one of his neighbors, and from something which had 
transpired that day in Goshen, he judged who his as- 
sailant was, and without due reflection called him to 
the field of honor. Capt. William Trimble, of Neely- 
town, accepted the invitation, but on a meeting of 
the parties, procured by mutual friends, the matter 
was adjusted to their satisfaction. Capt. Trimble 
was not unlike Mr. Miller, proud, high-minded, and 
honorable, but more impulsive, headstrong, and pas- 
sionate. 

Mr. Miller was very friendly to the manufacturing 
interest of the country and internal improvement by 
roads and canals, and we believe his friendship and 
the hostility of government cost him many thousands 
of dollars. He was mainly instrumental in getting 
up the cotton-factor)'* at Montgomery. In 1801 he 
was very active in procuring the charter for the New- 
burgh and Coehecton turnpike, and afterwards in pro- 
curing the stock to be taken and the road built. For 
years he was the soul and body of t^he company. 

Though himself not an educated man, Mr. Miller 
was a patron of learning as far as a liberal appropria- 
tion of means could accomplish it. His own wants 
and deficiencies may have induced and stimulated him 
to this course. Just notions upon the subject doubt- 
less impelled him to supply others with that denied 
to himself In 1791, with many others, he was in- 
strumental in founding the Montgomery Academy, 
then but five in the State. Farmers' Hall, in Goshen, 
was one of them, and chartered in 1790. It was no 
mean commendation to the citizens of the county 
that out of five academies in the State, Orange should 
have founded and nourished two of them. Mr. Mil- 
ler was the leading and efficient man in this enter- 
prise, so valuable and honorable to his native town. 

Mr. Miller was not a man of impulses in anything, 
and did not encourage and give aid to a measure to- 
day, and when the fit \v;is off, permit it by neglect to 
go down to-morrow, to be finished at a future period. 
What he did was executed with all his might, sparing 
neither time nor money till his object was satisfac- 



torily accomplished, then he adopted it as his own, 
called it his, and took care of it as if it were his own 
child. Something of this kind seemed essential to 
his well being. 

The old academy in process of time became worn 
out and unfit for the purposes intended, and the trus- 
tees judged it prudential to replace it by a new one. 
The great question was, How could it be done? 
Where could the funds be procured? At this time 
(1817) the State was commuting the quit-rents when 
[ the inhabitants of the patents asked for it. Mr. Mil- 
ler, knowing they remained uncommuted on two or 
three patents in the county, and ever-fruitful in ex- 
' pedients, suggested the propriety of asking the Legis- 
I lature to grant them for the erection of a new academy. 
The application was made, and a law was passed in 
! their favor which canceled the last patents in this 
j county from all future payment of quit-rents, and was 
the means of building the Montgomery Academy. 
j This grant amounted to $2000, and the trustees under- 
took to raise $1500 by subscription, which they accom- 
plished. The building of the academy and raising 
the $1500 became hobbies with Mr. Miller, and he rode 
them night and day. The subscription papers were 
prepared by Mr. Miller, and made in the form of a 
little book convenient to carry in the pocket, and put 
into the hands of several of the trustees. Some short 
time after they had been in circulation he met Mr. 
H., a gentleman of wealth and a bachelor, who resided 
about six miles from the village of Montgomery, in 
the town of New Windsor. Mr. Miller leisurely took 
out of his pocket a large pocket-book, put on his 
glasses deliberately, untied the string, and produced 
his subscription list. He addressed himself to Mr. 
H., saying that the old academy was worn out, that it 
had done good service in the infancy of the country, 
that the interests of education required that it should 
be replaced by a new and larger one, which would 
confer honor on the town and county, that the funds 
for the purpose being small, the trustees threw them- 
selves and the cause of education upon the patriot- 
ism and liberality of their fellow-citizens to raise 
about $1500, which they expected to do in a few 
months, that ever)' gentleman who had been asked 
had willingly subscribed according to his means, and 
that he was happy in having tlie opportunity to pre- 
sent him with the subscription list thus early as they 
wished all the large subscribers to sign first, etc., and 
at the same time handed him the little book to see 
what others had signed and what he would. Mr. H., 
rather slowly and with apparent reluctance, received 
it, and after a moment's examination handed it back, 
saying that such matters were out of his line of busi- • 
ness, that he had no children to educate, and if he 
had the academy was too remote from his residence to 
avail himself of its benefits, and asked to be excused. 
Mr. Miller received his little book with much courtesy, 
and expressed himself under many obligations to Mr. 
H. for his politeness in looking over it, deliberately 



MONTGOMERY. 



379 



put it back in the pocket-book, wliicb he tied up and 
rephiced in his pocket. 

Some two or three weeks afterwards, Mr. Miller ac- 
cidentally met Mr. H. in the same office, and after the 
usual com]ilinientsot' the day were passed, Mr. Miller 
deliberately put on his "specs," drew from his pocket a 
large pocket-book, untied it, and produced his sub- 
scription list, and addressing himself to Mr. H. recited 
the same identical speech previously delivered, word 
for word, sentence for sentence, as if stereotyped for 
the occasion, with this addition, — that he was very 
sorry he had not liad the pleasure of presenting to 
him the subscription at an earlier day, as he wished 
certain friends of influence to head the list. A spec- 
tator would never have suspected that Mr. Miller had 
ever seen Mr. H. before on the subject, and Mr. H., 
being a modest man of few words, said nothing to 
contradict such an impression. The book was re- 
turned accompanied with about the same reply as 
before made. The scene was rich. Not long after 
this second interview business again caused these 
gentlemen to meet for the third time, and Mr. Miller, 
with all the gravity and politeness conceivable, pro- 
duced his big and little book as before, and went over 
the same speech, word for word, with the least possi- 
ble variation. When through he handed the sub- 
scription list over to Mr. H., who received it, rose 
from his chair, and said to a friend, " Lend me ten dol- 
lars : I might as well pay first as last." 

Mr. Miller was a practical farmer, and did all that 
he could to advance that interest. His lands were 
among the most beautiful in the county, and laid on 
both sides of the road leading to Goshen, between the 
village of Montgomery aiid the Wallkill. In the 
old act, passed 1793, " for the promotion of agri- 
culture, arts, and manufactures," Mr. Miller's name 
appears as one of the petitioners asking for the act of 
incorporation. Some of these gentlemen were Robert 
R. Livingston, Samuel L. Mitchell, Ezra L'Homme- 
dieu, James G. (iraham, Matthew Clarkson, George 
Clinton, Egbert Benson, Richard Varick, with several 
others from various parts of the State, and .John Nich- 
olson, Andrew King, .Tohn Barber, Joseph Barber, Jo- 
hannes Miller, and William Thompson, from Orange 
County. This was the earliest attempt made in this 
State by individuals to promote these objects. 

Mr. Miller was president of the Agricultural Society 
of Orange County, and addressed Gen. Lafayette in 
Newburgh in 1825, in a short and pertinent speech. 
This was appropriate, as the general was kuown, both 
at home and abroad, as a practical farmer. 

Mr. Miller, by the request of friends and neighbors, 
was appointed to lay the corner-stone of the First 
Presbyterian Church in the village of Montgomery. 
He was entitled to this honor not only by virtue of 
his age and respectable standing, but by exertions and 
liberal donations towards its erection. He died Dec. 
17, 1834, aged seventy-four. He had but two children 
who grew up to age, John and Maria. 



John married Miss Oliver, daughter of Judge ( )liver, 
of Marbletown, Ulster Co. ; and Maria, David Hunter, 
Esq., of Bloomingburgh. 

Another prominent citizen of the olden times was 
John Blake (properly John Blake, Jr.), whose father, 
John Blake, purchased (May 1, 1701) 477 acres of the 
Patrick McKnight Patent. He was of English descent, 
the genealogy of the Aimily being traced back to Robert 
de Blakeland, of Wiltshire, 1286. His mother, Mary 
Morris, of Coldenham, however, was from Ireland. Mr. 
Blake was not an educated man, but received only such 
elementary instruction as the common schools of the 
country offered after the war and before 1790. At the 
time of the division of Ulster County and the forma- 
tion of Orange, Mr. Blake was deputy sheriff of Ulster 
and resided at Kingston. After this, and when his 
official period of service expired, he returned to Neely- 
town. In 1800 he was appointed sheriff of the new 
county of Grange, served its term, and executed the 
office to the general satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. 
In 1806 he was elected by the Republican party — the 
class of politicians to which he had ever been attached 
since entering into public life — to represent the county 
in the General Congress of the United States. Some 
years subsequently he was again elected to the same 
office, and on both those occasions his votes were cast 
agreeably to the wishes of his constituents. Mr. Blake 
was very modest and diffident, and therefore never 
trusted himself to speak in public while a member. 
Montgomery, his native town, had unlimited confi- 
dence in his judgment and discretion as a town officer, 
and so well were they satisfied with the care he took 
of their interest in the county board of supervisors 
that he held the office for fifteen years in succession, 
and until he requested to be excused as a personal 
favor. While a member of the board they were en- 
gaged in settling the ratio of valuation of the respec- 
tive towns in the county, and those members who knew 
the quality of land on the public highway from Mont- 
gomery to Goshen and the valley of the Wallkill 
were of the opinion that Montgomery was being rated 
altogether too low. They inferred the whole town, 
then including Crawford and reaching west to the 
Shawangunk Kill, was of the same equally good grade 
of land, notwithstanding the assurances of Mr. Blake 
to the contrary. On the adjournment of the board, 
before completing their annual business, Mr. Blake 
invited one of the board to ride home with him who 
had been among the most clamorous in favor of the 
high standard of Montgomery farms. At this time 
the hills beyond the village of Montgomery were but 
slightly cleared up and badly cultivated, and a large 
district of the town for several miles in an unenviable 
agricultural condition. On leaving Goshen, Mr. 
Blake, without disclosing his object, saw proper to 
leave the ordinary good highway leading homeward, 
and conveyed his unsuspecting guest through and over 
the district of town above referred to. Before they 
arrived at the end of their ride the supervisor candidly 



380 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



remarked that he did not liefore believe there was so 
much rough and worthless land in the town, and that 
he was now satisfied Montgomery was rated full high 
at the value proposed by Mr. Blake. Under this valua- 
tion the town remained a number of years, no one 
attempting to change it, under the belief it was 
reasonably high. 

In addition to the offices named, we further state 
that he was several times returned a member to serve 
in the Assembly of the State, for many years a judge 
of the Common Pleas of the county, and justice of the 
peace. 

Mr. Blake married Elsie, daughter of William 
Eager, of Neelytown. He died January, 182G, in his 
sixty-fourth year. 

Among the noted characters of early times was 
Christian Coon. He was a soldier, tinker, and trump- 
eter. He had been in the war, and could produce the 
loudest blasts from his wonderful brazen horu. He 
is said to have been one of the Hessian troops hired 
by England and sent out here to fight her battles. 
He was taken prisoner at the battle of Trenton, Dec. 
26, 1776, where many of his fellows shared the same 
fate, and subsequently entered the American service, 
and remained in the army until the war ended. In 
some engagement lie received a sabre-cut on the arm, 
for which he drew a pension during life, without 
which he could not have supported himself. 

At one time there was an association of young 
men, some residing in Crawford and others in Shaw- 
angunk, Ulster Co., who had banded themselves to- 
gether to commit all kinds of deviltry. The longer 
the association continued their operations the bolder 
and more pestilent they became, till finally they did 
deeds worthy of indictment and prison. 

Among other subjects for fun and deviltry, two 
members of the club selected Coon ; in which, how- 
ever, as things turned out, they waked up the wrong 
customer. It roused the dormant energies and lion 
courage of the old soldier, which had slumbered 
within him for a quarter of a century, and he seized 
his musket, captured his assailants, and at the point 
of the bayonet drove them like craven dog.s before 
him on the public highway for several miles till he 
came to the first justice, to whom he delivered them 
up. The officer received them, penned up like so 
many cattle in the corner of a horse-shed. This heroic 
act of trumpeter Coon, while it gained him much 
credit and applause, derided and deejily mortified the 
prisoners, and fairly turned the tables of fun and trick 
upon themselves. The cream of the joke was the 
musket was not loaded, nor had it been in twenty 
years. The young men were asked why they did not 
run off and escape. They answered, " We did not 
know what the old devil would do." 

Another prominent citizen was Arthur Parks, who 
died Aug. 11, 1806, in the seventieth year of his age. 
He was a member of the Provincial Congress, a mem- 
ber of the convention that formed the State constitu- 



tion, and during eleven years he represented the 
middle district in the Senate. 

Among the old Revolutionary soldiers may be men- 
tioned Tennis Van Arsdell. This gentleman lived 
near the Goodwill church, and was at Fort Mont- 
gomery when taken in 1777. The English entered 
the fort after dark, and all the American troops es- 
caped that could find egress from the place. As they 
entered the fort thej' continued the slaughter by 
bayoneting our troops. At the time when Van Ars- 
dell attempted to escape the entrance was pretty well 
blocked up; but in a few minutes, as an English sol- 
dier held a militiaman bayoneted against the wall, he 
let himself down, and slyly passed through between 
the legs of the British soldier and escaped. He then 
took off his clothes and tied them with the gun upon 
his back, swam the river, and afterwards returned 
home in safety. 

A sad incident of the war period was the death of 
Col. Francis Barber : 

"Fislikill, February 7, 17S3. — It is with pain and regret that we men- 
tion the death of Lieut.-Col. Barber, who was unfurtmiately killed at 
camp on the 11th of January. The circumstances whicli led to the un- 
happy catastrophe, we are told, are as follows : Two soldiers were cutting 
down a tree; at the instant he came riding by it was falling, which he 
did not observe till they desired him to take Ciire ; but the surprise was 
so sudden and embarrassed his ideas so much that he reined his hoi'se 
to the unfortunate spot wliere the tree fell, which tore his body in a 
shocking manuer, and put an immediate period to his existence." 

In Barber's "'Historical Collections" this is told 
under the head of Duchess County, as if it happened 
there, whereas it took place in New Windsor, in 
Orange, while the camp was there. He was led into 
the error by finding it in a paper of that county. 
Col. Francis Barber was one of the most elegant 
young men that wore the Continental uniform, and 
the son of old Patrick Barber, of Neelytown. The 
whole county, from far and near, attended his funeral, 
especially from the towns of New Windsor and Mont- 
gomery, and deeply lamented the death of their 
friend and neighbor, as well as of the gallant soldier. 
His remains were interred in Goodwill Cemetery, and 
their resting-place marked by a substantial monument. 

We add the following notice of the Eager family : 
William Eager, the progenitor of the family, came 
from Monaghan, Ireland, about the year 1728 ; went 
into Westchester County, where he stayed thirteen 
years, and then removed to Neelytown. At this day 
very little is known of him. He married Elsa Mc- 
Grada in Ireland, and had two children before emi- 
gration, and one (William) born on the passage. The 
McGrada family were originally Scotch, but had lived 
perhaps one hundred years in Ireland. He lived and 
died on the farm where his son William and grand- 
son, Thomas Eager, lived and died. His children 
were Mary, who married William Monell ; Thomas, 
who married Martha McNeal ; Willium, who married 
Miriam Butler and Ann Bull ; Elizabeth, who married 
James McMunn; Ann, who married John Davis; 
Jane, who married John Harlow. 



MONTGOMERY. 



381 



William Eager (the second), son of the first settler 
of that name, was thirteen years old when the family 
came to Neelytown. He went to school but one 
quarter. He married, quite early in life, Miriam 
Butler, by whom he had one child, and both died 
early. Afterwards he married Ann, the daughter of 
William and Sarah Bull, of Hamptonburgh, then in 
the town of Goshen. Nine children were the fruits 
of this marriage, all of whom grew up and were mar- 
ried except Anthony, who died young. The de- 
scendants of the first settler are now very numerous 
and widely dispersed. AVilliam married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Samuel Watkins, Esq., of Wallkill ; 
Thomas married Margaret, daughter of John Blake, 
Esq., of Neelytown ; Sarah married Capt. James Mc- 
Bride, of Neelytown ; Elsie married John Blake, Esq., 
of Neelytown ; Marj' married Charles Bodine, of 
Montgomery ; Esther married Samuel Dunning, of 
Wallkill; Elinor married Mr. Philip Mowbray, of 
Wallkill; Ann married Elijah McMunn, of Mont- 
gomery ; Anthony died young. 

Alexander Kidd settled probably about 1736, on 
land adjoining that of Archibald Hunter on the north. 
His wife was Jane Calderwood. His children were 
Kobert, Alexander, James, Mrs. Samuel Crawford, 
and Mrs. Alexander Wilson. 

Patrick Barber settled in Montgomery about 1764, 
three miles south of Goodwill church. His children 
were Margaret (Mrs. John Davison), Francis, John, 
William, and Joseph. Three others died in child- 
hood, — Archable, Jane, Samuel. 

Matthew Rhea (the younger) was born Aug. 6, 
1719. His wife was Catharine Hunter. His children 
were Mrs. John Barber, Frances, Stephen, James, 
Matthew, John, Martha, Robert, AVilliam, and David. 

David Jagger was an early settler, date not ascer- 
tained. His children were John, Stephen, David, 
Mary. 

Abraham Dickerson settled here just before the 
Revolution. His wife was Annie Mould. His children 
were Mrs. Jacob Alsdorf, Mrs. Jacob Millspaugh, 
Mrs. Wm. Soper, and Adam Dickerson. 

Nathaniel Hill was an early settler of Crawford, 
near the Dwaars Kill. He had three sons — James, 
W^illiam, and Peter — and six daughters, — Mary, Cath- 
arine, Martha, Margaret, Susanna, and Eleanor. 

The entire population is very accurately shown 
about the time of the war of 1812-16 by the follow- 
ing catalogue of road districts, with the names com- 
prised in each : 

District No. 1, from the town line to the Mont- 
gomery and Minisink turnpike on the west side, and 
from the turnpike to the town line on the east, 
Henry Goetchius (overseer), Wm. White, Matthew 
Goetchius, Adam Crist. 

District No. 2, from the school-house at Adam New- 
kirk's to the old stone house at the State road, Joseph 
Decker (overseer), Henry D. Crist, Daniel Mills- 
paugh, Stephen Crist, Lawrence Crist, Henry P. 



Weller, George I. Sears, James Bodine, John Wallis, 
Phillimy Wade. 

District No. 3, from the town line, past Andrew 
Embler's, to Mayhar Wyton's, Philip Mould (over- 
seer), Adam Newkirk, Andrew Embler, Daniel Tears, 
Stephen Rockafellow, Jacob Newkirk, Abraham New- 
kirk, Johannes Mould, Henry Daly, George Peek. 

District No. 4, from the new road from the Shun- 
pike to George Pitt's, past Mahar Wyton's to the Shun- 
pike, Daniel Shafer (overseer), Frederick Shafer, 

Jonathan Miller, John A. Newkirk, Fenton, 

John Stephens, Moses Bodine, Joseph Caldwell, 

Joseph Pitts, Rufus Weed, John McGregor, 

Lead. 

District No. 5, from the main road to the town 
line, and from John Smith's to the town line south- 
east, Lawrence Crans (overseer), George Pitts, Adam 
Shafer, Abraham Smith, Henry Smith, Alexander 
Barnard, John Crans, Adam Crans, William Embler, 
Adam Embler, Adam Crist, John Rushford. 

District No. 6 (perhaps joint with Crawford), from 
Barkley's Rock, past Daniel Comfort's to the Shun- 
pike, James W. Crawford (overseer), John Whitesides, 
John McCurdy, Moses Crawford, Daniel Pool, Daniel 
Comfort, Archibald McCurdy. 

District No. 7, from the town line, near the Widow 
Millspaugh's, to Barkley's Bock, and from that to the 
turnpike, James McCurdy (overseer), John P. Crist, 
Charles Millspaugh, Bartlett Clement, Adam Book- 
staver, Nicholas Yorks, George Brown, Daniel Wind- 
field, Samuel Stephens, Josiah Monroe, Moses Mills- 
paugh. 

District No. 12, John A. Newkirk, Moses Bodine, 
Daniel Shafer, Jonathan Miller, John Puft", William 
McCord, David Hardenbrook, John Mould, Henry 
Daley, Philip Mould, Adam Newkirk, Peter New- 
kirk, Henry P. Weller, Lawrence Crist, Stephen 
Crist, Henry D. Crist, James Bodine, John Wallace, 
Joseph Decker, Henry Gutcher, Andrew Embler, 
Catharine Puft', Benjamin Crist, George Peck, Alex- 
ander McGregor, Daniel Clearwater, Benjamin Clear- 
water, John Clearwater, George Shars, Benjamin 
Rogers, Joseph Caldwell, Jacob Newkirk. 

District No. 13, Matthias Kimbark, Philip Decker, 
John Robertson, Arthur T. Stansbury, Peter B. Mills- 
paugh, Daniel Wilkin, Jason Wilkin, John Wilkin, 
Joseph Whitten, John Wilson, Hugh McMullen, 
David Rainey, William R. Wiley, James Hill, Na- 
thaniel Hill, Joshua Crawford, Henry Weller, Ann 
Cahill, John Cahill, Thomas Tate, John Tate, An- 
drew N. Williams, Abraham Dickerson, Adam Dick- 
erson, William Wilkin, Thomas Tate, James Raney, 
Samuel Raney, Erwin Galatian, Peter Crowell, Wil- 
liam Whigham, Daniel M. DeWitt. 

District No. 22, Lawrence Crans, John Crans, 
Abraham Smith, Henry Smith, James Warner, Geo. 
Pitts, John Whiteside, James W. Crawford, John 
Stephens, George Peck, Archibald McCurdj', Abra- 
ham Peck, Jacob Sherman, Jr., Jacob Rumph, Abra- 



382 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ham Miller, Isaac Bears, John Hardenbrook, Henrj' 
Miller, Jacob Pitts, Joseph Morris, Joseph Caldwell, 
Matthias Warner, Daniel Comfort. 

The other districts are given in the chapter upon 
the town of Crawford. As the town was not divided 
until some years later, we have been obliged to sepa- 
rate the districts according to the opinion of old citi- 
zens to whom they have been submitted. It may be 
found that some of the districts are joint, considered 
with reference to the present town line. 

Of the early physicians some notes appear in the 
story of early settlement, and other names are in the 
chapter upon the medical profession of the county. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CADWALLADER GOLDEN. 

Under the head of early settlement some notice 
of this distinguished man should be given, though 
the more important points in his career are already 
sketched in the General History. 

He settled at the place named Coldenham, which 
still bears this honorable designation. In the most ex- 
citing times that preceded the Revolution, the known 
honesty of the Lieutenant-Governor as a man and his 
integrity of character as a public officer saved him 
from all personal violence, though his property in 
New York City was sacrificed at the hands of a mob. 

The buildings erected by the Coldens may be sum- 
marily stated as follows : the old stone academy house ; 
the Coldenham stone house on the turnpike ; the' long, 
low house east of the stone house at the foot of the hill ; 
the house known as the Thomas Colden mansion 
north of the turnpike ; the two dwellings east of the 
last one named, owned in later years by David Col- 
den ; and the dwelling on the hill south of the turn- 
pike, occupied in later years by Mr. John Scott. 
The homestead was subsequently deeded by Gover- 
nor Colden to his son, Cadwallader, Jr. Both are 
noticed elsewhere in this work. (See History of New 
Windsor ; also General History — Physicians. ) 



IV.-OKGANIZATION. 

This town was organized under the name of Han- 
over Precinct in the year 1772. Its territorj', in- 
cluding Crawford, was set off from the old precinct of 
Wallkill. The records of Wallkill from 1743 to 
1767 had been already lost, or were left at Mont- 
gomery, and subsequently disappeared. 

Mr. Eager, writing in 1846, quotes as tlie first town- 
meeting the records of 1768. But these were the 
records of Wallkill, and should have remained in the 
office of that town. The book was, however, de- 
stroyed by fire some years ago. We cannot obtain 
the first meeting of Montgomery, but, what is exceed- 
ingly rare, we give (as Mr. Eager did) a meeting five 
years earlier than the first. Some of the names men- 
tioned therein belonged to the present territory of 
Montgomery, including that of Crawford, and we 
therefore catch at Iciist a faint glimpse of that far-off 
period, one hundred and thirteen years ago. 



The loss of valuable records is occurring every 
year, and few are aware, until called upon to notice 
the fact, what important historical materials are lying 
in the town clerks' offices of the State of New Y'ork 
exposed to the accidents of fire. Stowed away in old 
chests or dry-goods boxes, without order or system, 
often purposely destroyed to get them out of the way, 
the materials that would have shown the name and 
very nearly the location of every citizen have been 
yearly diminishing. 

Early assessment-rolls and early road-lists, exceed- 
ingly valuable, are in many cases absolutely unat- 
tainable. Towns can be found in this State where a 
committee has been appointed to officially burn these 
supposed useless papers, forgetting that the older 
these papers are the more valuable they become for 
historical purposes. Great care is now given in this 
State to county records, but town records are in a 
fearful condition of danger, and wasting steadily 
away. On the town record there was this entry : 

" Hanover, April 7, 1772. 
" At A town meeting of tlie inliabitants of Hanover Precinct, held at 
tlie house of Stephen Crist, the act fordividiug the Wallkill Precinct into 
two precincts was publicly read, and the inhabitants proceeded to elect 
their several officers agreeably to said act." . 

As Stated above, from 1767 to 1772 the record con- 
tains the history of the town of Wallkill, together with 
a part of the present town of Hamptonburgh, as far 
east as where Samuel Watkins and James Faulkener 
lived, and of the west portion of New Windsor as far 
east as where Stephen King lived. 

The name of Hanover Precinct continued till 1782, 
when it was changed to " Montgomery Precinct." 
This name continued till 1789, when it was changed 
to the " Town of Montgomery," by which it continues 
to be called. The name was in honor of Gen. Mont- 
gomery, who was killed in the assault on Quebec in 
1775. 

EXTRACT."^ FROM TOWN RECORDS. 

" Kingston, 14th of November. 

" Received of Mr. Joseph Sliooter and Henry Patterson, collectors for 
the precinct of the Wallkill, the sum of One Hundred and Sixty-Eight 
pounds. Fourteen shillings and Eleven pence, Three farthings and Two- 
thirds of a farthing, being in full for Quota of the tax for the said Pre- 
cinct for the year 1767. Abraham Hasbrouok. 

" £168, 14, 11, 3%." 

" j^pril bth^ 1768. — Officers chosen for the eusuing yetir. 
" Major Colden, Supervisor ; John Miller, Clerk ; Patrick Barber, James 
White, Assessors ; Samuel McColm, Constable ; George Smith, Collector ; 
Henry Patterson, Constable and Collector; Thomas Bull, Alex. Trimble, 
Fence Viewers for East side of the kill; J. Robinson, A. McCuniy, 
Fence Viewers for West side of the kill. Poor Masters, C. Booth, jr., 
Wm. Cox, for east and west side of the Wallkill ; Thomas Beaty, James 
Galatian, for the north end of the Precinct." 

ROAD DISTRICTS AND PATHMASTF.HS IN 1767. 

"Lieutenant Crans, Hans Jerry Smith, Andrew Walker, and Jacob 
Crist for the road from Capt. Newkirk to the east side of our precinct to 
the corner of Major Colden. 

*' James McCobb from George Monell's corner to Mr. Booth, then from 
Neelytown to King's. 

" James Reeves from the white-oak bridge to the brook, to Barney 
Roe's bridge. 

*' Jonatlian Webb from the white-oak bridge to the Minisink line. 

" David Current from Barney Roe's brook to Stringham's lane. 



MONTGOMERY. 



383 



"Jacob Crans from Hans Jerry Tice to Lieutenant Crans. 

"James Crawford from Njitlmtiiel Hill's to Wallkill bridge. 

" Henrycon Terwilliger fium Philip JIoul's to Nathaniel Hills. 

"Daniel Butler from John McXears mill to Cox's. 

"James Crawford to Borland's road. 

" Will. Munnel from the northwest line to Campbell's bridge, and from 
Mr. Konerel to the cross-road. 

" Israel Rogers fmm John fllcNeal's mill to Capt. Faulkener's, and the 
road to Dinaps to Israel Rogers. 

" Miligan Segur from the Dwarskill to the Wallkill. 

"Francy Cane from the Precinct line to Smeedis' mill. 

"John Miligau from Snider's mill to Denis McPake, and from John 
Miligan's to Brasher's bridge. 

"Joseph Hathess for that quarter. 

"Tliomiis McCook from the Precinct line to the meeting-house. 

" James Eager from the Honey Pot to Coluell's road. 

"John McConuei-y from his house to Mr. Neal's mill. 

"Daniel Butterfield from the fence of Edward McNeal to Cox's. 

"Jacob Linderuniii from to Hols Lander's road. 

" Jtjlm Patersun from Capt. Newkirk's to James Wilkins. 

" Francis Newman from Dubois' bridge to the road laid out. 

" Mr. Haold from Dubois' bridge down the market road." 

TOW.V OFFICERS FOR 1769. 

"Major Golden, Supervisor; John McLean, David Golden, Assessors; 
Petterus Crans, Thomas Neely, Collectors ; Samuel McColm, Peter Crans, ! 
Constables; George Munuel, Matice Felter, Jolin Semeral, John McNeal, j 
Fence Viewers and Prizeis. 

•'In pursuance of an act of the Gov'r council general assembly of this , 
collony, passed 3TBt of December, 1768, Entitled an act for the Relief of 
the poor in the counties of Ulster and Orange, etc., there are elected aud j 
chosen overseers of the Puur, William Eager and James McGord, and as 
their cleik, John Miller. I 

"And by virtue of the authority given by said act, they, the said In- j 
habitants, did ordain that the overseers shall, whenever application is 
made to them in behalf of any poor person, previous to their admitting 
him to the benefit of the Precinct charity, they shall call a Jury of six 
principal freeholders tu search and enquire of and determine upon the 
justice and propriety thereof, and to certify tlieir approbation of their ad- 
mission, and tliat none shall be admitted without this previous proceed- 
ing, etc., and that they may bind out for the space of one year all such 
male persons who have no visible means of gaining an honest livelihood 
etc., and that the sum of £25 shall be raised for the poor, etc." 

" March 21th, 1770. — There met at the house of Arthur Parks, the under 
named Jury, by order of Jonathan Smith, Esq., to view the accounts 
layd before us by William Eager aud James McCord, overseers of the 
poor of this precinct for the year '60, which is to the amount of £32, 12, 
5, which we allow to be just. (Signed.) Patrick B;»rber, Alexander 
Trimble, Daniel Butterfield, James Barkley, Johaunas Mould, Jacob 
Crist." 

Sl'PPOHT OF POOR. 

" Agreed at town meeting this sixth day of April, 1773, that it shall be 
an Instruction to the overseers of the poor for the future, that when any 
person shall apply to them for maintenance, that they, by advertisement 
affixed in three or more public places, give notice that such poor persons 
are to be boarded out to such persons as will take them for the lowest 
reward, together with the benefit of their labor, etc.; at a certain day 
and place appointed for that purpose, and tliat such persons that are ac- 
cepted as standing poor shall have the letter P affixed on their left 
shoulder. 

" We, the overseei-s of the poor in Hanover Precinct, having advertised 
the sale of Edward Barber, have, agreeable to said advertisement, sold 
the said Barber on the 27th day of April, 1773, to Zacharia Curinton for 
the sum of £14, 10s., or at tliat rate if he should die within the year." 

" 1786. — The overseers of the poor have agreed with Henry Sincebox, 
sen., to keep Wm. Neely for the ensuing year. Said Neely and said Since- 
box are to render an account monthly under oath of all that said Neely 
makes at the end of every month, and remit one-quarter part of that 
sum to the overseers of the poor until said Neely has fully paid the sum 
of £17, 188., ryd. 

" April 1, 1794. — Tlie following persons were sold until the first of April 
next at the following rates: 

"Elanor McCarty to Thomas Scott £6 19*. Od. 

Barbary Peck to Daniel Tears 6 19 

Esther Telman to James Archy 8 2 6 

Thomas Elliot to James Richey 6 " 



Names of Places found on Town Record from 1768 
to 1777, — Neelytowu, White Oak Bridge, Barney Roe's 
Bridge, Wallkill Bridge, John McNeal's Mill, Bra- 
her's Bridge, Campbell's Bridge, Dvvaars Kill, Smedis 
Mill, Honey Pot, Campbell Mill, Stoney Ford, Tinn 
Brock, Lieut. Crans' Bridge, Shawangunk Kill, Sni- 
der's Mill, Decker's Mill, King's Brid<]:e, Luckey's 
Bridge, Sharper's Bridge, Ward's Bridge, John Gil- 
ispie's Mill, Decker's Bridge, Wallkill Meeting House, 
Robert Milligan's Saw Mill, Big Pokanisink, Dick- 
erson's Mill, St. Andrew's Church, the Old Church, 
Wilemantown, Snider's Meeting House, the Fulling 
Mill. 

The following is a record of the first town-meeting 
now preserved in the office, April 5, 1803. The full 
list of officers chosen were Reuben Neely, supervisor ; 
Arthur Parks, town clerk ; Alexander Davis, William 
Crist, David Crawford, assessors; John Conger, col- 
lector; John B. Haines, Joel Dubois, Andrew Graham, 
commissioners of highways; John Conger, Andrew 
Dickerson, overseers of the poor; James Thompson, 
Adam Bodine, constables ; Joshua Woodruff, John 
Neely, Isaac Millspaugh, Daniel Bull, Jacob Newkirk, 
fence-viewers. To these were added fifty-five over- 
seers. 

The list of overseers of highways for 1803 furnishes 
the names of fifty-five citizens in difierent parts of a 
territory now covered by several town organizations, 
as follows : 

No. No. 

L Reuben Turner. 29. William White. 

2. Johu Comfort. 30. Andrew Miller. 

3. Samuel Gillespie. 31. Andrew Graham. 

4. Johu C. Tice. 32. Joseph Whitney. 

5. John A. Newkirk. 33. Thomas Coldeu. 

6. Martinus Crist. 34. Joseph Hunt. 

7. Adam Beamer. 35. William Krwiii. 

8. Johannes Sloot. 30. Tlmmas McKissock. 
it. I>avi I Rainey. 37. ■Williain Smith. 

10. Jubii Cruver. 38. Hugh MilliUeii, Jr. 

11. JohnGiaham. 39. Samuel S.Crawford. 

12. Matthias Kimbark. 4(). David Haine.«. 
i;j. Christian Rumph. 41. Johu Harris. 

14. Benjamin Sears. 42. James Smith. 

15. William Cross. 43. William S. Miller, 

16. Hugh Barkley. 44. John Miller. 

17. Andrew Dixon. 45. John Barber. 

18. Jacob Low. 46. AVilliam Eager, Jr. 

19. Daniel Cahill. 47. Joseph Barber. 

20. Samuel I. Crawford. 48. Tennis Van Arsdale. 

21. Daniel Bull. 49. Hugh Milliken. 

22. John I. Crist. 50. Jacob Schoonmaker. 

23. Matthijts Terwilliger. 51. Isaac Lyons. 

24. Daniel Teara. 52. Joshua Woodruff. 

25. John McCreery. 53. John Neely. 

26. John Crawford. 54. Henry Tice. 

27. Daniel Millspaugh. 55. Cadwallader Coldeu, Jr. 

28. William Gunning. 

PRINCIPAL TOWN OFFICERS, ISOO TO 1880. 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1800-8 Reuben Neely. Arthur Parks. 

1808-9 " " Thomas McNeal. 

1810-18 John Blake, Jr. Adam Bodine. 

1819-21 " *' Charles Borland, Jr. 

1822 " " Daniel Cozens. 

1823-24 *' " Abram Hunter. 

1825 " " Samuel W. Eager. 

1826-27 Samuel W. Eager. Joseph V. Whalen. 

1828-32 *' '* Philip Millspaugh, 

1833 Nathaniel P. Hill. 



384 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1834 Edward Bhike. Isaac Jennings. 

1835-37 " " George \V. Oakley. 

1838 " *' Jatiies Hoey, Jr. 

1830 James Galatian. " '* 

1840 " " Elislia P. Wheeler. 

1K41-42 William Blake. James Hoey. 

1843 " " James \V. Sears. 

1^44-45 William Graham. " *' 

1846 Stephen Rapalje. " " 

1847-48 Joshua G. Hallock. " " 

1849 Lindley M. Ferris. " '* 

1850-51 .lohaniies M. Hunter. " " 

1852 Stephen liapalje. " " 

1853-54 " " Christopher S. Coleman. 

1855 " '* Frederick Kimbark. 

1856 " " Samuel C. Smith. 

1867-58.; '■ " Joseph V. Comfort. 

1859-62 " *' Benjamin B. Johnston. 

1863 Marcus K. Hill. 

1864-69 Stephen Kapalje. " " 

1870-71 " " Joseph C. Mould. 

1872 " " Bradner Smith. 

1873-74 Daniel M. Wade. 

1875-76 Marcus K. Hill. Thomas W. Senior. 

1877-78 Charles J. Van Alst. Jacob Sears, Jr. 

1879 Robert Young. Thomas W. Senior. 

1880 " " C. Fred Luquer. 

.TUSTK'ES OF THE PEACE. 

1830, Daniel Lawson ; 1831, James Jessnp; 1S32, Samuel W. Eager; 1833, 
Joseph V. Wlielan ; 1834, Hiram E. Conger ; 1835, Cornelius Neafie ; 
1836, Samuel W. Eager; 1837, Joseph V. Whalen, Daniel Lawson; 
1838, James A. Wilkin ; 1839, Cornelius Neafie; 1840, Hiram Eager, 
1841, Hiram E. Conger, Henry Welch; 1842, Hiram Kane: 1843, 
Marcus K. Hill; 1844, John D. Morrison; 1S45, Hiram E. Conger; 
1846, Hiram Kane, Hiram E. Conger; 1847, Marcus K. Hill, Hugh 
B. Bull, Joseph V. Whelan; 1848, Hugh B. Bull; 1849, Hiram E. 
Conger; 1850, Joseph V. Whalen; 1851, M.wcus K. Hill; 1852, 
George W. MilUpaugh; 1863, Moses Smith, Henry II. McElheny; 
1854, H\igh B, Bull ; 1 855, John D. Coc ; 1 856, Alexander Ki.ld ; 1867, 
Bloses Smith, George S. Little, James T. Kane ; 1858, Hugh B. Bull ; 
1859, James T. Kane; 1S60, Kenwick Gillespie; 1861, John B. 
Decker, John L. Hart ; 1862, Hunh B. Bull ; 1803, John A. Bowden; 
1864, John L. Hart ; 18G6, John B. Decker, Joseph V. Whalen ; 1866, 
Hugh B. Bull ; 1867, Allen Mead; 1868, John L. Hart ; 1SG9, Joseph 
M. Leeper; 1870, Frederic Bodine; 1871, John C. Holbrow; 1872, 
John L. Hart; 1873, Allen Mead; 1874, Frederic Bodine; 1875, 
John C. Holbrow; 1876, John L. Hart; 1877, Allen Mead; 187.8, 
Frederic Bodine; 1870, A. K. Wade; 1880, John L. Hart, Augustus 
S. Tears. 



V.-VILLAGES. 
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE 
is situated on the Wallkill, in the southern part of 
the town. It was settled at an early date. As already 
shown, Henry Crist, Stevanus Crist, and Matthias 
Millspaugh had settled upon the west side of the 
Wallkill. Johannes Mingus had built a grist-mill. 
James Ward afterwards bought this property, and also 
200 acres on which this village now stands. His mill 
was on the site owned in later years by the Messrs. 
Luquer. The bank there was high and steep, and 
the mill being at the water's edge was difficult of 
approach. The grain-bags were either thrown down 
from the bank and up from the mill-door or let down 
and up by a rude swing or tackle. Mr. Ward, to en- 
able settlers on the other side to come to his mill, 
built a rude bridge over this stream, and this was the 
first bridge in all this vicinity. The place became 
known as Ward's Bridge, and under that uame the 
first post-office was established. 

The village stands mainly on the Archibald Ken- 
nedy Patent, in which James Clinton and William 
Cross obtained an intere.st, and on which they laid 
out, in the language of a deed before us, " a small 



town called Montgomery town." The village took 
the name of Montgomery from this plat, although the 
name of the town was in honor of Gen. Montgomery. 
Other early settlers of this village were John Mc- 
Faught, David Crist, John McKinstry, Matthew 
Hunter, Samuel Smith, Arthur Parks, and Oolis 
Shulp. Parks c*t McGarrow constituted a mercantile 
firm, and kept store on the corner where subsequently 
old Mr. Smedes lived, and in later years the Messrs. 
Luquer. James Ward, the early settler, lived in a log 
cabin near the end of the bridge, on the site of the 
residence in more modern times of Abraham Colwell. 
Samuel Smith's house was on the lot occupied in later 
years by Abner Bookstaver. Arthur Park's residence 
was where John L'Hommedieu afterwards lived. 
Oolis Shulp lived in the hollow on the turnpike east 
of Mr. Parks. He had first located at the Harrison 
settlement, mentioned elsewhere, but soon removed 
to this village. He was the father of Hans Shulp, 
a well-known Revolutionary soldier, who lived to a 
great age in this town. 

The village was incorporated by a special act 
passed Feb. 17, 1810. The first meeting was held 
March 6, 1810. The trustees chosen were Hugh 
Lindsey, Benjamin Sears, Reuben Neely, John Misser, 
Thomas McNear; the a.ssessors were James Smith, 
Charles Parks, Francis Boyd ; the treasurer, Wil- 
liam H. Wesser; Daniel McNear, collector; Josejjh 
Conklin, Joseph Nicholson, Walter Mead, fire- 
wardens. The following is a list of the village officers 
from 1810 to 1880: 



Presidents. 

1810. Hugh Lindsey. 

1811. " 
1812-13. " 

1814. Peter A. Millspaugli. 

1815. Beiijfiniin Sears. 
ISlfi. Juhannes Miller. 

1817. Adam Bodine. 

1818. Jusiiiia Conger. 
1819-2(1. Chas. Borland, Jr. 
1821. Johannes Miller. 
1822-25. " 

1826. Daniel Cozens. 

1827-28. Juhannes Miller. 

1829-31. 

1832. Charles Borland, Jr. 

1833. 

1834. Isaac Jennings. 

1835. 

1836. " '* 

1837-38. Chas. Borland, Jr. 

1839. 

1840. " " 

1841. " " 

1842. " " 
1S43. 

1S44. J. A. L'Hommedieu. 
1846-48. " 

1849. Johannes M. Hunter. 

1850. Isaac Jennings. 

1851. Abraham Caldwell. 
1852-54. Isaac Jennings. 
1855. Jacob Morris. 
185'i. George Eager, Sr. 
1857. Francis Colwell. 
1858-60. George Eager, Sr. 



Clerks. 
William Gorham. 
John Gorham. 
Johannes Miller. 

Daniel M. Frye. 



Isaac Jennings. 
John Sears. 

Peter B. Eager. 

Pliilip Millspaugh. 

Samuel B. Bell. 
James W. Sears. 

Isaac Jennings. 
James W. Sears. 



Treasurers. 
Wm. H. Weller. 



David Ruggles. 
Walter Mead. 



Stephen Preston. 
Walter Mead-. 



Joshua Conger. 



Isaac Jennings. 
Wm. E. Luquer. 
Isaac Jennings. 
Jacob C. Tunker. 
J. A. L'Hommedieu. 
Abner Bookstaver. 

James Hoey. 
Abner Bookstaver. 
Abner Madden. 
Abner Bookstaver. 
Bobert R. ThompsoD. 
Abner Bookstaver. 



Stephen Preston. 
James W. Sears. 



MONTGOMERY. 



385 



PresideDts. 


Clerks. 


Treasurers. 


1861. Wm. L. McKinney. 


James W. Sears. 


James W. Sears. 


i8G2. 


., 


Henry \. McNeal. 


1863. Abner Buokstaver. 


" 


Wm. L. McKinney. 


1864. Wm. E. Luqucr. 


Wm. L. McKinney. 


Const. W. Wadsworth. 


1805. Daniel M. Wade. 


" 


Abner Bookstaver. 


1866. " 


" 


Henry V. McNeal. 


1867-68. Allen Mead. 


" " 


" " 


1869-70. Pliili]' D. Crist. 


(t (( 


" " 


1871. Henry Sears, 


it ti 


" " 


1872. Daniel M. Wade. 


" " 


t( « 


1873. Walter J. Mead. 


" " 


" " 


1874. 


" " 


John L. Hait. 


1875. 


>• I. 


Henry V. BIcNeal. 


1876. Daniel F. Bull. 


" 


John L. Hait. 


1877-79. Thomas H. Senior 


" " 


" 


1880. Charles J. Kidd. 


" " 


Daniel M. Wade. 



Trmlees (Dec. 1880).— John P. Sears, Sylvester J. Morris, Nelson Crist, 
William McNeal, Charles J. Kidd. 

Atsesnors. — William L. McKinney, William A. Parks, George T. Over- 
liiser. 

(.'"Uei:U»\ — George W. Dusenbnry. 

Treastirer. — Daniel M. Wade. 

Police Justice. — Frederick Bodine.* 

Fire-Wardem. — James Eager, Simon B. Morris, Daniel A. Shafer, 
Francis C. Decker, William Odell. 

Inspectors of Elections. — John L. D. Eager, James Scott, Charles Sears. 

Street Commiitsioiter, — J. N. Bothic. 

The first village tax raised was $60, soon after the 
incorporation. It was voted to have a market-house 
20 by 12, and March 11, 1812, it was voted to raise 
$100 for that purpose. April 20, 1814, $200 were ap- 
propriated to purchase a fire-engine. Oct. 24, 1816, 
a committee reported that there were eleven ladders 
on hand. March 20, 1821, four firemen were ap- 
pointed, — Ebenezer Clark, James Newton, Henry 
Conger, John C. Millspaugh. At that time an 
engine-house is mentioned. 

The amount of the tax for this current year (1880) 
is $849.82 regular appropriations, and $37;) for fire 
purposes. The village has one fire-engine company, 
known as Wallkill, No. 2, of which the foreman is 
James Eagan, and the assistant foreman James Han- 
Ion. There are about 40 members. There is also a 
hose company, of which William Titus is foreman, 
and Ferris Hulse assistant. It has about 14 members. 

The village has several hotels, a number of stores 
apparently doing a good business, the mill enter- 
prises mentioned elsewhere, schools, churches, and 
many pleasant private residences. If it has been 
somewhat overshadowed in late years by its younger 
sister on the north with its stronger manufactories, it 
is nevertheless one of the old historic villages of the 
county, and .sustains well its former standing. The 
principal business places as shown in the advertising 
columns of the enterprising village paper, published 
by Lester Winfield, are the following: 

George Peck, lamps, chandeliers, French china, 
plated ware, etc. ; W. H. Senior & Co., dry-goods, 
ready-made clothing ; John A. Powell, manufacturer 
of organs ; A. B. Leggett, physician and surgeon ; 
F. Bodine, attorney and counselor; J. N. Bothic, 

* Klected, but the term of Allen Mead had not e.\pired. The latter 
was the fir^t and only police justice. 



running a market express to Newburgh ; Charles 
Sears, "champion meat dealer;" John J. Sears, under- 
taking and cabinet making ; C. F. Luquer, watch- 
maker, jeweler, and dealer in gold and silver-plated 
ware ; T. H. Ward, merchant tailor ; Stratton & Titus, 
grist-mill and saw-mill ; William S. Hanlon, harness- 
shop and horse goods generally; F. Kimbark, fash- 
ionable tailor; Samuel Giles, blacksmith-shop ; Van- 
deroof & Son, coal and lumber; Mrs. M. B. Tuttle, 
millinery ; Harrison Smith, painter ; F. Kimbark, 
barber; Jacob Tears, toys and holiday goods ; J. C. 
Mould, groceries and provisions. 

The present postmaster is George Eager, who has 
held the office from 1861 to 1881. Before him was 
Francis E. Caldwell for about eight years. C. S. 
Coleman held the ofiice during the Taylor-Fillmore 
administration, 1849 to 1853. From 1840 to 1848, 
James W. Sears was the incumbent of the office. 
John P. Sears had preceded him for many years, prob- 
ably nearly from 1800. (See General History, " Trade 

and Commerce.") 

WALDEN 

is the most thriving and important village in town. 
It is situated on the Wallkill, at the High Falls, and 
was known for many years by that name. Settle- 
ments began at Walden many years before the Eevo- 
lution. James Kidd is said to have built a grist-mill at 
the very foot of the falls, on the east side, the date of 
which is uncertain. In 1768 it appears from certain 
town records to have been owned by or in the pos- 
session of Johannes Decker. In 1789 it was owned 
by Cadwallader Colden, Jr., son of Maj. Cadwallader 
Colden, and grandson of the Lieutenant-Governor. 
This property was afterwards occupied for a cotton- 
factory. Stephen Gilbert erected another mill, not 
far from the same time, lower down. This was prob- 
ably on the site of the grist-mill recently burned. 

Other early settlers on the site of Walden or in its 
immediate vicinity were Francy Cane, Hugh Milligan, 
Jacob Bodine and his sons, Charles and Lewis, Jona- 
than Low, Peter Bodine, Conrad Moore, AVilliam 
Bodine, Robert Kidd, Thomas Clineman, and William 
Erwin. 

The place is named in honor of Jacob T. Walden, 
who formerly resided there and was the president of 
a company which purchased the water-power and a 
large tract of land which had previously been owned 
by William Erwin, and earlier still by Mr. Gatehouse. 
His energy and untiring perseverance did much to 
build up the place, introduce manufactures, and es- 
tablish its prosperity on an enduring basis. 

The principal manufacturing establishments are 
given under the head of " Industrial Enterprises." 

The village has had a rapid modern growth. All 
of the brick houses — and there are now a large num- 
ber — have been built within about twelve years. 
There are many handsome villa residences on some 
of the beautiful heights on both sides of the Wallkill 
River. The latter is spanned by two handsome iron 



386 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bridges. The village was incorporated by a special 
act passed April 9, 1855. The first village meeting 
under the act was called by George W. Millspaugh, 
justice of the peace, and was held April 14, 1855, at the 
house of Jacob D. Millspaugh. The officers chosen 
at that time were the following: Augustus F. Sco- 
field, Marcus C. Hill, Milton Millspaugh, Giles An- 
drews, Levi L. Gowdy, trustees ; Seth M. Capron, 
John G. Woolsey, George M. Embler, assessors ; 
Nicholas T. Clearwater, treasurer ; Mordecai Homan, 
collector; John S. Gray, James Holbrow, John B. 
Tears, fire-wardens. 

At the first meeting of the board of trustees, April 
20th, Augustus F. Scofield was chosen president, and 
George W. Millspaugh clerk. A. F. Scofield and M. 
R. Hill were appointed a committee to draft by-laws. 
Regular meetings of the board were voted to be held 
on the first Tuesday of each month. May 11, 1855, 
a full set of by-laws was passed, and the organization 
of the village government was duly completed. 

The principal oflicers from 1855 to 1880 have been : 



President. 
1855. Augustus F. Scofield. 
1856. 

1857. " 

1858. 
1859-01. " 

1862. Marcus K. Hill. 

1863. .\ugu8tus F. Scofield. 
1864-69. " " 
1870. 

1871. C. D. Wooley. 

1872. Marcus K. Hill. 

1873. Wni. B. Abbott. 
1874-75. Thos. J. Bradley. 

1876. Alfred Bateman. 

1877. T. D. Barker. 

1878. •• 

1879. M. Littell. 

1880. John C. Scofield. 



Clerk. 
Geo. W. Millspaugh. 
Henry Gowdy. 



David 1)111. 
John C. Scofield. 



Robert W. Sutcliff. 
J. R. McCullough. 



R. H. SuHiff. 
J. C. Bogert.* 
R. H. Sutlifl'. 

J. K. McCullough. 



Treasurer. 
Nicli. T. Cleai-water. 

Wm. S. Parks. 
George Kilner. 
Joseph G. Millspaugh. 

Ebenezer W. Knapp. 
Selh M. Caprou. 
L. L. Gowdy. 
Marcus K. Hill. 
Luther Lefevre. 
Marcus K. Hill. 
George W. Stoddard. 



Police justices were first chosen under the amended 
act of 1839, and have been as follows : 

1869, A. H. Saxe; 1871, A. H. Saxe; 1872, N. K. Wade; 1873, C. D. 
Wooley; 1874-76, J. C. Holbrow; 1877-78, A. S. Tears; 1870-80, J. 
L. Hart. 

The list of officers for current year (1880-81) is as 
follows: John C. Scofield, N. J. Fowler, J. W. Wil- 
kinson, George Bingley, M. Littell, trustees ; J. E. 
McCullough, clerk ; J. L. Hart, police justice ; J. 
Best, C. Birch, O. Moffatt, assessors ; Andrew Bradley, 
collector ; G. W. Stoddard, treasurer ; S. Bardsley, 
T. B. Jordan, W. S. Parks, inspectors of election ; 
M. Littell, street commissioner; Daniel Torbush, 
police constable and pound-keeper. 

Before the incorporation of the village a fire com- 
pany had been in existence under an organization 
known as " Walden Fire Incorporation." The books, 
papers, and property were transferred to the village 
trustees, and the latter voted a tax of .f>250 to pay up 
the debts of the existing Fire Department and $40 for 

* Declined, and R. H. Sutliff appointed. 



I ladders and carts. Money was subsequently raised 
for the purchase of an engine-house for the company. 
I Under date of March 4, 1865, the following officers 
of the fire contpany were reported : Chief Engineer, 
Daniel Torbush ; Assistant Engineer, W. H. Tears ; 
Foreman, Jacob Bradwell ; Assistant Foreman, M. B. 
Tears ; Secretary, Theron L. Millspaugh ; Tre:isurer, 
Harvey Trickett. 

At present (December, 1880) there is one fire com- 
pany existing, known as " Enterprise, No. 1," in charge 
of a steam fire-engine, the best made. The company 
is uniformed, all their apparatus is in excellent order, 
and they are ready for efficient action either at parades 
or actual service at fires. 

The Fire Department is organized as follows : Gran- 
ville Crist, chief engineer; John R. Hayes, first as- 
sistant engineer ; James L. Crawford, second assistant 
engineer. Company officers : J. R. McCullough, fore- 
man; Caleb Birch, first assistant foreman; John Luck- 
ley, second assistant foreman ; George H. Roat, sec- 
retary ; P. Van Buren, treasurer. In charge of the 
engine : John W. Weller, first engineer ; Charles 
Smalls, second engineer ; Joseph Oldham, third engi- 
neer ; William Hatch, fireman ; Thomas Storms, a;*- 
sistant fireman ; John H. Vandemack, steward ; John 
W. Weller, chairman. 

For a time the village was lighted by gas, but the 
enterprise was not j)ecuniarily successful, and the 
company was disbanded. 

The Taylor & Bateman coal and lumber yard is 
conveniently situated near the railroad. They are 
also proprietors of the Walden Steam-Mill, and 
dealers in flour, feed, grain, grass-seed, lime, cement, 
and building supplies generally. 

The post-office was established many years ago. 
Mr. E. W. Knapp is the present postmaster, and has 
held the office nearly twenty years. He was preceded 
by Marcus K. Hill. Earlier still was James Kidd. 

Embler's grist-mill was burned a few years ago, and 
has not been rebuilt. He has a saw-mill, which was 
not destroyed and is still running. 

The Eagle Hotel, C. .Tohnson, proprietor, was built 
in 1823 by Jesse Scofield. It is a well-known house, 
and a favorite stopping-place for travelers. The St. 
Nicholas is a later-built house, and is a large and 
commodious hotel. 

The principal stores and other business places of 
Walden, as shown by the advertising columns of the 
village paper, are T. E. Newkirk, drugs, medicines, 
toilet articles, lamps, cigars, etc. ; H. B. Wooster, 
grocery-store ; Caleb Birch, boots, shoes, hats, and 
caps; W.H.Wood, general furnishing undertaker; 
Sears Brothers, dry-goods, provisions, groceries, 
crockery, and glassware; Walker & Eaton (West 
Walden), dry-goods, groceries, grass-seed, wooden- 
ware, etc. ; T. Cockroft, confectionery, domestic nuts, 
cigars, toys, etc. ; the palace photographic car ; John 
R. Hays, hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods, and 
ready-made clothing; E. W. Knapp, postmaster, sta- 



MONTGOMERY. 



387 



tionery, school-books, newspapers, and periodicals; 
T. D. Barker, harness, blankets, and robes ; McCul- 
lough & Tate, groceries and provisions ; G. V. Tears, 
boots and shoes ; Stoddard & Rutherford, general in- 
surance agents; H. E. Stoutenburgh, watchmaker 
and jeweler; William Alcock, watches and jewelry ; 
Frank Pultz, stationery, sheet music ; Irving H. 
Loughran, attorney and couuselor-at-law ; Dawson & 
Rowland, millinery and fancy goods ; T. L. Mills- 
paugh, carpets, oil-cloths, furniture ; Fowler's hard- 
ware-store and agricultural implements. 

The Walden Herald is a neat village paper, and is 
now in its eleventh volume, Jlr. Chaunoey A. Reed 
editor and proprietor. It is conducted with vigor, 
and has evidently come to stay. 

8T. ANDREW'S 
is a hamlet situated in the northeast part of the town, 
not far from the line of New Windsor. It derives its 
name and most of its historical importance from the 
fact that it was the seat of an early Episcopal church 
known as St. Andrew's, which is now located at 
Walden. The early development of the water-power 
led to the growth of a large village at Walden, and 
changed the current of trade and other business from 
St. Andrew's. A post-office is still maintained there, 
and James A. Coe is postmaster. Tliere is also a 
hotel there, kept by John McKinney. 

COLDENHAM 
is in the southeast part of the town, near the New 
Windsor line. Its name is derived from the Golden 
family, among whom there were several members of 
much prominence, of whom a full account has already 
been given. This little hamlet in late years has of 
course had nothing of the importance of former times, 
when it was the home of the Lieutenant-Governor and 
acting chief magistrate of the colony of New York. A 
hotel, a small number of shops, stores, and private 
dwellings constitute the village of to-day. 

ALLARD'S COR.NERS 
is a hamlet in the northwest part of the town, where 
a post-office was established some years ago for the 
convenience of quite a section in this town and in 
Ulster County. 

SCOTT TOWX 
was recognized in former years as a neighborhood with 
a special name, though scarcely so at the present time. 
It was described as situated " on the Nevvburgh and 
Cochecton turnpike, four miles east of the village of 
Montgomery, where there used to be a turnpike-gate." 
Samuel Monell was gate-keeper, and Mr. John .Scott 
resided there, kept a store, and from him the name is 
derived. 

SCOTT'S CORNERS 

must not be mistaken for the above. The Corners are 
about one and a half miles east of Montgomery vil- 
lage. It was named from John F. Scott, who kept 



store at this place, as his father, John Scott, did at 
the other mentioned above. 

KEISEUTOWN 

was the name formerly attached to a settlement, and 
at the present time to a school district, in the south- 
west part of this town, on the Wallkill, three miles 
from Montgomery. It was a Dutch settlement. To 
this simple rural hamlet Mr. Eager, in his history of 
this county, devotes the following amusing para- 
graph : 

"Thougli on the banks of the Wallkill, in this repnblicau county, we 

find ourselves unexpectedly in royal company, in the very presence of 

the Ca'sars. The name of Keiser is of blood royal descent, direct from 

I Csesar. An example; Keiserluter, in the Lower Palatinate, is Cn.'sariopolis 

in Latin. 

"The Grand Kmperor of Itussia is a Keiser, and clnims it by calling 
himself the Czai' of all the Russias, which is nothing less than calling 
himself Ca*sar, Iving, Keiser in his own native Russ, the language of 
his country. The name, therefore, is good Dutch, and the emigraots im- 
ported it when they came. Keisertown consequently is an Imperial 
City, the town of a King, the city of Ciesar." 



VI.— SCHOOLS. 

The modern system of public schools having been 
inaugurated in the State by the law of 1812, this town, 
at the annual meeting of 1813, complied with the con- 
ditions of the statute and elected as school commis- 
sioners Wm. Crist, Joseph I. Houston, and Abraham 
A. Thompson. Others who served one or more years 
each during the ])eriod from 1812 to 1844 were the 
following: Frederick Millspaugh, Nathaniel P. Hill, 
Wm. W. Crawford, Jonathan Mould, Alexander 
Thompson, Jr.. Adam Dickerson, George Eager, Wil- 
liam Jackson, Henry Dubois, Daniel Lawson, Henry 
Dubois, David Lawrence, Charles Borland, Jr., Abra- 
ham Crist, Isaac Jennings, William Graham, James 
Jessup, George Welles, John J. Scott, Thomas Cline- 
man, Robert Mead, Cornelius Neafie, Moses Smith, 
Joseph V. Whalen, John Kelly, Gideon Pelton. 
During the same period the following persons served 
one or more years each as inspectors of schools : An- 
drew King, Moses Froeligh, William Powell, Isaac Van 
Doren, Arthur I. Stansbury, David Mason, Charles 
Borland, Jr., Samuel W. Eager, Henry I. Harden- 
brook, Wm. H. Weller, Charles Winfiekl. Daniel W. 
Frye, Absalom Bull, James C. Cook, Isaac Jennings, 
John L. Lyon, David Ruggles, Joseph V. Whalen, 
Fred. J. Betts, George Eager, Archibald Smith, John 
Sears, Philip Millspaugh, Martin Lewis, Hiram E. 
Conger, .lacob C. T<ioker. 

Under the system of supervision by town superin- 
tendents, from 1844 to 185tj the following were the 
incumbents of the office in Montgomery : 

1844-46, Peter T. Clearwater; 1847-48, George W. Millspaugh; 1849, 
Peter T. Clearwater; lS.il, James T. Kane; 1853-65, Alexander 
Beattie. 

In 1856 all control of the schools by town authority 
ceased, .supervision being transferred to the Assembly 
District Commissioners. 



388 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The report for the year ending June 15, 1S16, showed 
996 children between the ages of five and fifteen. 

MONTGOMERY ACADEMY. 

The subscription to found this academy is dated in 
1787, and contains 277 names, subscribing from 4s. to 
£6, and covered a popuhition of fifteen miles square. 
The sum subscribed amounted to £319, and the sub- 
scribers appointed the following persons trustees: 
Arthur Parks, Benjamin Sears, Adam Crans, .Tacob 
Newkirk, Henrick Smith, Johannes Miller, Hendrick 
Van Keuren, William Jackson, James Jackson, 
Philip Millspaugh, Martinas Crist, Matthew Hunter, 
and Gideon Pelton. 

The trustees purchased a frame already put up 
several miles distant, as they could get it for some 
small sum, made a frolic, and carted it down to the 
village. This was but the work of a day in those 
patriotic and free-will times. The building was en- 
tirely put up and finished. The teacher they wished 
to employ (the Rev. Alexander Miller, of New Jer- 
sey) was married, had a family and horse, and could 
not come unless they could be accommodated as well 
as himself. The trustees doubled their exertions, 
built a kitchen adjoining the academy, put up a 
stable, and permitted Mr. Miller to live in the ground- 
floor, tendered him £80 for the first year, and after 
that all he could make, which was accepted. The 
school opened with fair prospects, and has been in as 
flourishing condition ever since as any country acad- 
emy in the State. Among its early teachers we name 
Nathaniel Howell, Nathan H. White, Reuben Neely 
and William H. Weller. Tuition was from £.5 to £2 
per year, according to what the pupil studied. 

This building, never very substantial, was removed 
in 1818, and the present brick edifice put up in its 
place at an expense of over $.5000. The institution 
had some funds on hand, a rare fact at this day, which, 
with .filSOO raised by subscription and $2000 of quit- 
rents on three patents in this county then uncan- 
celed, enabled the trustees to complete this noble 
educational structure. The building is 60 by 40 feet, 
two stories high, with a small cellar for coal and 
wood. Each story is divided into two rooms, a large 
and small one. The institution was incorporated 
April 1.3, 1792. There are but three academies in 
the St.ate older than this. 

This academy is still an important institution of 
the town, as it was in earlier years. 

Like all similar institutions, there have been times 
when it was not as prosperous as at others, but a 
school of excellent character has been maintained. 
The large and convenient building erected so many 
years ago has been kept in good repair. It was 
thoroughly refitted a few years since at an expense of 
about $600. Its academic character is maintained. 
It has never yielded to the modern custom of confis- 
cating academies for the benefit of a school district. 
The present board of trustees consists of Dr. L. M. 



Crawford, president; J. M. Wilkin, secretary; T. L. 
Jackson, treasurer; Rev. F. S. Schenck, J. O. Miller, 
C. J. Mould, Rev. H. C. Earl, Henry Bergen, W. H. 
Senior, Rev. J. M. Dickson, Rev. J. C. Forsythe, D. 
M. Wade, F. Bodine, Rev. P. H. Milliken. The 
present principal is Prof David L. Rouse. 

MONTGOMERY PUBLIC SCHOOL. 
This is under the charge of three trustees. A con- 
venient building was erected a few years since, with 
rooms for three teachers. The teachers now em- 
ployed, winter term of 1880-81, are Daniel C. Car- 
vey, principal ; Miss Adelia Sears, Miss Josephine 
Haviland, assistants. 

THE WALDEX UNION FREE SCHOOL 

has a good building, erected in 1859, adapted to three 
departments. The present teachers are William 
Abell, principal ; Miss Emily W. Kidd, Miss Fanny 
Stewart, and Miss Mary A. Hart, assistant teachers. 

The present Board of Education are Dr. T. Mills- 
paugh, president ; Dr. William A. Loughran, C. D. 
Wooley, James S. Eaton, T. W. Bradley, George T. 
Wooster; A. S. Tears, clerk. 

Among those active in effecting the free-school 
organization and members of the first board were 
J. B. Tears, EbenezerKnapp, Dr. Thomas Millspaugh, 
and others. J. B. Tears has been president of the 
board most of the time since the organization. 



VII.-CHURCHES. 

This town is the seat of several churches of ancient 
date. Their records combined show how strong were 
the Christian elements which entered into the char- 
acter of the early settlers. To found a church was 
the next thing after building the rude pioneer houses 
for their families. 

In the general chapter on churches some of the 
earlier religious organizations have been referred to 
at some length, and we shall therefore be pardoned 
if we indulge in some repetitions. 

THE GOODWILL PRESBYTERIA* CHURCH. 
This church, an elaborate and valuable history of 
which has lately been given to the public by the 
present pastor, the Rev. J. M. Dickson, is the oldest 
in the town. It was planted by the Scotch-Irish set- 
tlers, who for years made tlieir influence so widely felt, 
not merely in their own and neighboring communi- 
ties, but also in the affairs of the nation. Their in- 
coming dates from about 1724-25, though some of the 
pioneers of the colony purchased land here as early 
as 1721. Their early history is to a great extent in- 
volved in obscurity, their influence rather than their 
records having been handed down to posterity. The 
early records of the church are all lost. From the 
records of the Synod of Philadelphia, however, it ap- 
pears that in September, 1729, they had a commis- 
sioner, in the person of John McNeal, in said Sj'nod 



MONTGOMERY. 



389 



iu Philadelphia to secure supplies of preaching among 
them, and that they were referred by the Synod to the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia. Whether they had at 
this time any formal organization as a church cannot 
be ascertained, as tlie early records of the Presbytery 
of Philadelphia are also lost. 

1729 has therefore been-taken as the year from which 
to reckon the age of the church, and in September, 
1879, its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary was 
celebrated by the Presbytery of Hudson, the ultimate 
successor in this field of the Presbytery which took 
it under its care a century and a half before. The 
one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settle- 
ment, from which, considering the religious character 
and habits of the people, some would date the com- 
mencement of the church, might have been celebrated 
some four or five years sooner. 

This community early took to itself the name "The 
People of Wallkill," or " Wallakill," as the name ap- 
pears in some of the older documents, no doubt from 
their contiguity to the Wallkill Eiver, and the name 
afterwards extended to their precinct, and is still pre- 
served as a territorial designation in the town of W^all- 
kill. The church very naturally went for long years 
by the name of the Wallkill Church, though Good- 
will is the name incorporated in the deed of the 
ground on which the cliurch stands, dated Nov. 9, 1741, 
and was probably its corporate uame from the first. 
The territory which contributed to its membership 
came to be very extensive as the settlement enlarged, 
and hence it is not strange to find this a mother of 
churches, as many as seven or eight having more or 
less directly sprung from it, some through bitter con- 
troversy and some in the natural order of growth. 

Hou.SES OF Worship. — In the deed of a highway 
from the town of Shawangunk to the Goshen line oc- 
curs the following in describing the route, "by or 
neare the Meeting House now erecting neare the set- 
tlement of Adam Graham." The date of this is Sept. 
1, 1735. This is the first church building of which 
there is any record, and the above is the only mention 
of it that has been preserved. Mr. Dickson, the his- 
torian of the church, reasons, from " the character of 
the people and the customs of the early settlers, " that 
there must have lieen some rude structure in use pre- 
vious to this, which the congregation had already 
outgrown. 

The next building was erected iu 1765, which Mr. 
Dickson claims is still standing and constitutes the 
main frame-work of the present structure. To this 
there was an addition made some years later, with an 
elevated steeple, in connection with the building of 
which there was probably a general remodeling of the 
house, the date of which is not known. In 1830 this 
building was again remodeled, the aforementioned 
addition, with its steeple, taken away, with the gal- 
leries that had extended around three sides of the 
audience-room, and the pulpit taken down from its 
exalted position on one side and placed at the end of 



the room opposite the entrance, which from this time 
was only from the south. The cost of these repairs 
is recorded as "$1230.99." 

In 1871 this structure was again remodeled, and 
this time enlarged by an addition in front which con- 
stitutes a commodious vestibule and choir gallery, and 
from which rises, as in olden times, a spire. The 
main building was also made entirely new internally, 
stained-glass windows put in, and a heater placed in 
a basement. The cost of this work was not far from 
$8000. It is now one of the neatest structures to be 
found anywhere in the county. 

Pastors. — This church has had eight installed pas- 
tors. The first was the Rev. Joseph Houston. He 
was a native of Ireland, and was educated in Scotland. 
He served the Elk Eiver Church in Maryland as pas- 
tor from 1724 till 1739. He was installed pastor of 
this church in 1740, probably in January, and was 
removed by death October 29th of the same year. 
Very little is known of the parties who occasionally 
ministered here previous to this time. History con- 
nects the name of the Kev. Samuel Gelston with this 
church, but with a good deal of indefiniteness. " His 
labors here," says Mr. Dickson, " whatever their ex- 
tent, could not have been earlier than 1732 or '33, and 
not later than 1734." According to the records of the 
Synod of Philadelphia, of Sept. 23, 1735, this church, 
in connection- with the church at Bethlehem, had 
called the Rev. Isaac Chalker, but this church had 
afterwards refused to receive him, and the case had 
come up from the Presbytery to the Synod for final 
adjustment. 

The second pastor was the Rev. John Moffatt, a 
native of Ireland, and a graduate of Nassau Hall iu 
1749, who was here ordained and installed in 1751. 
Previous to this, or May 26, 1743, the church had 
called the Rev. Samuel Cavin, but for some reason 
he was not installed. Mr. Moffatt's ministry ended 
somewhere between 1765 and 1769. During its con- 
tinuance a parsonage was built (in 1756), and in 
1765 a meeting-house was erected. The year follow- 
ing (1766) the trustees purchased a farm of one hun- 
dred acres, which is still owned by the congregation. 
During his ministry the missionaries of the Reformed 
Presbytery and the Associate Presbyterian Church 
were active in the colonies. The former organized 
one of their " praying societies" out of this church 
about 1753, and, in connection with the labors of the 
latter, the church divided in calling a successor to 
Mr. Moffatt, and the Associate Church of Neelytown 
was the result. A secession from this church about 
the same time or a little before seems to have entered 
into the organization of the Little Britain Associate 
Church. 

The Rev. John Blair was tlie third pastor. He was 
installed May 19, 1769, and was removed by death 
Dec. 8, 1771. He was a man of great ability. His 
early ministry had been spent in Pennsylvania. He 
had also served as Professor of Theology in Nassau 



390 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hall, and as vice-president of tlie College of New 
Jersey. 

The Rev. Andrew King was the fourth pastor. His 
labors here began in 1776, though lie was not installed 
till June 11, 1777, and he remained in the pastorate 
of the church till his death, Nov. 16, 1815, a period 
of nearly forty years. During his ministry three 
churches were organized in the territory that contrib- 
uted to the membershi]! of this church, viz. : Hope- 
well, Scotchtown, and Graham's Church (Associate), 
lessening the field of his labors. During his minis- 
try, too, the Orange County Bible Society was organ- 
ized in this ohnrch, and he was chosen its first presi- 
dent. 

The fifth i)astor was the Rev. Robert W. Condit 
(afterwards D.D.). But after the death of Mr. King, 
previous to the calling of Mr. Condit, the church [ 
passed through a severe trial, a diversity of senti- 
ment in reference to the fitness of a Rev. William 
Gray for the pastoral office being allowed to ripen 
into a division of the church. The division, how- 
ever, did not actually occur till Mr. Condit was 
called, after which the disaffected portion withdrew 
and formed the Berea (Reformed) Church. 

Mr. Condit was ordained and installed Dec. 13, i 
1820, and continued pastor till April 22, 1830, when ; 
he resigned to accept a call from the First Presby- 
terian Church of Oswego, which he served till his 
death, Feb. 13, 1871. He was a graduate of Princeton 
College and Theological Seminary. i 

The sixth pastor was the Rev. William Blain, who 
was installed July 27, 1830. He was a graduate of 
Union College, and of Princeton Theological Semi- 
nary, and had served in the ministry some fourteen 
years before commencing his labors here. Like his 
predecessor, he too found here an irreconcilable fac- 
tion, which soon withdrew from the church, but on j 
very different grounds. The time had come when the 
growing village of Montgomery needed a Presbyterian 
Church, and some of the most influential members of 
this church cherished the thought of removing the 
old church to the new site. In this they were simply 
outvoted and peace was restored, though, says the | 
historian, " for a time this church severely felt this 
last exodus." Mr. Blain's pastorate ceased with his 
death, June 9, 1857, though for some little time he 
had been incapacitated, through bodily infirmity, for 
the performance of pastoral duties. 

The seventh pastor was the Rev. David M. Maclise, 
D.D., a native of Ireland, educated at Belfast Royal 
College. He was installed as colleague of and suc- 
cessor to Mr. Blain; June 17, 1856. Previous to this 
he for some time served the church of Norwood and 
Hastings in Canada West. In the spring of 1869 he 
resigned this church to take charge of the Alexander 
Presbyterian Church, New York City. He is now 
pastor of the Calvin Presbyterian Church, St. John, | 
N. B. , 

The eighth (the present) pastor is the Rev. James 



Milligan Dickson. He is a native of Vermont, a 
graduate of Dartmouth College, and of the Union 
Theological Seminary, New York City. Previous to 
coming here he had acted as pastor for four and one- 
half years in the city of Brooklyn, and for seven 
years in Newark, N. J. He began his labors here on 
the first Sabbath in November, 1869, and was regu- 
larly installed on the 15th of the February following. 

Under his pastorate the membership of the church 
has been greatly increased, and the church building 
enlarged and remodeled. He has also performed an 
invaluable service in searching out and putting in 
order the history of the church, in the form of " The 
Goodwill Memorial," to which we would refer any 
who may wish to trace further this interesting his- 
tory. 

Elders. — The following list of elders is the most 
complete that can be given. Mr. Dickson ventures 
the conjecture that possibly a Robert Hunter, and 
perhaps John McNeal, Sr., were among the earliest: 

Inducted into ^ .1 * a . 

Office. ^^^'^ ^ *<^'- 

Matthew Rliea* (Rea) Previous to 1770. 

Jolin Neelv* Subsequent to " 

Alexander Kidd* About 1778. 

Rul>ert Hunter* January, 1776. 

Patrick Barber* Sept. 21, 179U. 

Arthur Beatty 1770. March 9, 1774. 

Thomas Gimerell " About 1771- 

David JacKer " Aug. 21, 1796. 

Matthew Khea " November, 1801. 

Abrahiim Dickerson " Tec. 8, 1814. 

James Caldwell (or Colwell) " Feb. 6, 1798. 

Arthur Parks About 1786. Aug. 11,1806. 

John Barber " " Feb. 12, 1836. 

William Codiiington " " Sept. 24, 1826. 

William Faulkner " " Dec. 11, 1831. 

Thomas McKissock " " July 18, 1821. 

James Hunter " " " " 

Henry Miller 1819. Aug. 2, 1863. 

CvriisLyon " Sept. 28, 1832. 

Walter Mead 1823. 

Nathaniel Brewster " June 2, 1869. 

William Graham Aug. 26, 1838. March 22, 1860. 

Gideon Peltou June 13, 1847. Feb. 2, 1861. 

Andrew N. Young " " Dec. 14, 1877. 

Charles Miller " " 

Thomas B.Scott April, 1859. May 3, 1862. 

James Van Keuren, M.D " " Nov. 5, 1868. 

James B'. Bowen Jan. 17, 1869. 

James C. Bull " " 

Conrad Loskamp " " May 20, 1876. 

John Wylie " " 

Darid Jagqer Aug. 20, 1876. 

Samuel Finlev " " Oct. 26, 1879. 

Juseph B. ll.idden " " 

Plini/ E. Hawkins " " 

Those in italics constitute the present Session of the 
church. 

The following constitute the present board of trus- 
tees : Enoch B. Nixon, president ; William C. Brews- 
ter, Gideon P. Smith, Charles Woodruff', John C. 
Howell, William Y. Denniston, Lewis Lipsett. 

Treasurer and clerk of congregation, John H. 
Graham. 

The printed history of the church shows that it has, 
in addition to the usual Sabbath services in the sanc- 
tuary, which are held morning and evening, and 
prayer-meetings during the week, an active Sabbath- 
school, a Temperance Union, a Woman's Aid Asso- 
ciation, a Woman's Foreign and Home Missionary 
Association, and a Library Association. 

* Not definitely known. AH previous to 1770. 



MONTGOMERY. 



391 



REFORMED CHURCU OF MONTGOMERY. 

This was composed originally of German immi- 
grants, and organized in 1732. From its organiza- 
tion till about 1772 it was served by supjjlies, who 
came two or three times during the year, preached, 
baptized, and administered the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper. 

In 1772 the Rev. John Michael Kearn was settled, 
who remained till 1778, when he was obliged to re- 
sign his-charge, on account of difficulties growing out 
of his political opinions. 

From 1778 to 1784 the Rev. Rynier Van Nest, the 
minister of the Reformed Dutch Church of Shawan- 
gunk, officiated a part of the time in this church. 

In 1788 the Rev. Moses Froeligh was settled over 
the Associate congregation of Shawangunk and Mont- 
gomery, in which he continued till 1811, when he re- 
signed the charge of the former, but continued pastor 
of the latter till his death in 1817. In that year the 
Rev. Jesse Fonda was settled, and remained till his 
death in 1827. 

In the year 1829 the Rev. Robert P. Lee, Jr., was 
settled. 

The first edifice was a log church, and erected, prob- 
ably, about the time the church was organized. It 
was situated just east of the present graveyard, and 
north of the turnpike. Our informant was told by 
Mr. Henry Crist, deceased, that the building was en- 
tered from the outside by a ladder. 

The first baptisms were in 1734, and were as follows : 
Stephanus, son of Philippus Crist and Annayte Men- 
gessin ; Jacob, son of Phillipus Millspach and Maria 
Hemnier; .lohannes, son of Christian Eboltz and 
Maria Elizabeth Crist; Annatje, daughter of Chris- 
toffle Maul and Anna Juliana Sewing. 

Some of the names found on the early records are 
Dekker, Terwiliger, Wilson, Velde, Robertson, Krantz, 
Haywood, Endro, Patterson, Weller, Windviel, Weber, 
Rockafellow, and Clearwater. 

The records of the church were kept in Dutch till 
the time of Mr. Froeligh, after which but two or 
three entries are found of that kind. 

The four acres occupied by the church and grave- 
yard north of the turnpike were a gift from Mr. Beck- 
ford, the brother-in-law of Mary Ballard Beckford. 
She owned large tracts of land in this and the town 
of Crawford, and Beckford was her agent in New 
York to sell them. The congregation were to pay 
for the deed, and the subscription list for the purpose 
is on the record of the church, dated in 1759. There 
are fifty-eight names on it, each signing sixpence. 

The church having been formed and kept up by 
the Germans and their descendants, the services were 
in that language probably for the first fifty years. 
Then they were half the time in German or Dutch, 
and the other half in English. From our best infor- 
mation, this continued till the time of Mr. Froeligh, 
when they were all performed in English. Perhaps 
he may have preached occasionally in German or 



Dutch. We have heard two sermons since that time 
in German in this church, when the whole country- 
side were present, down to the oldest man ; some of 
whom might not have been out for years, but still re- 
tained a knowledge of the language. 

We cannot forego the obligation to remark here, 
as connected with this ancient church and early set- 
tlement, that those who came from the hills and val- 
leys of Germany with the Bible in their hands and 
erected this primitive and humble temple, have by 
their own descendants sent some of their own chil- 
dren back to the Old World to teach the word of life 
to heathen nations. In the year 1836, Rev. William 
Youngblood and Josephine Millspaugh, his wife, 
members of this church and natives of this town, 
one a descendant of Johannes Jong Bloet, the other 
the descendant of Matthias Millspach, two original 
settlers, left home and friends on a mission to foreign 
lands. 

This account is so far compiled from previous works, 
but the preseut pastor adds the following excellent 
paper, giving the names of the founders, with other 
details of the early organization and the events of the 
last thirty-five years. The records of the church 
throw so much light upon the early history of the 
town that they are exceedingly valuable. 

The Reformed Church of Montgomery was organ- 
ized in 1732. The following were members at its 
organization : Michael Krans, Margriet Maul, Catho- 
rina Maul, Johannes Krans, Jacob Senseboch, Mag- 
dalena Senseboch, Benayna Newkerk, Aibje Menyes 
(wife of Stephanus Christ), Elizabeth Menyes (wife 
of Lawrence Christ), Gertrout Yongbloet, Frederick 
Weller'rAnna Margretha Kochin, Maria Gertrout 
Steiner (wife of Philippus Melsboch), Maria Cathor- 
rina Steiner, Elizabeth Steiner, Gertje Klooswater 
(wife of Johannes Newkerk). 

The following were officers of the church during 
the first ten years of its existence. At the organiza- 
tion, in 1732, Johannes Yongbloet was ordained elder 
and Jacob Buchstaber, deacon : 

1734. — Elder, Hieronymus Menyes ; deacon, Jo- 
hannes Newkerk. 

1736. — Elder, Christoffel Maul ; deacon, Stephanus 
Christ. 

1739. — Elder, Matheis Melsboch ; deacon, Lawrence 
Christ. 

1741. — Elder, Jacob Buchstaber ; deacon, Johannes 
Kraus. 

The Rev. G. W. Mancius, pastor of the Reformed 
Church of Kingston, officiated at the organization of 
the church, and acted as stated supply of the pulpit 
until his death in 1762. 

During the years 1753-o4, Rev. Barent Vrooman, 
pastor of the Reformed Churches of New Paltz and 
Shawangunk, in Ulster County, was also pastor of 
this church. During the years 1751-68, Rev. John 
Mofl'att, of Goodwill Presbyterian Church, preached 
and administered baptism frequently. In 1764, Rev. 



392 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Frederick Mutzelins supplied the pulpit. The follow- 
ing is the list of piistors from 1771 : 1771-78, John 
Michael Kern; 1778-8"), Ryneir Van Nest; 1788- 
1817, Moses Froeligh; 1817-27, Jesse Fonda; 1829-68, 
Robert P. Lee; 1859-72, A. B. Van Zandt, late Pro- 
fessor of Theology in the Theological Seminary of the 
Reformed Church at New Brunswick, N. J. ; 1873-76, 
Cornelius Brett; 1877, Ferdinand S. Schenck. The 
church is beautifully situated on the brow of a hill, 
across tlie Wallkill from the village of Montgomery. 
Four church edifices have occupied this site. The 
first was a log house, erected shortly after the organi- 
zation of the church ; the second was a frame build- 
ing, erected about 1760 ; the third was of brick, built 
in 1803, and repaired and enlarged in 1834. The 
present is a stately building of brick, and surmounted 
by a lofty spire. It was erected in 1858, but the spire 
was not added until 1880. The audience-room is 
beautiful and large ; it will comfortably seat between 
700 and 800 people. 

The following is the present organization : Pastor, 
Ferdinand S. Schenck ; Elders, Lewis Crist, Jesse 
Fonda Mould, Ebenezer Van Alst, Robert Ashby ; 
Deacons, John Bookstaver, John D. Mould, Abuer 
Shafer, William Bookstaver. 

The report presented by tlie church to the General 
Synod of 1880 gives the following items of interest: 

Number of families 185 

" communicants 413 

" Sunday-school scholars 2uO 

Amount contributed for henevoleut purposes during the year... S1288.62 
Amount contributed for congregational purposes during the 

year 28U.35 

The church is generally known in the community 
as the Brick Church of Montgomery. 

ST. ANDREWS CHURCH, WALDEN. 

St. Andrew's was one of the churches of the pnrish 
of New Windsor and Newburgh. Its early his.ory, 
as well as that of its associate organizations, will be 
found in Chapter X. of the General History, prior to 
1776. 

In 1775 its vestry consisted of Cadwallader Colden, 
Jr., and Andrew Graham, wardens; and Peter Bodine, 
J. J. Galatian, Ambrose Jones, Justus Banks, John 
Blake, and Edward Burne, — Justus Banks having 
been chosen in place of George Graham, deceased. 
In this year the Rev. Mr. Sayre, foreseeing the trou- 
bles that were about to ensue on the breaking out of 
the Revolutionary war, suddenly relinquished his 
charge and left the congregation in a very unsettled 
-state. Up to this period the congregation of St. An- 
drew's had been eminently prosperous, and the 
church was filled to overflowing. But amidst the 
collision of parties, the prejudices e.xcited against the 
church as being the oftspring of the Church of Eng- 
land, and other causes unhappily existing, the con- 
gregation of St. Andrew's began from this time to 
decline. 

Gu the departure of the Rev. Mr. Sayre, applica- 
tion was made from time to time to the rector of 



Tritfity Church, New York, with a view to obtain an- 
other minister, but without success. The parish re- 
mained vacant until the year 1790, when the Rev. 
George H. Spierin was engaged for two years at a 
salary of £100 ])er annum. The vestry at this period 
consisted of Cadwallader Colden, Jr., and James G. 
Graham, wardens; and Justus Banks, Andrew Gra- 
ham, Thomas Colden, Peter Galatian, Matthew Du- 
Bois, and Edward Burn, vestrymen. Mr. Spierin 
residing at Newburgh, an inconvenient distance from 
the church, an effort was now made to procure a par- 
sonage for the accommodation of the minister. Ac- 
cordingly, Cadwallader Colden, Jr., generously pre- 
sented the congregation with an acre of ground 
adjoining the church lot, on which a handsome par- 
sonage was soon built. 

In 1793, Mr. Spierin received and accepted a call 
from the congregation of Poughkeepsie ; whereupon 
application was again made to the clergy of New 
York to supply the vacancy. The Rev. Dr. Moore 
recommended Mr. Frederick Van Home a candidate 
for the ministry, who accordingly received and ac- 
cepted a call, and on the receipt of holy orders entered 
upon the duties of rector, December 10th. 

Several attempts had been made to liquidate the 
church debt by the sale of pews and private subscrip- 
tions, but with very little success unfit the year 1796. 
During this year an investigation was made into the 
financial affairs of the church, when it was found 
that there remained due to Cadwallader Colden, Esq., 
a balance on the original debt, together with interest, 
more than £500. A considerable sum was also due to 
Andrew Graham, Esq., for moneys advanced in build- 
ing the church. As this debt operated as a heavy load 
upon the church, which possessed no means of reim- 
bursement, those gentlemen most generously relin- 
quished their claims, and thus freed the church and 
congregation from all further embarrassment, for 
which they received the thanks of the vestry and 
congregation. 

The vestry at this time consisted of Justus Banks 
and Michael Beliger, wardens ; and Alexander Dorcas, 
.lames Kain, Peter Galatian, William Erwin, Francis 
Lyon, and Thomas Gee. 

Mr. Van Home continued rector of the parish until 
the year 1809, when he removed to Ballston, and in 
the following year the Rev. Mr. Mackin wiis called to 
the rectorship, the vestry being composed of Andrew 
Graham and Peter Galatian, wardens ; and William 
Erwin, Ale.xander Colden, Benjamin Tliorn, Nicholas 
Bogert, Jacob Smith, and John Galatian. Mr. Mac- 
kin continued rector for three years, and in 1810 was 
.succeeded by the Rev. William Powell. Mr. Powell 
resigned his charge in the year 1818, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Samuel Phinney. In 1821 the 
vestry, being unable to continue the salary of the 
rector at £400, reduced it to £300, in consequence of 
which Mr. Phinney resigned. He was succeeded l)y 
the Rev. James P. Cotter in 1822, but he soon after 



MONTGOMERY. 



393 



left the parish. In 1826 the Rev. Joshua L. Harrison 

was called, but resigned in the course of the same 
year on account of ill health. In this year it was 
determined to erect an Episcopal church in the village 
of Walden on a site given by Jesse Scofield, Esq., and 
a subscription was immediately opened for that pur- 
pose. The building was forthwith commenced, and 
finished in the course of the following year. Previous 
to its consecration, however, it was further determined 
to relinquish the old church of St. Andrew's as a place 
of public worship, and to give to the new church in ! 
Walden the name of St. Andrew's Church. This 
church was accordingly consecrated by Bishop Ho- 
bart, Sept. 3, 1S27. 

In April of this year tlie Rev. William H. Lewis 
accepted a call to the parish, but resigned his charge 
in November of the same year, and was immediately 
succeeded by the Rev. Albert Hoyt. The vestry at 
this time consisted of Nicholas J. Bogert and John 
Fell, wardens ; and John Galatian, Jacob T. Walden, 
John J. Galatian, Dr. Geo. G. Graham, Dr. Peter P. 
Galatian, and Dr. Thomas Golden. 

In 1829 the vestry erected a handsome parsonage j 
on a lot of four acres purchased of Mr. Cyrus Lyon. I 
The cost of the whole, amounting to #4000, was de- 
frayed chiefiy by the sale of all the church property 
at old St. Andrew's, with the exception of the bury- 
ing-ground. On January 22d in this year the con- 
gregation was called to mourn the loss by death of 
its pastor, the Rev. Mr. Hoyt, who had become greatly 
endeared to the people during the short period of his 
ministrations. He was succeeded in March following 
by the Rev. Nathan Kingsberry, who held the rector- 
ship for one year, and was succeeded in 1830 by the 
Rev. William H. Hart. Mr. Hart continued rector 
till the year 1836, when he removed to Richmond, Va., 
and was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Shaw. Mr. 
Shaw removed to Marlborough in 1838, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Henry W. Swetzer. In 1842, Mr. 
Swetzer resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. 
Horace Hills, Jr., who retained the rectorship but 
one year, and resigned his charge in November, 1843. 
The parish wa.s then vacant until October, 1844, when 
the Rev. William H. Hart, then residing at Fishkill, 
Duchess Co., was again called to the rectorship of 
this parish. 

The members of the vestry at that time were George 
Weller and Dr. George G. Graham, wardens ; and 
William Buchanan, James R. Cooper, James Bogert, 
David E. Bogert, William Ruggles, Samuel Wait, Jr., 
Joseph P. Cooke, and George W. Oakley, vestrymen ; 
Peter Bogert, secretary. 

In June, 1842, the Rev. Horace Hill was called as 
rector. At that time N. S. Bogert and George Weller 
were wardens, and John Galatian, Thomas Colden, 
George G. Graham, William Buchanan, E. P. Wheeler, 
and James R. Cooper constituted the vestry. 

Nov. 27, 1843, Rev. H. Hill resigned as rector, and 
Oct. 25, 1844, the Rev. William H. Hart, a former 
26 



rector, was called to the parish, with the following 
wardens: George Weller, George G. Graham; and 
vestrymen, William Buchanan, James R. Cooper, D. 
H. Ellis, James Bogert, William Ruggles, Samuel 
Wait, Jr. ; John S. Grigg, collector ; Peter Bogert, 
secretary and treasurer. 

April 13, 1846, the following wardens and vestry 
were elected: Wardens, George Weller, George G. 
Graham ; Vestry, Wm. Buchanan, James R. Cooper, 
James Bogert, David G. Bogert, William Ruggles, 
Samuel Wait, Jr., Joseph P. Cook, Geo. W. Oakley. 

Easter Monday, 1854, the following wardens and 
vestry were elected : George Weller, George G. Gra- ' 
ham, wardens; William Buchanan, James R. Cooper, 
L. L. Gowdy, John S. Gregg, David Stewart, James 
Bogert, James G. Graham, Peter W. Welling, vestry- 
men. 

In the year 1851 the rector, AV. H. Hart, died, and 
the Rev. James W. Stewart was called. He officiated 
as rector until Aug. 25, 1855, when his resignation 
was accepted. A])ril 16, 1856, a call was extended to 
the Rev. Samuel C. Davis, which was accepted. 
About 1859 the Rev. I. G. Jaycox was called as as- 
sistant on account of the health of the rector. Aug. 
17, 1859, the rector, Samuel C. Davis, tendered his 
resignation, to take effect Oct. 1, 1859, which was ac- 
cepted. April 23, 1860, a call was extended to the 
Rev. I. G. Jaycox, which he accepted. He resigned 
Sept. 14, 1861. 

October, 1861, a call was extended to the Rev. Jas. 
W. Stewart, which was accepted. He tendered his 
resignation Nov. 17, 1868, which was accepted. 

The Rev. Wm. Walsh, by request of the vestry, 
officiated until a permanent pastor could be called. 

Jan. 20, 1869, a call was extended to the Rev. Levi 
Johnston, which was accepted. 

Nov. 30, 1870, the congregation resolved to build a 
new church for St. Andrew's. The following com- 
mittee was appointed to raise funds : Mrs. L. L. 
Gowdy, Mrs. Hannah Hart, Jas. Gowdy, Wm. C. 
Weller, John C. Holborn, and Jas. C. Crist. Jas. G. 
Terbell, David Stewart, and Geo. Weller were ap- 
pointed a building committee. The sum of $3070 
was subscribed at this meeting. Dec. 9, 1870, the 
committee reported $1000 additional subscriptions. 
December 16th it was resolved to authorize the pur- 
chase of a lot for the new church from the estate 
of Jesse Scofield, and that James Bogert and James 
Gowdy be a committee to make said purchase. 

About this time the following wardens and vestry- 
men were elected : Geo. Weller, Jas. Bogert, wardens ; - 
David Stewart, David Galatian, John C. Holburn, 
Saml. H. Wait, Jas. Gowdy, Geo. C. Wooster, Wm. 
Buchanan, Wm. C. Weller, vestrymen. — 

Dec. 28, 1871, the vestry authorized a committee to 
sell the parsonage and land belonging to St. Andrew's 
Church. Geo. Weller and James Gowdy were ap- 
pointed such a commitee. 

April 30, 1872, a contract was given to James 



394 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Gowdyto build a new parsonage for the sum of $3000. 
Nov. 19, 1873, the resignation of Levi Johnston was 
accepted. 

June 13, 1874, a call was extended to the Rev. Win. 
E. Snowden, which was accepted. He tendered 
his resignation about April 1, 1877. The Rev. Geo. 
W. Douglas ofliciated during the summer. Aug. 19, 
1877, a call was made to the Rev. N. F. Robinson, 
assistant at Trinity Church, New York, which he ac- 
cepted. July 27th, James Bogert, Jr., warden, died, 
and David Stuart was elected warden in his place. 
John Waterhouse was elected vestryman. 

June 5, 1877, the vestry sold the old church prop- 
erty to Henry Matthews and Wm. Totty, and the pro- 
ceeds to apply on the church debt. The third Sun- 
day in August the rector, N. F. Robinson, resigned. 

Aug. 23, 1879, a call was extended to the Rev. 
Francis Washburn. 

May 15, 1880, the church debt was paid, and the 

church was consecrated on June 11, 1880, by the 

Right Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., LL.D., etc. The 

new church and parsonage were erected at a cost of 

$18,000. 

COLDENHAM CHURCH. 

The Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Cold- 
enham was organized by the Rev. James McKinney 
in the year 1795. Forty-two years before this time, 
however, a praying society had been formed by Rev. 
John Culbortson, who came to this county in 1752. 
This society received supplies of gospel ordinances 
occasionally until the union between the Reformed 
Presbytery and the Associate Synod in 1782, which 
was attended with results so disastrous to this small 
community that it was unknown to the church until 
visited by Mr. McKinney ; but from the time he be- 
gan to labor in its bounds it increased so rapidly that 
at the time of its organization there were about 
twenty-five communicants, two of whom were elders. 
Robert Johnston, who had been ordained to the office 
of ruling elder some time i)revious to his removal 
from Ireland, and Robert Beattie, who had been an 
elder in the Associate Reformed Church at Little 
Britain, from which he had withdrawn, were the 
ruling elders of this new congregation. Commencing 
as it did under favorable auspices, the new organiza- 
tion received liberal supplies of gospel ordinances 
from those eminent men, who became the fathers of 
the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America. 
These supplies were joyfully and profitably received 
and attended, although they were in the dwelling- 
houses and barns of the neighborhood until 1799, 
when a house of worship was erected. 

In the year 1800 a call was made by the congrega- 
tion, in company with one previously organized in 
the city of New York, upon Alexander McLeod, who, 
together with Messrs. Donelly, Black, and Wylie, had 
been licensed to preach the gospel by the Reformed 
Presbytery which met at Coldenham in June, 1799. 
The call having been accepted, Mr. McLeod was 



ordained and installed accordingly. For three years 
he labored so successfully in his united charge that 
at the end of the time each of the congregations 
wished to obtain all their pastor's labors. His labors 
were in the country in summer and in the city in 
winter. Mr. McLeod chose to occupy New York as 
his future field. Coldenham, of course, was left 
vacant, and remained so until the settlement of Mr. 
James Milligan in 1812. Mr. Milligan remained in 
it until 1817, at which time he removed to Ryegate 
Street, and in August of the same year Mr. James R. 
Wilson, having received and accepted a call, became 
its pastor. During the pastorate of Mr. Wilson a 
certificate of incorporation was filed under date of 
April 28,1829. The elders named at that time were 
Robert Beattie, David McBurney, William C. Beattie, 
Robert Hadden, Samuel Arnot, William Elder; the 
deacons were James Beattie, James McKinney, John 
Brown, Abraham Gillespie. Dr . Wilson went to 
Albany, N. Y., in 18.30, and in consequence of his 
removal the congregation remained vacant until his 
return, in November, 1833. 

After his return, the house of worshij) having be- 
come through age uncomfortable, the erection of a 
new edifice began to be talked of, and in 1838 a new 
and commodious house was built. In the fall of 1840, 
Dr. Wilson went to Alleghany, Pa., and the congre- 
gation was supplied by Presbyterial assistants until 
the settlement of James W. Shaw, in May, 1844. 

During his pastorate the church for some reason 
deemed it best to file a new certificate of incorpora- 
tion. It was executed April 28, 1859, and was signed 
by Rev. James W. Shaw, pastor. The elders named 
were William Fleming and Wm. B. Shesor, and the 
deacons were Matthew Darby and Arthur Fleming. 

THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF BEREA. 

This church is distant ten miles from the village of 
Newburgh, and three miles from the villages of Mont- 
gomery and Walden. The church was organized 
under the statute of the State by the name of Berea, 
which was suggested by Elder Thomas McKissock, 
and adopted by the congregation. The church was a 
secession from the Presbyterian Church of Goodwill, 
caused by difficulties which originated in the settle- 
ment of a minister. Rev. James Ten Eyck was sent 
for to preach four Sabbaths in November, 1821. The 
church then made ap])lication to the Classis of New 
Brunswick, to which Mr. Ten Eyck belonged as a 
licentiate, for his services as an ordained missionary 
for one year. The Classis of New Brunswick examined 
Mr. Ten Eyck, and ordained him as a missionary, 
with direction to labor a year in the church. In 
April, 1823, Peter Lowe and Robert Crowell were 
appointed commissioners to present to the Cla.ssis of 
Ulster certain proposals, having in view a connection 
with the Reformed Dutch Church. 

The following is an extract from the minutes of the 
Classis of Ulster: 



MONTGOMERY. 



395 



" The Classis received the following communication and proposals 
from the congregation at Berea, for connecting themselves with this 
Classis : 

"Ist. That tlie temporalities of tlie congregation be managed by 
trustees agreeably to the statute. 

" 2d. All persons that are stated hearere at this church, and shall 
have contributed to the support of the same for one year immediately 
preceding an election, shall have a voice in fixing the amount of salary, 
and in making clioice of a pastor, etc. 

"3d. That the Westmiuster Confession of Faith, together with the 
Dutch Reformed Confession of Faith and Catechisms, shall be the stand- 
ards of this church. 

"The above communication and proposals were referred to a commit- 
tee of the Classis of Ulster, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. \Vm. Bogar- 
dus, H. Bogardus. ami Elder E. Bunk. 

" Your committee beg leave to report the following resolutions, viz. : 

" Ist. That the said church and congregation of Berea be and hereby 
is admitted into connection with this Classis, and received under our 
constitutional care and government. 

"2d. That the Classis are willing that saiti congregation take any 
measures and adopt any plans for its internal government which are 
not repugnant to the constitution of our Reformed Dutch Church. 

" 3d. That the Classis advise the Kev. Mr. Ten Eyck, who now labors 
amoug that people, to take the proper measures for the due organization 
of said church, and to complete their connection with this body. 

" Classis rejoice in the hope that said congregation will become a 
pious and valuable member of our church, and pray that the Great 
HeAd of the church may receive them under his covenant protection 
and grace. 

(Signed) "Henry Ostrandrr, Chairman." 

Ill pursuance with this act the ecclesiastical relation 
of Mr. Ten Eyck wa-s regularly transferred from the 
Classis of New Brunswick to the Classis of Ulster, 
and installed by a committee of the latter body in 
1823 as pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of 
Berea. The first consistory was composed of the fol- 
lowing persons : Thomas McKissock, John Blake, 
Caleb Dill, Peter Lowe, and Christian Crist. This 
consistory was chosen Aug. 2, 1823. The following 
are the names of the first trustees : Andrew Kidd, 
John Milliken, Robert Crowell, Nathaniel Ackerly, 
and Thomas Clineman. 

The congregation was incorporated by a certificate 
executed Nov. 13, 1821. The proceedings were cer- 
tified to by James Hunter and Thomas McKissock, 
inspectors of election. The trustees chosen were 
Robert Crowell, Christian Crist, Thomas Clineman, 
John W. Milliken, and Nathaniel Ackerly. 

The present house of worship was built during the 
years 1821 and 1822, the parsonage being erected the 
year following. When erected, the church stood in 
the midst of a forest; the timber was obtained on the 
ground and hewn out by the congregation. Thus far 
in the history of this church there have been but 
three pastors, the first being Rev. James B. Ten Eyck, 
above mentioned. His pastorate continued until his 
death, April 20, 1872. 

Rev. L. L. Comfort was settled in July of the same 
year, and remained also until his death, which oc- 
curred in July, 1879. 

In the following August, Peter H. Milliken, who 
had just graduated from the Theological Seminary at 
New Brunswick, N. J., was called, and in October 
(1879) was ordained to the gospel ministry. 

Elders elected since the first are Nathaniel Akerly, 



James Hunter, Cornelius Decker, William Houston, 
Hugh Milliken, Peter B. Cromwell, Sidney Kidd, 
James VVaugh, Peter Brett, Robert Dill, R. B. Innis, 
Robert Hall, Joseph Lawson, William Crowell, and 
William Crowell, Jr. 

The financial afiairs of the church were managed 
by a board of trustees until Aug. 29, 1880, when the 
following persons were ordained deacons : George 
McCartney, William I. Whigam, James Finley, and 
John E. Kidd. 

The present organization is as follows: Rev. Peter 
H. Milliken, pastor; elders, Sidney Kidd, Joseph 
Lawson, William Crowell, Robert Hall, and William 
Crowell, Jr. ; deacons, George McCartney, William 
I. Whigam, James Finley, and John E. Kidd. 

The congregation is composed of 61 families and 
118 members. 

THE FIRST REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, WALDEN, 

executed a certificate of incorporation Feb. 14, 1870. 
The pastor of the church was Rev. M. V. Schoon- 
maker; the elders, William M. Snyder, William J. 
Bradley, and J. G. Millspaugh; the deacons, T. L. 
Millspaugli, Robert H. Sutcliff, John V. Tears, Joseph 
Millspaugh. This recent date of the incorporation 
does not indicate the age of the church, as sliown by 
the following sketch furnished by the pastor. 

Two churches preceded it, — the Protestant Epis- 
copal, which was the first established church in 
Walden, and afterwards a small Seceder Church, 
which, failing in numbers and strength, fell into the 
hands of the Methodist Society. 

In the year 1830 the matter of building a Presby- 
terian church was talked of Grounds were selected 
as a suitable site at the junction of the properties 
owned by Jesse Scofield, David Parshall, and Jacob 
T. Walden, after whom the place is named. A deed 
was executed to Cyrus Lyon and Cornelius Neatfie as 
trustees. On soliciting subscriptions for the building 
of a church, it was found that the community was 
divided as to whether it should be a Presbyterian or 
a Dutch Church, as ours was then called. It was de- 
cided to build a church, and the name to be desig- 
nated hereafter. The plot of ground comprised 
about four acres, supposed to be sufficient for church, 
parsonage, and burial-ground. A building committee 
was appointed, composed of Jesse Scofield, A. F. 
Scofield, Peter Neaffie, and Cornelius Neaffie. 

In the summer of 1835 the foundation was laid. 
In the fall of 1836 the building was inclosed, and the 
basement so far finished as to be used for religious 
service. In the year 1838 the building was completed, 
and was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty 
God. The sermon on the occasion was preached 
by Rev. Thomas Dewitt, D.D., of New York City. 
Previous to this it had been decided by a majority of 
votes that it should be a Reformed Dutch Church, 
under the care of the Classis of Orange. Tlie church 
is located on an eminence, and is designated from 



396 



HISTOEY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



others in the village as " the church on the hill." It 
is well and substantially built. Proportions, 70 feet 
in length, 50 in breadth. Cost, .112,000, and will com- 
fortably seat 500 persons. 

The next 3'ear after the building of the church 
steps were taken for building a parsonage on the pur- 
chased grounds adjoining the church on the north. 
Its cost was $.3000. In the year 1871 an addition was 
made to the parsonage, making it a double house, at 
an additional cost of $2000. 

The church was organized with a membership of 
twenty persons. The first consistory was composed 
of Jesse Scofield and Barent Van Buren, elders ; Al- 
exander Kidd and Peter Clearwater, deacons. 

January, 1839, a call was presented to Rev. Jacob 
C. Sears, but was declined. July, 1839, a call was 
made upon Rev. John M. Scribner and accepted. ; 
Mr. Scribner was pastor about two years and resigned. 

April, 1842, a call was made u|>on Rev. Charles 
Whitehead and accepted. Mr. Whitehead remained 
pastor for seven years, under whose ministry the ; 
church grew and was multiplied. He resigned March, 
1849. June, 1849, a call was presented to Rev. Wil- 
liam Brush and declined. August, 1849, a call was ^ 
made upon Rev. M. V. Schoonmaker, then settled at 
East New York, Long Island. After due considera- 
tion this call was accepted, and on the 28th day of 
August, 1849, Rev. M. V. Schoonmaker was duly in- 
stalled as pastor of said church. He is pastor still, 
having served the church for a period of thirty-one 
years. 

The following are the names of consistory at the 
time of his call : P. B. Cromwell, T. T. Storm, J. D. 
Coe, and Moses Smith, elders ; Robert Laird, J. G. 
Wooley, and G. Van Arsdale, deacons. All of the 
former have passed away. 

The following are the present acting consistory : E. 
W. Knapp, J. V. Tears, H. Suydam, A. Bateman, 
elders ; Robt. Moore, J. Lefevre, P. Millspaugh, J. 
Millspaugh, deacons. 

The congregation numbers about 100 families and 
200 communicants, with a Sabbath-school of 150 
scholars. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP MONT- 
GOMERY 

executed a certificate of incorporation July 7, 1832. 
The proceedings were signed by Joshua Conger and 
Benjamin Van Keuren. The trustees chosen were 
Nathaniel P. Hill, Gideon Pelton, John C. Wilkin, 
Robert S. Crawford, Charles Borland, Jr., and George 
Eager. The corner-stone of the Presbyterian church 
in the village of Montgomery was laid July 19, 1831, 
by the Hon. Charles Borland, and an impressive ad- 
dress was delivered on the occasion by the Rev. Ezra 
Fisk, D.D., of Gosheu, accompanied with other solemn 
religious services. 

Aug. 27, 1832, the congregation voted to invite the 
Rev. James O. Stokes to become their pastor. The 



Presbytery refused to install him, and furthermore 
the church at this time was not under the care of the 
Presbytery. He served the church as temporary sup- 
ply one year. 

Oct. 2, 1832, a committee'of the Presbytery of Hud- 
son, viz. : Rev. Charles Cummins, D.D., Rev. William 
Timlow, and Rev. Daniel T. Wood proceeded to or- 
ganize the Presbyterian Church in the village of 
Montgomery. It consisted of 30 individuals, viz.; 
Cyrus Lyon, Walter Mead, Saml. T. Scott, Benjamin 
Van Keuren, Joshua Conger, Elizabeth Van Keuren, 
Eve Miller, Isabella H. Borland, Mary Preston, Rhoda 
Neaffie, Margaret Gridley, Rachel Chandler, Matilda 
C. Hill, Jemima Parshall, Sarah Pelton, Sarah Mc- 
Neal, Emily Weller, Ann Eliza McNeal, Hiram E. 
Conger, John Boak, Jr., Samuel Bookstaver, John 
Peache, Hiram Hays, John Kelly, Sarah Ann 
Conger, Esther Hunter, Jane Lawson, Elizabeth 
Eager, Stephen Gillespie. On the day of the organi- 
zation, after sermon by the Rev. C. Cummins, D.D., 
the above 30 persons, having presented their certifi- 
cates of good standing and dismission from their re- 
spective churches, were in due form constituted a 
church of Jesus Christ, under the name of the Mont- 
gomery (village) Presbyterian Church. 

The following persons were elected ruling elders on 
the same occasion, viz. : Cyrus Lyon, Walter Mead, 
S. T. Scott, John Kelly, and John Boak, Jr. The 
three last were ordained, the two first having held 
office in other churches were not re-ordained. 

The church and congregation were addressed on 
the occasion by the Rev. W. Timlow, and the newly 
elected elders by the Rev. D. T. \\'ood, after which, 
by prayer and the imposition of hands, they were 
duly constituted and installed over the flock which 
the great Head of the church had appointed them t-o 
superintend. 

In March, 1834, Rev. Sheridan Guiteau was elected 
pastor of the church, and was soon after installed ; 
resigned his charge June 9, 1835. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. Benj. B. Stockton, late of Leroy, N. Y. ; 
he was installed July 28, 18.35, and resigned April, 
1838. 

April 26, 1838, the church extended a unanimous 
call to the Rev. Elias R. Fairchild, of Hardyston, 
N. J. He accepted, and was installed June 26, 1838. 
His pastorate was Vjrief — one and a half years ; dis- 
missed by the Presbytery Oct. 3, 1839. 

Dec. 14, 1839, the Rev. Robt. G. Armstrong, of 
Fishkill, N. Y., was elected pastor; he was installed 
Feb. 5, 1840, and dismissed May, 1S41. 

The Rev. William W. Newell, D.D., of Boston, was 
unanimously elected Mr. Armstrong's successor. 

Mr. Newell received the call Nov. 21, 1841 ; en- 
tered upon his labors Jan. 4, 1842, and was installed 
Feb. 2, 1842. 

Rev. Mr. Newell's ministry was signalized by a re- 
markable outpouring of the Spirit, — 102 received into 
the church at one time, 92 by profession and 10 by 



MONTGOMERY. 



397 



letter, and subsequently 48 by profession and 15 by 
letter, making in the aggregate 165 as the crowning 
glory of his ministry. 

In August, 1842, Messrs. H. E. Conger, Abraham 
Vail, and Theo. L. Jackson were inducted into the 
ruling eldership of the church. 

Rev. Mr. Newell resigned his charge Oct. 10, 1847. 

In April, 1848, the people with one voice invited 
the Rev. Dr. Fairchild to re-accept the pastorate of 
the church. The unanimity and cordiality was such, 
and his principal object being removed now in our 
having a parsonage, the doctor accepted the call with 
the clear and acknowledged understanding that the 
congregation would wipe out their church debt. This 
debt had run along from the foundation of the church, 
— increased by $600 with the building of the parson- 
age, — till now, with accumulated interest, it had risen 
to the large sum of .i<2.S00. The debt was extinguished. 
In the fall of 1849, Dr. Fairchild's health failing, he 
spent the winter at the West to recuperate, hoping to 
resume his ministry in the spring. 

The congregation meanwhile at his suggestion had 
employed Rev. Gideon N. Judd, D.D., of Catskill, 
N. Y., as tem])orary supply. Dr. Judd labored with 
great acceptance during the winter, and when the 
spring came, and Dr. Fairchild reported himself as 
no better prepared to resume his labors, the congre- 
gation saw the way open to secure the services of 
Dr. Judd as their future pastor. The call was made 
and accepted, and he was installed Sept. 4, 1850. 

Dr. Judd continued in his labors — " Warning every 
man, and teaching every man, that he might be able 
to present every man perfect before Christ Jesus" — 
until the midnight cry came on March 3, 1860, to 
come up higher. 

In April, 1860, Dr. Fairchild undertook to resume 
his labors, but his former indisjiosition returned upon 
him, and he was obliged to resign his charge October, 
1861. 

Messrs. Alexander Beattie and Miller Van Keuren 
were added to the beuch of elders at this time. April 
7, 1862, Rev. Joseph M. McNulty was elected pastor; 
after having served the church for six years, during 
the troublous period of the war, he was dismissed by 
the Presbytery at his own request, April 22, 1868. 

Rev. Richard Bentley accepted the call of the con- 
gregation July 8, 1868; he was installed Nov. 10, 
1868, and dismissed by Presbytery November, 1871. 

In January, 1873, Rev. John Ward, of Bloomfleld, 
N. J., accepted the unanimous call of the congrega- 
tion, and commenced his ministry. He was installed 
May 22, 1873. Messrs. Ahial Decker, Alexander T. 
Russell, D. M. Wade, F. Bodine, and Peter E. Miller 
were inducted into the ruling eldership at this time. 

Presbytery dissolved the pastoral relation between 
Mr. Ward and the congregation April 19, 1875. 

The present pastor. Rev. J. C. Forsythe, was in- 
stalled Oct. 14, 1875. 

The trustees (1880) are H. V. McNeal, Esq., George 



Senior, Esq., John I. Decker, Esq., Samuel W. Eager, 
Esq., John J. Van Keuren, James Vanderoef. 

The elders are Ahial Decker, Theo. L. Jackson, 
Daniel M. Wade, Fred. R. Bodine, Peter E. Miller. 

The Sabbath-school of the Presbyterian Church 
when first organized, in May, 1832, was distinctively 
a village union school, all the evangelical Christians 
of the village sustaining and being identified with 
this benevolent home work. Its sessions were held in 
the Academy Hall, and Dr. Peter A. Millspaugh was 
its first superintendent. After a few years the Meth- 
odist element was withdrawn to form a church and 
society of their own. The sessions of the school were 
removed to the auditorium of the church, and thence- 
forth the complexion and identification of the school 
was with the church, within whose hallowed walls its 
sacred assemblages were held. 

Hiram E. Conger, Esq., was the next superin- 
tendent. He was followed by Elder B. Perkins, 
H. B. Bull, Esq., Electus Douglass, Esq., and the 
present incumbent, since 1872, is Elder F. Bodine. 
The school averages 100 scholars, with 12 teachers. 

The present officers are F. Bodine, superintendent; 
P. E. Miller, vice-superintendent; B. B. Johnston, 
librarian ; Daniel M. Wade, treasurer. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CUUKCH OF MONT- 
GOMERY 

eftected a legal organization April 25, 1829. The 
proceedings were signed by Samuel Wait, chairman, 
and the trustees chosen were Samuel Wait, Samuel 
Birdsall, Stephen Woolsey, Joshua Marston, and 
Edward Hanlon. 

The church filed another certificate Oct. 8, 1831. 
The proceedings are verified by Samuel Wait and 
Edward Hanlon. The trustees chosen were Samuel 

' Wait, Edward Hanlon, John Knapp, Thomas Graham, 

I and Silas R. Goodale. 

In the year 1824 a new " two weeks' circuit" was 
constituted of portions set off" from the Newburgh 
and New Windsor Circuits, and called Blooming- 
burgh Circuit. Noah Bigelow was appointed preacher 
in charge, Daniel Ostrander at the time being pre- 
siding elder. The stewards were William Wiggins, 

I James Rumsey, and Daniel Wilson. The ensuing 

' year T. Kennedy was the preacher in charge, and 
John Loughhead was ordained a local deacon. The 
next year, 1826, Jarvis T. Nichols was appointed to 
this circuit. There were then nine classes, as fol- 
lows: Bethel First Class, Aaron Palmer, leader; 
Bethel Second Class, Daniel C. Palmer, leader ; 
Deerpark, William Wiggins, leader ; Middletown, 
Charles Woolsey, leader; Outlet, I. Denton, leader; 
Bloomingburgh, J. Loughhead, leader ; Burlingham, 

[ ; Old Shawangunk, E. Niver, leader; Sam's 

Point, R. Mance, leader. 

^ During the session of Conference in 1826, James 
Kennedy, one of the stewards, died, and Charles 
Wooley, of Middletown, was appointed in his stead. 



398 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNXy, NEW YORK. 



The first mention of Montgomery found in the records 
is in the minutes of a Quarterly Conference held at 
Bethel Oct. 14, 1826, where, in the account of moneys 
received, Montgomery i.s credited with one dollar. It 
may be mentioned, however, that at the next Quar- 
terly Meeting Montgomery was credited with $6.50, 
and at the meeting of March 24, 1827, Montgomery 
is credited with the largest amount on the li.st. The 
first Quarterly Meeting for the year ] 827 is recorded 
as being held at Burlingham, in Mr. Todd's barn, 
July 21, 1827, Rev. Phineas Rice, president; J. T. 
Nichols, circuit preacher; Isaac Ferris, missionary. 
This year the Conference collections from the whole 
circuit amounted to $6.50. In 1828, Bezaliel Howe 
and Hiram Wing were the preachers. The first men- 
tion of Walden and Coldenham as preaching-places 
occurs during this year. 

In 1829, B. Howe and J. W. Lefevre were the 
preachers. The " table expenses" of the former were 
estimated at §100, and of the latter at §50, whicJi was 
probably in addition to the disciplinary allowance of 
$200 to married and $100 to single men. 

The great event of the year was the building of the 
church at Montgomery. At the first Quarterly Con- 
ference for the year, held at Bethel church July 4th, 
a committee, consisting of " Brothers Birdsall, Todd, 
and Couch," was ai)pointed to make an estimate of 
the expenses of building a church in the village of 
Montgomery. The deed conveying the site bears 
date Aug. 15, 1829. It is from Stephen Preston and 
Mary Preston to Samuel Wait, Samuel Birdsall, 
Stephen Woolsey, Edward Hanlon, and Joshua 
Marston, trustees. Samuel Wait was the leading 
man in this enterprise. 

In 1831 the jjreachers were E. Smith and Mr. 
Lefevre. Conference that year resolved itself into 
a "Sabbath-school Society." P. Rice was chosen 
president, Rev. E. Smith vice-president, E. Todd 
treasurer, and a board of managers consisting of R. 
Westlake, E. Miers, A. Palmer, J. Walker, S. B. Os- 
trander, J. Bushfield, N. Sullivan, R. Mance, N. Todd, 
S. Martinus, P. Coleman, I. Denton. 

At the Annual Conference of 1831 the name was 
changed to Montgomery Circuit. Noah Sullivan was 
this year recommended as a traveling preacher, and 
Samuel Wait was chosen a steward. E. Smith and 
H. Humphreys were the preachers. 

J. Law and D. Holmes were the preachers in 1832. 
A " Circuit Missionary Tract and Sunday-school So- 
ciety" was formed this year, of which Samuel Wait 
was secretary. In 1833, J. Law and D. B. Ostrander 
were appointed to this circuit. Johnson Young was 
elected a steward. The next year Hiram Wing and 
Sylvester H. Clark were appointed preachers. 

The parsonage at Montgomery was built in the fall 
of this year. 

These interesting details of the first work of Meth- 
odism in this vicinity are taken from a sketch recorded 
in a book now in possession of the pastor. 



The present organization (December, 1880) consists 
of Rev. H. C. Earl, pastor; Wm. H. Felter, leader; 
George Overheiser, Thomas H. Senior, J. B. Lawson, 
Daniel Jewell, Wm. McWhorter, James Laughlin, 
Edward Knapp, stewards ; George Overheiser, Thomas 
H. Senior, J. B. Lawson, Andrew Morehouse, John 
A. Powell, Wm. H. Felter. The Sunday-school is 
under the charge of the pastor. The members of the 
church number about l(i0 ; Sunday-school attendance 
about 140, with 500 volumes in the library. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WALDEN 

executed a certificate of incorporation April 15, 
18.50. The proceedings were signed by John T. Booth- 
royd and Christopher Briggs. The trustees named in 
the instrument were Christopher S. Briggs, John T. 
Boothroyd, Lyman Fairchild, Philip B. Evans, Henry 
H. McElheny. 

Mr. A. H. Saxe furnishes the following account : 

Previous to the year 1850 the Methodist Episcopal 
Society of Walden comprised one or two " classes," 
which were wont to meet for public service in a school- 
house. They were under the pastoral care of the 
preacher in charge of Montgomery, an adjoining vil- 
lage. In the year above named, under the pastorate of 
Rev. Humphrey Humphreys, the building known as 
Beattie's church wius bought, and the first trustees 
were elected. It continued in connection with Mont- 
gomery until 1866, when by the action of Conference 
it became an independent charge. In this year a par- 
sonage was built, one of the most neat and substantial 
in the district. 

In 1870, under the pastorate of Rev. E. E. Pinney, 
the church was greatly enlarged and beautified at an 
expense of about $6000, and was rededicated, substan- 
tially free from debt, Dec. 21, 1870, Dr. C. D. Foss 
(now bishop) preaching the dedicatory sermon. After 
the evening service, conducted by Rev. W. P. Abbott, 
additional sums were raised. 

Below is a tabular statement of pastors from 1850, 
while connected with Montgomery : 1850, Rev. Hum- 
phrey Humphreys ; 1852, Rev. J. C. Washburn ; 1854, 

Rev." Stout; 1856, Rev. J. Millard ; 1858, Rev. 

D. B. Turner; 1859, Rev. A. C. Fields; 1861, Rev. J. 
W. Jones ; 1863, Rev. J. W. Breakey ; 1865, Rev. M. 
Van Deusen. 

As an independent station : 1866, Rev. A. H. Saxe ; 
1868, Rev. I. Croft ; 1870, Rev. E. E. Pinney ; 1873, 
Rev. David Phillips; 1876, Rev. J. Millard; 1879, 
Rev. Z. N. Lewis (present incumbent, 1880). 

The present organization consists of Rev. Z. N. 
Lewis, pastor; Wm. H. Dawson, Caleb Birch, George 
Root, Henry Matthews, Philip Van Buren, John 
Whitehead, A. S. Tears, John S. Taylor, stewards ; 
Wm. W. Snyder, James M. Walker, John S. Taylor, 
A. H. Saxe, Jacob Brodwell, J. Thomas Andrews, 
Samuel Robinson, trustees; James M. Walker, super- 
intendent of Sunday-school. 

The church numbers 230 members. 



MONTGOMEKY. 



399 



The Sunday-school attendance is nearly as large, i 
the work being very interesting and well sustained. 
There is a library of about 500 volumes. 

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME OF MARY 
(Catholic), in the village of Montgomery, was in- 
corporated Oct. 1, 1870. The trustees who executed i 
the certificate were Eev. John McCloskey, arch- 
bishop ; Kev. William Starr, vicar-general ; Rev. 
Hugh S. O'Hare, pastor; and two laymen, Owen 
Early and Patrick Gannon. 

No statistics have been received from this cliurch 
in reply to our inquiries before going to press. The 
society has a house of worship of convenient size and 
arrangement. The congregation is efficiently led by 
the pastor, and the church doubtless has a future of 
great success before it. 



VIII.-BUEIAL-PLACES. 

If an entire volume for this town were being written 
instead of a single chapter in a county history, the 
old burial-places could be drawn upon for many in- 
teresting data. We can only briefly mention the lo- 
cation of some of them as a clue to such further study 
as any one may desire to make. 

The old burial-place of St. Andrew's Church is in 
the neighborhood where the house of worship for- 
merly stood, and the ownership of the ground is re- 
tained by the church. It is cared for to some extent 
as a place of sacred memories. 

At Goodwill Church the old burial-place should 
furnish many important dates, settlement at that 
point dating back to 1725-30 beyond any doubt. 
This ground is also owned by the church, which is 
able to give to it that loving care for the memory of 
the early families that mere public grounds without 
special ownership too often fail to receive. 

The Coldenham burial-ground dates back to about 
the same period. 

The old ground of the Reformed Church, Mont- 
gomery village, must also be considered about as 
early a place of burial, for the church dates from 1732. 

Other burial-places are as follows: the remains of 
one near the Reformed Church in Walden village, 
the one known as the Methodist Cemetery in the 
same village, the Berea graveyard, the new one of 
the Reformed Church, Montgomery, the Presby- 
terian at Montgomery, and there are doubtless many 
other places where one or more of the dead were 
buried in the old times, when private burial was so 
common on farms here and there throughout a new 
country. 

THE WALLKILL VALLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, 

at Walden, was organized at a meeting held Sept. 9, 
1865, at the office of Scofield, Capron & Co. Egbert 
Millspaugh was appointed chairman, and Augustus F. 
Scofield secretary. The trustees chosen were James 
Todd, Henry Bergen, William J. Embler, Egbert 



Millspaugh, Stephen Rapalye, Augustus F. Scofield, 
Levi L. Gowdy, Henry Suydam, and Seth M. Capron. 
The proceedings were verified by the officers before 
John L. Hart, justice of the peace, September 9th, 
and recorded September 15th. 

This association have a handsomely-situated ceme- 
tery a mile southwest of old St. Andrew's burying- 
ground. The grounds have been laid out with care, 
many fine monuments are erected, and much care is 
evidently being given to the proper adornment of 
the grounds. 



IX.-TOAVN SOCIETIES, BANKS, INCORPOKA- 

TIONS, Etc. 

MASONIC. 
It is understood that there was an early lodge, 
dating back to 1800 ; that it was removed afterwards 
to Tuthilltown, Ulster Co., and was there dissolved. 
(See General History.) 

COURT ORANGE, No. 6231, A. 0. F. 

This organization was formed June 1, 1876, and 
now numbers about 70 members, and is in a very 
prosperous condition. This order is beneficial and 
benevolent, and is said to have been instituted about 
the middle of the eighteenth century (1745), and is 
now established in many parts of the world. Its uni- 
versal character, together with its superior financial 
system of management under one central government, 
with subsidiary districts and subordinate controlling 
bodies, has secured its stability of character and 
maintained its continuous growth in wealth and mem- 
bership until it has reached the following conditions: 

There are 541,509 benefit or regularly contributing 
members, and 12,531 honorary members ; in all, 
554,040. The different branches are styled " courts." 
There is one High Court of the order, two subsidiary 
High Courts (the one in the United States now located 
in the city of New York), 290 district courts, and 
4514 subordinate courts, situate in the United States, 
Canadas, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Austra- 
lia, Bermuda, IJast and West Indies, Gibraltar, Malta, 
New Zealand, St. Helena, South Africa, Peru, and in 
other parts of the world. 

The benefits disbursed for the year ending Dec. 31,- 
1879, were as follows: Sick benefits, $1,602,379.06; 
funeral allowances, .W40,478.27 ; benevolence to dis- 
tressed members, $68,265.08; total, $2,111,122.41. 

The subordinate court funds at the end of the year 
1879 amounted to $12,387,775, and the district (an 
intermediate governing body) court funds, $1,570,140 ; 
total, $13,957,915. 

The primary objects of a court of Ancient Foresters 
are to guarantee its members, 1, a weekly allowance 
in sickness ; 2, to furnish medicine and the services 
of a physician without cost ; 3, to the comfort of 
members when sick or in affliction ; 4, to provide re- 
lief in time of adversity and distress ; 5, to supply a 
specific sum for the burial of members and members' 



400 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



wives ; 6, an endowment for the widow and orphan 
or nearest of l^in. The fulfillment of these objects 
has won the gratitude and appreciation of a vast 
number of members, their families, and relatives 
during the existence of the order, many of whom 
least expected to require or realize its advantages 
when joining the fraternity. 

The following have been the officers qf Court Orange 
since its organization : 

June, 1876. — John McNamara, C. R. ; Wm; Smith, 
S. C. R. ; Benj. Brown, Treas. ; Thos. Meekin, Sec; 
Moses Hatch, S. W. ; James Lyle, J. W. ; James Wil- 
kinson, S. B. ; John Bamforth, J. B. 

January, 1877. — John McNamara, C. R. ; John 
Weller, S. C. R. ; Benj. Brown, Treas.; Thos. Meekin, 
Sec. 

June, 1877. — Benj. Brown, C. R; James Wilkinson, 
S. C. R. ; John W. Weller, Treas. ; Thomas Meekin, 
Sec. 

January, 1878.— John W. Weller, C. R. ; Saml. 
Jackson, S. C. R. ; James Wilkinson, Treas. ; Thos. 
Meekin, Sec. 

January, 1879. — Sidney Van Auken, C. R. ; Alex. 
Butters, S. C. R. ; Alexander Kent, Treas. ; Thos. 
Meekin, Sec. 

January, 1880.— C. A. Wright, C. R. ; Fred. Bing- 
ley, S. C. R. ; Samuel Barrett, Treas. ; Thos. Meekin, 
Sec. 

July, 1880.— C. A. Wright, C. R. ; Thos. Butter.s, 
S. C. R. ; Chas. E. Crofts, Treas. ; Thos. Meekin, F. 
S. ; John H. Vandemark, R. S. ; C. Smaltz, S. W. ; 
Curtis Fairchild, J. W. ; Wm. Gates, S. B. ; J. G. 
Cadhil, J. B. 

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. 

Various organizations have existed in town from 
time to time, but they have disappeared, each doubt- 
less having done something tow.ards moulding public 
sentiment and training up the young in the ways of 
virtue. At present the Women's Christian Temper- 
ance Unions and the Reform Clubs of Walden and 
Montgomery are the principal active societies. Their 
frequent meetings and their praiseworthy attempts to 
open free reading-rooms constitute the principal work 
of the present time. 

BANKS. 

The first banking business done in Walden was by 
the firm of Lefevre & De Garmo about 1870. They 
kept a private banking-office for a year or two. After 
they closed up there were no banking fiicilities for 
some time. Stoddard, Downs & Rutherford then 
opened business under the name of " The Exchange 
Bank of Walden," Nov. 24, 1873. They continued in 
business under that name until April 26, 1877, when 
they closed up, having done a safe and successful 
business for three years and a half. It was believed 
that the time had come to establish banking upon a 
more permanent basis, and therefore, prior to the close 
of the Exchange Bank and in anticipation of such 



close, the National Bank of Walden was organized, 
March 5, 1877. The business of the previous institu- 
tion was changed to the new organization as soon as 
practicable. The first board of directors were .John 
C. Scofield, president ; George W. Stoddard, vice- 
president ; W. G. Rutherford, cashier ; John Kidd, 
Henry Bergen, John V. Tears, S. M. Capron, A. Bate- 
man, D. B. Squires. The present handsome build- 
ing, three stories in height and built of brick, was 
erected for banking purposes before 1870, and is now 
owned by the Walden National Bank. They have 
since their occupancy constructed a first-class fire- 
proof and burglar-proof vault. It is one of the best 
in the State, with all the modern improvements, includ- 
ing a chronometer lock. The rooms are pleasant and 
convenient. The present board of directors is but 
slightly changed from that of 1877. It comprises 
John C. Scofield, president; George W. Stoddard, 
vice-president; W. G. Rutherford, cashier; John 
Kidd, Henry Bergen, D. B. Squires, J. M. Wilkin, 
Jacob Tears, J. A. Crawford. 

The discounts at present date exceed $120,000. The 
deposits are over $100,000. Dividends are declared 
semi-annually, and there is an undivided surplus of 
$3000. It may be added as proof of the careful and 
successful management that not a dollar has been 
lost in the loans of four years. 

The Walden Savings Bank was organized 
under a charter dated April 25, 1872. The first trus- 
tees were Seth M. Capron, William E. Gowdy, D. 
Wortman Rapalje, John S. Taylor, Tliomas J. Brad- 
ley, Thomas Hepper, Henry Bergen, D. M. Wade, 
Jonathan Hawkins, A. Deyo Bevier, Daniel D. 
DuBois, William H. De Garmo, Marcus K. Hill, James 
G. Terbell, James Todd, George Weller, John V. 
Tears ; and the first officers were Seth M. Capron, 
president; Thomas J. Bradley, first vice-president; 
George Weller, Sr., second vice-president; Peter Le- 
fevre, secretary and treasurer. 

Mr. Capron continued in the office of president 
until his death, Nov. 30, 1878. He was succeeded by 
George Weller, Sr., the present incumbent. Peter 
Lefevre served as secretary and treasurer about a 
year and a half He was succeeded by Joseph G. 
Millspaugh. His son, Martin L. Millspaugh, was 
the next secretary and treasurer. He was succeeded 
by the present incumbent, George W. Stoddard. The 
place of business is in the rooms of the Walden 
National Bank. The first depositor was John R. 
Hays. The deposits now exceed $135,000, and the 
surplus is over $60,000. 

The present organization (December, 1880) com- 
prises the following officers : George Weller, presi- 
dent ; John Kidd, first vice-president ; John V. Tears, 
second vice-president ; George W. Stoddard, secretary 
and treasurer; B. R. Champion, attorney (Goshen). 
Trustees, George Weller, John V. Tears, Daniel M. 
Wade, elected April, 1872; Moses Littell, elected 
January, 1873 ; Joseph Rowland, Jacob Tears, elected 



MONTGOMERY. 



401 



November, 1873 ; John Kidd, elected August, 1874 ; 
Frederick Bodine, elected December, 1876 ; Robert 
Ashby, elected January, 1877 ; John R. Hays, elected 
June, 1877 ; Theron L. Millspaugh, elected January, 
1880 ; Hiram B. Wooster, Jacob Van Steenburgh, 
elected March, 1880. 

THE INSURANCE AGENCY, 
by the officers of the National Bank, is a large and 
important business, aflbrding insurance facilities to 
Montgomery and adjacent towns. A line of strong 
companies is represented. The lowest rates possible 
for safe insurance are given, and all losses are 
promptly adjusted. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST. 
The High Falls at Walden in the earlier years, 
when the volume of the stream was greater than in 
modern times, were very noted. They are still ro- 
mantic and attractive, though the primeval forests 
on their banks were long since cut away, and for a 
century or more the whirling waters have been com- 
pelled to minister to the wants of man. xVnother 
writer says : 

"The fall is about furty feet, not perpendicular but in an angle of 
about forty-five degrees. When the stream is full of water the sight is 
beautiful beyond deacription, and is increased in grandeur by the re- 
sistance of its rocky and irregular descent. At every step the foaming 
flood is met by some obstructiug rock, which throws the rush of water 
in another direction, there again to be impeded in its downward course 
and forced aside by the mighty pressure from above. Thus struggling 
from rock to rock, deep buried by the headlong torrent, the flood, in 
tones of thunder, meets the abyss below, and plunging deep comes boil- 
ing up throughout the miglity cauldron, and in whirling eddies flows on 
its way. The roar of this waterfall in the vicinity is almost deafening for 
a little while, and the view of it from both sides of the stream, which at 
this place are high, is truly grand and magnificent. The abyss below is 
really frightful at such a time, yet directly over it, at the foot of this 
fall, the first settlers built a bridge, which remained there till the site 
was changed to that of Galatian's Mill.^' 

INDIAN LOCALITIES. 

On the east bank of the Wallkill, on the line be- 
tween the towns of Montgomery and Wallkill, and on 
the farm of Daniel Rogers, deceased, there was an 
Indian settlement. The land at this location, and for 
some distance around, was cleared, and full-grown 
apple-trees flourishing when first visited by the white 
immigrants. Some of the trees were standing for many 
years. 

On the flat, just above the bridge across the Wall- 
kill, near Mr. John Miller's, and below where the old 
Miller stone house stood, there was another settle- 
ment. They were there when Johannes Miller planted 
his shanty on the hill above them. Of these there is 
no tradition worth recording, except that they were 
friendly, and not many years after the settlement be- 
gan to leave, and were all gone several years before 
the war. 

On the farm of Mr. Stuftie Mould, on the main road 
from Montgomery to Albany, near the residence of 
Samuel Hunter, Esq., there was a third Indian loca- 
tion. This clan was quite numerous. They broke 



up and left about 1775. A .squaw of this clan, by as- 
sociation with the family of Mr. Mould, had become 
partially civilized, and did not wish to go. She had 
made herself useful to the family in many ways, and 
they wi.shed to keep her. To accomplish tliis, with 
the consent of Mr. Mould, she hid herself somewhere 
about the house. The Indians in looking over their 
members missed her, and knowing her intimacy with 
the family instantly suspected that she did not want 
to leave, and had secreted herself till they should 
remove. To obtain her they surrounded the house 
for several nights in succession, made all kinds of 
hideous noise, demanding the absent squaw. At last 
Mr. Mould concluded that if she was not produced 
and given up, the Indians, as they were about to 
leave, would as soon break friendship for cause as 
not, and in the excitement of the moment might 
murder the family, he produced her, and they left 
never to return. 

OLD HOMESTEADS. 

The following list of old historic homesteads was 
given by Mr. Eager in 1846. The description is of 
recent date enough to still indicate the location of 
such as remain or the site of those which have been 
removed : 

The Rockafeller house, near the village of Mont- 
gomery, known as " The Camp." 

The stone Hedden house, near the Goodwill 
church. 

The Charles Booth house, owned in later years by 
Lewis Booth, on the road from Neelytown to Camp- 
bell Hall (town of Hamptonburgh). 

The Henry Van Keuren stone house, near Good- 
will church, owned by Dr. James Van Keuren in 
modern times. 

Hans Youngblood's stone house, near the Muddy 
Kill, where there was a German school in 1761. 

TheWillhelmus Smith house, built in 1759 of stone 
drawn from Comfort Hill. They would draw a day 
or two, then mend the roads for a day or two. It was 
owned in after-years by Hendrick Smith. 

The house known as the Beemer place, on the 
State road. 

The old house at Neelytown built by William 
Eager, owned in later times by Mr. Mulford. 

The old house at Neelytown built by James Mc- 
Cobb, subsequently owned by James Jackson, and 
later by Mr. Sherwood. 

The old house where Rev. Robert Annan lived dur- 
ing the Revolution, and owned in later years by Fos- 
ter Smith. 

The old stone house built by Lieutenant-Governor 
Colden. 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
This town is well adapted to successful agriculture. 
Its surface is pleasantly diversified with hills and with 
rolling uplands. There is also valuable meadow land. 



402 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



While there are handsome elevations, there is no erai- ! 
nence of height sufficient to be called a mountain. 

The meadows are extensive and productive; the | 
plow-lands are warm and fertile. Considerable wheat 
was formerly raised. The valley of the Wallkill in 
this and other towns near is favorable to a varied sys- 
tem of farming. It is productive in pasturage and 
mowing, and also capable, if judiciously managed, ! 
of yielding excellent crops of grain. ' 

There is an abundant supply of pure water fur- , 
nished by numerous springs, brooks, and rivulets. 

The last few years have witnessed an immense de- 
velopment of dairy products, more especially in the 
direct sale of milk daily to New York City. It 
is difficult to obtain statistics to fully show the mag- 
nitude of this trade. It is reported that the milk 
trains on the railroads pay the companies better profit 
than any other class of trains. 

The Wallkill River is a durable stream, and running 
through the town from south to north, furnishes ex- 
tensive hydraulic power at many points on its course. 
The fishing was formerly of considerable value as a 
source of profit. Delicious eels and catfish abounded. 
The muddy waters of the Drowned Lands were favor- 
able to their growth. They were taken in various 
ways, but principally by rude dams of stone thrown 
across the kill, in which was set a rock at the point 
where the water issues from the dam. At the mills 
these rocks were set in the race-ways below the mills, 
and are said to have been taken by wagon-loads and 
sold in this and neighboring towns. 

The soil of the town in the vicinity of Montgomery 
and St. Andrews consists of loam and sand ; in other 
parts, loam and gravel of good depth. Upon the 
eastern slope of the Comfort Hills are many excellent 
farms. Through a valley which skirts their base 
flows the Muddy Kill, draining oft' to the Wallkill 
any surplus waters. There is very little land in 
Montgomery that cannot be cultivated. 

Under the old drainage law, passed for the benefit 
of Orange and Duchess Counties, the people availed 
themselves of its provisions with considerable vigor 
until any bog meadow or wet lowlands were thor- 
oughly reclaimed. 

The soil is well adapted to fruit. Valuable orchards 
were planted sixty years ago or more by Robert 
Griffith, John Miller, Andrew Graham, and others. 
The production of fruit has sometimes been large, 
though not competing with the valuable fruit regions 
of Western New York, or in later years of Michigan. 

As in other towns, the style of farming has changed 
somewhat under the later method of sending milk 
direct to the New York market. By the Wallkill 
Valley Railroad the town enjoys easy and prompt 
connection riot only with the larger villages of the 
county, but with the great metropolis. 

The bonding of the town may have seemed to some 
a rash step, and the creation of a great burden of 
debt; but the advantages to be considered on the 



other hand are very many. Doubtless if the citizens 
could now abolish the debt by abolishing the railroad, 
they would still vote to pay the debt and enjoy the 
present railroad facilities. Indeed, men who had 
opposed bonding, in advertising farms to sell soon 
after, named their nearness to railroad stations as 
enhancing immensely the value of the real estate. 

ORANGE COUNTY SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL 
AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE. 

" The design of this Institute is to afford the most efficient means for 
the acquisition of a combined scientific and practical knowledge of 
agriculture. 

" A number of farmei-8 residing in the same neighborhood in the town 
of Montgomery, from seven to nine miles west of Newburgh, having 
united under a written contract one with the other to become instructors 
to such pupils as may be committed to their care thnnigh the under- 
signed, their officers, present the Institute to the attention of the 
public. 

" Each pupil will be under the practical instruction of the member of 
the association witli wliom he may reside. 

" The scientific instruction will be under the care of Mr. James Dar- 
rach, a graduate of Yale College, a gentleman of scientific attainments, 
and, in common with his associates, a holder of his own plow. 

"Tliis pait of the institution will embrace most of tlie academic 
studies, natural history, and the principles of agricultural economy. 

"The peculiarity of this Institute which recommends it to parents is, 
that the practical instruction will be given by practical farmers, whose 
duty and interest compel them to attend to the economy as well ae the 
management of a farm. 

" It presents also the following features: family discipline and care; 
constant companionship with tlie instructors; varied husbandry and 
soil which the pupils will be constantly directed to observe and compare. 
In the neighborhood are places of woi-siiip within convenient distance 
for all to attend, — Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Reformed Dutch, Scotch 
Presbyterian, and Methodist. 

"Terms : ^125 per annum for tuition and board, payable semi-annually 
in advance. 

" Slail and other stages that pass over the Newburgli and Cochectou 
Turnpike connect our places daily with Newburgh. 

" Enquiries and applications may be addressed to either of the under- 
signed at Coldenham, Orange Co., N. Y. 

LlNHLEV MUREAY FERRIS, Preset. 
" Samuel Wait, Jr., Sec?-etor7/," 

At the opening of this institution on May 20, 1846, 
an introductory lecture was delivered by Professor 
James Darrach, on the nature and object of the insti- 
tution, mode of instruction, etc., and widely circu- 
lated at the time. 

THE WOOLEN-FACTORY AT WALDEN 

was established in 1823 by Jesse Scofield and Dr. 
Capron. It was then styled the Franklin Company, 
and the old name may still be seen over the arched 
entrance. They continued the business down to about 
1844. The firm was then changed to Scofield, Capron 
& Co., composed of Augustus F. Scofield, Seth M. 
Capron, and L. L. Gowdy. They continued until the 
death of the latter, in June, 1871. They were run 
for a month longer under the same firm-name when 
the senior partner, A. F. Scofield, died. This death 
brought about a dissolution of the firm. A reorgan- 
ization took place under the firm-name of Townsend, 
Gowdy & Co., who remained in the business for about 
three years. They were succeeded by S. M. Holmes 
& Co., who only operated the mill for one year. The 
next proprietor was R. N. Kitchen, who continued for 



MONTGOMERY. 



403 



a short time when the business passed into the hands 
of the present proprietors, Perry, Bartow & Wheeler, 
who are doing a large and successful business. The 
woolen-factory has for more than fifty years been a 
marked feature of AValden, and one of the early sources 
of its substantial growth. It brought uumy opera- 
tives to settle here, and its early proprietors contributed 
largely to the business success of the village. The 
]iresent firm are giving careful management to the 
enterprise, and operating the mills with energy and 
skill. The line of manufacture consists of woolen I 
goods generally, cloths and fancy cassimeres receiving 
.special attention. About eighty hands are employed 
and the works are run night and day. The present 
firm have only operated them since January, 1879. ! 
The buildings are large, substantial structures of 
.stone. The water privilege is valuable and perma- 
nent. Buildings or tenements for employes are built 
in the same style as the factory. 

THE NEW YORK KNIFE COMPANY, 
located at Walden, have one of the largest cutlery es- 
tablishments in the United States. Situated just at 
the falls of the Wallkill, they own the first right to 
that magnificent water privilege. The company was 
organized in 1852, and founded a cutlery business at 
Matteawan, Duchess Co. 

In 1856 they removed to Walden, and purchased the 
old building, which had been standing vacant for some 
years, formerly a cotton-factory. This building has 
been at various times enlarged, improved, and fitted 
up with the best modern machinery. The officers 
of the company are Thomas W. Bradley, president 
and treasurer; Joseph Rowland, vice-president ; and 
John Best, secretary. The line of work consists of 
table and pocket cutlery of every variety, style, and 
value. They employ about two hundred and fifty 
hands, and manufacture in a single year 1,600,000 
finished pieces. Mr. Bradley, the president, superin- 
tends the entire business. His personal history is in- 
teresting. Leaving his lucrative business in 1862, he 
enlisted as a private in Company H, of the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth ; rose steadily through the 
official grades to the position of captain, and was bre- 
vetted lieutenant-colonel as a recognition by Congress 
of gallant services before Petersburg. Since the war 
he has had important military positions under the 
State authorities, closing his services in that line as 
lieutenant-colonel and assistant adjutant-general under 
Governor Tilden. He was also member of Assembly 
in 1875 and 1876. 

THE WALDEN CONDEN.SED MILK COMPANY 
was organized by a certificate executed April 20, 1864. 
The capital stock was determined to consist of $50,000, 
divided into five hundred shares of $100 each. The 
trustees named in this instrument were Frank J. 
Kagc, Henry W. Alden, and Homer A. Kidd. 

This enterprise was carried on for two or three 
years and then reorganized under the name of 



THE HIGHLAND CONDENSED MILK COMPANY, 
which filed a certificate of incorporation March 17, 
1865. The objects of the association were stated as 
follows : " The manufacture and sale of milk and 
eggs in a concentrated or condensed form." The trus- 
tees named were Frank J. Kage, Homer A. Kidd, 
Jesse Scofleld, Charles D. Wooley, and Henry W. 
Alden. The capital stock was determined at $50,000, 
to be divided into five hundred shares of $100 each. 

A few years later the milk business was discon- 
tinued, and the buildings were devoted to the use 
of the Walden Soap- Works. 

THE BRICKYARD AT WALDEN. 

This was established in 1868 by the present pro- 
prietor, James Gowdy. The clay proved to be of 
excellent quality. Mr. Gowdy's facilities for manu- 
facturing are convenient and extensive. The line of 
work is confined to the manufacture of common 
brick. The average number of hands employed is 
20, and the capacity of the yard is about 2,000,000 
per year. Mr. Gowdy is supplying brick to a large 
extent of country, but more directly to the village of 
Walden. It was said of Napoleon that he found Paris 
brick but left it marble. Mr. Gowdy found Walden 
wood, but will leave it brick, judging by the change 
of twelve years. 

THE WALDEN KNIFE COMPANY. 

This was organized as a co-operative association in 
1870, and was carried on until 1874 under that ar- 
rangement, when it became a joint-stock association. 
At the first organization W. E. Gowdy was president, 
E. Whitehead secretary, and Milton B. Tears super- 
intendent. The officers of the joint-stock association 
are J. S. Taylor, president; G. Weller, Jr., vice-presi- 
dent and treasurer; A. H. Saxe, secretary ; E. White- 
head, manager. The line of work is exclusively pocket 
cutlery, of which from six hundred to eight hundred 
different styles are made. The company employ 125 
hands. The buildings are those of the Giles Andrews 
Woolen-Mills. The knife company remodeled them 
and adapted them to their purposes. 

Mr. A. H. Saxe adds the following : 

The mill now occupied by the Walden Knife Com- 
pany was built in the year 1827-28, and run by what 
was known as the Orange Company as a woolen-cloth 
factory. In 1837, Henry DuBois acquired the title to 
the property. In 1845, DuBois sold out to Wm. C. 
Langley, who two months later sold out to Giles An- 
drews and John Bradbury. In 1853, Giles Andrews 
acquired the title to the whole, buying out his partner, 
Bradbury. 

The mill was run continuously by him as a satinet 
factory until his death in 1869, and his widow, Mrs. 
Lucy Andrews, continued the business until she sold 
the property to Jonathan Wailes in 1873. The title, 
however, lapsed to her in a couple of years, and in 
1875 she conveyed the property to the present owner.s, 
the Walden Knife Company. 



404 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Upon the history of the buildings occupied by this 
company we have the following additional facts : 

June, 1825, James Clark & Co. (firm, James Clark, 
John J. Galatian, Erwin Galatian, and James Gala- 
tian) sold the property to the Orange Company. 
Members of that comjniny were James Clark, John J. 
Galatian, E^rvvin Galatian, James Hall, and Francis 
Watson. Levi L. Gowdy, about the year 1829, be- 
came a member by taking stock in the company. 
About the year 1832 the factory was burnt, and imme- 
diately rebuilt larger. About the years 183:-! or 1834, 
George Weller became a member of the company by 
purchasing the stock of John J. Galatian, deceased. 
About the year 1840 the Orange Company sold the 
mill and all their interest to Henry DuBois. After 
the sale the manufacturing business was carried on 
by the firm of DuBois, Galatian & Co., then changed 
to DuBois & Gowdy. They remained in business a 
short time and dissolved. Mr. Gowdy, after the dis- 
solution, connected himself with A. F. Scofield and 
S. M. Capron, under the firm-name of Scofield, Capron 
& Co., in the woolen business. Soon after, Mr. DuBois 
sold the property to Wm. C. Langley, of the city of 
New York. Mr. Langley, aboiit the year 1845, sold 
the property to Giles Andrews and John Bradbury. 
They occupied the property a number of years, when 
they dissolved. Giles Andrews bought out Mr. Brad- 
bury's interest. He (Andrews) carried on the busi- 
ness down to the time of his death (1869). He be- 
queathed all the property to his wife, Lucy Andrews. 
She continued the same business for some time, be- 
came blind, then sold it to Jonathan Wailos, May 1, 
1873. He had the property in possession to February, 
1875. Finding it difiicult to meet the payments, he 
gave it up again to Mrs. Andrews. Some time after 
she took possession Mrs. Andrews sold it to the Walden 
Knife Company. 

THE WALDEN FILE-WORKS 
are a new enterprise, Taylor Brothers & Co. They 
have erected spacious and convenient buildings near 
the railroad, one 28 by 33, on« 12 by 47, one 12 by 
26, and one 15 by 22. They are opposite the steam 
grist-mill, and the power for the file-works is fur- 
nished by the engine in the mill. The buildings are 
fitted up with the best modern machinery. Work 
was commenced Jan. 1, 1880. About 30 hands are 
employed, and the enterprise bids fair to be re- 
munerative to the proprietors and an important 
addition to the village of Walden. 

THE STEAM FLOXIRINIJ-MILL 
at Walden was built about 1873 by Terbell & Bate- 
man, and run by them a few years, when the pro- 
prietorship was changed to A. Bateman & Co., and 
in 1875 to Taylor & Bateman. Mr. Bateman died 
Feb. 29, 1880, but the business is still conducted 
under the same firm-name. The mill does custom- 
work extensively, and also flouring for shijjment. 



THE MOXTGOMERY WOOLEX-MILL 
is located some distance below Montgomery village, 
on the Wallkill. It was established many years ago, 
and has a varied history involving several changes 
of proprietors. It is now operated by the firm of 
Crabtrce & Patchin. The line of work is worsted 
braid to a great extent. Formerly bunting was man- 
ufactured there. The buildings are large, the water- 
power is lasting, and the property has been considered 
a valuable one, and is so at the present time. 

TITUS & STRATTON'S GRIST-MILL, 
at Montgomery, is an old affair. The building is 
large and substantial. It is the successor of the early 
mills of Revolutionary times, mentioned elsewhere, 
and was known for a long time as the Luquer Mill. 

WALKER'S PAPER-MILL. AT MONTGOMERY, 
opposite the above grist-mill, is an important enter- 
prise. It is now operated with great activity, a large 
number of hands are employed, and the quality of 
the paper made compares favorably with any of the 
same line in market. 

THE NEW YORK CONDENSED MILK COMPANY 
are just establishing a branch in this town north of 
the village of Walden. The buildings now being 
erected are very extensive, and it is understood that 
a cost of nearly $200,000 is being incurred. The 
works are intended to receive the milk of 5000 cows. 
This is the third branch established by the company. 
John G. Borden is the president ; James P. Niblo is 
the contractor. The material used in the erection is 
brick, of which it is estimated 900,000 will be used, 
and they are furnished from the brick-works of J. 
Gowdy, Walden. It is expected that some 80 hands 
will be employed, and thus 20 tenements will be 
erected for the employes. 

CREAMERIES. 
There are two in the town, (me at Montgomery vil- 
lage and one at Coldenham. They are both under 
the management of one proprietor, Mr. Beakes, and 
are doing the usual line of work common in later 
years to that class of enterprises. 

VARIOUS MANUFACTORIES. 

The Rider Engine Company have large and con- 
venient works at Walden, employing a number of 
men. (See chapter upon Goshen.) 

The Walden Cigar Manufactory, George K. 
Colden proprietor, is doing good work ; not very large 
in extent, but it is noted for making an excellent 
cigar, proving that smokers in Walden have no need 
to send abroad for the fragrant weed. 

The Walden Soap- Works, C. D. Wooley pro- 
prietor, are an enterprise of some imjjortance, con- 
venient for the citizens of the town and reasonably 
remunerative to the owner. 

The Overall Manufactory at Walden of H. 



MONTGOMERY. 



405 



B. Wooster is an undertaking which that gentleman 
adds to his other business of grocer. It affords em- 
ployment to 25 or 30 girls, and it is understood that 
the enterprise is successful in paying a fair profit to 
the proprietor. 

Brown's Grist- and Saw-Mills are located in 
the southeast part of the town, the successors of those 
(if much earlier date. 

Embler's Steam Grist-Mill is located at Mont- 
gomery village, doing both custom business and 
flouring. 



XII.-MILITARY. 

Montgomery having a population of considerable 
extent prior to the Revolution, the people uo doubt 
took an active interest in the momentous contest 
that separated this country from England and formed 
a free and independent nation out of the thirteen de- 
pendent colonies. 

That public opinion in this section was considerably 
divided is evident from the fact of Governor Colden's 
residence and connections here, and from the glimpse 
of controversy over political matters which appears 
in the traditions and the records of the churches. 

For the services of some of the residents of the 

town during the Revolution reference is made to the 

General History. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

The list given below of soldiers from this town is 
mainly taken from a fiill and carefully-written record 
in the town clerk's office, such as ought to be found 
in every town. The whole of Company H of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth is included in the 
list, though there were quite a number of persons not 
residents there, and were not credited to the town. It 
is not our business to correct the record, however. 

Of the soldiers furnished by this town, it may be 
added that they constituted either partly or entirely 
the following companies: Co. C of the Fifty-sixth, 
Capt. Frederick Decker ; Co. A of the Nineteenth,. 
Capt. Isaac Smith ; Co. H of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth, Capt. David Crist ; Co. A of the One 
Hundred and Sixty-eighth, Capt. Wm. H. Terwilliger. 

The amount of money voted at the- several town- 
meetings for the expenses of recruiting and for 
bounties were as follows: 

Aug. 25, 18G2 S3,000 

Feb. 1, 1864 3,000 

Aug. 20, 18C4 48,250 

Dec. 19,1804 10,77(1 

Total $65,020 

SUBSCRIPTIONS. 

April 1, 18C1.— For Co. A, Nineteenth Militia $163.00 

" Co. G, " •■ 2116.00 

" Equipment, Lieut. Torbush 50.00 

" " Dr. Qeorgo L. Little 60.00 

■' " Capt. Terwilliger 35.UO 

" " Capt. Isaac Smith 40.00 

8743.50 

Jul.v, 1S62.— Bounties $:i281.46 

Aid to hospitals 2440.25 

By churches 132.1.39 

Total $7788.59 



The town furnished at the outbreak of the war 4 
men ; between that period and the calls of July and 
August, 18(32, 109 men ; under the calls of July and 
August, 123 men ; from July, 1863, to July, 1864, 67 
men. There were 29 re-enlistments in 1864, 42 prin- 
cipals furnished substitutes, and 20 names were added 
to list of volunteers; under call of Dec. 19, 1864, 6 
substitutes were furnished and 9 men were enlisted by 
contract in New York. On that (the last) call the 
paymaster-general allowed an excess on former calls 
of 144 years, or 51 three-years men, and paid the town 
130,600. The town claimed, in addition, a surplus of 
12 men, but the claim was not allowed. 

Andrew Armstrong, 124tli; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

William S. Ayres, sergt., Co. A, 19tli ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Joseph Armstrong, Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 13, 1862. 

John Vail Ajres, Co. C, 5th ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864. 

Henry Allen, enl. August, 1864. 

John Anderson, enl. August, 1864. 

Alexander Anderson, 26th ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. 

John W. Ayres, Co. C, 5th H. A. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1804. 

Caleb D. Allen, 15th Cavalry ; eul. September, 1864. 

Charles Bohen, Co. B, 168th; enl. Oct. 2.), 1862. 

George Brown, 19th ; enl. May, 1862. 

John Bodine, Co. K, IGSth ; enl. Feb. 6, 1863. 

Win. Bell, 168th; enl. December, 1862. 

Wm. H. Brown, Co. K, ISSth ; eul. Dec. 12, 1862. 

Charles E. Brown. Co. H, 124th. 

John J. Brown, Co. 0, 26th ; enl. Dec. 16, 1863. 

Charles Brown, enl. August, 1864. 

John W. Brown, Co. C, 4th; enl. August, 1861; wounded three times 
slightly. 

Sylvester Brannin, Co. C, 56th ; enl. August, 1861. 

Wm. Braddock, 39th Mass.; enl. 1862; wounded at North Anna. 

Heni'y Bodine, 56th ; enl. September, 1861 ; died in Washington, June, 
1862. 

Courtlandt Bodine, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; killed at Chancelloi-syille. 

Wm. H. D. Blake, Co. C, 56tli ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; pro. 2d lieut. 

Thomas H. Baker, Co. H, 124th ; enl. 1862; wounded at Chaucellorsrille. 

Henry Barney. 

George E. Bookstaver, Co. A, 16Sth ; enl. December, 1862. 

Charles Brown, Co. B, 1681h ; enl. December, 1862. 

Charles H. Berner, Co. D, 124th. 

Frank Bishop, enl. August, 1864. 

Sylvester Brannon, Co. C, 56th; enl. Aug. 8, 1861. 

Meron Bodine, Corp., Co. H, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; severely wounded 
at Chaneellorsville, May 3, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

John G. Buckley, musician, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

George Butters, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; captured at Spotlsyl- 
vania, May 12, 1864. 

Francis S. Brown, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 
eellorsville. 

Wm. Brown, Co. II, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville. May 14, 1864. 

Thomas W. Bradley, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg ; promoted through all the grades to captain and brevet 
lieutenant-colonel. 

William Buchanan, Co. H, l'24th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 

Andrew Bowman, Co. H, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 1:J, 1862; wounded at Chan- 
eellorsville. 

Peter Bookstaver, Co. A, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 

John Bodine, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862 ; re-enlisted. 

CharlesE. Blake, Co. A,19th; enl. May 26,1862; died at Yorktown, May 
8, 1863. 

Charles E. Blake, sergt., Co. A, 168th; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 

John M. Bookstaver, Corp., Co. A. 168th; enl. Oct. 20, 1862. 

Daniel W. Baker, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1862. 

Henry M. Connelly, 2d lieut., Co. C, ■'■16th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

John Coles, sergt., Co. C, 66lh ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Thomas Chambers, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Andrew Chambers, Co. C, 50th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861; wounded at Fair 
Oaks; re-enlisted. 



406 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mobrey S. M. Corkey, Co. C, 56th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Jonathan 0. Cnrkey, Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 11, 1862. 

Wm. B. Clearwater, loth H. A. ; eul. December, 1862. 

Michael Co,\, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1801. 

Martin Cable, enl. August, 1864. 

Patrick J. Cameron, Co. C, 56tli ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

David Crist, capt., Co. H, r24th ; enl. August, 1862; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville; killed at Tolopotomy Creek, May 31, 1864. 
Wm. H. Cox,Bergt., Co. II, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 
Van Keuren Crisl, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13,1862; killed at Chaocel- 

lorsville. 
James Crist, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14. 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 

ville, taken prisoner, and died at Andersonville. 
Milton Crist, Co, H, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Angus Carman, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; died of disease at 

Walden, June 30, 1863. 
James L. Coleman, Co. C, 4th ; enl. Aug. 29, 1861 ; wounded and taken 

prisoner. 
Daniel Carman, Co. H, 124tli ; eul. Aug. 14, 186- ; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville. May 3, 1863; wounded May 6, 1864. 
Jesse F. Camp, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
James 0. Crist, Co. A, 19tli ; enl. May 26, 1862; taken prisoner. 
Moses Comfort, Co. A, I'JtIi ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Eobert Craft, Co. A, lOtli ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Robert Carr, Oi. A, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 
William Clianibere, Co. A, I9th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Moses Comfort, Corp., Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 3, 1862 ; re-enlisted. 
Jeremiah M. Crist, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 16, 1802; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville in right arm, and four and a Italf inches bone removed; 

discli. for disability Sept. 18, 1863. 
Henry V. Crawford, 4th Cavalry; enl. Aug. 29, 1861 ; twice taken pris- 
oner ; live weeks in Libby Prison. 
Alexander Crawford, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; re-enlisted. 
George W. Crist, Co. E, 44th ; enl. September, 1861. 
Granville Crist, 1st Excelsior; enl. Jan. 20, 1862. 
Wm. Chambers, 19th ; enl. May, 1862. 

James E. Collins, Co. 1, 124tli ; enl. August, 1802 ; died in the service. 
Jesse F. Camp, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; re-enlisted. 
Alexander Camp, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Nov. 3, 1862 ; died Aug. 5, 1863. 
Henry C. Conklin, Co. H, 124th. 
Charles Cisco, enl. August, 1864. 
Robert Curry, enl, August, 1864. 
Wm. Coffin, enl. August, 1864. 

.Tames H. Conklin, Co. K, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Patrick Condon, 50th: eul. Sept. 8, 1804. 
David Crist, capt., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed by a rebel 

8liari)shooter, June 1, 1864, while laying out a new intrenchment 

before Petersburg. 
Frederick Decker, capt., Co. C, 56th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; re-enl. in Co. I, 

168th, October, 1862. 
George F. I. Dromgoole, enl. August, 1864. 
John Duffle, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Nathan H. Duffle, Co. H, 124th; enl. .\ug. 13, 1862; disch. at hospital 

Feb. 17, 1863. 
John A. Diamond, lath; enl. May, 1802. 
Thornton Dawson, Corp., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Wm. H. Dawson, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded May 3,1863 ; 

disch. for disability July 25, 1864. 
Wm. Dawson, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 

ville. 
Jusiah Dawson, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville and taken prisoner, and wounded and taken prisoner May 

5, 1864. 
Joseph W. Delantater, Co. H, I24th; enl. .\ug. 13, 1862; died of wounds 

received at Chaucelloreville. 
Benjamin Diitcher, Co. H, 124th; enl. .\ug. 14, 1862; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville; killed in the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Uowland W. Davis, Corp., Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1802; died at Fal- 
mouth of typhoid fever. 
Jesse F. Decker, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Wm. H. Dexter, Co. D, 54th ; enl. April 13, 1865. 
Frederick Decker, Co. A, 19th; enl. May 20, 1862. 
Morrison Decker, Co. O, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Charles J. Dolson, Co. G, 19tl]; enl. Oct. 1, 1860. 
Edward F. Dunn, Co. H, 124th. 
T. W. Decker, Corp., Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 



R. S. Decker, Corp., Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 14. 1862. 

Orrin E. Doty, Co. K, 124th. 

Nathan H. Duffle, Co. H, 124th ; enl. August, 1802. 

Charles Dubois, 20th ; enl. December, 1803 ; died in the fall of 1864. 

John C. Drivers, enl. .\ugust, 18r4. 

Thomas Dalen, eul. August, 18iV4, 

Thomiis Daltou, enl. August, 1S(;4. 

Michael Divine, enl. August, 1864. 

Aldred Eckert, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861. 

diaries W. Evans, Co. H, 124th ; eul. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. for disability. 

Isaac Evans, Co. B, 168th ; enl Oct. 20, 1862. 
Burtou Edsall, 1st Cavalry; enl. 1861. 

Samuel Scare Eckert, Co. C, 50th; enl. Sept. 17, 1861. 

Jonathan Eckert, Co. H, 124th; enl. August, 1862. 

Henry W. Eckert, Co. H, 124th. 

Joachim Etten, enl. .\ugust, 1864. 

Archibald Freeman, 1st sergt., Co. H, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; wounded. 

Seymour Fowler, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861. 

Ingrace Fitzockenrcuther, enl. August, 1804. 

diaries A. Foster, <;o. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; killed at Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3, 1863. 

Wm. L. Fairchild, Corp., Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; killed at 
Chancellorsville. 

Benjamin Freer, Co. G, 19th ; enl. April 25, 1861. 

George Frarena, enl. August, 1864. 

John W. Foster, Co. I, 71st; enl. April, 1861; re-enlisted; he was the 
first to enlist from Montgomery. 

Nelson Foote, Co. I, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Neal Francis, navy ; enl. August, 1864. 

Seymour Fowler, Co. C, oOth ; enl. August, 1861 ; re-enlisted. 

David P. Foster, 9th ; enl. April 21, 1801 ; pro. to capt. ; thrown from 
horse — injured. 

Lyman Fairchild, Co. H, 124th; eul. .\ugu8t, 1862; wounded May 5, 
1804; died 5Iay 14th, at Chancellorsville. 

George 0. Fuller, Co. H, 124th ; eul. August, 1862; killed at Chancellors- 
ville. 

Patrick Fitzgibbon, lOSth; enl. September, 1862. 

John Fisk, Co. U, 124th. 

Aaron Fuller, Co. H, 124th. 

Jolin Fay, enl. August, 1864. 

John Frame, enl. August, 1864. 

John Friel, enl. August, 1864. 

John B. Gomley, Corp., Co. C, 50th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861. 

David Goetchius, Co. C, 66th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

John Green, eul. August, 1864. 

Henry Gowdy, 1st lieut., Co. II, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; died May 11, 
1863, of wounds. 

Clark B. Galatin, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1802 ; wounded in the Wil. 
derness, Oct. 27, 1864, and taken prisoner ; paroled and sent to hos- 
pital. 

Charles H. Godfrey, Co. A, 19th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862. 

Clark B. Galatin, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1802. 

John R. Gruoel, 69tli ; enl. April, 1861. 

John J. Goetchius, Co. G, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 

James Gilbert, Co. G, 19th ; enl. April 25, 1861. 

John Gurnes, Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862. 

Samuel Giles, Co. D, 6th; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. 

Lester Geuung, Co. C, 108th ; enl. Sept. 20, 1802. 

John B. Gourley, 66th ; enl. September, 1861 ; died April 3, 1863, at Hilton 
Head. 

James Gowdy, capt., Co. C, 56th ; enl. May, 1861. 

Alexander Hunt, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 29, 1864. 

David Hardenbrook, Co. C, 66th ; eul. Aug. 10, 1861 ; killed May 31, 1802. 

James Hughey, Co. C, 50th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Bernard Henry, Co. C, 50th ; enl. .^ug. 13, 1861. 

Philip Henry, Co. G, lOStli ; enl. December, 1862. 

John R. Hays, 2d lieut., Co. H, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; resigned. 

David R. Harris, enl. August, 1864 ; died July 18, 1865. 

Wm. S. M. Hatch, Co. H, 124th; eul. Aug. 13, 1862; taken prisoner at 
Beverly Ford, and died at Andersouville, July 8, 1864. 

David Hawley, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

John Hatch, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died of fever Oct. 16, 1862. 

Arthur Haigh, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862. 

George Homan, Co. H, 18th ; killed at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

James E. Homan, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, and died July 3, 1863. 

Nathau Hubbard, Co. A, 19th ; eul. May 20, 1802 ; re-enl. in the 168th. 



MONTGOMERY. 



407 



Edward Hunter, Co. H, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 18, 18G2; wounded at Gettys- 
burg; wounded May 18, 1864, and died June 30, 1804. 

Alexander Henry, Co. G, 19th ; enl. April 2.% 1861. 

Isaac T. Hasl.rouck, Co. G, 19th ; enl. Oct. 1, 1800. 

James A. Hasbrouck, Co. E, 20th ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863. 

William J. Henry, Co. B, lC8th ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862. 

Howard Hammond, enl. Feb. 22, 1804. 

Charles S. Hammond, 2,">th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 2, 1804. 

Edward Hughes, C«. E,.'iCth; enl. 1801. 

Marcus Houstou, Co. H, 124th; enl. 1861. 

Charles G. Hunt, Co. C, 56th ; enl. September, 1861. 

Abram Hawley, Co. H, 124th ; enl. 1802 ; wounded at Chancellorsville. 

David Howland, Corp., Co. H, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; died in the service. 

John E. Hurder, Co. H. 124th. 

Marvin Hildelirandt, Co. H, 124th. 

Charles C. Hicks, Co. H, 124th. 

Cliarles HTighe.«, enl. August, 1864. 

James Halkiii, enl. August, 1864. 

George E. Human, 18th ; enl. June, 1861; killed at Gaines' Mill. 

John Harrington, enl. August, 1864. 

Oliver Haines, 20th ; enl. December, 1863. 

John Judson, Co. C, 5Ctli ; etd. July 29, 1861 ; re-en). 

Albert H. Judson, Co. C, .56111; enl. Aug. 3, 1861 ; re-enl. 

Calvin Judson. Co. C, 50th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1861. 

Hiram Johnson. Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 24, 1804. 

Jacob F. Jordan, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Locust 
Grove. 

Grandison Judson, Co. H. 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1802; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

Chester Judson, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; kllleil on picket Sept. 
14,1864; son of Andrew Judson, of Montgomery, who had seven 
sons in the army. 

Cffsar Jackson, 26th ; enl. December, 1803. 

B. B. Johnston, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 20, 1862. 

William Johnson, Jr., Co. G, 19th; enl. Oct. 1, 1861. 

Albert C. Jackson, 26th ; enl. January, 1863. 

Jauies E. Jaman, Co. G, 19th ; enl. Oct. 1, 1860. 

Wm. Johnson, 5th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; a prisoner several months. 

Jacol) S. Johnson, Co. B, 20th ; eul. Dec. 21, 1863. 

Cliarles H. Jocklin, Co. E, 26th ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863. 

Ferris Jolinson, lOtli Cavalry; eul. Dec. 8, 1863. 

Theodore Judson, 2d Cavalry ; enl. November, 1863 ; wounded at Pleasant 
Hill. 

Henry Jubin, Co. H, 124th. 

William Judson, let Mounted Rifles ; enl. Sept. 3,1861 ; had served in the 

seth. 

George W. Judson, 20th ; enl. January, 1864 ; pro. sergt. 

Alexander Kidd, sergt.. C'o. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1801. 

James H. Kelly, Co. C, 50th ; eTil. Aug. 16, 1861. 

James Kelly, Co. C, ,56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Peter Knell, Co. C, 56th; enl. Aug. 14, 1861. 

John E. Kidd, Corp., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1802 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg. 

Noah B. Kinibark, Cv. 11, 124th ; eul. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg. 

Henry Kidd, Jr., Co. H, l>4th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1802; dis. Jan. 17, 1863. 

Wm. Kain, 1st lieut., Co. G, 19th ; enl. Nov. 24, 1860. 

Willett Kidd, sergt., Co. G, Ulth ; enl. Nov. 24, 1860. 

Halsey Kidd, sergt., Co. G, I'.ltli; enl. Nov. 24, 1860. 

Victor Knapp, Corp., Co. G, I'.lth ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Beverly Kidd, corp., Co. G, 19tli ; enl. April 2u, 1861. 

Alexander Kidd, Co. G, 19th ; enl. April 22, 1861. 

Amos Kauiie, Co. A, 168th ; erd. Sept. 26, 1862 ; re-enl. 

Charles Kaune, navy ; eul. 1861 ; re-enl. 

Charles Kennedy, Co. B, 168th ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 

William Kniffln, Co. B, 168th; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 

Hiram A. Knapp, 56th ; eul. September, 1861. 

James Kelly, Co. C, .50th ; enl. September, ISOl ; re-enl. in 1864. 

Victor Knapp, 19th; enl. June, 1802. 

William Kniffin, 168th ; enl. September, 1862. 

Daniel L. Kidd, Co. 1, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Alexander Kidd, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Wm. Kain, I9th ; enl. May, 1802. 

Peter Kuaff, 56th ; eul. September, 1861 ; reenl. 

Timothy Lamoreaux, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Oct. 26, 1861. 

Judson B. Luptou, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Peters- 
burg. 



Goverueur M. Legg, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; wounded in the 

Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

George W. Lauton, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Peter Latourette, capt., Co. G, Ulth ; enl. Nov. 24, 1860. 

Andrew Ludlow, 20th; enl. December, 1863. 

Isaac Lewis, 20th ; enl. December, 1863. 

Moses Lasears, musician, 6tb Heavy Art.; enl. Dec. 14, 1863. 

Sylvanus Lang, Co. H, 124th. 

Charles A. Lawrence; enl. August, 1864. 

Alfred C. Latta (Brooklyn), Co. 1, 14th ; enl. Dec. 4,1863 ; a prisoner for 
several months. 

Thomas Murphy, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861. 

Jonathan Miller, 6th ; enl. 1861. 

Gaston Martin, Co. C, 66th ; enl. Aug. 25, 1861. 

George H. Miller, 26th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 2, 1864. 

Andrew D. McDougall, sergt., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13,1802; was in 
7l8t Regt. three months; dis. Feb. 10, 1803. 

Francis Mead, sergt., Co. H, 121th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

James B. Mouell, 19th ; enl. May, 1862. 

William McVey, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 

John Murphy, Co. H, 124th. 

John A. Milliken, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; dis. Nov. 17, 1862. 

Wm. Millspaugh, Co. II, 48th ; enl. Dec. In, 1863. 

Robert Mackeny, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; missing in action 
Oct. 14, 1863. 

John Meyer ; eul. August, 1862. 

Charles A. McGregor, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19,1862; wounded at 
Chancellorsville, May 3, 1803; died of wounds Dec. 3, 1863. 

Bulus Millspaugh, Co. H, lOSth; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 

Henry Mathews, Co. U, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
loi-sville. 

John McCann, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville; disch. October, 1863. 

Da»id Mould, Corp., Co. H, 124th ; eul. Aug. 22, 1802; killed at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

James B. Monell, sergt., Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Charles W. Miller, Co. A, lOtli ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

George Moran, 2ntli ; enl. December, 1803; died in 1864. 

Marcus Moran, 20th ; enl. December, 1868 ; died in 1864. 

Augustus Millspaugh, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

James Moran, Co. G, I68th ; enl. December, 1862. 

Peter Millspaugh, Co. A, Ulth ; enl. May 26, 1802. 

Adolph Meyer, enl. August, 1864. 

J. R. McCullough, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

John Meyer, enl. August, 1864. 

Jonathan N. Morrison, Co. G, 19th; enl. Oct. 1, 1860. 

Adolph Mendout, enl. August, 1864. 

Thaddeus Meade, Co. G, 19th ; enl. April 22, 1861. 

Charles I. Mitchell, enl. February, 1865. 

Andrew McDougal, Co. G, 19th ; eul. May 1, 1862. 

Michael McNally, enl. February, 1865. 

Andrew J. Merritt, Co. G, 19th ; eul. May 1, 1860. 

Wm. McCombe, enl. August, 1864. 

John Mackey, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 1, 1862. 

James McDonald, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 

James McGregor, Cu.E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

Francis B. Milliken, 19th ; enl. June, 1802; re-enl. Co. G, ie8th. 

George McCann, Co. C, 50th; enl. Sept. 6, 1864; died of typhoid fever 
Nov. 7, 1864. 

Martin Mould, Co. I, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Wm. McClellan, 168tli and 66lh ; enl. October, 1862. 

William Nichols, Co. B, 168th ; enl. December, 1862. 

Martin Nichols, Corp., Co. H, 124th. 

James Noon, enl. August, 1864. 

Thomas O'Connell, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, and right leg amputated. 

George N. Odell, Co. A, 56th ; eul. September, 1861. 

William Oprey, Co. C, 98th. 

Jacob D. Ostrander, enl. August, 1864. 

Wilson, Purdy, Co. C, 56th ; enl. September, 1861. 

David D. Post, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

John B. Post, Corp., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Chan- 
celloi-sville. 

Wm. S. Parks, enl. 1S61. 

Thomas J. Patten, enl. August, 1864. 

James Patrick, 108th ; enl. Selitember, 1862. 



408 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John Pache, Co. A, 56th ; enl. August, 1861. 

BjTon J. Pullnuiu, Co. H, 124tli ; tians. froni 2d Co. U.S.S.S. 

Cornelius Pullman, Co. II, 124th ; wounded April 1, 1865; enl. in 2d Co. 

U.S.S.S., from nliith trans, to 124th. 
Douglass Pullman, (To. II, 124th ; trans, from 2d Co. U.S.S.S. 
Charles Palmer, 2uth; enl. December, 18G3. 
James Powers, enl. August, 1864. 
Frederick Powell, enl. August, 1864. 
Stephen Quick, Co. C, 66th ; enl. August, 1861. 
Tontins Quick, Co. I), 168th; enl. Decemher, 1862; re-enlisted. 
John Rose, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 20, 18G4. 
Algernon S. Rose, scrgt., Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Henry Robinson, musician, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Abraham Runiph, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Charles Rear, Co. C, 56th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; died a few days after the 

Seven Days' Fight. 
Johu Rowland, sergt., Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville ; died June 22, 1863. 
Albert R. Rhiuehart, Corp., Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; pro. sergt. ; 

wounded at Chancellorsville; died May 26, 1863. 
John liediker, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 
Abraham R. Rapalje, Corp., Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 
David H. Radiker, Co. A, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 
John A. F. Rouk, Co. G, inth ; enl. Nov. 24, 1860. 
Sidney A. Roosa, Co. G, 19th ; enl. May 1, 1860. 
Alfred Reed, Co. C, -ioth Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Edward W. Reed, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Morris J. Rhineliart, Co. F, 56th; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
John R. Robertson, Co. A, 56th ; enl. July, 1861. 
John Rowland, Co. H, 124th; enl. August, 1862; re-enl.; wounded at 

Chancellorsville. 
Patrick Kyan, Co. I, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Patrick Roney, enl. August, 1864. 
John Rorck, enl. August, 1864. 
Alexander Riley, 168th ; enl. December, 1862. 
John Raser, enl. August, 1864. 
Gilbert Reitch, enl. August, 1864. 
Jasper Rugg, enl. August, 1864. 
John C. Sparks, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Jonathan Shafer, Co. A, 19tli ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
William E. Sears, Co. A, 16Sth ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 
John C. Sparks, Co. C, 25tli Cav. ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 
James H. Smith, capt., Co. C, 56th ; enl. August, 1861. 
John Smith, Co. I, 54lh ; enl. July 12, 1863. 
Henry Suiilli, Ist Mounted Rifles ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861. 
Daniel Seaton, 9th ; enl. August, 1861 ; re-enl. 
Melvin Seai-s, Co. C, 56th ; enl. August, 1861; pro. capt. 
Harvey Sears, Co. C, 4th Cavalry; enl. Aug. 29, 1861. 
Daniel Simnionton, Co. H, 108th ; enl. October, 1862; died at Yorktuwn, 

Va., May 17, 1863. 
Moses M. Scott, ISIli Art. ; eul. Jan. 20, 1864. 
Wm. A. Scott, 19th ; enl. May. 1862. 

Henry A. Still, 1st lieut., Co. C, 56th ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861. 
James H. Smith, sergt., Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Wm. H. Slottt, Co. C, 66th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; died of fever in 1863. 
Gabriel Smith, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16. 1861. 
John Studar, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861. 
Philip Servis, Co. H, 124th. 

Henry Seaman, Co. U, 124th; eul. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. April 2, 1863. 
Charles H. Stevens, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. April, 

1S63. 
Charles Seaman, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; killed at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1803. 
Wm. B. Sherman, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
'Daniel S. Sears, Corp., Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Wm. E. Sears, Co. I, I24th ; enl. October, 1862; re-enl. 
John E. Sparks, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Jonathan Shafer, enl. May 28, 1862. 
Jesse F. Shafer, 1st lieut., 50th; enl. Oct. 1, 1861. 
John Scott, 168th ; enl. December, 1802. 
Charles Sinsabaugh, 5th II. Ait.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; a prisoner several 

months. 
Henry Schroeder, eul. August, 1864. 
Michael Sullivan, enl. August, 1864. 
Charles Sweeny, enl. August, 1804. 
George Smith, enl. August, 1864. 
Wm. B. Spear, eul. .\ugust, 1864. 



William Teator, Corp., Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1861. 

William II. Townsend, Co. C, 56th; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. June 5, 
1864. 

Nathaniel Terwilliger, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Oct. 26, 1861. 

James Tower, enl. August, 1864. 

Daniel Traphagen, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Charies W. Tindall, Co. H, I24lh ; eul. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, taken prisoner in the Wilderness, sent to Andersouville. 

Charles J. Terwilliger, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Daniel T. Teare, Co. H, 124th; enl. .\ug. 13, 1802; disch. June 10, 1863. 

diaries Taylor, 3d ; enl. 1861. 

Daniel Torbush, 2d lieut., Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862 ; pro. capt. ; re- 
enlisted. 

Henry Torbush, Corp., Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Charles Tburman, 19th ; enl. May, 1862. 

G. H. Taylor, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1S02. 

George W. Tindall, enl. Aug. 27, 1861 ; severely wounded, and once left 
for dead, but recovered. 

Jcasper C. Terwilliger, 47th ; enl. April, 1801. 

Moses S. Terwilliger, Co C, 4th ; enl. Aug. 29, ISOl ; taken prisoner. 

Charles T. Thompson, corp., Co. H, I24tli. 

Wm. n. Teator, Co. C, 56th ; enl. September, 1861 : died of smallpox 
Feb. 7, 1862. 

John L. Turner, Co. D, 56th ; enl. September, 1861. 

Isaac N. Turner, Co. D. o6tli ; enl. September, 1861. 

Amzi Turner, Co. D, 66th; enl. September, 1861. 

Joseph Turner, Co. D, 56th ; enl. September, 1861. 

Harvey Turner, 14th. 

Thomas P. Terwilliger, 4th Cavalry; eul. .\ug. 29, 1861 ; re-enlisted. 

James Taylor, enl. August, 1864. 

Henry Tice, enl. August, 1864. 

Norman Upright, lotli Art.; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 

George Van Arsdall, Co. C, 50th ; enl. Sept. 12, 1861. 

Elisha D. Van Keuren, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Thomas Van Strauder, Co. H, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. Jan. 10, 
1803. 

Alanson Van Arsdale, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 27, 1862. 

Benjamin Van Arsdale, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861 ; re-enl. in Sep- 
tember, 1864. 

Abraham L. Vanderlyn, 3d sergt., Co. I, 124tli ; enl. August, 1862; pro. 
2d lieut. 

Hiram Vandevort, 20tli; eul. December, 1863. 

John N. Van Keuren, enl. August, 1864. 

Joseph Van Vleet, enl. August, 1864. 

Joseph Vonop, enl. August, 1864. 

David F. Wilson, loth Art. ; eul. Jan. 29, 1864. 

William Wilson, Co. B, 168th ; enl. December, 1862. 

Charles R. Wright, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 29, 1804. 

Wm. H. Winfield, enl. August, 1804. 

Abel Wood, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1861 ; re-enlisted. 

Lewis W. Williams, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Andrew Westervelt, Co. H, 124th. 

.Tames Walsh, Co. C, 56th ; eul. Aug. 16, 1861. 

James White, enl. August, 1864. 

Wm. H. Whiteside, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. 

William Wilkin, Co. G, 19tli ; enl. April 25, 1861. 

Charles Wheeler, eul. August, 1864. 

David Woodruff, Co. G, 19th ; enl. May 1, 1860. 

George Ward, 168th ; eul. December, 1862. 

Wm. H. Waring, 19th N.Y.S.M.; enl. 1862. 

Charles P. Welsh, 9th; enl. November, 1863. 

W^m. E. Wood, musician, 1st Excelsior ; enl. Jan. 18, 1862. 

Joseph Wood, 70th ; enl. Jan. 21, 1862. 

Charies Whitehead, Co. H, 124th; enl. August, 1862. 

Wm. Wainright, Co. H, 124th; enl. August, 1862; died of wounds at Ac- 
quia Creek. 

Thomas B. Young, Co. C, 56th; enl Aug. 8, 1861. 

Samuel S. Youngblood, Co. H, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at 
Chaucellorsville; pro. to V. R. C. 

Myron W. Youngblood, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 2, 1862; died soon after 
the war. 

Howard Youngblood, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 2, 1862. 

George B. Youngblood, sergt., Co. U, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; ruptured 
on march after battle of Chancellorsville. 

James H. Young, Co. C, 56th ; enl. August, 1861. 

Moses Yerks, Co. B, 168th; enl. December, 1S62. 

Charles J. Youngblood, Co. C, 56th ; enl. February, 1866. 





^^t/ 



^ 



MONTGOMERY. 



409 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CHARLES MILLER. 

The family represented by the subject of this biog- 
raphy are of both Welsh and Irish descent. The 
grandfather of Charles Miller was Samuel, who 
emigrated at an early date from Ireland to the prov- 
ince of Canada, where he remained for several years 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. From this point 
he removed to the United States, and eventually settled 
in Montgomery, Orange Co., where he in 1764 ac- 
(juired land, a portion of which is now in posses- 
sion of Charles Miller. He was an officer of militia 
as early as 1778, his commission being signed by 
Governor George Clinton, of the province of New 
York. 

Mr. Miller had three sons, George S., William 8., 
and Samuel, and one daughter, Mary. His death 
occurred at an advanced age. His son, George S., 
was born March 11, 1776, and died Dec. 5, 1828, in 
his fifty-third year, in Montgomery, where his life 
was spent. He was in 1800 united in marriage to 
Miss Julia, daughter of Charles Young, of Hampton- 
burgh, and had children, — Samuel H., Charles, 
William, Theodore, Sarah (Mrs. Alexander Blake), 
Cornelia (Mrs. Gilbert G. Weeks), and Elizabeth 
(Mrs. Samuel Knapp). But three of this number 
now survive. The birth of Charles Miller occurred 
in Montgomery, Dec. 5, 1805. He followed the pur- 
suits of his father, those of an agriculturist, and in 
1828 inherited that portion of the paternal estate 
which is his present residence. He was in 1833 
married to Miss Helen, daughter of John S. Young, 
of ^Montgomery, now Hamptonburgh, to whom were 
born children, — George S., Julia Y., Gilbert, and 
Charles A., all now deceased. Mr. Miller is a Re- 
l)ublican in his political predilections, but never par- 
ticipates in the active labor of the party. He has 
devoted his life to the more quiet occupation of a 
country gentleman, and to the promotion of worthy 
aims in his native township. He is largely interested 
in benevolent enterprises, and all deserving appeals 
find in him a willing helper. Mr. Miller worships 
with the Presbyterian denomination, and has been for 
years a member and elder of the Goodwill Presby- 
terian Church of Montgomery, of which Mrs. Miller 
is also a zealous member. Having retired from active 
employments, he devotes much time to the interests of 
the church and the good of humanity. 



JOSEPH H. DECKER. 
Mr. Decker may be regarded as one of the most en- 
terprising and successful representatives of the agri- 
cultural interests of Montgomery. His family are of 
Dutch extraction, and at an early date sought the rich 
lands of Orange and Ulster Counties. Johannes 
Decker, the grandfather of Joseph H., was first a resi- 
27 



dent of Kingston, Ulster Co., from whence he removed 
to Blooming-Grove. His birth occurred April 16, 
1741, and that of his wife, Annatie Hasbrouck, Dec. 
29, 1747, her residence at the time of her marriage 
being Marbletown, Ulster Co. Their children were 




j:^^. 




Q 



Jacob, Cornelius, John, Rachel, Ann, Jonah, Elsie, 
and Matthew. Their son Cornelius was born in 1770, 
and resided in the township of Montgomery until his 
death in 1835. He was united in marriage to Miss • 
Hannah Duryea, of Blooming-Grove, and had chil- 
dren, — George, Joseph H., John, Ann, Hannah Maria, 
Rachel, Caroline, Dolly, and Cornelius. 

Joseph H. was born May 12, 1800. The years of 
his boyhood were principally devoted to labor. The 
educational advantages at that early day were exceed- 
ingly limited, and he was able to gain simply the 
rudiments of knowledge at the neighboring district 
school. At this time were acquired those habits of 
industry and frugality which laid the foundation for 
later success, and enabled him to become the possessor 
of a competency for his advancing years. He was on 
Dec. 30, 1819, married to Miss Maria, daughter of 
Adam Dickerson, of Montgomery, whose birth oc- 
curred Oct. 25, 1804. Their children have been Han- 
nah Jane, born 1821 ; Harriet A., whose birth occurred 
in 1823 ; Francis C, born in 1830 ; Joseph H., born 
in 1839; Anna Mary, born in 1842; and Cornelius, 
born in 1835. The only survivor of this number is 
Francis C, who resides with his parents. Their daugh- 
ter Hannah Jane was nuirried May 7, 1851, to Hon. 
Hugh Barkley Bull, who was born in Crawford town- 



410 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ship, Oct. 1, 1816, and was a descendant of one of the 
earliest families of the county. He studied law with 
Henry B. Wisner and Hon. Samuel J. Wilkin, both 
of Orange County, and on being admitted settled in 
Montgomery, where he practiced his profession with 
success. He served as district attorney of Orange 
County in 1847, was elected to the State Legislature 
in 1851, and was also secretary and counselor of the 
Montgomery and Erie Railroad. His life was dis- 
tinguished by great usefulness, an<l his death sincerely 
mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Bull left one child, Maria 
P., who died Feb. 25, 1880. 

Joseph H. Decker has followed farming pursuits 
during his lifetime. In 1875 he purchased the farm 
which is his present residence, having formerly lived 
in the village of Montgomery, or on land adjacent to 
it. In politics he was early an Andrew .Jackson Dem- 
ocrat. Circumstances, however, induced him to change 
his views, and he became a Republican. He is an at- 
tendant upon the services of the Reformed Dutch 
Church of Montgomery, of which Mrs. Decker is a 
member. Mr. Decker may well be regarded as a self- 
made man. 

FRANCIS C. DECKER. 
The Decker family have elsewhere been mentioned 
as of Dutch extraction, and among the earliest emi- 
grants to the Empire State. Francis C. is the only 




The public school of the district afforded but meagre 
opportunities for education, and Francis C. being de- 
sirous of more thorough advantages repaired to the 
academy at Montgomery, where some time was spent 
in study. Having fitted himself by these superior 
qualifications for the career of an instructor, he en- 
gaged for a while in teaching near his home. At a 
later period he removed to the village of Montgomery, 
and though ostensibly engaged in no active occupa- 
tion, gave his attention to the management and main- 
tenance of the family property. He removed in 1875 
to the farm which is the present residence of his 
parents, and known familiarly as the " Saratoga 
Farm." Mr. Decker has ever been a stanch Re- 
publican in his political views, thougli the prefer- 
ments of office have failed to lure him from the quiet 
I)leasures of his own home. He has declined all pub- 
lic offices, though always manifesting a deep interest 
in the various political campaigns, especially those of 
local importance. Mr. Decker's religious creed is 
that espoused by the Reformed Dutch Church, of 
which he is a consistent member. 



surviving child of Joseph H. Decker, of Montgomery, 
and was born Oct. 24, 1830, in the above township. 
His early years were passed under the parental roof. 



GEORGE SENIOR. 

Dorsetshire, England, was the stronghold of the 
Senior family, from which locality William Senior, 
with his wife and twelve children, came to the United 
States in 1830. Mr. Senior, whose birth occurred in 
1785, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Harvey, 
and to this union were born children, — William, John, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Thomas, Christopher, Ann, 
Edward, Joseph, Louisa, and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. 
Senior removed to Montgomery, where the death of 
the former occurred in 1863, while his wife survived 
until 1880, and died in her ninety-third year. The 
birth of their son George, the subject of this bio- 
graphical sketch, took place during the year 1814, in 
the town of Slower, Dorsetshire, England, from whence 
he embarked with his parents for American shores. 

He settled first in Duchess County, where farming 
occupations engaged his attention during his early 
years. His advent to Montgomery was made in 1844, 
where he at once embarked in mercantile enterprises. 
From that period until his retirement from active 
business Mr. Senior was assiduously devoted to the 
interests of an increasing trade. 

He was in 1842 married to Miss Mary A., daughter 
of Robert Lawson, of Duchess County, and has chil- 
dren, — William, Augustus, Mary E., Sarah F., George 
Edward, John L., and James Renwick, of whom 
Sarah F. is deceased, Mary E. is Mrs. Cornelius D. 
Hawkins, of Montgomery, J. Renwick is a resident 
of New York, John L. is in Kansas, Augustus in 
Newburgh, and William and George E. merchants in 
^Montgomery. Mr. Senior is a Rei)ublican in politics, 
though an energetic business life has left little time 
for participation in public afi'airs. He has been a 
director of the Montgomery and Erie Railroad since 




"'^^^"^!^IIP- 



--^^^^^^ ^-Q^'^^^^^r^^^^ 





•^ QJ" 




John Todd, the father of James, was of Scotch 
nationality, and emigrated to Liverpool, England, 
where he embarked in mercantile enterprises. He 
became identified with the business interest.s of that 
city, where he remained during his lifetime, having 
married Miss Elizabeth Waddell, also of Scotch de- 
scent. Their children were Alexander. John, James, 
Jane, Mary, and Elizabeth. 

Their son James bid adieu to his native land at 
the early age of twelve years, and embarked for the 
shores of America. He landed alone and compara- 
tively friendless at Quebec, from which point he 
wended his way to Paterson, N. J., hoping there to 
discover relatives. Finding himself on his arrival 
thrown upon his own resources, he at once engaged 
in occupations which aflforded him a livelihood. 
Ulster County, N. Y., having offered a broader field 
for bis energies, thither he repaired in 1837, and 
engaged in tanning and currying, which continued to 
be his occupation until the purchase of his present 
home in 1848. He then removed to Montgomery, 
Orange Co., and became absorbed in agricultural 
pursuits, meanwhile retaining an interest in his 
former business. The land embraced in his farm 
being admirably adapted to grazing, he has made 



dairying a specialty. Mr. Todd was married, May 
26, 1838, to Miss Mary Amanda, daughter of Martin 
R. Williams, of New Hurley, Ulster Co., whose birth 
occurred March 23, 1821. Their children are Ann 
E. (Mrs. Dr. T. P. Knapp), born June 30, 1839; 
Mary Jane (Mrs. W. F. Gilchrist), whose birth oc- 
curred Oct. 9, 1840; Margaret W. (Mrs. W. H. 
Coleman), born Oct. 9, 1842; Josephine (Mrs. 
T. D. Barker), born Oct. 6, 1844; Harriet B. 
(Mrs. W. H. Peck), born Sept. 1, 1846; James 
J., born Sept. 2, 1848; and Carrie Van Nest, 
whose birth occurred Feb. 29, 1864 ; all of these 
are still living. The business capacity manifested 
by Mr. Todd has made his assistance invaluable 
in various enterprises connected with the township 
and county. He has been a director of the Wal- 
den Savings-Bank, president of the Wallkill Valley 
Cemetery Association, and a director of the Newburgh 
and Ellenville Plank-Road Company. He has also been 
auditor of the board of township officers. Mr. Todd 
is in politics a Republican, and was an ardent supporter 
of measures for the successful prosecution of the late 
war. He was educated in the faith of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, though his affiliations have more recently 
been with the Reformed ( Dutch) denomination. 




The genealogical tree of llic Kidd family indicates 
their Scotch-Irish descent. A branch of the family 
sailed for American shores from the north of Ireland 
before the war of the Revolution. Among them was 
Alexander, the great-grandfather of John, who became 
the proprietor of a large tract of land in Orange 
County during the year 1736, a portion of which is 
now embraced in the estate of the present representa- 
tive of the family in Montgomery. 

Alexander Kidd was married to Miss Jane Calder- 
wood, and had sons, — Robert, Alexander, and James, 
and daughters, — Anna and Hannah. Robert, the 
eldest son, was united in marriage to Mary McGowan, 
and became the father of the following children : 
Andrew, John, Daniel, Robert, Archibald, William, 
Margaret, Jane, and Mary. Andrew, the father of 
John, was born June 27, 1772, on the homo farm, and 
spent his life in agricultural employments. Ho was, 
in 1802, married to Miss Margaret Kidd, and had six 
children, — John, Ann Maria (Mrs. J. Gillespie), 
Alexander, Sidney, Robert, and Mehetabel Jane. 
The death of Andrew Kidd occurred Feb. 17, 182(1. 
His son John was born Oct. 26, 1803, at the parental 



home, and the enjploynients incident to country life 
absorbed his time after a few years had been spent at 
the neighboring school. He was, on the IGth of 
November, 1826, married to Miss Cornelia, daughter 
of Charles Haines, of Montgomery. 

Jlr. and Mrs. Kidd have had six children, — 
Andrew, Mirza, John K., David L., Margaret J., and 
Victor, now deceased. The death of Mrs. Kidd oc- 
curred in June, 1876, and was the occasion of pro- 
found grief in the family circle. 

Mr. Kidd has during the whole of his active life 
followed the occupation of a farmer, and has now a 
deserved reputation for industry and enterprise. He 
is a director of the Walden National Bank, is the 
present railroad commissioner, and has been for 
eighteen years commissioner of highways. 

He is a Republican in politics, and actively inter- 
ested in all public measures for the good of the 
country. He was a strong and earnest supporter of 
the late war to maintain the Union, two of his sons 
having served in the army. Mr. Kidd is a consistent 
member of the Reformed Dutch Church, as was also 
Mrs. Kidd. 




J^OXyV^^uUi 1"^ ^^^UX^ 



MONTGOMERY. 



411 



its organization. In his religious belief he is a Pres- j that of the " Covenanters," all the family, with one 
byterian,andamemberof the church in Montgomery, \ exception, being members of the church of that de- 
af which he is a trustee. Mrs. Senior and all the nomination located at Coldenham. 
children are also consistent members of the church. 

CHRISTOPHER J. MOULD. 
Germany was the fatherland of the original repre- 
sentatives of the Mould family, members of whom 
emigrated to America at an early date, and at a sub- 
sequent period became residents of Montgomery, 
Orange Co. The tract of land upon which they 
settled is now occupied by the sixth generation. 
Christopher, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biography, was born and resided upon the paternal 
estate. He was married, and became the father of 
John C, Philip, Catharine, Anna, Mary, and . 



JAMES 11. W, BEATTIE. 

The great-grandfather of the subject of this biog- 
raphy was Robert Beattie, a native of Ireland, who 
emigrated to America and settled in Ulster Co., 
N. Y. Among his children was Robert, the grand- 
father of James R. W., who in 1794 purchased the 
homestead now occu})ied by his grandson. He was 
united in marriage to Miss Crowell, a lady of Irish 
parentage, and had children, — John, Thomas, Wil- 
liam, Robert, James, Smith, Hannah, and Mary. Of 
these children, James, the father of Mr. Beattie, was 
born Oct. 14, 178G, and at an early age ])ursued the 
avocations of a farmer's son. He acquired at a later 
period the trade of a tanner and currier, which he 
followed with success during his lifetime. He was 
married Feb. 6, 1810, to Miss Charlotte, daughter of 
David Belknap, who located in the township of New- 
burgh in 1769, having purchased land, of which the 
deed is still in possession of the family. Their chil- 
dren were Elizabeth Frances, born in 1811; Char- 
lotte Sophelia, born in 1813 ; Catharine Isabella, 
born in 1815 ; Hannah Jane, born in 1817 ; Justus S. 
McLeod, born in 1819; Maria O. B., born in 1823; 
James R. W., born in 1825; Sarah M.. born in 1829; 
and Matilda, born in 1831. James Beattie died March 
29, 1871, at his late residence in Montgomery. Mrs. 
Beattie survived until December 2(5, 1874, and died 
in her eighty-sixth year. 

James R. W. was born June 12, 1825, on the home- 
stead, where his life, with the exception of a brief 
period, has been passed. His early years differed but 
little from those of other youths of similar surround- 
ings, having been sjjent at the public school of the 
neighborhood and in tilling the land owned by his 
father. In 1874 this land became his own by inherit- 
ance. He was united in marriage March 22, 1854, to 
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Elizabeth 
Martin Fleming. The Fleming family were originally 
residents of County Antrim, Ireland, and having emi- 
grated to America in 1832, settled in the township of 
Newburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Beattie have had six chil- 
dren, — William James, born Nov. 14, 1854; Char- 
lotte Elizabeth, born April G, 1856; Samuel Oliver, 
born Sept. 20, 1857 ; Maria Esther, born May 9, 1861 ; 
Frederick Martin, born Nov. 21, 1864, now deceased ; 
and Maggie J., l)orn Sept. 13, 1867. Mr. Beattie is a 
Republican in politics, though the engrossing duties 
of his farm leave little time for participation in mat- 
ters of a public nature. He has made dairying a spe- 
cialty, though the land is also admirably adapted to 
the raising of grain. His religious creed is that of 
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, better known as 



His son, John C, was born Feb. 3, 1783, on the home- 
stead, where after a limited education he engaged in 
labor upon this and the adjoining farm, where the 
years of his life were spent. He was, June 17, 1815, 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Shafer, of Mont- 
gomery, who became the mother of the following 
children : Christopher J., Catharine, Daniel, Moses, 
Eve, Mary, Martha, Herman, Jessie, William, John 
C, and Anna. The death of John C. occurred at his 
home in Montgomery in March, 1870. The birth of 
his son, Christopher J., took place on the homestead 
May 16, 1816. He remained with his parents during 
his boyhood, attended the neighboring school at in- 
tervals of rest from labor upon the farm, and in 
various ways rendered his presence invaluable to the 
fiimily. At the age of thirty he became ambitious 
to secure a home for himself, and removed to the 
estate which is now the family residence. He was 
united in marriage Dec. 14, 1845, to Miss Martha, 
daughter of Milton Bull, of Crawford. Three chil- 
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mould, — Mary 
Esther, whose birth occurred Sept. 10, 1846, who 
became Mrs. A. M. Fulton, of Monticello, N. Y'., and 
whose death occurred Sept. 3, 1874; Lemma, born 
July 25, 1860; and Martha, born March 14, 1870. 
Mr. Mould, though unassuming in manner, and hav- 
ing but little ambition for the honors which accom- 
pany public life, was nevertheless a man of much 
influence in the community. His efforts were ever 
directed in the cause of humanity, and all benefi- 
cent measures found in him an earnest co-operator. 
He was a sturdy Republican in jjolitics, and although 
popular with his party, accepted no official prefer- 
ment from its representatives. The cause of tem- 
perance found in him a fearless advocate, both in his 
official relations as excise commissioner and in private 
life. In religion he espoused the creed of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church, of which he had in former 
years been an exemplary elder. 

The death of Christopher J. Mould occurred May 
24, 1881, in his sixty-fifth year. His memory is 
cherished not less by the community than by an 
attached family circle. ' 



412 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



MICHEL GEDNEY SNYDER. 

The earliest representatives of the Snyder family 
emigrated from Germany, though few facts regarding 
their first settlement in America are preserved. 
William, the grandfather of Michel G., resided one 
mile east of St. Andrew's, in the township of Mont- 
gomery, where he followed (arming employments 
during his life. He was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Redmond, and had children, — Catharine, John, Wil- 
liam, Elizabeth, Abram, Jane, Michel, Phebe. His 
death occurred Sept. 12, 1829, in his sixty-seventh 
year. 

Michel Snyder, the father of the subject of this bi- 
ographical sketch, was born July 28, 1804, in Mont- 
gomery, the scene of his lifetime labors and later of 
his death. He was during the year 1S24 united in 
marriage to Miss Priscilla Mullenix, of Newburgh, to 
whom were born children, — William, Henry, Michel 
Gedney, Abram, and John .James, of whom but two, 
Abram and Michel Gedney, survive. 



The death of Mr. Snyder occurred Jan. 11, 1873, in 
his sixty-eighth year. 

His son, Michel G., was born on the home farm in 
Montgomery, Aug. 7, 183.S, where he remained during 
his early manhood. The school of the district offered 
opportunities for education while a lad, and later 
years were busily occupied in labor upon the farm. 
Mr. Snyder was on the eighth day of October, 1861, 
married to Mrs. Catharine Louisa, daughter of John 
and Frederika Moadinger, of New York City, and 
widow of the late Alexander Gedney, to whom was 
born by the first marriage one daughter, Alice Gedney, 
now Mrs. Henry Seeley. Mr. Snyder is a Democrat in 
his political sentiments, but gives little time to the 
excitements of public life. He is better known as 
a thrifty and very successful farmer, whose cultivated 
lands and attractive surroundings bear witness to his 
enterprise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sn\Tlcr are supporters 
of the Reformed Dutch Church of Walden, at which 
they are regular worshipers. 



CRAWFORD. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE. 

This is the northernmost town of those which 
border upon the county of Sullivan. It is bounded 
north by that county and the county of Ulster, east 
by Ulster County and the town of Montgomery, south 
by Wallkill, west by Wallkill and the counties of 
Sullivan and Ulster. 

The area of the town, as stated in the supervisors' 
equalization table of 1879-80, is 24,6931 acres. The 
assessed valuation of the town was $950,180, and the 
total tax paid upon that basis was $12,591.21. 

Crawford was a part of the original John Evans 
Patent. After this was set aside, the territory in this 
section was disposed of in various smaller grants to 
Philip Schuyler and others. 

Among other parcels of land frequently mentioned 
in discussing titles in Crawford are the " 8000 acre 
tract" on which Pine Bush is situated, and the " 10,000 
acre tract" next south of the " 8000." The patents 
represented in Crawford are the following: 

1. Tliomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, Nov. 12, 1750, 

2. Frederick Morrie and Samuel Heath, Jan. 24, 173(i. 

3. Jacobus Bruyn aud Henry Wilcmau, April 26, 1722. 

4. Philip Schuyler and others, SOOO acres, July 7, 1720. 

6. Part of the patent to Jeremiah Schuyler and others, Jan. 22, 1719. 
6. Part of Thomas Noxon's Patent, Feb. 21, 1737. 



II.— NATURAL FEATURES. 
The surface of this town may be described as a hilly 
upland, broken by several high ridges that extend 
northeast and southwest. Collaburgh and Comfort 



Hills, along the border, rise from 100 to 200 feet above 
the valleys. The principal stream is the Shawangunk, 
which flows along the northwest border, forming the 
boundary line of Sullivan County; and lower down, 
of Ulster County. It is a rapid stream and has a 
large number of valuable water privileges, many of 
which have been utilized. The principal branch of 
the Shawangunk in this town is the Pakadasiuk, 
which flows northeast and also supplies power for 
various mills. In the eastern part of the town, and 
flowing through a valley somewhat parallel to that 
of the Shawangunk, is the Dwaars Kill. It has 
its sources in this town and farther south in Wall- 
kill. There are several swamps of considerable ex- 
tent, — one northwest from the Sinsabaugh neighbor- 
hood and one southeast from Searsburgh. The latter 
is drained by a small stream flowing north to Dwaars 
Kill. (See General History.) 



III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The early settlement of this town is very largely 
blended with that of the old precinct of Wallkill and 
the subsequent town of Montgomery, from which 
Crawford was taken ; and reference is made to the 
chapters upon those towns for much interesting ma- 
terial relating in part to the territory now constituting 
Crawford. Especial attention is called to the Weller 
settlement, which in part was upon the territory of 
what is now Crawford. In the vicinity of Searsville 



CKAWFOKD. 



413 



tliere was an early settlement made by Johannes 
Snyder, where he owned a large tract of land, situate 
on both sides of the Dwaars Kill. This stream at the 
time furnished a greater water-])ower than at present, 
in the cleared-up condition of tlie county. At this 
place he erected a log mill, which was known on the 
town records as Snyder's Mill in 1768. Thi.s is in the 
present town of Crawford. Mr. Snyder, being a man 
of means, built a log church, also known as Snyder's 
Church, at the above period. The preaching was in 
Dutch, and the church worn out before the Revolu- 
tion. The family is Dutch, and settled here as early 
is 1740. 

The western boundary of the town, at the time we 
^peak of, was the Shawangunk Kill. On this Mr. 
Robert Milliken erected a saw-mill, called Milliken's 
Mill on the town records in 1768. This appears to 
be the earliest mention of a saw-mill on this stream, 
riie following mills formerly were on this kill, within 
the breadth, though not all within the limits of the 
town. Beginning at the south, and counting down 
the stream, we have first the old flour-mill of Pat. 
Boice; next was Milliken's saw-mill; next. Sears' 
irist-mill ; next, Abraham Bruyn's flour-mill; and 
last, Cornelius Slott's saw- and grist-mill. This last 
was afterwards owned by his son, Arthur Slott, who 
gathered around him, on his own property, a village 
af a dozen tenements. 

The ancestors of Mr. Slott were among the most 
ancient in the State. The family came from Holland 
to the city of New York in 1670. This is proved by 
family records. On arriving at New York they lo- 
cated at Hackensack, in New Jersey. After a number 
3f years they removed to Rockland County, N. Y., 
ind from there to Montgomery, on the Tinn Brock, at 
ivliat has been called Slott town. By this time the 
Ad generation had died early, and Cornelius Slott, 
ibove named, was the active member of this branch 
jf the family. Though understanding several of the 
mechanic arts, he confined himself to agriculture. 
When the militia were ordered out to defend Fort 
Montgomery, in 1777, Mr. Slott went with his com- 
pany as an orderly sergeant. The fort was taken, 
and Mr. Slott made prisoner. He was taken to New 
York and put in the old Sugar-House, where he was 
confined ten months. When set at liberty he returned 
to his farm with a constitution injured by the service 
iud hard and cruel treatment while in prison. He sold 
bis farm in 1785, and moved to the city of New York. 
In 1790 he moved back to Orange, and made a pur- 
chase of the mill site at Pine Bush, and in the same 
yenT put up a saw-mill on the Shawangunk Kill, just 
below the mouth of the little Pakadasink. In 1791 
be erected the grist-mill near the site of Arthur 
Slott's mill of modern times. When he first settled 
at this place there was no public road leading to his 
Qiill, and he called the commissioners of the town, 
tvho laid out a road from Hopewell north to his mill, 
bhen across the stream to intersect the old Shawan- 



gunk road that led to Albany. The sons of Cornelius 
were Arthur, Johannes, and Cornelius. 

There was a settlement near Graham's Church that 
deserves notice. The residents were Mr. Abraham 
Dickerson, John Robinson, and Philip Decker. The 
last two were from Holland ; the first, of Irish descent. 
Mr. Dickerson had a saw-mill on a small stream near 
his house, which was worn out and gone about the 
beginning of this century. 

The valley of the Wallkill throughout the town was 
among the earliest portions settled. This was effected 
by Germans, Hollanders, and a few Huguenots, some 
of whom came directly to the town on arriving in the 
country, and others from the settlements previously 
made in Ulster County. 

From William Jordan, — residing at the time of his 
death at Bloomingburgh, — the following items were 
obtained : 

His father's name was Robert Jordan, and he 
came from Ireland to this country in 1771. He 
worked for a few years with various persons in the 
town of Wallkill. He married Mary Bull, daughter 
of the second William Bull. At that time she was 
the widow Wilkin, her first husband, George Wilkin, 
having been taken prisoner by the British in the 
Revolution, and died in the infamous " Sugar-House 
Prison." About 1784 or 1785, Robert Jordan settled 
at Bullville, in the town of Crawford. His children 
were Moses, who lived and died in the north part of 
Wallkill ; John, who settled in the same neighbor- 
hood ; and William, who was born April 4, 1793. 

The wife of the latter was Cornelia Bull, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Bull. He settled at Bullville and 
spent a large portion of his life there, serving as 
justice of the peace for thirty-two years. For the 
last seventeen years he resided at Bloomingburgh, 
Sullivan Co. The pioneer, Robert Jordan, had a 
brother, John Jordan, who came over with him. There 
was also another brother, Jonathan Jordan, who had 
been at Bullville for four years precedihg, so that he 
must have settled there in 1767. Among the neigh- 
bors of Robert Jordan at the time of his settlement 
at Bullville or a little later were Joseph Elder, James 
Barclay, Samuel Barclay, John Martin, and Daniel 
Bull. Jonathan Harris, before the Revolution, owned 
the place upon which Robert Jordan afterwards set- 
tled. Thomas Turner owned 300 acres of land at 
Bullville. Mr. Jordan recalls the name of several 
early teachers who taught in Crawford in his boyhood, 
viz. : John Hardcastle, William Brown, Mr. Reed, 
Mr. Crosby. A pioneer at Searsville was William 
Snider, who owned a large tract of land, and lived 
there before the Revolution. There is a tradition 
that he buried a sum of money to save it during the 
Revolutionary troubles, and that a faithful negro alone 
knew the place of deposit. For his faithfulness in 
not betraying it to the enemy the negro received his 
freedom after the war was over. An early settler be- 
fore the Revolution is said to have been one Wiltsey, 



414 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and there is an uncertain tradition that he was shot 
as a Tory during the war. Joseph Elder was a black- 
smith. Nathan Johnson was an early shoemaker and 
went around from house to house to make up shoes, 
a business known as " whipping the cat." Johnson 
was brought up by Mr. Mills, who had lived in Little 
Britain and made shoes for the army before coming 
to Wallkill. At Bullville there was an old orchard 
set out before the Revolution, all gone some years ago. 
William Jordan stood several drafts in the war of 
1812, but was not drawn at any one of them. He was 
afterwards a colonel of the Shawangunk regiment of 
militia. He lived under every President of the United 
States, and liad been a voter for sixty-six years. He 
voted for DeWitt Clinton for Governor. He first voted 
directly for Presidential electors in 1828. He voted 
the regular Democratic ticket in unbroken succession 
from that time to his death; voted for the success- 
ful candidates, Andrew Jackson, 1828 and 1832; Mar- 
tin Van Buren, 1836 ; James K. Polk, 1844 ; Frank- 
lin Pierce, 18o2 ; James Buchanan, 180(5 ; and for 
the unsuccessful candidates, Jlartin Van Buren, 1840 ; 
Lewis Cass, 1848; Stephen A. Douglas, 1860; Gen. 
McClellan, 1864; Horatio Seymour, 1868; Horace 
Greeley, 1872; Samuel J. Tilden, 1876; and Gen. 
Hancock, 1880. 

. The following notes upon a few prominent citizens 
are partly upon the authority of Mr. Samuel W. Eager, 
the historian, confirmed and enlarged by present 
inquiry : 

Benjamin^ Sears. — This gentleman was rather a 
remarkable man. Nature had done a good deal for 
him ; and if his natural talents had been cultivated 
and enlarged by a suitable education, few men in the 
county would have excelled him in business opera- 
tions. The reach of his mind was extensive, and he 
could see the end from the beginning. But his edu- 
cation was very limited, and his memory his account- 
book. His power of recollection was astonishing; 
somewhat owing, perhaps, to great cultivation and 
exercise. Whatever he once knew he never forgot, 
so deeply was it engraven on his memory. 

Mr. Sears, in the early period of his life, had been 
a constable of the town of Montgomery, then includ- 
ing Crawford. Of the hundreds of executions in his 
hands during that time, thirty years afterwards he 
could tell by the force of memory every person he 
bad had one against, and the amount marked by the 
justice on the back of it in pounds, shillings, and 
pence. Mr. Sears kept store for many years, and in 
the fall was in the habit of taking cattle from his 
customers in payment of their accounts. One hun- 
dred head might be delivered to him in this way in 
the course of a few days, and if they were passed 
through a pair of bars singly, so as to be distinctly 
seen, he could tell the precise age, the person from 
whom purchased, and the one or more lost, if any, 
with the color, age, and a minute descripticm of each. 
We need not be astonished at this, for every faculty, 



if daily cultivfited and depended on as this was, is 
capable of exhibiting the same wonderful results. 
Let all appreciate the truth of this remark and be 
benefited thereby. 

Of this family there were five brothers, Benjamin, 
Samuel, John, James, and Elnathan, all of whom 
were among the early settlers of Montgomery, and 
performed military duty during the Revolution. Their 
descendants are numerous, and found in every call- 
ing and pursuit of life. 

Joseph Elper. — This individual was of Irish 
origin, but at what time the familj- came into the 
country or town we are not informed. During the 
Revolution he was a young man, and some militia 
troops to which he belonged were ordered to the 
north. At a fixed time they were to be at Newburgh 
or New Windsor, and transported up the river on 
board a sloop provided for the purpose. Mr. Elder, 
for some cause, did not arrive at the place of rendez- 
vous till too late to take his passage ; the sloop had 
left with a fair wind and out of sight above the Dan- 
skammer. Go he must or be called a Tory, and there 
was no recourse left him but to try the distance on foot. 
Elder, young, patriotic, and of an iron frame of body, 
buckled on his knapsack, shouldered his musket, and 
started. Though the sloop made a good passage for 
those times and had the best of the start. Elder beat 
her to Albany by several hours. 

The farm on which he lived was quite stony, though 
when cleared the land was productive, and Elder, 
like the rest of his neighbors, converted his useless 
stones into wall to fence his farm. In building these 
he scarcely ever used a team to gather and convey 
the stones to their destination. With a large leather 
apron girt about his loins, holding the end gathered 
up in one hand, and tumbling the stones into it with 
the other, when full he would raise himself erect, and, 
without apparent eftbrt, carry them off to the wall 
and i)ut them in place. This course he would pursue 
from time to time till the walls were finished. He 
was industrious and eminently robust and powerful. 
Looking on his muscular and giant frame he re- 
minded one of ancient Milo, who could lift a grown 
bullock over an ordinarily high fence. His children, 
of whom several were sons, partook of the magnitude 
and physical character of the father, with great family 
similitude in other respects. 

Mr. Elder had received but a very limited educa- 
tion, yet posse-ssing strong natural good sense, he was 
fitted to discharge the duties of the various town offices 
to public satisfaction. He was many years a magis- 
trate of the town, and if he erred at any time, the 
fault was of the head and not of the heart, for he was 
proverbially an upright and honest man. 

Daniel Bull. — We cannot in this place omit an 
honorable mention of Mr. Bull. He was the son 
of Thomas Bull, who was the son of William Bull, 
the early settler at Hamptonburgh. His father lived at 
theold stone mansion in the present town of Hampton- 



CRAWFORD. 



415 



burgh, on the road from Montgomery to Goshen, and 
known as the Cad Bull stone house. He removed to 
this town before he was of age, upon a large tract of 
new rough land, then owned by his father, and located ! 
himself His father, Thomas, was infirm towards the 
latter part of his life, and when about to make his 
will and settle liis worldly affairs had thoughts of 
selling his land in Crawford, which was then worth 
about $2.50 per acre, and for which he had an offer, 
and asked his son Daniel, then a lad of about fifteen 
years of age, whether he had better settle it or let 
him take care of it. Daniel replied that if he would 
give it to him he "would try to take care of it." His 
father concluded to try him, and made his will accord- 
ingly. This gave the young man confidence and in- 
creased his pride ; and the community at this day can 
judge of the manner in which he fulfilled this early 
filial promise. In 1780, when nineteen years of age, 
he married Miss Catharine Miller, who was younger 
still, and forthwith commenced clearing up his new 
estate. 

The winter of 1780 was celebrated all over this 
country for its length and the depth of its snow. It 
was so deej) and liardened by the severity of the 
weather that for some time the people of the county, 
in transacting their necessary or pleasure business, 
drove their horses and sleighs in any and all direc- 
tions across the fields irrespective of the fences. Mr. i 
Bull and Miss Miller went to Goshen to be married by 
Mr. Carr, of the Presbyterian Church, and that day a , 
fall of snow commenced, which, with previous ones, 
deepened the road so much there was no traveling the ! 
next day. There the new-married pair spent two 
weeks of the honeymoon. 

Thirteen children were the fruits of this early mar- 
riage, the most of whom grew up and were married. 
Their names, and to whom married, are as follows : 
Thomas, married Sarah Mills ; Hannah, married Alex. 
Thompson ; Abner, married Maria Brinson ; David C, 
married Maria Barkley; Keturah, married William 
Bull ; Catharine, married James H. Crawford ; Mary, 
married Rev. John Johnston; Henry, married Jane 
Stitt; Milton, married Esther Crawford ; Sarah, mar- 
ried Denton Mills; Miller, not married; Daniel, mar- 
ried Sarah Thompson ; John, died young. 

Mr. Bull was an industrious farmer from his early 
days. As an evidence of his practical agriculture, 
we refer the reader to the list of prizes awarded him 
by the society, which we think are more numerous 
than those awarded to any other family in the county. 
Few individuals have cleared up and subdued more , 
wild land, and placed it in a good agricultural condi- ' 
tion for their children. The obligations of parent, 
citizen, and friend, imposed on him through the 
course of a long life, were duly and faithfully dis- 
charged ; while those of a superior and more holy 
character e(jually shared his careful attention and 
pious regard. He was an early friend to the construc- 
tion of the Newburgh and Cochecton turn pike -road, 



and, with an interval of one year, continued a direc- 
tor from the organization of the company, upwards 
of forty years. This company had semi-annual meet- 
ings, and, with one or two excei)tions at furthest, he 
was always present. This fiict proves two things,— 
good health and a virtuous discharge of public duties. 

The Crawfords of this section are descendants of 
John Crawford, who purchased land in New Windsor 
Oct. 18, 1737. They were very early residents of this 
town, and their descendants are numerous and now 
widely scattered. The names of James, John, Wil- 
liam, and Samuel appear upon the old military roll of 
1738 for " Wal!-a-kill," and the family name repeat- 
edly occurs in all subsequent records of this territory 
down to the present time. We are not in possession 
of data that will enable us to connect the families of 
later years to those of a century and a half ago. A 
few notes upon one branch throw some light upon 
the modern names in this town. Robert I. Crawford 
was a prominent man in the early part of this cen- 
tury. His homestead was near the old Hopewell 
Church. Of his children, Robert and Theron settled 
in Crawford, Addison in Crawford, near Searsville, 
Leander and George at Middletown, Albert, another 
son, died in early life ; daughters were Mrs. Stansbury 
Gillespie, Mrs. Hill Harris, Millicent, who died un- 
married, Esther and Emeline, also unmarried. Robert 
I. Crawford had a brother Israel, and he had two 
sons, Israel and Leartus. Mrs. Crawford Gillespie 
was a sister of Robert I. Crawford, and Mrs. Daniel 
Shafer also. Xancy, another sister, died unmarried. 
The records of Montgomery and those of the town 
of Crawford furnish many other names of this family, 
in whose honor this fertile town was named. 

TnoMPSoN Brothers. — The settlement of the 
Thompson brothers was made at an early day, prob- 
ably during the Revolutionary war, about 1776. 
They were from Ireland, county Longford. After 
coming to this country they lost a part of what 
funds they had by the depreciation of Continental 
currency. The three — Alexander, Andrew, and Rob- 
ert A. — came to Crawford, with good judgment 
selected a fine location, and purchased 600 acres on 
what is now known as Thompson's Ridge. They 
divided the tract into three equal farms, each brother 
hkving one of them. Alexander's homestead was 
the north farm, now owned by the present Alex- 
ander Thompson, and on a part of which Hopewell 
Church stands. Andrew's was the next soutli, being 
the farm now occupied by Nathan T. Thompson, 
a great-grandson of Andrew. The homestead of 
Robert A. was the south farm of the three, now oc- 
cupied by Wm. H. and Robert I. Thompson, great- 
grandsons of the original owner. These three farms 
have been owned by the Thompsons from the time of 
the first settlement to the present. For the first 
time in about one hundred years of occupancy the 
middle farm of the three is now offered for sale. The 
children of the pioneer Alexander were Alexander, 



416 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jr., one daughter who died young, and one who 
became the wife of Col. Moses Crawford, near Colla- 
burgh. The children of Alexander, Jr. (whose wife 
was a daughter of Daniel Bull), were Albert, of On- 
tario County, a physician ; Augustus, of Crawford ; 
Daniel, the supervisor of the town for a long series of 
years, and superintendent of the Crawford Railroad ; 
John Alexander, a lawyer of Monticello ; Mrs. Hon. 
Alex. C. Niven, Monticello; Mrs. W. W. Jackson, 
Hamptonburgh ; Mrs. Hiram Phillips, Hampton ; 
Mrs. S. Sherman, D.avenport, Iowa ; and Mrs. Samuel 
C. Brush and Mrs. Wm. H. Smith, of New York City. 

The sons of the pioneer Andrew were James, Wil- 
liam, Robert R., Alexander, and George, all of whom 
settled in Crawford. There were two daughters, Mrs. 
Nathan Young and Mrs. Isaac Schultz. The sons of 
the pioneer Robert A. were Robert A., Jr., and An- 
drew, the latter of whom became a minister and died 
at Mount Hope. There weretwo daughters, Mrs. Hugh 
Barcley and Isabella, the latter of whom died in earlj' 
life. The family, as a rule, were long lived. Robert 
died at the age of ninety, Alexander at the age of 
seventy-five, and Alexander, Jr., at the age of eighty- 
five. 

Rainey Family. — David Rainey was probably in 
Crawford before the Revolution. He settled on the 
homestead now owned by A. R. Taylor, and known 
as the " Brock House Farm," near Pine Bush. His 
children were David, Jr., James, William, and Mrs. 
Crane. Two others, Susan and Jane, died young. 

A sister of David Rainey, Sr., married James Mc- 
Burney, a Revolutionary soldier. Their children were 
Mrs. John Taylor, Mrs. John Wool, William McBur- 
ney, David McBurney, Elizabeth, Mary, and James. 

The present Theron Hill place was settled by his 
ancestor at an early day. 

Other Pioneers.— Mr. Whitten, an early pioneer, 
located where Jacob Whitten now lives. 

Mr. A. R. Taylor, now for more than thirty years 
intimately connected with Pine Bush and the north 
part of Crawford, was from Ulsterville. His ancestor 
was a British soldier, who espoused the American 
cause about the time of Montgomery's unsuccessful 
expedition to Canada. He served in the American 
forces, and finally settled in Shawangunk. 

The town officers chosen in 1823, as given under 
the head of organization, below, are all dead except 
Ira Clark, an illustration of how complete is the work 
of death in a single half-century upon those who at 
its beginning have already attained manhood. 

William W. Crawford, the first supervisor, lived 
east of Thompson's Ridge, on the farm now owned 
by John Erskine Crawford. Oliver Mills lived atS- 
Searsville, and had a small grist-mill. Jacobus 
Smith resided on the place now owned by his son 
Henry. Moses Crawford lived at Collaburgh, where 
Alexander Crawford uow resides. 

Daniel Bull is the well-known citizen, already men- ■>■ 
tioned, who purchased lUOO acres at Bullville. His ' 



homestead was the place now owned by the heirs of 
the late David C. Bull. Henry Weller lived on 
Comfort Hill. Robert D. Hunter resided near Pine 
Bush, where his grandson, Townley Crawford, now 
lives. Samuel Stevenson lived near the extreme 
southeast part of this town. Archibald Crawford 
lived in Pine Bush. He had kept a hotel at Colla- 
burgh, and was also a surveyor. 

John C. Nicholson, the first collector, was at Sears- 
ville, though he lived for a time in another part of 
the town. 

Lewis Scott lived at Old Hopewell. Alexander 
Thompson's place was where the present Alexander 
Thompson now lives. Hieronomus Weller was a 
blacksmith at Pine Bush. Isaac Van Doren, one of 
the inspectors of common schools, was the minister 
of that name mentioned in the church histories. 
George Hunter and Cliarles Winfield, the other two 
school inspectors, were the physicians mentioned 
elsewhere. The teachers were thus placed under the 
care of the ministers and the doctors. Joseph Elder, 
town officer of 1823, was the well-known prominent 
citizen of Bullville. James Bruyn resided where 
Leander Gillespie now lives. John W. Henrj' was 
in the western part of the town. Peter Weller lived 
a mile above Bullville, on the place now owned by 
Edwin Green. Nathaniel Hunter lived near Pine 
Bush, on the place now owned by George D. Shafer. 
Benjamin Dickerson resided in the west part of the 
town. Edward Schoonmaker kept a hotel at Old 
Hopewell. Arthur Slott resided at Pine Bush and 
owned the grist-mill. David Sease, town clerk for 
many years, resided at Searsville, and was sheriff" of 
the county for some years. 

It is unnecessary to continue this memorandum 
upon the names of the thirty-nine overseers of high- 
ways, for the number of the districts, as given below, 
will easily indicate their location. 

Coming down to a later period, the following mem- 
orandum of road districts for 1813, taken from the 
town-books of Montgomery, shows very nearlj' the 
names and location of the families of Crawford sev- 
enty years ago. The numbers are of course those of 
1813, not of the present time. 

The remainder of the districts are given in the 
chapter on Montgomery. The names upon the terri- 
tory of the two towns are so similar that it is difficult 
to assign the districts to each town with exactness. 
Several of them were very likely joint districts as the 
town line now exists. 

District No. 8. — From the school-house No. 20 to 
the town line near the Widow Shear's, and from the 
turnpike near Peter Weller's to the town line. Nich- 
olas Leybolt (overseer), Robert Jordan, Joseph Elder, 
Thomas Bull, David Shurdy, William Kirkead, Ed- 
ward Sloter, John Cavanaugh, Ephraim Hunt, John 
Jordan, Moses Jordan, Thomas Brass, Joseph Fitz- 
gerald, P. Weller. 

District No. 9. — From the town line near Samuel 



CRAWFORD. 



417 



Stephenson's to William Gross, and from the school- 
house near David Redfield's to Wra. Sherer's bridge. 
Eli Godfrey (overseer), Esther McCreery, Tobias God- 
frey, Widow Hill, Joseph McCreery. 

District No. 10. — From Robert Fitzgerald's to Fred- 
erick Shafer's bridge. Nicholas Hulslander (over- 
.seer), Frederick Shafcr, Fred Loring, .Tolin Cruver, 
Nathaniel Caldwell, John Caldwell, William Elder, 
Abraham Caldwell, James Caldwell, Dennis Hunt, 
Robert W. Crawford. 

District No. 11. — From Milliken's bridge to Fitz- 
gerald's well. Philip Hulslander (overseer), Robert 
Fitzgerald, Catharine Cross, Philip Dixon, Jesse 
Dickerson, Benjamin Dickerson, John Noble, Wm. 
M. Johnston, Jacob Fitzgerald. 

District No. 14. — Robert D. Hunter, Samuel Gilles- 
pie, Wm. Gunyon, Wm. Raiuey, Arthur McKinney, 
James McKinney, Elias Crans, David Robertson, 
Henry Terwilliger, Matthias Terwilliger, Arthur 
Johnston, Wilhelmus Hedges, John Hulslander, 
Peter Crans, Nicholas Hulslander Wm. Thompson, 
Hieronomus AVeller, Abraham Gillespie, Henry Tice, 
George Tice, Jacob Snyder, Charles Snyder, Widow 
Snyder, Nathaniel Hunter, George Niver, James 
Burnenier. 

District No. 15. — Jacobus Smith, Wm. Gillespie, 
Joel Dubois, John W. Hill, Jacob More, John Sin- 
sabaugli, Joseph Sinsabaugh, John More, Cornelius 
Madden, James Thompson, Charles Winfield, Abra- 
ham Mould, Cornelius Slott, Jonathan Millspaugh, 
William Hunter, James Slott. Johannes Slott, Cor- 
nelius Slott, Jr., James Mould, Henry Mould, John 
W. Montross, James Tice, Matthew W. McKinney, 
Ichabod McKinney, Nicholas Hulslander, David Mc- 
Burney, Wm. McBurney, James McBurney, Samuel 
Gillespie, Jr. 

District No. 16 (Thompson's Ridge). — William 
Lewis, Nathaniel Brown, Nathan Crawford, Charles 
Johnston, Manuel Van Gordon, Increase Crosby, 
James Fitzgerald, Hugh Shearer, William Thompson, 
John Shorter, Abraham Shorter, Jane Barkley, John 
Freeland, Robert A. Thompson, Robert Thompson, 
Elizabeth Thompson, Robert J. Thompson, Alexan- 
der Thompson, Andrew Dixon, Jonathan Crawford, 
Edward Millspaugh, Robert Graham, Ebenezer R. 
Ayers, Stephen Gillespie, Isaac Van Doren, Wm. W. 
Crawford, John Graham. 

District No. 17 (west part of Crawford). — William 
Barkley, Jacob Sager, George Crawford, John Craw- 
ford, Robert I. Crawford. Robert Fitzgerald, Philip 
Hulslander, Philip Dixon, Catharine Cross, Benjamin 
Dickerson, Jesse Dickerson, Nicholas Hulslander, 
James Caldwell, John Cruvel-, Nathaniel Caldwell, 
John Caldwell, Israel Losey, Jacob Bensel, Isaac 
Schultz, James Torrey, Henry Gillem, Stephen Trues- 
dell, Henry McClinton, Robert Cross, Adam Gamble, 
Wm. Crans, Alexander P. Thompson, John Noble. 

District No. 18 (Searsville). — Oliver Mills, William 
Trumpbour, Edward Laraorney, Josiah Mills, Abner 



Millspaugh, Henry Snyder, Marvin Garrettson, Penna 
Cahill, Joseph Hunter, Abraham Vanvous, William 
Stitt, Nathan Upright, Thomas Wilson, John B. Mil- 
ler, John Redner, John Eichenbergh, Aaron Terwil- 
liger, George Constable, Elisha Bodine, Adam Rumph, 
Christian Rumph, John Sease, Jr., David Sease, Adam 
Young, Francis Bodine, Jacob Law, Jacob Young- 
blood, Hugh Munnin, Joseph Fulton, Joseph Barkley, 
Lawrence Hunter, Robert Stejihenson, Thomas Craw- 
ford, William Crawford, Joseph Conklin, John McEl- 
heny, Abraham Miller, John Howell, Sebastian Smith, 
Frederick Howell, John McHugh, David Lind, Lewis 
Trumpbour, Mary Hall, Archibald Maher, John T. 
Martin, Elizabeth Baum, William Little. 

District No. 19 (southwest part of Crawford). — John 
Gillespie, Esther McCreery, Joseph Hines, Joseph 
Tidd, Elijah Godfrey, Lebbeus Godfrey, Elisha Dick- 
erson, David Redfleld, Robert McClincher, John 
Linderman, Jacob Linderman, Lewis Weller, Isaac 
Weller, Samuel Ball. 

District No. 20 (BuUville).— Daniel Bull, Henry 
Bull, Abner Bull, Frederick Shafer, William Elder, 
Mary McLean, Thomas Bull, William Kincaid, James 
Barkley, Joseph Elder, Edward Holar, John Larkhead, 
David Hurdy, Nicholas Sibolt, James Martin, 
Ephraim Hunt, Robert Jordan, John Jordan, Charles 
Millspaugh. 

District No. 21 (southeast part of Crawford). — Bart- 
lett Clement, Adam Bookstaver, David Poole, Moses 
Crawford, Josiah Monrow, Nicholas Yerks, Daniel 
Winfield, Moses Millspaugh, John McCurdy, Ephraim 
Millspaugh, John Goldsnnth, John Sommors, Peter 
Millspaugh, John T. Graham, Christian Eichenbergh, 
Francis Jlickels, James Bookstaver, Samuel Waller, 
Frederick Root, Archibald Crawford, Samuel Barkley, 
John T. Crist, Samuel T. Crawford, John Martin. 

PHYSICIANS. 
Dr. Crosby practiced in Crawford ; lived near Hope- 
well Church, between the present house of worship and 
the old one ; practiced about 1800, before and after, 
dying probably about 1825. Dr. Charles Winfield 
lived near Pine Bush. Dr. Hunter, of Searsville, was 
located there many years; spent his life there, dying 
about 1874. Dr. Griffith lived at Pine Bush ; prac- 
ticed there for many years, and died about 1855. Dr. 
Durkee lived a mile south of Piue Bush ; practiced for 
fifteen years or more and died there. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 
This town was formed from Montgomery, March 4, 
182.3, early enough in the spring to have the first town- 
meeting occur that year. The propriety of organiz- 
ing a new town arose from the fact that Montgomery 
comprised a territory of such extent as to render the 
transaction of public business a matter of considerable 
trouble. It was possible also to make a convenient 
arrangement of boundaries and form two towns each 
with a central point accessible to all. The new town 
very appropriately received the name of Crawford, 



418 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



thus perpetuiiting the name of one of the earliest set- 
tlers, and honoring a family of numerous branches 
and intimately associated with all the interests of this 
section. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETINli. 

The first annual town-meeting was held at the house 
of Edward Schoonmaker, in the town of Crawford, 
April 1, 1823, and the following town officers were 
elected for the ensuing year: Supervisor, William W. 
Crawford ; Town Clerk, Oliver Mills ; Assessors, 
Robert I. Crawford, Jacobus Smith, Jloses Crawford; 
Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Bull, Henry Weller;: 
Commissioners of Highways, Robert D. Hunter, Sam- 
uel Stevenson, Archibald Crawford; Collector, John 
C. Nicholson; Constables, John C. Nicholson, Lewis 
Scott; Commissioners of Common Schools, Oliver 
Mills, Alexander Thompson, Hieronomus Weller;v 
Inspectors of Common Schools, Isaac Van Doren, 
George Hunter, Charles Winfield ; Inspectors of 
Election, Joseph Elder, Alexander Thompson, James 
Bruyn; Fence-Viewers, John W. Henry, Peter 
\i Weller, Nathaniel Hunter. 

The following votes were passed : that there should 
be three assessors, one collector, two constables, three 
fence-viewers ; every man his own pound-master and 
farm his own pound ; hogs well yoked may run at 
large ; twenty-five dollars bounty for every wolf killed 
in town ; collectors' fees, three cents on the dollar. 

At a special town-meeting, held April 9, 1823, it 
was voted unanimously to raise four hundred and sixty 
dollars for the support of the poor the ensuing year. 

The overseers of the highways appointed were the 
following : 

No. No. 

1. Benjamin Dickerson. 21. Isaac HulsIaDder. 

2. Abraham Lindenuan. 22. John Whitteu. 

3. Samuel Dickei-son. 23. Edward Parlaimau. 

4. Samuel Slevenson. 24. James Raiiicy. 

5. Lewis Hulslauder. 25. Benjamin Manny. 

6. ■William Jordan. 20. Jolin A. Sinsabaugh. 

7. Alexander Millspaugh. 27. Matthew Smith. 

8. Moses Crawford. 28. John Moore, 

9. Lawrence Crans. 29. Abraham Miller. 

10. Philip Hulslauder. 30. John McUenry. 

11. Israel Crawford. 31. John B. Crawford. 

12. Edward Schoonmaker. 32. Ira Clark. 

13. Thomas W. Stewart. 33. Wm. W. Crawford. 

14. Milton Bull. 34. Robert S. Crawford. 

15. James T. Crawford. 35. Adam Young. 

16. Henry Brink. 36. Wm. Kidd. 

17. Grenns Gillespie. 37. Jacob Runiph. 

18. Arthur Slott. 38. David .Smith. 

19. William Thompson. 39. James Hill. 

20. Nathaniel Hunter. 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1823-24 Wm. W. Crawford. Oliver Mills. 

1825-27 " " David Sease. 

1828-33 Charles Winliekl. 

1834-41 Ale.\ander Thompson. " " 

1841-4.3 " " Ira Clark. 

1844-46 James H. Crawford. " " 

1847-48 William Jordan. Hiram Young. 

1849-60 Augustus Thompson. " " 

1851 David R. Hunter. " " 

1852-53 " " Samuel Roberson. 

18.'i4-66 Daniel Thompson. " " 

1857-65 " " James Comfort. 

1866-71 " " Ira Clark. 

1872-75 *' " James Comfort. 

1876 Daniel S. Dewitt. 

1877-80 Daniel Thompson. Joseph H. Clark. 



! JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1830, David Sease, Isaac Crawford ; 1831, James W. Crawford ; 1.932, Wm. 
Jordan, Lewis Wisner: 1833, David Sease, John H. Torrey; 1834, 
Alexander McCreery; 1835, William Jordan, James H. Long; 1836, 
John H. Torrey, Robert I. Crawford; 1837, David Sease; 1838, Wil- 
liam Jordan, Cornelius Slott; 1839, Cornelius Slott, James H. Long; 
1S40, Samuel Stevenson: 1841, Ira Clark, Robert Slater; 1842, Wil- 
liam Jordan. Reuben F. Roberson, Wm. C. Noble; 184:1, Coruelins 
Slott; 1844, Wm. C. Noble, Ira Clark ; 1845, Abraham H. Thompson; 
1846, Wm. Jordan ; 1847. James Colwell ; 1848. Wn\. C. Noble, Albert 
Sease ; 1849, Lawrence Low, Wm. C. Noble, Cornelius Slott ; 1850, 

, Wm. Jordan; 1851, Henry Mould; 1852, Marcus E. Runiph; 1853, 

Lawrence Low; 1854, Wm. Jordan ; 18.'i5, Henry Mould ; 1856, Mar- 

I , ens E. Rumph; 1857, Archibald R.Taylor; 185S, William Jordan; 

( 1859, Lawrence Low ; 1860, Marcus E. Rumph ; 1861, Archibald R. 

Taylor; 1SG3, William Jordan; 1863, Lawrence Low, Ethelbert 
Niver; 1864, Marcus E. Rumph, John Hill, Ethelbert Niver; 1865, 
Ethelbert Niver, .\ngustus Thompson; 1866, John Hill; 1S67, Au- 
gustus Thompson; 1868, Thomas H. Hulse; 1869, Ethelbert Niver, 
Marcus E. Runiph; 1870, Marcus E. Rumph; 1871, Augustus 
Thompson ; 1S72. Hezckiah W. Tutliill ; 1873, Ethelbert Niver; 1874. 
Marcus E. Rumph ; 1875, Alexander Thompson (same to fill vacancy); 
187C, Hezekiah W. Tuthill, John E. Duryea; 1877, Ethelbert Niver, 
John W. Kerr; 1878, Marcus E. Rumph; 1879, John E. Duryea; 
188(1, John W. Kerr. 

I By a written assent recorded in the ofiice of the 

' county clerk, and bearing date July 30, 1868, the sum 
of $80,000 was fixed upon as aid to be rendered by the 

: town in the construction of the Middletovvn and Craw- 
ford Railroad. 

The amount was raised and used. The interest has 
been annually paid, but the principal remains a debt 

, against the town. 



v.— VILLAGES. 

HOPEWELL 
is a well-known neighborhood in the west part of the 
town. The name was previously adopted by the 
Presbyterian Church which was formed there as a 
colony from the older congregation of Goodwill, in 
Montgomery. On invitation of the hive from which 
they had swarmed, the fanciful designation was chosen 
as expressing perhaps their hopes of future success. 
A former writer says of this movement : " It was the 
case of sons and daughters leaving the old mansion 
so dearly beloved and taking up their abode in a new 
and distant land. Their hopes were well founded : 
the congregation is prosperous and well endowed." 
There is now no business in the way of trade or me- 
chanical pursuits to be mentioned. It is a rich farm- 
ing neighborhood, with post-office facilities at Thomp- 
son's Ridge. 

liULLVILLE . 

is the name given to the post-office located in the 
southwest part of the town near the Wallkill line. 
Mr. Thomas Bull resided there for many years, and 
conducted various business operations, and from him 
the hamlet derives both its origin and its name. 
Under the head of early settlement many facts have 
been already given concerning this neighborhood. 
The village is handsomely situated on high ground, 
and with its elegant new Methodist chur.ch and sev- 
eral fine dwellings constitutes an attractive rural place. 
At the present time there is a store kept by Charles 



CRAWFORD. 



419 



Roe ; a hotel by Silas Dickerson ; a blacksmith-shop 
by George McKiiiney, and another by Hugh Carroll ; 
a creamery by Samuel Robinson ; a flour and feed 
store and a coal-yard, also by Samuel Robinson ; to 
these may be added Robinson's distillery. 

SEARSVILLE 
is occasionally written Searsburgh. It is situated very 
nearly central upon the Dwaars Kill, and is named in 
honor of Mr. Benjamin Sears, who resided there, 
owned the mills, and was once sheriff of the county. 

Among his sons were Dr. Sears ; William Sears, a 
lawyer of New York City ; and Rev. Jacob Sears, of 
New Jersey. The place is an old point of considera- 
ble trade, but the opening of the railroad, leading to 
easy connection with other villages, and not passing 
through this, has rendered the modern trade of less 
importance. There is now a store by Augustus Com- 
fort; a hotel by A. R. Vanderlyn; blacksmith and 
wagon-shop by D. W. Deyo ; blacksmith-shop by 
Wm. Lupton ; and a grist-mill by Gilbert Roat. 
There is also a saw-mill. The postmaster is Au- 
gustus Comfort. Searsville is quite central, and ac- 
cordingly the town-meetings have nearly always been 
held there, and the general town business transacted 
at that place. 

THOMPSON'S RIDUE 
is a short distance from Searsville, and is a station 
upon the Crawford Branch of the New York, Ontario 
and Western Railway (Oswego Midland) ; it also 
has a post-office, Daniel Thompson postmaster. The 
name is appropriate from the number of families of 
Thompsons constituting the neighborhood. 

Daniel Thompson, the superintendent of the road, 
resides near here. At this station a large amount of 
milk is shipped, and considerable freight and passen- 
ger business is done. 

The station buildings and a building erected for a 
store (but only in operation occasionally) constitute 
about all there is of the " village." There is near by 
a beautiful grove, with convenient arrangements for 
picnic parties, including a pond and boats. The old 
farms of the Thompsons and others in this neighbor- 
hood comprise some of the most productive lands, not 
only in Crawford but in Orange County. 

COLLABURGII 
is a thickly-settled neighborhood in the south part of 
the town. It was formerly a place of some impor- 
tance on the old Cochecton turnpike, having a hotel 
and the other buildings necessary to constitute a vil- 
lage, viz. : a blacksmith-shop and a school -house. 
The last two still remain, but the opening of the rail- 
road system of the country brought to an end the tide 
of travel that once passed along this important high- 
way. 

PINE BUSH 
is a thriving business-place near the Shawangunk 
River, in the north part of the town. It is the terminus 



of the Crawford Railroad, and its post-oflSce supplies 
quite a section of country on both sides of the river. 
The village is pleasantly situated upon a tract of laud 
quite level, with a fine farming country lying around 
it. At considerable of a steep descent below the 
Shawangunk Kill flows past the village, supplying 
water-power to the grist-mill, which dates back to 
Revolutionary times. In full sight beyond the river 
are the Shawangunk Mountains, rising into a rugged 
range, whose frowning peaks overlook the valley. 
Northeast and east there is a distant view of the 
Hudson River heights, marking the horizon with a 
line of blue. Northward, between the ranges, are 
the lower lands of the kill, stretching away in the 
distance. Together, there is a combination of upland 
and valley, of mountains and streams, of forest slopes 
and cultivated fields, which constitutes an attractive 
landscape. Summer visitors may penetrate into wilder 
depths, may refuse to linger so near the borders of civ- 
ilization, but surely they will travel far to find a place 
possessing more elements of quiet beauty or a more 
charming prospect on which to feast the eye and de- 
light the taste than the pleasant hamlet of Pine Bush. 

James Thompson was in trade at this place as early as 
1824 or 1825. His successors in the same store were 
Hezekiah Watkins, Tarbosch & Weller, Lewis Wis- 
ner, Elijah Smith, and George Oakley. The building 
stood in what is now Railroad Street, and was re- 
moved a few years since. Elijah Smith, about 1834 
or 1835, opened a store and continued for some ten 
years. The building is now occupied by John Bowne 
as a dwelling. About 1830, Dr. Ewen came to Pine 
Bush and built the old hotel. He also kept a drug- 
store. There was a tannery west from Wheeler's 
house, run by Abraham IMould from 1825, or about 
that date, and continued for a few years. Abraham 
Mould was afterwards killed by James Mitchell in an 
altercation. Mr. Mitchell was tried for the offense, 
but acquitted on the ground of justifiable homicide 
done in self-defense. 

The plank-road from Ellenville to Newburgh was 
opened about 1848, and passed through Pine Bush. 
This was the beginning of the modern growth of the 
village. Mr. A. R. Taylor, to whom we are indebted 
for most of these items, came here from Ulsterville 
about that time and bought out George Oakley's in- 
terest in the store. At that time there were only 
three or four dwelling-houses in the place. Mr. Tay- 
lor continued in trade about seven years, and then 
purchased the grist-mill, which he ran for several 
years. The store passed to Oliver Taylor, who finally 
built opposite the present Taylor House. 

The present business of Pine Bush comprises the 
following: the station buildings of the Crawford 
Railroad, Earl Terwilliger agent ; two hotels, the 
Taylor House, now kept by Hezekiah W. Cole, and 
the well-known Decker House, now kept by S. G. 
Decker; stores dealing in general merchandise, 
Wheeler & Taylor, Howell & Van Keuren, J. W. 



420 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Parlaiman (formerly I. J. Whitten & Son), and The- 
odore Hinoult; shoe-stores, by C. Hinoult and by 
Napoleon Hinoult; harness-shops, by E. Decker and 
by 0. H. Homan ; a restaurant, by A. Fuller ; a 
fancy store, by Mrs. E. Boice ; a drug-store, by J. T. 
Topping ; blacksmith-shops, by Hugh Lower}', by 
Hugh Lowery, Jr., and by Amos Baker; wagon, car- 
riage-making, and undertaking, by D. T. Bowen ; 
wagon-shop and undertaking, by J. M. Crawford ; 
wagon-shop, by J. V. Decker ; meat-market, by 
Cooley & AVoodlock ; grist-mill and saw-mill, by 
Smith & Cox ; G. B. Barnes, photographer and den- 
tist ; exchange and livery stable, Newton Higby ; 
dLstillery, R. E. Terry ; hardware and tin-shop, by 
J. H. Wallace and by William Miller; coal, lumber, 
cement, lime, etc., by W. T. Wallace (formerly 
A. T. Deyo) ; shoemaker, Milton Terwilliger; tailor, 
Abraham Terwilliger; millinery, Mrs. S. W. Freer; 
creamery, D. W. Berry ; marble-works, E. Billings. 

The present postmaster is W. Wheeler, who has 
held the office about fifteen years. Before him was 
H. W. Decker, from 1861 to 1865 ; and previous to 
Mr. Decker, A. R. Taylor was the incumbent of the 
office for about eight years. Earlier than this were 
Arthur Slott and Cornelius Slott. The office was 
originally known as Crawford, but the inconvenience 
of the name (being the same as that of the town, with 
two other offices in town) led to a new designation, 
and the present name was deemed appropriate in view 
of the old growth of pines which once covered all 
this tract. 

The growth of Pine Bush has been largely increa-sed 
by the opening of the railroad, affording an easy op- 
portunity of connection with the villages to the south, 
and securing convenient freighting facilities both to 
and from this place. Mr. A. R. Taylor has taken a 
liberal course, as an owner of a large amount of real 
estate, in opening new streets and contributing largely 
to every measure of village improvement. He has 
been largely employed as a civil engineer and sur- 
veyor, and is still often engaged in land surveys and 
the adjustment of boundaries. He drove the first 
railroad stake in Chicago during an engagement at 
the West many years ago. 



following persons served one or more years each as 
insjjectors of schools: Isaac Van Doren, George Hun- 
ter, Charles Winfield, Andrew K. Barkley, James H. 
Crawford, Daniel G. Durkee, Wm. B. Crawford, John 
A. Carpenter, David Sease, Ira Clark, Augustus 
Thompson, Robert R. Thompson, Daniel H. Smith, 
Jacob Randall. Several. of these served for many 
years. 

The town superintendents from 1843 to 1856 were: 

Annual elections, 18-14-46, Charles S. Gilbert; 1847, 
William H. Bull. Biennial elections, 1848, William 
H. Bull ; 1849, Ira Clark ; 1850-52, Henry J. Smith ; 
18.54, Ira Clark (also same to fill vacancy). 

The school districts at the time of the organization 
of the town in 182.3 were the following : District No. 
1, the school-house being near the town line, by Adam 
Dickerson ; District No. 2, the school-house being 
near the place of Robert D. Hunter, at Pine Bush 
District No. ?>, the school-house being near the resi- 
dence of .lacobus Smith, at Pine Bush ; District No 
4, at Searsburgh ; District No. 5, school-house at Hope 
well, near the house of Alexander Dixon ; District No 
6, the school-house located near the Hopewell meet 
ing-house ; District No. 7, the school-house at Mc- 
Creery's, near the Shawangunk Kill ; District No. S, 
the school-house near the house of Daniel Bull; Dis- 
trict No. 9, the school-house near the residence of 
Archibald Crawford; District No. 10, the school- 
house near the residence of Daniel Crawford. 

In No. 1 there were then 63 children between the 
ages of five and fifteen ; in No. 2, 61 ; in No. 3, 78 ; 
in No. 4, 70 ; in No. 5, 49 ; in No. 6, 49 ; in No. 7, 
41 ; in No. 8, 36 ; in No. 9, 71 ; in No. 10, 25 ; in part 
No. 6 (Wallkill), 4; in part No. 14 (Montgomery), 8; 
total in town, 655. 

The public money distributed amounted to $267.44. 



VI. -SCHOOLS. 

At the town-meeting of 1823 commissioners of com- 
mon schools were chosen, viz. : Oliver Mills, Alex- 
ander Thompson, and Hieronomus Weller. Subse- 
quently the following other persons served one or 
more years each in that office down to 1844: Na- 
thaniel Hunter, Robert I. Crawford, John Hill, Geo. 
Pitts, Moses Comfort, Samuel Stevenson, James Crist, 
Wm. J. Smith, Robert R. Thompson, Matthew Smith, 
Andrew A. Millspaugh, David C. Bull, John Whitten, 
Wm. Jordan, Jacobus H. Van Keuren, Charles Win- 
field, Wm. Case, Jason Gillespie, Lawrence Low, Sut- 
ton Green, Garret Smith, Augustus Thompson, James 
Elder. During the same period, 1823 to 1843, the 



VII.-CHUHCHES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY OP HOPEWELL 
was incorporated by a certificate executed Feb. 25, 
1800, at a meeting held at the church. The paper 
was signed by Jacob Linderman and John Crawford, 
inspectors of the election, and the trustees chosen 
were Henry Palmer, Abraham Caldwell, William 
Hunter, Jacob Linderman, Robert Thompson, David 
Milligan, Daniel Bull, Nathan Crawford, and Israel 
Losee. 

The first effiDrt to build a Presbyterian church in 
j Hopewell was made about the year 1779. All, how- 
ever, that was done at this time was to raise and 
inclose a building without finishing the interior, but 
in which the people occasionally enjoyed the preach- 
ing of the gospel. 

In this situation they continued till the year 1792, 
when they formed themselves into a body corporate 
and chose the following persons as their board of trus- 
tees, viz.: William Cross, Robert Milliken, Jonathan 
Crawford, Daniel Bull, Andrew Thompson, Nathan 




^-^^I^ 




i 

\ 



CRAWFORD. 



421 



Crawford, Abraham Caldwell, Robert Thompson, and 
Robert JlcCreery. 

At a meeting of the trustees, held very soon after, 
they adopted measures to finish the inside of the 
building, and about the same time resolved upon the 
expediency of securing the regular preaching of the 
gospel. They accordingly made a call on the Rev. 
Jonathan Freeman, and on his accepting of the call 
he was ordained and installed their pastor, Aug. 28, 
1793. Soon after his settlement among them, Mr. 
Freeman ordained Abraham Caldwell, William Cross, 
Robert Thompson, Jacob Linderman, John Crawford, 
and Matthias Mill.spaugh ruling elders; and this 
appears to be the true date of the organization of the 
church. 

The ministry of Mr. Freeman was not of long con- 
tinuance. The pastoral relation between him and 
the people was dissolved April 18, 1798. During the 
ministry of Mr. Freeman everything seemed to pro- 
gress comfortably, and at the time of his leaving 
them the little church, which at first consisted of 
21 members, had grown to the number of 105. 

The resignation of Mr. Freeman left the church 
vacant for more than five years. At the expiration 
of this time the church called the Rev. Isaac Van 
Doren. He was ordained and installed their pastor 
on June 29, 1803. The ministry of Mr. Van Doren 
was long and happily protracted. He continued his 
labors among tlie people during the full period of 
twenty-one years, enjoying their warmest afl'ections, 
and finding his ministry followed up with many 
blessings. In tlie year 1820 he enjoyed a very ex- 
tensive revival of religion among his people, which 
resulted in the addition of 152 members to the church. 
But a time came, in the providence of God, for the 
severance of hearts so long and happily united. This 
occurred April 20, 1825, when, at the request of Mr. 
Van Doren, the Presbytery dissolved his pastoral re- 
lation, and once more declared the church of Hope- 
well to be vacant. 

After being vacant nearly two years, the church 
called the Rev. Hugh M. Koontz to become their 
pastor. He was ordained and installed Dec. 20, 
1826, and after laboring among the people for nearly 
six years his pastoral relation was, at his own request, 
dissolved. This was done in May, 1832. 

About this time the congregation took measures to 
build a new house of worship. In carrying out these 
measures they abandoned the old site and selected 
another one, on which they erected a neat, commo- 
dious, and firm stone building. This new building 
was commenced early in the spring of 1831, and was 
finished and dedicated to the worship of God the fol- 
lowing year. The way being now open again for the 
administration of the word and ordinances, the con- 
gregation called the Rev. John H. Leggett to become 
their pastor. He was installed May 15, 1833. 

The following persons were ruling elders in 1846, 
viz. : Robert I. Crawford, Nathaniel Hunter, Nich- 



olas Ley bolt, Hieronomus Weller, David C. Bull, 
Alexander Crawford, and Samuel K. Leybolt. 

Rev. Mr. Leggett continued as pastor until 1855. 
Subsequent ministers have been : Rev. Andrew John- 
son, 1856 to 1866 ; Rev. B. G. Benedict, Oct. 21, 1866, 
to 1870. The present pastor. Rev. John Turner, was 
called soon after. The present elders (November, 
1880) are Alexander Crawford, Cornelius Barnes, 
Robert Crawford, Stansbury Gillespie, and George 
D. Shafer. The members number 152. 

Rev. John H. Leggett, born in the city of New 
York, May 28, 1800, was educated at Columbia College, 
and after a four years' course of theological study 
under John M. Mason, D.D., who then stood at the 
head of the American pulpit, was ordained to preach 
the gospel by the Second Presbytery of New York, in 
the year 1824. May 19, 1824, he married Mary Noel 
Bleecker, resident also of New York City. His first pas- 
toral charge was at Moreau, Saratoga Co., N. Y., his 
second at Peekskill, whence he removed to Marlbo- 
rough, Ulster Co., where his labors were followed by 
a powerful and memorable revival of religion. In the 
year 1833, Mr. Leggett was called to the Hopewell 
Church, where he continued to labor for twenty-three 
years. The following extract is from an article 
written and published just after his death by Rev. 
Dr. E. D. G. Prime, editor of the Aew York Observer : 

" Having for a period of more than thirty yeare enjoyed tlie intimate 
accjnaintauce and friendship of Mr. Leggett, and knowing well the trans- 
parent purity and excellence of his character, and his great usefulness 
in the ministry of the gospel, we feel that his death should be marked by 
this memorial to his life and services. His long pastorate was over the 
Hopewell Church, where he remained for twenty-three years, enjoying 
in the highest degree the aflections of the people and ministering to 
them with earnestne.ss, lidelity, and great ability. In all this time he 
was detained from his pulpit only one Sabbath by sickness, and was sel- 
dom absent for any other cause a single day. Few men have devoted 
themselves to their pastoral work withsuch entire singleness of purpose, 
and few have been more honored or blessed by the Master in the marked 
approval of their labors. As a true shepherd, he went in and out before 
the sheep of his flock, leading them, in the name of the Great Shepherd, 
both by his e-\ample and his fervent, instructive preaching, in the green 
pastures of the word, and beside the still waters of divine consolation 
and refreshment." 

As a preacher he was characterized by remarkable 
fervor and animation. His sermons, which, though 
carefully prepared, were invariably delivered from 
briefs, were both instructive and impressive. Many 
elderly people still tell of sermons they had heard 
him preach years ago, and not a few throughout the 
county who heard him but once or twice, and that 
while perhaps they were children, yet remember even 
the text, and the effect of the discourse upon mind 
and heart. 

Mr. Leggett was chosen stated clerk of the Presby- 
tery of Hudson in 1838, and filled that otfice with 
great efficiency for more than twenty years. " The 
records of Presbytery under his hand were models of 
neatness and beauty." 

In 1856 he was called to the more arduous work of 
building up a new congregation and church at Mid- 
dletown, which was successfully accomplished, and 



422 



HISTORY OF OllANGK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in which he continued for about nine years, when, on 
account of feebleness by age and disease, lie retired 
from the stated duties of pastor, though continuing 
to preach with great acceptance from time to time in 
New York and other places. 

The last few years of his life were passed at the home 
of his youngest son, Rev. T. A. Leggett, at Chester, 
where he died on the 31st day of May, 1873. 

GRAHAM'S CHrRCII (ASSOCIATE REFORMED). j 

This congregation was formed and church erected 
in 1799, by the exertions of Mr, Robert (Jraliam, who 
at that time was an elder in the church of Goodwill. 

The name was bestowed in his honor on the day 
the building was erected. Mr. Graham resided within 
the bounds of this congregation. 

Soon after erection, and before being finished, it was ' 
opened by public worship on the 4th of August, 1799. 
The Rev. John McJimsey, of Neelytown Church, 
preached the sermon. Mr. Graham died Sept. 22, 
1799, and by his will he devised his farm of about 100 
acres, in the vicinity of the church, to the congregation 
for the use of the pastor. The individuals who com- 
posed this new congregation principally were in the 
liabit of attending church at Neelytown. By an | 
arrangement made with that church the labors of 
Rev. Mr. McJimsey were obtained for every alternate 
Sabbath. Before the erection of the house of worship J 
he had preached in this neighborhood in jirivate 
houses and sometimes in barns. The Graham Church 
was for a time only a branch of the Neelytown or- 
ganization, but in 1802 it became a di.stinct body, and 
the first elders ordained were Samuel Gillespie and . 
Andrew Dixon. Mr. Wni. Crawford, an elder previ- \ 
ously in the Little Britain Church, united with this 
church, and became a member of the Session. The 
church was still united with that of Neelytown in sup- 
porting the same pastor. .\t the first administration 
of the sacrament there were twenty-eight members. 
The growtli of the congregation, though not rapid, 
was progressive. 

In 1809, Mr. McJimsey received and accepted a 
call from an Associate congregation in Albany, and 
his pastoral connection with these churches was dis- 
solved. This did not arise from any dissatisfaction 
between any of the parties, but was sincerely re- 
gretted by all. Within a year the Rev. Arthur I. 
Stansbury was called to this church, in connection 
with Neelytown, who continued his services till 1816. 
From that time till 1819 the church was vacant, with 
occasional supplies ; when she, in ccmnection with 
Neelytown, recalled the Rev. J. McJimsey, who re- 
sumed his ministerial labors, as before, between the 
two churches. When he left, ten years before, there 
■were 57 members ; on his return, he found but 21, 
and the first elders dead. Death and removals had 
almost extinguished the whole. 

In 1831 the Neelytown church was permitted to go 
down by building a new one in Hamptonburgh ; and i 



from that time Graham's church had all the services 
of Mr. McJimsey. 

The services of Mr. McJimsey were continued until 
his death in 1854. The next pastor was Rev. Alex- 
ander Mc Williams, 1855 to 1861. The present pastor, 
Rev. John Erskine, was settled in 1861. 

The elders have been : 1802, Samuel Gillespie, An- 
drew Dixon, William Crawford, Sr. ; 1809, Daniel 
Wilkin, Andrew McWilliams; 1823, Gawn Mackim- 
son, Arthur McKinney, Jason (iillespic ; 1839, Henry 
H. Weller, Robert Burnet; 1846, Robert L. Brown, 
Luther McKinney. 

Robert Graham, the founder of this church, was a 
genuine Presbyterian of the Scotch-Irish stamp, and 
dearly loved the Master and his cause. " He rests 
from his labors and his works do follow him." This 
church was connected with the Associate Reformed 
Presbytery of Newburgh till 1858. It is now United 
Presbyterian. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CRAW- 
FORD 

is located at Bullville. It was incorporated April 20, 
1859. The certificate was signed by John Shorter 
and James C. Gowdey. The trustees named therein 
were Jacob M. Shorter, Robert Hill, and Heman S. 
Shorter. Mrs. Jacob M. Shorter, Robert Hill, Mrs. 
Heman S. Shorter, Matthew M. Wilkison, Mrs. M. M. 
Wilkison, Rhodes Mance and wife were among the 
first members. 

The house of worship was finished so as to be dedi- 
cated in the summer of 18G1. It cost $8000, all of 
which was a gift from Mrs. Mary Shorter. The first 
pastor was Rev. John Wardle, the Conference ac- 
ceding to Mrs. Shorter's request that he should be ap- 
pointed. Matthew Wilkison was the builder of the 
church edifice. Successive pastors have been Rev. 
Messrs. Wardle, Jones, Lamont, Heroy, Shrives, Esray, 
Shurter, Bohlman, and the present pastor, A. Van 
Keuren. Present number of members about 92. 

The official members are as follows : Trustees, Wil- 
liam Stephens, G. D. Roat, J. M. Green, Daniel Gibb, 
James E. Miller ; Stewards, G. D. Roat, Daniel Gibb, 
James M. Green, William Stephens, Stephen Great- 
singer. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PINE 
BUSH 

was incorporated Nov. 28, 1870. The certificate 
was signed by Samuel M. J. Gillespie and Theron 
Bodine. The trustees named were William B. Barnes, 
John Walker, Samuel Armstrong, William H. Cow- 
ley, Francis M. Bodine. There had been religious 
services for many years in this village before the form- 
ation of this society or the erection of a church. A 
large number of people were attached to the Reformed 
Church, located but a short distance over the Kill, in 
the town of Shawangunk, Ulster Co. The ministers 
of that church and the Methodist ministers from Bull- 
ville occupied the school-house, at Pine Bush, on alter- 



CRAWFORD. 



423 



nate Sundays. Finally those inclined to Methodist 
views deemed it proper to organize. The movement 
was somewhat earlier than the date of incorporation 
given above. Trustees had been chosen in 1869, the 
same as named a year later in the certificate. Nov. 
19, 1870, steps were taken towards building. A lot 
100 feet in front was presented to the society by Wm. 
H. Cowley, and an addition of 50 more feet front was 
})urchased of him for .SIOO. The whole was 150 feet 
in length. 

The house is located on the west side of the road 
leading from Pine Bush to Bullville. Ground was 
broken for the enterprise immediately, and the first 
load of stone delivered Nov. 30, 1870. The corner- 
stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 13, 
1871. A box containing a Bible, a hymn book, and 
other articles was placed in a cavity of the stone. 
Addresses were delivered by Rev. G. C. Esray, Rev. 
J. K. Wardle, Rev. George Clark, and Rev. E. B. 
Pierce. 

The dedication took place April 24, 1871. Rev. 
Benjamin I. Jones preached the sermon from the text, 
" The glorious gospel of Christ." The financial state- 
ments were then submitted, showing the property to 
have cost, including labor, about $8000, of which 
$4000 remained to be raised that the edifice might be 
free of incumbrance. The praiseworthy custom of 
not dedicating an edifice not fully paid for was next 
presented with great force, and $1600 pledged on the 
spot. At the evening service Rev. W. P. Abbott, of 
New York City, preached, and Rev. Mr. Jones again 
presented the subject of the finances. After a vigor- 
ous eftbrt, with much self-sacrifice and liberal giving, 
the whole amount was reported raised, and the cere- 
mony of dedication took place just before midnight. 
This charge is still connected to that of Bullville 
under one pastor, who resides at the latter place. The 
present officers are Rev. A. Van Keuren, pastor; F. 
M. Bodine, E. M. Johnson, D. T. Bowen, stewards; 
E. M. Johnson, William H. Cowley, and D. T. Bowen, 
trustees ; Orville Eichenbergh, Sunday-school super- 
intendent. 

The house of worship is a handsome building of 
wood, 40 by 60. There is a tower 12 by 18 at the base, 
aftording an entrance to the church. The height of 
the spire is about 70 feet. Repairs and improvements 
have recently been made to the amount of $324. The 
church was reopened after the repairs, Nov. 14, 1880, 
and on that day a balance, not previouslv provided 
for, of «!128, was fully pledged. 



VIII.-BUKIAL-PLACES. 

Burials in the Pine Bush section of the town are 
mostly, It the New Prospect Dutch Reformed Church, 
town of Shawangunk, and at the old Rainey burying- 
ground, on the farm now owned by A. R. Taylor, two 
miles below Pine Bush. 

At Bullville there is a new cemetery in good order 
and well maintained. 



At Collaburgh there is a burial-place in very good 
preservation. 

The James R. Crawford burial-place, on the present 
farm of Francis Crawford, is also very well kept. 

There is a dilapidated burying-place, known as the 
Bruyn ground, on the farm now owned by Leander 
Gillespie. 

On the farm of Ezra Smith is a very old graveyard, 
with a few red stone in use for monuments about the 
beginning of this century. 

The old Hopewell burying-ground has many early 
graves and is worthy of somfe study for family hi.story. 
The Hopewell graveyard contains many of the old 
settlers who died at a ripe old age : David Sease, 
eighty-seven; Stephen Farnum, eighty-eight; Daniel 
Bull, eighty -seven ; John Crover, eighty-three ; David 
C. Bull, eighty-one ; Dr. Increase Crosby, eighty (he 
died May 13, 1845) ; Hannah Bull, wife of Alexan- 
der Thompson, Jr., eighty-two ; Henry Linderman, 
seventy-nine. In the Crawford family cemetery, near 
Hopewell Church, we find Milton Bull, eighty-four; 
Eleanor Stewart Crawford, eighty-seven ; Jonathan 
Crawford, seventy-nine. At Bullville Cemetery, 
Ephraim Niver, eighty-nine. Oliver Mills, one of 
the early town officers, is buried in the Hopewell 
graveyard. 



IX.— TOWN SOCIETIES, Etc. 

The only societies are various social, religious, or 
benevolent organizations, which have had a brief ex- 
istence from time to time, leaving, however, little or 
no records for the historian to gather up. 

A recent movement at Pine Bush on behalf of tem- 
perance has led to the establishment of a Temperance 
Hall, with a design for a free reading-room. 



X.— PLACES OF SPECIAL NOTE, OK OF HIS- 
TORIC INTEREST. 

There is perhaps nothing to mention under this 
head, except those places where the earliest pio- 
neers built their humble homes in the dense forest. 
Here and there a single old apple-tree, and near by 
the cavity of an old cellar, indicates the spot where 
some family reared their dwelling in the far-off times, 
— where a single rose-bush, perhaps, still blooms, 
though the hands which planted it were long ago 
folded for the rest of the grave. These places, though 
sacred in the personal traditions of families, can 
scarcely claim a place in the sjihere of a county his- 
tory. 

At Pine Bush there is a Revolutionary relic, though 
even there we must cross the Shawangunk Kill and 
enter Ulster County to find it. Not far from the 
site of the old Cornelius Slott grist-mill, and almost 
on the very bank of the kill, is an old log house, said 
to have been standing there in the days when Indian 
incursions and Tory raids made Uie life of every 
family familiar with danger. It is now on the prop- 
erty of N. W. Clearwater, but in the days of the 



424 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Kevolution it was the Van Amburgh property, and 
that family is also said to have been in some way con- 
nected to Auneke Jaiis, the historic ghost which every 
now and then disturbs the slumbers of those who 
guard the title to the vast estates of Trinity Church, 
New York. In this old cottage lived a stalwart 
woman, a member of the Van Amburgh family, for 
whose capture (as the tradition runs I a price had been 
offered by the British authorities. Shanks Ben, the 
one Ulster Tory, who was as famous in that county as 
Claudius Smith was in Orange, laid in wait at one 
time for her. He concealed himself in the hay 
stacked in the farm barracks, intending to seize his 
victim when she should come out to feed the cattle. 
Presently he saw her coming, a stout, vigorous woman, 
with a huge, old-fashioned fork. His heart failed 
him, and he made no effort, glad enough to remain 
concealed, and not bring down upon his devoted head 
the muscular indignation she was evidently capable 
of developing. He afterwards said that his heart was 
in his mouth all this time, fearing she would drive 
the tines of the fork into him as he lay covered with 
the hay she was reaching for. The wild days of those 
border wars have long since passed away, and these 
uncertain traditions only linger around the firesides 
of this valley, yet the old log house still stands, 
though for a hundred years the winter storms have 
beaten upon its primeval roof. 



XI.-INDUSTRIAIi PURSUITS. 
The people of this town are mostly engaged in 
fanning. Its grasses are free from noxious vegetables, 
and growing upon high land, are strong and produce 
a fine quality of milk. It is noted in the markets for 
its first-rate quality of butter. The roads of the town 
are in good condition. The Newburgh and Cochecton 
turnpike runs through the southern portion of the 
town, and furnishes desirable facilities for pleasure 
and business purposes. This region is favorable to 
the growth of apples and peaches, the quality and 
quantity of which, especially the apple for winter use, 
are On the increase. 

MILLS. 

The grist-mill at Pine Bush was built by Cornelius 
Slott, as already mentioned. Its successive proprie- 
tors since were Arthur Slott, A. R. Taylor, the firm 
of Charles Siusabaugh and Andrew Thompson, J. C. 
Bennett, William Cowley, Theron Weller, Smith & 
Terhune, the last named selling to the present pro- 
prietors. Smith & Cox. The grist-mill at Searsville 
is an early affair, and has had many proprietors. The 
present owner is Mr. Rumph. Near Pine Bush was 
the old saw-mill of James Rainey, now abandoned. 
The Henry Hill saw-mill is still in operation. There 
are two saw-mills at Searsville, one owned by Mr. 
Comfort, the other now unused. There is also a saw- 
mill at the Widow Hill place, beyond Searsville. On 
the Pakadasink is the Henry Mould saw-mill, and 
also Elder's saw-mill. 



XII.-MILITARY. 

Being of comjiaratively modern organization, the 
town has no military history in its separate capacity 
prior to the great civil war. In the military rolls of 
the Wallkill of old times, and in the general account 
of military operations in the county, various incidents 
and several names will doubtless be found relating to 
the territory now constituting Crawford. There were 
a number of men from the town in the comjiany 
called out during the war of 1812, but no list is ob- 
tainable here. Egbert Brink, Jemuel Corwin, and 
Isaiah Whitten are mentioned, whose widows now 
draw pensions on account of their husbands' services, 
and Virgil Y. Duryea, now living, is also a pensioner. 

In the war of the Rebellion the town furnished the 
following numbers of men: 

Prior to the call of July, 18G2 31 

Under the call of 1802 38 

From July, 1863, and calls following 14 

Draft of 186:)— commuted 17 

Furnished suhstitute 1 

Entered service 1 

— 19 

Draft of 1804— commuted 2 

Fnt'iiished substitutes 8 

— 10 

Volunteers, 1803 10 

Substitutes, 1864 3 

'* last call 2 

Volunteers, last call 1 

— 128 

By contract in 1864 38 

1866 22 

— 60 

Total 188 

The sum of $525 was raised by subscription in 1862 
for bounties, and paid to twenty-one volunteers in the 
One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment, Co. H, 
Capt. Samuel Hunter, which company was organized 
in the town, and $50 was similarly raised and paid to 
volunteers in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth 
Regiment. Three thousand dollars was paid by county 
to volunteers from the town in 1863. In 1864 town 
bounties were paid to the amount of 127,610, and 
under last call $16,500. On final settlement with the 
State, the town was allowed for excess of years $3000, 
and for bounties $8700, total $11,700. 

The following is the official record of the action of 
the town : 

At a special town-meeting, held Aug. 9, 1864, the 
following resolutions were adopted, 185 voting in favor 
and 11 against : 

*^Itesolved, That for the purpose of filling the quota of this town under 
the call of the President of the United States, dated July 10, 1864, for 
tive hundred thousand men, the number of which from our town is now 
fixed at forty-iive men, a sum of money not to exceed forty-five thousand 
dollars be raised on the credit of the town pursuant to the bounty law 
passed by the Legislature Feb. 9, 1864, for the purpose of paying boun- 
ties to volunteers. 

^*Resoh'ed, That the town board be a committee to carry out the al»ove 
resolution, and that they be empowered to make the bounties so as to be 
equal with and compete with other towns and also to make provisioDB 
for eulititing in the rebel States if deemed advisable." 

On the 26th of the same month another meeting 
was held at which the above resolutions were ratified 
and confirmed, the necessary authority to issue bonds 



CRAWFORD. 



425 



^ranted, aiui such iurthcr jirovisions made as were 
necessary to carry out the objects desired. The fol- 
lowing persons were named as a committee to co- 
operate with the town board, viz. : William B. Craw- 
ford, Hezekiah W. Decker, John A. Crawford. 

In the winter of 1864-65 the calls of the President 
rendered it necessary to take further action with ref- 
erence to filling the quota, and a special town-meeting 
was held Jan. 28, 1865. 

A tax of $80,000 was authorized for the purpose of 
paying bounties. The amount of the bounty to be , 
paid to each volunteer was left to the town board, and < 
ample authority was granted to take all necessary 
steps for carrying out the object of the meeting and ; 
filling the quota of the town. As will be seen above, 
the full sums authorized were not expended. 

The Presbyterian Church at Hopewell contributed 
$50 for Bibles for the Fifty-sixth Regiment, and sub- 
sequently, for similar purpose, $5o; total, $105. The 
Crawford Soldiers' Aid Society sent $800 in cash and 
supplies to the Sanitary Commission. 

The following list of men was carefully prepared 
by Mr. Augustus Thompson in 1865, and has been 
compared with muster-rolls and other authorities: 

VOLUNTEERS, 1861-62. 
In the 56(/( Itegiment, 1 861 — 3 years. 
TerwiIHger, Wilsou. Houstou, David C. 

Smith, John. Terwilliger, Benjamin. 

Terwilliger, Theodore. Gonsalis, Wm., d. Dec.16,1861. 

Brown. Charles E. Lozar, Jacob. 

Brownlee, George H. Martin, Gaston D. 

In the 18(/i Itcjiment, 1861—2 years. 
Lewis Decker. 

In the VJth EeyimetU MiliiiiJ, 1861—3 months. 
Taylor, Oliver, lieut. Bodice, John. 

Decker, George W. Decker, iBaac. 

Hovey, John K. 

AiidUional from muster-roll. 
Currie, Joseph, Co. C. BlarBlmll, Henry, Co. C. 

Tombs, Charles A., Co. C. llaumer, James A., Co. C, dis- 

Tombs, Jolm A., Co. C. abled and disch, 

Thurston, Isaac, Co. C. Smitli, Hiram, Co. C. 

Rose, Henry F., Co. C. Decker, Almeron, Co. C. 

Schlecht, Louis, Co. C. Finoegan, Hugh, Co. C. 

Gallagher, John, Co. C. 

In I2ith Ilegiment, 1862—3 years. 
Baker, Daniel W,, Co. H ; must, out June 3, 1865. 
Baker, Henry C. Co. K ; pro, corporal. 
Baker, Thomas H., Co. H; wounded in both legs at Chancellorsville ; 

trans, to V. R. C. 
Burns, John. 

Crawford, Alexander B., Co. I; trans, to V. R. C.July 1, 1863. 
Grans, Herman. ^ 

Kincaid, Thomas, Co. K ; pro. Corp.; wounded in fooffcily 30,1864; sent 

to hospital Oct. 2, 1864; must, out by Order 77. ^ 
Losey, Henry, Co. I; missing in action ; taken prisoner; died in prison 

at Richmond, Jan. 27, 1865. 
McGregor, James, Co. I ; disch. Aug. 14, 1863, for rheumatism. 
Milliken, William, Co. I; wounded in leg May 5, 1864; taken prisoner 

Oct. 27, 1864 ; must, out June 3, 1865. 
Robinson, Theodore, Co. H ; pro. capt., Co. E, March 8, 1865, 
Roat, Gilbert D. W. 
Sloat, James. 

Shalp, William, Ox H ; died of typhoid fe%er Jan. 30, 18G3. 
Sager, Theron. 
28 



Smith, James A., Co. I; wounded in hand May 24, 1864 ; sergt., May 1, 

1864 ; must, out June 3, 1865. 
Weller, Charles M., Co. K; disch. for disability Feb. 5, 1863 ; drafted in 

1864, and sent substitute. 
Johnston, J. Hasbn)uck, 1st Mounted Rifles. 
Talmadge, Wm. T., 7th Ind. Bat. 
Tracey, James, 7th Ind. Bat. 
Rose, John, 7th Ind. Bat. 

Volunteers from Jttly, 1863. 

Johnson, Edward, 15th Art. 

Kaue, Eli, 15tii Art. ; wounded at Spottsylvania; died in hospital Slay 23, 

1864. 
Rediker. George W., 15th Art. ; disch. for disability May 24, 1865. 
Leary, Dennis, 15th Cavalry. , 

Milliken, Robert S., 15th Cavalry, also in 186th. 
Pennoyer, Theodore W., loth Cavah^. 
Randolph, George, 56th. 
Redner, Samuel, 56th. 
Smith, James, 5th Art. 
Walker, John, 124th. 

Finuegan, Hugh, 56th, veteran re-enlistment. 
Gallagher, John, 5Gth, veteran re -enlistment. 
Marshall, Henry, 56th, veteran re-enlistment. 
Terwilliger, Benjamin, 50th, veteran re-enlistment. 
Losey, Jacob, 5Gth, reciuit. 

Westervelt, Jeremiah B , Co. G, 9l8t ; wounded at Baltimore. 
"Westervelt, William B., 27th, 1st lieut. 

In IGSth lieoiment, 1862—9 months, 

Andereon, Thomas, Co. G. 

Armstrong, Josejih, Co. B. 

Brown, Charles E., Co. G. 

Bug-by, Henry, Co. B. 

Bodine, John. 

Brownlee, Thomas, Co. G. 

Currie, Thomas. 

Crawford, James M., Co. B. 

Cristiana, Alexander, Co. B. 

Carrol, Dennis, Co. I. 

Crist, George H., Co. G ; put in a substitute in 1865. 

Decker, George W., Co. G ; re-enlisted in cavalry. 

Davey, John, C-o. G. 

Emmet, Nathaniel P., Co. G. 

Freer, Simon. 

Gonsalis, Andrew. 

Hunter, Samuel, Co. G, capt. 

Hunter, Nathaniel, Co. G. 

Howell, Charles M., Co. G. 

Low, Daniel, Jr., Co. G. 

McGooms, John, Co. G. 

Milliken, Robert S., Co. G. 

McElheney, David, Co. G. 

McComb, Robert, Co. G. 

Niver, John, Co. G. 

Sheridan, Thomas, Co. G. 

Taylor, Oliver, Co. II, lieut. 

Terwilliger, Nathaniel, Co. H. 

Terwilliger, George B., Co. H. 

Wade, Theodore J., Co. H. 

Draft Results. 



Calvin Decker, commuted. 

Robert J. Thompson, " 

Israel Crawford, Jr., ** 

Abraham VanderliuBj " 

John J. Kernochan, " 

William Decker, " 

Wm. H. Tliompson, ** 

Joel Snyder, *' 

James H. Corwin, " 

Adam A. Bookstaver, " 

John E. Shafer, " 

James C. Wintield, " 

Thomas Currie, " 

James E. Parliaman, " 

Augustus Weller, " 



William Crist, commuted. 
William S. Ward, " 

John E. Duryea, provided sub. 
William Jackson, colored, en- 
tered service. 
Wm. T. Barnes, commuted. 
Charles Bull, provided sub. 
Jaa. F. Terwilliger, provi. sub. 
Harvey M. Howell, provi. sub, 
Joseph H. Clark, provided sub. 
Alonzo Young, commuted. 
.\lbert Sparks, provided sub. 
John C. Elder, provided sub. 
Hiram Sease, provided sub. 
Charles Weller, provided sub. 



426 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Volunteers in December, 1863, and January, 1864. 



Haina, Oliver, colored. 

Jackson, Wellington, colored. 

De Ilait, Andrew, colored. 

Penny, Theodore. 

Millikeii, David. 

O'Leary, Dennis. 

Kain, Joseph. 
George M. Sease, John E. Crawford, and John P. Crist furnished subs. 
■Wm. Roe was the only resident of tlie town enlisted under the December 

call. 



Corwin, Daniel Y., killed Ije- 
fore Petersburg. 

Corwin, James H., wounded 
at Spottsylvania ; died of 
wounds June 30, 1864. 

Johnston, Edward. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

DANIEL THOMPSON. 

Daniel Thompson, supervisor of the town of Craw- 
ford, was born in that town Oct. 8, 1819, and has 
lived there all his life. His father, Alexander 
Thompson, was also born and died there. His 
grandfather and two brothers came from Ireland 
early in the history of this county, and bought five 
hundred acres of land in the town of Crawford, all 
of which is owned by their descendants to-daj'. Su- 
pervisor Thompson's mother was Hannah, daughter 
of Daniel Bull, descendant of the first settlers of that 
town. 

Mr. Thompson received an academic education, 
and since leaving school has been engaged as a 
farmer. In 1850 he was married to Mary E., daughter 
of the late Dr. Hunter, of Searsville, in the town of 
Crawford. He has three children, two sons and a 
daughter. In the years 1852 and 1853 he served his 
town as commissioner of highways. In the spring of 
1854 he was elected supervisor, and for twenty-two 
consecutive terms filled that otBce to the satisfaction 
of his constituents. He was not elected in 187(5, but in 
1877 was again sent to the board. With the single 
exception of Mr. Shuit, supervisor from the town of 
Monroe, he is the oldest member (in point of the 
number of terms of service) in the board, and he has 
been its chairman for two terms. 

Mr. Thompson was elected president of the Middle- 
town and Crawford Railway at its organization in 1871, 
and has since filled that position.* In 1862 he was 
appointed major in the Ninety-first Regiment National 
Guards of the State of New York, and held the ofiice 
until the organization was disbanded. 

In 1872, Mr. Thompson was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor and Senate a trustee of the New York State 
Homffiopathic Asylum for the Insane at Middletown, 
and in 1875, on the reorganization of the board, was 
again named one of the trustees, his term of ofiice 
expiring in 1881. He has been a vigilant and efficient 
member of that board, serving on the farm and 
building committee. 

His father, Alexander Thompson, was supervisor 
of Crawford from the vear 1834 to 1842, and his 



brother, Augustus Thompson, now deceased, for the 
years 1849, 1850, and 1851. 

Supervisor Thompson is a Democrat, and has al- 
ways been one. He is very decided in his opinions 
and quite outspoken in his language if he deems the 
occasion requires it. In his denunciations of any- 
thing which savors of fraud in our county affairs 
he has incurred the dislike of many who have had 
their schemes exposed. He is a hard worker in 
the board, and, by reason of his long experience, a 
most valuable member. 



* In the spring of 1875, Mr. Thompson was appointed superintendent 
of the Middletown and Crawford Railroad, and is also a (Jirector in the 
Middletown National Bank. 



LEANDER CRAWFORD. 

James Crawford and Mary Wilkin, his wife, were 
members of the congregation at Golen, Ireland; re- 
ceived from the church there a certificate, recom- 
mending them to any congregation in America where 
Providence may order their lot to be cast, as free 
from scandal, creditable persons, innocent and blame- 
less. A copy of this certificate made here in 1727 is 
now in possession of their descendants, and the 
original was signed by Robert Colpheart, and dated 
June, 1718. 

They were among the earliest settlers of what is 
now the town of Crawford, Orange Co., and the 
town took its name from them. 

Their children born here are John, born Dec. 15, 
1719; James, Jan. 21, 1722; Jane, March 3, 1724; 
David, Aug. 11,1729; Samuel, June 9, 1732; and Jos- 
eph, Feb. 21, 1734. Of these, Samuel was great-grand- 
father of our subject, and had a son John, who was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war, married Sarah 
Barkley, who bore him the following children : Robert 
I. ; Andrew, was a tanner and currier in Mount Hope ; 
George ; Nancy ; Sally, wife of Daniel G. Shaver, of 
Crawford ; John B., spent most of his life in Crawford, 
and died at Havana, N. Y.; Israel, was a farmer in 
Crawford ; Eleanor, wife of Nathan Crawford, a resi- 
dent of Chemung Co., N. Y. ; Julia, wife of Jonathan 
C. Gillespie, resides at Pine Bush ; Keturah, wife of 
Harvey Harris, of Bloomingburgli. Of these children, 
only Julia survives in 1881, and is about eighty 
years of age. 

John Crawford spent his life as a farmer in his 
native town, was a member and elder of the Presby- 
terian Church at Hopewell, and resided upon and 
owned some 500 acres of land. 

His eldest son, Robert I. Crawford, was father of 
Leander, and resided upon 100 acres of the home- 
stead during his life. He was an elder and active 
and influential member of the Hopewell church 
nearly his whole life, and gave liberally of his means 
for its support. His counsels were often sought by his 
fellow-citizens, and as an arbiter, administrator, or 
executor he served his friends nearly the whole of 
his business career. 

He never sought public place, and never held ofiBce 
in the town except to serve for some time as assessor. 






''I 







^l 






CRAWFORD. 



427 



He was hospitable, social, frank, and honest, and died 
in 1861, aged seventy-seven years. 

His wife was Deborah, daughter of Benjamin Dick- 
erson, of Crawford, but formerly from Long Island. 
She died several years prior to her husband. Their 
:hildren were: Emeline; Millicent, deceased; Lean- 
3er; John Addison, a farmer in Crawford; Albert, 
:leceased, was a farmer in Crawford, and died near 
1 )range Lake, where he had removed ; George, of 
Middletown, was formerly a farmer in Crawford; 
■ially Ellen, wife of N. H. Harris, of Montgomery, 
iied in 1880; Esther; Robert, a farmer in Crawford, 
)n a part of the old homestead settled by his grand- 
father ; Theron, resides on the homestead of his 
lather; and Angeline, wife of Stansbury Gillespie, of 
Jrawford. Leander, eldest sou of Robert I. Crawford, 
ivas born Oct. 2, 1810. Being the eldest son of a large 
amily of children, his opportunities for an education 
were limited to a few months at the district school, 
ind his whole minority was spent in assisting his father 
jn the farm. He married, Jan. 2.S, 18.S8, Nancy A., 
laughter of Samuel Barclay and Agnes McCurdy, of 
Z^rawford, and granddaughter of Robert McCurdy, of 
Crawford, who died Sept. 15, 1807, aged eighty-five 
fears. Her father, Samuel Barclay, was in the 
;ommissary department in the Revolutionary war, 
uul died April 17, 1814, aged seventy -six years. Her 
iiother died Sept. 2(j, 1844, aged eighty years. 

The Barkleys and McCurdys were farmers in the 
;own of Crawford, prominent and influential citizens, 
ind members of the Good- Will Presbyterian Church. 
Mi-s. Crawford was born Jan. 9, 1808. 

For one year after his marriage, Mr. Crawford re- 
iided on a farm at Searsville, and for twenty-one 
real's following he was a farmer at Collabar, in bis 
lative town. In 1858, on account of ill health, he 
•emoved to Middletown, where he has since resided, 
ind where he has been connected somewhat with the 
nterests of the village. He was a director in the 
iVallkill Bank, from its organization until its close, 
ind was trustee of the village for one term. He was 
I member and deacon of the Hopewell Presbyterian 
Dhurcli during his residence there for many years, and 
iince his residence in Middletown he has been a 
iberal supporter of church and kindred interests, and 
las served some sixteen years as an elder in the 
Second Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Crawford has been often chosen as executor 
md guardian, and in the discharge of the varied duties 
)f those positions his integrity remains unimpaired, 
ind his duties have always been discharged with a 
ionscientious desire to deal justly with all. 

In his early manhood he took an active part in the 
irainiug and drill of the militia, and his commission of 
ieutenant Twenty-eighth Regiment New York In- 
'antry is signed by Governor Throop, and dated June 
20, 1829. 

His children are James B., born Nov. 2, 1838, was 
I lumber merchanc in C^hicaco, where he died Oct. 



24, 1866 ; Anna, is the wife of Alsop Purdy, a mer- 
chant of Middletown ; and Ellen B., is the wife of 
Albert Bull, a druggist of Middletown. 



ARCHIBALD R. TAYLOR. 

John Taylor, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biography, was by birth a Scotchman, and first came 
to America as a British soldier, having served with 
the army at Quebec. He became imjiressed with the 
justice of the cause of the colonists, and enlisted in 
their ranks, having served with credit in several en- 
gagements. After peace was declared he repaired to 
Ulster County, N. Y., and conducted a tannery in the 
town of Shawangunk, where the remainder of his life 
was spent. He was married to Miss Jane Smedes, of 
the latter town, and bad children, — John, William, 
Daniel, and Rachel, who became Mrs. Joseph Depeu. 
Of this number, John, the father of Archibald, was 
born in Shawangunk during the year 1789, where his 
early life was passed, having succeeded to the trade 
of bis father. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Jane McBuruey, of Crawford township, who was the 
mother of Archibald R., James, Ann (Mrs. N. W. 
Clearwater), and Oliver. Mr. Taylor's death occurred 
in Shawangunk during 1867, in his seventy-eighth 
year, his wife having died two years previous. The 
remains of both repose in the cemetery of the new 
Prospect Church. 

Their son Archibald R. was born March 1, 1811, 
and remained during his boyhood at the home of his 
parents. He attended first the district school, and 
later the academy at New Paltz, N. Y'., after which 
for a brief period he engaged in teaching. Soon after 
he determined to follow the profession of civil engi- 
neering, and assisted in 1835 i)i the survey of a por- 
tion of the Erie Railroad. In 1837, in company witb 
a fellow-workman, he started for Chicago in the prim- 
itive conveyance known as a jumper, and having, 
after a tedious trip of forty days, reached his destina- 
tion, planted the first railroad stake in that now pros- 
perous city. 

He returned in 1838, and engaged in preliminary 
surveys on the Erie Railroad. After a brief period 
spent in professional occupations, he returned to his 
native county, and in 1842 embarked in mercantile 
ventures at Ulsterville. In 1849 he removed to Pine 
Bush, Crawford township, and continued his business 
career. He purchased a large tract of land at this 
point, began the erection of buildings, and became 
largely identified with the prosperity of this village. 
He is still a considerable property-holder here, and 
associated with the business interests of Pine Bush 
and vicinity. Mr. Taylor was one of the projectors of 
the Newburgh and Ellenville plank-road, a very prom- 
inent thoroughfare, and gave much time and labor to 
its construction. 

In politics he is a Democrat, and served as under- 
sheriff" of the county in 1862. In religion his prefer- 



428 



IILSTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ence is for the creed ami form of worship of tlie Pres- 
byterian Church. Mr. Tuyhir wa.s married Feb. !(!, 
1856, to Miss Mary, daufjliter of .John Cohvell Kainey, 
of Crawford. Their chihlreii are Archibald, Hamil- 
ton R., Fniily, Anne, and John C, all, with one ex- 
ee])tion, residing at home. 



HORACE BULL. 

William lUill, the Kreat-grandfather of Jlorace 

Bull, was an early .settler of Ilamptonburfjh. Amonj; 

his children was Thomas, who married and hecame 

the father of Daniel, whose birth occurred in 1761. 



X 



W^ 



n.Sa^" I^Sr 





^\(^cL 



AuJ 



He was a man of much integrity and force of char- 
acter, and wielded a considerable influence in the 
community of which he was a member. In politics 
he was a stanch Whig, the principles of the party 
being firmly maintained durine his lifetime. In re- 
ligion ho W!is a Presbyterian, and a member of the 
church in the township, to whose erection in 1779 he 
was a generous contributor. 

Mr. Bull was, in 1780, united in marriage to Miss 
Catherine Miller, who hecame the mother of thirteen 
children. Her death took place Oct. 1, 1841, in her 
seventy-seventh year, her husband, who died Nov. 
14, 1840, having survived her. Among their children 
was Henry, whose birth occurred March 21, 1787, and 
who was married Jan. 4, 1810, to Miss Jane Stitt, who 



wa-s born April 6, 1789. Their children were 
Horace (the subject of this biography), Celia (Mrs. 
Johanis M. Hunter), John S. (deceased), Elmer W. 
(deceased), Alpheus, Catherine A., Angeline (Mrs. 
John A. Stitt, deceased), Esther (Mrs. Charles M. 
Miller), Mary E. (Mrs. S. C. Duryea), William H. 
(deceased), Daniel K., Sarah L. (deceiLsed), Albert 
(deceased), and Charles. Henry 15ull followed farming 
occupations during his life, was a Rei)ublicau in 
politics, a supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and 
filled a position of extended u.sefulne.ss. His death 
occurred Dec. 1, 18G3, and that of his wife Nov. 1, 
1857. Their son Horace was born Oct. 17, 1810, and 
succeeded, partly by purchase and also by inherit- 
ance, to the paternal estate. He has during his life- 
time been devoted to agricultural employments. He 
is a firm Republican in his political belief, and a 
supporter of the Presbyterian Church of his town- 
ship. He is in no sense a iiolitician, but devoted to 
the interest.s of his estate, which absorbs his time. 



ELTING FRANCE. 

His paternal ancestor, France, came from Germany. 
His father, .lohn France, resided at Kingston, N. Y., 
and is said to have manufactured there the first nails 
made in this country. John France married Sarah, 
only child of Peter Elting and Sarah De Puy, Oct. 10, 
1794. Her father was a large real estate and slave- 
owner in Ulster County, and died l\[ay 25, 1801. His 
wife, Sarah l)e Puy, died .Tunc 2(!, IWi;!, aged seventy- 
two years. John France died Jan. 21, 1811, and his 
wife died Nov. 10, 1823. 

Elting, son of John France, born June 20, 1800, 
married Catherine, daughter of Henry Du Bois, a de- 
scendant of Louis Du Bois, a native of Artois, France, 
who came to America and settled in Hurley, Ulster 
Co., N. Y., in KUK), and was the first Protestant of the 
name in the New World. He was also a large slave- 
owner. The second wife of Elting France was Mar- 
garet Martin, of Inwood, N. J., whom he married 
March 17, 1869. Elting France was an active busi- 
ness man for forty-five years. He built and carried 
on a saw-mill, tannery, and scythe factory in what is 
now the town of Crawford, Orange County. He was 
eminently a practical man in his religion and politics, 
as well as in his business, and few men were more 
widely known in I'lster and Orange Counties during 
his time than he. He wa.s earnest in his convictions, 
and while he sought to induce others to yield to the 
belief which he held, he had due respect for the opin- 
ions of others. He was a man of very temperate hab- 
its, and possessed more than ordinary intelligence, 
which he wielded with all the influence in his power 
for the good of his fellow-men. lie died in the faith 
of Christ, May 12, 1872. 







DANIEL BULL. 



The |irogcnitiir of the Bull family in Crawford was 
William Bull, who located at Hamptonburgh. His son 
Thomas purchased an extensive tract of land embracing 
seven hundred and fifty acres in the township of Craw- 
ford, which was in an entirely unimproved state when 
acquired by him. His son Daniel, whose birth occurred 
in 1701, and who is the subject of this biographical 
sketch, became by inheritance the possessor of this land, 
having pledged himself to cultivate and improve it. He 
spent the earlj' years of his life at the homo of his 
parents, improving the limited advantages of the district 
school during the intervals not devoted to farm labor. 

In 1780, when but nineteen years of age, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Catherine Miller, who was 
still his junior, the ceremony having been performed at 
Goshen by Kev. Mr. Carr, of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bull were born thirteen 
children, — Thomas, who married Sarah Mills; Hannah 
(Mrs. Alexander Thompson) ; Abner, married to Maria 
Brinson ; David C, married to Maria Barklej' ; Keturah 
(Mrs. William Bull) ; Catherine (Mrs. James H. Craw- 
ford); Mary (Mrs. Rev. John Johnson); Henry, mar- 
ried to Jane Stitt ; Milton, married to Esther Crawford ; 
Sarah (Mrs. Denton Mills); Miller; Daniel, married 
to Sarah Thompson ; and John, who died in early life. 



Mr. Bull died Nov. 14, IS-IO, his wife's death hav- 
ing occurred Oct. 1, 1841, in her seventj'-seventh year. 
During a long and wcU-imiiroved life Daniel Bull main- 
tained a marked character for integrity and probity, 
and by deeds which speak louder than words jilacod 
before his children a conspicuous example of tlio 
achievements won by energy and steadfast purpose. 
The land which he inherited — a vast tract of forest and 
brush — was, under the magic influence of his industry, 
made to bud and blossom as the rose. 

He was also active and influential in all public enter- 
prises. He was one of the originators of the Newburgh 
and Cochecton turnpike, and for nearly half a century 
a director of the organization. The political views of 
Mr. Bull were in sympathy with the platform of the old 
Whig party, and these principles found in him an elo- 
quent expounder during his life. In 1770 he contributed 
generously- towards the erection of the earliest Presby- 
terian church of the township, and was one of its most 
exemplary members. He was a man of generous im- 
pulses, and all deserving cau.ses found in him a cordial 
helper. 

His memory is still afl'ectionately cherished by an ex- 
tensive family of descendants, a number of whom con- 
tribute this ))nrtrait as a tribute of their regard. 




''--^, 




Mr. Thompson was one of the representative men 
of Crawford township, and contributed largely to its 
business and social development, [lis life was iden 
tified with the homestead at Thompson Ridge, where 
his birib occurred in ISltJ. Such advantages as were 
afforded by llie public scliool of the district were 
improved by him, after which lie decided upon the 
OL-eupation of a farmer. In this, as in other enter- 
prises which engaged his attention, all the energy and 
force of his nature were brought to bear. His mind 
was sound and practical, his judgment clear, and his 
conclusions rarely at fault. 

These natural qualifications made Mr. Thompson 
invaluable as a counselor in the community and a 
safe guide in business perplexities. His integrity and 
capacity rendered his services much in demand in the 
settlement of estates, while his general and legal in- 
formation were frequently made available in the draw- 
ing of contracts and the writing of wills. 

The versatile gifts of Mr. Thompson shone no less 
conspicuously in public than in private life. He 
filled the ofiiees both of bank and railroad director, 
and was one of the bonding commissioners of the 
township of Crawford until his death. In politics he 
was an ardent Democrat, though enjoying the con- 
fidence and esteem of all parties in an unusual degree. 
He was supervisor of his township during the years 
1849 and 1850, and having been elected justice of 



the peace in 1865, filled the oflSce during the remainder 
of his life. 

Mr. ThompsiiM was twice married, — first to ^liss 
Hannah, daughter of Abner Bull, of Wallkill ; and a 
second time, to Miss Catherine A. Hunter, of Crown 
Point. The children who survive him are Alexander, 
who occupies the homestead ; George Hunter, editor 
of the Mlddk'toirn Mercury ; Augustus, located at 
the West; and three daughters. 

The death of Augustus Thompson occurred Sept. 
23, 1874, at the homestead, after a brief illness, in his 
fifty-eighth year. The following extract from a county 
paper conveys a just idea of his character and the 
universal esteem in which he was held : 

" Those most intimately associated with him in the 
neighborly and domestic relations of life loved, hon- 
ored, and confided in him to the fullest extent. His 
was the ' larger and kindlier hand' which never wearied 
in well-doing in their behalf. In business concerns, 
in trouble or sorrow, he was their chosen counselor, 
comforter, and friend. Here was his noblest work, 
and here his loss will be most deeply felt. He was a 
man of broad charities, and an active worker in the 
church with which he was connected, and as a sincere 
Christian exemplified in his daily walk the faith that 
was in him. A marked feature of his character was 
the sincerity, uprightness, and conscientiousness that 
ruled his whole life. Who shall fill his place ?" 



\ 



WALLKILL. 



I.-SITUATION, BOUNDAEIES, AREA, TITLE. 

Wallkii.l is a large and important town lying in 
the western part of the county. It is bounded north 
by Crawford and Montgomery, east by Hampton- 
burgh, south by Goshen, Wawayanda, and Mount 
Hope, west by Mount Hope and the county line. 
The area of Wallkill, as shown in the last supervi- 
sor's statement, is 40,0.30| acres. But this is only an 
approximation to the true area, for the exceptions 
maile by the assessors are numerous, as highways, 
burial-places, villages, etc. There are no official 
documents from which to give the exact area of towns 
in the State of New York. When the present trigo- 
nometrical survey of the State shall be completed, if 
the Legislature will authorize its continuance, there 
will then be the data for determining many such 
questions with precision and accuracy. 

The territory now embraced in the town of Wall- 
kill was originally in two distinct portions, — one the 
Minisink Angle, the other a part of the John Evans 
Patent. In the repateuting of the latter the following 
tracts were granted : 

Daniel Everett and James Stringhani, Jan. 16, 1734, 3850 acres. 

Joseph Sackett, Sept. 1, 1737, 618 acres. 

Richard Gerard and Wm. Bull, Dec. 14, 1724, 1000 acres. 

Richard Gerard and Wm. Bnll, Dec. 14, 1724, 500 acres. 

Thomas Noxon, Dec. 21, 1727, 2000 acres. 

James Stringhani, July 17, 1736, 163ii acres. 

Jane and Alice Colden, Oct. 30, 174'.), 1000 acres, near Scotclitown. 

David Crawford, James Crawford, Saninel White, James White, May 
13,1761, 10.5.5 acres. 

Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Koome, Nov. 12, 1750, 1330 acres. 

Jacobns Bruyn anil George Murray, Sept. 26, 1750, 4000 acres. 

Livingston & Provost, May 26, 1750, 3000 acres. 

Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, Nov. 12, 1750, 440 acres. 

Daniel Horsmanden and others, 1130 acres (date not ascertained). 

Jane and Alice Colden, Oct. 30, 1749, 3000 acres, on the soutli side of 
the Shawangunk Kill, opposite Bloomingburgh. 

Thomas Ellison and Lawrence Roome, Nov. 12, 1750, 500 acres. 

David Crawford, James Crawford, Samuel White, James White, May 
13, 176., 736 acres. 



II.-NATURAL FEATURES. 
The northern and larger portion of this town lies 
between the Shawangunk River, which forms the 
boundary line on the northwest, and the Wallkill, 
which separates the town from Haniptonburgh on the 
southeast. A little east and north from Crawford 
Junction may be found the summit which divides be- 
tween these " river systems." The southern portion 
of the town extends east of the Wallkill in the 
vicinity of Phillipsburgh, while on the west the town 



of Mount Hope extends east of the Shawangunk and 
takes from Wallkill a portion of that valley. 

The surface of the town is undulating, rising at 
some points into hills of moderate elevation and at 
others including valuable alluvial lands along the 
water-courses. 

The smaller streams are numerous. An important 
tributary of the Wallkill rising south of Crawford 
Junction drains a large tract and unites with the main 
stream at Phillipsburgh. Northeast of this are several 
other branches of the Wallkill. The Manyunk's Kill 
is mostly in this town, but unites with the Wallkill 
just below, within the town of Montgomery. 

In the northwest are several branches of the Shaw- 
angunk. In the southwest part of the town are vari- 
ous streams that flow south and unite with the Wall- 
kill beyond the limits of the town. One of these, the 
Monhagen Creek, is the source from which Middle- 
town is supplied with water. Another forms one of 
the sources of Rutgers' Creek, a tributary of the 
Wallkill. 

The scenery in this town has many of the attrac- 
tions that belong to the mountain section of the State, 
combined however with the gentler features of finely 
cultivated farms, pleasant rural villages, and charm- 
ing landscapes. If one wants pure water, clear air, 
and nature's invigorating breezes, they are all to be 
found here, while those desiring the wilder depths of 
the mountains can easily reach them from Middle- 
town. 



III.-EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The territory now included in Wallkill was not 
settled as early as that of other towns in the vicinity. 
The dates of the patents given above range from 1724 
to 1761. It is doubtful whether there was any settle- 
ment upon them until near the close of that period. 
The lands were purchased perhaps more largely for 
speculative purpo.ses, and not reduced to settlement 
as promptly as those in Montgomery. William Bull, 
of Goshen, procured a patent in this town, lying east 
and west, in a long strip on both sides of the Wallkill 
River, which he gave to his two sons, William and 
Thomas Bull. William was the ancestor of William, 
Moses, James, and Charles of a later generation ; and 
Thomas, of Daniel, Cadwallader, and Absalom. 

Though the patent was unequally divided by the 
.stream, — there being about 300 acres on the west side 

429 



430 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and 200 on the east, — yet they divided their rights by 
the stream; William taking the western, and Thomas 
the eastern portion. 

William built his first house nearly in the vicinity 
of the brick mansion of his grandson, William Bull, 
deceased, on the high bank of the AV'allkill, and in later 
years occupied by his widow, Mrs. Koturah Bull. 

Thomas built also near the stone house, known as 
the Cadwallader Bull house, on the road from Goshen 
to Montgomery. 

He afterwards built that stone house. He was a 
mason by trade ; and it is said that for several years 
previous to erecting it he was engaged in preparing 
the stone. He kept his hammer in the field, and when 
disengaged from other business would shape a few 
stones for the purpose, by which process, continued 
through several years, the materials were all prepared 
and ready for the building, so that in the process of 
erection the sound of a hammer was not heard on the 
building. The material is limestone, and the work 
as perfect now as when erected. These two brothers 
were in the town as early as 1767. 

Further south there was an early settlement made 
by Mr. John McCord, the father of Andrew McCord, 
Esq., of a later generation, on the farm afterwards 
owned by Col. Wilbur. The building in which he 
lived, like that of almost all others at the time, was 
loopholed for musketry. This family was attacked 
one night by some Indians, but the neighbors hearing 
of it, came in time to drive them off and save the 
family. In the morning a track of blood was found 
leading in the direction of the high hill directly in 
the rear of the house, then covered with wood, and it 
was found that an Indian had been killed. The hill 
is called "Gerard's Hill," after the name of one of 
the early patentees. 

On the farm owned in modern times by Stephen 
Harlow, Esq., on McCormick's Kill, there was an 
ancient flour-mill and an early settlement. At the 
organization of the town it was owned by Mr. John 
McNeal. He was connected with another old family 
by the name of Borland, who resided in that vicinity, 
the descendants of which were numerous and widely 
dispersed. Charles Borland, Esq., surrogate of the 
county, and Col. Charles Borland, of the army who 
served in Mexico, under Gen. Taylor, were of that 
family. The original settler was from Ireland. Israel 
Rogers and Daniel Butterfield lived in that vicinity 
also. 

At the place now known as Phillipsburgh, on the 
Wallkill, there was an early settlement. The locality 
belonged to the Wisner family, ancestors of Jeffrey 
Wisner, Esq., of Warwick, and Henry G. Wisner, 
Esq., of Goshen. Mr. Moses Phillips married in the 
family, and received Phillipsburgh along with his wife 
as a portion of her estate. 

The place was known as Hampton in 1806, but from 
the number of families of the name of Phillips at the 
location it became changed. It is most beautifully 



and romanticall_v situated, and is a lovely spot for a 
country residence. It is on a small level piece of land, 
on the west bank of the stream, surrounded on all 
sides by hills and graceful knolls. Mr. Phillips had 
several sons, — George, Gabriel, William, and Moses, 
— all active and enterprising men, and engaged at the 
place in some one of the various departments of 
manufacture. 

In the year 1776, Mr. Phillips and Henry Wisner 
had a contract with the government of the colony for 
the manufacture of powder at this place, where they 
made and furnished it to the satisfaction of the old 
Congress. On one occasion Mr. Wisner, correspond- 
ing with Congress on the .subject of powder, said that 
he had 3000 pounds ready, and remarked that they 
must excuse his writing, as he had but two half-sheets 
of paper, and when they were gone he did not know 
where he could get another, and therefore could not 
afford to transcribe his letter. This excuse, doubtless, 
was satisfactory. The family is of German origin, 
very early in the country, and came from New Jersey 
into this county. 

These two individuals were recommended to Con- 
gress as most worth)' of the contract by the committee 
of Ulster County, while Messrs. Wisner and Carpen- 
ter were recommended by the committee from Orange. 
In the latter case, the business was to be conducted at 
Carpenter's saw-mill, at what is now Salisbury. 

The settlement made near Middletown by Mr. 
Murray was quite early. This gentleman was a de- 
scendant of George Murray, of Inverness, Scotland, 
and came to Canada as an impressed soldier with the 
English troops to take Quebec, and drive out the 
French from the colony. In the assault on Quebec 
by Gen. Wolfe, in 1759, Murray nobly discharged the 
duty of an English soldier, and afterwards came and 
settled in this town, giving origin to numerous and 
respectable families. Mr. A. Spencer Murray, cashier 
of the Orange County Bank some years ago, is a 
descendant of this individual. 

Another jjoint of early settlement was in the vicinity 
of Scotchtown. The name of Scotchtown is appro- 
priated to a small cluster of houses in the immediate 
vicinity of the Presbyterian church, and took its rise 
as near as we can ascertain from the building of the 
church. When this was erected and the congregation 
was organized, the question was asked, " What shall 
we call the church ?" and as there was at that time a 
number of Scotch families residing in the neighbor- 
hood, it was proposed to call the place Scotchtown, 
and the church was named accordingly. The names 
of the families were McCarter, McVey, McWhorter, 
Mclnnis, McLaughlin, ]McCord, etc. 

This place is on very elevated ground, being nearly 
1000 feet above tide-water. A rise of ground upon 
the farm once owned by Rev. Mr. Baldwin commands 
a view in every direction of a large part of Orange 
County, and a portion of Duchess, which is from 
twenty to thirty miles distant. The view embraces a 



WALLKILL. 



431 



perfect amphitheatre, and well repays the labor of a 
visit. 

Of the Mclnnis family the following anecdote is pre- 
served : Mrs. Mclnnis was a strong-minded, open- 
hearted young woman, free and pure as the mountain 
air of her native Highlands. It is said that after the 
marriage ceremony had been performed, and she be- 
came Mrs. Mclnnis, her husband informed the clergy- 
man that he had thoughts of emigrating to America, 
who endeavored to dissuade him by all the off-hand 
arguments he was possessed of, but all to no purpose. 
Finding him fixed in his determination to leave the 
country, and withal a little vexed at his obstinacy and 
improper appreciation of argument, he turned from 
him, and addressing himself to Mrs. Mclnnis, said, — 

" If your husband goes, as I fear he will, you ought 
not to go with him, but stay at home." 

To this she replied in fervent strains, dictated by 
her feelings fresh gushing from the heart, — "Sir, you 
have just united us for weal or woe and for life, and 
will you be the first to break the bonds yourself have 
made? I will follow him, sir, if he goes to the ends 
of the earth." 

The clergyman stood rebuked by the strong affec- 
tion of the Scottish maid, and the argument closed. 
Though hard and trying to the feelings it may have 
been, yet this new-married couple soon left for 
America, and with others stamped the impress of 
their native land upon the hill-tops of this, never to 
be effaced. 

Peter McLaughlin, one of the settlers mentioned 
above, died March 1, 1804, in the seventieth year of 
his age. In him society lost a valuable member, as 
he was a truly pious and honest man. 

The White family, though early in the country, 
are not old settlers in this town. The ancestor, James 
White, who came to this country from Ireland, located 
in Montgomery as early as 1741, near the town line 
of Wallkill. Maj. John White, of this town, was a 
descendant, and removed here after the Revolution, 
when this part of the town was yet a wilderness. 
The first house erected was just east and south of the 
subsequent residence of Mr. Andrew White, on the 
north bank of Manyunk's Kill. This is a small stream 
that runs easterly through the farm and enters the 
Wallkill. It furnishes a small water-power at some 
points of its course. 

There was also an early settlement made at Camp- 
bell Hall, on the Otter Kill. This was known by 
that name as early as 1767. 

Adjoining Campbell Hall, and a little further 
down the road east, Samuel Watkins located at an 
early period and made an extensive settlement.* This 
gentleman was of English origin ; the family — con- 
sisting of several brothers — emigrated to New Eng- 
land, and four of their children removed to this 
county. They were in this town in 1767. Their 

• Now Hitniptunburgli. 



names were Samuel, Ephraim, Joseph, and Hezekiah. 
The Rev. Hezekiah Watkins, mentioned in the history 
of St. George's Church, Newburgh, was an uncle of 
these four brothers. A small portion of the original 
purchase is still in the possession of the family de- 
scendants. 

Still further east the Faulkner family made an early 
settlement. From Campbell Hall down, including 
these settlements, the land is beautiful, and richly 
compensates the cultivator. 

George F. Reeve, of this town, had the honor of 
inventing the dog power somewhere between 1820 
and 1824. Though this is a small affair, yet it is a 
happy application of mechanical power to relieve 
household labor in the manufacture of butter. Had 
he lived in ancient times he would have been decreed 
a public benefactor, or the nation would have erected 
a monument to his memory. Services not half so 
valuable have deified many an individual, and sent 
him down to posterity as an immortal being. 

Andrew McCord was a plain, unostentatious farmer, 
who, by a long course of honest industry, and intelli- 
gent discharge of private and public duties, endeared 
himself to all his fellow-citizens with whom he became 
acquainted. As the legitimate consequence of a vir- 
tuous private life, offices of honor and high trust were 
conferred upon him, which he discharged with fidelity 
and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Mc- 
Cord belonged to the Republican party in politics, 
and was elected to Congress in 1803. After his term 
was out, his political friends were so well jjleased with 
his conduct that they elected him in 1805 to the State 
Legislature, and continued him in 1806 and 1807. 
The last year he served in that oflice he was elected 
speaker of the House, — no small compliment to his 
general character at that early day. 

Isaac Mills was a prominent citizen of this town. 
He was a son of Ebenezer Mills, who came from 
Mills' Pond, L. I., to Orange County in 1787, coming 
up the river in a sloop to New Windsor and across 
the county on foot to Wallkill. The son, Isaac Mills, 
was born March 5, 1788, and married Clarissa Hulse 
in 1816. His son, Andrew J. Mills, was a member of 
the Legislature in 1854 and 1855.t 

Israel Green was an early settler of Wallkill, and 
owned (as shown elsewhere) the principal part of 
Middletown along Main Street. One of the family is 
understood to have settled in Mount Hope during the 
Revolutionary war. The wife of Israel Green is said 
to have been carried in her mother's arms when a 
child in a flight across the Shawangunk Mountains, 
the Indians being in hot pursuit. The child cried 
very much, but being obliged to hide under a log 
which the Indians soon after passed, the child ceased 
to cry, and they were not discovered. Charles S. 
Green, Esq., married Mary Woodward, sister of Am- 
brose Woodward. 

_ ^ 

f See Mount Hope. 



432 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



David Moore was an early settler on the present 
place of Samuel Tryon, between Middletown and 
Phillipsburgh. He was there probably some years ) 
before the Revolution. Of his children, William set- : 
tied in Mount Hope; David, Jr., died in early life; 
Wilmot (father of Emmet ^loore, now residing in 
Middletown) settled in Dolseutowu ; Walter in Wall- 
kill, on his father's homestead ; and there were also 
four daughters, — Mrs. Wickham, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. 
Treadwell, Mrs. Seeley. 

A case of poetical talent at an early age is con- 
nected with the history of this family. Walter 
Moore, probably a brother of David Moore, Sr., died 
May 16, 17C8, aged thirteen years, six months, and 
twelve days. The year before, during a time of mor- 
tality and sickness, he composed quite a number of , 
poetical pieces of a religious character, the versifica- \ 
tion in many of them being of easy flow and of gen- 
uine poetic feeling. A collection of them in posses- 
sion of Mr. Emmet Moore, Middletown, was printed 
in 1769, but the name of the publisher is not given. 

Samuel IMapes was an early settler at what is now 
Howell's Depot. He was from Long Island, and un- 
doubtedly settled here some years before the Revolu- 
tion. He bought 6.30 acres. His children were Samuel, 
Jr., Smith, Seth, Enos, Erastus, Selah, Cyrus H., and 
Mrs. Jesse Carpenter. A .sou of Samuel, Jr., resides 
at Howell's, and Mr. N. B. Mapes, merchant and sta- 
tion agent, is a grandson of Enos. N. B. Mapes has j 
in his possession two old deeds : one from George } 
Duncan to Daniel and Samuel Mapes, bearing date i 
Sept. 5, 1763 ; the other from Daniel Map^s and 
Samuel Mapes to John Brewster ; each for the same 
tract of land, — 240 acres, — but the bounds given have 
so little reference to natural features that it can 
scarcely be decided whether the tract was at Howell's ' 
or further east in Orange County; the precinct in 
which the parties lived is not stated. The homestead 
of Samuel Mapes, Sr., wa.s the present place of Walter 
Tuttle. 

The Moore tract mentioned above was bought in 
connection with the Wickham purchase. The whole 
included the present Samuel Tryon farm, the present 
George Wickham farm, and quite a portion of what 
is now Middletown village. The field notes of the 
original survey are in possession of Mr. George Wick- 
ham. The tract comprised about 1120 acres and was 
surveyed " Tuesday, the 13th of April, 1742," by " Mr. 
Clinton." At the close of the survey Mr. Clinton } 
makes the following remark : " The chief fault yt can ! 
be found with all ye tract is the stoneyness of it." It 
wa-s lot No. 85, in the Minisink Angle. 

Samuel Wickham came from Southhold, L. I., and 
settled in East Division, Goshen, June, 1740. He was 
the first of the name in the county, but was soon fol- 
lowed by his nephew (among others), William Wick- 
ham, a long time judge in this county. 

Samuel Wickham's children were Samuel (father 
of Israel H. Wickham, who was the father of S. S. 



Wickham, of Middletown), and William (father of 
Mrs. David Reeve, and grandfather of O. P. Reeve and 
Mrs. B. W. Shaw). Some years before the Revolu- 
tion he, in connection with David Moore, bought lot 
35 of the Minisink Angle, settled three of his chil- 
dren upon it, — Samuel where Mrs. Babcock now lives 
(corner of Main Street and Academy Avenue), Israel 
where John Baird now lives (corner of Main Street 
and Grand Avenue), and Jerusha (Wells) where John 
Gardiner now lives. 

Israel H. Wickham was born in 1741, and was a 
tailor by trade. His wife was Elizabeth Carpenter, of 
Goshen. The deed from his father is dated 1769, and 
it may be inferred he came to Middletown about that 
time. He served for a time when only sixteen years 
old in the French war, going to Fort Edward. He was 
the owner of several slaves, setting them free at the age 
of eighteen and twenty-one years. Among these was 
"Abel," who was well known and respected. Israel 
Wickham had two children, — Abigail, who died un- 
married, and Israel, Jr., born September, 1773. The 
latter married Mary Moore, and settled first two miles 
north of Middletown, but five years later moved to 
Middletown, and bought a farm now occupied in part 
by the Monhagen Mills and Hillside Cemetery. 

He died in 1821, leaving five children, — -Benjamin 
C, Joseph, Israel H., George, and Abigail. 

Israel H. was the father of George Wickham, now 
residing at Middletown. 

When Samuel Wickham and wife commenced in 
Goshen they sawed all the boards used in the first 
house with a pit saw, — he on the log and she in the 
pit. 

David Moore, who bought in connection with Sam- 
uel Wickham, came on to his land before the French 
war, and made a beginning where Thomas E. Hulse 
now lives, but was compelled to abandon it for a time. 

Samuel Bull, Sr., settled on the homestead which 
Robert Boak now owns. He was a blacksmith, and 
is said to have been employed upon the chain used in 
the obstruction of the Hudson River during the Revo- 
lution. His children were Samuel, the well-known 
citizen of Circleville ; Benjamin, who moved to Ohio; 
Oscar, who remained on the old farm for many years ; 
and Phebe, who died unmarried. 

Silas, son of Silas Horton, was born in Goshen, Aug. 
24, 1756; married Mary Danes in 1777, and settled in 
Wallkill about 1780. His farm is near what is known 
as Rockville. The Wallkill Old-School Baptist church 
was built upon it. He, though young, like his father, 
was truly patriotic, and signed the pledge of independ- 
ence for the colonics in 1775. 

His children were Silas Danes, died in 18.50; Bar- 
nabas, died in 1867; Hiram, died in 1840; Nelly, 
married Timothy Wheat; Jlolly, married Israel 
Moore, and afterwards Daniel Slauson ; Mahala, mar- 
ried William Wheat, and is the only child now living 
(1880). 

He died in 1816, but his wife lived many years afler 



WALLKIL].. 



433 



his death on the same farm witli her son ISairiabas. 
They, with some others, were buried upon the farm, 
whieh spot was always recognized as a buryiiig-ground 
until this year. After IJarnabas died the farm was 
sold to George E. Beakes, but it was owned by the 
Hortons about ninety years. Timothy W. Ilorton, a 
son of Barnabas, owns and lives upon the adjoining 
farm, known as the Vinson (Hark farm. 

At an early date two brothers, Thomas and Samuel 
Brinson, settled in the north part of the town. After 
many years Thomas sold his farm to Abner Bull, who 
hail married his only daughter, Maria. It contained 
:244 acres, and was long known as the best farm in 
this section. Mr. Bull (HimI in IS.")?, leaving his widow 
and the following children : Mrs. Charles Mills, of 
Millsburgh; Mrs. William D. Hurtin, of Circleville; 
Sarah, never married, died in 1860 ; Mrs. William 
Gale, of Railway, N. J. ; and one son, Thomas, wdio 
died in 1871. The farm is owned by Henry A. Shaw. 
Sanuiel's farm contained 318 acres. He sold it to 
Boltis Moore, of New York, who used it as a summer 
resort. At his death Mrs. Mary Hill bought it of his 
heirs. She divided it into two parts for her sons, Wil- 
liam and Robert, reserving ten acres, upon which she 
built a stately mansion in 18o(i. Previous to this she 
had married Jacob M. Shorter. She spared neither 
money nor labor to make the place attractive, yet her 
poor health gave her but little opportunity to enjoy 
it. During her life she caused many marks of remem- 
brance to be made. She built the first Methodist 
church and parsonage at Bullville at her own ex- 
pense ; also ex])ended mvich upon the burying- 
ground adjoining her estate. While the house was 
being built the place received the name "Pierce 
Valley," and is known as such to some e.\tent now. 
Mrs. Shorter died in 1872, leaving the beautiful home 
to her daughter Emma, who married Edwin Parme- 
lee, of Newburgh. They occupy it now. William's 
farm is now owned by Mrs. BrinkerhoH'. Henry L. 
Haight bought Robert's, and lives upon it. These 
farms are one and a half miles from Circleville. 

Millsburgh is a ridge of land running from Scotch- 
town towards Bullville, and was bought by Jacob 
Mills, of Little Britain. This wild tract of land con- 
sisted of 1700 acres ; his grandsons own the most of 
it now; he lived upon it many years, and built several 
houses for his sons. 

His children were Jonathan, lived near Blooming- 
burgh ; Samuel, lived where his son Albert now lives ; 
Jacob, lived at Scotchtown ; Jlezekiah D., lived at 
Wallkill; Wiekham, moved to Long Islatid ; Charles, 
of Millsburgh, died from a fall; Mrs. Thomas Bull, 
whose husband owned and founded Bullville; Mrs. 
Jonathan Hawkins, of Hamptonburgh ; Mrs. John 
Gale, of Milo; Catharine, never married; Mrs. Samuel 
White, Scotchtown. 

The only survivor of this family is Hczekiah D., 
who is now eighty-seven years old. He has lived 
under every President; was a captain during the war 



of 1812; lives upon the farm he has owned over sixty 
years. His youngest son lives with him; his other 
children are Mrs. James White, of Scotchtown ; Har- 
rison, of Crawford; Niithan J., of Circleville ; and 
Mrs. Ira H. Colenmn, of Seneca Co., N. Y. 

Not many years after Wallkill was formed Mr. 
Taylor, of New York City, bought a jiatent of 70(1 
acres. James Morrison and Henry Patterson bought 
the greater part of this, and lived upon their farms 
manj' years. Morrison sold his farm to Phineas 
Hulse and moved West. Hulse sold it in 1849 to 
Nathan J. Mills, who owns and occupies it now. 
When Henry Patterson died his farm was bought by 
William I). Ilurtin, and is now owned by his heirs. 

These farms adjoin the " Honey Pot" farm, also the 
" Bush" farm, which is now Circleville. 

Patterson's family is still represented in Orange 
County, as the following will show. His children 
were Mrs. David Linderman ; Alexander, who never 
married ; Mrs. Peter Sears, of Colilenham ; Mrs. John 
B. Cox, of Middletown, who die<l Dee. 4, 1880, leaving 
two sons and two daughters in Middletown ; John, 
married Arietta Bull, of Wallkill (he was killed by 
the cars) ; Sally, who never married ; .Tames M., who 
died in California; Henry, who married Catharine 
Harris, of Randall's Island (her grandfather owned 
the island). He lives in Harlem, and is seventy-nine 
years old, the youngest and Last of the family. 

Moses Bull married Dolly Moore, July 20, 1795, 
and soon after settled upon a farm in the eastern part 
of Wallkill. He had twelve children. Rev. Ralph 
Bull, of Westtown, was his son. His children were 
Mrs. Sophia Bell, of (Jeneva; Mrs. John Patterson, 
who died in 1800; Elijah and Elisha (twins), 1817- 
1870; Ralph, who died in 1877; Mrs. Marianne Coz- 
zons, of Middletown ; Mrs. Moses McMonagle, of Wall- 
kill ; Caroline and Katharine, twins (Katharine died 
1829, aged twenty-one years ; tJaroline married Charles 
McMonagle) ; Mrs. He/.ekiah Conner, who died in 
1836; Mrs. Charles Conner, who died in 1880; and 
Mrs. John H. McWilliams, living near Circleville. 

Marianne was a teacher nine years; in 1822 taught 
where Moses J. Winfield now lives. Moses Bull died 
in 1848, his wife in 18.'i5; both were buried in the 
Scotchtown Cemetery. Harvey R. Roc now owns and 
lives upon the farm. 

Mrs. Cozzens locates "Three-Mile Hill" as running 
.south from near her father's place. It was an Indian 
path (so called), and wius exactly three miles to the 
Wallkill River. She remembers having traversed the 
l)ath many times, in quest of berries, when a child. It 
was a hard, well-beaten path. She also remembers 
that during the war of 1812 some " squatters" came 
upon a portion of land (three miles long and of 
various widths) lying between her father's and the 
neighbors' farms (no patent claimed it); they took 
out quit-claim deeds, and have always held it. Davis- 
town is upon a part of it. 

The following additional memoranda were furnished 



434 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



by Miss Sarah E. Wilkison. Before the Revolution 
William Carpenter moved from Goshen to a farm 
near Van Burenville ; only a small spot was cleared, 
and for miles east of it there was only a foot-path 
through tlie woods. He was in the war, and often his 
wife was obliged to bury her dishes and such articles 
as she valued, take her children, and flee to Goshen 
to escape the Indians. After the war he and his 
family usually attended meeting at Goshen, always 
going on foot, only nine miles. His children were 
William, died in 1875 ; Benjamin, now living in Wis- 
consin ; Mrs. Jacob Mills, lived near Westtowu ; Mrs. 
EberMapes, died at Middletown, 1869; Eleanor, never 
married; William, lived upon the homestead, had [ 
twelve children, who married and settled near him. 
His son Joel now owns and lives upon the farm which 
has been owned by the Carpenters over one hundred 
and ten years. 

Peter Hoyt, another early settler, married for his 
second wife Mrs. Mary Vail, the mother of Mrs. 
William Carpenter, Jr. He had the following chil- 
dren : John, Archibald, Peter, now living in New 
Jersey, Mrs. Jeremiah Cox, Mrs. Alex. Bell, and Joel, 
who retained the old farm and died in April, 1861, 
his wife living only two weeks longer. The farm is 
now owned and occupied by his only son, Samuel D. 
Hoyt. 

Daniel Darby was born in Newburgh, May, 1799, 
came to Wallkill in 1823, married Julia, daughter of 
William Carpenter; he lives near Van Burenville. 
In 1841 he was town collector, had $3807.45 to col- 
lect, including his fees at three per cent. He went 
on horseback to every tax-payer ; it took him seven 
weeks to collect the sum. This year (1881) the tax 
to be collected in Wallkill is $81,907.33. 

Vinson Clark moved from Long Island upon a farm 
of 153 acres, now owned by Timothy W. Horton, 
about the same time that others spoken of came into 
this town. He built the house which T. W. Horton 
remodeled in 1872, about eighty years ago. He kept 
store and tavern over forty years. He made a great 
business of raising hemp and flax. Mrs. Clark braided 
straw for hats and sent it to New York. In this way 
she helped to accumulate a good fortune. As years 
passed on he had a blacksmith, wagon-maker, cooper, 
and shoemaker-shops. His place and business was 
much like Van Burenville. At his death, in 1839, 
he owned three or four other farms in this town. His 
children were William, died in 1832; John, died in 
1872; Patience, married three times, now living in 
Wisconsin, and is the widow of the Rev. Mr. Clark ; 
Oliver, died in 1845 ; Mrs. Lewis Bell, of Bull Hack, 
died in 1871 ; Thomas (deceased) ; Vinson J., died in 
Waymark, Pa. ; Hector, died October, 1832, and was 
the firet person buried in the family yard on the farm ; 
James S. (deceased). 

William and Daniel Clark, of Scotchtown, are sons 
of Oliver Clark, and grandsons of Vinson Clark, 

Daniel Moore owned a farm about a mile west of 



Wallkill meeting-house ; he built a hotel upon it, and 
sold the property to Isaac B. Everett, who had mar- 
ried his daughter Maria. Everett kept the first hotel, 
Joshua and Thomas Gale the first store, Marcus Hun- 
ter and Barnabas Masters the wagon-maker shop ; 
William Moore, blacksmith-shop ; Lewis Everett, 
shoemaker-shop. This was a great business place; 
teams from Sullivan County, loaded with lumber, 
hides, bark, etc., made it a stopping-place, often 
twenty-five remaining over-night. The stage passed 
through the place on its way to Bloomingburgh. 

A post-oifice was established, and Christian Shons 
named the place "Van Burenville," it being just after 
Martin Van Buren was elected President. Isaac B. 
Everett was the first and only postmaster. This place 
is about three miles north of Howell's, and when the 
railroad reached that place the post-office was soon 
removed to Howell's. 

The opening of the North plank-road was another 
blow to the place ; the stage-route was changed, and 
business decreased very fast. Walter Gregory bought 
the whole property ; kept the hotel only a short time, 
when it was given up. The buildings are entirely 
gone ; a single farm-house and a school-house are all 
that is left to call Van Burenville. 

Walter Gregory was murdered in his own house, 
Sept. 14, 1865, by Henderson, a man from Ohio, who 
had been selling pictures through the neighborhood 
and knew that Gregory drew a sum of money from 
the bank on that day. The murderer was hung at 
Goshen, and it is said this was the only murder ever 
committed in Wallkill. The farm is now owned by 
his son, William Gregory. 

John Williams owned the farm adjoining the Hor- 
ton and Clark farms, near the Wallkill meeting-house. 
He and some of his family were buried upon the farm 
over forty-five years ago ; the farm has been sold 
several times, and the burial-spot is almost forgotten. 
James L. Carpenter now owns and lives upon the 
farm. 

On the farm of Stephen Sayre, now owned by John 
Ralston, about one-half mile west of Van Burenville, 
is a neglected and almost forgotten burying-ground ; 
about fifty children and a few adults were buried 
there. Isaac B. Everett, spoken of at Van Buren- 
ville, has ten children buried in this pasture-field. It 
has not been recognized as a graveyard in over forty 
years. 

Elisha R. King owned a farm on the North plank- 
road, about four miles northwest of Middletown. In 
1862 he built a hotel, and at the raising of the build- 
ing Joseph Kernochan named the place " Fair Oaks," 
it being soon after that battle, and was a very appro- 
priate name. Since then it has become a station uj)on 
the Midland Railroad. The hotel is now owned by 
M. S. Askew ; through his efforts a post-office has been 
established, and his son Matthew is postmaster. 

In 1787, James Houston, of Neelytown, a son of 
Rev. Joseph Houston, the first minister of Goodwill 



WALLKILL. 



435 



Church, near Montgomery, bought a tract of over 300 
acres ia the southeastern part of Wallkill, and settled 
his son George upon it. George cultivated the land 
and made as rapid improvements as possible, having 
slaves to assist him. He married Jane Hunter, of 
Dwaars Kill, Ulster Co., for his first wife. She died in 
1801. In 1796 the church was organized at his house, 
and he gave three acres of land for the church and 
graveyard. A meeting-house was built this same 
year, and at the raising of the building Cornelius Mc- 
Laughlin, who lived on the farm now owned by 
Thomas Nelson, named the place Scotchtown, be- 
cause so many Scotch people were in the new congre- 
gation. Besides assisting to organize a church, giving 
the land, and donating liberally for the building, Mr. 
Houston aided the Rev. Methuselah Baldwin in buy- 
ing a farm of 140 acres, now owned by George Wal- 
lace. Upon these conditions Mr. Baldwin accepted 
the call made him, and became the first pastor of the 
church. The reader can plainly see that George 
Houston was the first and real founder of the village 
now known as Scotchtown. The burial-place of slaves 
is the spot now occupied by the church-sheds. Mr. 
Houston engaged in many enterprises for public good, 
spending both time and money. He died in Decem- 
ber, 1825, leaving fourteen children, viz. : Mrs. Samuel 
Brown (died near Scotchtown in 1854) ; John G., who 
remained upon the homestead; James, died in Mont- 
gomery ; Robert H., born August, 1798, is now and 
has been a resident of Middletown since April, 1826. 
A portion of the village is built upon his farm ; he has 
only one child, David D., who, with his family, lives 
at home. George, died in Middletown, was justice of 
the peace many years; Anthony and Jane (twins). 
Anthony died in Middletown. D. Crawford Houston, ; 
a graduate of West Point, is his son. Jane married 
Charles Heard ; died in Hamptonburgh. Henry lived 
in Mechanictown many years ; died there. Mrs. 
Hector Van Cleft lives in Middletown ; is the mother 
of J. L. Van Cleft (postmaster). Samuel died in 1828, 
Theodore in 1837. Mrs. Orange H. Horton lives at j 
White Plains, Westchester County. Mrs. William | 
Church lives in Orange, N. J. Thomas died at 
Toledo, but was a resident of Cincinnati. 

James Boak was born in 1772 ; married Achsah, a 
sister of Capt. John and a niece of Col. VVm. Faulk- 
ner. They lived at Keisertown, and he built what is 
now known as Crans' still-house. In 1802 he bought 
60 acres of John Puft" where Amos H. Gillen now 
lives, near Fair Oaks. He lived in a small log house 
on the same spot where the dwelling-house now 
stands. It was surrounded by a dense forest of large 
trees, some one hundred feet high. Mrs. Boak being 
afraid the trees would blow down upon the house, had 
the tops of many of them tied together, thinking to 
lessen the danger. In 1804 he exchanged his 50 acres 
with Elias Bailey for •")0 acres (now about one mile 
from Circleville), then bought more of Isaac Den- 
man, having about 141 acres in all. In 1836 he 



moved to Scotchtown, leaving his son Robert upon 

the homestead. He occupies it now, having bought 
an adjoining farm of Oscar Bull in 1875 ; now owns 
228 acres, extending from Guinea to Fair Oaks. 
James Boak died in May, 1852, his wife in 1860. He 
had the following nine children (five are now living) : 
John, born in 1799, died in Scotchtown in 1836 ; Mrs. 
John E. Brewster, died in Scotchtown in 1870 ; Lettie 
(not married), died in 1825 ; Robert, born 180(), lives 
upon the homestead, has one son living, — one son died 
in the late war ; Mrs. John Youngblood, near Frank- 
lin Square, died in 1877; Melinda (single), lives at 
Scotchtown; Lucinda (single), lives at Scotchtown; 
James, lives near Scotchtown, has two sons ; Emily 
(single), lives at Scotchtown. 

In 1780, Henry, son of Jacob Linderman, of the 
town of Montgomery, bought 120 acres in Wallkill 
of Gilbert Wiliett, paying one pound per acre. It 
was almost a wilderness, although two log houses 
were upon the place, each near a good spring. He 
married Sarah Shaw, and lived upon the farm many 
years ; he cultivated the land, built buildings, and 
lived to see his farm become valuable. He was jus- 
tice of the peace forty years. In 1836 his son, Henry 
S., bought the homestead, and occupies it now. His 
father, having married the second time, moved to 
Bloomingburgh, where he died in 1844, aged eighty 
years ; his first wife died in 1831, aged si.xty-four 
years. He had ten children, of whom four are npw 
living, as follows : David, died in Sullivan Co. in 1866 ; 
John (physician), died in Pennsylvania in 1875, — he 
had three sons who filled prominent positions; Henry 
R., a director of the U. S. Mint many years, died in 
Washington ; Garrett, now an extensive coal-dealer 
at Mauch Chunk, Pa., married a daughter of Asa 
Packer; Albert B., is now engaged in the project of 
draining the " Everglades" in Florida ; Wiliett, a 
lawyer, was district attorney of Ulster County for 
thirteen years, dead ; Peter, moved to Michigan in 
1836 and died there; Mrs. Robert Thompson, dead; 
Mrs. Thomas J. Emmons, lives in New York City ; 
Dolly, not married, lives in New York City ; Henry 
S., lives upon the homestead, was born in 1807 ; 
James O., lived and died in Kingston, was county 
judge of Ulster County ten years ; Sally Jane, not 
married, lives in New York City. This farm is about 
two miles northwest of Circleville. 

Henry Weller was born in Germany ; on his passage 
to America both his parents died ; he was then about 
nine years old. When he landed in New York the 
German consul took charge of him and his prop- 
erty, put him out until he became of age, then gave 
him his property, and with it he came into what is 
now Crawford, and purchased about 300 acres of land, 
which is in part owned by his descendants. He mar- 
ried Elinor, youngest daughter of William Bull and 
Sarah Wells, who was born in 1745. They had six 
children, — Henry, William, Absalom, Hiram, E.sther, 
and Catharine, — all are dead. There is only one of 



436 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the third generation living (Mrs. Alice Robbing, of 
Windham, Conn.), except some of Absalom's chil- 
dren. 

In the year 1800, Matthew Rowe, of Montgomery, 
purchased 100 acres of land from Frederick Traver, 
in the north part of Wallkill, now on the line of 
Crawford, and gave it to his daughter, Elizabeth, 
who had married Absalom Weller, and they settled 
upon the tract, it being then a wilderness. Mr. 
Weller rapidly improved his farm, and took several 
premiums on farm products at the agricultural fairs 
held in Goshen in 1820, 1821 ; and in 1822, " for best 
potatoes planted in rows, and measured 275 bushels 
per acre," he received eight dollars ])remium. He had 
twelve children, eight are now living: Leartus M., 
born January, 1801, lives upon the homestead; Mil- 
ton, lives in Middletown ; Mrs. Albert Dickinson, 
Middletown ; Mrs. William Dickinson, lives in New 
Haven, Conn., and her daughter is the wife of ex- 
Governor Jewell, of Connecticut; Mrs. William 
Conkling, Middletown; Alpheus and Tlieodorus 
(twinsj ; Alfred, lives in town of Crawford. 

Mr. Weller died October, 1827; his wife, April, 
1851. He had set apart a burial-ground upon his 
farm, to be known as the " Weller burying-ground." 
The first person buried in the yard was his daughter 
Margaret, May 21, 1813. The bodies lying there 
now are Absalom Weller, wife, four children, and 
two children of Leartus M. Weller. The yard is 
carefully kept up, and is designed as the resting-place 
for the family. 

Before 1800, James Bingham came from Windham, 
Conn., and bought ten acres of Jonathan Coddington, 
in the northwestern part of the town of Wallkill. It 
is now owned by John Green. Bingham was a 
cooper, and he worked at his trade. His wife, Ala- 
thea Parish, also came from Connecticut, and under- 
stood the care of the silk-worm and the manufacture 
of silk, so Mr. Bingham planted a mulberry-orchard, 
and procured some worms from Connecticut, and for 
some years gave it considerable attention. Mrs. Bing- 
ham spun the silk for use, — one year had over three 
hundred skeins. In 1822-24, James Bingham took the 
premium for " best sewing-silk" at the agricultural 
fair, Goshen, and received five dollars each year. 
Some of his neighbors attempted to keep the silk- 
worms, but found it too much care, so the business 
was wholly abandoned after a few years. James 
Bingham died June, 1844 ; his wife, August, 1854. 
They had only -three children, now living, and all 
over seventy years of age. Anna married Benjamin 
Woodward; lives at Burlingham. B.C.Woodward, 
merchant in Middletown, Sullivan Co., is their son. 
Abigail P. married Lucius L. Woodward, both living, 
residents of Middletown many years. Margaret K., 
not married, lives with her sister in Burlingham. 

On the line of Crawford, in Wallkill, Benjamin 
Creaderick owned a farm of two hundred and thirty- 
four acres. He lived in a log house, and had a trip- 



hammer shop. About 1810 he sold his farm to Na- 
than, son of Birdsey Young, of Blooming-Grove. Mr. 
Young had to go to New York and get his money 
changed into gold and silver, as Creaderick refused 
to take any paper money. He married Margaret 
Thompson, of Crawford. They had six children, of 
whom five are now living, — Mrs. William Cross, lives 
in Crawford, aged seventy-eight years; Andrew T., 
owns an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty- 
two acres, but he lives in Circleville, aged seventy-six 
years; Elizabeth, not married, lives in Circleville; 
Isaac and Birdsey, twins (Birdsey died in 1841, aged 
thirty years; Isaac, M.D., lives in New York City); 
Mrs. Andrew Mills, lives in Englewood, N. J. 

Mrs. Young died in 1845, after which he married 
Mrs. Tompkins and had three sons, — Nathan, Orville, 
and Birdsey. They live upon the farm now. Mr. 
Young was born in 1782, and died in 1855. 

On the Vinson Clark farm, now owned by T. W. 
Horton, there was a block-house built for a protec- 
tion from the Indians during the Revolutionary war. 

McCorlin's Kill is a stream rising in Crawford, 
takes a southerly course, and empties into the Wall- 
kill near W. Mackinson's. Harvey Roe's saw-mill is 
upon this stream. As early as 1760 John McNeal, 
who lived where John Harlow now lives, had a grist- 
mill u|)on it, and it is asserted that that was the first 
grist-mill in Wallkill. 

Baldwin's Hill is on George Wallace's farm, west 
of his house and north of the Scotchtown parsonage ; 
it took its name from Methuselah Baldwin, who once 
owned it. It is said to be the highest point of land 
in Orange County. The view from it is very grand. 
The visitor can look into six counties, two States, and 
upon many villages, besides a fine view of the Sha- 
wangunk Mountains. 

The first real tavern in Scotchtown was kept by 
William Connor, but long before this Patrick Bodle 
kept one where J. Denton Mills lives, and another, 

by Owens, on the road to Circleville, where J. 

Swezey lives. 

Many years previous to the Revolutionary war 
McCormick, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Dan- 
iel G. Gibb, of Circleville, purchased of Cadwallader 
Colden (through Brinson, his agent) a tract of land 
of 200 acres, wholly covered with dense forest, for the 
paltry sum of one shilling per acre. He built a log 
house and cleared some land ; but after a time he sold 
it to John Smith, and he sold to Henry Smith, who 
made many improvements, building a stone house, 
also a cider- and .still-house, which still remain and 
are well known. He must have sold some of his land 
to those owning the adjoining farms, as the farm now 
comprises only 140 acres. In 1847, Joseph Kernochan, 
of Crawford, bought the farm for $49 per acre ; owns 
and occupies it now. It could not be bought to-day 
for $80 per acre. This farm is about one and one- 
quarter miles west of Circleville, on the direct road 
to Bloomingburgh. 



WALLKILL. 



437 



RECOLLECTIONS OF JONATHAN WILKISON.* 

The first that I can remember was wheu I was ahout eight years old. 
My father's name was Jonathan. He married Phebe Barber. They had 
ten children. I was tlic youngest son, so tliey callftii me after my father's 
name. They once lived in Rahway, N. J., and I think were born there. 
I was born near Bellvale, Warwick, July 20, 1783, and lived thero until 
the fall after I was eight years old. My father was a miller, and in the 
fall of 1791 he and my mother came to visit my sister Polly, who mar- 
ried Robert Osborne. They lived in u log house, about a mile froHi where 
Mount Johnson stands. The Bloomiugburgh mill was unoccupied, — 
it was then called Oliver's mill, — they being in custody at Kingston, 
charged with burning another mill, about three miles Irom theirs, and 
as court had just adjourned when tlie deed was committed, they had to 
wait until next term, which was one year. They offered the mill to my 
father, and he decided to take it, so they came home, and as soon as they 
could make arrangenit-nts for moving we started. I remember just how 
the country looked. We came through Goshen ; below there the coun- 
try was more settled than we found it on the west side, but it was noth- 
ing like it is now. W'here you will now see fine buildings with beautiful 
surroundings, then there was a log house, standing in the woods, if there 
was a good spring there. In those days people were very particular in 
building to have a good spring of water near the door — wells were nut 
thought of. We started very early in the morning. The fii"st day we 
came as far as Squire Morrison's, He lived on the farm where Nathan J. 
Mills now lives, in a log house, close by the road, in front of tliatold house 
that they tore down last summer (l.s7I). They were very kind-hearted 
people, hut I suppose they are all dead. How well I remember about 
the fire. It whs a cool, cliilly day, and the great old-fatthioued fireplace 
was full of good wood, as then wood was no object; the more they could 
use the better, as the country was so thickly wooded they wanted to clear 
the land. 

The next morning we started on our journey. We were now to the 
end of the road. The next farm was Henry Patterson's. They lived in 
a log house, nearly half a mile from the main road. James Morrison 
built a frame house two years after, and in about two years more Henry 
Patterson built a frame house on the cross-road. Morrison's house was 
used until 1871. Patterson's is still used by Wm. t). Hurtin as a wagon- 
house. 

For the next five miles we had to go by marked trees. After we had 
gone about a mile we thought we were wrong, and seeing a log house 
at a short distance, my sister Katie went to get a guide. We followed 
the guide and passed a few log houses, but I have forgotten who live i in 
them — not one of them is standing. We reached our home at Bloom- 
iugburgh nearly night. It was a log house, on the place where Thomp- 
son Sherer now lives. I can remember about my father tending the 
mill, and of seeing women come with their bags of grain on horseback, 
as wagons were very scarce, and the roads not fit for wagon traveling. 
In those days people went to meeting, mill, and market on horseback. 
We stayed at this mill only one year, then we moved where Jarvis Purdy 
now lives. My father built a new log bouse on that place, and it was 
couBidered rather a fine house. I remember hearing my father and the 
neighbors talk about tlie war, what hardships they endured, and of their 
going to Warwick when Washington was to pass through there. Every- 
body was anxious to liow to Washington, as he was looked upon as tlie 
best of the earth. 

In those days stoves were not used, and people had to keep fire all 
night. They had no matches, so if the fire went out they would have to 
go perhaps a mile before they found some one who had fire. The first 
stove brought into the neighborhood caused as much excitement aa an 
earthquake would in these days. James Wooden had the firststovelever 
saw, and it would be considered quite a show if one of them could be seen 
now. The women were much opposed to using the new machine. They 
were sure they would never like ttiem, as the old way was good enough. 
They knew they cuuld get a meal much sooner by cooking the meat in a 
long-handled pan on some coals, and hang the old iron tea-kettle on the 
crane. As for baking, no better way could be found than to use the tin 
oven before a good fireplace 

I well remember when Washington was President. When he died in 
1799 everybody mourned as if he had lost his best friend. When the 
paper came that announced his death, it was lent from neighbor to 
neighbor until all had read the account. I can now see how the paper 
looked,— it was much smaller than must papers are now, and had broad 
black lines drawn around the margin. Of course there was no such 
time as when any great man dies now, for there were not so many people, 
and very few newspapers. People had very little money, and they were 



* Obtained by his granddaughter some years since. 



obliged to waste no time, as they provided for their families by the hard- 
est kind of labor. I remember distinctly when all the Presidents have 
been elected. My first vote was given wlien Thomas Jeflerson was elected 
for the second term. I do not think I ever missed my vote until I was 
eighty-seven years old, then I was too feeble to go so far. 

I*et)ple worked hard in those days. Men cut wood, peeled bark, etc. 
The tan and cturier business was a great trade, but people worked slower 
and better than now, for it touk seven years to tan leather, and now that 
many hours will almost complete the work ; but compare the leather and 
you will find a very different article, — not so good as in old times. We 
raised our flax; the women would have carding frolics, when probably 
all the women for miles would help each other; then they would put 
the flax in a pillow-case and some one would go around with it, each 
pei-son taking enough to spin warp for a yard. A day would be appointed 
to bring it home, tlien they would liave what was called a "spinning 
frolic ;" a bundled might be present, have a good supper, dancing, and 
what was termed a good time. Cotton cloth was baidly used; only in 
calico and fine muslin. Every one wore linen clothes in summer, but 
they made woolen clothes for winter use. The whole work of manufac- 
turing cloth from wool was done at home. 

The great eclipse was in June; it was dark about two hours. The 
roosters crowed ; the hens went to roost. We were hoeing corn. It was 
so cold during the time that we put on our coats and made up a good fire. 
It was in the forenoon. We had to light the candles, although many 
used pine-knots in place of candles; they gave a very brilliant light. 
Lamps would have been thought too dangerous for use. 

I was married in 1805 in a frame house, hut had never lived in one. 
That house is yet standing. John Ellis owns it now. An addition has 
been built to it, but the same old room is there, and it stands in the same 
place. After I was married we lived in a log house near Mount Johnson. 
The house is gone. Two pear-trees are living which stood near the door. 
The first frame house that I ever lived in is the house in which Jarvis 
Purdy lives {burned iu 1880). It has been improved some in size and 
looks, but I built the main building. My parents were living in the log 
house that my father built when I was a email boy, on the same farm. 
The old log houses are all gone, only one. William Kirk lives in one I 
built and lived in about five years. When I built my first frame house 
the timber was all prepared from my own farm. I did all the work, with 
the help of my two eldest children, who weie quite young ; but in those 
days every child worked as soon as tliey were large enough. The old 
neighbors are all gone; not even the children are left in their parents' 
places. At one time in our neighborhood lived families by the names of 
Rumph, Stump, Jump, Quick, and Ketcham, in the order that I have 
named them. 

Cattle-raising at one time was quite a business, although you could 
tiien buy a good cow for from eight to sixteen dollare, and yokes of oxen 
were sold for thirty to forty-five and fifty dollars. One day a man came to 
me and wished to buy a yoke of cattle I had for sale. I asked him forty- 
five dollars for them. He would not give it, so he went away. He came 
again in a few days, and I asked him fifty dollai-s for them. He went 
away as before, came again next day. I asked him fifty-five dollars. 
He again went as he came; came back the third time. I asked him sixty 
dollars. I told him if he wished them he belter take them, as I should 
raise five dollare every time he came and went without them, eo he took 
them at the last-named price. I received fifteen dollars more than my 
first price. 

In my boyhood I attended meeting at the Old Hopewell Church, Jon- 
athan Freeman pastor. We usually went on horseback, one horse often 
carrying two persons. In the year 1810 my wife and I united with the 
Scotchtown Church. Methuselah Baldwin was pastor. The parsonage 
was burned twice. The first time all the church records were lost in the 
fire, and the second time nearly all of those left were burned. The first 
time we returned our names, but the next time we lived in Goshen and 
neglected to do so. We afterwards united at Circleville. 

In the cold summer of 1816 wo had frost every month in the year. 
When we planted corn we would build up a fire of stumps to warm our 
fingers. We wore our great-coats to work in the hay. The swathes would 
be white in the morning with frost. There was no fruit nor berries. I 
knew of but one piece of corn that ripened. Winter grain was an excel- 
lent crop. 

One ofthe saddest things in my remembrance was when the *' Neptune" 
sank, November, 1824. Several of our neighbors were on board, and four 
were brought home dead,— Hugh Rush's wife (they lived on the farm 
where Andrew Moore now lives); John Watson's son John (he lived 
where Jonathan Miller now lives, in a log house) ; Mrs. Graham and her 
little niece, named Sarah, who was coming home with her aunt to make 
a visit (they lived where Charles Carson now lives). The women had 



438 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



been to New York to sell tlieir butter. They were putin their coffins at 
Newliurgh, nntl all brought to Mr. Graham's house, and there prepared 
forburial. They looked fresli ; bore rather afluelied coiiuteuance. Mrs. 
Rush's face and one bide of her cap was burned. The day of the funeral 
they turned four chairs in the yard and placed a coffin on each, — Mrs. 
Bush first (she being the eldest), then Mrs. Graham, John Watson, and 
lastly little Sarah, who had left her home for a visit in the country. The 
sermon was by Rev. Samuel Van Vechton, of Bloomingburgh. I never 
saw the sight but once, — four coffins inclosing their dead standing aide 
by side; then all moved away to the same yard at Bloomingburgh. A 
hearse was unknown in those days. Any common wagon was used to 
carry the dead; people knew but little about burial expenses. 

I knew MiddK-towii when it contained but two or three houses; have 
often seen the first church that was built there. It stood where the 
Congregational ch\irch now stands, and was an old dilapidated building. 
From its poor appearance, some reckless fellow gave it the name of the 
" Lord's Barn." By that name it was familiarly known. I do not know 
exactly why it was calleil Middletown, because when I first knew it 
there was nothing there to call anything. I remember when there was 
no Circleville, Scotchtown, BuUville, nor any of these little places that 
now dot the conntiy. I know when Goshen and Bloomingburgh turn- 
pike was established, and one gate was where Richard tjlee now lives, 
about a mile from Scotchtown. The father of Dr. James H. Smiley 
was the gate-keeper at one time. 1 have been to Newburgh when it was 
a very small place. People always went tci New York by the way of New- 
burgh ; drive there and leave their teams; go by the boat, 'and when 
they would return was very uncertain. 

Schools were but little known. The iirst school-house in our district 
stood on the corner, near Joseph Kernochan's. My children went there. 
James McGowan taught. People did not prize education as they do now. 

The first doct^ir I remember of coming to our house was Dr. Peter Mills- 
paiigh, of Montgomery. He was then quite a young man, but it was very 
seldom that any one called a doctor. People did not seem to be sick as 
much as now. Mothers would cure their children with herbs from the 
garden, or something from the forest near the door. 

I was in the war of lSl-2 ; «as a member of the artillery under Capt. 
MuUiner, of Little Britain. I was second sergeant. We were called out 
on ttie 18th of August, 18l:i; went to Brooklyn Heights. The army laid 
there, with a company from Albany. The Wallkill Regiment went in 
about two weeks to Staten Island. The drafted men went with us, and 
then went to Harlem Heights. I was in poor health, and then lyingon the 
ground and other hardships increased my sickm-ss. I was there three 
weeks, scarcely fit for duty a single day. One of my neighbors coming 
to see his son, and finding me so miserable, said he would not go home 
without me. He soon found a substitute, an Irishman n'liiu-d Richard 
Johnson. He was a large, robust man. I gave hiui twenty d- llju-s in 
cash, my uniform (worth about fifty dollaraJ,and my pay during tb<- time 
I was on duty. He went in his own name. I came home to my hiniily 
fully satisfied with my war life. 

I always preferred a qiiiet life, but many worthy events have escaped 
my memory. I am past eighty -eight years old, and my days are nearly 

spent. Jo.VATH.\N WiLKISON. 

Circleville, 1872. 

MANUMISSION OF SLAVES. 
Under the act of March 29, 1799, for the gradual 
abolition of slavery, various citizens recorded their 
acts of freeing the negroes held by them. 
The first entry is the following : 

**I do hereby certify that I have manumitted and set free my negro 
slave Otis as fully and amply as I am authorized by an act of the Leg- 
islature entitled * An act for the gradual abolition of slavery,' passed the 
29th of March, 1799. 

" Given under my hand and seal this first day of November, 1800. 

'*Tabetha Borland." 

Other similar acts of manumission appear by Jona- 
than Smith, 1801 ; Stephen Smith, November, 1806 ; 
Henry B. Wisner, John Wilkin, William Phillips, 
and Israel Wickham. 

TAVERNS, Etc. 

The licensed inn-keepers of 1824 were Ambrose 
Fairchild, Andrew Henderson, Sylvanus Jessup, 



Thomas Mills, Isaac B. Everett, John G. Houston, 
Charles Everson, Lebbeus L. Vail, An.salem W. 
Hulse, Hiram Seward, Benjamin Woodward. Benja- 
min France (between Bloomingburgh and Bullville; 
Leartus Weller lias the same place now), John Tears 
(where Mr. McWilliams now lives, between Circle- 
ville and Scotchtown), Henry Dunning, and Vinson 
Clark (between Bloomingburgh and Middletown, 
where T. W. Horton now lives). 

" The Temperance Question " was agitated in Wall- 
kill fifty years ago, as appears by the following reso- 
lution in the town-books : 

" yvlitreas. Pauperism has increased in the town of Wallkill to an 
alarming extent; aitd it'/iereas intempenince is one of the greatest pro- 
curing causes, inasmuch as more than three-fourths of the paupers ema- 
nate directly or indirectly from that source ; au<l ivliereag tippling-houses, 
dram-shops, and groceries have a direct tendency to increase the evils; 
therefore, 

" Reeolced (as the sense of this town meeting), That the Hoard of Ex- 
cise be requested to refuse granting license to those persons whose princi- 
pal object is to retail intoxicating liquors and not having suitable accom- 
modations for public entertainment. 

" Resolved, That the foregoing be entered on the records of said town 
and published in the two papers printed in Goshen. 

" Dated Wallkill, this 1st of April, 1828." 

ASSESSMENT ROLL— 1803. 

In addition to the outline of early settlements thus 
far given, we are able to show the entire list of prop- 
erty-holders in the town about the beginning of this 
century by means of the following papers preserved 
in the ofiice of the town clerk : 

Amensmeid-roll of the real and personal estate taxable in the totvn of Wall' 
kill and connly of Orange, made the 8th day of April, 1803, by 

Benjamin Webb, 
John White, 
Adam Millspaugh. 



Real Personal 
Estate. Property. 

David n. Arnold $500 

Enos Ayres 2o0.50 

Tartules Ackels _... 287.60 

John Ackles 421.2.5 

William Ackles 4.')0 

David Ayres 300 $27 

Eusebius Austin 1000 

.Selah Arnot 265 .5 

-Ihomas BruDson 1900 244 

Samuel Bmnsou 2440 197 

^\Villiam Bodle, Jr 4"0 

-. Patrick Bodle 700 43 

Archibald Brown IIOO 

Neal Brown 47.50 20 

William T. Bush 100 3S 

Justis Baker 120 46 

Frances Burns 512.50 70 

James Boak 200 48 

John Baley '200 135 

Cornelius Brink 200 16 

Isaac Baley 200 68 

Joseph Baley 300 58 

Samuel Bull 250 

John Brown 36 

Duncan Brown 600 26 

Gilbert Brown 730 177 

James Brown 650 141 

Crisse Bull (non-resident) 370 

William Bodle 2160 550 

Cadwallader Bull 2325 350 

Sarah Bull 40 

Sarah Booth 1732.50 320 

Samuel Butler 80 

James Butler. 1297 

Moses Bull, Jr 362 

Thomas Borland 1450 631 

John Barker 163 

Widow Mar}- Brown 2100 380 

Charity Brown 100 

Mary Brown 266 

Christian Brown 286 



Total. 

S500 

250.50 

287.50 

421.25 

450 

327 
1000 

265.50 
2144 
26.37 

400 

743 
1100 
67.50 

138 

166 

582.50 

248 

335 

216 

268 

358 

250 
36 

626 

907 

791 

370 

2700 

2625 

40 

2052.60 

80 
1297 

362 
1981 

153 
2480 

100 

266 

286 



WALLKILL. 



439 



Real Personal 
Estate. Property. 



Total. 



Thomas Booth *18»0 

Mosc-s Bull lOOU 

William Bull a660 

James Bull 1900 

Charles Borland 1348 

Tabitlia Borland 

Jane Butterfield 863 

Daniel Bailev 2p75 

Charles Bull Ziil 

Jesse Booth 190n 

Gilhert Bruniiage 582 

Ebenezer Bull 

Daniel Brown 

Tertnllns Brewster KK1.60 

Rlioda Beaks 270 

Stai-a Beaks 56G 

Joseph Beaks aW 

John S. Brown GO 

Samuel Boyd 300 

William Baird 75 

Walter Baird 

Silas Brown 700 

John Bell 473 

William Bell 

Samuel Bennett 1679 

Joseph (Conner 500 

Alexander Corey 350 

William Conner 60 

John Coddington 150 

Benjamin Credit 900 

Edward Campbell 300 

Thomas Caldwell SOO 

Mary Craig 250 

Josiah Crane 500 

Stephen Crane 50 

Abraham Ci-ane 60 

Benjamin Crane 150 

Eli Corwin 136B.75 

Vincent Clark 500 

William Cox 575 

Samuel Calleuder 60 

Joseph Caae 300 

Thomas T. CoUard 300 

Thomas M. Clark 910 

David Crawford 1517 

Stephen Crane 1460 

William Connar .'il2.60 

James Caldwell 956.25 

Adam Crist 175 

John Cox 1212.50 

John Case 787.50 

Wilmot Case 220 

Joseph Corwin 2176 

John Corwin (carpenter) 

James Corwin 200 

Keeve Cox 250.25 

Joseph Connar 400 

Daniel Corwin 1614 

John Carmichael 200 

W^illiam Carpenter 1420 

Bnos Case 260 

Annanias Coukling 500 

James Clark, Jr 318.75 

James Clark 135 

Elihu Clark 1000 

Samuel Coleman 725 

Zipron Cobb 475 

Zipron Cobb, Jr 200 

Absalom Carey 300 

William Coleman 376 

Stidman Chatman 

Abner Corwin 50 

Joshua Corwin 273 

John Corwin 212.50 

Joshua Coleman 300 

John Coleman 

Jonathan Coleman 350 

Israel Coleman 137.50 

David Coleman 250 

William Campbell 200 

James Campbell 100 

Samuel Conkling 600 

Eli Corwin (2d) 1497 

Jesse Carpenter 600 

John Davis 200 

James W. Deray 1435 

Matthew Davis 3.59.75 

Francis Drake 154..')0 

Jeremiah Drake G37.50 

Jonathan Dunning 400 

William Douglass :i50.25 

George Deunington 450 

Terry G. Denman 100 

Daniel Denton 255 

Samuel Dunning 700 

Isaac Denman 1000 

Jacob Dunning 800 

Cliarles Dunning 700 

John Dunning 1153 

Benjamin Dunning 500 



8288 


82178 


580 


1580 


1078 


3728 


400 


2300 


100 


1448 


146 


146 


240 


1103 


592 


2667 


356 


2703 


600 


2'500 




582 


63 


63 


26 


2fi 


30 


30 


31 


301 


29 


595 


48 


298 




60 


53 


353 


as 


113 


30 


30 




700 


131 


604 


38 


38 


199 


1S78 


207 


707 




350 




60 


71 


221 


247 


1147 


73 


373 


91 


891 


44 


294 


67 


667 


41 


91 


72 


132 


69 


219 


100 


1466.75 


95 


595 


136 


711 


16 


76 


50 


360 




300 


223 


1133 


177 


1694 


478 


1928 


80 


592.50 


85 


1041.25 


80 


255 


283 


1495.50 


119 


906.50 




220 


183 


2359 


32 


32 




200 




260.25 




400 




1614 


101 


301 


50 


1470 


50 


310 


98 


598 


46 


364.75 


47 


182 


74 


1074 




725 


126 


601 




200 


11 


311 




376 


34 


34 


60 


110 


100 


373 


50 


262.60 


100 


400 


36 


36 


86 


436 


76 


213.60 


113 


363 




200 




100 


51 


651 


750 


2247 




660 




200 




1436 


100 


469.76 


60 


194.60 


) 


637.60 




400 


> 27 


377.25 


116 


666 


28 


128 


99 


364 


73 


773 


400 


1400 




800 


30 


730 


145 


1298 


92 


692 



Real Personal 
Estate. Property. 

David Decker ' 

Jonathan Day $77.50 

William Davis 600 

Chiistopher Denn - 250 

Walter Everett 400 

John Everett 200 

Jesse Everett 

John Everett, Jr 250 

Ephraim Everett 1360 

Thomas Everson 1230 

Joseph Ellis 107 

Ephraim Everett, Jr 400 

Jesse Edsnl 974 

Andrew Embler 1060 

Thomas Eager, Jr 

Margaret Eustis lOOO 

Thomas Eager (non-resident) 70 

John Fanlkner 1032.60 

John Finch 6.56.60 

William Faulkner 2256.25 

Samuel Faulkner 2012 

Jeremiah Fitzgel-ald 328.25 

Margaret Finch 87.50 

James Faulkner (non-resident) 200 

Daniel Finch 300 

Samuel Grage 162.,50 

John Graham 350 

Richard Gale 400 

Ichabod Genung 253.75 

Caleb Goldsmith 1112-60 

Ebenezer Green 412.50 

youngs Green 

Joseph Gilson 

Daniel Green 430 

John Greenlief. 20(1 

Daniel Greenlief. 300 

David Gardner 63 

Phebe Gale 380 

William Hurtiu. 800 

William Hunter 60 

George Houston 1466 

Oliver Hawkins 300 

Andrew Hathorn 162 

Stephen Hathaway 100 

Tilton E. Hill 400 

Silas Horton, Jr 150 

Silas Horton 1037.75 

Edward Howell 400 

Peter Hovt 662.50 

William Hollet 

John Harlow 912.50 

Jonas Hulse 900 

James Howell 375 

Silas Hovt 60 

Ezra Hill 450 

John Hill I non-resident) 200 

Obadiah ilowell 175 

Joseph Horton, Jr 107.50 

Joseph Horton 285 

John Houston 810 

Thomas Houston 1240 

Thomas Hulse 650 

James Horton 900 

Thomas Helmer 460 

Ebenezer Holly 125.60 

John Hoffman 7.i 

James Mulse 

Benjamin Hulse (uon-reisdeut) 230 

Stephen Harlow 927 

Robert Hall 4.50.50 

Daniel Hasbrook 3662..50 

John Hudson 202 60 

Samuel Hulse 700 

Benjamin Harlow 1192 

John S. Jiukes 80 

Peter Johnston 200 

John Jardon 1500 

John Knapp 962 

Jacob Kniver 

Matthew Keen 

John Kerr (non-resident) 300 

Joseph Knapp 250 

Jonathan King 

William Kerby 75 

John Kerby 60 

Joseph Ketcham 400 

Thomas Knight 100 

Ichabod Lewis 2717 

He«l-y Lindernian 120O 

John Linderman 

John Little 

Nathaniel Lewis 75 

John Lamb 100 

David More. Jr 610 

Alexander Murray 787 

William Murray 660 

George McNish 600 

David 3Iurray 

Frances Mandeville 600 

David IMoore 1375 



8101 


$101 


9 


86..60 


10 


610 


67 


307 


113 


5ia 




20O 


450 


460 




250 


205 


1565 


194 


1424 




107 


68 


468 


145 


1119 


160 


1200 


35 


35 


120 


1120 




70 




1032.50 




656.50 


378 


2634.25 


231 


2243 


70 


398.25 


28 


116.50 




200 


90 


300 


39 


201.50 


96 


446 




400 


64 


317.75 


189 


1301.50 


41 


453.50 


23 


23 


40 


40 




430 


78 


278 


93 


393 


32 


95 


57 


437 




800 




60 


346 


1811 


234 


534 


112 


274 


12 


112 


80 


480 


63 


213 


187 


1224.75 


75 


475 


120 


782.50 


48 


48 


209 


1121.50 


130 


1030 




375 




60 


45 


495 




200 




175 




107.50 


95 


380 


165 


976 


209 


1449 


76 


626 




900 




450 


60 


175.50 


21 


96 


600 


600 




230 


122 


1049 


131 


681.50 


2007 


5669.50 


60 


262.50 


188 


888 




1192 


69 


139 


74 


274 


151 


1661 


166 


1138 


30 


30 


26 


26 




300 


82 


332 ■ 


26 


26 


54 


129 




60 




400 




100 




2017 




1200 


44 


44 


6S 


68 




75 




100 


30 


640 




787 


90 


660 


70 


570 


160 


160 


40 


640 


147 


1522 



440 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Walter Moore 

Ebenezer Mills $:!95 

£noe Mapes. tJUO 

Samuel Mapes 600 

Selali Mapes 585' 

Andrew C. McNish ;i02.50 

Jolin McQuoid G16 

James Miirrav 

Jacob Mills, Jr 125 

William Moore, Jr 625 

Wilniut W. Moore 650 

George Mapes 175 

Samuel Mape8,Jr 525 

John McQuoid, Jr 450 

William Miller , 275 

Daviii Moore (Scotctitowu) 450 

Jacob Mills 2610 

James Morrison 1500 

John McWilliams 250 

James McWhorter & Co 300 

Peter McLaughlin 800 

Levi Miller 93 

William Morrison 300 

Dunkin McEwen 700 

Thomas Monnal 207.50 

William Moore 1200 

George Miller 450 

Jonathan Mills 1300 

James McGowen 

John McMillen 87.50 

William E. McNeal 240 

Peter Mettar 180 

William McLaughrey 400 

Thomas McLaughrey 223 

John McLaughrey 221.50 

Robert McLaughrey 100 

Neat McLaughlin 150 

Peter Mclnnis 275 

Daniel W. Moore 350 

Daniel Moore 300 

John McVey 150 

John McArthur 600 

John McNeal 600 

David Miller.- _ 2807.50 

Adam Millspaugh 1428 

John Mc.nnel 1850 

James S. Miller 1021 

Gawn Mackinisou 1689 

John McCord 

Andrew MoCJord 1192.50 

William Monnagal 60 

Daniel McClure 812.50 

John McGowen 100 

Samuel McCord 820 

Ale.\ander Martin GO 

Samuel Monnel 

Alexander McVey 1000 

James J. McCord 40 

Thomas McNeal 200 

Archibald McBride (non-resident) 400 

John Nicolls 400 

David Newkirk 440 

Robert Osburn, Jr 200 

Thomas Oliver 1456 

Jesse Owen 100 

Samuel Owen 900 

Benjamin Owen 

William Owen (tanner) 350 

Jesse Owen, Jr 

Jonathan Owen 22(ai 

Ezekiel Osburn 80 

Samuel Parson 160 

Daniel D. Penny 450 

James Penny 391.50 

Josiah Pieraon 2000 

Peleg Peltori 700 

Isaac Peterson 100 

Henry Patterson 600 

Peter Po£f(2d) 400 

Hannah Poft 700 

Isaac Purdv 20 

Moses Philiips & Co 6000 

Gabriel N. Phillips 3600 

Lewis Quick 500 

Ezekiel Roe 270 

David Reynolds 200 

Claudes Revnolds „ 700 

Felix Randall 450 

Benjamin Rogers 200 

Abel Rockwell 200 

Matthias Kobers 127.25 

Jabe Rollers 468.77 

Daniel Reeve 300 

Elisha Reeve 700 

David Reeve 350 

Tunis Ransom 150 

Ram Ransom (non-resident) 2147.50 

Daniel O. Rogers 2482 

Moses Reed 430 

Robert Rogers 114 



Real Personal 

Estate. Property. 
S53 



263 
118 
42 



143 
54 
145 

'33 
183 
2600 
300 
44 
500 
148 
30 
73 



38 

284 

71 

118 

17 

38 

80 

76 

101 

51 

85 

16 

24 

26 



20 
112 

533 
446 

70 
100 
360 
122 
130 

40 

'36 

20 

40 
123 



46 
49 
48 

100 
46 

125 
48 

66 

147 



74 

70 

12 

1316 

2304 



61 
218 
30 
63 
16 
36 
166 
82 



Total. 

$53 

.395 
1(J63 

718 

627 

302.50 

616 

420 

125 

625 

793 

229 

670 

4.50 

308 

633 
52.30 
1800 

294 

80O 

948 

123 

373 

700 

245.50 
1484 

521 

1418 

17 

125.50 

320 

256 

501 

274 

300.50 

116 

174 

301 

350 

300 

170 

712 

600 
3340.50 
1874 
1920 
1721 
2039 

122 
1322.50 

100 
812.50 

136 

840 

60 

40 

1123 

40 

200 

400 

446 

489 

248 
1556 

146 

1025 

48 

360 

66 

aj47 

80 

160 

450 

391.50 
2000 

860 

100 

600 

474 

770 

32 

7316 

6804 

500 

270 

261 

918 

4S0 

263 

216 

163.25 

634.77 

382 

700 

454 

150 
2147.50 
2892 

430 

115 



Real Personal 
Estate. Property. 

John Slawter §22 

Enos Smith 4t}0 

Luther Smith 

John Seals 600-25 

James Sloan 37 

Johu Stitt 1000 

Benjamin Simons 800 

John Snnth 668.75 

Charles Smith 507 

Daniel Stringham 1400 

William Stringham 100 

.\Iexander Smith _ 300 

Klihu Slawsou 360 

Nathaniel Sterge 60 

William Stubbs, Jr 350 

Stephen Sayres 1200 

Nathan Slawson 262.50 

James Stringham 750 

. Isaac Slaughter 1862.50 

Moses Savage 840 

Sarah Savage 360 

Henry Savage 370 

Daniel Seward 900 

Daniel Smith 717 

Elijah Seely 1087 

John Savage 704 

Archibald Strain 1270 

Stephen Smith 1000 

Henry Smith 987-50 

Jonathan Smith 1131.25 

John Smith 150 

Timothy Scidmore 1064 

Coe Smith 

Edward Smith 

Bezallel Seeley 1800 

Jeremiah Smith 250 

James Smith 

William Shaw 2392.50 

John Sliaw 500 

William Stubbs 337 

Nathaniel Smith 287 

David Seelev 

David Slid..". 250 

Benjamin Stid 

James Savage 175 

Benjamin Smith 265 

Elisha Smith 150.75 

Robert Sburter 400 

Christian Scliultz (non-resident) 130 

Ezekiel Travis 250 

Jesse Tidd 

Jane Tuthill 1505 

John Taylor 2367 

Daniel fnthill 1200 

Hezekiah Taylor . 

James Titus 100 

Sarah Tuthill 

Frederick Traver 412..50 

Thomas Turner 522.50 

John Tears 500 

John Tuthill 1000 

Robert Thompson 200 

Eliud Tryou 263.75 

Moses Utter 188 

Michael Vail 98.75 

Cornelius Van Gordon 100 

Isaiah Vail 1975 

George W. Vail 

Isaiah Vail, Jr 750 

Josiah Vail 200 

David Van Yliet 50 

David Vail 60 

Alsop Vail 1050 

John Vail 600 

Obadiah Vail 807 

Henry B. Wisner 400 

Benjamin Wood 

Fredei ick Weller 

Joshua Whitman 400 

Abraham Weller 400 

Gilbert Woodward 

Jonathan Wilkenson 77.50 

John Weed 160 

James Whitesides ■. 400 

John Williams 200 

Samuel White 

John White 1390.50 

Samuel Webl 650 

Nathan Wells 

Nathaniel Wells & Co 1691.26 

Israel Wickham 1647.60 

Mary Wickham 2077 

Israel Wickham, Jr 650 

Elijah Welch 600 

Eleazer Welch 40 

Isaac Witter 674 

Eliphalet Warner 160 

Samuel Wells 110 

Salmon Wheat 900 

Thomas White 226 





S22 1 


8183 


683 j 


16 


16 1 


62 


662.25 


8 


46 1 


72 


1072 




800 


139 


707.75 




507 




1400 


26 


126 1 


74 


374 i 




350 « 




60 


50 


400 


245 


1445 


112 


374.50 


54 


804 


376 


2238.50 




840 


66 


416 




370 




900 




717 


70 


1157 


50 


754 


220 


1490 


132 


1132 


60 


1047.50 


260 


1381.25 


60 


200 




1064 


36 


36 


50 


60 




1800 




250 


26 


26 


486 


2878.50 




500 




337 




287 


116 


116 


83 


333 


37 


37 


76 


250 


31 


286 




150.75 




400 




130 




260 


44 


44 


275 


1780 




2367 


122 


1322 


187 


187 


80 


ISO 


190 


190 




412.50 


106 


628.60 


8 


508 




1000 




200 




263.75 


15 


2m 


44 


142.75 




100 


230 


2206 


200 


200 




760 




200 


11 


61 




50 




1050 




600 




807 


500 


900 


500 


500 


66 


66 


106 


506 




400 


44 


44 


16 


93.50 


73 


233 


91 


491 


18 


218 


649 


549 


183 


1589.50 




650 


61 


61 




1591.25 


227 


1874.60 




2077 




.^60 




500 





40 


70 


744 


114 


274 


8 


118 


100 


1000 


90 


315 



WALLKILL. 



441 



Real Personal 
Estate. Property. 

Hezekiah Woodward 1000 

Daniel Woodward GOO 

Beujaniili Webb 953 

Nathaniel Williams 

James Watkins 1:^31.25 

Abel B. Watkins 1802.50 

An<lrew Wilson 10G2 

William Wilkin 1085 

William Wilson 1212 

Robert Wilkin .-. 1445 

John Wilkin 2868.75 

James White 200 

Robert Wilson 1925 

Jason Wilkin 2612.50 

Tlionias Watkins 1877.50 

Aliel Watkins 800 

Martha Watkins 

Jacob Yonngblood 1023 

Jehouas Yonng 330 

James Ycmng 300 

William Young 





1000 




600 


161 


1114 


37 


37 




1331.26 


2fir. 


2068.60 


309 


1371 


276 


1061 


300 


1612 


362 


1797 




2868.75 


20 


220 




1926 


600 


3212 60 


274 


2161.50 




800 


76 


70 


77 


1093 


20 


3.60 




300 


26 


26 



IV.-OEGANIZATION. 

The precinct of Wallkill, of which the present town 
is the legal .successor, was erected Dec. 17, 1743, by 
an act of the Colonial Legislature. It then comprised 
the territory now embraced in the three towns, Craw- 
ford, Montgomery, Wallkill, and portions of Mount 
Ho])e and Hamptonburgh. In 1772 the precinjct of 
Hanover was erected, comprising the two present 
towns of Crawford and Montgomery and a portion of 
Hamptonburgh. Legally, Hauover was set off from 
the old precinct, and the statute directed that the 
rest of the territory should "remain" the precinct of 
Wallkill. 

The popular impression has been that Wallkill was 
set ofl' from Montgomery. This has a very good basis 
in the fact that the centre of population and the 
place of public business were both at Montgomery 
during the period 1743 to 1772, and that in every 
respect except the legal technical form the Wallkill 
of 1772 was a new organization. 

Legally it was a continuance of the old, and was, 
evidently, entitled to the books and records. The 
Wallkill town officers of 1772, however, made no pre- 
tensions to the books, but opened a new record, which 
is fortunately preserved, and from which we are able 
to make liberal extracts. 

At the time Mr. Eager prepared his history of the 
county the precinct records of Wallkill, from 1743 to 
17(57, were doubtless already lost, as he commences 
his quotations with the town-meeting of 1768. 

He was, however, in error in regarding this as the 
firet town-meeting of Montgomery (Hauover). It 
was about the twenty-fifth town-meeting of Wallkill 
precinct. The first town-meeting of Montgomery 
was four years later. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETING OF WALLKILL AFTER THE 
DIVISION. 

The first meeting after the division of the precinct, at the house of 
Samuel Watkins, April the 7th. 1772. 

Chosen : William Dunn, clerk and supervisor; Benjamin Hooth, James 
Wilkius, Elijah Reeve, commissioners for regulating and laying out pul>- 
lic highways; Stephen Harlow, William Wilkins, David Moore, com- 
missioners for laying out the money raised by act of Assembly on the 
highways; David Crawford, Moses Phillips, assessors; John McGarrah, 
John Patterson, constables and collectors; Abel Wells, George Booth, 

29 



poor-masters ; Jonathan Smith, Esq., Isaiah Vail, John Ketchum, Ben- 
jamin Vail, Jr., fence-viewers and damage appraisers. 

Fences to be four and a half feet high, staked and ridered, five rails 
high or otherwise, equivalent as the fence-viewers shall judge. 

The following record of general districts, three in 
number, and the fifteen road districts, with descrip- 
tions and path-masters' nanresTare" of much value, as 
showing early names bt^th of persons and places : 

The precinct to be divided into three districts, viz. : the east side of the 
Wallkili one ; the west side two, to be divided by the new northwest line. 

Samuel Watkins. path-master for the east side of the Otterkill to the 
middle of CampbelPs bridge. 

John Monell, from the Widow McBride's corner to Thomas Simerirs, 
and thence along the road to Campbell's bridge. 

William Bodle, from Esq. Smith's to the Minisink road, and from the 
school-house on the road to Hezekiah Gale's; from thence to John 
McGarrah's, and thence to the school-house ; to work also on David Craw- 
ford's road to the bridge one day. 

John Hill, from Esq. Smith's road along the Minisink road to the mid- 
dle of Connor's bridge ; also a piece of road leading from the Minisink 
bridge to Orange County. 

James Rogers, Jr., from the precinct line to the Widow McCord's north 
gate. 

Capt. William Faulkner, from his owtj house to Thomas Simeril's. 

Henry Savage, from the Widow McCord's north gate to Arzuble 
McCurdy's house. 

Daniel Tears, from the precinct line to John McHenry's house. 

Edward Campbell, from John McHenry's to Arzuble McCurdy's. 

Peter McLaughlin, from the corner of Edward McNeal's lot to Phil- 
lips' house. 

Tilton Eastman, from Conner's bridge to the Pine Swamp, 

Stacy Beakes, from Minisink road to Dunning's road that leads to the 
Pine Swamp. 

George Smith, from the middle of the white-oak bridge to the top of 
the round hill beyond Corey's. 

John Ketchum, from the top of the round hill to the west end of the 
precinct. 

Abraham Taylor and John Daily, Jr., from tlie white-oak bridge by 
Elijah Reeve's to the precinct line. 

Probably the following agreement has not continued 
to be observed to the present time : 

" Agreed that the town-meetings for the future be held as follows, viz. : 
ne.\t year at the house of Bloses Phillips, and the year after at the house 
of David Crawford, and to continue alternately." 

The tax-payers of 1880 may compare the following 
appropriations with those of the present time : 

Raised this year : 

£ ». A 

For the poor 10 

Highways 46 16 

The following seems to be a memorandum made by 
the collector : 

Paid to Stephen Harlow by order of the Commissioners, dated Oct. 23, 
1772, £;12 4«. ; to David Moore by order of the Commissioners £13 Is. Id. ; 
still on hand £1 10s. 11((. Total, £46 16s. 

£ s. d. 

Received of John Patterson 29 10 8}^ 

" John McGarrah 14 4 10 

Due yet by John 31cGarrah 3 5J^ 

46 16 
Paid to Mr. Joseph Ga^herie, County Treasurer, by John McGarrah, one 
pound nineteen shillings and fivepencein full of the tax for the present 
year, as per receipt, dated Feb. 13, 1773. 

We herewith give the location of town officers and 
others from 1772 to 1780 : William Denn lived near 
the Wallkill, where Milton Harlow lives ; Benjamin 
Booth, in Hamptonburgh ; James Wilkin, near La- 
grange ; Elijah Reeve, his farm is now the western 
part of Middletown ; Stephen Harlow lived one and 



442 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a half miles from Michigan, where his son John now 
lives; William Wilkin, Hamptonburgh, his grand- 
son; Stephen Duseiibur\- Wilkin now owns the farm ; 
David Moore's farm was near Middletown, where 
Samuel Tryon now lives ; David Crawford, at Stony 
Ford farm, now owned by Chas. Bachman ; Moses 
Phillips, at Phillipsburgh ; John Patterson, near Wall- 
kill River, where William AVhite lives ; Abel Wells 
was a merchant in Middletown; George Booth lived 
near Neelytown ; Isaiah Vail, on what was known as 
Mouhagen farm; John Ketcham, at Mount Hope; 
William Bodle (Squire), Hamptonburgh, where Wash- 
ington Crist lives; Edward McNeal, nearScotchtown, 
where Wellington Harlow lives; John Dunning, Me- 
chanicstown, where his grandson, Horace Dunning, 
now lives; Stephen Sayres, one and a half miles west 
of Van Burenville, where John Ralston lives; Wil- 
liam Stringham, near Bloomingburgh, where Thomp- 
son Sherer lives; John Monell, Lagrange, kept first 
post-office in Wallkill ; John Gillett, about two miles 
from Howell's ; Wm. Shaw, near Howell's, where Os- 
car H. Shaw lives ; Daniel Tears, between Scotchtown 
and Circleville, where John H. McWilliams lives ; 
Andrew McCord, near Stony Ford, where J. C. Wil- 
bur lives; Capt. Wm. Faulkner, Stony Ford;* Philip 
Ketcham, Mount Hope; Samuel Watkins, Hampton- 
burgh, where Spencer K. Bull lives; Daniel Butter- 
field, near Michigan, farm owned by the Carpenter 
heirs; Samuel AViekbam, on the farm which is now 
the eastern part of Middletown ; James McVey, 
Hamptonburgh ; Johannes Crans, Keisertown, farm 
owned by his descendants ; John McGowan, Hamp- 
tonburgh, where Saml. Hill lives; James Morrison, 
one mile from Circleville, where N.J.Mills lives; 
Jonathan Owen, near Middletown, where Lewis Wis- 
ner lives; Abraham Taylor, Mount Hope; Israel 
Rogers, Jr., Hamptonburgh ; Patrick Bodle, Scotch- 
town, where J. Denton Mills lives ; James Finch, at 
Finchville. 

The principal town officers from 1772 to 1880 have 
been as follows : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1772 WiUiam Denn. William l)enn. 

1773 Capt. Moses PblUips. 

1774 Daniel BuUerfleld. 

1775 Henry Wisner, Jr. '* " 

1776 

1777 William Wilkins. " " 

1778 William Wisner, Jr. *' " 

1779 

1780-81 Capt. Wm. Faulkner, Jr. 

1782-83 Major Phillips. 

1784-88 Samuel Watkins. Henry Wisner, Jr. 

1789-93 " " Moses Pliillips. 

1794-97 Capt. Andrew McCord. 

1798 " " '• Gabriel N. Phillips. 

1799-1803 " " " Henry B. Wisner. 

1804 Henry B. Wisner, Isaiah Vail, Jr. 

1805 Andrew McCord. Henry B. Wisner. 

1806-7 Henry B. Wisner. John Smith. 

1808-9 " " Isaac Schnltz. 

1810-13 Adam Millspangh. Stacy Beakes. 

1814-15 •• " Gabriel Wells. 

1816 Benjamin Woodward. *' " 

1817-20 Adam Millspaugh. Stacy Beakes. 

1821 Jacob Dunning. '* " 

1822 Adam Millspaugh. John W. Welle. 

* It must be understood that Col. Wm. Faulknerand Capt. Wm. Faulk- 
ner were two different men. 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1823 Stacy Beakes. John W. Wells. 

1824-25 Heury B. Wisner. Samuel Denlon. 

1826 " " Henry S. Beakes. 

1827 Jamps Faulkner. " " 

1828 .Tosiah Howell. " 

1829 William Hurtin. 

1830 Josiah Howell. 

1831 Samuel White. " 

1832-33 George Houstim. " " 

18:i4 Ilt-nry S. Beakes. " " 

1835-37 " " Lyman B. Miller. 

1838-40 " " Harvey Everett. 

1841 Tolin Brown, Jr. " ** 

1842 Harvey Everett. Charles J. Stevenson. 

1843-44 " " Hiram V.King. 

1845^6 Isaac S. Youngs. " " 

1847 George Houston. " " 

1848-49 Abraham Vail, Jr. 

1860 Lewis Vail. Gilbert 0. Hulse. 

1851 " " Silas R. Martine. 

18.i2-o3 William W. Reeve. M. Lewis Clark. 

, 1854 " " Oliver P. Coleman. 

1855 " " Peter Hood. 

1856 Halstead Sweet. Richard Graham. 

1857 '* '* Stejphen S. ConUling. 

1858 *' '* James Benton Hulse. 

1859-60 " " Daniel Corwin. 

1861-63 " " Edwin B. Hauford. 

1864-65 Wm. S.Webb. " 

1866 " " Albert H. Corwin. 

1867 Albert H. Russell. 

1870 Wm. M, McQuoid. John L. Bonnell. 

1872 Charles 11. Hintbn. Charles E. Noyes. 

1868 Henry B. Ogden, Egbert S. Puff. 

1869-71 Wm. M. McQuoid. Charles A. Wells. 

1872 Charles H. Hinton. Charles E. Noyee. 

1875 Isaac R. Clements. John F. Bradner. 

1876-77 " " Samuel S. Decker. 

1878 Alanson Slaughter. " " 

1879 Wm. B. Kovce. A.C.Harding. 

1880 " '• Benjamin V. Wolf. 

i JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1830, Samuel W. Brown ; 1831, Alexander Bell ; 1832, Henry Linder- 
man ; 1833, Henry B. Wjsner ; 1834, .loseph Slaughter ; 1836, Alex- 
ander Bell ; 1836, Henry Linderman ; 1837, William W. Reeve ; 1838, 

i Joseph Slaughter, Moses Mapes ; 1839, William Carpenter ; 1840, 

JosiahCrane; 1841, William W. Reeve; 1842, Joseph Slaughter; 1843, 
William Carpenter, Benjamin Thompson : 1844, Benjamin Thomp- 
son; 1846, William W'. Reeve; 1846, George" Houston ; 1847, William 
Carpenter ; 1848, Levi N. Moore, Harvey Everett ; 1849, William 
W, Reeve; 1850, George Houston; 1851, Samuel H. Corwin, John 
Brown, Jr.; 1852, Theodore H. Updegrove; 1853, Lewis Little, An- 
drew Pnfl ; 1864, George Houston ; 1855, Samuel H. Corwin ; 1856, 
John Brown, Jr.; 1857, Henry A. Cox, John C. Wilbur; 18.58, George 
Houston: 1859, Samuel H. Convin; 1860, John C. Wilbur, George S. 
Cox ; 1861, Lewis Vail ; 1862, George Houston ; 186.'), Samuel H. Cor- 
win : 1864, Morris W. Lee : 1866, John M. H. Little, Israel H. Wick- 

i ham, Benjamin W. Corwin ; 1866, Morris W. Lee; 1867, Samuel H. 

I Corwin ; 1868, Benjamin W. Corwin, Edwin S. Smith ; 1869, John M. 

H. Little ; 1870, Harrison Bull, A. Van West Powelson ; 1871, Samuel 
H. Corwin ; 1872, A. V. N. Powelson ; 1873, Wm. H. Stoddard; 1874, 
Harnson Bull; 1876, Samuel H. Corwin; 1876, A. V. N. Powelson; 

, 1877, Theodore A. Shaw, Nelson B. Mapes; 1878, Harrison Bull; 

1879, Nelson B. Mapes; 1880, A. V. N. Powelson. 

The consent of the town of Wallkill to sell railroad 
stock was recorded in the office of the county clerk, 
bearing date Dec. 16, 1879, and by the terms of the 
instrument " the railroad commissioners of said town 
were authorized, empowered, and directed, for the 
benefit and use of said town, at such time or times, 
and in such mode or manner, at public or private 
sale, and at such price or prices as in their judgment 
shall be best for the interest of said town, to sell and 
dispose of the stock owned by the town in the New 
York and Oswego Midland Railroad." 



V.-VILLAGES. 

MIDDLETOWN 

is situated in the south part of Wallkill, and is said 

to have received its name from the fact that the place 



WALLKILL. 



443 



is midway between Montgomery and Mount Hopo. 
Middletown is six miles west of Goslien, the county- 
seat, and is pleasantly situated in an open, level, and 
fertile section of countr)'. Its present extensive 
manufactures, its valuable trade, its multiplied 
churches, its superior institutions of learning, its 
large population, are all mostly a modern develop- 
ment. The construction of the Erie Railroad gave 
to Middletown its first decided impulse, and led to its 
rapid growth, to its stirring business activities, to its 
diversified institutions of charity, religion, and educa- 
tion. These results have not been wholly secured by 
fortunate circumstances. The leading citizens were 
men of far-seeing faith in the capabilities of the place, 
but they were also men of industry and enterprise, 
and knew that great results were not achieved by idly 
waiting on even the most favorable condition of aflairs. 
They planned largely, they invented wisely, they 
looked to the future, but with steady industry they 
also toiled to execute their plans, to make their in- 
vestments profitable, and render Middletown what 
they desired to have it. 

Their success is written in the present populous, 
cultured, and enterprising village; in the numerous 
spacious churches, whose spires point upward from 
amid the marts of trade and the thoroughfares of bus- 
iness ; in the splendid system of schools, which chal- 
lenges comparison with any in the State ; in these 
long and beautiful streets lined with pleasant resi- 
dences ; in the stores, banks, and manufactories, that 
show everywhere .solidity, integrity, enterprise. 

The following notice of one of the streets of Mid- 
dletown recalls an era of speculation equal to any- 
thing of modern times : 

'* Mulberry Street tlerived its D&nie from the fact that yeai-s ago, before 
the street was laid out, a large number of mulberry-trees were planted 
in that neighlwrhood and the uultivation of silk-worms carried on to 
some extent. Among the earliest worllers in that enterprise whs Mrs. 
Christiana Cox, the mother of Mr. Henry A. Cox, who resided on that 
street till she died, at an advanced age, December, 1880." 

Middletown village is situated on the Erie Railroad, 
sixty-seven miles from New York, and is the largest 
village in the county, Newburgh, incorporated as a 
city, alone exceeding it. Middletown is also central 
in location, or equidistant from the Hudson and Del- 
aware Rivers. The precise time when the first set- 
tlement was made in the village is not determined, 
though it was doubtless a few years preceding the 
Revolutionary war. 

John Green purchased about that time of DeLan- 
cey, a patentee under the crown of Great Britain, a 
tract of land, including that where the Congregational 
church now stands and the southern part of the village 
generally. It is a tradition that the name was agreed 
upon when the people assembled to raise the meeting- 
bouse. It was discussed something after this fashion : 
" What shall it be ? There is Dolsentown on the south, 
Goshen on the east, Scotchtown on the north, and a 
place on the west called Shawangunk. We will call 
it Middletown, it being in the centre." 



That portion of the village lying northeast of Rob- 
ert Street is in lot No. 35 of the Minisink Angle, which 
lot was bought about 1755 or '56 by Samuel Wickham 
and Daniel Moore. A settlement then commenced 
was broken up by hostile Indians during the French 
war, but was resumed a few years later and just be- 
fore the Revolution. On the division of this lot, 
David Moore took that portion lying northwest of 
High Street and northeast of the line that divided 
the farms owned in late years by P. H. Horton and 
Thomas E. Hulse ; and Samuel Wickham the central 
portion between the aforesaid lines, the whole of which 
was divided among their children and settled by them 
respectively. Samuel Wickham conveyed his portion 
to his sons Samuel and Israel and his son-in-law, Na- 
thaniel AVells. To Samuel he gave that portion nearest 
the centre of the village, to Israel the farms owned in 
late years by I. O. Beattie, Israel H. Wickham, and 
others, and to Nathaniel Wells the farm owned in 
modern times by P. H. Horton. 

Samuel was the first settler, and lived where Mrs. 
Shaw resided in later years. He soon lommenced 
keeping a house for the accommodation of travelers; 
the Minisink road being a favorite route for emi- 
grants to the West, this early tavern was well patron- 
ized. 

As early as 1742, Mr. Clinton, a surveyor employed 
in running out lot No. 35, mentions having crossed 
the " Minisink road" in several places while engaged 
in locating and subdividing the lot. The road is thus 
shown to be of considerable antiquity. A point on 
the road about a mile west of Middletown village was 
known as the White Oak bridge, from the fact that a 
bridge made of white oak poles was used for cro.ssing 
the creek ; this bridge was in existence probably as 
late as 1800. 

The wastern portion of Middletown was included in 
lot No. 36, in the Minisink Angle, owned by De 
Lancy, and as he espou.sed the royal cause his land, 
except what was sold to Mr. Green before the Revo- 
lution, was confi.scated by the State of New York. 
Three appraisers were appointed by the State to put 
a value on the land, two of whom were Israel Wick- 
ham and Henry Wisner. Mr. John N. Pronk, from 
whose account in the gazettes of 1857 these facts are 
derived, had learned from a witness to the appraisal 
that there was an earnest debate on the subject of 
valuation whether to call it six shillings or a dollar 
an acre. Wickham insisting that it would never 
be worth a dollar an acre, it was put down at six 
shillings. The land confiscated takes in the west- 
ern part of the village, and consisted of about 200 
acres. 

Other early settlers of Middletown were Capt. Jona- 
than Owen, Abel WoodhuU, Daniel Wells and Na- 
thaniel Wells, Joseph Baird, Wm. Baird, Henry B. 
AVisner, Matthias Keene, Daniel Corwin, Isaiah Vail, 
Dr. Hanford, Jesse Corwin, Elisha Corwin, Gabriel 
Wells, John Wells, Moses H. Corwin, and Stacey 



444 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11 



Beakes, all of whom contributed more or less to its 
prosperity. 

The first store was kept by Abel Woodhiill. 

Isaiah Vail also had an early store at Monhagen, 
opposite the White Oak bridge mentioned above. 
The following map, drawn by W. W. Reeve in 1876 
from undoubted authorities, gives an excellent view 



The first election was held April 20th. Under the 
same date Henry S. Beakes, Israel H. Wickhani, and 
William H. Reeve certify to the county judge that 
they presided as inspectors of election at a meeting 
held at the house of Joseph Monell on that day ; that 
the proposition to incorporate the village of Middle- 
town was adopted by a vote of one hundred and 




DAVIP COllWIN DiK'Lconm 



MAP or MIDDLETOWN. 



of Middletown in 1792. It is taken from the Manual 
of the First Congregational Church of Middletown. 

It appears from a census taken in 1807 that the 
village of Middletown then consisted of nine families : 
those of Obadiah Vail, Matthias Keene, Ralph Keeler, 
Jesse Corwin, Samuel Canfield, Robert Thompson, 
William Owen, Nathaniel Penny, Susan Dunning, 
and the population was forty-five. 

It will be noticed that a greater number of names 
than these appear on the above map of 1792. But 
the census applied only to a small portion of the ter- 
ritory embraced on the map. 

Incoepoeation. — At a Court of Sessions held at 
the court-house in Newburgh, Feb. 10, 1848, present 
David W. Bate, county judge, Samuel W. Eager, 
Frederick A. Hoyt, justices of sessions, Stacey Beakes, 
John B. Hanford, Lewis Vail, Israel O. Beattie, and 
E. M. Madden made application to have Middletown 
incorporated. 

The court appointed Henry S. Beakes, Israel H. 
Wickham, and W. W. Reeve to call a meeting of citi- 
zens to vote "no" or "yes." The election was held 
at the house of Joseph Monell, March 25, 1848. 



twenty-three in the affirmative and seventy-seven in 
the negative. 

The publication of the required number of notices 
was verified by the affidavit of J. S. Brown. The 
proceedings were approved by Judge D. W. Bate, and 
recorded April 7, 1848. 

The first officers other than trustees and clerk were 
Nathan H. Corwin, Wm. M. Graham, and Edward M. 
Madden, assessors ; Wm. M. Graham, treasurer ; Hi- 
ram V. King, collector; and Courtland S. Hulse, 
pound-master. 

The first meeting of the trustees was held at 
the shop of C. S. Hulse, on North Street. Stacey 
Beakes was appointed president. Messrs. Beattie, 
Hoyt, and Dusenberre were named as a committee to 
ascertain the expense of procuring the incorporation, 
the purchase of the necessary blank books, the prob- 
able cost of an engine-house, and to select a proper 
location for the same ; to confer with the owners of 
Protection Fire Engine, No. 2, now in this village, as 
to the terms on which said engine can be procured. 
At a subsequent meeting the committee reported the 
expenses of incorporation as follows : 



WALLKILL. 



445 



Juhii C. Dimmick. Esq., professional services $2.00 

Israel 0. Beattie, services 4,50 

Wni. W. Reeve, Esq., surveyor 8.14 

Isaac H. Wickharn, inspector of election 2.62J^ 

John S. Brown, priutiug 12.<i5 

$29.92 

Other claims were added afterwards (see below). 

The committee reported with reference to '* Protec- 
tion Fire Engine Company, No. 2," that the owners of 
the engine had been represented. before the board by 
Henry P. Roberts and Henry S. Horton, who had 
offered to sell at a " fair and reasonable price." In 
the matter of an engine-house the committee reported 
that Richard Van Horn, builder, had calculated the 
expense at $350 ; that the Congregational Church had 
expressed a willingness to lease the ground occupied 
by the old engine-house for the erection of a new 
house. 

The trustees voted to submit to the electors resolu- 
tions to raise 

For stationery $15.00 

Oil ami fuel 10.00 

Keeping engine iu repair 15.00 

$40.00 
Expense of incorporation 45.00 

Total $85.00 

The following is a list of trustees from 1848 to the 
present time : 

1848.— Stacey Beakes, president; Coe Dill, Wm. Hoyt, I. O. Beattie, D. 

C. Dusenberre ; J. D. Friend, clerk. 
1849.— John Bailey, presiilent; I. 0. Beattie, H. S. Beakes, Coe Dill, H. 

P. Roberts; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1850.— Wm. Hoyt, president; H. P. Roberts, I. 0. Beattie, Hiram Kaiu, 

Lewis Vail ; J, N. Pioiik. clerk. 
1851.:-I. 0. Beattie, president; Thomas A. Harding, Gilbert Hulse, S. S. 

Wickluini, .Tolin Bailey ; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1852. — I. 0. Beattie, president; A. C.King, Ricbard Van Horn, John 

Bailey, David W. Corvvin ; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1853. — John Bailey, president; Richard Van Horn, John T. Ludliim, A. 

C. King, S. S. Wickhaiu ; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1854. — Richard Van Horn, president; Joseph Lemon, Robert H. Houston, 

H. H. Hunt, Hloses H. Corwin ; S. R. Marline, clerk. 
1855. — John Bailey, president; H. H. Hunt, Joseph Lemon, R. Van Horn, 

H. R. Wilcox ; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1856.— H. R. Wilcox, president; R. H. Houston, Lewis Vail, A. C. King, 

George Blancbard; George Houston, clerk. 
1857. — H. R, Wilcox, president; Joseph Lemon, Lewis Vnil, Richard 

Van Horn, George Blanchard; J. N. Pronk, clerk. 
1858.— H. R. Wilcox, president; Richard Van Horn, W. T. Ludlum, H. 

H. Hunt, James Lyttle; Danl. Gorwiu, clerk. 
1859.— J. N. Pronk, piesid.-nt; James Lyttle, H. H. Hunt, Richard Van 

Horn, W, T. Ludlum ; H. A. Cox, clerk. 
I860.— J. N. Pronk, president; Ricliard Van Horn, W. T. Ludlum, H. H. 

Hunt, James Lyttle; Danl. Corwin, Clerk. 
1861.— J. N. Pronk, president ; W. T. Ludlum, Richard Van Horn, John 

Mackay, J. W. Hoyt; Danl. Corwin, clerk. 
1862.— J. N. Pronk, president ; John Mackay, Levi Starr, Richard Van 

Horn, J. B. Hulse ; Daniel Corwin, clerk. 
1863. — J. N. Pronk, president : R. Van Horn, J. Mackay, Levi Starr, J. 

B. Hnlse; Daniel Corwin, cterk. 
1864. — J. N. Pronk, president: R. Van Horn, John Mackay, Levi Starr, 

J. B. Hiilse ; Jirah I. Foote, clerk. 
1865.— J. B. Hulse, president; R. Van Horn, W. T. Barker, M. H. Van 

Keuren, Stephen Sweet ; Daniel Corwin,* clerk. 
1866.— J. B. Hulse, president ; R. Van Horn, S. Sweet, M. H. Van Keuren, 

W. T. Barker; Jirah I. Foote, clerk. 
1867.-^. B. Huise, president; R. Van Horn, William Clemson, M. H. 

Van Keuren, S. Sweet; Jirah I. Foote, clerk. 

* Mr. Corwin declined, and Jirah I. Foote was appointed. 



1868.— Stephen Sweet, president; E. P. Wheeler, W. H. Van Keuren, 
Jacob Keene, Wm. Clemson ; Jirah I. Foote, clerk. 

1869. — Daniel H. Bailey, president; George A. Swaim, Coe Robertson, J. 
B. Toulon, 0. P. Reeve; Wm. B. Royce, clerk. 

1870. — Daniel H. Bailey, president; George A. Swaim, Coe Robertson, J. 
B. Toulon, 0. P. Reeve; W. B. Royce, clerk. 

1871. — M. H. Van Keuren, president; G. A. Swaim, A. A. Bromley, 0. B. 
Vail, G. J. King; G. H. Decker, clerk. 

1872. — Halstead Sweet, president;! 1st Ward, L. Crawford, G. A. Swaim; 
2d Ward. B. W. Shaw, D. B. Luckey; 3d Ward, T. K. Beyea, J. 
Keene; 4th Ward, L. B. Babcock, G. J. King ; J. M. Price, clerk. 

1873.— Halstead Sweet, president; 1st Ward, John A. Wallace, Hugh 
DufFey ; 2d Ward, B. W. Shaw, J. A. Swezey ; 3d Ward, D. B. Cole, 
J. Keene; 4th Ward, L. B. Babcock, J. J. Kirkpatrick : J. L. Bon- 
nell, clerk. 

1874. — Halstead Sweet, president; Ist Ward, J. A.Wallace, Hugh Duffey ; 
2d Ward, J. A. Swezey, J. B. Swaim; 3d Ward, D. B. Cole, T. K. 
Beyea; 4th Ward, J. J. Kirkpatrick, W. H. Shaw; J. L. Bonuell, 
clerk. 

1875. — Halstead Sweet, president; Ist Ward, Richard Decker, Wm. Clem- 
son; 2d Ward, J. B. Swaim, Thomas King; 3d Ward, T. K. Beyea, 
G. B. Fuller; 4th Ward, W. H. Shaw, D. D. Houston ; C. J. Boyd, 
clerk. 

1876. — James N. Pronk, president ; 1st Ward, Thomas C. Royce, M. Lewis 
Clark ;'2d Ward, Samuel A. Sease, Charies R. Smith ; 3d Ward, John 
M. Hanford, Granville B. Fuller; 4th Ward,D. Dill Houston, Archi- 
bald L. Vail ; Charles J. Boyd, clerk. 

1877.— James N. Pronk, president; Ist Ward, Alfred W. Sears, M. Lewis 
Clark ; 2d Ward, Samuel A. Sease, Ira Dorrance ; 3d Ward, John M, 
Hanford, Wm. H. Tator; 4tb Ward, Tlieodore W. Dailey, Archibald 
L. Vail ; Charles J. Boyd, clerk. 

1878.— Halstead Sweet, president; Ist Ward, Alfred W. Sears, Joseph 
Holden; 2d Ward, Thomas R. Crans, C. Charles Lutes; 3d Ward, 
Elisba R. Harding, Wm. H. Tator; 4th Ward, Theodore W. Dailey ,t 
Isaac W. Daley ;J Charles J. Boyd. 

We give the full organization for 1879 and for 1880 : 

1879. — President, Halstead Sweet ; Trustees, 1st Ward, Joseph Holden, 
Daniel Robinson ; 2d Ward, C. Charles Lutes, Thomas R. Crans ; 3d 
Ward, Elisha R. Harding, John E. Iseman ; 4tli Ward, Isaac W. Daley, 
Archibald L. Vail; Clerk, Charles J. Boyd; Treasurer, William L. 
Graham ; Collector, Ricbard Van Horn ; Street Commissioner, Charles 
J. Tliayer; Attorney, A. V. N. Powelson ; Police Justice, John F. 
Bradner ; Assessors, Edwin Jessup, Herman B. Young, Hiland H. 
Hunt ; Police, Clinton C. Veber, Elisha White, Samuel J. White, Wil- 
liam H. Carpenter. Standing Committees of the Board of Trustees: 
Ways and Means, Messrs. Vail, Lutes, and Iseman; Streets, Bridges, 
and Crosswalks, Messrs. Harding, Robinson, and Daley; Public 
Grounds and Buildings, Messrs. Holden, Harding, and Robinson; 
Lamps, Lamp Posts, and Lighting, Messrs. Iseman, Lutes, and Vail; 
Fire Department and Fire Supplies, Messrs. Crans, Harding, and 
Daley; Police Department, Messrs. Daley, Crans. and Holden; all 
other supplies, Messrs. Lutes, Holden, and Isemau ; Clerk's and 
Treasurer's Accounts, Messrs. Robinson, Vail, and Lutes. 

1880.— President, Daniel H. Bailey; Trustees, 1st Ward, Daniel Robin- 
son, James E. Blatthews ; 2d Ward, Thonuis R. Crans, Abram V. 
Boak; .M Ward, John E. Iseman, Alfred M. Bowler; 4tb Ward, 
Archibald L. Vail, John D. Crawford; Clerk, Charles J. Boyd; 
Treasurer, Daniel Corwin; Collector, John C.Owen; Street Commis- 
sioner, Charles J. Thayer; Attorney, Henry W. Wiggins; Police 
Justice, John F. Bradner; Assessors, Edwin Jessup, Herman B. 
Young, Horton Vail ; Police, Clinton C. Veber, Elisha White, Samuel 
J. White, Samuel H. Jones. Standing Committees of the Board of 
Trustees: Ways an<l Means, Messrs. Robinson, Iseman, and Mat- 
thews ; Streets, Bridges, and Crosswalks, Messrs. Iseman, Robinson, 
and Crawford; Public Grounds and Buildings, Messre. Bowler, Rob- 
inson, and Boak ; Lamps, Lamp Posts, and Lighting, Slessrs. Boak, 
Crans, and Bowler; Fire Department and Fire Supplies, Messrs. 
Crans, Vail, and Bi:)ak ; Police Department, Messrs. Crawford, Bow- 
ler, aiul Matthews; all other supplies, Messrs. Vail, Iseman, and 
Crans; Clerk's and Treasurer's Accounts, Messrs. Matthews, Vail, 
and Crawford. 



f President thereafter elected for two years by the people instead of 
by the board, and two trustees from each of four wards. 

I These two names should be spelled differently as they are here given. 



446 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Post-Office of Middletown was established 
on the 22d of October, 1816. Stacey Beakes was ap- 
pointed the first postmaster, and continued in office 
until Feb. 1, 1826, when he was succeeded by his son, 
Henry S. Beakes. 

On June 23, 1829, the name of the office was changed 
to South Middletown. Lewis Vail was appointed 
postmaster Feb. 3, 1842, and Dec. 14, 1844, he was 
succeeded by AVilliam Hoyt. March 24, 1849, Oliver 
P. Coleman was appointed, and on Sept. 10, 1849, the 
name of the office was again changed to Middle- 
town. Dec. 21, 1853, Hiram V. King was appointed 
to succeed Mr. Coleman. His successor was James 
B. Hallock for about eighteen. years. The present 
postmaster, Joseph L. Cleft, was appointed the 1st of 
April, 1879. 

The receipts of the first quarter in 1817, rendered by 
Stacey Beakes, were 69 cents. In 1826 the receipts had 
risen to $16.12 a quarter; in 1854, to $257.79. 

Middletown Lyceum. — This association was or- 
ganized at a meeting held at the Methodist Episcopal 
church, Dec, 6, 1841. Rev. Daniel T. Wood was 
chosen chairman, and James N. Pronk secretary. A 
committee, consisting of James N. Pronk, Edward M. 
Madden, Joseph D. Friend, and Robert Jackaway, 
was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws. 
The committee reported on the 13th, and the officers 
elected were George Little, president; Morgan L. 
Sproat, vice-president ; James N. Pronk, secretary ; 
Isaac Bannister, treasurer; J. Manning Finch and 
Nathaniel Conkling, associate executive committee. 
The introductory lecture was delivered by Rev. D. T. 
Wood, Dec. 20, 1841, succeeded that year by Rev. Dr. 
McCartee, J. W. Gott, Prof. Wm. Bross, Moses Swezey, 
Rev. J. McReynolds, Rev. James Arbuckle, and Rev. 
Z. N. Lewis. Regular debates were also held during 
the winter and the following spring. 

Measures were taken in January, 1842, to establish 
a library, and a collection of some 300 volumes was 
then obtained ; but the Lyceum Hall being destroyed 
by fire in the autumn of 1845, the books and records 
were in part destroyed. 

This hall was on Main Street, and was fittted up by 
Dill & Houston. Another hall was fitted up on the 
same street by Henry E. Horton, in which its meet- 
ings were afterwards held. In 1851 Gothic Hall was 
erected, and the meetings of the lyceum transferred 
to that place. The first and third anniversaries of 
the formation of the lyceum were celebrated by a col- 
lation and appropriate literary exercises. At the first 
Rev. James Arbuckle delivered the address, and at 
the third James N, Pronk. 

Its lecture courses, especially in the earlier years, 
were of unusual interest and eminently successful. 
The most noted platform orators in the country came 
to Middletown at the call of the lyceum. 

Fire Department. — John W. Hasbrouck's " Di- 
rectory of Middletown," 1858, says of the Fire De- 
partment : 



"The village is provided with two fire engines,— one called Middle- 
town, and the other Protection No. 2, and also a good supply of hooks 
and ladders; also an engine-house located on Main Street, adjoining the 
Congregational church. There have been several fire company organi- 
zations, but none acting as such at present. The corporation authorities 
hire a person to keep the engine and other fire apparatus in good work- 
ing order. It is expected that measures will be taken for the purchase 
of another fire engine during the present season. There are also eleven 
public cisterns and wells located in different parts of the village, to be 
used only in case of fire." 

To this account of Middletown we have the plea- 
sure of adding the following article, written by ^Miss 
Sarah Wilkinson : 

RECOLLECTIONS OF SAMUEL DENTON* MIDDLETOWN, N. Y. 

I was born in Connecticut; came to Orange County for the first time 
in 1817, but did not move liere until 1818. I spent four weeks at Ches- 
ter, then I succeeded Abijah Middlebrooks at the "Outlet," now called 
Denton. I occupied the store-house which T. B. Denton had removed, 
and upon the same ground built the house now occupied by his son 
Theodore J. Dentou. In the spring of 1820 I moved to Mechanictown, 
and continued the same business for one year. Then Mechanictown 
was quite a lively place, now it is like some place forsaken. April 1, 1821, 
I moved to Middletown, and opened a store in a building which stood on 
Main Street, where Albert Bull & Co. keep store. Then Middletown 
consisted of three streets, Blaiu, North, and South. North Street was a 
narrow street, mostly filled with lumber, which was Stacey Beakes' prin- 
cipal article of traffic. Wliere Depot and King Streets are, and the build- 
ings upon them, was a pond, which was a favorite place of resort for boys 
to skate upon in winter. The edifice which stood on the Congregational 
church ground was the only place of woi-ship. Rev. William Blain was 
the minister who presideil at that time, but was not a settled pastor. The 
school-house stood where the building familiarly known as the "Old 
Bank" stands, now owned by J. Davis' heii-a. Two brothers, Gabriel and 
John Wells, kept store where J. T. King's drug-sture is now, but during 
this year they dissolved, and Gabriel went tu New Windsor. Stacey 
Beakes kept another store on the corner, now known as Denton's corner. 
Dr. David Haudford (father of John B. Handford) was tlie only physician 
for this place and vicinity, lie lived in the house which stood on the 
same site where my house now stands. I bought of him and removed 
the old building. Then the land, now lying in the very centre of 
Middletown, could be bought for SoO per acre, and that thought to be 
a good price. John B. Cox (father of H. Cox, Mrs, Edwin Jessup, and 
Mrs. J. T. King) was a harness-maker, and lived on South Street where 
Mrs. J. M. Matthews now lives. There is not a person living in Middle- 
town DOW who lived here when I came here, except two or three who 
were mere infants. 

The first hotel was kept by Smith, which Seth llolden owned, 

now Kearney's ; there Is scarcely a building now used for a hotel in Mid- 
dletown that was built for that purpose. In 1822 I purchased the cor- 
ner (now known as Denton's corner) of Stacey Beakes and I. Prall,of New 
York. I continued tlie mercantile business up to 1856, and think I kept 
store more years than any man ever has in Middletown. B. W. Shaw is 
' next. Not a place of business is occupied by a descendant of the old 
j firms. In my early days of store-keeping the inconvenience of getting the 
goods from New York can better be imagined than described. I usually 
I spent a week in making my purchases. Merchants did not go so often 
j as now, so they were obliged to buy goods enough to last about half a 
I year; going to New York twice a year was about all tliey could do. I 
I had to go by Newburgh. I would leave home very early Slonday morn- 
[ ing, and then if I was fortunate enough to meet a boat I would go 
I directly to New York, there spend the week up to Friday night in buy- 
ing such articles as my memorandum called for; then I would take a 
! boat, if possible, for home, spending a night and day on the road, often 
being until the late hours of Saturday night before I reached home. 
Traveling by water was a very slow and uncertain way of getting from 
place to place, — many times would be delayed two or three days waiting 
for a boat to come. After the goods were brought to Newburgh by water, 
then the remaining twenty miles they must be carried in wagons. I 
think I can truly say I have traveled over the road from here to New- 

* Samuel Denton, born May 10, 1794, near Wilton, Conn., married Pau- 
line Darling, of Amenia, Duchess Co. Has resided over fifty years at his 
present home, on South Street, Middletown. The children all reside in 
Middletown, and are Mrs. Mary D. Graham, George L., and Frank B. 



WALLKILL. 



447 



burgh every hour in the day and night, and every day in the year and 
all kinds of weather. How many merchants would think they could 
undergo what I have passed through when I was building up my busi- 
ness, and thereby doing all that lay in my power for the benefit and im- 
provement t'f the now flourishing village of Middletown. 

Most of the old buildings have been reniovtjd, and better and larger 
ones taken their places. The first brick building was built by George S. 
Corwin, on South Street, where Mns. Joseph King now lives; that was 
in 1837. 

When I came to Middletown the post-office was established, but only 
a few years old. It was kept in a secretary on Denton's corner. Stacey 
Beakes was postmaster. The mail was carried by post-riders, and only 
received twice a week. Many things differ from now. In summer, beef 
was a luxury reserved for a feast on Fourth of July ; one year a cow or 
ox would be killed in Middletown, and half of it sent to Goshen, and 
the next year the Goshen people would do the killing and send half to 
Middletown. Such was the case for a few years. 

Hector Van Cleft (father of Lewis H. Van Cleft, the present post- 
master) opened the first meat-market here, where Samuel Ayres now 
keeps grocery; others killed and brought it here and sold from the 
wagon, but he kept a market where different kinds of meat could be 
found at all times. One day a customer coming into the market and 
seeiug so much meat hanging up, said to Van Cleft, *' Do you kill a whole 
beef at a time?" What would tliat same person say now to see how 
many are killed and brought into Middletown every day in the year? 
Mrs. Lydia Smith kept a boarding-house near where J. N. Kellogg is now. 
I boarded with her, 

Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Watkins, taught a private school on 
South Street. I think Zina Kellogg opened tlie first grocery, where his 
son John keeps. Others kept diy-goods and groceries; he kept only 
groceries. 

John H. Corwin, now of Newburgh, built the first Presbyterian meet- 
ing-house, in 182'J. He bought the orchard facing on North Street, 
opened the street, and called it Orchard Street, from the fact it was 
througli his orchard. He also built the first liouse upon that street. I 
have assisted twice to build a house upon the present site of the First 
Presbyterian church. 

Mrs. Lina Dobson, a most estimable woman, kept the first milliner- 
shop, on E:ist Main Street, a few doors above Pronk's drug-store. James 
Little came from Hampton, bought land, built the house, and lived 
where Dr. Dorrance now lives. He opened James Street and named it 
for himself. He also built a house on Mulbeiry Street for his brother-in- 
law, Dr. Pronk ; it is now occupied by his sou, James N. Pronk. In 1838 
he built the parsonage for the First Presbyterian Church at his own ex- 
pense (costing $1500), on grounds belonging to the congregation. Rev. 
Daniel T. Wood was the first occupant. Dr. John B. McMunn came 
from Scotchtown, and was a noted physician in the early days of Middle- 
town. William F. Sharp was the firat lawyer of the place; he remained 
only a shOrt time, when he went to Goshen, where he is at present. His 
brother taught school on North Street. E. M. Madden opened the first 
tin-shop, on Main Street neaily opposite Canal Street. After a few years 
he entered in partnership with E. P. Wheeler, and opened the foundry 
where A. L. Vail is now. Previous to this two brothers, Hiram and String- 
ham Dunning, built what is now known as "Tandy Block," and opened 
a foundry, but continued only a short time. After the Erie Railroad was 
built as far as Goshen, and the road graded to Middletown, the company 
were obliged to leave it so on account of insufficient means to complete 
the work. Joseph Davis, myself, and some twenty-five others (whom I 
cannot mention) furnished the means to buy the rails, thus completing 
the road to this place, and on June 12, 1843, we had the great pleasure of 
witnessing the arrival of the first cars in Middletown. John Bailey built 
the depot and was the fii-st agent. 

I helped to organize the first bank in 1831), kept on Main Street, where 
Daniel H. Bailey now lives. 

The Bloomiugburgh plank-road, opened in 1850, was a great benefit to 
Middletown. I aided in its building, and waa the first president; re- 
mained so for many yeaiB. 

The Wallkill Academy, organized in 1841, was a good mark for a small 
village. As on other occasions, I wa-s present and gave my assistance; 
was also the first president of this institution. 

I never held a public office, only town clerk for two or three years; 
preferred always to attend to private affairs. 

I have seen the place increase from less than 100 people to about 8000; 
witnessed many great changes; have seen all the noted buildings of this 
place during their erection and completion; have outlived many worthy 
persons of my early years, seen them pass one by one until I am the last 
to relate these facts. 



The old dwelling on West Main Street, belonging 
to ]\Ioses A\^riglu, Avhich was torn down this year, was 
built in 1841, It was in its day considered quite a 
pretentious dwelling. The brick block consisted of 
three buildings; they were all built atone time by 
the late David Clark, upon the site of a tannery owned 
and operated by Kobert Houston and Charles Dill. 
Mr. Wright's house was built directly over the old 
tannery vats, and the builder, not thinking a good 
foundation of much importance, simply threw a quan- 
tity of loose dirt and stones into the vat-holes, and 
upon this flimsy foundation erected his brick wall. 
The building began to settle the following year, and 
continued to settle until at last it was considered un- 
safe and ordered removed. 

In the building next door, now occupied by L. L. 
Purdy, was located the first hat-factory established 
in Middletown. It was started by Judd & John- 
son, two Connecticut men, and run for some years. 
They gave employment to half a dozen men, and 
turned out from twelve to fifteen dozen hats per day. 
All the work was done at that time by hand. The 
hat business now amounts to eight hundred dozen per 
day. A story is told of Judd, a member of the above 
firm, which is very timely just now, showing that Dr. 
Tanner is not the only faster. Middletown had one 
in earlier time. Judd attended the Methodist Church, 
and during a revival season was converted. For some 
time religion was his only thought, and he became a 
I'egular religious enthusiast. While in this condition, 
he one day announced to his friends that he had re- 
ceived a revelation from God, instructing him to fast 
and pray for forty days as a penance for his many 
sins. He at once began his fast, which lasted just 
four days, when, as be said, the Lord, but, as the 
irreverent said, his stomach, told him to go to eating 
again. He was as ready to accept the second revela- 
tion as he had been the first, and so, abandoning fast- 
ing, he resumed the manufacture of hats. 

SCOTCHTOWN 

is situated on high ground, the section of country 
being about one thousand feet above tide-water. It 
undoubtedly took its name from the nationality of 
the early settlers. McVey, McWhorter, Mclnnis, 
McLaughlin, McCord, are names sufficiently proving 
the origin of Scotchtown, 

George Houston gave three acres of land for the 
churchyard and burying-ground ; the first person 
buried there was a child of Benjamin Simons; in a 
few weeks after Mrs. Patrick Bodle and Mrs. George 
Houston were buried the same day ; this was in the 
fall of 1801. 

The first store was opened in 1803, by Robert Ster- 
ritt, in the house where Dickinson lives. 

John Brown was the first postmaster; the post-office 
was in a building on the northeast corner of the 
village. 

The business at the present time consists of the 



448 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



store of Mr. Coleman, who is also postmaster; Sloats' 
wagon-shop, and Clark's blacksmith-shop. 

MECHANICTOWN 
is a village about two miles east of Middletown, 
which sprang up many years ago around the forge and 
trip-hammer works of Messrs. Otis & Miller. Other i 
manufactories followed. The place now comprises 
but few business places. The old woolen-factory, 
which was located here, was destroyed by fire a year 
ago. 

The old hotel was also burned and two old land- 
marks disappeared. There is a small new hotel, kept j 
by Roberts & Co. ; a glove manufactory and a feed- I 
mill, in the same building, by Mr. Dewsknapp ; 
blanket-weaving by John Oldroy. 

The large factory and the hotel that were burned 
belonged, in late years, to the Newsomes. 

CIRCLEVILLE 
is about half-way between Scotchtown and Blooming- 
burgh, on the old turnpike from Goshen to Blooming- 
burgh. Its post-office furnishes mail facilities for 
something of a " circle" of country roundabout. Mr. 
Samuel Bull was for many years the leading man of 
the place. After the division of the Presbyterian 
Church in the United States into Old School and 
New, 1837, a church was organized at Circleville in 
the interest of the New School denomination, and 
their house of worship was erected on the property of 
Mr. Bull. 

This place is now a station on the Crawford Rail- 
road. Mr. Harrison Bull is the agent in charge. He 
is also postmaster, the office being kept at the store of 
John Bull. Circleville post-office was established in 
1850. Daniel Bull was postmaster until 185.5, when he 
resigned, and his brother Harrison was appointed, who 
is the present postmaster. The other business of the 
place comprises the stores of G. T. Bull and of John 
Bull ; blacksmith-shops by George B. Wallace and by 
W. H. Odell ; wagon-shops by L. C. Terwilliger and 
by A. A. Foster ; shoe-shops by James Moore and by 
Joseph Ogden ; two creameries, one by the Circleville 
Milk Association, the other by D. W. Berry, who is a 
large operator in this line, having another creamery, 
known as the Rockville, and one also in Goshen ; H. 
S. Wilkison, a little out from the village, does mis- 
cellaneous wood-work, and also operates a cider-mill. 

The village is very pleasantly situated, with a rich 
agricultural region around it. Many comfortable and 
even elegant residences give ample proof of the in- 
dustrious and well-to-do character of the people. 

Of this village Miss Sarah E. Wilkison wrote a 
few years since : 

" CircIeviUe is a em.iU but iileasantlj'-situated village in the town of 
Wallkill (now on the line of tlie Crawford Railroail). It lias a population 
of about 100 inhabitants. Its growth has been slow, as it has no water 
privilege, and until 1871 was five miles from a railroad. Previous to 
1791 but little is known of it, as at that time it was a thick forest, with 
a single log house, occupied by Mr. Coddington, near where the village 
now stands. Not even a road, only as travelei-s were guided by marked 



trees. The road leading from Goshen to Blooniingburgh reached witbiD 
a mile at that time, and in about two years it passed through what is now 
Circleville, although much unlike the road of the present time. The 
road was made by simply cutting down the trees and digging out the lar- 
gest rocks. By this process it was made very crooked, and remained so 
for many years, notwithstanding the great inconvenience of traveling a 
rouudaliout way to get a short distance. For the next five years nothing 
occurred worthy of uote, only they cleared more of the land each year, 
but no further building took place until the year 1800, when George 
Niver, who lived on Col. Xewkirk's farm (which is now Circleville and 
vicinity ), built a small frame house as a payment for his rent, and a por- 
tion of that building may yet be seen in a barn now owned by Alexander 
Jordan. Col. Newkirk was then quite an old man, and in about ten 
years he died, when his farm was purchased by the brothers, .Simeon and 
William Bush, William having 30 acres, and Simeon the remainder. 
Until this time oidy three or four farm-houses had been built, and three 
of them are yet standing on their original sites. 

"The connti-y around was thinly settled ; churches, schools, and shops 
were at a distance. No business was carried on for miles around, except 
a pottery, which was erected by David JIandeville, and was operated by 
him for many years, it being then one of the most extensive branches of 
business in the country. He was unfortunate in having his buildings 
burned three times, and after the third loss be moved his family to Wa- 
verly, and the business was never re-established, Samuel Bull ptirchased 
the farm of the brothers Bush in 1831, and built the stone house which 
yet occupies a prominent site in Circleville. Nothing unusual transpired 
for the next ten years. Tiiere were a few changes and some improve- 
ments. In the year 1841 the inhabitants of the territory long known 
as Bull Hack felt the need of having divine service more accessible 
than it had been, and accordingly invited the Rev Daniel T. Wood, of 
Middletown, to meet and advise with them i-especting the propriety of 
an organization." (See " Churclies.") "After estjtblishing a church 
it was thought proper to give the place some name ; accordingly, at a 
meeting held Nov. 20, 1841, at the house of Samuel Bull, it was decided 
that it should be called Circleville merely as a matter of choice."* 

PHILLIPSBURGH 

lies east of Middletown, on the Wallkill. Across the 
river there is an elevation known as Hopper Hill, so 
named because somebody fancied that the topograjjhy 
of the hill, or a depression in the rear, resembled the 
hopper of a grist-mill. 

Further east is Mount Joy, said to have been named 
by a company of men who were lost for a time in the 
wilderness, but having climbed this eminence they 
saw the Wallkill, and instantly knew their location. 
In their "gushing" joy they christened the mountain 
with a perpetual memorial of their feelings. 

Phillip.sburgh is an old point of settlement, and a 
place of great expectations. With its magnificent 
water-power, with its government tontracts for pow- 
der during the war of the Revolution, with the noted 
men who settled there, and the fine farming country 
around it, it had every prospect of advanced growth. 
It was a place of trade, and the people from the vi- 
cinity of what is now Middletown went to Phillips- 
burgh to do their shopping. 

The change of public routes, the growth of Middle- 
town as an important railway village, dwarfed Phil- 
lipsburgh. There are now no stores or business places 
there except the grist-mills, one on the northwest side 
of the stream, owned by H. B. Hulse, and run by 
George M. White, the other on the opposite side of 
the stream, owned by T. & J. Marsh. There is a 

* It was proposed by Mrs. Mary Bull, who thought Circleville, of Ohio, 
a very pleasant name. It was immediately assented to by the others 
present. 



WALLKILL. 



449 



blacksmith-shop by Charles L. White. The Hulse 

mill was originally a t'ulling-mill, and the old stone 
dye-house still stands near it. The old powder- I 
magazine of 1776 is said to have been at the present ! 
Slauson place. T. & J. Marsh also run a distillery. I 

We add the following article, as giving many items 
on several of the villages of Wallkill. 

RECOLLECTIOXS OF HALF A CENTURY. ! 

"About half a century ago Middletowu stood precisely where it staiidB 
now, with its surroundings of hills and vaileya and water-courses and 
highways and by-ways, but tlie inhabitants have changed very much. 
It had one meeting-house, the Congregational, which stood nearly 
where the new one is building. Abel Jackson was the preacher, and ; 
Isaiah Vail was the chorister. The village had a school-house, standing I 
where Emmet Moore's house stands now, ou South Street, The writer of 
this article was the teacher, with about forty-five scliolars, gathered from ' 
the whole village and its suburbs. Middletowu, all told, contained thirty 
families and about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, viz.: Sam. Ben- \ 
nett, Charles Weed, Alex. Murray, Abigail Howell, Robert Kelly, Moses 
Corwin, Stacey Beakes, Elisha Corwin, Sam. Canfield, Ob. Vail, Josiah 
Vail, Luther Vail, Abel Darby (colored), Mary Wickham, Ralph Keeier, ' 
Nat. Penny, Jesse Corwin, Jane Knapp, James Smith, Saml. Denton, I 
Lydia Smith, John Wells, Gabriel Wells, Daniel Hulse, Peter Hulse, ' 
Shelden Ensign, Temperance Brown, Susan Hill, William Owen, and 
John Cox. I 

'* Henry Wiuser and Isaiah Vail, justices of the peace at different 
periods; Elijali Welch, counselor and attorney; Ralph Keeler, consta- j 
ble. Ob. Vail and Stephen Smith kept public-house; John Cox, tanner ,' 
and currier (Robt. Houston and Charles Dill will be remembered in this I 
connection later) ; S. Canfield, shoemaker; Francis Drake, harness- 
maker; Isaiah Smith and Shelden Ensign, blacksmiths; Peter Hulse, | 
wagon-maker; Eliad Tryon, cooper; Silas Hulse made whisky, and ' 
Abel Darby corn-brooms; David Hanford, physician ; Jesse Corwin j 
made fanning-mills; Gabriel Wells. Stacey Beakes, and Sam. Denton, 
merchants, furnished diy-goods, hardware, and, if they followed the 
custom of the times, rum and tobacco; Lydia Smith sold ginger-cake 
and beer; Nat Penny made hats; and Charles Weed, spinning-wheels. 

"To the best of the writer's recollection, the little borougli ou the 
stream supplying Houston's mill, a mile or so above town, was called 
White-Oak Bridge, and afterward ' Monhagen.' It once boasted a small 
grist- and saw-mill, and a store and tivern, kept by Isaac Vail. 

" Obviously, a man looking at the village of fifty years ago, and then at 
the Middletowu of to-day, m\ist exclaim, ' What hath time wrought !' 

In those days Phillipsburgh did a thriving businpss. Dr. Phillips carried 
on the grist-mill now owned by Mr. Marsh, also the carding-mill near, — 
now not used, — and built the blacksmith-shop ; also built and conducted 
the cider and distillery establishments, these on the south side of Wall- 
kill River. Opposite, Col. Moses Phillips ami son Moses did an extensive 
mercantile business, while William fulled and manufactured wool quite 
largely where Hulse's mill stands now, and afterwards built the Me- 
chanictown mills. Another son of Col. Pliillips, George, earned on 
grist- and fulling-mills fartlier up on the Wallkill, the history of wliich 
is still fresh in the memory of the elderly and nnddle-aged. The old 
plot near Pliillipsburgh used for burying is very old: dates back of your 
correspondent's memory, 

"One thing might confidently be claimed in behalf of the village for 
situation, viz. ; travel far as the reader please, he could scarce find an- 
other so quiet and beautiful valley and delightsome stream as the local- 
ity at Phillipsburgh. 

" Lastly, I will only trouble you with one locality moie, — a kind of 
little ' city set on a hill.' Fifty years ago Scotchtown had its Presbyterian 
Church, with Mathuselali Baldwin for pastor. The community came 
honestly by its name. Among the early settlers might be mentioned 
the McWilliamses, McCarters, McWhorter, McVey, McGinnis, McLaugh- 
lin, McNeal, McCture, with others of less Scotch in name, but none the 
lees in composition. Not far on the Middletowu road stood, and still 
stands, now unocc\ipied, probably tlie oldest residence in the town of 
Wallkill, built of stone in 1791 by Caleb Goldsmith, Sr. Dr. Joshua 
Hornbeck was then the practicing physician. The village had its store, 
—the fii-st by Robt. Sterritt, then by Everson ; its tiivern by Elijah 
Seeley, afterwards by Jno. G, Houston ; also a blacksmith- and wagon- 
shop, the latter by Thos. Bell. David Slauson (father of diaries Slau- 
son) was a thoroughgoing carpenter of the neighborhood. The buryiug- 



ground opposite the church had been in use already a long period for 
the purpose. The first church edifice was constructed too far back for 
the writer's knowledge. It was not seated and finished, however, until 
18(16. The place had no post-ofiice till years later. Mail matter was re- 
ceived at an ofiice known as 'Wallkill,' kept by Slonell, about a mile 
south of Stony Ford Bridge. Here also election was held for some years, 
though not the town-meetings. 

" Scotchtown occupies one of the most elevated and sightly situations 
in Orange County. An incident : On receipt of the news of the favora- 
ble termination of the battle of New Orleans, and conclusion of the 
treaty of peace after the war of 1S12, the staid inhabitants resolved on 
a public rejoicing and church illumination, which proved a decided suc- 
cess, the illumination attracting general attention and remark through 
a large extent of country commonly known as the valley of the Wall- 
kill. But, better still, its moral light was never hid, since it has nearlj' 
uniformly, and justly too, enjoyed the reputation of being one of the 
most solid, sober, and religious communities to be found. 

" Old Sc:hoolsiaster. 

"June, 1872." 

HOWELL'S DEPOT 
is a station on the Erie Railroad next northwest from 
Middletown, and is near the line of Mount Hope. 
Tlie post-oflBce was established about 1846. Samuel 
C. Howell, after whom the place is named, was the 
first postmaster, and served about ten years. His suc- 
cessors have been Judson Horton, two years; H. 
Bevans,six years; J. T. Roe, eight years; Samuel Bull, 
two years; T. M. Walter, five years; and, since the 
last named, L. Coleman, the present incumbent. 

The present business of Howell's Depot comprises 
the freighting and general traffic of the Erie Railroad 
at this point, stores, general merchandise, by H. 
Bevans and B. Mapes ; drug-store, Dr. S. E. Putney ; 
hardware-store and tin-shop, by L. Coleman, who is 
also postmaster; a hotel, by S. H. Case; blacksmith- 
shops, by Henry Beyea and by Ira Lockwood ; wagon- 
shop, by Joseph G. Sharp ; meat-market, by George 
Lansing ; shoemaker-shops, by Milton Crist and 
James H. St. John. 

The village is finely situated, commanding an ex- 
tensive view of a rich agricultural section, bounded 
to the north and west by the Shawangunk Mountains. 
The Congregational church is one of the finest houses 
of worship that can be found in a rural village of this 
size. Its interior is peculiarly neat and convenient, 
the excellent proportions, the modest yet beautiful 
frescoing, the superior arrangement of the desk and 
recess for the choir, all prove that taste and refine- 
ment do not depend on wealth or on the culture of 
a large city. 

VAN BURENVILLE 
is the name bestowed upon a village west of Craw- 
ford Junction, and near the northeast angle of the 
town of Mount Hope. It arose from the establish- 
ment of a post-office there forty or fifty years ago by 
that name, given no doubt in honor of President 
Martin Van Buren. It was formerly a place of con- 
siderable business on the old stage-route from Middle- 
town to Bloomingburgh, in Sullivan County. 

The opening of the plank-road by a shorter line 
left Van Burenville away from routes of much travel 
and its business disappeared. The post-office facili- 
ties were transferred to Howell's, on the Erie Railroad. 



450 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



SAND STATION 
is a stopping-place on tlie Oswego Midland, a mile or 
more north of Middletown. 

FAIR OAKS 
has a post-office, and it is also a station upon the 
Midland Railroad, now known as the New York, On- 
tario and Western. 

It was established Ma_v 14, 1872. Matthew S. As- 
kew was appointed postmaster, and has retained the 
office to the present time (1880). Mr. Askew is also 
station-agent and proprietor of the hotel. The latter 
was built and opened for business the day the battle 
of Fair Oaks, Va., was fought in the late war. In a 
conversation that day over the name, Fair Oaks, then 
in everybody's mind, was suggested and speedily 
adopted. 

CRAWFORD JUNCTION 
is the point at which the Branch Crawford Railroad 
diverges from the main line of the New York, On- 
tario and Western Railway. 

The traveler will look in vain for any village. The 
diverging point is in a swamp ; a single switchman's 
hut and a milk-platform comprise the railroad struc- 

PURDY'S STATION 
is a stopping-place on the New York, Ontario and 
Western Railway, in the northwest part of the town, 
and not far from the line of Sullivan County. It is 
mostly a milk-station, and there is no business there 
except as connected with the railroad. 

LOCKWOOD'S 
is also a station on the same railroad, and both are of 
considerable convenience to the people of those 

neighborhoods. 

ROCKVILLE 

is south of Bull Hack. The name is derived from a 
huge rock that lies on the slope of the hill near by. 
It has been blasted away somewhat, and is therefore 
not as prominent an object as formerly. The farm 
was formerly that of Samuel Wilkison. It is now 
owned by William Startup. 

There is a creamery located near the Four Corners. 

MILLSBURGH 
was an early name for a neighborhood settled, among 
others, by Jacob Mills, whose descendants were nu- 
merous and constituted the prominent families of the 

district. 

STONY FORD 

was so called as early as 1767. It was a fording-place 
over the Wallkill from Montgomery into this town, 
a mile west of Lagrange. There is a rift across the 
stream at this point literally paved with cobble-stones, 
firm and hard. Of course this primitive method of 
crossing was long ago substituted by a bridge. 

BRIMSTONE HILL, 
in the north part of the town, is so named from the 
story told of a drinking spree at the old log tavern of 



early times. Being short of glasses, an extra one was 
brought in from another room that had been used in 
mixing up some brimstone, and a quantity was left in. 
In the hurry of the occasion, or the darkness of the 
evening, it was not perceived, and the man who was 
fortunate enough to get that whisky of extra strength 
rushed into the street, shouting, " Brimstone I brim- 
stone !" And so the place was named as the tradition 
runs. 

MICHIGAN 

was the name applied to a cluster of houses on Three- 
Mile Hill, and is still preserved in the name of the 
school district. Mr. Eager's solution of the origin is 
that a citizen who was somewhat in debt undertook 
to make the people believe that in a temporary ab- 
sence from town he had been to Michigan. And 
when he afterwards opened a tavern here they rather 
contemptuously called the place Michigan. 

LAGRAN(iE. 
The first post-office in this town was at Lagrange. 
It was called " Wallkill," and was kept by John 
Monell. The building is yet standing. Another 
post-office was a large, hollow white-oak tree, near 
Patrick Bodle's, now J. Denton Mills'. Any person 
being at the Wallkill post-office, and finding letters 
for the neighbors in the vicinity of Scotchtown, would 
bring them up and deposit them in this tree; then, 
as the neighbors passed, they would call and examine 
the contents of this office ; finding anything for them- 
selves, they would take it and leave what belonged to 

others. 

DAVISTOWN 

was an old name for a neighborhood in the east part 
of the town, arising from the Davis families, which 
were numerous in that section. 

HONEY-POT. 
This is the mellifluous name bestowed many years 
ago upon an excellent spring of water a mile or more 
from Circleville. The farm and the district were also 
known to some extent by the same term. The prop- 
erty was originally owned by Richard Gale. He sold 
it to Jonathan Hawkins, who moved to Orange County 
from Long Island, and married the daughter of Jacob 
Mills. Mills Hawkins, a son, was the next owner, who 
sold to George McNish. In 1843 it was divided into 
two farms, — one sold to Hiram S. Wilkison, and the 
other subsequently to Oscar Shaw, and the latter is 
now owned by David W. Shaw. There are various 
traditions as to the reason for the name, but none of 
them are of definite authority. Whether it was be- 
cause of the sweetness and purity of the water that 
flowed from the spring, whether a " bee-tree" with 
its rich deposit of honey once stood by the spring, 
whether stolen honey wa-s once hidden there, must be 
left to future investigation. 

GUINEA 
is an old name applied to a settlement made by 
colored people, east of the Honey-Pot farm. They 



WALLKILL. 



451 



had been the slaves of Col. McLaughry, of New 
Windsor, and were freed by him, 1825 to 1828. The 
three heads of the old families were John, Thomas, 
and William. They were industrious, useful citizens, 
and highly respected by their white neighbors. The 
land was given to them by Col. McLaughry, consist- 
ing of a ridge running north and south, some of it 
rough, but mostly good land. 

BULL HACK 

is an old nauie applied to a section of this town lying 
about a mile south of Circleville and a half-mile or 
more in breadth. It is proper here to correct the 
statement of a previous writer that this land is " high, 
stony, rough, and hard to subdue." On the contrary, 
quite a portion consists of low, valuable, alluvial flats, 
and other |)arts are rich uplands, comprising some of 
the best farms in town. Doubtless the name origi- 
nated from the fact that some of William Bull's de- 
scendants settled in this section at an early day, and 
in the dense forest then to be cleared " hacking " 
away for a living was doubtless a necessity ; but this 
epithet Bull Hack was not understood to be deroga- 
tory either to the soil or to the people who lived 
there. 

PIERCE VALLEY 

was a name applied to the beautiful Parmalee estate 
about the time that Franklin Pierce, of New Hamp- 
shire, was elected to the Presidency. It has remained 
one of the local terms in use to some extent at the 
present time. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

At the annual meeting April 6, 1813, the necessary 
steps were taken to comply with the statute of 1812 
for the organization of the common-school .system of 
the State. The commissioners elected were William 
Hurtin, Jacob Dunning, and Benjamin Woodward. 
Others, serving one or more years each, during the 
period 1813 to 1844, were Walter Everett, William 
Booth, Elijah Welch, Henry B. Wisner, Joseph Chat- 
tie, Samuel Millspaugh, John Brown, Jr., William 
Finn, Jonathan B. Webb, Stephen Ingersoll, George 
Little, Israel H. Wickham, Shubael B. Denton, Lear- 
tus M. Weller, Jacob Mills, Jr., John B. McMuun, 
Samuel W. Brown, Robert H. Houston, Stephen 
Harlow, Nathaniel Conklin, Charles Dill, James F. 
Houston, William Hoyt, James M. Finch, Abraham 
Vail, Jr., John M. Cash. Several of these served for 
many years, particularly William Hurtin, who was an 
incumbent of the oflice a large share of the thirty 
years. 

•Daring the same period inspectors of schools were 
chosen, and served one or more years each, as follows : 
Rev. Abel Jackson, Rev. Methuselah Baldwin, Joseph 
Chattle, Gabriel N. Phillips, William Bodle, Isaiah 
Vail, Joshua Hornbeck, Dr. David Hanford, Dr. 
Benjamin B. Newkirk, Benjamin Dodge, Dr. Eusebius 



Austin, Henry B. Wisner, Nathan Stark, Rev. Wil- 
liam Blain, Stephen Ingersoll, Benjamin Woodward, 
Thomas W. Gilbert, Thomas Royce, John B. McMunn, 
George Houston, Isaiah S. Hulse, Daniel C. Wisner, 
Ira Moore, Ambrose Hulse, Harvey Everett, James 
W. Finch, Alfred Hurtin, John W. Cash, Coe G. 
Bradner, .Jonathan M. Vail, Wilmot Moore. 

Several of these citizens decided on the qualifica- 
tion of teachers for many years. Especially should 
it be mentioned that Rev. Mr. Baldwin served twenty- 
five or more of the thirty years that this sj'stem pre- 
vailed. Joshua Hornbeck also served about the same 
length of time. 

The system of supervision by town superintendents 
was inaugurated in 1844. The incumbents of that 
oflice in Wallkill were as follows : 

Elected annually: 1844, John G. Wilkin; 1845, 
Hiram Shons ; 184G, Hiram Shons ; 1847, Harvey 
Everett. Elected biennially : 1848, Harvey Everett ; 
1850, Harvey Everett; 1852, Harvey Everett; 1854, 
Alexander T. Bull ; 1855, Harvey Everett (to fill va- 
cancy); 1856, Henry S. Mosher. This last-named 
incumbent was legislated out of oflice, or rather pre- 
vented from qualifying, hj the act creating district 
commissioners. At this date all control of the schools 
by the town authorities ceased. If the new system 
had any advantages, there was nevertheless a serious 
loss of town leadership and town enthusiasm that in 
many cases has never been recovered. Twenty-five 
years of the Assembly district system have failed to 
show its superiority to "local, home control." The 
proposition occasionally mentioned, even in official 
reports at Albany, to re-establish a Board of Educa- 
tion in each town, is an indication of this fact, and 
to it sooner or later the State will undoubtedly return. 

A partial school report on file for April 1, 1815, shows 
the following facts : 



District No. 1. — Alsop Vail and othere, tnistees; 91 children between 
five and fifteen ; entitled to $41.17. 

District No. 6. — Wnl. Bull, Jr., and others, trustees; 62 children, and 
entitled to $28.05. 

District No. 7. — .Tohn Savage, trustee ; the same. 

District No. 8. — John Fowler, trustee : 6S children, and entitled to 
S:i0.77. 

District No. 9. — John Mc Williams, trustee; 84 children; entitled to 
S3S.00. 

District No. 10. — Simeon Slausou, trustee; 107 children ; entitled to 
$48,411. 

District No. 11. — William Phillips, trustee ; 02 children ; entitled to 
$41.62. 

District No. 12. — Abraham Crane, trustee; pi children; entitled to 
$27.60. 

District No. l^.^Thonias Thompson, trustee ; the same. 

District No. 14.— Absalom Weller ; 69 children, and entitled to $31.22. 

District No. 10. — Peter Hoyt, trustee; 68 children, and entitled to 
$30.77. 

District No. 17. — Elisha Eeeve, Jr., trustee; on children; entitled to 
$27 1.5. 

District No. 18. — William Finn, trustee; 57 children; entitled to 
$25 60. 

District No. 19. — James Morrison, Jr., tnistee; 54 children; entitled 
to $24.43. 

District No. 20.— Philip Miller; 31 children; entitled to $14.03. 

Part District No. 5 (Goshen).— 28 children ; entitled to $12.67. 



452 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



A school at Middletown, prior to the law of 1812, 
had undoubtedly been maintained by private liber- 
ality, as the records show that after the legal organi- 
zation in 1813 a proposition was made to buy the 
school-house of the owners thereof. 

The first meeting of the district as then organized 
was held at the house of Ob.adiah Vail, on the 30th 
of June, 1818. Stacey Beakes had called the meeting 
by personally serving a notice on each voter. 

Ephraim Everett was chosen chairman, after which 
the regular officers were elected : Henry D. Wisner, 
clerk ; Isaiah Vail, William Murray, and Isaac Little, 
trustees ; Samuel Bennett, collector. 

It was voted to have a school kept in the school- 
house at Middletown. 

At an adjourned meeting in September, held at the 
same place, it was voted to raise a tax of $60 to pur- 
chase a stove and repair the school-house. 

One dollar was voted to buy a book for the records, 
— the book from which the writer makes these notes, 
sixty-seven years afterwards. They again adjourned 
to November, but the record of the meeting by the 
clerk is brief: " It being very rainy no person met at 
the school-house." 

At a meeting held a few days later the trustees ex- 
hibited an account of expenses incurred in repairs 
amounting to $37.75, which the meeting responded to 
by voting a tax of $20. 

It was voted to have an assistant teacher employed. 
William Murray and Henry B. Wisner were named as 
a committee to see about purchasing the school-house. 

At an adjourned meeting in February, Jesse Cor- 
win was chosen moderator. The committee on school- 
house reported in part. 

At a meeting April 4, 1814, Isaiah Vail was mod- 
erator. The negotiation with the owners of the 
school-house does not seem to have progressed favor- 
ably, for it was moved " that we abandon the present 
school-house as district property," and this was car- 
ried. The next motion was, "Shall we be contented 
with the present school-house until we are ordered out 
by the proprietors?" and they voted " No." The next 
vote was on the question, " Is it necessary to have a 
new school-house?" and it was voted in the affirma- 
tive. Moses H. Corwin, Eusebius Austin, and Henry 
B. Wisner were appointed a committee on location, 
price, etc. In June the committee reported that 
lands could be obtained of George W. Vail or of 
Obadiah Vail. 

Meanwhile, whether " contented" with the old house 
or not, they evidently used it, as we find them voting, 
in October, the sum of $35 " for the school-house." 

March 6, 1815, Elislia Reeve was chosen moderator; 
Henry B. Wisner, Isaiah Vail, and Samuel Bennett 
were appointed a committee to draw up and present 
a plan for the future benefit of the district. March 
20th the committee reported they could recommend 
the purchase of no land they could find at present. 

Frequent meetings were held without result. Oct. 



24, 1865, the clerk, somewhat disgusted, records the 
following: " Talked and conversed about a month of 
things of no moment and adjourned." 

Oct. 31, 1815, $40 was voted to purchase wood. 

At the annual meeting June 29, 1816, Henry B. 
Wisner was chosen clerk ; Samuel Bennett, Elisha 
Reeve, and Eusebius Austin, trustees ; Gabriel Wells, 
collector. 

June 28, 1817, the trustees chosen were Walter 
Everett, Elijah Welch, Jr., and Cornelius Shons. A 
committee, consisting of Isaac Vail, Isaac Little, and' 
Gabriel Wells, were again appointed to report upon a 
suitable site for a school-house and the probable ex- 
pense of building. 

July 12th the committee reported that " Brundage 
& Smith would sell a corner on the west side of the 
road for $40 ; Luther Vail, on the same side, for $50; 
Luther Reeve, adjoining the turnpike, for $50." 

It was then voted that the trustees buy of either 
Luther Vail or of Brundage & Smith, and they ad- 
journed to September. 

The adjourned meeting is reported by the clerk as 
follows : " Being sick, did not attend at the school- 
house ; understood there was no meeting and no 
adjournment." 

At a special meeting, Jan. 8, 1818, it was voted to 
buy a site of Luther Vail, on the west side of the road 
leading to the turnpike. It was further voted to raise 
a tax of $500 for purchasing the site and building. 
Isaac Little, Stephen Sayre, and David Warren were 
appointed a committee to make a draft and estimate, 
also the probable expense of buying the old school- 
house and moving it. 

At the same meeting they voted that the wood 
should be furnished by each family in proportion to 
scholars sent; and if any one failed to furnish the 
same after three days' notice from the teacher, then 
Elijah Welch was to furnish for all delinquents at the 
rate of one dollar and fifty cents per load. 

Jan. 22, 1818, the committee reported a plan for a 
school-house 36 feet by 22, and the e-stimated expense 
at $400 ; that the expense of removing the old house 
would be $25, and " would save from the expense of 
building a new one the sum of one hundred and 
fifteen dollars besides the expenses of moving." 

This business grew onerous and difficult for the 
trustees to manage alone, and an advisory committee 
to aid them was named, consisting of Samuel Bennett 
and Isaac Little. 

At last the house was built, though the meeting at 
which it was voted to build seems to be omitted from 
the records ; but at the annual meeting June 7, 1818, 
the following resolution was adopted : 

" Resolifni, That tlie trustees be authorized to appropriate tlie surplus 
money they may liiive in tlieir hands, arit^ing from tlie tax levied on the 
4th of April last (for tlie purpose of building a new school-house), towards 
putting another story on said house." 

Dec. 3, 1818, it was voted to purchase a " ten-plate 
stove" for the new school-house. 



WALLKILL. 



453 



Feb. 2, 1819, it was voted to sell at public auction 
the land granted to this district by Abel WoodhuU. 

In 1.S14, James Young, of Neelytown, taught school 
in Scotchtown; he was afterwards a missionary to 
the Seneca Indians. 

Dolly Jane Corwin, daughter of Jason Corwin, of 
Scotchtown, taught school (private) in Scotchtown 
about 1840. She died a few years ago, having taught 
forty-seven years. 

About 1828 two small districts were united, and, 
No. 12 being formed, the building known as the 
" White School-house" was built upon the southwest 
corner of James Morrison's farm, now owned by 
Nathan J. Mills. Morrison gave the land ; Bradner 
Little had the contract for building the house for 
$300; Samuel Bull did the mason-work. It was long 
used for religious purposes; in it Circleville Church 
was organized, and the first communion service ad- 
ministered by the Eev. Daniel T. Wood. For many 
years it was used by different denominations for reg- 
ular Sunday afternoon service. Forty-eight persons 
have held the position of teacher; of these, Henry 
Crane taught eight years in succession. Sarah E. 
Wilkison (present teacher) has taught five and one- 
half years, but at different times. John A. Stitt, near 
Bloomingburgh, and D. Kerr Bull, of Brooklyn, were 
among the early teachers ; as far as the writer knows, 
one is a minister in Massachusetts, two are doctors, 
one a lawyer, seven are dead, and only five are fol- 
lowing the profession of teaching. The school-house 
is just one mile from Circleville. 

WALLKILL ACADEMY. 

The first meeting to initiate the work of founding 
this institution was held Jan. 30, 1841. The amount 
of stock subscribed was $3656.75. The stockholders 
numbered 115, and the shares were five dollars each. 
The stockholders met Feb. 27, 1841. Israel H. Wick- 
ham was chairman of the meeting, and Ira ]\Ioore 
secretary. 

Application having been made to the Legislature 
for incorporation, the necessary act was passed in the 
following May. The first board of trustees consisted 
of the following persons : Israel H. Wickham, Alex. 
W. Shaw, George Houston, Col. C. Bradner, Stacey 
Beakes, William S. Weiib, Charles Dill, Harvey 
Everett, Samuel Denton, David Hanford, Calvin 
Carmichael, Alex. Wright. 

The building committee consisted of James Little, 
Robert H. Houston, and Henry S. Beakes. 

The stockholders met March 10, 1841, to decide the 
location, and a majority voted in favor of a lot on 
Orchard Street,, offered by Stacey Beakes. A lot 
offered by Dill & Houston was the one upon which 
the building was finally erected. David Clark was 
the contractor. The building was commenced in 
August, 1841, and accepted as completed by the trus- 
tees in October, 1842. 

The first teacher was Rev. Phineas Robinson, who 



opened the first session soon after the building was 
completed, and remained two years. 

His successor was Patrick McGregor, who taught 
five years, and who was succeeded by Henry Free- 
man. He also taught five years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. P. Teller Babbitt. The latter re- 
mained a year and a half, when D. Kerr Bull was 
appointed principal. 

The academy as thus erected was a very convenient 
building, three stories high, with a basement. The 
principal and his family occupied the second floor 
and the rooms of the basement. 

On the first floor was the school-room, with two 
recitation-rooms attached. The third floor was di- 
vided into eleven rooms, for students who boarded in 
the institution. 

The teachers of the public schools of Middletown 
for 1880-81 are as follows: 

School No. 1 [Cottage Street).— EWm Wickham, 
principal ; Mary J. Barlow and Isabella McBurney. 

School No. 2 (High >Sr-ee/).-'— Florence Dennison, 
principal ; Annie Gray, Elizabeth Corwin, Fannie 
Corwin, Sarah B. Russell, and Helen M. Dorrance. 

School No. 3 (Bennett Hilt).— Mrs. S. R. Baird, 
principal ; S. Louise King, Anna Friend, and Lottie 
L. Boyd. 

School No. 4 (Beattie Hill). — Eugenia DeKay, prin- 
cipal ; Rebecca J. Worcester and Carrie Harding. 

School No. 5 (Orchard Street). — Sarah E. Darbee, 
principal ; Hattie Bull and Evie Brett. 

Primary, No. 6 (South Street). — Mary L. Burroughs, 
principal ; E. Katie Sease. 

Academy. — Senior Department, Lydia J. Van Hou- 
sen ; Intermediate Department, Ira L. Case ; Junior 
Department, Anna B. Dunning ; Teacher of English 
Grammar, Sarah E. Igo ; Arithmetic, Nettie B. Cooper ; 
Geography, Annice M. Parsons. 

THE STATE HOMffiOPATHIC ASYLUM FOR THE 
INSANE AT MIDDLETOWN, N. Y. 

This institution was originated in 1869, through the 
exertions of George F. Foote, M.D., and of certain 
public-spirited citizens, both in Orange County and 
in other sections of the State, who were desirous of 
applying the principles of the homoeopathic school 
of medicine to the care and relief of the insane. 

In January, 1870, a bill was placed in the hands 
of William M. Graham (who was then representing 
this district in the Senate of this State) for the pur- 
pose of obtaining, through the action of the Legisla- 
ture, an act incorporating the above-named institu- 
tion. To the surprise and regret of many of the 
warm and ardent friends of the project, the bill upon 
its third reading received but five or six aflirmative 
votes in the State Senate. 

The cause of the bill receiving so few atBrmative 
votes in the Senate was owing to the fact that Dr. 
Foote and the friends of the proposed institution 
were desirous of making it a private asylum, and ob- 



454 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



taining State aid to the amount of $150,000, or, in 
other words, of obtaining an appropriation from the 
State of that amount for a private institution. 

After an examination of the subject by those who 
felt a deep interest in the establishing of the institu- 
tion, it was apparent that an act of that character, if 
passed by the Legislature, would conflict with the 
strict construction of the constitution, and would 
therefore be declared by the courts as unconstitu- 
tional. 

The friends of the project feeling so deep an interest 
in their undertaking, and so anxious for its success, 
were perfectly willing to comply with whatever means 
were necessary for the fulfillment and accomplishment 
of the object so dear to them. 

The senator of this district was authorized and re- 
quested to prepare and perfect a bill that would meet 
the requirement of the constitution, as well as the 
earnest wishes and desires of the numerous friends 
of the new project. Accordingly, a bill was thus pre- 
pared, and presented to the Senate for their consid- 
eration some time in the month of February, 1870, 
and, after the usual course all bills presented to the 
Senate have to take, it received their unanimous 
assent, — not a negative vote against the measure. 

The bill then took its usual course in the Assembly 
chamber, and after a thorough discussion of the merits 
and demerits of the proposed measure, it received the 
unanimous assent of the members of the Assembly 
(as in the case of the Senate), not a negative vote 
being cast. The act was passed April 28, 1870, and 
received the signature of Governor John T. Hoffman, 
on the day of its final passage by the Legislature. 

The first section of the act provided : " There shall 
be established at Middletown, in the county of Orange, 
a State lunatic asylum for the care and treatment of 
the insane and inebriate, upon the principles of medi- 
cine known by the homoeopathic, and it shall be known 
by the name of the State Homceopathie Asylum for 
the Insane at Middletown. There shall be twenty- 
one trustees to manage said institution,'' and George 
F. Foots, Thomas Hitchcock, Frederick A. Conkling, 




HOMOEOPATHIC A.SYLUM FOR INSANE. 



John David Wolfe, Peter S. Hoe, John K. Hackett, 
James P. Wallace, Phineas P. Wells, Henry R. Low, 
Elisha P. Wheeler, Oliver B. Vail, Robert H. Berdell, 
Richard B. Connolly, D. D. T. Marshall, Carroll Dun- 



William M. Graham were appointed as such trus- 
tees. 

It was required of the trustees at their first meeting 
to draw lots in order to divide themselves into seven 
classes of three each, which chosen should hold oflice 
one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven years respec- 
tively. The treasurer of the State was directed to 
pay, on the warrant of the comptroller, to the trustees 
named in the act such sum or sums of money as might 
be required for the building of said asylum, such 
sum or sums of money in the aggregate not to exceed 
$150,000 ; but that said sum or sums of money should 
not be paid until it was proven to the satisfaction of 
the comptroller that $150,000 had been subscribed 
by private persons, and actually paid in cash, to be 
applied to the purchase of a site and the construction 
and maintenance of the asylum. 

In January, 1871, a bill was presented to the Senate, 
entitled an act to amend an act passed April 28, 1870, 
"to establish a State lunatic asylum upon the princi- 
ples of the homieopathic, in Middletown, county of 
Orange," and became a law March 31, 1871, having 
passed both houses of the Legislature and received 
the signature of the Governor. 

This amendment made it the duty of the treasurer 
of the State to pay, on the warrant of the comptroller, 
to the trustees named in the act, whenever it was 
proven to the satisfaction of the comptroller that they 
(the trustees) had selected a suitable site for the loca- 
tion of the institution and paid for the same, and 
that a good and warranty deed had been made out to 
the State, the sum of twenty thousand dollars for 
every ten thousand dollars subscribed by private per- 
sons or municipalities, and actually paid in cash, and 
having been used for the purchase of a site and the 
construction and maintenance of said asylum. Such 
sum or sums of money in the aggregate not to exceed 
$150,000. 

A site was chosen for the asylum on a farm of 150 
acres, located about a mile to the westward of the 
village of Middletown, — a spot which commends its 
selection by the beauty of the views which it com- 
mands, its excellent and healthful sur- 
roundings, its admirable facilities for 
drainage, supply of water, and ease of 
access. 

The site chosen was secured by the 
trustees, and paid for by private sub- 
scriptions, and the Legislature has 
made from time to time such appro- 
priations as were necessary for the 
erection of suitable buildings for the 
purposes of the asylum, and for beauti- 
fying the grounds. 

The main building accommodates all the adminis- 
trative ofiicers and ninety patients. It is 166 feet 
long by 62 feet deep, and four stories high, exclusive 
of attic and basement, each floor affording an area of 



ham, John F. Gray, Homer Ramsdell, Abraham B. 

Conger, J. Stanton Gould, Alonzo R. Morgan, and 12,000 square feet. Its architecture is of the Rhenish 



\ 







V Vv-^ ['^^JL iUrA..,.,.vO 





A^c.(L. 



e«-^V3 






WALLKILL. 



455 



style, combining an appearance of strength with a 
certain lightness and cheerfulness of efl'ect, which is 
in marl^ed contrast to the sombre heaviness not in- ; 
frequently observable in asylum buildings. The edi- 
fice is of the best brick, with Ohio stone dressings, 
and from its front a boldly jirojecting tower furnishes 
a. porte-cochere to the ])rincipal entrance, gives addi- 
tional space to the elegant music-room on the second 
floor and the chapel on the third floor, and rises to a 
height of ninety feet from the ground. 

This building was completed and opened to receive 
patients on the 20th day of April, 1874. Dr. George 
F. Foote having resigned the position, Henry R. 
Stiles, M.D,, was appointed medical superintendent. 

The following were the officers : Fletcher Harper, 
president; Grinnell Burt, vice-president; Peter S. 
Hoe, treasurer; M. D. Stivers, secretary. 

Trustees, Drs. T. F. Allen, Joshua Draper, John 
F. Gray, D. C. Jayne, E. D. Jones, E. M. Kellogg, J. 
W. Ostrom, H. M. Paine, William E. Watson ; A. B. 
Conger, John Cowilry, James (i. Graham, H. R. Low, 
D. D. T. Marshall, Daniel Thompson, Salem H. 
Wales, E. P. Wheeler. 

The first asylum start' was as follows : Henry R. 
Stiles, M.D., medical superintendent; William M. 
Butler, M.D., first assistant physician ; John Coch- 
ran, steward. 

Pavilion No. 1, as it is designated for convenience, 
was opened for the reception of patients in 1876, and 
is devoted entirely to that purpose. It is 204 feet in 
length, and three stories in height above the b&se- 
ment, with wing on the southerly end 65 feet deep, 
and on the northerly end a wing 70 feet deep, and is 
built of brick and half-timbered work, so constructed 
as to give it the appearance of three distinct villas, 
slightly connected by balconies and glass-covered 
galleries, thus avoiding the prison-like style gener- 
ally followed in similar institutions. 

Externally, this pavilion is considered even more 
attractive than the main building. Charming, how- 
ever, as its exterior is to the eye, the interior arrange- 
ment is still more graceful and home-like ; indeed, the 
"home-like" has been, and will be, a sine qua non in 
the planning of all the building of the asylum. 

By an act of the Legislature passed June 21, 1875, 
the board was changed both as to its numbers and 
composition. The number of trustees thereafter were 
to be thirteen, and Fletcher Harper, Jr., and Egbert 
Guernsey, of New York ; Grinnell Burt, of Warwick ; 
.Toshua Draper, Nathaniel W. Vail, LTzal T. Hayes, 
James B. Hulse, James H. Norton, Moses D. Stivers, 
of Middletown ; James G. Graham, of Newburgh ; 
Daniel Thompson, of Thompson's Ridge ; H. M. 
Paine, of Albany ; and William H. Watson, of Utica, 
were the persons named as trustees. 

At the first meeting of said trustees they shall draw 
by lots in order to divide themselves as nearly as may 
be into three equal classes; one class of five shall 
hold office for two years, and one class of four shall 



hold office for three years, and one class of four shall 
hold office for four years respectively. 

Feb. 9, 1877, Dr. Henry R. Stiles resigned his posi- 
tion as medical superintendent of the asylum, and in 
the month of April following Dr. Selden H. Talcott, 
the newly-elected medical superintendent, assumed 
charge of the institution, and continues in this ca- 
pacity. 

Pavilion No. 2 is now nearing its completion. It 
is built with a view of great' stability and con- 
venience, being about the same dimensions, similar 
in architecture, and built of like material as pavilion 
No. 1. To the eye it apjjcars grand and beautiful. It 
is built in a substantial and workmanlike manner in 
every particular. The turrets are somewhat dirt'erent 
in form, size, and design from those on pavilion No. 
1, which adds very much to the general appearance, 
gracefulness, and beauty of the structure. 

It may also be considered as a building of four 
stories, the fourth, or attic story (unlike pavilion No. 
1 ), being finished into pleasant, well-ventilated, cheer- 
fiil rooms for greater convenience, and for the accom- 
modation of a larger number of patients. 

Externally this pavilion, when completed, in its 
grand, majestic appearance, will be considered the 
peer of its associates. 

The interior arrangements are somewhat ditferent 
from pavilion No. 1, having been arranged with a 
view to greater convenience, and will be considered, 
if possible, more graceful, more convenient, and more 
home-like than its predecessor. It will be completed 
for the reception of patients in the early part of the 
coming summer. 

The present management of the asylum is as fol- 
lows : 

Trustees : Fletcher Harper, president ; Grinnell 
Burt, vice-presideut ; M. D. Stivers, secretary ; Uzal 
T. Hayes, treasurer; Egbert Guernsey, M.D., Daniel 
Thompson, James H. Norton, Hon. John G. Wilkin, 
Joshua Draper, M.D., Hon. James G. Graham, Hon. 
William Herring, William Vanamee, Hiram J. Sibley, 
Jr. Officers of the asylum : Selden H. Talcott, A.M., 
M.D., medical superintendent ; Wm. M. Butler, A.M., 
M.D., first assistant physician; C. Spencer Kinney^ 
M.D., second assistant physician ; Miss Georgie Hor- 
ton, lady assistant ; John Cochran, steward. 

Selden H. Talcott, A.M., M.D., was born in 
Rome, N. Y., July 7, 1842. He was brought up on a 
farm, and received the ordinary common-school and 
academic education, such as is usually accorded to 
fiirmers' sons. In 1863 he attended the commence- 
ment exercises at Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y'., 
and from that time determined to acquire a collegiate 
education. In one year he prepared for and entered 
college. Shortly after this he enlisted in the Fifteenth 
New York Volunteers, engineers, and served in the 
Union army for about one year, receiving at the close 
of the war an honorable discharge. Ou returning 
from the South, in 1865, he re-entered college, and 



456 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



graduated in the class of 1869. During his academic 
course he toolc prizes in English composition and 
declamation. During his college course he received 
appointments as prize speaker and Clark prize orator. 
During his senior year at college he was one of the 
editors of the H<itnilton Oimpus, a college weekly. 
After graduating from Hamilton College he began 
the study of medicine with Dr. E. A. Munger, Water- 
ville, N. Y. After pursuing the required three years' 
course of study, and having taken two courses of 
medical lectures at the New York Homeopathic 
Medical College, he graduated from that institution 
in 1872 with the highest standing in a class of thirty- 
six. During Ids last course of lectures he was elected 
president of tlie College Quiz Society, and was also 
at the close of the term unanimously chosen valedic- 
torian of the class. After graduating he returned to 
Waterville, N. Y., and formed a partnership with Dr. 
Blunger, with whom he practiced medicine for about 
three and a half years. In September, 187.5, Dr. Tal- 
cott was appointed chief of stafi" of the Homreopathic 
Charity Hospital, located at Ward's Island, N. Y. 
He remained in charge of that institution, perform- 
ing the duties of medical superintendent in the New 
York City Asylum for Inebriates, and in the Soldiers' 
Retreat at New York, until April 24, 1877. Then he 
resigned to accept the position of medical superin- 
tendent of the New York State Homceopathic Asylum 
for the Insane, which latter position had been ten- 
dered him by an unanimous vote of the board of 
trustees of that institution. Siace that time he has 
been, and still is, in charge of the above-named 
asylum. Under liis management the institution has 
become self-sustaining, and the percentage of recov- 
eries shows in a most favorable light the i Hicacy of 
homoeopathic treatment for the insane. 

In public aifairs Dr. Talcott has always taken an 
active interest. During the campaigns of 1868 and 
1S72 he made stump speeches in behalf of the Re- 
publican cause in the county of Oneida. He served 
at various times as delegate to county and district 
conventions. Since assuming charge of public insti- 
tutions he has refrained from active political work, 
whilst cherishing an abiding interest in the fortunes 
of the Republican party. Dr. Talcott is a member 
of various medical societies. At present he is presi- 
dent of the New York State Homoeopathic Medical 
Society, and of the Orange County Homoeopathic 
Medical Society. In 1875 he was president of the 
Oneida County Homceopathic Medical Society. In 
1876 he was elected a member of the New York ! 
County Homteopathic Medical Society ; he is also a 
member of the American Institute of Homceopathy, 
a national organization, and is also corresponding , 
fellow of the New York Medico-Chirurgical Society. 
In 1879 he was appointed a member of the State 
Board of Medical I>xaminers by the regents of the ' 
University of New York. Dr. Talcott has been for ; 
some years known to the public as a writer and a 



speaker. He has delivered lectures to the general 
])ublic and before various societies and literary organi- 
zations. Among the medical topics upon which he 
has written, some of which have been published in 
pamphlet form, are the following : " Prognosis in In- 
sanity," "General Paresis," "Medical Notes on the 
Treatment of the Insane," "Mania, its Causes, Course, 
and Treatment," " Melancholia with Stupor," " Phi- 
mosis in its Relations to Insanity," " Delusions of the 
Insane," " The Insane Diathesis," and " Sleep without 
Narcotics." 



VII.-CHUECHES. 
FIR.ST CONGREGATIONAL CHI7RCH.« 

This church was organized June 10, 1785. It then 
consisted of a few members from the scattered popu- 
lation (who were chiefly emigrants from Long Island), 
gathered into a church relation by the Rev. Charles 
Seeley, who came to this place from Newton, N. J. 
In 1792, the seventh year of its history, there were 
36 members ; the original deacons were James Reeve 
and Eli Corwin. 

The society was incorporated Aug. 12, 1786, under 
the title of the " First Congregational Church of Mid- 
dletown, in the precinct of Wallkill and county of 
Ulster." The original trustees, chosen at that date, 
were James Reeve, Jonathan Owen, Nathaniel Wells, 
Samuel Wickham, Wm. Carpenter, and Eli Corwin. 
Nathaniel Landon was chosen clerk, and Nathaniel 
Wells treasurer. 

The same year the first house of worsliip erected in 
Middletown was built by the Congregational Society, 
on land provided by John Green in his will,t dated 
Dec. 12, 1784, for the sum of £3, which sum was paid 
to said Green's executors, who confirmed the same to 
the society by deed bearing date April 10, 1786, 
giving title to one-half acre of land, to which was 
added fifteen and one-fifth square rods of land by 
deed from Jonathan Owen for the sum of five shil- 
lings, bearing date July 12, 1786. Some portion of 
each of the above-named purchases was used for the 
highway. The house was enclosed that year but not 
finished, and continued to be used for worship in an 
unfinished state about ten years. 

Feb. 12, 1796, an inventory of the society's prop- 
erty was taken by the trustees and recorded as fol- 
lows : " One-half acre of land and meeting-house 
thereon, valued at £150. Voted that £10 be raised to 
move the house back from the street, and also voted 
to finish the interior of the same and sell the seats to 
pay the expense." A second inventory was taken 
and recorded Feb. 27, 1799, of property belonging to 
the First Congregational Society of Middletown, in 
the words following, to wit : "One-half acre of land 

* Furnished by tlie officers of the church. 

t The language of the will might be interpreted as implying that the 
church was constituted some two years earlier (or at least one year) than 
June 10, 1785, but the officers give the usual statement of the manual. 



WALLKILL. 



457 



and meeting-house thereon, finished, valued at £200, 
certified according to law, Jacob Dunning, clerk." 

This was the only house of worship in Middletown 
for more than forty years. 

The society was prosperous; additions were fre- 
quently made to the church, particularly in 1815, 
when, as the result of a revival, 120 were received to 
its communion. 

In 1825 the membership of the church was 2(57, of 
whom more than 100 were males. At this time it had 
been the custom for the society to vote from time to 
time, granting to other denominations the use of the 
house for worship when not occupied by themselves. 
This gave rise and created a desire in some of its 
members to change the church polity from Congrega- 
tional to Presbyterian. 

Under the ministrations of the Rev. George Steb- 
bins, a Presbyterian minister, a proposition was made 
in meeting, Aug. 25, 1825, to change the church order 
and adopt the Presbyterian platform, and after re- 
peated and persistent attempts to accomplish the 
same, meetings being adjourned from time to time, 
Sept. 29, 1825, a vote of fifteen out of the whole 
membership was obtained in favor of said change. 
Only nine of those opposed being present to vote 
against the measure, entered their protest against the 
proceedings as being unwarranted and illegal. 

The society continued to worship in the same house, 
under the ministrations of the Rev. George Stebbins, 
until March 19, 1S27, and still further, under Rev. 
Donald Mcintosh, until September, 1829, and also 
under Rev. Daniel T. Wood, until May, 1830, wheu 
those of the Presbyterian order commenced to wor- 
ship in their new house, located on Orchard Street. 

As a result of this separation, however, the old Con- 
gregational meeting-house was illegally demolished 
by the Presbyterians, July 26, 1833, and on August 
3d following a prosecution was commenced by the 
Congregationalists against the trespassers. On the 
28th of the same month the Congregational society 
voted to build a new house of worship, 50 by 40 feet, 
upon the site of the former one, and to finish the 
same with a gallery. 

April 20, 1834, the whole matter of dispute between 
the two societies was settled by articles of agree- 
ment, in which the Presbyterian society acknowl- 
edged their trespass and made reparation. 

The new meeting-house was erected in 1834, but 
not finished. John T. Ludlum and Thomas Van 
Horn were the builders, at a cost of $1260. In 1836 
the interior of the house was finished by contract 
with Isaac Mills for $800, to which a bell was subse- 
quently added, and the house was dedicated July 14, 
18.36. The sermon on the occasion was delivered by 
the Rev. Joseph Harrison, of Broadway Tabernacle, 
New York City, and on the following Sabbath, July 
17th, the house was occupied for worship, when the 
church-members renewed their covenant in a solemn 
manner and the Lord's Supper was administered. 
30 



This house continued to be occupied by the society 
until 1871 , when it was removed to make way for the 
present edifice, which was erected during that and 
the following year, the dimensions of which are 100 
by 60 feet, besides abutments, with a lecture-room 
attached 70 by 30 feet, the whole in Gothic style, 
requiring 600,000 bricks, with Syracuse stone trim- 
ming, covered with a slate roof and ornamented with 
a spire 185 feet high. The corner-stone, which is of 
the Syracuse variety, with a cavity containing an air- 
tight copper box, in which some documents were 
placed, was, on Thursday, May 1(), 1872, laid in the 
foundation at the southeast corner of the building, in 
a conspicuous position, with appropriate ceremonies, 
the Rev. Dr. Taylor, of the Broadway Tabernacle, of 
New York City, officiating on the occasion. 

The architect was I. G. Perry, of Binghamton, 
N. Y., and Peter H. Terhune, of the same place, was 
the contractor. Building committee, Wickham C. 
McNish, Selah R. Corwin, Stephen S. Conkling, John 
M. Hanford, and Oliver P. Reeve. 

This house, with its appointments, not including 
grounds, cost the large sum of •'?49,9(t0, which has 
been nearly all paid. A small amount still remaining 
unpaid is mostly provided for by subscriptions. The 
church was dedicated Oct. 22, 1873 ; the sermon on 
the occasion was delivered by the Rev. Henry Ward 
Beecher, of Brooklyn , N. Y. The present officers are 
as follows : Pastor, Rev. Frederick R. Marvin ; Dea- 
cons, Daniel Ogden, elected 1840 ; Selah R. Corwin, 
1850 ; Menander Sands, 18.50 ; Samuel C. Mapes, 
1868; Gilbert L. Parsons, 1877; Oliver P. Reeve, 
1877. Trustees, John M. Hanford, Wickham C. Mc- 
Nish, Selah R. Corwin, Oliver P. Reeve, James B. 
Crawford, Samuel C. Mapes, and Frederick W. Lowe. 
Treasurer, Oliver P. Reeve. 

The number of members, as per manual, is 238, 
males 90, females 148, quite a number of whom are 
absent ; number of families, about 100. There is also 
a flourishing Sabbath-school connected with the 
church numbering 212 pupils, O. Clark Crawford, 
superintendent. 

The church edifice has a commanding and elegant 

' appearance, being centrally located on rising ground 

near the centre of the town, convenient of access, 

thereby exhibiting the wisdom and forethought of the 

early settlers in its location. 

I The following is a list of the ministers employed 

i by the society from its commencement to the present 

' time : 

I June 10, 1785, to June 10, 1797, Rev. Charles Seeley ; Nov. 27, 1797, to 
Aug. 4, 1803, Rev. Wm. M. Smith ; Jan. 1, 1805, to June 7, 1807, Rev, 

' Wm. Bull; Aug. 26, 1807, to Aug. 20, 1812, Rov. Allen Blair; Sept. 

12, 1812, to June 9, 1819, Rev. Abel Jackson ; April 15, 1820, to April 
20, 1822, Rev. William Blain; Feb. 1, 1824, to Sept. 29, 1825, Rev. 
Geo. Stebbins; Nov. 1, 1836, to Oct. 1, 1837, John Fishpool; Dec. 1, 
1837, to Oct. 8, 1838, Rev. Michael La Cost ; Nov. 2, 1838, to April 3, 
1841, Rev. Charles Machin ; May 26, 1842, to June 26, 1845, Rev. 
Harris Eighter; June 20, 1845, to July 30, 1846, John C. Tenett; 
Nov. 12, 1846. to June 26, 1851, Rev, Lewis C. Lockwood ; Oct. 5, 
1851, to Aug. 31, 1854, Samuel Y. Lum; Aug. 31, 1854, to May 1, 



458 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1835, Rev. Geo. W. Tinilow; Oct. 1, 1855, to Nov. 13, 1859, Kev. 
Daniel Lancaster; April 1, ISGCI, to Sept, 1, 1868, Rev. Jouallian 
Crane; Dec. 24, 1868, to July 1, 1876, Kev. Charles A. Harvey; Oct. 
1, 1S75, Jonathan Crane, died Dec. 25, 1877; April 18, 1878, F. E. 
Marvin, present pastor. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOWELL'S IJEPOT. 

For the dates of incorporation of this society see 
chapter upon Mount Hope, as it was located within 
that town down to about 1847. 

This organization is said to be the second Congre- 
gational Church formed in the State of New York, 
the first being upon Long Island. The earliest book 
of records is a valuable memorial not only of this 
one church, but of the usages of Congregational 
Churches one hundred years ago. Upon its venerable, 
time-stained pages is recorded a full confession of 
faith, and a covenant to which the first members not 
only assented in solemn public form, but affixed their 
signatures to the engrossed copy. The record is 
simple, the foundation of a vij^ible church of Jesus 
'Christ being entered in these few words: 

** Memorandum of the proceedings of the church begun in New 
Shawangunk, Jul.v 3, 1782. 

'* Messrs. Eliab Farnahani, Enos Woodward, Sr., and wife, Joseph 
Smith and wife, Elijah Reeve, Jr., unite and agree that a cliurch meet- 
ing be held the first Wednesday in every succeeding month." 

August 7th it is recorded that the conference 
opened by prayer, and it was agreed that an orderly 
freedom be given to exhort, i)rovided they be judged 
of sound principles and good morals, in the absence 
of a minister. 

Discussion ensued on the usefulness of reading. 
It was agreed that at all times it may be profitable to 
meet on the Sabbath-day to perform acts of divine 
worship, as prayer, praise, etc., and to read the works 
of pious authors approved as orthodox; this to be 
done in the absence of a minister. Discussion ensued 
on the profitableness of exhortation after a minister's 
conclusion ; not granted to be generally useful, but 
if done, to be done orderly, forbearing any enlarge- 
ment or comment upon the minister's discourse. Ap- 
pointments were also made as follows: Mr. Eliab 
Farnaham to be moderator, to open meeting, etc., 
and to be chorister ; Mr. Enos Woodward, vice- 
chorister ; Thomas White, schoolmaster, to be reader 
in the absence of a minister, and to give out the 
psalms; Mr. Joseph Smith, vice do.; these persons 
being nominated to l)e ofl'ered to the first full meeting 
of the congregation for choice. 

Oct. 2, 1782. — It was decided that only members of 
the church should be present when candidates were 
examined. This question, however, caused much 
subsequent discussion. 

Feb. 12, 1783, Frances, daughter of Elijali and 
Mary Reeve, was baptized. This indicates that some 
minister was with them on this occasion. Mr. Tim- 
othy Coleman was examined, and having subscribed 
to the articles was admitted a member. 

Elizabeth Ames was also examined, but being un- 



baptized was continued as a candidate. Thomas 
White was examined; "present Mr. Scale;" this 
doubtless implied that he was a minister. 

Wednesday, April 2, 1783. — Inquired into the pro- 
priety of female members " having or not a voice in 
church debates." Deferred for future consideration. 

Aug. 6, 1783.— Departed this life. Mary, wife of Eli- 
jah Reeve, a member of this church, remarkable for 
patience, piety, and resignation. 

Considerable discussion was had with reference to 
the obtaining of a pastor. These few Christians in 
the wilderness, faithful to the traditions of their 
fathers and the freedom of the New England Church, 
had instituted a church of their own without priest 
or prelate, owing allegiance to no head save Jesus 
Christ the only Lord of the conscience. 

April 18, 1784. — Mr. Constant preached as a candi- 
date ; highly approved. 

May 2. — Mr. Shepherd preached ; esteemed as a 
promising gospel minister, but Mr. Constant bears 
the greatest sway in the minds of the people. About 
this time a part desired to settle a Baptist minister, 
one Mr. West. 

Oct. 2, 1784. — Received as members Thomas White, 
Elizz White, Job Smith, Kezia Skinner. Rev. Mr. 
Lewis preached the sermon this day. 

Oct. 13, 1784. — Mr. Mapes (first name not given) 
was admitted an occasional communicant at the Lord's 
Supper, which was celebrated. 

The same day there was baptized Eliab, Stephen, 
Joshua, children of Eliab Farnaham, and Jane, a 
daughter of Timothy Coleman. 

The record adds, " This was the first time the Lord's 
Supper had ever been administered in these parts." 
.\fter sermon all the members stood up and assented 
to the confession and covenant. Mr. Joseph Corwin 
was received as a member. 

Jan. 28, 178.5. — Mr. John St. John was received. 
In 1791, Nov. 8th, a vote was taken authorizing Rev. 
B. Bradnerto request of Morris County Presbytery for 
a minister, viz., for Mr. Abel Jackson. There are 
some evidences that this church was either for a part 
of the earlier years Presbyterian or perhaps simply 
had close fraternal relations with Presbyterian 
Churches, and acted to a certain extent with Morris 
County Pre.sbytery.'* 

It is difficult to determine from the records much 
about the succession of pastors. Rev. Mr. Lewis 
seems to have preached at various times, but he was 
probably tlie pastor of some neighboring church. 

The early roll of members did not fill up rapidly. 
It comprised, previous to 1803, only the following: 

Joseph Smith, Mary Smith, Eli.iah Reeve, EnOB Woodward, Mary Wood- 
ward, Eliab Farnaham, 1782 ; Timothy Coleman, 178:i ; Thos. White, 
Elizz 'White, Job Smith, Joshua Corwin, Sr., 1784; Moses Smith, 
Mrs. Moses Smith, Samuel Mapes, Jr., 1785; Keziah Mapes, Mary 
Mapes, Selah Mapes, Mary Shaw, Kezia Skinner, 1786 ; Wm. Penny, 
Sr., 17aO; Martha Vail, Mary Kelly, 180.'!. 

* See Firat Preabyterian Church of Mount Hope. 



WALLKILL. 



459 



Possibly the church may have been partially asso- 
ciated with the old Presbyterian Church of Pine 
Plains, now Mount Hope village. 

March 23, 1796, it was voted "to unite with the 
church and society at Middletown to obtain Mr. 
Smith for one year (as he had for one quarter) to 
preach to us." 

It is probable the " old yellow meeting-house " at 
Mapestown was built in 1809 or 1810. Most of the 
meetings are recorded as having been held at the 
school-house, but about that time the meeting-house 
is mentioned. 

In 1810, David Corwin and Erastus Mapes were 
deacons ; David Corwin, 8elah Mapes, Jonathan 
Coleman, trustees. The removal of the society to 
Howell's, and the building of a new house of worship 
at the latter place, occurred about 1847. The house 
has been kept in excellent repair. 

The pastors during the later years of the church 
have been Rev. George Turner, for several years ; Rev. 
Azel Downs ; Rev. Moses H. Wilder, four years or 
more; Rev. George J. Means, for thirteen years, his 
service being terminated by his death. The last 
pastor was Rev. Coles R. Wilkin, who also died after 
nearly three years of service. The pulpit is now va- 
cant. The presentofficers (December, 1880) areC. H. 
Mapes, clerk; W. H. Mapes, chorister; Benjamin 
Mapes, S. W. Waller, standing committee ; G. Otis, 
superintendent of the Sunday-school ; J. T. Mapes, 
assistant ; S. E. Mapes, Amzi Mapes, and Wm. E. 
Mapes, deacons ; Herbert Dolsen, S. S. Mapes, Asa 
Mapes, G. E. Putney, Andrew T. Bertholf, trustees. 

There must have been an early parsonage at Mapes- 
town, as in the records of 1784-85 relating to the pro- 
posed settlement of a Baptist minister, one party 
charges the other with being about " to seize the par- 
sonage." In later years, before the removal to How- 
ell's, there was a parsonage, which was sold and the 
proceeds used to buy one here. The present parson- 
age was built in 1863 or 1864, at a cost of about $3000. 

THE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN, 
was incorporated May 29, 1871. The certificate was 
signed by Gilbert Beebe and Benton Jenkins. The 
trustees named were Hiram Horton, William Inman, 
Harrison Thompson, Benton L. Beebe, G. A. Emory, 
and Benton Jenkins. 

This was a legal step, seeming to be necessary at the 
time of building the new house of worship in the 
village of Middletown, but the society is venerable in 
years, as shown in the following notice, written by 
Elder Gilbert Beebe. Of this aged Christian la- 
borer we desire to add a remark from his letter ac- 
companying the history furnished. He says, — 

" I have held the pastoml care at New Vernon* fifty-four yearn latt May. 
My predecessor, Elder Motitayne, and myself more than eUjidy-seven 
years. I have also suiiplied the Middletoivn and Wallkill Chtirch fifty, 
one yearSf and I am now in the eightieth year of my age." 

* See chapter on Mount Hope. 



This length of service in one pastorate is probably 
without a parallel in the county. Father Beebe is 
the senior pastor in all this section. His vigor in 
Christian work, and his interest in everything per- 
taining to the church, is shown by the fact that he 
was one of the first to respond to our circular asking 
for church histories, and promptly sent, in the tremu- 
lous handwriting of age, a well-written notice of both 
the Middletown and New Vernon Churches. A man 
of firm convictions and positive character, he never- 
theless commands the respect of the entire community. 

The Old-School or Primitive Baptist Church of 
Middletown and Wallkill was constituted at Middle- 
town, Oct. 4, 1792. The constituent members were 
John Green, Daniel Green, Martin L. Corwin, John 
Cook, Silas Brown, Uriah Hulse, Ezra Witter, Cor- 
nelius Brewster, James Springsted, Isaac Kimmy, 
Silas Hulse, Joseph Brundage, Elihu Caney, Sarah 
Cook, Sarah Brown, Abigail Hulse, Chloe Green, 
Sarah Green, Patience Witter, Louis Preston, Phebe 
Davis, Mariam Brisinten, Mary Hoyt. Jeremiah 
Thomas, Phebe Springsted, Margaret Hulse, Marga- 
ret Remraey, Martha Brundage, Sorberah Rich, Abi- 
gail Corwin, John Finch, Enos Finch, 30 in all. 

The first deacons were Silas Hulse and John Green. 
This church continued to hold meetings statedly in 
the free meeting-house in Middletown, in which 
they had a joint interest with the Congregatioualists, 
until about 1820, when, to accommodate members liv- 
ing north of the village, they built a frame meeting- 
house about two and three-quarter miles north of 
Middletown, at what is now called Rockville, which 
house is still standing as a part of the property of the 
church, but at present unoccupied, the church hav- 
ing, in 1871, erected a new brick house for public 
worship on the corner of Roberts and Cottage Streets, 
in Middletown, where all the stated meetings are now 
held. This house is 05 by 45, with front gallery and 
basement, and cost about 4^11,000. 

Elder Thomas P. Terry was pastor until his death, 
which occurred about fifty years ago. The church 
has been supplied since that time with the pastoral 
labors of Elder Gilbert Beebe, who still supplies the 
pulpit every Sunday at three o'clock p.m., conjointly 
with his appointments at ten a.m. on the same days 
at Kew Vernon. The present number of communi- 
cants is 105. The present officers are : Deacons, Hiram 
Horton and William Inman ; Elder Benton Jenkins, 
clerk. The present board of trustees are Deacon 
Hiram Horton, president ; John L. Halt, secretary ; 
Benton L. Beebe, treasurer ; Dr. G. A. Emery, Harri- 
son Thompson, Deacon William Inman. 

At the time of the erection of the Wallkill church 
in the Rockville neighborhood the Primitive Baptists 
filed a new certificate of incorporation, dated Dec. 10, 
1821. The proceedings were signed by Thomas P. 
Terry and Silas D. Horton, as inspectors of the elec- 
tion, and the trustees chosen were David Reynolds, 
Nathan Slauson, Hiram Horton, Elihu Cary, Daniel 



460 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



W. Moore, and Christian Shons. The meeting was 
held at the school-house of No. 16.* 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCOTCHTOWN. 

The inhabitants of this neighborhood, moved by a 
desire to secure the means of grace, provided them- 
.selves with a house of worship some time before a 
church was organized. In answer to a public call, a 
large number of people assembled at the house of 
George Houston on Dec. 24, 1795. 

Col. Wm. Faulkner was appointed chairman of the 
meeting, and it was resolved that a subscription be 
opened for building a meeting-house at the corner of 
the roads above the house of George Houston. It 
was also resolved that the new congregation should be 
under the care of the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The first trustees were Jacob Mills, Patice Bodle, 
Samuel Dunning, Edward McNeil, John McCarter, 
Peter McLaughlin, and George Houston. This board 
was appointed at the house of George Houston in 
January, 1796. They employed Mr. Daniel Denton 
to inclose and paint a meeting-house, and he began 
his work June 1, 1797. 

The house was raised July 1, 1797, and inclosed 
and painted by September 12th following. 

In this condition it remained — without plastering, 
without pews, without pulpit, and without stoves — 
until 1806. In September, 1806, the trustees agreed 
with Daniel Denton to finish the inside of the meet- 
ing-house for the sum of $515. 

After standing for a period of fifty-seven years, the 
old church was succeeded by the present one. On 
Jan. 24, 1854, the board of trustees contracted with 
Mr. T. H. Lukey to build the present edifice. 

The precise date of the organization of the church 
is not known. On April 19, 1798, Messrs. Jacob 
Mills and George Houston appeared before Presby- 
tery as commissioners from a Presbyterian Church in 
the town of Wallkill, and requested that said church 
be taken under the care of Presbytery, and that sup- 
plies might be appointed them. 

At the same meeting Rev. Nathan Kerr, of Goshen, 
Mr. Johns, of Florida, and Mr. King, of Goodwill, 
were appointed to supply the pulpit one Sabbath each. 
Mr. Kerr, of Goshen, preached the first sermon in the 
old church. 

April 17, 1799, Rev. Methuselah Baldwin was ap- 
pointed to preach as a supply for one-third of his 
time. This he did until April 20, 180.3, when he re- 
ceived a call from the church, and was installed June 
30, 1803. Rev. Mr. Freeman preached and gave 
charge to people, and Mr. Kerr the charge to the 
pastor. On the same day the following persons were 
elected to the office of ruling elder: John White, 
Peter McLaughlin, David R. Arnell, and George 
Houston, who, with Ephraim Everett, Adam Mills- 

* Since this was written, Elder Beebe has been added to the list of 
those who " were but are not." He died in the spring of 1881. 



paugh, and Enos Ayers, were ordained on June 16, 
1804. 

Several revivals occurred during the ministry of 
Mr. Baldwin. The most marked periods of special 
religious interest were in 1815, 1820, and 1830. In 
the fall of 1838 he was laid aside from public labors 
by the increasing infirmities of old age, and died 
Feb. 27, 1847. 

On March 21, 1839, a call was given to Mr. E. D. G. 
Prime, who remained in charge of the church until 
Dec. 15, 1851. On Nov. 4, 1852, Mr. David Beattie, 
having accepted a call from the church, was ordained 
and installed as pastor by the Presbytery of Hudson. 
Rev. John Johnston, of Newburgh, opened the service 
with prayer. Dr. Snodgrass, of Goshen, preached the 
sermon. The constitutional questions were proposed 
by Rev. D. N. Freeland, of Monroe. The ordinary 
prayer was offered by Rev. J. H. Leggat, of Hope- 
well. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. R. 
H. Beattie, and the charge to the people by Rev. E. 
D. G. Prime. 

The elders who have served since the original session 
have passed away are Stephen Harlow, Sr., James 
Boak, Samuel Jlillspaugh, John McWilliams, Jason 
Corwin, Joshua Hornbeck, Joseph Slaughter, James 
McWilliams, Archibald Slaughter, Stephen Harlow, 
Chas. Conner, Alanson Slaughter, Morris Lee, Gilbert 
Corwin, and George Wallace. 

THE CONGREGATION OF UNION CHURCH AT NEW 
SHAWANGUNK 

effected a legal organization Sept. 23, 1799. The cer- 
tificate was signed by Joseph Crawford and Samuel 
Faulkner, two of the elders of said church, and the 
trustees named in this instrument were Daniel String- 
ham, John Newkirk, Thomas Burns, Isaiah Vail, Jr., 
Robert Smith, John Still, William Stubbs, John 
Weed, and John Puff'. 

This society executed a new certificate March 16, 
1801. The paper was signed by John Stitt and Wil- 
liam Douglass, inspectors of election, and the trustees 
named therein were John Newkirk, Benjamin Simons, 
William Morrison, William Stubbs, Daniel Stringham, 
and Robert Crawford. 

This neighborhood was south of the Newburgh and 
Cochecton turnpike, between Fair Oaks and Bloom- 
ingburgh 'about half-way, near where Prosperous Val- 
ley Creamery is now situated. 

This church had a house of worship, known as the 
"old Union House," on the present Shearer place, 
near the Uloomingburgh Mills. The cemetery still in- 
dicates the site of the early meeting-house. 

THE SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL. BETTER 
KNOWN AS .MOUNT JOHNSON CHURCH.f 

A small band of people in the vicinity of Circle- 
ville wishing to establish a Methodist Church near 
them, met April 16, 1846, and incorporated themselves 

t By Miss Sarah B. Wilkison. 



WALLKILL. 



461 



in a body, electing Enos Ayers, Augustus M. Winters, 
James White, Charles Scott, and John Eedfield as 
trustees of this " Methodist Episcopal Church." The 
land was given by Jlrs. Mary Johnson, and as the 
building sat upon a hill, they named the church Mount 
Johnson. It was one mile west of Circleville, on the 
direct road to Bloomingburgh. The house was built 
by H. S. Wilkison for .?100, the congregation finding 
all the material. William Griffith preached for them 
for some time, but he was followed by other ministers, 
who were sent by Conference. After the Bullville 
church was built, the congregation being so small, it 
was thought best to abandon this church ; some went 
to Bloomingburgh, others to Bullville. The last ser- 
mon was preached by Rev. G. Bohlman, after which 
the building was sold at public auction and has been 
removed. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MIDDLE- 
TOWN 

elTected a legal organization March 31, 1828. The 
proceedings were signed by Thomas Houston and 
James Little, as inspectors of election. The trustees 
chosen were John Corwin, Jacob Dunning, Israel 
H. Wickham, Nathaniel Bailey, Gabriel Little, Na- 
than H. Corwin. AVith reference to the history of 
this church the following statement is condensed 
from a historical sermon delivered by Rev. Augustus 
Seward, D.D., July 2, 1876. 

If in any respect it conflicts with tlie article upon 
the Congregational Church, we can only say that it 
seems to be a case where " good men ditfer" in their 
views of the facts of early times ; and as in another 
similar case, we deem it proper to give both these ac- 
counts as believed by their respective adherents. Pos- 
sibly candid inquiries may discover by comparison 
the exact facts of the case. 

Each society claims in a certain sense to be the true 
and only legitimate heir of the one church of June 
10, 1785! 

"The Firat Presbyterian Church and congregation of Middletown be- 
came such by trjinaformation, deliberately and cautiously made in the year 
1825. Previously tu that they had existed as a Congregational Church 
and Society since June 10, 1785, the date of the organization, which was 
two years prior to the adoption of tlie Federal Constitution. Rightly, 
therefore, our history reaches to within less than a decade of the begin- 
ning of the century whose close the nation now is celebrating. Records 
are extant, and have been carefully consulted by the speaker, which go 
back to within seven years of the organization, aiid three years prior to 
the erection of the Presbytery of Hudson, with which the church early 
became, and still is, connected; and with the exception of an interval 
of two years (1803-5), these records are continuous and full. 

"The first minute represents the church as 'being met according to 
adjournment,' Sept. 22, 1792, in wliich year the Primitive Baptist Church 
in this place was constituted, ours liaving been for some years previously 
the only religious organization in the village. It ia an interesting fact 
that the special business transacted at the first recorded meeting was the 
reception of fourteen persons as candidates for admission to the churcli, 
and the taking of five others 'under the watch' of the church. 

"In the month following, October, 1792, the church sought Presbyte- 
rian connection and supervision. It chose John Dunning deacon, and 
commissioned him to 'go as a Delegate to the Presbytery of Morris 
County.' Fora time it sent delegates frequently, if not regularly, to that 
Presbytery; but subsequently, upon the organization of the Presbytery 
of Westchester, it formed a connection witli the latter, upon whose roll 



of membership occur the names of several who first preached here. 
Botii of these Presbyteries, which were styled ' Independent' and ' Asso- 
ciate,' were formed by ministers who witlidrew from the Presbytery of 
New York and adopted a platform which has been described as ' Presby- 
terian in form but Congregational in fact.' From one or the other of 
these Presbyteries the church received counsel and obtained supplies 
from time to time, as tlie pulpit was vacant, until, by the dissolution of 
the Presbytery of Westchester, it was left without ecclesiastical connec- 
tion. It then sent Deacon Eli Corwin to the Presbytery of Hudson, 
April 20, 1824, with a request for connection with that body. The re- 
quest was granted, and Deacon Corwin was received as the first repre- 
sentative of this church in the Presbytery, with which, in the year fol- 
lowing, it sought again connection upon a different basis. 

"The succession of ministers was as follows: 

"Rev. Charles Seeley, from the beginning, perhaps, to 1796, who 
divided his labors with the church at 'Shawangnnk,'asthe records have 
it, afterwards known as the ' Plains,' near Mount Hope. 

" Rev. Zenas Smith, who, after having preached for a time on trial, 
seems to have been chosen permanent supply, and was ordained here in 
1798, yet not installed. 

"Rev. William Bull, from 1805 to 1807. 

"Rev. Allen Blair, from 1808 to 1812, who divided his labors with 
the church at Ridgebury, preaching here during a part of his engage- 
ment on every third Sabbath. 

" Rev. Abel Jackson, from 1812 to 1819. 

"Rev, Abner (?) Brundage. 

" Rev. Boughton. 

"Rev, William Plain, for tiiree years from 1820. 

"Rev. Daniel Young, in 1823. 

" Rev. George Stebbins, in 1824. 

" Of these ministers two only were pastors. The first pastor was Rev. 
Abel Jackson, who was installed in June, 1814, and dismissed in May, 
1819. 

" Under Mr. Jackson's ministry' occurred what is denominated ' the 
great revival,' which still is remembered by some among us as a precious 
season of marked and wide-spread religious interest. As the fruit of this 
work, 85 individuals were received on one occasion into the communion 
of the church ; and, in all, 123 were added in a few months, while others 
also were propounded as candidates for church fellowship, — numbers 
these whose significance can only be appreciated by remembering how 
sparse was the population then as compared with the present; for the 
town of Wallkill had then been organized hut twenty-seven years, while 
not until a year later than these events was a post-office established at 
Middletown, with receipts, as returned for the fiist quarter, of only sixty- 
nine cents. 

" At this time (in 1815) was instituted a weekly Wednesday evening 
meeting for social worship, among the moat eflicient supporters of which 
was one 'colored Ahel,' whose name abides until this day among the 
most grateful recollections of the past. The meeting, perpetuated for 
now more than sixty years, is still held on the same evening of the 
week . 

"A year later than the institution of this meeting a Sabbath-school 
was organized on the borders of the congregations of Middletown, Go- 
shen, and Ridgebury, the children being collected from the families of 
these three societies and others living in the vicinity of the 'Outlet.' 
From this movement came the organization of a Sabbath -school in the 
village of Middletown prior to 1824, while with this pioneer Sabbath- 
school enterprise will ever deserve to be associated the name of that 
mother in Israel, Mrs. Lina Dolsen. 

"Besides Mr. Jackson, the Rev. George Stebbins was settled as pastor. 
Coming to serve the church as a licentiate of the Presbytery of Hudson, 
he was doubtless instrumental in forming the connection which the 
church soon sought with that Presbytery. Having been called to the 
pastorate, he was ordained and installed June 9, 1824. 

" Various reasons led to a cliange from Congregationalism to Presby- 
terianism. But the change was made with great deliberation. A com- 
mittee of influential names was appointed ' to take into consideration the 
state of the church with regard to the mode of doing business, and to 
propose a different mode.' 

"The matter thus intrusted to them this committee held under advise- 
ment for two months, being found unprepared to report at a regular 
meeting convened during the interval. And when at length they re- 
ported 'that iu their opinion it is expedient for this church to adopt the 
Presbyterian ntode of doing business in full, or, in other words, to change 
our order to that of the Presbyterian,' action upon the report was deferred 
for another month; when finally tlie question was taken by ballot, and 
the report adopted by a vote of fifteen for and nine against it, — a small 



462 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



vote indeed, yet giving a large majority of tliose who cared to be present 

and to vote at all; and at the same time revealing a decided purpose on 
the part of the absentees to offer neither protest nor opposition. The 
recommendation having been adopted, it was further voted to connect 
with the Presbytery of Hudson. 

" Tet another month elapsed before the change was consummated. The 
church being met "agreeable to adjournment,' Nov.:i, 1825, proceeded to 
' organize under the Presbyterian order,' and chose 'ten persons to serve 
as elders to the church.' This action was taken in November; in the 
following March five of the ten who had been elected having signified 
their acceptance of the trust, were solemnly ordained, and 'were de- 
clared tlie regularly constituted elders of this church.' 

"The number of chnrcb-members at this time, or as reported to Pres- 
bytery at the meeting in April precedirig, was 20'2, of whom 34 on pro- 
fession of their faith and 5 by certificates from other churches had been 
added during the year. 

"Tiie change in church organization required a corresponding change 
for the incorporation of the congregation, ami the resolution to effect the 
latter was passed Jan. 22, 1828, the title then assumed being 'The First 
Presbyterian Church and Congregation of Middletown.' Two months 
later, March 31, 1828, the first board of trustees was elected, consisting 
of John Corwin, Jacob Dunning, Israel H. Wickham, Nathaniel Baile^', 
Gabriel Little, and Naihiin H. Corwin. 

"The change of which I have been speaking occurred during the 
second pastorate, — that of Mr. Stebbins. To him succeeded Rev. Donald 
Mcintosh, whom the congregation, after some months' experience of his 
ministry, voted to call as tbeir pastor on April 15, 1828. The pastoral 
relation, however, in this instance was of short continuance. Mr. Mc- 
intosh, being in feeble health, sent back his resignation from the State 
of Florida, whither he had gone for change of climate, and where he 
difd soon after. 

"During the absence of Mr. Mcintosh the pulpit had been supplied 
by the Rev, Daniel Tiuunpson Wood, who was licensed April IS, 1828, 
and was ordained at Florida, in this county, October 23d of the same year. 
So acceptable liis services had proved that, on the same day on which the 
congregation voted to concur in the request for a dissolution of the pas- 
toral relation, they chose Mr. Wood as the successor. He was installed 
June 9, 1830, and his pastorate e.vtended through nearly thirty yeare, 
terminating with his decease, Aug. 18, 1859. 

"Mr. "Wood's pastorate waa early distinguished by manifest tokens of 
divine favor, for at the autumnal sacramental service in the year fol- 
lowing his installation 51 candidates were admitted to the ordinances of 
the churcli on profession of their faith in Clirist, while an aggregate of 
87 members was similarly !idded in a single year but shoitly afterwards. 

"That his pastorate throughout was eminently successful is attested 
still by the grateful recollection in which his memory is cherished by a 
large portion of this community, which, while it witnessed his daily life, 
felt too the moulding influence of his generous sympatliy, his wise coun- 
sels, and his efficient labors. The memorial tablet which 'sincere affec- 
tion' raised to his name reminds us, and certifies to all who enter this 
building, that ' as Friend, Citizen, and Minister he was greatly beloved, 
eminently useful, universally lamented.' 

"In a few nu^nths after Mr. Wood's decease the congregation voted to 
call the fifth pastor,* and the present incumbent was installed Nov. 29, 
1859. 

" The bench of elders, as at first constituted in 1826 (just fifty yeai-s, 
or half a century ago), consisted of James Little, Thomas Houston, David 
Hanford, George Little, and Jonathan B, Webb, of whom the last named 
alone survives; and he, after protracted absence, returned a few years 
since to dwell among us, and still abides to ' rehearse,' with faculties 
scarce impaired, ' the righteous acts of the Lord towards the inhabitants 
of His villages in Israel.' 

"The following have since been added to the eldership, viz.: Josiah 
Howell, Enoch Reeve, John H. Corwin, and Nathaniel Bailey, elected in 
1832; Joseph Little, William S. Webb, and Henry Dunning, elected in 
1836 ; Daniel C. Wisner, Hiram S. Dunning, and Henry Little, elected in 
184G, the last of whom still remains in office; William Little, Abrah;im 
P. Howell, Charles Stewart, William E. Millfipaugh, Jirah I. Foote, ami 
George J. King, elected in 1864; J. Milton Tuthill, Samuel W. Tryon, 
and Daniel Corwin, elected in 1872 ; and in 1879, Luther Sayer and Geo. 
A. Swalm. 

"Four years ago (December, 1872) the church unanimously adopted 
what is popularly styled the rotary system, or the limited term of ruling 

* Kev. Augustus Seward. He resigned his charge, which took effect 

Oct. 1, 1879, completing his twenty years' pastorate. Since then the 
pulpit has been occupied by supplies through the Session. 



eldership, and the change was quietly effected by the voluntary resigna- 
tion of their positions for such purpose of all except the two senior 
elders. Under this arrangement three members retire from the Session 
every three years, when an election is held to fill the vacancies so 
occasioned. 

*' The Jirst building erected by the congregation for public worship, and 
which was the oidy house of public worship in Middletown for the space 
of forty years, occupied the site where stands the present Congregational 
church edifice. It is said to have been raised and inclosed and immedi- 
ately occupied in 1786, and it is mentioned in the records of 1792. Its 
erection must have proved a formidable undertaking; for full ten years 
after it is said to have been raised, and quite four years after the first 
mention of it in the records, at a parish meeting ' It was put to vote 
whether or no the church did not think it duty, in their present situa- 
tion, to petition the Legislature of ihis State for an act to make a lottery 
for the purpose of finishing our meeting-house and purchasing a par- 
sonage.' The minute adds, ' It waa thought by the majority to be duty.' 

"But two years later still, the ordination services of Mr. Smith were 
conditioned upon ' the carpenter-work being sufficiently advanced.' The 
house was probably finished during that season, the summer of 1798, 
having been twelve years in building. The manner of the disposition of 
the pews is indicated by a minute which has reference to the adjustment 
of a difliculty between two members respecting the ownership of seats 
' in the Middletown meeting-house which they bad bid off at vendue.' 

"The society, from time to time, voted permission to other denomina- 
tions to use the house of worship when not occupied by themselves. Its 
erection, as we have seen, had drawn heavily upon the means of the con- 
gregation ; but they were more than compensated by the blessings which 
thence flowed to them. That house was the central p<)int to which the re- 
ligious interest of the fathere tended. During the ' great revival' especially 
its seats were the birthplace of souls, and its walls witnessed the register- 
ing of solemn vows. There the earlier pastore — Jackson, and Stebbins, 
and Mcintosh in his infirmities — broke to the people the bread of life 
and administered the holy sacraments. And there, too, the lamented 
Wood began his long and successful ministry. 

"But presently the quarters became too strait, the accommodations 
proved inadequate. It was determined to build again, and also to change 
the location. 

"The second church edifice stood on this gmund where we are now 
assembled. It was built by subscription begun in 1828, and with a rapid- 
ity in striking contrast with the former enterprise. It was solemnly ded- 
icated Jan. 2ii, 1830, the dedicatory sermon being preached, in theabsence 
of the pastor, Mr. Mcintosh, by the Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D., of Goshen.f 

"The old house of worship, when it thus was vacated, was of little 
value, and soon began to decay. Having for a time ' served the public as 
a storage place for lumber, and becoming incapable of being refitted for 
any useful purpose,' it was taken down by direction of a meeting held in 
July, 1833, and which ordered that the materials of which it was com- 
posed should be used for fencing the burying-ground adjacent. 

"Tliereupon sudden and unexpected opposition was manifested on the 
part of a few wlio either had not voted in lls2o to adopt the Presbyterian 
form of government, or who, having voted against the change, were un- 
willing to be ruled by the nuijority. They charged that the Presbyterians 
had defrauded the Congregationalists of their rights, and hatl demolished 
their fathers' house of worship. A suit at law was instituted against 
the committee who had been appointed to take down the buiUiing; but 
during the session of the court, and before the cause was reached, the 
suit was discontinued, the costs being paid l)y the party who had com- 
menced the proceeding. Finally, by written agreement, made April 26, 
1834, the whole controversy wjis adjusted on terms indicative of cordial 
concurrence by both parties. 

" Tlie growth of the village and the corresponding necessities of the con- 
gregation compelled to the erection of this third house of worship, which 
was begun in the spring of 1866, was first occupied in July of the next 
year^ and was formally dedicated on the 24th of October following.^ 



f Those items are furnished from memoranda made at the time by 
Elder George Little, and preserved by his family. 

I The building stands on Orchard Street, at its junction with North. 
It is bnilt of brick, with brownstone trimmings, and has one spire 156 
feet in height. The dimensions are 74 feet front, and 140 feet deep, with 
lecture-room and pastor's study in the rear. The capacity of the main 
audience-room is estimated at 750 sittings, exclusive of the gallery. 

In ISSO an addition was built to the lecture-room, for the better accom- 
modation of the Sunday-school, at acost of $1000. The church is entirely 
free from debt. 



WALLKILL. 



463 



*'Tlte bell wliicli for nenrly twenty years has summoned us to woreliip 
was procured in 1857, chiefly through the liberality of Thomas King, 
who deceased shortly after. 

" At the time of erecting the first house of worship the project of build- 
ing a pareonage was entertained, but seems to have fallen through, pos- 
sibly because the ' lottery' proved less successful than was anticipated. 
But in 1838, Elder James Little built at his own expense, on grounds be- 
longing to the congregation, a parsonage, which was occupied until after 
the completion of this sanctuary ; but the location becoming undesirable, 
in consei^nence of the diversion and increase of business through newly- 
created channels, the property was then sold, and the proceeds were 
appropriated to the extinguishment of our building debt." 

The Ladies' Aid Society of this church vva.s organ- 
ized in January, 1878, — President, Mrs. Richard Deck- 
er; Vice-President, Mrs. Geo. Swalm; Secretary, Miss 
Mary Van Keiiren ; Treasurer, iliss Helen King. Otfi- 
cers for 1879: President, Mrs. Geo. Swalin ; Vice-Pres- 
ident, Mrs. Chas. J. Boyd ; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Miss Lizzie Elmer. Officers for 1880: President, Mrs. 
Geo. Swalm ; Vice-President, Mrs. Dr. Boyd ; Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, Miss Lizzie Ehner. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CIRCLEVILLE 

was incorporated Jan. 4, 1842. The proceedings were 
signed by Josiah Crane and Samuel Bull. The trus- 
tees chosen were Oscar Bull, Robert Boak, John Gil- 
len, Samuel Sands, and Bevier Depuy. 

This church was organized at a meeting held at the 
" White School-house," one mile from the village, Nov. 
4, 1841. A delegation from Hudson Presbytery was 
present, viz. : Rev. Daniel T. Wood and Rev. O. M. 
Johnson. The church was constituted with the fol- 
lowing members: Josiah Crane, John Gillen, Samuel 
Bull, Keziah S. Crane, JIaria ^Miller, from the Re- 
formed Church of Bloomingburgh ; John P. Howell, 
Mary Howell, from the Presbyterian Church of Beth- 
lehem ; and John Johnston, Mrs. Mary Bull, Mrs. 
Fanny Miller, Mrs. Celia Kerr, received upon confes- 
sion of their faitli. 

The elders chosen were Samuel Bull, Josiah Crane, 
John Gillen. Soon after the formation of this church 
Benjamin Thompson and Joseph Little were received 
as members. 

Feb. 13, 1842, a committee to draft a plan for build- 
ing a house of worship was appointed, consisting of 
Joseph Little, Samuel Bull, Hiram S. Wilkison. 

A house to be built of wood, 40 by 54, was decided 
upon at a subsequent meeting. The contractor for 
the carpenter-work was Daniel Bush, who erected the 
house for the sum of $425. The sum seems small at 
the present time, but there w:is a liberal donation of 
five acres of land by Samuel Bull. There was consid- 
erable labor freely given in preparing the ground and 
in subsequent grading, in various improvements and 
in the erection of sheds, so that the actual value of 
the property was very much more than the contract 
price for erecting the building. 

The timber was given and delivered on the ground 
by the people of the neighborhood. Lumber was 
drawn from Sullivan County free of expense to the 
society, and the mason-work, under the direction of 



Mr. Samuel Bull, was mostly a donation by liimself 
and others. 

The parsonage was not built until 1845, when the 
present comfortable and convenient house was erected 
at a cost of $800, not far from the church, and upon 
the land donated by Mr. Samuel Bull. 

Previous to the building of the parsonage, Mr. Bull 
had given to the ministers the use of a dwelling-house 
owned by him. The first communion service was held 
in the " White School-house." 

The ministers who have served the church as pas- 
tors or supplies are the following : 

Rev. p. J. Burnham,fromNovember, 1842, to March, 1844; Rev. Nathaniel 
Elmer, from November, 1844, to September, 1847 ; Rev. Albert W^orth- 
ington, from December, 1847, to September, 1849 ; Rev. A. 0. Pelou- 
bet, from June, 1850, to June, 1857 ; Rev, Henry Osborn, from Decem- 
ber, 1858, to April, 18G7 ; Rev. John N. Boyd, from December, 1867, 
to April, 1871; Rev. C. II. Park, from April, 1871,* to April, 1.S81. 

The present members number 86. The superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school is George Foster. The 
elders at present are Leartus M. Weller, John Bull, 
Daniel Bull, Henry S. Linderman, Joseph E. Little, 
J. J. Duryea, A. Hosier; Deacon. Robert Boak, Sr. ; 
Trustees, Joseph E. Little, J. J. Duryea, David W. 
Shaw, A. H. Gillone, Alfred Hosier, and Peter Wel- 
ler; Clerk of Trustees, Harrison Bull, from Jan. 1, 
1856, to the present time. 

To Mr. Samuel Bull the community is largely in- 
debted for the founding of this church. He gave to 
the enterprise freely of time, labor, and money. He 
had a high appreciation of the value of gospel insti- 
tutions, believing that the true welfare of any com- 
munity depends upon their establishment and preser- 
vation. His name and memory are cherished by his 
neighbors among whom he lived. He rests from his 
labors, but this pleasant rural church remains as a 
memorial of his energy and his Christian integrity. 

THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHIRCU OF MID- 
DLETOWN 

executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 5, 1854. 
The proceedings were signed by Hiram Brink and 
Samuel A. Monell. The trustees chosen were Israel 
C. Beattie, Lewis Little, Henry S. Beakes, John E. 
Corwin, David C. Winfield, Samuel A. Monell. The 
church was organized by the Presbytery of Hudson, 
Sept. 22, 1854, with 26 members. The first Session 
consisted of William W. Robertson, John H. Mills- 
paugh, Hiram Brink, and D. C. Wesner. 

The first pastor was the Rev. John H. Leggett, who 
began his official labors Jan. 1, 1856, and continued 
them with faithfulness and success until Jan. 1, 1864. 

The first church edifice was dedicated March 13, 
1856; was enlarged in 1865. The present pastor is the 
Rev. Charles Beattie, who was installed Oct. 6, 1864. 
The present membership of the church is 360, of the 
Sabbath-school 400. The Session consists of John 
H. Millspaugh, G. M. Newman, Leander Crawford, 

* Mr. Park was away at Ridgebury from April 1, 1872, to May 1, 1873. 



464 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William Evans; the board of trustees, A. S. Vail, 
H. B. Dill, John D. Crawford, John Bradley, Ira M. 
Corwin, Moses Crist. The superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school is William L. Graham. In connection 
with the church is a ladies' aid society. A missionary 
society was organized in 1878, a temperance society 
in 1877. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST 



CHURCH 
TOWN 



OF SOUTH MIDDLE- 



executed a certificate of incorporation Oct. 29, 1842. 
The proceedings were signed by John King and 
Thomas Newcomb. The trustees chosen were David 
Clark, Thomas Van Hone, and John Stephens. The 
meeting was hekl at the house of Francis Wickham. 
The following additional particulars are furnished 
by the present pastor : 

" At the beginning of the year lS4fl, Thomas Van Hone was n resident 
of the then small village of Middletown. An earnest Christian, and a 
thorough Baptist, he was led to pray fervently that God would open the 
way for the establishment of a church of his faith and order in the rising 
community. Looking about liini and tiuding that there were a few of 
the residents who liad adopted Baptist principles, he conferred with these, 
encouraged iheni to hope for the future establishment of a Baptist cliurch, 
and led them, by means of his courageous and faithful leadership, to the 
successful inauguration of the struggling enterprise. 

"This brother and his faitliful co-workers were thoroughly imbued 
with that axiomatic principle, 'There is room every whevt.* for a Baptist 
church.' Believing this truth with all their hearts, they met together, 
and with prayer, and sung, and Scripture reading, they formed them- 
selves into a regular Baptist Church. Humanly speaking, their act was 
fraught with little or no encouragement. True, Baptist sentiments, in 
part, had not been without their witnesses in the village and its sur- 
rounding country. The little band proclaimed the universal authority 
of that great commission of the Lord Jesus which instructed His fol- 
lowere to ' disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' Tlie founders of the youthful 
church were few and poor. The work which they had to do was one 
demanding large faith, strong courage, true hearts. They brought all 
these to their task ; they wrought fast and wrought well. 

"The little church was constituted Oct. 21, 1840. Its constituent mem- 
bership numbered 17, of whom 14 were sisters. At the present writing 
only two of these are known to be alive, — Thomas Van Hone and his 
wife, Margaret. The recognition services were lield in the old edifice of 
the Congregational Church. The records of the cliurch have preserved 
for us the exercises of that memorable day : Scripture Reading, by Klder 
S. White, of the Staten Island Church ; Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Bennett, of 
the Orange Church, Unionville; Sermon, by Rev, Zelotes Grenell, of the 
Cannon Street Church, New York City: Hand of Fellowship, by Elder 
Fay, of Wantage Church, New Jersey ; Charge to the Church, by Rev. 
Mr. White ; Prayer, by the Rev. John Wellslayer, of the Cornwall Church ; 
Benediction, by Rev. Henry Ball, of Middletown. 

'* Shortly after the constitution of the church its tirst business meeting 
was held, at which time a call was extended to Rev. Henry Ball to he- 
come the first pastor. For a period which probably covered two years 
and six months the church met from house to house. Oct. 15, 1842, it 
was resolved that immediate steps be taken looking toward the erection 
of a house of worship. Tlieu followed directly a period of self-sacrifice 
and self-denial seldom, if ever, surpassed in the history of kindred enter- 
prises. Every effort was put forth to gather together the means neces- 
sary to provide an humble church-home wherein the devoted few might 
worship God, and as soon as possible their struggles were rewarded 
with success. A plain, unpretentious meeting-house was erected, services 
being meanwhile held in the building then known as Lyceum Hall, and 
at the residences of the mcmbere. It seems that during the interim the 
paster tendered his resignation (May 28, 1843) on account of old age and 
failing health. Difficult as the work of maintaining the preaching of the 
gospel must have been at that critical period, many were the tokens of 
the Divine Blessing given to cheer the feeble baud. During the first 
three yeai-s of the church's life nine rejoicing converts had been buried 
with Christ in baptism, so that at the close of Elder Bell's pastorate the 
membership of the cliurch had increased to 46. After a short interval 



a call was extended to Rev. Joseph Houghout, and he accepted, entering 
upon his duties in March, 1844. In June following the church occupied 
its own building, 

" Our survey of succeeding years, with their many and not always very 
cheerful vicissitudes, must of necessity be exceedingly brief. The coming 
of the second pastor found the church well established, with a humble 
but comfortable building and a fairoutlook. If from this period on there 
seems not to have been the steady growth for which the founders prayed 
and toiled, let not the lack of prosperity be attributed to them. Preced- 
ing words uf praise for them have been in no way too strong. 

"The duration of Elder Houghout 's period of service was only thirteen 
months. After his connection with the church had been withdrawn there 
was no pastorate of any considerable length until the coming of Rev. 
Samuel L. Barrett, who for the second time took charge in May, 1848, and 
remaineil with the church until only a short period previous to his death, 
or until April, 1853. During liis two pastoral terms 18 were baptized, 
and 25 were added to the church by letter and experience. His brief 
work was of that order which can be most truthfully termed nhiding. 
A man of gentle, kindly demeanor, a faithful preacher, a genial, warm- 
hearted friend, he did nun.h to further the cause of God in the field where 
Providence had placed him. He is remembered with tender regard by 
the few living members of the churcli who sat under his ministry. 
Another short pastorate of thiileen months succeeded, followed in its turn 
by the coming of Rev. Levi O. Crenelle, now of Princeton, N. J. The 
numerical accessions of his pastorate were encouraging. Fifty four were 
added to the membership during the two years and five months of his 
stay, ;iG of whom received baptism at his hands. He was succeeded by 
the Rev. N. A. Reed, whose strong, vigorous preaching forthwith resulted 
in increased congiegations at public worship, and the inauguration of 
whose pastorate was so bright as to awaken hope in every heart that his 
earnest work would be permanent, and he remain to enjoy its fruitage. 
We learn from the church records that he was greatly beloved by his 
people, and it was with feelings of the keenest sorrow that they, at hiB 
own request, with great reluctance, accepted his resignation after the 
brief pastorate of one year and a half. Then followed a dark period in the 
history of Zion, a period of depression and gloom, which lasted for three 
years. In only one of these was the church favored with the ministra- 
tions of an Under-Shepherd. It is with gladness, however, that we record 
the factthat the stated preaching of the gospel was maintained, and that 
many faithful members, A\ithout making any formal bond, resolved, before 
God, to hold fast that which they had, and to 'strengthen the things that 
remained, and which were ready to die.' More than one praying sister, — 
and of these, in all the history of the forty years, there have been not a 
few, — in the quiet of her own home, atul amid its humble but honored 
ministries, found time to kneel at the blessed mercy-seat and ask God to 
mercifully favor His people. These pleadings were not in vain. The 
God of all grace set before His servants an open door. An enthusiastic 
brother from another State, coming to the village to settle and engage in 
business, and finding the struggling church without a minister, wrote 
to his own pastor, the Rev. Charles A. Fox, asking him to come and sup- 
ply the vacant pulpit at Middleto^v n. The result of his coming was the 
giving to him of a call to become the pastor of the church. He entered 
upon his duties in October, 18G4. During his pastoral term there was an 
extensive religious interest pervading the church and its outside congre- 
gation. Evangelistic help was obtained to aid the pastor in his work; a 
series of meetings was held, which increased in intensity and power; 
baptisms were frequent; and 151 were added to the church during the 
continuance of his pastorate. 

" It was likewise during the pastorate of Mr. Fox that the church edi» 
fice was enlarged and improved. It seemed wise to enter upon the work 
of remodeling the house of God, and accordingly, on April 9, 1868. the 
beautified audience-room was rededicated. The Kev. Dr. Lyman Wright, 
then pastor of the church at Xewburgh, preached an impressive sermon 
on the occasion. It was a day of gladness and joy, and the week that 
followed was one of prayer and praise. Others were added to the church, 
and thankfulness filled every heart. The pastor resigned Jan. 1, 1869. 
He was succeeded successively by Rev. Florence McCarthy, Rev. J. H. 
Gunning, M.D., and Rev. Frank Fletcher, wliose combined periods of 
service reached nine years. The history of the society during this time 
is not marked by any great or noted progress. There were some acces- 
sions by baptifiui, and during the pastorate of Dr. Gunning there was 
cotisiderable religious interest in the other churches of the village, fos- 
tered by the preaching of the well-known evangelist, Rev, A. B. Earle. 
In the results of the ingatliering of souls the Baptist Churcli shared. 
The present incumbent of the pastorate entered upon his work May '.iG, 
1878. 

" During the past two yeara a liftJe has been done for the extension of 



WALLKILL. 



465 



he Redeemer's cause outside of her own bounds. The great drawback 
o her prosperity' at the present time is the existence of the bonded debt, 
ncurred tbrongh tlio renovation of tlie house of worship in 18G7-68. 
der record in the past as regards tlie channels of our denominational 
)enevoIent enterprises lias I)een good, and lier record will be better if it 
ileases God to prosper her in the future. The forty years have been 
r'ears of trial and an.\iety, but the present period is one of peaceful and 
juiet and permanent growth. 

"Sumjiahv, Seit. 23, 1880. 

'Organized Oct. *21, 1840, with members numbering 17 

Keceived by baptism from Oct. 21, 1840, to present date 291 I 

Received by letter and experience from Oct. 21, 1840, to present 
date 245 

Total _ 553 [ 

Whole number erased and excluded 105 

" " dismissed by letter 173 i 

" " of deaths 57 j 

Present membership 218 I 

. 553 ! 

"Church constituted Oct. 21, 1840. House of worship finished June 
,, 1844. Church edifice enlarged at a cost of S13,,500, April 9, 1868. 
'resent bonded debt of the church, ^500. Officers of the church ; Rev. 
M. Edgar Wright, Pastor; Deacons, Geo. W. Corwin, John H. M. Little, 
iath'l Ferrell, L. H. Slanson, Richard Slee, Jacob D. Masterson, Wni. 
1. Scott; Trustees, Avery A. Bromley, Isaac Crane, W. H. Wood; Clerk 
,nd Treasurer, John H. M. Little ; Sunday-school Superintendent, Hiram 
?ate." 

The house of worship is a plain, unpretentious 
itructure, standing on Mulberry Street, in the village 
)f Middletown, cruciform in shape. The interior is 
landsomely frescoed, and the windows are of rich 
itained glass. A beautiful organ occupies the space 
jack of the pulpit. The communion emblems — a 
cluster of grapes and bread — are painted on the ceil- 
ng above the pulpit, and back of these a dove, rep- 
■esenting the Holy Spirit. I 

The seating capacity of the building is 600. 

3RACE CHURCH OF SOUTH MIDDLETOWN (EPIS- 
COPAL) 

executed a certificate of incorporation, Feb. 18, 1845. 
rhe proceedings were signed by Rev. John Brown, 
Sev. William P. Page, of Goshen, and D. C. Diisen- 
niry. The wardens named in the instrument were 
fames Stryker and Elisha P. Wheeler; the vestry- 
nen, James G. Swazey, John G. Wilkin, William N. 
Phillips, John Bailey, Edward M. Madden, P. Mau- 
ling Stryker, Charles Dill, and Anthony Houston. 

Previous to the date of the incorporation of the 
"hurcli services were held occasionally in the village 
lall on North Street, the Rev. John Brown, D.D., of 
5t. George's Church, Newburgh, the Rev. G. W. 
rimlow, and others officiating. Of these services no 
ecord was kept. 

Part of the land on which the church building 
;tands was purchased of Henry E. Horton in 1845. 
Dhe building was Ijegun in 1846, finished in 1847, and 
consecrated by the Right Rev. W. H. De Lancey, 
D.D., LL.D., Sept. 12, 1848. A small addition was 
iiade to it in the year 1863. In 1866 the south tran- 
;ept was built by E. P. Wheeler, and he added the 
lorth transept in the following year. The spire was 
)uilt principally by the eftbrts of J. M. Matthews, E. 
M. Madden, and Charles Horton, in 1868 or '69. 
rhis spire contains the town clock. The church ' 



throughout is of solid stone masonry, and will now 
seat about 700. In 1878-79 extensive repairs were 
made, a Sunday-school room was fitted up in the base- 
ment, the exterior and interior of the church improved 
and decorated. It is impossible to compute the cost 
of the building and the improvements made from 
time to time with any certainty. There is a parsonage 
on Broad Street belonging to the church. 

The Rev. George W. Timlow was the first rector 
of the parish, and held the first services after its in- 
corporation. He resigned in 1851 on account of ill- 
health. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. Selden 
Spencer, who resigned the rectorship in the spring of 
1853. In the same year the Rev. P. Teller Babbit 
was called, December .5th. He accepted the call and 
served the parish till July 14, 1862, the date of his 
resignation. The Rev. Alexander Capron next took 
charge of the parish on the second Sunday in Advent, 
1862, resigning Oct. 1, 1877, at which time the Rev. 
George D. Silliman took charge, and is at the present 
time rector. The salary of the rectors has ranged 
from $600 to $1500. They seem, without exception, 
to have discharged their duties honorably and well. 

The first record in the parish register is a list of 25 
communicants, in the year 1854. The present list 
numbers 250. Four hundred and eighty-nine names 
of communicants are upon the rolls. The parish seems 
to have grown uniformly with the growth of the town. 

The present officers of the parish are J. B. Swalm, 
senior warden ; L. Armstrong, junior warden ; A. C. 
Fuller, G. B. Fuller, E. H. Purdy, S. S. Draper, H. 
W. Wiggins, Hon. J. G. Wilkin, W. H. Rogers, J. T. 
Cockayne, vestrymen ; J. B. Swalm is treasurer ; J. 
T. Cockayne is musical director; A. H. Ten Broeck, 
organist; J. B. Swalm, superintendent of the Sunday- 
school ; Mrs. Lydia A. Swazey, president of the Ladies' 
Aid Society ; Miss Cordelia Wheeler, president of the 
Altar Society ; and Mrs. H. H. Hunt, president of the 
sewing-school for little girls. 

The seats in the church are all free, and the ser- 
vices supported by the voluntary offerings of the 
people, as part of their worship. The total amount 
contributed for the year ending Sept. 1, 1880, was 
$2920.12, or an average of $56.16 per Sunday. Dur- 
ing the same year there were baptisms, 24 ; admitted 
to holy communion, 11 ; marriages, 12 ; burials, 24. 

May God in His goodness bless and prosper this 
church of the English-speaking people, which has 
provided for all who s])eak the language a universally 
accepted translation of the Holy Bible, and worships 
God according to the ritual observed for hundreds of 
years. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MIDDLE- 
TOWN. 

This society effected a legal organization July 11, 
1838. The meeting was held at the house of John M. 
Tuthill, and the proceedings were signed by John H. 
Little and John M. Tuthill. The trustees chosen 



466 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



were Isaac Denton, John H. Little, Ebenezer Mills, 
William Dann, and Alfred Goodale. 

Upon the earlier history of this church, the follow- 
ing extract from the " Middletown Directory for 
1857-58, hy John W. Hasbrouck," gives a few items : 

*• For a number of years previoits to the time of a permanent organi- 
zatioD of tlie societr, there had been kept up a series of appointments 
for preaching, which were filled alternately by those preachers who were 
traveling on what was then known as Montgomery Circuit. The meet- 
ings were then held in the old district school-hoase, located where the 
Middletown Bank building now stands, the former having, some thirteen 
years since, been consumed by fire. In the fall of 1S3S the project of 
building a suitable edifice for the use of the then somewhat augmented 
membership, although still few in numbers and feeble in purse, was con- 
ceived ; and under the auspices of Rev. Valentine Buck, assisted by his 
colleague. Rev. David Webster, the work was begun and successfnllT 
pr'3secated to its close. The lot upon which the edifice was erected and 
now stands was purchased of Widow Anna Sears, at a cost of S300. The 
architecture of tJio building i which was creditable for the times) reflected 
considerable praise upon the builder, Wm. L. Dann, and cost, including 
price of lot, $22W. Its dimensions were 33 by 4.i feet. 

'* In the spring of 1SS9 the edifice was completed, and dedicated in May 
by Rev. John Kennedy, D.D. A society was then permanently organized, 
and a board of trustees elected. 

'* The preachers in charge at that time were Revs. George Brown, David 
Buck, and Sanford. Succeeding these for the next two years were Revs. 
John Green and Bonney. 

** A change was made in the circuit by the next Annual Conference, 
severing Middletown from Montgomery Circuit, and connecting Middle- 
town and Ridgebury together as a charge, under the pastoral charge of 
Rev. Z. N. Lewis. Then followed successively the following preachers in 
charge : John G. Smith, Matthew Van Dasen, Morris D. C. Crawford, 
Henry Lounsbur>-, J. H. Romer, Charles Isiiam, John K. Still, Charles 
S. Brown, Juccb C. Washburn, John K. Wardle. Silas Fitch. 

" On the completion of the church there remained against it a debt 
of some 5600, which was permitted to rest undischarged, accumulating 
in amount by unpaid interest until in 1347 it had increased to between 
SHOO and SI21I0. 

*' The aspect of afiTaiis now seemed threatening enough, when, provi- 
deutially as it seemed, that indefatigable worker, Morris D. C. Crawford, 
was sent to take the pastoral charge. Entering npon his work, seeing 
the depressed state of affairs, spiritually and temporally, in the short space 
of six weeks from the time of commencing the entire debt was wiped 
out. From that time forward, with few intermisions, the prosperity of 
the church has been apparent. The increase of membership, propor- 
tionate with the increase of population and rapid growth of the village, 
seemed to demand increased space in the church building. Accordingly, 
in the fall of ISM, an addition of fifteen feet was made to the length of 
the building, adding materially to its accommodation and its appearance 
externally and internally, at a cost of STOtt. 

" The house was reopened on Feb. 27, ISoo, by Revs. Jesse T. Peck, 
D D., and Morris D. C. Crawford. To Rev. J. C. Washburn, then pastor 
in charge, high praise is due for the commendatory manner in which be 
latKtred for the prosecution of this work." 

Revs. Richard Wheatley, Luther Peck, Alex. 
McLean, and J. G. Oakley were successively ap- 
pointed to the charge ; the latter in 1868. 

During the first year of Mr. Oakley's pastorate a 
large addition was made to the membership of the 
church. This led to the building of a new edifice and 
the sale of the old one. This work was undertaken 
in 1870. The board of trustees, composed of John 
C. Owen, president; John H. Kellogg, secretary ; Ira 
L. Stoddard, Wm. J. Groo, N. M. Thompson, Wm. 
Budd, and Thomas P. Pitts, constituting the building 
committee, purchased a lot on the corner of Main 
and Mulberry Streets of Joseph Lemon, at a cost of 
$9000, upon which a brick and slate-roof building 
100 by SO feet, with a transept on the south 100 by 37 
feet, embracing a basement under transept, with lec- 



ture-room over the same, ladies' parlor, and class- 
rooms. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 700, 
and is handsomely furnished. The lecture-room was 
first occupied May 7, 1871 ; the completed building 
was dedicated Nov. 1, 1871, The entire cost of lot 
and building was $60,000. 

Mr. Oakley was succeeded by Rev. George H. 
Corey, for two years; Rev. D. L. Marks followed, for 
three years ; he was succeeded by Rev. John K. 
Wardle, and the latter by Rev. Elias S. Osbon, who 
is now (1881) in charge. 

Though for a time embarrassed by the debt in- 
curred in constructing its edifice, the church is now 
in a prosperous condition, and has a flourishing Sab- 
bath-school. 

ST. JOSEPHS ROMAX C.\THOLIC CHURCH. 

St. Joseph's parish was established in 1866, and the 
first pastor was Rev. Father Andrew O'Reiley, now at 
Yonkers, N. Y., whose pastorate covered nine years. 
He was beloved by his people, and won many warm 
friends in the village outside of his church. He was 
succeeded by Rev. Father Richard O'Gorman as tem- 
porary pastor, who is now at St. Rose's Church, New 
York. The present pastor, who built the new church, 
is Rev. P. J. Prendergast, who came here from EUen- 
ville some years ago. He has an able assistant in the 
person of Rev. Father J. P. McClancy. The parish 
includes Otisville, which was formerly attached to 
Port Jervis, and whose church was built by Rev. 
Father Richard Brennan, now of St. Rose's Church, 
New York. 

Soon after being organized the parish began the 
erection of the church on Division Street, laying the 
foundation of what was afterwards completed by oth- 
ers and was called Slauson Hall. The Catholics sold 
the Division Street property because there was not 
suflicient room there for a pastoral residence and 
burial-ground. Their present fine property on Cot- 
tage Street, embracing about thirteen acres of land, 
was bought at a cost of §7000. The frame church 
which for a time accommodated the parish was built 
at a cost of $70<)0 more, and the house on the prop- 
erty was remodeled into a parsonage at a cost of 
§2500. 

The corner-stone of the new church was laid July 
27, 1879, by Bishop O'Hara. of Scranton, Pa., with 
impressive ceremonies. The address was made by 
Rev. J. P. McClancy. The contract price for the 
church was §18,500, but the furnishing increased the 
cost to §26,(XtO. The following persons or firms were 
engaged upon the work: masons, Harrison & McNeale, 
of Newburgh : carpenter, James Thompson, of Staten 
Island ; Ohio stone trimmings, McGill & Binnil, of 
Brooklyn ; stained glass, Aickin & Goodwin, of Phil- 
adelphia; heaters, Sayer, of Montrose, Pa.; gas fix- 
tures, Mitchell & Vance, of New York ; altar. Van 
Buren, of Jersey City. 

The Stuart organ, from the old church, was repaired 



i\ 



WALLKILL. 



467 



by the builder and placed in the gallery of the new 
church. 

The building committee, who had charge of raising 
the monej' and constructing the church, were Rev. 
P. J. Prendergast, John Bradley, John Hartley, John 
Curtis, Patrick Dougherty, Timothy Cohalen. 

The church is built of brick ornamented with trim- 
mings of Ohio sandstone. It is 130 feet long and 62 
feet wide, and it will seat 900 people, aside from the 
choir gallery, which will seat about 100 more. An 
exterior view of the church presents a nave, clere-story, 
and aisle arrangement, with the sanctuary strongly 
marked, and all the various details and divisions 
treated in a bold and vigorous manner. 

The audience-room has seating capacity for 900 
people, clear of columns or other obstructions, having 
an opened timber roof, richly ornamented with mould- 
ings and tracery, apparently very light in construc- 
tion, and yet sustaining without columns or tie-beams 
a clere-story. The sanctuary is very spacious and 
ornate, having a vaulted ceiling ornamented with 
moulded ribs, and on either side is a small chapel 
opening into it and fronting the aisles, and intended 
to contain altars dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and 
St. Joseph. The windows are all filled with stained 
gla.ss very rich in design and color, the main side win- 
dows being all memorials, containing ecclesiastical 
emblems and inscribed with the names of the donors. 
The main altar, which extends across the end of 
the sanctuary, is a very rich and beautiful piece of 
art work. 

We regret that a more complete history of the 
parish has not been furnished for this work. 

THE SEPARATE AMERICAN METHODIST CHURCH OF 
PHILLIPSBURGH 

was incorporated July 13, 1867. The certificate was 
signed by George W. Harding, Francis Wallace, and 
James Archer. The trustees chosen were Ebenezer 
Green, Francis Wallace, and James Archer. George 
W. Harding was jiastor of the church at that time, 
and moderator of the meeting. 

THE METHOniST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH OF 
.MIDDLETOWN 

executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 20, 1861. 
The paper was signed by Henry Johnson and Joseph 
McClaughry. The trustees named therein were 
Henry Waterford, Peter Bowman. George Millspaugh^ 
Joseph Johnson, Joseph McClaughry. 

THE FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MIDDLETOWN. 
The Free Christian Church of Middletovvn was or- 
ganized on Sunday, Sept. 23, 1877. Rev. Charles M. 
Winchester had been holding temperance meetings 
in the village for several months, and having met 
with strong opposition on account of his hostility to 
the liquor trafiic he resolved to locate in Middletown, 
and continue to do such gospel and temperance work 
as he might be able. 



Having made known his intention to organize a 
church, he asked such as desired to unite in the 
undertaking to meet together for such a purpose. 

The following named persons were all that came, 
viz., Chester Belding, Abby L. Belding, Geo. W. Reed, 
Phoebe A. Reed, Emerett Hallock. All of these had 
been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and brought letters of commendation. 

The outlook as to members was not flattering, but 
the minister gave them the right hand of fellowship, 
and after a sermon and appropriate services the 
church was duly constituted. Rev. G. H. Hick, a 
Congregational minister of Denton, was present, and 
assisted in the exercises. 

Oct. 24, 1877, the church adopted a brief covenant 
and articles of faith, adding a total abstinence pledge 
as necessary to be taken as a part of the obligation of 
each member. 

Mr. Winchester, who had been acting pastor, was, 
on Nov. 14, 1877, received by letter from the Bethel 
Church, Providence, R. I., and elected pastor. On 
the following Sabbath, November 18th, he was pub- 
licly received as such by ai)i)ropriate exercises. 

November 21st the following officers were elected : 
Deacons, Chester Belding, Squire Lee; Clerk, Miss 
F. L. Van Doren ; Treasurer, Hector Moore. 

By January, •1878, the church had increased its 
membership to about 30 members, and during that 
month it was incorporated under Chapter 218, Gen- 
eral Statutes, or what is known as the Free Church 
Act. The following persons were elected trustees : 
Chester Belding, Abrara A. Eaton, John C. Smith, 
Squire Lee, Geo. W. Reed, Martin Van Fleet, C. M. 
Winchester. 

From its organization the church hired the build- 
ing known as Slauson Hall for a meeting-house, and 
on Feb. 28, 1878, purchased the entire estate for $7000. 
The property is located at the corner of Wickham 
Avenue and Division Street, and contains about half 
an acre of land, on which was a brick building of 
two stories, about 50 by 90 feet, on a massive stone 
foundation, which was originally laid for St. Joseph's 
Roman Catholic Society. A small barn and excellent 
well of water were also on the premises. It required 
only a small outlay to make the meeting-house quite 
convenient for the wants of a growing society. 

The church was now in condition to grow, and in 
order to meet the increasing demand the organization 
was perfected Aug. 21, 1878, by the election of the 
following oflScers : Elders, Uriah D. Gee, A. R. Hill, 
Matthew Dolloway, C. M. Winchester ; Deaconesses, 
Margaret Trumper, Hannah Gee, Ann S. Van Fleet, 
Angeline Brundage. 

In September, 1879, the building of a parsonage 
was commenced on the vacant lot next south of the 
meeting-house, on Division Street, and finished Feb. 
1, 1880. It is a neat and convenient house, 26 by 30 
feet, containing ten rooms on four floors, and, with its 
pretty front veranda and gable, quite an ornament 



468 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to the pleasant locality, which is noted for its fine 
residences. 

The seats in the meeting-house are all tree, and in- 
stead of a stated salary the pastor receives the free- 
will offerings of the people each Sabhath. Current 
expenses are met by collections. 

The church has met with some obstacles, but has 
been favored with general prosperity, so that the 
present membership is 136. 

In June, 1880, the New York Evangelical Chris- 
tian Conference, of which the pastor is a member, 
met with this church. 

The Sunday-school connected with the church num- 
bers about 300 members. David L. Conkling has 
been superintendent, and Chauncey B. Moore secre- 
tary from its organization. A marked feature of the 
school is the pastor's Bible-class, which shows an 
average attendance from the beginning of about 75. 
Perhaps as a matter of history, and without entering 
into the merits of the case, it ought to be said that 
neither the Free Christian Church nor its minister is 
recognized by the other churches of the viUage. 



VIII-BURIAL-PLACES. 

To mention these in any special order is not neces- 
sary. Many of them are the burying-grounds of the 
earlier years left to ruin and desolation. Others, as 
noticed below, are the result of the improved senti- 
ment of later years, and belong to legally-organized 
associations. 

At the extreme north end of the town, near the 
Shawangunk, is a burial-place in the Mills or Sherer 
neighborhood. This is the old one that belonged to 
the Union Presbyterian Church which once existed 
in that neighborhood. 

Near the northeast line of the town, in the Par- 
melee District, there is a burial-place not far from 
the mills. 

An old burying-ground (now plowed up) was on the 
farm of Hezekiah D. Mills ; only colored peojjle were 
buried there ; supposed to have been an early slave 
burial-place; reduced to cultivation perhaps thirty 
years ago. 

At Phillipsburgh there is an old burying-ground, 
on the east side of the Wallkill. We believe the 
Wisners are buried here. 

The Crane burial-place is on the present farm of 
Alfred Hosier. Among those buried in the Crane 
burying-ground the following are known : Capt. Jo- 
siah Crane and wife ; Elias Bailey, who was drowned 
in what is now William Miller's mill-pond ; Mrs. 
Howell, a relative of Capt. Crane's. 

Near the old Baptist church of Wallkill is a burial- 
place of the last fifty years. Elder Terry was the 
first one buried there, in 1828. 

Other burial-places may be named as follows : one 
on the town-line of Crawford, long since plowed up; 
the modern one at Circleville, under good care ; Mrs. 
Shorter's family lot on the Parmelee property; the 



new one at the Wallkill meeting-house; the Phillips- 
burgh Cemetery; the Guinea burial-place (perhaps 
the same as that of colored people mentioned above) ; 
the Horton burial-place, on the present property of 
George Beakes ; the Pine Hill Cemetery, two and 
a half miles from Middletown ; the Vinson Clark 
burial-place, on the farm now ow-ned by T. W. Hor- 
ton ; and doubtless there are still others. 

OLD BURIAL-GKOl'ND OF THE CONGREKATIONAL 
CHURCH. 

This was the earliest place of burial at Middletown 
village. The remains of the dead were finally re- 
moved and the ground devoted to other purposes. As 
in every such case, it is not prob.able that even the 
most faithful work .succeeded in removing all. The 
remains at the final removal were all buried in one 
common grave, in the Hillside Cemetery, specially set 
apart for this purpose. The stones that bore names 
and dates are supposed to have been all preserved, 
and stand now in two close rows on the lot above 
mentioned. 

We give a few of the inscriptions upon them : 

Natlianiel Vail, died Nov. 10, 1796, aged 31. 
Mary Smith, died Sept. 3, 1804, aged 79. 
Gabriel Consin, died Nov. 2. 1820, aged 25. 
David Moure, died Aug. 4, ISa'i, aged 71. 
Jonathan Owen, died May 10, 1809, aged 44. 
James McQuoid, died July 18, 1806, aged 68. 
Charles McQuoid, died .\ug. 5, 1797, aged 22. 
David Moore, died June Is, 1789. 

These stones preserved are ninety-eight in number. 
The common field stone, which undoubtedly marked 
many early graves, yet with neither name nor date, 
were of course discarded in the removal as of no value. 
It may have been best to remove the dead and give 
up the ground, but one can hardly help feeling that 
it was the destruction of an ancient landmark with 
many cherished associations, and that there was "land 
enough" in this vicinity to have rendered the sacrifice 
unnecessary. 

THE OLD CEMETERY OPPOSITE THE AC.\DEMY. 

This is a desolate place, for which there can be no 
reasonable apology and no semblance of an excuse. 
The neglect of old graveyards is a blot on modern 
civilization. It is said the people are waiting to get 
an act of the Legislature to enable them to remove 
the dead, — a phrase which in its practical result 
means simply to shovel the dust and bones of their 
ancestors into a common pit, and call it a " careful 
transfer of the remains!" There is land enough ; let 
old graveyards stay ; clear them out; mow them clean 
and close twice or three times a year, and nature will 
do the rest, and do it decently. In this " rude, neg- 
lected spot the forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

Here are the names of Reeve, Vail, Moore, Conk- 
ling, McNish, Foster, Wilcox, Beakes, Hulse, Little, 
Cox, Denton, Fallis, Wells, Stewart, Leggett, Dor- 
ranee, Howell, Dunning, etc. 



WALLKILL. 



469 



THE SOUTH MIDDLETOWN CEMETERY ASSOCIA- 
TION 

effected a legal organization Oct. 26, 1848, at a meet- 
ing in Lyceum Hall, of which Benjamin Bennett was 
chairman, and Benjamin W. Shaw secretary. The 
trustees apjiointed were the following, viz. : Benjamin 
Bennett, Elijah Smith, William C. McNish, Hiram 
Kain, John Baily, and Henry E. Horton. The pro- 
ceedings were verified by the officers of the meeting 
on the 27th, before William W. Reeve, justice of the 
peace, and recorded on the 28th. We suppose this 
established or put under a legal organization the 
newer part of the cemetery, now opposite the academy 
grounds. 

HILLSIDE CEMETERY OF MIDDLETOWN. 

This association was organized Oct. 4, 1860. Israel 
O. Beattie was chairman of the meeting, and JohnM. 
Kellogg secretary. The trustees named were James 
N. Pronk, Thomas Chattle, Israel O. Beattie, Silas S. 
King, John N. Kellogg, James Lythe, John M. H. 
Little, Ashbel C. King, and James Rogers. The an- 
nual meeting was determined for the first Thursday 
in October. The proceedings were verified by the 
officers October 4th, before George B. Cox, justice of 
the peace, and recorded (October 6th. 

The property purchased consists of nearly fifty acres 
ill the southwest portion of the village, and now con- 
stitutes one of the most beautiful cemeteries that can 
be found in the State. There are two small lakes 
within the inclosure, and it has over ten miles of 
macadamized roads and drives, with gracefully curv- 
ing and winding walks, and enameled lawns beauti- 
fied by thousands of evergreens and a profusion of 
flowers and shrubs. A magnificent evergreen hedge 
forms an extensive portion of the exterior fence. This 
cemetery cannot fail to be admired by all who visit it. 
The grading has been done by skillful workmen, su- 
perintended by men of cultivated taste. 

The cemetery exemplifies the best principles of 
landscape adornment. Its gentle slopes, its crown- 
ing summits, its finely-arranged lots, many of them 
covered with the choicest flowers, all together consti- 
tute pictures of beauty that linger long in the memory 
of the visitor. 

Costly monuments add the graces of sculpture to the 
attractions which nature and art have freely lavished 
upon the grounds. Among the most notable of the 
memorial shafts may be mentioned those bearing the 
family names of Cockayne, Townley, Babcock, Stan- 
ton, Roberts, Dunning, Charles Horton, Everett, Bar- 
rett, Crawford, Purdy, Wheeler, Denton, H. E. Horton, 
Howell, J. M. Horton, Reeve, Matthews, Webb, Hor- 
ton, Decker, Hinchman, Holding, Roe, Royce, Slau- 
son, Hughson, Pettit, Moore, Thomas King, Hulse, 
L. B. Babcock, and Bell. Of noticeable design is the 
Dill monument, a shaft representing a broken stump 
resting on a rough bowlder, and leaning against the 
stump a heavy cross. 



The one erected by railroad employes to Mr. Min- 
; shull, who lost his life in the railway service, is an 
honorable tribute to his worth and the esteem felt for 
him by his co-employes. 

The first interment was that of Theophilus Vail, 
and the first monument was erected to his memory. 
He died Sept. 19, 1861, and was buried Sept. 20th. 
He had been an active promoter of the new ceme- 
tery, and though incomplete he expressed a wish be- 
fore his death to be buried in the grounds chosen. 
It is evident that the success of tlie new cemetery, its 
beauty, its harmonious and artistic arrangement, are 
very much due to the steady and persistent interest 
which Mr. John N. Pronk, thapresidentof the associ- 
ation, has taken in the work, and the personal atten- 
tion he has given to the execution of the minutest 
details of roads, walks, lots, shrubbery, and general 
adornment. His labors are appreciated by the people, 
one citizen, himself for a long time identified with the 
interests of Middletown, saying to the writer, " I wish 
Mr. Pronk had a million of dollars ; I am sure it would 
be largely expended for the public welfare." 

With Mr. Pronk has been associated Mr. George' 
Wait as superintendent, whose skill has aided greatly 
in the development of the plans. Skillful workmen 
have been employed, some of the number having 
been retained from the opening of the grounds. 

THE SCOTCHTOWN CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was incorporated Nov. 29, 1873. The meeting held 
to organize appointed Harvey Roe chairman, and 
A. A. Fonda secretary. The trustees chosen were 
Abner Mills, W. Augustus Robbins, Harvey Roe, 
Harvey McMonagle, William D. Hurtin, V. F. P. 
Bliven. 

This organization was made to take charge in a 
legal manner of the old Scotchtown yard. The first 
two white stones erected there were to the memory 
of Mrs. Dr. Arnell and Mrs. Phineas Corwin. The 
former lay a corpse on the day of the great eclipse of 
1806. She was a daughter of James Morrison! Dr. 
Arnell removed to Goshen and died there. 

HOWELL'S CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. 

This was organized at a meeting held in the Con- 
gregational church, Sept. 9, 1865. Horton Corwin 
was chairman of the meeting, and William E. Mapes 
secretary. The trustees named were Horton Corwin, 
James H. Corwin, George E. Putney, William W.' 
Shaw, Stephen S. Mapes, Elliot A. Coleman, William 
E. Mapes, Sanford H. Stubbs, and Robert Cairns. 
The proceedings were verified by the oflicers before 
James H. Corwin, justice of the peace, September 
11th, and recorded the 12th. 

ST. JOSEPH'S CEMETERY. 
Upon the ample grounds secured for St. Joseph's 
Church, upon Cottage Street, beyond Wickham Ave- 
nue, a cemetery of considerable extent is laid out, 



470 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



/ 



and with sufficient care and expenditure will develop 
into a burial-place of considerable beauty. 

THE WEBB CEMETERY ASS0CL\TION, WALLKILL. 

was incorporated by a certificate verified June 15, 
1.S67. The trustees named were John Valentine. 
William A. McCoy, Virgil S. Smith, Anthony J. 
Bennett, William H. Bennett, Virgil Knapp. John 
Valentine was chairman of the meeting held to or- 
ganize, and Floyd H. Reeves secretary. 



IX.— SOCIETIES, LIBBAKIES, BANKS, INCOR- 
PORATIONS, Etc. 

HOFFMAN LODGE, No. 3110, F. AND A. M., 
was instituted in the town of Wallkill, Sept. 29, 1817, 
and the following oflicers installed: John Kirby, 
W. M.; Stacey Beakes, S. W. ; Isaac Otis, J. W. ; 
Isaac Mills, Treas. ; George Hill, Sec. ; Charles An- 
derson, Tyler. 

It took its name from Martin Hoffman, Dejiuty 
Grand Master of the State of New York.* Dr. Joshua 
Hornbeck was the first man that joined the lodge. 
He was raised to the degree of a Master Mason Oct. 
20, 1817. He practiced for a long time in the town 
of Wallkill, became eminent in his profession, and 
enjoyed the confidence and respect of the community 
until his death. 

Among the men who first joined the lodge were 
Joseph Little, Jacob Mills, Dr. Jo.?eph B. McMunn, 
Charles Dill, and Henry S. Beakes, names familiar 
to all the old residents of the town of Wallkill. They 
all afterwards became honorary members of Hoffman 
Lodge, No. 412, except Jacob Mills. They are all 
dead. Joseph Little, having survived the others, died 
in February, 1874. The last meeting of the lodge of 
which we have any knowledge was held Sejjt. 10, 
1832. 

HOFFMAN LODGE, No. 412, F. AND A. M., 
was instituted in the village of Middletown, June 25, 
1856, with ten charter members. Of these nine have 
either withdrawn or died ; its first Master alone re- 
mains. The number of members at present is about 
200. It occupies the whole of the third fioor of Ma- 
sonic Building, has a large and airy room for its 
meetings beautifully furnished. Alexander Wilson, 
its first Master, was honored for four years with the 

* In July, 1818, tbe lodge received the following letter: 

"Nkw York, June 23, 1818. 
"Mr. George Hill: 

" Dear Sir,-~1 have this day put on board the sloop ' Mechanic,' Capt. 
Crawford, directed to the care of Benjamin F. Lewis, Newburgh, a 
case containing a Bible for the use of Hoffman Lodge, which I request 
you will present to the officers and members of the lodge, with my best 
wishes for its prosperity, and at the same time assure them that I will 
always feel an interest in its welfare and respectability. 
"I am, sir, 

" Your obedient servant, 

" Martin Hoffman." 
The same Bible is now in use by HofTman Lodge, No. 412. 



position of District Deputy Grand Master, having for 
his district the first year seven counties. The lodge 
has again been honored by the appointment of Willis 
L. Bagley as District Deputy Grand Master for the 
present year. 

The lodge meets the first and tliird Tuesdays of 
each month at 7.30 p.m. 

The officers of the lodge have been as follows: 

1850.— Alex. Wilson, Master; Silas R. Marline, S. W. ; D. C. Dusenbury, 
J. W. ; CO. McQuoid, Treas. ; E. B. Graham, .Sec. 

For subsequent years, in the same order : 

1867, Alex. Wilson, Silas R. Marline, D. C. Dusenbury, H. H. Hunt, E. B. 
Graham ; 1858, Ale.x. Wilson, Silas B. Martine, G. H. Van Cleft, H. H. 
Hunt. E. B. Graham; IS.W, Silas R. Marline, G. H. Van Cleft, I. 
Draper, H. H. Hunt, H. A. Cox ; ISCO, J. Draper, J. G. Wilkin, H. H. 
Hunt, James Lytle, J. L. Van Cleft ; 1861, J. G. Wilkin, Isaac Roosa, 
C. C. McQuoid, Willison Taylor. J. B. Hulse ; 1862, Alex. Wilson, C. 
C. McQuoid, B. V. Wolf, J. O. Crawford, H. A. Cox ; 1863, Alex. Wil- 
son, C. C. McQuoid, B. V. Wolf, J, G. Crawford, D. W. C. Millspaugh ; 
1S04, Alex. Wilson, C. C. McQuoid, John I. Bradley, J. G. Crawford, 
C. H. Van Horn; 1805, .\lex. Wilson, C. J. Sloat, John L Bradley, 
J. G. Crawford, A. H- Corwin ; 1866, Alex, Wilson, C. J. Sloat, W. T. 
Barker, S. Sweet, J. D. Rockafellow; 1867, Alex. Wilson, A. H. Cor- 
win, J. F.Smitli, S. Sweet, J. D.Kockafellow; 1868, Alex.Wilson.A.U. 
Corwin, F. S. Penny, S. Sweet, J. D. Rockafellow ; 1869, A. H. Corwin, 
il. D. Slivers, M. D. Stewart, L. Armstrong, Ira 5L Corwin ; 187i), 
A. H. Corwin, J. F. Smith, H. D. Carey, L. Armstrong, C. .1. Boyd; 
1871, A. H. Corwin, W. L. Bagley, H. D. Carey, N. T. Smith, C. J. 
Boyd; 1872, M. D. Slivers, W. L. Bagley, M. H. Van Keuren, N. T. 
Smith, J. D. Rockalellow ; 187:!, W. L. Bagley, T. T. Terrell. G. H. 
Wildman, N. T. Smith, J. D. Rockafellow ; 1874, W. L. Bagley, T. T. 
Terrill, S. G. Beyea, M. H. Van Keuren, N. T. Smith; 187.5, W. L. 
Bagley, S. G. Beyea, H. McDonald, M. H. Van Keuren, N. T. Smith ; 
1870, W. L. Bagley, S. G. Beyea, H. D. Van Kleek, D. B. Cole, N. T. 
Smith ; 1877, M. H. Van Keuren, T. N. Little, C. J. Boyd, D. B. Cole, 
N. T. Sniitli ; 1878, M. H. Van Keuren, T. N. Little, A. D. Seaman, 
S. A. Sease, N. T. Smith : 1879, T. N. Little, A. D. Seaman, J. B. Car- 
son, S. A. Sease, N. T. Smith ; 1880, T. N. Little, C. V. Puff, 0. N. 
Goldsmith, S. A. Sease, N. T. Smith. 

MILDAND CHAPTER, No. 240, R. A. M., 
was organized March 17, 1869, with the following 
officers: Alexander Wilson, H. P. ; C. J. Sloat, King; 
M. D. Stivers, Scribe ; J. G. Wilkin, Treas. ; J. L. 
Bonell, Sec. 

The officers for subsequent years, in the same order, 
have been : 

1870-71, Alex. Wilson, E. P. Wheeler, M. D. Stivers, J. G. Wilkin, A. H. 
Corwin ; 1872, Alex. Wilson, J. M. H. Little, C. B. Smith, J. A. 
Swezey, G. H. Decker ; 1873, J. TiL H. Little, C. R. Smith, S. A. Sease, 
J. A. Swezey, G. H. Decker; 1874, J. M. H. Little, C. R. Smith, S. A. 
Sease, J. A. Swezey, S. S. Decker; 1876, C. B. Smith, J. R. Reed, W. 
U. Knapp, S. A. Sease, S. S. Decker; 1876, C. R. Smith, W. H. Stod- 
dard, S. G. Beyea, S. A. Sease, S. S. Decker; 1877, J. R. Reed, T. S. 
Lane, \V. L. Bagley, S. A. Sease, Alex. Wilson ; 1878, W. L. Bagley, 
S. S. Decker, J. B. Carron, S. A. Sease, Alex. Wilson; 1879, W. L. 
Bagley, J. B. Carson, 0. N. Goldsmith. S. A. Sease, Alex. Wilson ; 
1880, W. L. Bagley, O. N. Goldsmith. Ira L. Case, S. A. Sease, Alex. 
Wilson. 

MIDDLETOWN LODGE, No. 112, I. 0. 0. F., 
was organized by John Stephens, Wm. H. Stewart,^ 
Hiram Shons, Henry B. Shons, and Wm. Warrell as 
charter members, and was instituted March 7, 1844, 
in rooms on North Street, in the building now known 
as the Erie Building, opposite the carpet-bag factory, 
where they met until Gothic Hall was erected, where 
they moved April 1, 1852. The rooms were dedicated 



WALLKILL. 



471 



June 9, 1852, with a celebration consisting of a pro- 
cession and ball in the evening. In these rooms they 
continued to meet until April 20, 1809, when they 
took the rooms in Exchange Building formerly occu- 
pied by the Wliu/ Press, which rooms were duly dedi- 
cated on the above date, under the direction of John 
M. Hanford, D.D.G.M. The lodge continued to 
meet in these rooms until April 1, 1877, when they 
moved in their present spacious rooms in Adams i*t: 
Weller's building. North Street, which rooms were 
duly dedicated April 26, 1877, under the direction of 
J. R. McCullough, D.D.G.M. The present number 
of membership is 222. The principal officers during 
the thirty-six years of its existence are as follows, 
viz. : 

Charter meoibei-s, installeii March 7, 1844 : N. G., John Stevens ; V. G., I 
Wni. H. Stewart; Sec, Hiram Shous; Treas., Henry 1). Stions; 0. G., | 
Wni. WarieH. 

The presiding officers from July, 1844, to July, 
1880, have been as follows, the first named being the 
Noble Grand, and the second the Vice Grand : 

1844, July r», William II. Stewart, Hiram Shous; Oct. 3, Hiram Shons, 

5. R. Slartine; 184,j, Jan. 9, S. B. Martine, Elisha V. Wheeler; 
April 3, Elisha P. Wheeler, George W. Underwood ; July :5, George 
W. Underwood, Joseph D. Friend ; Oct. 2, Joseph D. Friend, An- 
thony Houston: 1846, Jan. 1, Anthony Houston, J. F. France; 
April 2, J. F. France, Elisha J udsun; July 2, Elisha Judson, L. W. 
Piercy ; Oct. 1, L. W. Piercy, Gabriel N. Swezey ; 1847, Jan. 7, Gabriel 
N. Swezey, E. M. Madden; July I, E. M. Madden, Thomas A. Hard- 
ing; 1S48, Jan. 6, Tbos. A. Harding, H. V. King; July 0, II. V. King, 
A. G. Edwards ; 1849, Jan. 4, A. G. Edwards, George Houston ; July 

6, George Houston, Charles I. Stephenson: 1850, Jan. 3, Chas. I. Ste- 
phenson, Alexander Wilsou; July 11, Alexander Wilson, Moses H. 
Van Keuren ; 1851, Jan. 2, M. H. Van Keuren, N. T. Smith ; July 3, 
N.T. Smith, James T. King; 1862, Jan. 8, Jas. T. King, Guy C.Wig- 
gins; July 1, G. C. Wiggins, J. G. Canfleld; 1853, Jan. 0, J. G. Can- 
field, Henry S. Beakes; July 14, Heury S. Beakes, J.ames G. Swezey ; 
1854, Jan. 5, Jas. G. Swezey, John E. Corwin ; July 6, John E. Corwin, 
E. B. Graham; 1855, Jan. 4, E. B. Graham, J. L. Van Cleft; July 12, 
J. L. Van Cleft, Samuel Pitts ; 1856, Jan. 10, Samuel Pitts, H. W. Ste- 
phens; July 10, H. W. Stephens, D. B. Wheat; 1857, Jan. 10, I). B. 
Wheat, E. R. Dennison ; July 16, E. R. Denuison, J. L. Maefoy ; 18,58, 
Jan., J. L. Maefoy, T. B. Clark ; July 15, Theron B. Clark, Fred. B. 
Hulse; 1869, Jan. 13, F. B. Hillse, John Scott; July 14, John Scott, 
Wm. F. Brown ; 1860, Jan. 12, Wm. F. Brown, A. A. Swinton ; July 5, 
A. A. Swinton, M. C. Owen; 1861, Jan. 24, D. B. Wheat, T. G. Mapes; 
July 25, T. G. Mapes, John B. Williams; 1862, Jan. 23, John B.Wil- 
liams, John Scott ; July 31, John Scott, S. L. Preston ; 1863, Jan. 8, 
S. L. Preston, M. H. Van Keuren ; July 9, M. H. Van Keuren, D. 
Newkirk ; 1864, Jan. 7, D. Newkirk, J. M. Hanford ; July 7, J. M. 
Hanford, John M. H. Little; 1866, Jan. 6, John M. H. Little, Silas 
H. Kirby ; July 13, Silas H. Kirby, A. J. Hardenirurgli ; 1866, Jan. 4, 
A. J. Hardenburgh.Th. K.Crans; July6,T R. Crans, Wm.T. Lud- 
lum ; Oct. 18, Wm. T. Ludlum, John J. Iluyler; 1867, April 4, John 
J. Huyler, D. A. Kiunie ; Oct. 3, D. A. Kinnie, E. B. Hanford ; 1868, 
April 9, E. B. Hanford, C. A. Reight; Oct. 8, M. C. Owen, John D. 
Rockafellow ; 1869, April 1, John D. Rockafellow, Isaac Crans; Oct, 
7, Isaac Crans, S. C, Shaw ; 1870, April 7, J, D. Friend, J. T. Cockayne ; 
Oct. 13, J. T. Cockayne, J. S. Dunning ; 1871, April 13, J. S. Dunning, 
C. J. Thayer; Oct. 13, C. J. Thayer, J. E. Herrick ; 1872, April 4. J. 
E. Herrick, H. C. Waters; Oct. 3, H. C. Waters, James Kelly ; 1,S73, 
April 3, James Kelly, George Wright ; 1874, Jan. 1, George Wright, 
Daniel E. Brink; July 9, Daniel E. Brink, .Albert H. Little; 1875, 
Jan. 7, A. H. Little, J. W. Greggs; July 1, J. W.Greggs, David Ben- 
jamin; 1876, Jan. 6, David Benjamin. Benjamin Webster; July 6, 
Benjamin Webster, John E. Iseman ; 1877, Jan. 6, John E. Iseman, 
Wright Rhodes; July 5, Wright Rhodes, Frank 0. Grover; 1878, 
Jau. 10, Wriglit Rhodes, Chas. C. Fobs; July 4, Clias. C. Foss, Tlios. 
A. March ; 1879, Jau. 2, Thos. A. March, Levi Schooner; July 3, Levi 
Schooner, Charles W. Roberts; 1880, Jan. 1, Cliarles W. Roberts, 
Samuel W. Roberts. 



The present officers (July 1, 1880) are as follows: 
N. G., Samuel W. Eoberts ; V. G., O. N. Goldsmith ; 
Kec. Sec, Wm. A. Preston ; Treas., Levi H. Truex ; 
Per. Sec, E. B. Hanford. Membership at last report 
222. 

This information is furnished under the direction 
of lodge by Wm. A. Preston, Recording Secretar>'. 

LUTHER LODGE, No. 380, I. 0. 0. F., 

of Middletown, N. Y., was established Feb. 25, 1874. 
The object of this lodge is, first, to visit the sick ; 
second, to bury the dead; third, to relieve the dis- 
tressed ; fourth, to care for the widows and orphans. 
The first principal officers installed in the lodge were: 
N. G., Fred Lowe; V. G., David Wiss ; Sec, Henry 
Behme ; Treas., George Storch. 

The present presiding officers of the lodge are : 
N. G., Jacob Young ; V. G., John Altelman ; Sec, 
Conrad Gerhardt ; Treas., Henry Emde. 

ORANUE ENCAMPMENT, No. 93, I. 0. 0. F., 

was instituted Nov. 23, 1877, by D. D. G. P. Chas. W. 
Myers, of New York, assisted by members of Wall- 
kill Valley Encampment, of Walden, this county, 
with the following charter members : Stephen L. Pres- 
ton, Levi Schoonover, Leonard Blumenstoek, James 
Kelly, James S. Herrick, Wright Rhodes, C. R. Var- 
coe, Alex. Wilson, John E. Ireman, Thomas Cross, 
Saml. W. Roberts, Pincus A. Strausman, Chas. A. 
Green, Elnathan W. Hoyt, Byram MUler, Fred. H. 
Bradner. 

The following were elected and installed in their 
respective offices, viz.: C. P., Stephen L. Preston; 
H. P., Levi Schoonover; S. W., Leonard Blumen- 
stoek; Scribe, Wright Rhodes; Treas., Chas. A. 
Green ; J. W., James Kelly. 

The officers since that time have been as follows : 

July 1, 1878. — C. P., Levi Schoonover ; II. P., Leonard Blumenstoek ; 
S.W., James Kelly; Scribe, Samuel W. Roberts ; F. S,, Stephen L. 
Preston ; Treas., Charles A. Green ; J. W., Wright Rhodes. 

Jan. 1, 1879.— C. P., Leonard Blumenstoek; H. P., Wright Rhodes; 
S. W., Byram Miller ; Scribe, Elnathan W. Hoyt ; F. S., Stephen L. 
Preston ; Treas,, Charles A. Green; J. W., David Benjamin. 

July 1, 1879.— C. P., Wright Rhodes; H. P,, Byram Miller; S. W,, Sam- 
uel W. Roberts ; Scribe, Charles C. Foss ; F. S., Steplien L. Preston ; 
Treas,, Charles A. Green; J. W., Ira S. Clausou. 

Jau. 1, 1880.— C. P., Byram Miller; H. P., Samuel W. Roberts; S. W., 
Ira S. Clauson; Scribe, Cliarles W. Roberts ; F. S,, Stephen L. Pres- 
ton ; Treas., Charles A, Green ; J. W., Robert Lawrence. 

Present OIHcers.— C. P., Samuel W. Roberts ; H, P., Ira S. Clauson ; S, W., 
Wm. C, Borland ; Scribe, Robert Lawrence ; F. S,, David Benjamin ; 
Treas., Charles A. Green ; J. W., George H. Kirby. 

EXCELSIOR LODGE, No. 829, I. 0. G. T. 

This is a temperance organization that has been ac- 
tively in operation for some years. 

Its present officers (July, 1880) are: W. C. T., 
Joshua Briggs ; W. V. T., Lydia Wetzel ; W. R. S., 
Robert Lawrence ; W. F. S., W. H. Randall ; W. T., 
Mary E. Ackerman ; W. C, Mrs. D. S. Lowden ; 
W. M., M. H. Wilson ; W. I. G., Emma Wilson ; 
W. G. G., L. B. Russell ; L. D., S. Near. 



472 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



GERMANIA MANNERCHOR. 

The present officers of this vigorous German asso- 
ciation are Albert Loebs, Pres. ; Charles L. Humph- 
rey, Vice-Pres. ; E. Simons, Sec. ; Herman Otto, 
Treas. ; W. C. F. Bastian, Musical Director; Theo- 
dore Breclit, Librarian. 

The society have pleasant and convenient rooms at 
Bastian's Hotel. 

JUDDLETOWN BANK. 

In the year 1839 an act of incorporation was ap- 
plied for under the existing State baniiing act for a 
bank to be established in the village of Middletown, 
Orange Co., N. Y., and to be known and conducted 
under the title of the Middletown Bank. Appended 
to the application for a charter were the following 
names of incorporators and subscribers to the capital 
.stock : 

Joshua Mulock, Daniel Greenleaf, Jesse Carpenter, 
Wm. Graham, Isaac Ketchani, Gilbert Horton, Wm. 
Arnout, John C. Wilbur, Moses Mapes, Oliver Hulse, 
George S. McWilliams, John V. Mapes, Dr. John 
Coukling, H. E. Horton, Henry Bull, H. P. Roberts, 
John M. Stitt, I. H. Wickham, Cornelius Van Bus- 
kirk, Wm. Hoyt, Geo. Horton, Dodge & Thompson, 
Jesse Smith, David Moore, Isaac Hoyt, John Conk- 
ling, A. S. Murray, Gilbert Horton, Wm. M. Gra- 
ham, A. Wright, Joseph Davis, Stacey Beakes, Philip 
Swartwovit. 

All the requirements of the law having been com- 
plied with, the application was granted, and soon 
thereafter, on July 1, 1839, the incorporators met and 
elected the following-named board of directors: 

Messrs. .loseph Davis, Joshua Mulnck, Gilbert 
Horton, William Graham, John C. Wilbur, George 
Houston, Stacey Beakes, Israel H. Wickham, David 
Moore, John Conkling, Samuel Denton, Henry P. 
Roberts, Henry E. Horton, Samuel W. Brown, and 
Gabriel Horton, who then completed the organiza- 
tion by electing officers as follows : President, Joseph 
Davis ; Vice-President, George Houston ; Cashier, 
Alexander Wright. 

• Of the above-named board but two still survive, 
Mr. Samuel Denton, of this village, and Dr. John 
Conkling, of Port Jervis. 

The first business site of the bank was the building 
on West Main Street now occupied by Daniel H. 
Bailey, Esq., and since remodeled. This continued 
to be the place of business for several years ; but in- 
creasing custom and growing prosperity, together 
with the need of a structure more substantially con- 
structed and better ada|)ted to the business, prompted 
a change of location. Accordingly a property on the 
corner of North and what is now known as Depot 
Streets was purchased at a cost of $900, and upon 
it the structure long known as the " old bank build- 
ing" was erected at a cost to the bank of $5800. In 
this location the business was continued for many 
years, and until the same causes which dictated the 



first move made necessary a second. Then it was that 
the proj)erty upon the site of \vhich the bank now 
conducts business was purchased. This was in JIarcli, 
1861, after which the building now occupied was 
erected. 

The bank commenced business, as near as data 
enables us to ascertain, with a pi^id-up capital stock 
of $77,000, which was increased first to $84,000, then, 
in 1846, to $100,000, and further increased, in the year 
1854, to .1!125,000, at which figure it .stood so long as 
the institution continued to do business under State 
laws. 

Reorganization was had on July 1, 186'>, under tlie 
provisions of the United States banking act, and the 
title of the bank was amended so as to read " The 
Middletown National Bank." The capital stock wa.s 
increased at this time to the present amount, $200,000. 

It is remarkable that the bank in its long career 
has had at its head but three presidents, — Joseph 
Davis, who held the office from the organization to 
November, 186."); James B. Hulse, who was elected 
upon the demise of Mr. Davis, and who held the 
office from Nov. 11, 1865, to the date of Jan. 9, 1877, 
when Thomas King, the present incumbent, was 
chosen to the position. The first vice-president, Geo. 
Houston, continued in office until he was succeeded 
by Henry P. Roberts, Dec. 24, 1846, who in turn was 
succeeded by John G. Wilkin, Feb. 25, 1860. 

The first cashier, Alex. Wright, held the office un- 
til he was succeeded by Wm. M. Graham, Sept. 5, 
1844, who in turn was succeeded, Feb. 23, 1860, by 
Jas. B. Hulse. Upon the election of Mr. Hulse to 
the presidency, Thomas King became cashier, and 
continued in the office until ^Marcb 1, 187n, when he 
was succeeded by Daniel Corwin, who adnunisters the 
duties of the office at this time. 

On March 1, 1870, the office of assistant cashier was 
created, and Nathan M. Hallock was elected to it. 

The first clerk to the bank was Mr. Wm. M. Gra- 
ham, who was appointed Oct. 14, 1841. The con- 
ditions of his appointment were that he was to serve 
without pay and to board himself for the first three 
months, after which the bank was to find him board 
for the remaining months of the year's service. Presi- 
dent Joseph Davis gave his faithful and valuable ser- 
vices for the sum of $300 per year, while the first 
cashier, Alex. Wright, enjoyed a salary of .$90(i. 

The first attorney to the bank was John E. Philips, 
of Goshen, who was appointed Dec. 14, 1840. Such 
was the primitiveness of the community that as yet 
no disciple of Blackstone bad put out a shingle here. 
But in 1841, JohuC. Dimmick, who had in the mean 
time settled here, succeeded to the attorneyship, 
which he held until succeeded by John G. Wilkin, 
May 19, 1849. 

The present board of trustees (1880) consists of H. 
R. Wilcox, A. L. Vail, D. C. Dusenbury, John G. 
Wilkin, Chas. H. Van Wyck, Daniel Thompson, 
Daniel Corwin, Joshua Draper, Thomas King. 



WALLKILL. 



473 



FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MIDDLETUWN. 

This institution was organized in October, 1864, and 
opened for business soon after. Tlie first board of 
directors consisted of Henry E. Horton, Wm. Evans, 
Jr., Selah K. Corwin, Charles B. Roosa, Thomas B. i 
Scott, Oliver B. Vail, Stephen S. Conkling, Coe 
Koberteon, James J. Mills, Alanson Slaughter, Sam- 
uel C. Howell, Theodore J. Denton, Jonathan Sayre. 
Wm. Evans, Jr., was president; H. E. Horton, vice- 
president; Daniel Corwin, cashier. Mr. Evans was 
succeeded in 1875 by Wm. B. Royce, who is still the 
incumbent of that office. David Corwin remained as 
cashier until 1870, and was then succeeded by Wm. 
L. Graham, the present cashier. The present board 
(1880) consists of the following; Selah R. Corwin, 
Wm. Evans, Oliver B. Vail (deceased, and vacancy 
not filled), D. C. McMonagle, W. L. Graham, Thomas 
C. Royce, Jonathan Sayre, James F. Dolsen, Alanson 
Slaugliter, W. B. Royce, Theodore J. Dolsen. The 
present vice-president is Selah R. Corwin. The capi- 
tal of the bank was established at $10(1,000, and re- 
mains the same at the present time. 

William B. Royce. — His ancestors for five gene- 
rations lived at and near Mansfield, Conn. Solomon 
Royce, his great-grandfather, married Lydia Atwood, 
•of Cape Cod, Mass., a descendant of one of the pil- 
grims who came in the " May Flower" on her first voy- 
age. The fruit of this union was six children, four 
sons and two daughters, one of whom was Solomon 
Royce, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
who removed with his family from Mansfield, Conn., \ 
to the town of Thompson, Sullivan Co., N. Y., in the 
year 1804, and settled about three miles west of the 
present village of Monticello, the year after its first 
settlement by its founder, John P. Jones. Solomon 
Royce, who during his early life had studied naviga- 
tion, and for some years followed the sea, upon his re- 
moval to Sullivan County, which was at that time 
nearly an unbroken wilderness, turned his attention 
to surveying, and had charge of the settlement of 
nearly the whole of the western portion of the county, ; 
and was instrumental in turning the attention of Ger- \ 
man emigrants of the better class in that direction, 
thus securing its early development and permanent 
prosperity. His homestead contained about 300 acres 
of land, most of which he cleared of its original 
forest. He died in 1859, aged eighty-one years. His 
wife, Nancy Billings, bore him eight sons and one 
daughter, — Alpheus B., James F., Charles B., Edward 
G., Thomas T., Margaret A., wife of Moses Bush, 
Nathaniel A., Isaac B., and Stephen W. 

All settled in Sullivan and Orange Counties except 
Thomas and James, who located in Michigan. 

Of these children, Alpheus B. was father of Wil- 
liam B. Royce. During the former and latter part 
of his life he resided at Monticello, and was engaged 
in surveying. For a few years he carried on mercan- 
tile business at North Branch, in Sullivan County, 
.31 



and from 1859 to 1868 he resided on the homestead, 
to which he succeeded by inheritance. 

He was one of the original surveyors that located 
the surveys of the State of Michigan, and was one 
of the engineers who had the supervision of the con- 
struction of the Croton aqueduct. He also acted as 
agent, and had charge of the sale of a large part of 
the land in the northern and western part of Sullivan 
County. 

He acquired a large ])roperty in real estate in the 
county, was influential in his town and county, and 
was justice of the peace and supervisor of the town 
of Callicoon, where he resided for many years. As 
his father had been one of the founders of the Pres- 
byterian Church at Monticello, and an active member 
of it afterwards, so he also was a supporter of church 
and kindred interests, and was one of the founders 
and an elder of the First Presbyterian Church at 
North Branch, in that county. He was born in 1803, 
died in 1870, and his remains are buried at Middle- 
town, N. Y. 

His wife, Mary A., daughter of William Mangan, 
of Sing Sing, N. Y., was born in 1811, and at the 
time of her marriage to Mr. Royce was the widow of 
Louis Purdy, by whom she had one daughter, Albina, 
wife of Caleb W. Horton, of Tarry town, N. Y. 

Alpheus B. Royce's children are William B. and 
Anna E., wife of Daniel H. Webster, of Middletown, 
the financial agent of Brown it Boyd, of Indian- 
apolis. 

William B. Royce was born in the town of Thomp- 
son, Dec. 9, 1841, and obtained his early education in 
the district schools, attending for a short time the 
Monticello Academy and the public schools in New- 
York City. 

He was engaged in teaching school in 1860 and 
1863, and in 1861-62 he was a clerk in the store of 
W. D. Mangan, a flour and grain merchant of New 
York. 

In 1864 he was appointed a clerk in the United 
States provost-marshal's office at Goshen, and in 1865 
was made chief clerk of the oflSce, where he remained 
until the fall of that year, and was transferred to 
Albany to close up the records of the district, which 
he did, and resigned his position in December of the 
same year. 

On Jan. 1, 1866, Mr. Royce came to Middletown, 
and began the study of law in tlie office of James N. 
Pronk, and was admitted to the bar at the February 
term of the Supreme Court,' at Brooklyn, in 1867. 
His early admission to the bar was quickened by hav- 
ing studied law while a resident of Goshen. 

Immediately after his admission as an attorney -at- 
law he began the practice of his profession in Mid- 
dletown, which he continued until April 1, 1875, 
] when he was elected president of the First National 
Bank of Middletown, to the duties of which position 
he has given most of his time since. 

Since coming to Middletown Mr. Royce has been 



474 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



closely identified with the business and educational 
interests of the village. 

He was village clerk and attorney in 1869-70, 
member of the Board of Education since 1878, was 
elected supervisor of the town of Wallkill in 1879, 
and by re-election has served the town in that ca- 
pacity since, the last two years being re-elected with- 
out opposition. 

His wife, Mary E., daughter of William 0. Roe 
and Catharine Sly, of Goshen, he married June 12, 
1867. Their children are William F., Nellie B., 
Herbert B., and Edith 0. 

MIDDLETOWN SAVINGS-BANK. 

A law authorizing the formation of this organization 
was passed March 5, 1866. The authority thus conferred 
was not, however, exercised until an act reviving and 
amending the original .statute was passed, May 1, 1869. 
The incorporators named in this amended law were 
Elisha P. Wheeler, Jonathan M. Matthews, Joshua 
Draper, Osmer B. Wheeler, David C. Winfield, Wil- 
liam Evans, Benjamin W. Shaw, Hiram Brink, Hiland 
H. Hunt, John W. Baird, William M. Graham, James 
B. Hulse, John G. Wilkin, Horatio R. Wilcox, 
Charles H. Horton, Gilbert O. Hulse, Harvey Everett, 
Daniel C. Dusenbury, Henry B. Dill, Henry B. 
Ogden, Linus B. Babcock, Stephen S. Conkling, 
George L. Denton, William M. McQuoid. Levi Starr, 
John H. Bell, Coe Robertson, Selah R. Corwin, Do- 
rastus B. Irwin, Robert H. Houston, Rufus D. Case, 
Leander Crawford, Ira M. Corwin, James J. Mills, 
William W. Reeve, Lewis Armstrong, Albert H. 
Russell, M. Lewis Clark, Charles Horton, Archibald 
L. Vail, Uzal T. Hayes, Edward M. Madden. 

After the necessary arrangements the bank was 
duly organized, and commenced business in Septem- 
ber, 1869. The first deposit made was the sum of 
fifty dollars by S. S. Draper, a son of Dr. Joshua 
Draper. At the present time (1880) the deposits 
amount to about !!«)00,000. 

The present trustees are Joshua Draper, president; 
H. R. Wilcox and A. L. Vail, vice-presidents ; George 
L. Denton, secretary and treasurer; John G. Wilkin, 
Lewis Armstrong, M. D. Stivers, Selah R. Corwin, 
S. H. Talcott, W. T. Hayes, G. (). Hulse, Wm. Mills- 
paugh. 

NEW YORK AND ERIE INSURANCE COMPANY. 

This institution was incorporated in February, 
1853, under the general insurance law, with a capital 
of $100,000, which was increased to $150,000 a few 
years later. It opened two departments, one for 
farmers and the other for merchants. 

It continued in business for a few years, but finally 
became embarrassed financially, and its affairs were 
finally closed up by the appointment of a receiver. 

THE WALLKILL BANK ' 

executed a certificate of incorporation April 27, 1857. 
The office was stated in the paper as established at 



Middletown, the business to commence August 3d of 
the same year. The enterprise was inaugurated in 
accordance with this certificate. Under the national 
law of a few years later it became a national bank. 
Subsequently its afiairs became financially embar- 
rassed, and the institution was closed about the year 
1873. 

THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY 

was incorporated March 10, 1801. A meeting was 
held at the house of Isaiah Vail, and the trustees 
named were Benjamin Webb, H. B. Wisner, Isaiah 
Vail, William T. Bull, Thomas Houston, B. H. Smith, 
John Tinker, Elisha Reeve, Israel Wickham, and 
Abel WoodhuU. 

The chairman was Israel Wickham, and the paper 
was verified by him before Judge Moses Phillips. 
This institution thus incorporated became an actual 
fact. Books of a valuable historical character were 
purchased. A fragment of the original catalogue, in 
possession of Mr. George Wickham, commences with 
Marshall's " Life of Washington." In 1827 the asso- 
ciation was reorganized, a new constitution being 
adopted March 13th. A subscription for new mem- 
bers had been made the previous year. March 31, 
1828, there were two hundred and seventy-nine vol- 
j umes. It does not appear from Mr. Wickham's 
papers where the books were kept, nor how long the 
library lasted. 

THE ORANGE COUNTY MILK ASSOCIATION. 

This organization, though now doing a business of 
quite modern origin, was originally formed in 1843, 
and was at that time nio.stly an agency for the sale of 
Orange County milk, located in New York, and man- 
aged by Mr. John M. Wood. That early organiza- 
tion sold out in 1847 or 1848 to the present company. 
The business soon after was considerably enlarged, 
and represented extensive interests. In 1860 it was 
incorporated by act of the Legislature. 

Prominent in the management at that time were 
Adrian Holbert, James M. Horton, George W. Alli- 
son, James Kennedy, and Richard Decker. The 
present large and commodious buildings in Middle- 
town were erected in 1868. The business then became 
more distinctly a local enterprise, manufacturing con- 
densed milk mostly, with a small amount of butter 
and cheese. Ten or fifteen bands are employed, and 
at the height of the season from 10,000 to 11,000 
quarts of milk are purchased daily of farmers. R. 
Decker is the superintendent. The New York agency 
is managed by George Conklin, at 27 Vestry Street. 

THE SUTHERLAND FALLS MARBLE COMPANY, 
WALLKILL, 

executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 31, 1856. 
The objects were declared to be " the mining and 
quarrying of marble, and the working and manu- 
facturing of the same for any purpose for which 
marble is or may be used." Tlie trustees named were 
Henry P. Roberts, Elisha P. Wheeler, Edward M. 



WALLKILL. 



475 



Madden, William M. Graham, and John G. Williams. I 
The operations of the company were to be carried on ; 
in Middletown, and also in Rutland and Sudbury, 
Vt. This was an enterprise that passed into other } 
hands in a few years. It is understood to have been 
a valuable franchise, the quarries covered by the ; 
title yielding rich and abundant material. I 

OIL AND MINING COMPANIES. 

During the period of "inflation" immediately fol- 
lowing the war, and developed by the excitement at- 
tendant upon the discovery of petroleum, Middletown 
had itj< full share of companies. They were formed 
in good faith ; much territory that has since yielded 
immense fortunes to other parties was covered by these 
various papers. Considerable capital was expended, 
but all the enterprises were sooner or later abandoned. 
"We give the following list of incorporations as a part 
of the history of that exciting period : 

Middletown Lubricating Oil Company. — The 
charter of this association was recorded in the oflfice 
of the county clerk Dec. 28, 1864. The trustees named 
in the instrument were Albert H. Russell, Levi Starr, 
Charles H. Horton, Joshua Draper, Joseph Davis, W. 
M. Graham, James B. Hulse, Jonathan M. Matthews, 
George S. Thomas. The amount of the capital stock 
was stated at $250,000, not to be paid in money, but 
to consist of and be represented by land leases, wells, 
etc. The operations of the company were to be car- 
ried on in Middletown, and in the township of Cran- 
berry, Venango Co., Pa., and elsewhere. 

The Rock Oil Company of Middletown was 
organized Dec. 31, 1864. The capital was stated 
at $20,000, to be represented by the lands, leases, 
wells, and other property of the company. 

The object was declared to be the mining, boring 
for petroleum, rock, carbon, or lubricating oils, coal, 
salt, or other minerals. The names of the trustees 
were Jonathan M. Matthews, Harvey Everett, Alger- 
non S. Dodge, Levi Starr, William M. Graham, 
Henry B. Dill, Leeman A. Tripp, John G. Wilkin, 
and Charles H. Horton. 

The King Oil Company of Middletown was in- 
corporated by a certificate recorded in the office of 
the county clerk, and bearing date Jan. 2, 1865. The 
objects of the association were stated as "the mining 
and boring for petroleum, rock, or carbon, afid lubri- 
cating oils, coal, salt, or other minerals; the pur- 
chase, leasing, developing, sinking, and working of 
oil-wells, and the purchase or lease of oil or other 
mineral lands, and the purchase and sale of such 
leases and lands, and the forwarding of the products 
to market." The trustees named were Ashbel C. 
King, John K. Hotfry, Levi Starr, James B. Hulse, 
Albert H. Russell, Joshua Draper, Jonathan M. 
Matthews, Elisha P. Wheeler, Corvdon T. King, 
John G. Wilkin. 

The Wallkill Lead Company made an annual 
report Jan. 19, 1865, showing capital stock to the 



amount of $500,000 actually paid in. The debts were 

stated at about $6200. 

The report was signed by S. L. Crosby, E. A. Qeuis- 

sant, S. A. Banks, George B. Satterlee, Hamilton 

Odell. 

THE DRAPER OIL COMPANY 

was formed Jan. 31, 186-"). It was declared that the 
operations of the company were to be carried on in 
Middletown. The objects were stated to be the mining 
or boring for petroleum-rock, or carbon, and lubri- 
cating oils, coal, salt, or other minerals. The trustees 
appointed were Joseph A. Bouvell, Asa Eaton, Charles 
Horton, Albert H. Russell, William M. Graham, Levi 
Starr, Edward M. Madden, James B. Hulse, John G. 
Wilkin. The articles of association were recorded 
Feb. 2, 1865. 

THE ADAMS MINING COMPANY 
was formed June 5,. 1868, wittf its principal place of 
business at Middletown, and its mining operations 
declared to be intended to be carried on in the towns 
of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Monroe, Corn- 
wall, and Wallkill, in this county, as well as in cer- 
tain other towns in other counties. Three trustees 
were named, — Samuel Conklin, Emmet Moore, and 
Stephen T. Hoyle. The stock was to consist of 40,000 
shares, and the company to continue fifty years. 

This was a later association than those of 1864 and 
1865, but did not enter into actual mining operations. 

THE MIDDLETOWN AND UNIONVILLE TELEGRAPH 

COMPANY 
was organized by a certificate filed in the oflice of 
the county clerk, bearing date Oct. 22, 1867. The 
capital stock was stated at $2000, divided into 40 
shares of $50 each. The company was organized for 
one thousand years, terminating on the first day of 
October, a.d. 2867. The stockholders were Elisha 
P. Wheeler, James N. Pronk, Hiland H. Hunt, Levi 
Starr, William Evans, Dorastus B. Irwin, Marcus S. 
Haynes, Henry A. Wadsworth, William H. Clark, 
Asa Smith, Samuel V. Pierson, and John C. Wisner. 

THE MIDDLETOWN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSO- 
CIATION 
was established Oct. 15, 1873, I. R. Clements, presi- 
dent; G. G. McChesney, vice-president; Charles J. 
Boyd, treasurer; H. S. Conklin, secretary. There 
has been no change in these oflicers since the com- 
mencement. The society is on the same plan as 
similar associations in Philadelphia, to wit : the 
cumulative system, dues, fines, interest, and all re- 
ceipts pooled and kept until the gross sum will pay 
every shareholder $200 on each share. The first 
series ran out Feb. 17, 1880, when there was disbursed 
$75,000. There are five other series running. Dues 
are two dollars monthly on each share. 

THE EVENING STANDARD ASSOCIATION 

was organized in the village of Middletown, July 28, 

! 1877, for the purpose of publishing a temperance 



476 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



paper, to be uamed the Evening SlaiiJard. The capi- 
tal stoek was fixed at iflOOO, to be divided into 100 
shares of §10 eacli. Eleven trustees were appointed, 
as follows : Asa Eaton, Leander Brink, Ethelbert 
Selleck, Charles Roberts, James A. Wilkison, Charles 
Bell, John F. Malette, Charles H. Mead, John W. 
Hill, Charles T. Lyon, John C. Smith. This was an 
eflbrt to establish a newspaper to distinctively advo- 
cate the principles of temperance. Under this oi'gaui- 
zation a paper was started with the above name, of 
which >Ir. John F. Malette was the editor. It was 
continued for about three months, when for various 
reasons the undertaking was abandoned. 

THE ZETESIAN DEBATING SOCIETY 

was organized Oct, 25, 1877, by the election of the 
following officers ; President, Henry P. Addis ; Vice- 
"President, Joseph B. Hulett; Secretary, D. Dewitt 
Schoonmaker ; Treasurer, N. Elmer Conkling. The 
officers are elected to serve for three months only, and 
the following gentlemen have presided over the societj' 
since its organization: Henry P. Addis, S. Willard 
Beakes, Walter R. Emory, Henry P. Addis, Andrew 
J. Durland, Henry P. Addis (to fill vacancy), C. S. 
Mills, Granville H. Fuller (to fill vacancy), S. W. 
Addis. 

The officers for the present quarter are: President, 
Jas. McDermott; Vice-President, Philip S. Mosher; 
Secretary, E. Irving Van Horn ; Treasurer, Moses 
Vail. The Zetesian Literary Journal has since the 
organization of the society been maintained by the 
members. By the political division of the society 
Mr. Ira F. Swalm is now editor of the Zetesian Demo- 
crat, and Mr. Edwin R. Storm of the Zetesian Repub- 
lican, thus giving each faction an exponent of its own 
views. 

The Zetesian bar, composed of those members pre- 
pai'ing for the legal profession, has at various times 
furnished the jiublic with entertainment in the shape 
of mock trials, which were always greeted by flatter- 
ing audiences. The society numbers about 20 mem- 
bers, and is in a flourishing condition. 

MIDDLETOWN GOSPEL TEMPERANCE UNION. 

In April, 1877, a wonderful interest in the temper- 
ance reform was develoj>ed <luriiig a series of meetings 
conducted by C. M. Winchester, who was sent out 
under direction of the Co-operative Temperance 
Union of New York City. The meetings were so 
large night after night that no room was found of suf- 
ficient capacity to contain them, and a tent w-as pro- 
cured. The revival continued until more than 3000 
persons had signed the pledge. 

It being deemed by some desirable to organize a 
society, a meeting was called for that purpose, to be 
held in the Congregational church, June 8, 1877. 

The meeting was very fully attended by the citi- 
zens, and proved to be the most exciting ever held on 
the subject of temperance. A few persons, including 



nearly all the clergy of the village, favored a pledge 
for the society that shouki be general in its character, 
without specifS'ing wine and cider; on the other hand, 
3Ir. Winchester and many of the signers to his pledge 
declared that to change the pledge would be to lower 
the standard and weaken the force of the movement 
then in progress. After a long and exciting debate 
the vote was taken, and the following ])ledge adopted 
as a basis of membership in the '' Gospel Temperance 
Union" : 

'' I promise, with tlie lielp of GoJ, that I will not make, buy, sell, or use 
as a beverage any spirituous or nuilt liquors, wine, or cider; and I will 
use my best efforts to induce all otheis to form and keep the same good 
resolution." 

The following officers were then elected, although 
the parties favoring the weaker pledge had a list of 
candidates nominated headed by a prominent minis- 
ter of the village : President, C. M. Winchester ; Vice- 
Presidents, E. M. Madden, Jr., Charles Bell, Mrs. 
Chester Belding, John C. Smith, Win. Evans; Sec., 
Thomas Featherstone; Treas., ;\Irs. Frank Fletcher; 
Executive Committee, Chester Belding, A. A. Weller, 
G. B. Fuller, A. J. Wilkison, Hon. W. J. Groo, Mrs. 
L. Wheeler, Mrs. J. W. Ross, Mrs. Frank Fletcher. 

The society continued daily temperance meetings 
for some sixteen weeks after its organization, and 
since that time it has held at least one public meeting 
a week. 

The present officers are: President, C. M. Winches- 
ter ; Vice-Presidents, D. L. Conkling, E. M. Madden, 
Jr., Hon. W. J. Groo, J. H. Millspaugh, E. Selleck ; 
Sec, Charles Bell ; Treas., Leander Brink ; Executive 
Committee, Hector Moore, T. L. Mills, J. E. Corter, 
Charles Bell, Chester Belding, H. H. Jessup, Mrs. 
Frank E. Burr. 

WALI.KILL COUNCIL, No. 67, ROYAL TEMPLARS OF 
TEMPERANCE. 

The above society was organized at Middletown 
Aug. 13, 1878. It was organized under a charter 
granted by the Supreme Council. The object of the 
order is the promotion of temperance and the creation 
of a beneficiary fund for the relief of families of dis- 
abled or deceased membere. 

At the decease of a member, if a male, the family 
receives $2000; if a female, SIOOO. In case of total 
disability half the above sums, and the balance at 
death. Wallkill Council pays its sick members $3 a 
week by a special sick benefit department. Total 
abstinence and a healthy physical condition is neces- 
sary to membership. This council has now 81 mem- 
bers in good standing, and is in a strong financial con- 
dition. Its meetings are held in the Free Christian 
Meetiug-House on Monday evening of each week. 
The following are the present officers: Select Coun- 
cilor. Chauncy B. Moore; Vice-Councilor, John C. 
Smith; Rec. Sec, C. M. Winchester; Fin. Sec, John 
M. Brink; Treasurer, U. D. Gee; Herald, Franklin 
L. Mills ; Deputy Herald, Jennie F. Dusenbury ; 



WALLKILL. 



477 



Chaplain, Ann S. Van Fleet; Past Councilor, C. M. 
Conaiit, M.D. ; Guard, Josephine Jenkins ; Sentinol, 
Geo. M. Smitli ; Med. Examiner, C. M. Conant, M.D. 
The presiding and past officers from the beginning 
have been Hon. W. J. Groo, Peter F. Miller, C. M. 
Winchester, C. M. Conant, M.D., Chauncy B. Moore. 

THE MIDDLETOWN HEBREW UNION 
was incorporated by a certificate executed Feb. 19, 
1880. The trustees named in and signing the instru- 
ment were Benjamin V. Wolff, Joshua Mendelshon, 
Adolph Budwig, Charles Wolff, Henry Harris, L. 
Stern, Elias Simon, S. Lipfeld. 

This is a new organization for social and benevolent 
purposes, and bids fair to take its place among the 
other important societies of this place. It is also a 
religious society to maintain public worship and sus- 
tain a Sunday-school. 



X.-PLACES OF SPECIAL NOTE. 

The town of Wallkill shares in the valuable lacus- 
trine deposits that characterize Orange County, and in 
the fo.ssil remains found in them. 

In 1843 the remains of a Mastodon Maximus were 
dug from a marl-bed on the farm owned at one time 
by Mr. William Connor, a short distance from Scotch- 
town. They were removed to Albany. 

INDIAN SPRING. ' | 

This spring is on the farm owned in modern times ' 
by Hon. Judge Slaughter. The farm is situated east 
of where the turnpike leading from Montgomery to 
Mount Hope crosses Three-Mile Hill, and east of 
Michigan. The spring was always known by this 
name within Mr. Slaughter's recollection. In plow- 
ing up a field on this farm for the first time many 
Indian arrows were found, in length varying from 
two to six inches. An axe of the hardest flint, and 
as large as the hand, was also found, which is now 
lost or carried away as a curiosity. 

The tradition in the neighborhood is that some of 
the Indians, for some cause not now known, became 
offended with the family of Daniel Butterficld, and 
determined to revenge themselves by murdering the 
family. It was in midsummer, and when the grain- 
fields were full grown. One day a bush was seen by 
the family at an unusual place in the grain-field near 
the house where the individual did not recollect to 
have seen one before, and it attracted his attention. 
While he thought upon it and stood for a little time 
gazing in that direction, he thought he saw the bush 
move slowly towards the house. He instantly con- 
cluded there was mischief of some kind, if not death, 
as well as an Indian under the bush ; and soon as pos- 
sible, without noise, entered the house, and informed 
the inmates of what he had seen and what he ex- 
pected. Preparations for attack and defense proper 
to meet the emergency were made in a moment. One 
took his gun, well loaded for execution, and proceeded 
to where he could see the bush, and where it was 



moving directly towards him and the house. Here, 
in secret and profound silence, he waited till the bush 
should approach so near as to develop its friendly or 
hostile character, and insure success in case he had to 
fire upon it. The needful preparations, as far as 
limited means and the approach of sudden danger 
admitted, were arranged by the family in the house. 
To each a duty was assigned, and, aware of the re- 
sponsibility, they individually assumed to discharge 
it as in a case of life and death. 

The bush continued to move steadily and silently 
forward, and in the direction of the house, — circum- 
stances of awful import to all concerned. A thrill of 
deepest excitement passed like lightning through the 
bosom of the watchman, as he saw the danger approach 
slowly and with apparent design, and thought of the 
consequence of any failure on his part to arrest its 
progress. The same all-absorbing and breathless 
anxiety filled the inmates of the dwelling, where the 
silence of death reigned, — no one daring to breathe. 
The time for action came ; the watchman, with ex- 
cited coolness, and eye upon the sight of his musket, 
drew up ; took the deadly aim : the bush fell, and on 
taking it up an enemy, and, as suspected, a red man 
of the forest, with instruments of death in his hand, 
was found beneath it. 



XI.-INDUSTHIAIi PURSUITS. 

The capacities of this town for successful farming 
are fair. The surface is somewhat uneven and broken, 
not mountainous, but yet decidedly hilly. The hills 
extend mostly in a north and south direction, in 
which they observe the usual physical law of this 
region of country. The soil is of every variety ; per- 
haps not as well adapted to grain as that of some 
other'townsof the county, but excellent for pasturage 
and meadow. 

THE MANUFACTURE OF HATS. 

In the spring of 1853, Messrs. Wilcox & Draper 
commenced the manufacture of wool hats, erecting 
for that purpose a new building on Railroad Avenue, 
adjoining a stream of water skirting the eastern por- 
tion of the village, 65 feet in front, with an addition 
in the rear 60 feet in length. This was the first of the 
several hat-factories which have added so much to 
the business interests of Middletown, and have con- 
tributed so largely to its growth. 

The first firm was succeeded by Dr. Joshua Draper 
alone for some years, then by Draper & Fuller, and 
finally by Dr. Draper again, as at the present time 
(1880). The factory is a large and splendid building, 
six stories above the basement. Two hundred to two 
hundred and fifty hands are employed. The capacity 
of the factory is equal to the production of 200 dozen 
wool hats per day, and 200 dozen straw hats. 

The Babcock & Watrous Wool-Hat Manu- 
factory was founded about 1869. It is located at the 
corner of Mill and AVater Streets, and is a large brick 



478 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



building three stories in height, thoroughly fitted up 
for the various operations required in the business, 
and supplied with valuable machinery. Tlie original 
firm was Babcock & Fuller. From 1873 to 1875 the 
name was Babcock, Fuller & Co., two brothers Fuller 
being members. In 1875 the latter retired to estab- 
lish business for themselves mentioned below. I 

The business was then continued by R. M. Babcock ' 
until 1879, when George L. Watrous became a partner, 
with the firm-name as stated above. The business is 
extensive, requiring the employment of about 200 
hands. The manufacturing capacity of the establish- 
ment equals about 200 dozen hats per day. The busi- 
ness is exclusively devoted to wool hats, of which 
every variety is made. 

The Fuller Bros. Hat Manufactory. — The 
buildings for this important enterprise were erected in 
1874. The firm was composed of men thoroughly ac- 
quainted with all the details of the business, and they 
commenced operations in 1875. Their facilities are 
superior in every respect, large and commodious build- 
ings, machinery of the best approved description, and 
skilled workmen. They manufacture, as do the other 
hat-factories of Middletown, a line of wool hats ex- 
clusively, — comprises all varieties of children's, ladies' 
and men's. Their capacity for turning out finished 
work is about 250 dozen hats per day, and to do this 
200 hands or more are employed. 

THE MIDDLETOWN TANNERY. 

This was established about 1827. Its facilities are 
extensive. The buildings are large and commodious, 
and conveniently situated on the stream of water that 
flows through tlie southern part of the village. The 
present firm is known as Howell, Hinchman & Co. 
The business is one of considerable magnitude, giving 
employment to a large number of men, and forming 
an important industry of the town. 

SAW MANUFACTORY. 

This business was established about 1853 by a firm 
consisting of Elisha P. Wheeler, Edward M. Madden, 
and Josiah Bakewell. The building erected for the 
business, on a lot of twelve acres secured for the 
purpose, was 214 feet long and 40 feet wide ; the main 
shop, 176 feet long; the hardening-shop, in a wing, 41 
by 32 feet, with furnaces of ample capacity ; an engine- 
room, in another wing, 41 by 26 feet ; and offices, 
packing and storage-rooms ; the whole one of the 
best designed and best equipped saw manufactories 
in the United States. In 1860, Mr. William Clem- 
son entered the firm, which then became known as 
Wheeler, Madden & Clemson. Mr. Bakewell died in 
1861, and in 1868, Mr. Lemuel Wheeler (son of E. P. 
Wheeler) and Mr. Thomas D. Roberts became mem- 
bers of the firm. In 1870, Mr. Roberts died, and Mr. 
Lemuel Wheeler in 1873. The same year Mr. 
William Millspaugh and Charles I. Humphreys en- 
tered tlie firm, when the firm-name was changed to 



" The Wheeler, Madden & Clem.son Manufacturing 
Company." Mr. E. P. Wheeler died in 1876. The 
present members of the firm (1880) are E. M. Madden, 
William Clemson, William Millspaugh, Charles I. 
Humphreys, and W. K. Stansbury. 

Previous to 1862 the business was confined to the 
manufacture of saws from imported steel, but at that 
time, owing to fears of the interruption of the rela- 
tions between England and the United States, the 
manufacture of steel was begun here, and has since 
been successfully continued. The saws manufactured 
here have achieved a reputation second to none in the 
country. 

The valuable plot of twelve acres, secured at the 
outset with a wise forethought of the future, has been 
mostly retained for their own use, despite its in- 
creasing value for building purposes arising from the 
rapid growth of the village. 

THE MONHAGEN STEAM AND WATER MILLS. 

This important enterprise was founded in 1839, by 
Henry Little, Esq., who erected the buildings at that 
time. They were destroyed by fire in 1867. About a 
year later they were rebuilt by S. D. Burns. Subse- 
quently the property passed to Houston it Conkling, 
who conduct the business at the present time. A 
large amount of custom grinding is done, together 
w^th a general flouring and feed business. 

THE MANUFACTURE OF FILES. 

This business was founded by the firm of King, 
Cockayne & Co., about 1856. The individuals of the 
firm were Sidney D. King, Corydon T. King, and 
John T. Cockayne. The latter was an experienced 
Sheflield meclianic. He has remained in the business 
to the present time, though not continuously as a 
partner. Mr. John Williams, one of tlie original firm, 
established the Iron Age in Middletown, a valu- 
able journal in the interest of the iron trade of this 
country, which was afterwards transferred to New 
York and published by his son, David Williams. For 
a few years succeeding 1863 the firm was Wheeler, 
Clemson & Co., they having bought the establishment. 

In 1870, John T. Cockayne became a member of 
this firm, and Isaac P. Madden also was admitted at 
that time. Mr. George Rusher, one of the firm, died 
in 1872, and Mr. E. P. Wheeler in 1876. The surviv- 
ing members continued the business. The present 
name of the firm is " The Madden & Cockayne File 
Company." They employ about eighty hands. 
Their establishment is extensive, and thoroughly 
fitted up with the latest improved machinery. 

CARPET-BAG FACTORY. 
This industry in Middletown was established in 
1853 by Matthews & Hunt, who had {)reviously been 
in business for about ten years at Windham Centre, 
Greene Co. They purchased a brick building adjoin- 
ing the railroad track, and enlarged it to a building 
115 feet in length, 40 in width, and three stories high. 



WALLKILL. 



479 



In 1867 the firm became " Matthews Bros.," consisting 
of J. M. Matthews, J. E. Matthews, and J. F. Mat- 
thews. The first named died in 1874. The present 
style of tlie firm is Matthews & Co., dating under that 
name from Jan. 1, 1875. Tlie business done is very 
extensive. Their large and well-arranged factory is 
supplied with the best modern machinery. About 
thirty hands are employed, and such is the perfection 
of the arrangements and the completeness of the 
facilities, that the average daily capacity for turn- 
ing out finished work is about twenty-five dozen 
carpet-bags and satchels, with ten or twelve gross of 
ladies' belts. In the twenty-seven years of the ex- 
istence of this business it has steadily grown from 
small beginnings to its present magnitude. It has 
been and still is one of the most important industries 
in Middletown. 

ORANIJE COUNTY FURN.'VCE. 
The buildings for this establishment were erected in 
1842 by a firm consisting of Elisha P.Wheeler, Jonah 
F. France, Edward M. Madden, and Joseph Lemon. 
They were of brick, three stories in height, covering 
an area of 100 feet front and 200 feet depth. In 
January, 1857, the property passed to a new firm, 
Martine, Mackay & Co. The business is very exten- 
sive, and the buildings are favorably located. In later 
years the proprietorship passed to A. L. Vail. John 
W. Mackay, manager. 

THE BOOK-BINDERY 
connected with the Middletown Press is an industry of 
considerable importance. Mr: Edward Schmitz, the 
foreman of the binderies, has patented a method of 
binding books giving a peculiar firmness to each 
leaf, so that loose leaves are almost an impossibility 
under Mr. Schmitz's method. In the Scientific Amer- 
ican of July 14, 1877, may be seen a full explanation 
of the method. It is, evidently, worthy the study of 
the trade throughout the country. 

THE MORGANS A WILCOX MANUFACTURING 
COMPANY. 

This firm manufactures wood-type and all forms of 
wood-furniture used in printing-offices. The busi- 
ness was originally established by Young & Morgans 
at Napanoch, Ulster Co., where it was burned out in 
the spring of 1880, resulting in a change of location 
and partial change of firm. At Middletown the new 
firm purchased about four acres of land on the corner 
of North Street and Wisner Avenue, and erected a 
building 100 feet front on the avenue, with two 
annexes running back 70 feet. 

DECKERS' MILLS, Etc. 
Other business enterprises are mentioned to some 
extent in connection with the villages. On theShawan- 
gunk Kill in the north part of the town is the mill 
of the Decker brothers. The present buildings, are 
new. The mill was originally established by the 



Olivers. It was afterwards owned by Judge Duryea, 
and by several subsequent proprietors down to the 
Deckers. 



XII.-MIIilTAKY. 

The muster-roll already given, in treating of early 
settlement, shows the names of those who in 1738, 
upon this sparsely-settled territory, were enrolled for 
the defense of the province. Doubtless in the long 
period of the French and Indian wars, 1745 to 1759, 
there were one or more from this section engaged in 
the colonial armies, but no record remains of any 
such service. 

During the war of tlie Revolution the people of 
Wallkill are known to have been patriotic, and nobly 
bore their share of public duty. Col. Wm. Faulkner, 
then a captain, was in the service at the taking of 
Fort Montgomery by the British, and received a 
bayonet-wound in the side, which afi'ected him more 
or less through life, though he lived to an advanced 
age. He was brave, fearless, and a true patriot. In 
the war of 1812, Col. Crawford, from this section, went 
out with a company of cavalry to Harlem Heights. 

The following article gives some items of local in- 
terest in this war : 

"FROM MY SKETCH-BOOK OF THE WAR OF 1812. 

•' On K pleasant Sabbath afternoon, Sept. 5, 1813, when the temple of the 
Prince of Peace had just been closed, onr little village was reminded that 
the temple of Janus was still open, and some of us would likely be called 
to serve in its bloody orgies. A stranger made his appearance and in- 
quired for the residence of Col. Benjamin Webb. Early on Monday 
morning the colonel ordered Capt. Vincent Clark to muster the Repub- 
lican Blues at Middletown, witli three days' rations, and on the 8th to 
proceed to Watelibrd, above Albany, and there, with other companies, to 
be organized, under the command of Gen. Reuben Hopkins, for a north- 
ern cauipaign. On Wednesday, the 8tb September, Ibe reveille struck our 
ears, bre.aUinp; the stillness of the morning and calling us toarnis. Capt. 
Clark's health nut permitting him to go, we were mustered in front of 
Obadiah Vail's hotel, under Lieut. Stacy Beakes, when the toUowing per- 
sons answered at roll-call: Lieut. Stacy Beakes, coniuiundjuit ; Nathan- 
iel Penny, first sergeant; Privates, John Canfield, John B. Cox, Samuel 
Cox, Abner Miller, Moses H. Corwin, Stephen Sayre, Andrew Grinsaulus, 
Gabriel Hill, Daniel Pai«ons, David Youmans, Samuel Canfield, Henry 
Coleman, William Penny, Joseph H.Owen, Joseph Keen, Peter Quick, 
Alexander Parsons, John S. Clark, Matthew Faulkner, Benjamin Par- 
sons. A number of farmers in the vicinity came in with their wagons 
and offered to convey us to Newburgh, which offer was kindly accepted. 
All things being ready. Rev. Abel .Tackson, in a very appropriate prayer, 
commended us to the protection of Almighty God. 

"W^e were soon under way, leaving our little village some less of its 
inhabitants. It was a painful thought that, on my leaving home, there 
were some that did not come to give us one cheerful parting word; their 
sympathy was with the enemy, — ' England has done us no wrong.' Ar- 
riving at Newburgh near nightfall, we were detained some time to await 
the coming in of Capt. Deyoe's company from Ulster County, and the 
sloop to get ready to take us to Albany, whore we arrived on the evening 
of the 10th. The next day we took up our line of march to Waterford, 
and pitched our tents on the hill north of tlie village, where we remainefl 
several days. We began now to learn something of camp-life. Our ra- 
tions were very good; anil by the kindness of Mr. Schoonoven, a lawyer 
of the village, who had a field of potatoes that was only separated from 
our camp by the highway, he gave us liberty to use what we wanted 
while remaining there. He told us that he had a patch of onions near 
his house, and his gardener would wait on us and sell them very cheap. 
His kiiutness saved his potatoes from being wasted, and his unions were 
not stolen. 

" The companies ordered to muster here ha<l come in, ami we were or- 



480 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ganized and put under the command of Col. Abraham Hardenhurgli, of 
Ulster County, James Talniadge. of Duchess County, lieutenant-colonel, 

and ■, of Saratoga County, major. The regiment numhered about 

8even hundred men, and was ordered to take up its line of march for 
Whiteiiall, and on the ISth of September we struck our tents, and Capt. 
Beakes marched out of Waterford with one hundred and twenty men. 
We marched on to \YhitehaIl. and from thence by water on LakeCham- 
pliiin to Plattsburgh. where we remained four days, and then on through 
Clinton and Franklin Counties to Fort Hampton, one and a half miles 
from the Canada line on the Montreal road, and forty-five miles from 
that city. We were lialting at a tavern to take a rest on our way through 
Franklin County. Capt. Beakes threw ofT his ci'ftton abed in the kitchen 
to shave. In putting it on his pocket-book fell out unobserved. A sol- 
dier belonging to the United States army was present, and finding the 
pocket-book on the bed, made proclamation,' Who has lost a pocket-book?' 
Our captain found his was missing, and describing the money, the sol- 
dier gave it to him. The captain offered liim a five-dollar bill ; he re- 
fused to take it. ' If you think that is not enough I will give you more.' 
He refused to take anything. ' Will you take a treat ?' He refused that. 
The soldier was a youth a little out of bis teens, of pleasing countenance. 
I should like to know the future of that young man, endowed with such 
sterling honesty. While at Fort Hampton some of the men belonging 
to Capt. Hawly's company were amusing themselves at cards by a log 

fire. Major came along and ordered the cards thrown in the fire. 

Their sergeant was standing by, and said he would not have done it. 
The major turned and struck the sergeant with the flat of his sword, and 
ordered Capt. Beakew to put him under guard. Capt. Hawly's men soon 
brought him out. The major, not willing to be foiled, stated his crime, 
and ordered Adjutant Van Ransulaure to take a file of men and convey 
liim to Gen. Hampton, at the Four Corners, for trial. 'I see,' says the 
general, 'that he belongs to the New York Volunteers; you must try 
your own men,' And that was the end of it. 

*' Had we been brought into action wiih the enemy. Major would 

not have lived to give orders for the second fire. Let it he known that 
all otticers are not killed by the enemy. I lieard the remark often made, 
' If we get into battle my worst enemy shall die first.' Our colonel was 
an honest old farmer from Ulster, and well thought of, but without mil- 
itary talent. Lieut.-Col. Talmadge was an officer of strict discipline, and 
yet bad the entire love and confidence of the regiment. I would also 
say that Capt. Beakes waw in no danger from his own men. 

"The object of calling the brigade of Gen. Hopkins was to keep back 
marauding Indians from entering Clinton and Franklin Counties while 
the United States army invaded Canada. Geii. Hampton, with five 
thousand United States troops, lay at the Four Corners, three miles fiom 
us, and had orders from the War Department to fonu a junction with 
Gen. Wilkinson, at the Frencli Mills, twenty-four miles from the Four 
Corners, and there, uniting with Wilkinson's eleven thousand men, the 
combined army to make a descent upon Montreal. 

"There was a road from the Four Corners to the French Mills, and 
there was nothing to prevent Hampton from going there but a determina- 
tion not to unite with Wilkinson, for by so doing he would be only sec- 
ond in command. Thus the whole expedition failed. 

"Gen. Hampton made us a call about the iiOth of October. The regi- 
ment was drawn up in a line; he said, ' You make a very good appearance. 
I have come to invite you to volunteer, and if yon do not I will dismiss 
you and send you home in disgrace.' The contemptible 3Iississippi 
slave-driver had no control over us. Our colonel some days after ordered 
us to return to Plattsburgh, where we were discharged, and every one 
went his own way. 

" The ' Republican Blues' arrived home safe in November, after a tramp 
of about seven hundred miles. We associated together while in camp, 
and were designated throughout the army as ' them Middletowners.' 

"Some time after my arrival home I read the official report of Gen. 
Hampton to the War Department, and it was false throughout. As I 
was on the spot I knew all about it. Entire reliance need not bu put in 
all official reporis. 

" The only persons yet living belonging to the ' Republican Blues' are 
Alex. Paisons and myself. Moses H, Corwin.* 

"MinnLETuwN, Sept. l(i, 1863.'' 

* This article is furnished by Miss Sarah E. Wilkison, to whom it will 
be noticed we are indebted for many items of public interest. Of Mr. 
Corwin she says, " By request, Moses H. Corwin (father of Daniel Cor- 
win) wrote this history, giving the names on the roll of the ' Republican 
Blues,' and their campaign service. He was about seventy-nine yoare 
old when he wrote it. He died in March, 1806. Ale.\. Parsons was the 
last survivor. He died about ten years ago. 



WAR OF 1861-65. 

The reception of the news that war had commenced 
was attended with the same results that everywhere 
occurred throughout the North. Before the outburst- 
ing enthusiasm of the people parties and partisan 
considerations for a time disappeared. The national 
colors flashed out from private residences, from the 
places of business, from the spires of churches. An 
enthusiastic meeting was held Saturday" evening, 
April iiOth, at which Moses H. Corwin, a veteran of 
the war of 1812, presided. Speeches were made, reso- 
lutions adopted, and steps taken to immediately form 
a company for the defense of the Union. 

Women's aid societies were formed ; supplies sent 
forward for suffering soldiers; the successive quotas 
of the town were filled. 

The quotas and credits of the town were as follows : 

Quota. Credits. 

Under calls of July and August, 1862 205 213 

'* all calls from July, 1863, to July, 1864.... 198 157 

" call of July. 1864 134 137 

" call of December, 18G4 66 66 

603 573 

This statement fails to give the town the ftill credit 
which it deserves, as it does not include enlistments at 
the outbreak of the war. Prior to the July call (1862) 
the town claimed to have furnished — 

To Eighteenth Regiment 157 

" Firty sixth " 43 

" Fii-st Mounted Rifles 51 

I " One Hundred and Third Regiment 2 

214 

The subsequent official credits were 573 

I And the total 787 

I To some extent adjoining Uiwns suffered in this 
total prior to July, as enlistments made from them 
at Middletown were claimed by Wallkill. Under the 
settlement made with the Paymaster-General, in the 
spring of 1865, the town was awarded for excess of 
years and bounties the sum of $50,765. 

OFFICIAL ACTION. 

At a special town-meeting called in due form, and 
held Aug. 8, 1864, it was voted to raise a tax not ex- 
ceeding $100,000 for the purpose of paying bounties 
to soldiers who might volunteer under the call of the 
President of the United States for 500,000 men, said 
call bearing date July 18, 1864. The amount of 
bounty to be paid to each was left to the discretion of 
the board of town auditors. The same bounty to 
be paid to a volunteer was also vfited to any citizen 
who should procure a substitute to be mustered into 
the service prior to a draft. 

The supervisor and town clerk were authorized to 
sign and issue the necessary bonds in the name of the 
town, to be paid in ten equal annual installments, 1870 
to 1879, inclusive. Under this authority the town 
auditors met Aug. 9, 1864, and voted a bounty of §^600 
to each volunteer soldier; to each recruit furnished 
by others $550, and to the person enlisting such re- 
cruit $50. At a subsequent meeting it was voted to 
vary the resolution so as to leave a recruiting-officer 



WALLKILL. 



481 



and a recruit fie should secure to divide the $600 
between them as they might agree. 

August 24th, $100 "hand-money" was voted to 
each recruit, or to the recruiting-officer and the re- 
cruit. At another special town-meeting duly called, 
and which was held Jan. 27, 1865, a tax not to ex- 
ceed $75,000 was voted for the payment of bounties. 
The necessary bonds were authorized, payable in four 
equal annual installments, March 1, 1866, 1867, 1868, 
1869. The amount of bounty to each was again left 
to the discretion of the town board. 

In pursuance of this authority the town board 
offered $250 bounty for one year; $350 for two years; 
$500 for three years, with $50 hand-money in each 
case. The same ofl'er was made to any citizen fur- 
nishing a substitute towards filling the town quota. 
A committee on finance consisted of William Evans, 
Jr., William M. Graham, James B. Hulse, James J. 
Mills, Harvey McMonagle, Albert Mills, William M. 
Dunning, JI. Lewis Clark. A committee on enlist- 
ments consisted of James W. Hoyt, Elliot A. Cole- 
man, Charles M. Miller, James J. Mills, Arch. L. 
Vail, Harvey McMonagle, Gilbert J. Beebe, John G. 
Wilkin, Horatio R. Wilcox, Joseph Kernochan, Ben- 
jamin W. Shaw, Timothy Cohalan, Samuel Conkling, 
Stephen Sweet, John H. Bell, Andrew Wilson, Jr., 
James H. Horton, Ira M. Corwin. 

Jan. 31, 1865, the hand-money was made $100. 

THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT OF MIDDLETOWN 

was built by the St. Johnsbury Granite Company, of 
Vermont. It is made entirely from their quarry, and 
stands twenty-two feet in height. It is made up of 
seven different blocks, and all of them are fitted to-' 
gether in the most workmanlike and finished manner, 
the edges, mouldings, corners, and lettering being 
perfect in execution, so much so that a close scrutiny 
fails to detect a single blemish. 

The first three blocks are square bases, and are finely 
proportioned one with the other, the third one run- 
ning into an octagon, on the four corners of which are 
four cannon. Next comes an octagon polished die, 
on which rests a handsomely moulded cap and plinth, 
the whole surmounted by the figure of a private sol- 
dier. The face of every piece, with the exception of 
the lower base, presents a polished surface. 

To the west, fronting North Street, on the second 
and third bases is inscribed in handsome sunken and 
raised letters the following inscription : 

Erected 

A.D. 1879, 

To the memory 

of the Soldiers of the town of 

WaUkill. 

The War of the Rebellion, 
1861-180.5. 

On the north side the inscription reads, " Wallkill's 
tribute to her brave defenders;" on the south side, 
" Our comrades, they died for their country ;" on the 



east side, " Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty." On the 
eight sides of the cap-stone above the die are cut the 
badges of the army corps, while on the plinth above 
is a large monogram of the letters N. Y. S. V. 

The crown-piece of the whole monument is the seven- 
feet figure of a private soldier dressed in regulation 
army overcoat, fully accoutered, and standing at 
" Casey's parade rest." 

The monument was dedicated Sept. 5, 1879, with 
the following programme : prayer, by Rev. Augustus 
Seward; song, Mannerchor; oration, Maj.-Gen. Kil- 
patrick ; ode to Wallkill soldiers, written for the oc- 
casion by J. Owen Moore, sung by L. L. Ross and 
others ; address, C. H. Winfield ; song, Mannerchor ; 
original poem, by A. A. Hopkins, of Rochester ; ad- 
dress, Rev. Mr. Osborn ; song, " Tenting on the old 
camp-ground;" benediction. Rev. Mr. Dows. 

SOLDIERS' LIST, WAR OF 1861-65. 

The following list has been prepared from official 
sources, from the files of the Middletown Press, 1861 to 
1865, and by general inquiry. It probably contains 
the names of nearly all the men from the town, and 
perhaps some belonging elsewhere. The difficulty of 
supplying an accurate list after the lapse of so many 
years needs only to be stated to be appreciated. 

William S. Avery, Co. A, 168th ; eiil. Oct. 4, 1862. 

William S. Ayers, sergt., Co. A, 5Sth ; enl. May 26. 1861. 

Charles F. Allen, 1st lieut., Co. D, 56th; eul. Sept. 21, 1861. 

Charles F. Allen, Ist lieut., Ist Mounted Rides; enl. 1861 ; res. March 

21, 1862. 
; John Arnold, wagoner, 1st Mounted Ritles; enl. 1861. 
I Robert Aiken, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. 1861. 
S. F. Anderson, Co. K, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Thomas Alexander, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1801 ; pro. to Corp. and 

sergt. June 1, 1862 ; wounded at Gaines' Mill ; on duty subsequently 

at Camp Distribution. 
Henry C. Baker, coi-p., Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; served until 

mustered out with regiment. 
Tallmadge Burhans, Corp., Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; must, out 

with regiment. 
James Brown, Co. H, 166th ; enl. Sept. 17, 1862. 
James Broghan, Co. 1, 175th ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862. 
Nathan Barr, Corp., Co. A, 168th; enl. Sept. 29, 1862. 
Albert N. Brundage, Co. A, 16Sth ; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 
Charles Barr, Co. E, 176th ; enl. Oct. 21, 1802. 
Stephen M. Brown, Co. G, 170th ; enl, Nov. 6, 1862 ; had before served in 

Co. D, 18th Regt., enlisting April 27, 1861, and from which he waa 

discharged for disability Sept. 12, 1862. 
Adam W. Beakes, Co. E, 124tli ; eul. Aug. 9, 1862 ; severely wounded May 

3.1863; lost left arm ; discharged. 
William Brown, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 
I William W. Bailey, sergt., Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at 

Chancellorsville ; discharged March 28, 1864 ; credited to Wawayanda. 
William K. Brundage, Co. D, .56tli; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 
James Benjamin, Co. E, 5Cth ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Wm. H. Bahcock, Co. E, 56th ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861 ; wounded October, 1862. 
John L. Brundage, 124th; enl. 1802. 
John Botts, Co. E, 56tli ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861. 
Alfred Bouudgord, Corp., Co. E, 66th ; enl. July 10, 1861. 
William L. Baxter, corp., Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 12, 1861. 
Oiarles Baker, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 27, 1861. 
John Burns, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 21, 1861. 
John Boyd, Co. D, 5Bth; enl. Oct. 2, 1861. 
David Babcock, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 21, 1864, 1 year; must, out with 

regiment. 
Wm. Bennett, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, 3 years ; trans, to 93d. 
John Bishop, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Oct. 6, 1864 ; trans, to 93d. 



482 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John E. Beard, Co. K, 124th; enl Aug. 20, 1864, 1 year; must, out with 

regiment. 
Winslow Bibbee, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, 1 year; disch. May 

3, 1865, at Iiospital. 
James Harvey Brush, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1804; enl. for 1 year ; 

died of typhoid fever Marcli 22, 1865. 
James R. Braisteil, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, 1 year; must, out 

June 3, 1865. 
George W. Brown. Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, 1 year; must, out 

June 3, 1805. 
Daniel A. Brown, Co. D, i8th ; enl. April 27, 1801 ; detailed as teamster 

Nov. 25, 1861. 
Julius Becking, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861 ; wounded at Charles 

City Cross-roads, 1802. 
John Brown, Co. H, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Sidney Bakewell, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Edward Bailey, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1801. 
George Barry, 1st liout., Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. to capt. 

Nov. 11, 1861 ; fell mortiUly wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, 

and was bui'ied on the field. 
Samuel Barry, corp., Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1801 ; pro. to sergt. Dec. 

1, 1861 ; brother of Capt. Barry. 
Nathan Bryan, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term ; a ua- 

tive of Montgomery. 
James L. Benjamin, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1S61 ; a native of Wawar- 

sing, Ulster Co. 
Alvin Barringer, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27. 1861. 
James Brown, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27,1861; acting sergeant-major 

Aug. 10, 1862; accidentally wounded May 7, 1862, while unstacking 

arms. 
James L. Braymer, enl. April 27, 1861-. 
Nathaniel Bibbens, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; taken prisoner at 

Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1802; returned to duty Aug. 7, 1802; dis- 
charged Feb. 16, 1863. 
John Brown, Co. H, I8th : enl. May 17, 1861 ; served full term faithfully. 
George Blake, sergt., Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; wounded at Gaines' 

Mill ; returneil to duty Jan. 2, 1803. 
William II. Babcock, Co. H, IStli ; enl. May 17, 1861; served full term. 
Samuel Babcock, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1801 ; brother of William H. 

Babcock ; served full term ; must, out May 27, 1803. 
John E. Brewster. Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served full term ; 

native of Sullivan County. 
Charles Baker, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John Burns, Ist Mounted Rifles ; enl. October, 1861. 
George E. Beakes, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John Boyd, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John Botta, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
Samuel Benton, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
George Batten, Ist Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1801. 
Sanford Briggs, let Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
William G. Birdsall, 124th : enl. 1862. 
D. Smith Bookstaver, lOSth ; enl. 1863. 
Oliver Besley, 166th ; enl. 1803. 
Albert N. Brundage, 168th ; enl. 1863. 
Robert H. Bohn, 166th ; enl. 1862. 
George E. Buren, 108th ; enl. 1862. 
Stephen M. Brown, enl. 1862. 
Henry H. Brown, enl. 1862. 
Lewis W. Baxter, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9,1862; wounded in body 

May 12, 1864; died May 14,1864. 
Augustus Bull, 124th. 
Samuel Bull, Penn. regt. 
James A. Beakes, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; on detached service, 

and mustered out by G. 0. 77. 
John James B. Boak ; lost his life in the service ; brought home for burial. 
Dr. George A. Beakes. 

Mark Cosgrove, sergt., Co. H, 156tli ; enl. Sept. 19, 1862. 
John Castleton, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 17, 1862. 
Robert Curry, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 27, 1862. 
Wm. H. Courier, Co. K, 124th; trans, to Yet. Hes. Corps; died in the 

service. 
John Connor, Co. A, 108th ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 
Coe G. Conklin, Corp., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 28, 1862. 
Alexander Campbell, Co, C, 170th ; enl. Sept. 17, 1862. 
Joseph Carmichael, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 20, 1862. 
George Conklin, Co. K, 124th; enl. .\ug. 24, 1864, 1 year; mustered out 

June 3, 1865. 



John J. Crawford, Co. K, 124th : enl. Aug.l2, 1862; pro. Corp., and subse- 
quently sergt.; mustered out with regiment. 
George W. Canfield, musician, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 22,1862; trans. 

Vet. Res. Corps. 
Wm. V. Christie, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; trans, to Co. D ; 

credited to Warwick. 
Jason R. Conning, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1802 ; pro. corp. and sub' 

sergt.; credited to Hamptonburgh. 
John Carroll, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1S02 ; killed at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Gordon B. Cox, Co. K, 124th ; enl. July 31, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville ; died of wounds May 4, 1863. 
Nathaniel J. Conkling, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; wounded at 

Chancellorsville ; trans, to Co. D. 
Jonathan Corey, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. April 1, 1803; 

died in regular service after the war. 
Wm. H. Courter, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. 

Corps. 
Wm. W. Carpenter, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; pro. Corp. Oct. 

1, 1864 ; sergt. Nov. 15, 1864. 
Gabriel Colby, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; wounded May 24, 1864, in hip, 

slight. 
Cornelius Crans, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3, 1803, and in Wilderness, May 5, 1864, where he 

was taken prisoner; paroled and returned to Annapolis; mustered 

out by Order 77. 
William Connelly, Co. K, 124th ; ejil. Aug. 21, 1802. 
Benjamin F. Clark, Co. D, 56tli ; enl. -\ug. 1, I86I ; pro. 2d lieut. Aug. 5, 

1862 ; resigned Feb. 7, 1804. 
John Connell, Co. D, .56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 
John Coddiugton, Co. E, 50th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861. 
John Call, Co. E, 56th : enl. Aug. 16, 1801. 
John C. Calhoun, Co. E,50th; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
W. B. Cranishaw, Co. E, 6Cth ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
James Crawford, corp., Co. E, 56th; enl. July 20, 1861. 
Daniel Conklin, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864; also Co.K, 124th. 
James H. Conklin, Co. K, 124th ; enlT Aug. 12, 1862; detached as brigade 

blacksmith; credited to Montgomery. 
Nicholas K. Crotty, Corp., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864. 
Peter B. Craft, Co. H, 18lh ; enl. 1861. 
Michael Callahan, Co. K, 124th ; enl. at Utica, Sept. 8, 1804 ; trans, to 93d 

Regt. 
Jonah Conklin, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
Charles Cable, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864; wounded at Sailor's 

Creek, April 4, 1S65; mustered out by G. 0. 77. 
Samuel Call. Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; in hospital ; mustered out 

by G. 0. 77. 
Abraham Cronk, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 22,1864; wounded, April 0, 

1865, at Sailor's Creek ; mustered out by G. 0. 77. 
Andrew Conklin, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 2, 1864; wounded April 2, 

1865, near Boydtown Road; mustered out by G. O. 77. 
Moses C. Conklin, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864. 
Thomas Curry, corp., Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. sergt. July 

1, 1862 ; was the flag-bearer of the company in every engagement 

from first Bull Run to second Fredericksburg. 
Ernest J. Crist, Co. D, IStli ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term faith- 
fully ; accidentally drowned at Albany, May 17, 1863, while waiting 

to be mustered out. 
Henry Clay, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861; was in every action; a 

native of Virginia. 
Theodore M. Coftee, Co. D, 18th ; .enl. April 27, 1861 ; was company 

pioneer; served full term. 
Robert Conklin, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861; served full term; a 

native of Monroe. 
Vinson II. Clark, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Sanford Clauson, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861; pro. corp. June 1, 

1862. 
Wm. E. Carmichael, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; 2d lieut., May 1, 

1861; 1st lieut., Nov. 6, 1861; resigned July 8, 1862; a native of 

Middletown. 
Elijah L. Chadderlon, Co. H, 18th; enl. 1861 ; 3d Corp.; pro. color-sergt. 

Dec. 5, 1861. 
Samuel B. Cole, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861; wounded in leg at 

Crampton Pass, Sept. 14, 1802 ; leg amputated Sept. 10, 1862 ; died 

Oct. 21, 1862, at Burketsville, Md.; a native of Orange County. 
Wm. H. Chapman, Co. H, ISth ; eul. May 17, 1861 ; served full term ; 

from Liberty, Sullivan Co. 



WALLKILL. 



483 



John Callan, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; died at hospital, Annapo- 
lis, May 26, 18C2. 

Decatur Carmicliael, Co. D, 18th ; enl. Sept. 8, 1862; a years' man ; trans, 
to 121st Regt. to complete term ; a native of Wallltill. 

Moses Carlisle, Ist Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 

Squire W. Carey, 166tli ; enl. 1862-63. 

Theron B. Clarlt, 166th; enl. 1862-63. 

John Cannon, 168tli; enl. 1862-63. 

Moses Crist, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 30, 1802; wounded in knee May 3, 
1863; pro. 1st Corp.; wounded in arm April 0, 186j ; credited to 
Wawayanda. 

Paniel Carpenter, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1802 ; pro. Corp. ; wounded 
at Chancelloi-sville ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; credited to Goshen. 

James Clarli, served in Seminole, Mexican, and civil ware; died Aug. 
22, 1864. 

Harvey Crawford, 44th ; killed at Fredericksburg. 

James Devine, Corp., Co. H, 166th ; enl. Sept. 4, 1802. 

Sylvester B. Downing, Co. H, 18th, enl. May 17, 1801 ; Co. L, loth Cav., 
enl. Dec. 14, 1863. 

George Downs, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Nov. 8, 1862. 

Solomon Davenport, Co. K, 124th; enl. Oct. 6, 1804; killed April 6, 186,'), 
at Sailor's Creek. 

Isaac W. Daley, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded Slay 3, 1863 ; 
trans, to 'J3d. 

Jacob Denton, aergt., Co. K, 124tli; enl. Aug. 1,% 1S62; pro. to lieul. ; 
killed at Cbancellorsville; credited to Goshen, 

Smith Denman, Co. E, ,=iOtb ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861. 

William Dolan, Co. K, 1 J41h ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. 

Isaac DuBois, Co. D, 66th ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861. 

Dennis Davis, Co. M, 10th Art. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 

Scth W. Davey, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1864. 

John DeHart, Co. K. 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 

Edward DeHart, Co. K, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1864. 

Nicholas C. Drake, Oo. K,124t)i, enl. Aug. 15,1862 ; disch. Jan. 28,1863; 
credited to Nevvburgb. 

Jacob Denton, 1st sergt, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1802; pro. to 2d 
lieut., liut not mustered; kifled at Cbancellorsville, May 3,1863; 
credited to Wawayanda. 

Alfred Decker, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; Corp., June 1, 1862; in 
every engagement and skirmish. 

Isaac Decker, corj)., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 31, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1803 ; credited to Wawayanda. 

John Delaney, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; a native of New York, 
but resident of Middletown ; re-enl. in loth Cavalry. 

James Dailey, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861 ; shot dead in battle at 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; a native of Ireland ; residence, Middle- 
town. 

Joseph Davis, Co. D, I8th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term ; a native 
of Deposit, Broome Co. 

Wm. H. Daniels, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27,1861; wounded at Gaines' 
Mill and sent tt.> hospital ; must, out with company. 

Wm. Drown, 1st Mounted Rifles ; enl. October, 1S61. 

Martin Dunn, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 

Michael Durliam, 166th ; eiil. 1862-63. 

Wm. J. Dailey, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Cbancellors- 
ville. 

Wm. L. Dougherty, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; wounded May 3, 
1863; probably taken prisoner Oct. 27, 1804; credited to Newburgh. 

Tbeophilus Dolseu, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; pro. to let sergt.; 
wounded May, 1864 ; credited to Mount Hope. 

George Dunwoody, Co. E, I24tb: enl. at Bloomingburgh, .\ug. 12, 1862; 
disch. Nov. 8, 1862 ; credited to Wallkill. 

Wm. M. Drake, Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Bloomingburgh, Aug. 16, 1862 ; cred- 
ited to Wallkill ; disch. Nov. 8, 1862. 

Ira S. Edwards, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 22, 1862. 

Hiram Edwards, Co. A, I68II1 ; enl. Nov. 3, 1802. 

Theodore Ensozlin, Co. E, 176th; enl. Nov. 4, 1862. 

Aaron F. Edwards, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Oct. 18, 1862. 

Chas. M. Everett, Co. E, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; wounded in hip at 
Cbancellorsville; credited to Wawayanda, but residence in Wallkill. 

James Edwards, Co. E, 56th ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861. 

James M. Eaton, Co. U, 56tli ; enl. Oct. 10, 1861. 

George W. Elliston, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 25, 1804. 

Wm. A. Elliston, Co. D, 18tb ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; fell out of ranks on 

march Aug. 30, 1862 ; sent to hospital ; died Nov. 6, 1862. 
Frederick Eblridge, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term. 

James Eaton, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 



Judson Elston, 124th ; eul. 1862. 

Henry T. Edsall, 166th ; enl. 1802-63. 

Theodore Elisylm, 166tli; eul. 1862-63. 

Henry Elliot, lOOtli ; enl. 1862-63 

John Frame, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 13, 1862. 

William H. Faulkner, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; killed in action 

May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. 
James French, Co. A, 168tli ; enl. Oct. 13, 1862. 
John Flynn, Co. K, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 9, 1864. 
John S. M. Foster, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Oct. 28, 1862 ; re-enl. in IStli Art. 

Jan. 22, 1861. 
Samuel Fox, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Oct. 9, 1862. 
Fred. N. Friend, Co. A, 19th; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Stephen W. Frost, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 8, 1802. 
Alonzo S. Frost, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out with regi- 
ment. 
Hugh Folejs Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; tr%n8. to V. R. C. Sept. 30, 

1863. 
William 0. Fuller, Co. D, 66th; enl. Oct. 4, 1861. 
Henry Fonda, Co. D, 66th ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861. 
Thomas Farrell, Co. M, loth Art. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Samuel F. Fredericks, Co. K, 124tli; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 
John Farrell, Co. K, 124th ; eul. Sept. 3, 1864 ; enl. for 1 year : residence 

Middletown; must, out Juno 3,1865; died from injuries received 

after his return, June 21, 186,'i. 
Rineer Fisher, Co. K, 124th ; eul. Sept. 8, 1864. 
Stephen D. Fuller, Oo. D, 18th : eul. April 27, 1861 ; disch. for disability 

July 1, 1862. 
Amzi Fuller, Co. D, 18th ; enl. Apiil 27,1861; pro. to Corp. Oct. 12, 1861. 
Peter M. Fullerton, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27,1861; pro. Corp. Dec. 1, 

1861 ; wounded at Crampton's Pass. 
Ira J. Fisher, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; was in all engagements 

up to second Fredericksburg. 
John Ford, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1S61 ; a native of England. 
Fred. Formosa, 1st Slounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
Peter Fiaglei-. 1st Mounted Rifles ; eul. October, 1861. 
Benjamin Fullerton, 166th; enl. 1862-63. 
Wm. Faulkner, 168th; enl. 1862-63. 
Archibald Freeman, Co. E, 124th; enl. 1862; pro. to 4th sergt. ; wounded, 

May 12, 1804. 
Charles H. Foster, died in Libby prison. 

Hiram L. Foster, 4tli N. Y. .\rt. ; died of fever ; brought home for burial. 
George Foster, 4th N. 1'. Art.; died of disease. 
H. Gill, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 22. 1862. 
J. Goulban, Co. H, 156tb ; enl. Sept. 25, 1862. 
Francis B. Gale, Co. A, 168th; eul. Jan. 2, 1863. 
John Green, Co. C, 176th; enl. Nov. 3, 1862. 
Peter Greeu, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Samuel McJ. Gillespie, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862. 
George Godfrey, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died in prison at Rich- 
mond, Va., Nov. 20, 1863 ; son of Samuel Godfrey, of Burlingham, 

Sullivan Co. 
Sylvauus Grier, Co. K, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; wounded at Chancol- 

lorsville ; discharged on account of wounds, Nov. 4, 1864, by order 

of Geo. Hancock ; credited to Gosbeu. 
Charles Godfrey, Co. K, 124tb; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; detailed as brigade 

teamster. 
Jacob Gilllespie, Co. D, 86th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861. 
David Godfrey, sergt., Co. D, 50th ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861. 
Theodore W. Gibbs, Corp., Co. D, 50th ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861. 
Horace Green, Co. D, 56tb ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861. 
Edmund Genung, enl. April 27, 1861. 
Charles R. Gillet, Co. D, 18th ; eul'. April 27, 1861 ; detailed as nurse, and 

served in that capacity. 
Jebiel Gibson, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Gaines' 

Mill, and absent some time; served full term honorably. 
Sylvester T. Garrison, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term, 

and in all actions ; a native of Monroe. 
David Godfrey, sergt., 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1801. 
R. M. Greeu, bugler, enl. October, 1801. 
George Gordon, enl. October, 1861. 
Augustus Gengold, enl. October, 1861. 
George Gray, enl. October, 1801. 
Homce Green, eul. October, 1861. 
Richard Gardner, 160th ; eul. 1862-03. 
Marcus Galloway, 166th ; enl. 1802-63. 
Edward Glenn, Co. E, 124th ; enl. at New Windsor, Aug. 28, 1802 ; cred- 



484 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ited to Wallkill; lost a finger at Chancellorsvillc; disch. at Wash- 
ington, Sept. 25, 1864. 

SylvanuH Grier, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
loreville ; disch. on account of wounds, Nov. 1, 1864, by order of Gen. 
Hancock ; credited to Goshen. 

Jeremiah Hazen, Co. D, SGtli ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861. 

Nathan M. Hallock, Co. K, 124th ; enl. August, 1802 ; clerk at Camp Dis- 
tribution from July 2, 1863; must, oul by Gen. Order 77; son of 
James B. Hallock, of Middletown. 

Benjamin W. Halstead, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 18(14. 

George I. Howard, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 31, 1864; wounded in hand, 
April 6, 1865, at Sailor's Creek ; must, out by Gen. Order 77. 

James Helms, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept 3, 1864. 

Joseph Hunt, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1864. 

RufuB A . Hoyt, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 10. 1864. 

Cornelius Herron, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 29, 1862 ; credited to Goshen ; 
wounded and take^i prisoner at Chancellorsville ; exchanged and 
sent to Conv. Camp; pro. corp. Oct. 1, 1864. 

Peter B. Hogan, enl. April 27, 1861. 

Isaac Hoyt, Co. 1), 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served in Ambulance Corps ; 
a native of Bluomingburgh, Sullivan Co. 

James Henry, Co. H,18th; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served two years; a native 
of Ireland. 

Ulrich Habermeir, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27. 1861; slightly wounded at 
Gaines' Mill. 

Augustus E. Hanford, Co. D, l8th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. corp.; sergt., 
Oct. 12, 1861 : born in Minieink. 

Richard A. Holly, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27,1861; 3d sergt.; pro. Ist 
sergt. July 1, 1862 ; born in Minisink. 

Thomas HefTerman, Ox H. 156th ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 

James Harrington, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862. 

James Hall, Co. A, 168th; enl. Oct. 18, 1862 ; never returned from the ser- 
vice. 

Charles H. Hirst, sergt., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 4, 1862. 

Oscar Halstead, corp , Cci. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 

Jacob Hovencamp, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 9, 1862. 

Isaac Howell, Co. C, 176th; enl. Nov. 1, 1862. 

Charles V. Helms, Co. C, lV6th ; enl. Nov. 1, 1862. 

H. W. Hoyt, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

Paul Holloday, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3, 1863 ; returned to duty in August; placed in Regi- 
mental Pioneer Corps. 

John C. Holley, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 

Edward Hughes, Co. E, 56th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 

Samuel Hall, Co. E, 56th ; enl. Aug. lU, 1861. 

Arthur Hagen, 2d lieut., Co. D, 66th ; enl. Oct. 4, 1861. 

Ambrose S. Holbert, Co. K, 124th; enl. July 31, 1862; pro. 2d corp.; 
killed at Gettysburg. 

Henry Elayden, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Mor- 
rison's Hill, Aug. 28, 1861 ; returned Oct. 10, 1862; was in prison in 
Richmond, Alabama, and New Orleans ; born in Ireland. 

Edward M. Hanford. Co. D, 18th ; enl. Aj.ril 27, 1861 ; served full term ; 
born in Minisink. 

Peter Henyon, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1S61; appointed 4th corp.; 
a native of Orange County. 

George E. Howard, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861 ; killed in action at 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 ; a native of Orange County. 

Charles V. Helms, Co. H, ISth ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; sent to hospital Aug. 
29, 1862, and not further reported ; a native of Orange County. 

Nathan Hagan, 2d lieut., 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 

George W. Hathaway, enl. October, 1861. 

Jacob Hornbeck, enl. October, 1861. 

Lucien Hall, enl. October, 1861. 

Patrick Harvey, wounded before Richmond, 1862. 

John Handley, 166th; enl. 1862-63. 

Edward Hopkins, 166th; enl. 1862-63. 

Paul Haverlock, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 

Edward Hulse, 168th; enl. 1862-63. 

Oscar Halstead, 168th ; enl. 1862-63. 

Charles H. Hunt, l68th; enl. 1862-63. 

James Hall, 168th; enl. 1862-63. 

Josiah Harris, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; credited to Goshen ; killed 
at Chancellorsville. 

Hezekiah Harris, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; credited to Newburgh ; 
wounded in head at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and died of wounds. 

Wm. H. Howell, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; credited to Mount 
Hope ; pro. corp. ; killed in action at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 



Henry M. Howell, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 18C2; credited to Mount 
Hope; wounded in leg May 12, 1864, and sent to hospital ; must, out 

by Gen. Order 77. 

John W. Hirst, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9,1862; credited to Mount Hope; 
died since the war. 

Verdine E. Horton, 4th Art. 

Frank Hoyt, Co. D, 18th; enl. Sept. 8, 1862; 3 years' man; trans, to 
12l8t to complete term; born at Howell's Depot, Orange Co. 

Hezekiah W. Hoyt, Co. D, 18th ; enl. Oct. 4, 1862; 3 years' man; trans. 
I to 12let; born at Howell's Depot. 

Josiah Jaycox, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 18, 1864. 

Charles Johnson, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1S64. 

Joseph D. Jackson, Co. K, I24th ; enl. Sept. 8, 1S64 ; promoted corporal 
Nov. 1, 1864. 

Capt. Wm. A. Jackson, Co. K, 124th; enl. 1862; killed June 18, 1864, 
before Petereburg; resided in Hamptonburgh. 

Wm. H- Jackson, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861; served until Sept. 6, 
1862, when he was sent tu hospital. 

Joseph Jackson, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 24, 1861 ; was with company in 
all its engagemeiUs. 

S. P. Jordan, Co. E, 18th ; enl. 1861. 

Joseph H. Johnson, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; credited to New- 
burgh ; wounded in hip, severe, May 5, 1864; must, out by Gen. 
Order 77. 

C. n. Kiiowles, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862. 

Albert Kelley, Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 4, 1862. 

Bernard King, Co. H, 168th; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 

Hiram Ketcham, corp., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; residence, Otis- 
ville; wounded at Chancellorsville; disch. Feb. 8, 1864. 

Thomas Kincaid, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; Corp., Nov. 15, 
1864; wounded, slight. July 30, 1864; sent to hospital Oct. 21,1864; 
must, out by Gen. Order 77; credited to Crawford. 

Ira S. Ketcham, Co. K, 124th : enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; accidentally wounded 
in hand by pistol shot; trans, to V. R. C. 

Stephen B. Kerr, €<>. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville; trans, to Co. D. 

Isaac Kanoff, Co. K, r24th ; enl. Aug.'D, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville and taken prisoner; wounded in face, severe, May 12, 1864; 
sent to hospital, and must, out by Gen. Order 77. 

David KnitTen, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 3o, 1861. 

Daniel Kelly, Co. M, 15tli Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 

James Kelly, Co. M, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 

Henry E. Ketcham, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. corp.; in all 
engagements with his company. 

Thomas J. Ketcham, Co. D, I8th ; enl. April 24, 1861 ; slightly wounded 
at Crampton's Gap; served two years; re-enlisted in Loth Cavalry. 

Andrew G. Knox, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; severely wounded at 
Crampton's Gap; leg amputated: disch. for disability Jan. 24, 1863. 

Judson Kelly, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 12,1862; credited to Mount Hope; 
wounded at Chancellorsville ; disch. Feb. 8, 1864. 

Joseph Y. King, killed by accident in the service. 

John S. King, Co. D (Wallkill Guard), i8th; enl. April 27, 1861, with 
rank as 2d sergt. ; pro. orderly sergt. Nov. 1, 1861, and 1st lieut. June 
26, 1862. He was with his company in every engagement. He was 
a printer in office of Uliddletoiai Presa. He was enrolled as Ist 
lieut. of Co. K, 124th, Oct. 22, 1864 ; was wounded at Hatcher's Run, 
March 31, 1865, and sent to hospital, where he was mustered out by 
Gen. Order 77, in 1865. 

Andrew W. Kirkwood, Co. D i, Wallkill Guard), 18th ; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; 
was in all engagements with company. 

Joshua C. Legg, Co. D, 5(ith; enl. Sept. 23, 1861. ' 

Squire Lee, Co. D, 56th; enl. Oct. 12, 186L 

Homer B. Leach, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861. 

Wm. H. Lewis, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 19, 1864. 

Samuel Lewis, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 19, 1864; wouuded April 6, 1865; 
died of wounds May 3, 1865. 

Philip Lehning, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 

Isaac Logan, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1804. 

James T. Locey, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Oct. 20, 1864; died in hospital March, 
1865. 

James Lynn, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864; pro. corp., Nov. 1, 1864. 

Alex. B. Leggett, 18th; enl. April ld4, 1861. 

Thomas S. Lane, Co. H, ISth ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; promoted Ist sergt.; 
2d lieut., Nov. 6, 1861 ; 1st lieut., July 16, 1862; acting capt. in first 
and second Fredericksburg, and came home in command ; must, out 
May 27, 1863. 

Thos. H. Lawrence, Co. D, ISth; enl. April 27, IMII ; must. out with regt. 



WALLKILL. 



485 



Wni. Lehiiing, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; wouDded at Gaines' 

Mill, June 27, 1862 ; di8cli. on nccount of wouDds Oct. 27, 1862. 
CliarleB Lecompt. Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861 ; was in all engage- 
ments and skirmishes in which conipjiny was engaged. 
E. P. Litchfield, 18th ; enl. 1861. 
Francis Ljtle, Co. H, loCth ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Wni. M. Lemon, Oo. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 
Abram Libolt, Co. A, 168tli ; enl. Nov. 3, 1862. 
John B. Lemon, scrgt., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1802. 
George W. Lemon, Corp., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 4, 1862. 
Augnstus Lehniau, Co. E, 176th ; enl. Nov. 4, 1S62. 
Pliilip Lehning, Co. G, 176th; enl. Sept. 17, 1862. 
Sidney Little, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1802. 

AiiBtiii \V. Lamoreu.\, Co. E, 124th; enl. Ang. 9, 1862; credited to Mini- 
sink; wonnded in side Jnne 19,1864; wounded in arm April 6, 
1865; died of wounds April 15, 1865 ; buried in National Cemetery, 
Arlington, Va. 
Stephen Laiining, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1802 ; minor, disch. on ap- 
plication of parents. 
Michael Leonard, Co. E, 66th ; enl. Ang. 10, 1S61. 
\Vm. 11. Lawrence, Co. E, 5Gth ; enl. Ang. 14, 1801. 
James Lynch, Co. E, .56th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861. 
Jacob Loza, blacksmith, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. Oct. 1861. 
I'rank C. Long, IGbth ; enl. 1S62-63. 
John Lindlej, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 
John McCamly, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862. 
Patrick Matthews, Co. H, ISIJth; enl. Sept. 15, 1862. 
Patrick Mulvahan, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862. 
James P. McElheuey, Co. A, 168th; enl. Oct. 10, 1862. 
Samuel Marsh, Co. G, n6tli ; eid. Oct 24, 1802. 
George W. Marline, Co. G, 170th ; enl. Sept. 29, 1802. 
George F. Matthews, Co. G, 176tli; enl. Oct. 30, 1862. 
William Mackey, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; missing in action Oct. 

13, 1863. 
Andrew A. Millspaugh, mnsiciau, Co. K, 124th; etil. Aug. 18, 1862; 

credited to Hamptonburgh ; must, out June 3, 1865. 
Keubeu C. Miller, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug, 13, 1862; disch. for disability 

Feb, 11, 1863. 
Henry R. Mayette, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; pro. Corp. March 5, 
1864 ; eergt., Nov. 15, 1864 ; wounded in arm May 23, 1864 ; absent as 
nurse at Gettysburg; must, out Jnne 3, 1865. 
Alanson W. Miller, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; killed at Chancel- 

lorsville. May 3, lS6.i. 
Nathan B, Mullen, Co, K, 124th ; enl. Ang. 6, 1862 ; died July 22, 1863, 

of wounds received at Chancellorsville ; credited to Wawayanda. 
Robert McCauley, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Ang. 16, 1862. 
John Murray, corp., Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. I, 1862. 
Jonathan Miller, Corp., Co. A, 108th ; enl. Oct. 3, 1862. 
Levi McBride, Co. C, 56th ; enl. Sept. 9, 1862. 
James Martin, Co. E, 56th ; eul. Aug. 14, 1861. 
Robert McGill, Co. E, 50th ; enl. Sept. 8, 1862. 
Morris J. McCornal, capt., Co. D, 56th ; eul. Sept. 21, 1861 ; company 

trans, to 1st Mounted Rifles; resigned March 21, 1862. 
Frank W, Mills, sergt,, Co, D, 56th ; enl. Oct. 5, 1861. 
Selah McChesney, Corp., Co. D, 50th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861. 
Kussoll McGrecn, bugler, Co. D, 56th; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 
Wesley L. Millspaugh, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861. 
Stephen F. Mills, Co. D, 50th ; enl. Oct. 30, 1861. 
Abram McGill, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861. 
Wm. McClnre, Co. D, ISth; eul. Sept, 27, 1S61. 
Armor McPhelniy, 7th Ind. Bat. ; enl. October, 1863. 
John F. Mapes, 7th Ind. Bat,; 56th ; enl. Oct. 9, 186.3. 
Thomas H. Moore, Co. K, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 
Wm. H. Monell, Co. K, 124th ; enl, Ang. 2.5, 1864. 
George F. Matthews, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 2), 1804. 
Jame.s Merriam, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Ang. 22, 1804. 

Edward Meyer, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 18, 1864; wonmled Dec. 9, 1864. 
Robert \. Malone, enl. April 27, 1861, with rank as 1st sergt., Co. D, 
18tb, Wallkill Guard ; pro. 2d lient. Nov. 11, 1861, and capt., Co. B, 
18th, Sept. 8, 1862 ; native of New Jersey ; must, out with regt. ; re- 
cniited for 124th in fall of 1864, and must, as capt. of Co. K, Oct. 22, 
1864 ; must, out June 3. 1805. 
John C. McGinnis, capt,, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. maj. Nov. 

10, 1801, and subsequently lieut-col., .\ngnst, 1862. 
Charles H. Melden, ISth ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Joseph S. Martine, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Henry C. Mills, Co. D, 18tli ; enl. April 27, 1801. 



James Manny, 18th ; enl. April, 1861. 

William B. McCoy, Co. D, 18th ; enl. Feb. 20, 1863 ; left sick at Savage's 

Station; exchanged and detailed as provost-guard; born in Orange 

County. 
Wm, B, Mills, Co, D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; detailed as adjutant's clerk 

JIarch 0, 1863; was a native of Wawayanda. 
Ed. Mackay, drummer, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served two yeai-e; 

re-enl in 15th Cav., and credited tn New Windsor. 
Wm. R. McCrea, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
Lewis R. McCoy, Co D, 18th; enl. Feb. 20, 1862; taken prisoner at 

Gaines' Mill; paroled and sent to hospital ; born in Orange County, 
diaries A. Moore, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; disch. for disability 

Oct. in, 1861. 
Carson S. Middagh, Co. D {Wallkill Guard), 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; 

he was from Pennsylvania. 
Charies B. McEIroy, Co. D, 18th ; eul. April 27, 1S61 ; disch. for disability 

Sept. n, 1862 ; born in Hamptonburgh. 
Wm. McCall, Co. D. 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; wasdrnmmer, and served 

his time faithfully. 
Wm. H. Murphy, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1801 ; missing in action at 

Gaines' Mill, and never heard from : native of Sussex, N. J. 
Samuel G. McGinnis, Co. 1>, 18th ; enl, April 27, 1801 ; died July 22, 1862, 

of typhoid fever: buried at Port Jervis, 
Horace McKoon, Co. F, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1801 ; pro. 1st corp. ; disch. 

Aug. 8, 1861. 
John Meyers, Co. H, ISth ; enl. May 17, 1801 ; disch. Aug. 8, 1861. 
Michael McCabe, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1801. 
Charles M. IMulford, Co. D, 18th ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; taken prisoner at 

Gaines' Mill, Jnne 27, 1862; exchanged Aug. 7,1862; born in Wawa- 
yanda. 
Henry L. Myers, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served his two years. 
,fohn Mackney, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 . 
Edwin Mackey, Co. H, 18th; eul. May 17, 1801. 
Edwin McCormick, Co. D, 18tb ; enl. Sept. 27, 1861 ; disch. for disability 

Dec. 24, 1862. 
Stephen Mills, Middletown Cavalry ; enl. October, 1861. 
George Miller, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
Harvey McCallen, Ist Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1801. 
Patrick Moran, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 
James Maxwell, t66th ; enl. 1862-63. 
Francis Mayer, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 
Andrew Mosher, 160th ; enl. 1862-63. 
Thomas Martine, 160th; enl. 1862-63. 
Henry C. Milligan, 168th ; enl. 1862-63. 
Joseph Minton, 166th ; eid. 1802-63. 
Wm. A. Mackay, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; nfissing in action Oct. 

13, 1863. 

Samuel Malcolm, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; credited to New- 

bnrgh ; wonnded at Chancellorsville. 
Alanson W. Miller, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; killed in action 

May 3, 1S63. 
Robert McCartney, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; residence, New. 

burgh, and credited to Newburgh ; wounded in right arm and lost 

its use : trans, to V. R. C. 
Wm. A. McBnrney, capt., Co. E, 124th ; res. Feb. 3, 1803. 
Robert McGee. 
Melancthon Miller. 
Adam W. Miller, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Ang. 12,1862 ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; 

pro. Corp.; killed in action May 12, 1804. 
Wm. Messenger, Co. D, 18th; eul. Sept. 20, 1862 ; disch. for disability Feb. 

14, 1863. 

Jacob Newsome, Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 

George Nichols, Co. E, 124th : enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; must, out June 3, 1805. 

Peter Noll, Co. K, 124th; enl. Ang. 7, 1862; disch. April 16, 1863, for 

disability. 
William Nash, Co. D, 56th ; enl. July 6, 1861. 
Joseph S, Norris, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861. 

Jacob J. Nichols, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 7, 1862; disch. May 17, 1865. 
Charles E. Norris, Co. D, istli ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; in all engagements 

with company; boru in Goshen iu 1840. 
John Noble, Co. D, ISth ; enl. April 27, 1861. 

Thomas W. Nutting, Co. D, ISth ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term. 
Henry Newkirk, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Daniel J. Newton. 
Charles Newell, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Ang. 19,1862; credited to Greenville; 

killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Dennis O'Neal, Co. A, 168th; enl. Oct. 31, 1862. 



486 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John O'Brien, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 16, 1862 j wounded at Chancel- 

tors^'ille. 

William Odell, Co. E, 5Cth ; eul. July 8, 1861. 

Harrison Osborne. 

Henry J. Ogden, Co. D, 66th ; enl, Oct. 7, 1801. 

John O'Dunuell, 7th Iml. Bat.; enl. October, 1863. 

Alexander R. Olds, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1804, 1 year. 

George J. O'Reilly, Co. K, 124tli ; onL Aug. 20, 1864, 1 year. 

Edward O'Brien, 166th ; enl 1802-63. 

Woodward T. Ogdeu, Co. K, 124th; enl. Ang. 5, 1862; Corp. to. Jan. 1, 
1863; sergt. to July 4, 1864; 1st sergt. to Nov. 15, 1864; 2d lieut. 
Nov. 15, 1864, and trans, to Co, E, of which he was in command from 
Dec. 17, 1804, to Jan. 17, 1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, 
and also May 12, 1804 ; must, out June 3, ISO.'). 

John B, Overton, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served two years; born 
in Wallkill. 

Frank Opeuian, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17,1861 ; absent, sick, from .\ugust, 
1862, to March, 1863; must, out May 27, 1863. 

Nathan Odell, 100th ; enl. 1802-63. 

Thomas Pratt, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Nov. 1, 1862. 

John W. Parks, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802; pro. to Corp.; taken 
prisoner May 3, 1863; must, out with regiment; credited to Wawa- 
yanda. 

Hiram Patterson, 124th ; enl. 1862; wounded. 

Winfleld W, Parsons, sergt, Co, K, 124th; enl, Aug. 12,1862; pro. to4tli 
sergt. and orderly sergt. ; died July 3, 1804, of wounds received at 
the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864 ; buried in National Ceme- 
tery, Arlington, Va, 

Egbert S. Puff, Co, K, 1241h ; enl, Aug, 5, 1862 ; wounded atClmncellors- 
ville. May 3, 1863 ; arm amputated ; disch. Sept, 18, 1863, 

Horace D. I'arct, Co. K, 124th ; enl, Aug, 5, 1862 ; detached, Sept. 20, 1862, 
to Ambulance Corps. 

John W. Pitts, Co, K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; pro. to Corp. July, 1863 ; 
sergt., Oct, 3, 1863, 

Charles J, Pitts, enl. April 24, 1861, 

Eli W. Pitts, Co, K, 124th ; enl. Aug, 13, 1862. 

David L, Purdy, Co, K, 124th, 

John W. Parks, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; pro. to corp, ; credited 
to Wawayanda, 

Ferdinand Penny, sergt., Co. D, 56tb ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861. 

Theodore Penny, Corp., O. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861. 

Benjamin Phillips, Co, M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 

John W. Prince, Co. M, loth Art.; enl. Jan. 25, 1864. 

William K. Post, enl. April 24, 1861. 

Alonzo Price, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; wounded at Chaucellors- 
vitle : credited to Hamptonburgh, 

Anthony Price, Co, K, 124th; enl, Jan, 16, 1864, 3 years; died July 2.S, 
1864, at David's Island, N. Y. ; residence, Goshen. 

George W. Pollock, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; detailed as team- 
ster, and served in that capacity. 

Nathan Patterson, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; disch. for disability 
Nov. 22, 1801 ; born in Orange County, 

Beverly Post, Co. D, 18th ; enl, .\pril 27, 1801 ; was in all engagements 
and skirmishes. 

Myron Peck, Co. D, 18lh ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; trans, to Ambulance Corps, 
where he served the period of his enlistment, 

Joseph B, Post, Co, D, 18th ; enl, April 27, 1861 ; served full term honor- 
ably ; was born in Monroe. 

Patrick Purcell, Co. H, IStli ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; re-enl, in 15th Cavalry, 
and credited to Newburgh. 

George C, Pratt, Co, H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1801. 

Wm. H. Post, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861; served full term and 
honorably discharged, 

George S, Peters, Middletown Cavalry ; enl, October, 1861, 

Thomas Pratt, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 

Wm. Price, Co, E, 124th ; eul, Aug, 6, 1862 ; pro. sergt. ; severely 
wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 186:1 ; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, 
May 1, 1804; residence, Otisville, and credited to Mount Hope,* 

James Quinn, Co, E, 50tb ; enl, July 10, 1861. 

David U, Quick, Co, K, 124tU ; enl. Aug, 14, 1862 ; private to March 5, 
1804; corp, to Oct, 1, 1864; sergt, to Nov, 1, 1864; trans, to Co. B 
Sept. 1, 1864 ; 2d lieut. to Feb. 22, 1865 ; mustered as Ist lieut. Feb. 
26, 1865, and placed in command of Co. B; wounded at Cbaucellors- 

* These credits are inserted, as the name may not appear on lists of 

towns where credited. Mr. Price does not appear legitimately in Wall- 
kill list. 



ville. May 3, 1863, and returnedtoduty Sept. 1,1863; wounded in face 

and eliuulder Aug. 16, 1864. and again wounded Oct. 27, 1864; 

credited to Wawayanda. 
George 0. Root, Co. C, 176th ; eul. Oct. 10, 1862. 
James F. Roosa, Ist lieut., Co. K, 124th; enl, Aug. 23, 1862; resigned 

March 7, 1863, 
William Russell, Co, E, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; left sick at Goshen, 

and never repoited for duty ; credited to Mount Hope, 
V.'atson W. Rich, corp,, Co, K, 124th; enl, .\ug, 0, 1862; pro. sergt, Jan. 

1, 1303; died July 20, 1864, of wounds received at Petersburg, 

June 18, 1804 ; body sent home and buried at Pbillipaburgh. 
•Alfred G. Randall, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug, 12, 1802. 
George Randall, Co, K, 124th ; eul, Aug 21, 1862 ; died Dec. 28, 1862, at 

Falmouth, Va., of typhoid fever. 
Barnard Reilly, Co. E, oUlh ; enl. Aug. IS, 1801. 
George W. Reed, Co. D, 50th; enl. Sept. 23, 1861. 
Archibald L, RobbJEis, sergt , Co, D, 50th ; enl. Sept. 26, 1861. 
George Richardson, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Jan. 20, 1861. 
George H. Robertson, Co, K, 124th; enl, Sept. 6, 1864: 1 year. 
Joseph P Roomer, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 29, 1864; 1 year. 
Gilbert E. Rohbins, Co. K, 124Ili ; enl. Apg. 20, 1864 ; 1 year. 
Wm. Reed, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug, 20, 1804, 1 year; wounded Nov, 27, 

1804, 
John lieed, Co K, 124th ; enl. Sept 10,4864 ; 1 year. 
David L, Rude, Co, D, IStli ; enl. Sept. 14, 1802 ; wounded at Crampton's 

Pass, and off duty till Dec. 27, 1862. 
Floyd S. Reeves, Oi. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served 2 years ; re-enl, 

in 7th Heavy .\rt. 
John Roach, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; served 2 years; a native of 

Switzerland. 
Charles H. Reed, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27,1861 ; sent to hospital Aug. 7, 

1862; died at West Philadelphia Hospital Oct. 26, 1802, of diarrhoea; 

a native of Wawayamla. 
Theodore C. Rogers, Cu. II, 18th ; Ist lieut. ; pro, capt., vice Hogan, re- 
signed ; killed in battle at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 
John Richardson, Co, D, 18lh ; enl. Sept, 23, 1862 ; traus. to 12l6t Regt. 
Isaac T, Redlield, ICOth; enl, 1802-63. 
Seth K, Robinson, Co. I>, I8th ; enl. Sept, 8, 1862 ; disch. for disability 

Feb. 26, 1863; re-onl. in 15th Cavalry and credited to Wawayanda, 
Theodore M. Robinson, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; pro. sergt.; 2d 

lieut., March 6, 1863; Ist lieut., Jan. 1, 1864, and trans, to Co. H; 

capt., March 8, 1865; wounded at Chancellorsville; credited to 

Crawford. 
Abraham Rogei-s, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; pro. 2d Corp., May 1, 

1865; wounded in leg May 3, 1863; credited to Crawford. 
Isaac Roosa, lieut.; died in the service, Newbern, N. C, Jan. 19, 1863. 
J. B, Shrank, Co, K, 175th ; enl, Oct. 2, 1862. 
Philip Sherat, Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 3, 1861. 
Octavius Scovill, Co. E, 66th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1861. 
James Swallow, Co. E, 60th ; eul. Aug. 17, 1801. 
Richard Schwartz, Co, E. 56th ; enl. Aug, 14, 1801, 
William Sodon, Co, E, 56th ; enl, Aug. 14, 1861. 
Augustus Sodon, Co. E, 50th ; enl, Aug, 14, 1861. 
Henry M. C. Sacket, sergt., Co. E, 50th ; enl. July 16, 1861. 
Edward J. Scrauton, sergt,, Co, E, 66th ; enl, July 16, 1861. 
Michael Schwartz, Corp., Co, E, 66th ; enl, July 12, 1861. 
Charles L. Smith, Corp., Co, O, 66th ; enl. Sept, 23, 1861, 
William Smith, Co, D, 66th; enl. Sept, 2.0, 1861, 
Alfred C, Stewart, Co, D, 56th ; enl, Oct, 7, 1861, 
George F, Seytolt, Co, D, 56th; enl. Oct, 16, 1861. 
John M Stalbird, Co, K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died of consumption 

Feb. 3, 1803, at Falmouth, Va. 
Frederick Sale, Co, H. 156th; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
George Sisk, Co. H, 160th ; enl. Sept, 17,1802, 
Morris Swezey, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862. 
James H. Seward, Co. A, 1 08th ; enl. Oct. 31, 1802. 
Solomon Smith, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; pro. corp. Jan. 1, 1863; 

sergt., July 4, 1864; 1st sergt., Nov. 15, 1864; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville. 
John Skelton, Co. K. 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862. 
John Studor, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded in arm at Spott- 

sylvania. May 16, 1864: disch. Sept. 22, 1864. 
Henry W. Smith, Co. K, 124th ; eul. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863, 
C. E. Seares, Co. E, 56th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1801. 
Charles Scott, Co. E, 50th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1801. 
John Shine, Co. E, oOth ; enl. July 10, 1861. 



WALLKILL. 



487 



James Seeley, Co. E, 66th ; enl. July 7, 1861 . 

Oscar Smith, Co. E, 5r,th ; enl. July 14, 1801. 

Giles L. Skinner, Co. D, 6Cth ; enl. Oct. 16, 1S61. 

Silas S. Skinner, Co. D, oOth ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861. 

James Smyth, lath Art. ; enl. Jan. iii, 1804. 

Eiiward Stafford, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1804. 

Moses Scofielci, Co. K, 124lh ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864 ; 1 year. 

John S. Sanders, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864 ; 1 year. 

John Smith, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 10, 1864; 1 year. 

David Storms, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. ',1, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Jacob E. Smith, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 

loi-sville ; disch. Aug. 17, 186:J; credited to Mount Hope. 
John S. Shaw, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 2, 186* ; pro. Corp. 
Boswell W. Sayre, Co. D, 18th; enl, April 27, 1861; 2d lieut. May 17, 

1861 ; 1st lieut., vice Barry, Nov. 11, 1861 ; capt., rice Barry, killed, 

June 26, 1862 ; was with his company in all engagements; born in 

■Wallkill. 
John Singler, Co. D, 18th ; eul. April 27, 1861 ; served full term. 
Griffin Sheldon, Co. D, 18tb ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; pro. corp. Oct. 12, 

1861 ; died July 20, 1862, of typhoid fever. 
Martin V. Smith, Co. D, IStli ; enl. April 27, 1861. 
George Snook, Co. D, 18th ; eul. April 27, 1861 ; was in all actions with 

company. 
Morgan L. Sproat, col. of a regiment from Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster ; 

enl. spring of 1861. 
Wm. Shakel, Co. H, ISIIi ; enl. May 17, 1801 ; disch. March 13, 1863. 
John J. Southard, Co, D, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861 ; pro. Corp. Nov. 6, 

1861; wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27,1862; disch. Nov. 23,1863; 

born in Orange County. 
Wm. J. Sawyer, C D, 18tli ; enl. May 17, 1861 ; killed in battle at 

Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; boru in Warren County, and probably 

belonged there. 
Franklin Seymour, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861; was in all actions; 

native of Delaware County. 
Henry W. Smith, Ist Moujiled Ritles; eul. October, 1861; re-enl. 124th; 

wounded at Gettysburg. 
Henry Stewart, 1st Mounted Ritles ; enl. October, 1861. 
Rhoads Skinner, Ist Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John Swezey, 1st Mounted Ritles ; eul. October, 1861. 
Charles R. Smith, qr.mr -sergt., Ist Mounted Ritles; enl. October, 1801. 
Isaac Selleck, enl. 1862. 
John Skelton, eul. 1862. 
Calvin Sarles, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 
James H. Seward, 168th ; enl. 1862-03. 
William L. Selleck, 166th; enl. 1862-63. 
Moses Smith, 166th ; enl. 1862-63. 
John C. Staples, Co. E, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 12, ; credited to Mount 

Hope ; killed at Chancellorsville, .May 3, 1863. 
John J. Scott, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802; killed in action at Spott- 

sylvania Court-house, May 12, 1864. 
George H. Stephens, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg; credited to Newburgh. 
John Tierney, Co. H, 166th ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Alonzo Thurston, Co. A, 108th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862. 
George Torrey, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 
Charles J. Terwilliger, sergt., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862. 
Wm. H. Ter\villiger, Ist lieut., Co. A, 19th ; enl. May 26, 1862. 
Morris W. Tuthill, Co. A, 10th; enl. .May 26, 1862. 
Samuel V. Tidd, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; taken prisoner June 

1, 1864, at Tolopotomy Creek ; paroled in November, and sent to 

hospital. 
David Truix, Co. E, o6th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1861. 
Leonard Tompkins, Co. E, 56tll ; enl. July 10, 1861. 
George M. Tompkins, Co. E, o6th ; enl. July 18, 1861. 
John S. Tompkins, sergt., Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 18, 1861. 
John I. Terwilliger, Co. K, I24lh ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864; 1 year. 
Wm. E. Tucker, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 2, 1804 ; 1 year. 
Wm. II. Thompson, Co. I), ISth; enl. April 27, 1861 ; missing after action 

at Gaines' Mill, and nevei beard from; a native of New Hampshire. 
Henry Titsworth, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861 ; wounded at Gaines' 

Mill, June 27, 1862; absent until March 19, 1863; born in Sussex 

Co., N. J. ; lived in Middletown. 
Joseph Taylor, Co. H, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861; served full term, and 

honorably must, out; a native of England. 
Milton Thompkins, Co. H, 18th ; enl. May 17, 1861. 

Wm. H. Thompkins, Co. H, 18lh ; enl. May 17, 1801 ; disch. Sept. 24, 
1861, for disability. 



Stedman Tatham, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 

Joseph Taylor, enl. 1802. 

Thomas P. Terwilliger, 168th ; enl. 1862-63. 

Thomas H. Tborp, lOOtb ; enl. 1862-03. 

Ralph Townsend, 160th; enl. 1862-63. 

Gilbert 0. T.rrrey, ICOth ; enl. 1862-63. 

Harrison Travis, 4th Art.; died in rebel prison. 

Albert Travis. 

Emery S. Van Keuren, Co. A, 108tli; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 

John Van Horn, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11,1862; pro. hospital steward, 

and trans, to non-com. staff. 
Wm. Van Sciver, Co. D, .50tb ; enl. Oct. 1, 1861.' 
Charles Van Sciver, Co. D, 56th; enl. Oct. 30, 1861. 
Alonzo Van Every, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861. 
George Van Sciver, Co. K, r24th ; enl. July 31, 1862; pro. Corp. ; wounded 

at Chancellorsville; trans, to V. R. C. on account of wounds. 
John C. Verniilyea, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; pro. corp. July 1, 

1863; died May 29, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsylvania, May 

12; buried in National Cemetery at Arlington. 
John N. Van Ness, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861; was with company 

in every action. 
James Van Duz^ 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John VanderbilCenl. 1862. 

Wp.. H. Winfield, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 31, 1862. 
Moses A. Wells, Co. C, 176th; enl. Oct. 10, 1862. 
Charles B. Welsli, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862. 
Nelson Woodruff, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862. 
Lewis S. Wisner, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; pro. 3d sergt. ; 2d lieut, 

March 3, 1863 ; 1st lieut., Feb. 1, 1804 ; capt., July 14, 1864, but could 

not be must, on account of hernia, and resigned. 
David B. Wheat, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; disch. Jan. 11, 1803. 
Wm. H. H. Wood, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 0, 1802; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, and discharged. 
Charles M. Weller, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802 ; disch. for disability 

Feb. 6, 1803; credited to Crawford, and resided at BuUville. 
William Wells, Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 3, 1801. 
W. W. Wallace. Co. K, 56th ; enl. July 6, 1801. 
Arthur Wliite, Co. E, 50th; eul. July 18, 1861. 
Charles Woodruff, Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 14, 1861. 
Gilbert White, Co. E, o6th; enl. July 14, 1861. 
John Walsh, Co. E, 56th ; enl. July 8, 1861. 
John Wilson, Corp., Co. E, 66th ; enl. July 16, 1861. 
John Wallace, Co. D, 56th ; eul. Sept. 26, 1801 ; died Feb. 15, 1865. 
Abner Wells, Co. D, 66th ; enl. Oct. 1, 1801. 
James W. Williams, Co. D, 50th; enl. Oct. 28, 1861. 
Peter Winters, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Oct. 10, 1804. 
Wm. Wbalon, Co. K, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
James H. Wood, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864. 
Henry Wilkinson, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 27, 1864. 
Israel H. Wickham, Co. K, 124th ; enl. July 30, 1864. 
Henry J. Wright. 

Walter Wilson, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; served full term hon- 
orably. 
Michael Weyniar, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; arm broken in action 

at Gaines' Mill ; sent to hospital, and did not return to company. 
Peter Waterhury, Co. D, 18th; enl. April 27, 1861; disch. Dec. 24, 1861, 

for disability. 
Irvin P. Winne, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl. October, 1861. 
John Williams, 124th; enl. 1802. 
George Wallace, 60th. 
Edwin S. Wheeler, 106th ; enl. 1862-63. 
Isaac Wallace, 56th. 
Wm. W. Wallace, 166th ; enl. 1862-03. 
Matthias W. Wood, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; taken prisoner at 

Gettysburg; paroled, and went home and did not return.; credited 

to Moui]t Hope. 
Horace H. Wheeler, Co. E, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; shot through both 
bands May 12, 1864 ; died of fever Nov. 10, 1864; credited to Goshen ; 
residence. Bethel, Sullivan Co. 
Simeon Wheat, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; wounded in hand May 

12, 1864; credited to Mount Hope. 
Wm. H. Youmans, Co. D, 18th; eul. April 27, 1861; born in Monroe, 

and probably belonged there. 
Robert Young, corp., Ist Mounted Ritles; enl. October, 1861. 
Andrews Zevisky, Co. G, 176th ; enl. Nov. 26, 1802. 
Jouaa Zindle, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; one of the Monroe family 
of Zindles. (See that town.) 



488 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

REAR-ADMIRAL SILAS MORTON STHIXGIIAM. 
While the territory embraced in the present county 
of Grange has produced many men eminent in civil 
and professional ranks, it has not been without equally 
honorable representatives in the army and navy, 
especially in the latter, where the banner of the 
heroic Ludlow and his ill-fated commander, Law- 
rence, was taken up and borne upon every sea by the 
no less heroic Rear-Admiral Silas Horton Stringham. 
We regret that the space assigned to notices of this 
character is necessarily circumscribed, for, regarding 
biography as history in its highest and most instruc- 
tive form, we feel that our duty can be but very im- 
perfectly performed in an abridged review of his 
career. The family from which Admiral Stringham 
.sprung was one of the oldest in the county, — James 
Stringham, his grandfather, running back in its set- 
tlement as early as 1734. His father, Daniel String- 
ham, resided, at the beginning of the present century, 
just east of the village of Bloomingburgh, across the 
county line in the town of Wallkill. He kept a store 
in the building which now or lately stood at the forks 
of the Newburgh turnpike and the Middletown 
plank-road, on the east bank of the Shawangunk Kill ; 
his residence, which was in the immediate vicinity, 
was removed some years ago. His mother was a 
Horton. It was while his parents resided here that 
he was born, in the year 1798. His parents removed 
to Newburgh in the spring of 1806, his father at that 
time being a director, and in 1808 taking command of 
the sloop " Jefferson," of the Farmers' Company line, 
engaged in the produce trade. The new life \\ liich was 
thus opened to young Stringham was to him a delight. 
On his father's sloop he was master of every part, 
while in the public school he submitted only after con- 
flict to the domination of mates older in years. To one 
of these conflicts he was indebted for his place in the 
navy. On the occasion referred to, witli the assist- 
ance of a school-mate, he defied all the other lads of 
the class. The contest was witnessed by Capt. Ludlow, 
of the navy, who happened to be jiassing, and so 
struck was he with the pluck and determination 
which Stringham displayed, that he immediately solic- 
ited his parents to consent to the boy's apprentice- 
ship in the navy. At the age of twelve years (1810) 
he went out with Capt. Ludlow as a midshipman, 
under Commodore Rogers, in the frigate " President." 
From that time until his death, in 1876, a period of 
sixty-six years, the history of the American navy 
was a part of his own. He was on duty when the 
balls from the " Little Belt" came crashing through 
the canvas of the " President," in May, 1811, and dur- 
ing the war of 1812. In 1815 he was sent to the 
Algerine war in the Mediterranean squadron under 
Decatur. Returning home, and while holding the 
rank of lieutenant, he was made acting commander ' 



of the sloop-of-war " Falmouth." In 1834 he was 
promoted to the rank of commander in the "John 
Adams," and from this to a captaincy in the " Inde- 
pendence." From this post he was transferred to the 
command of the Brooklyn navy-yard. In the war 
with Mexico he was in command of the " Ohio," and 
at the head of the squadron before Vera Cruz. In 
1852 he was promoted commodore. His last service 
at sea was in command of the ex{)edition to Hatteras 
Inlet during the war of the Rebellion, and his last pro- 
motion was to the rank of rear-admiral. He was a 
man of extraordinary courage, judgment and integrity. 
The honor of his Creator, and the honor of the flag of 
his country, was the shrine at which he worshiped. 
An oath he never uttered, nor would he suffer one in 
his presence; no wine or intoxicating liquors ever 
touched his lips. A pure, brave, true man, his name 
is written upon the nation's history as an example 
and an inspiration. 



RORERT H. HOUSTON. 
His great-grandfather. Rev. Joseph Houston, with 
his two brothers, John and James, emigrated from 
the north of Ireland in the beginning of the eighteenth 
century, and came first to Jamestown, Ya. James 
remained near them, and John settled in Pennsyl- 
vania. Rev. Joseph, after preaching a few years at 
Jamestown, came north, and was the first settled 
pastor of the Goodwill Presbyterian Church in the 
town of Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., where he pur- 
chased some 600 acres of land, upon which he resided 
until his death, and upon which his sons, Joseph and 
James, resided during their lives. He had also four 
daughters. James occupied the homestead part of 
the farm, and Josejih removed to the other side of the 
Otterkill. 

James married Anna, daughter of Rev. George 
Carr, a Presbyterian minister of Goshen, who bore 
him the following children : Joseph, George, Thomas, 
James, John, Samuel, Andrew, Polly, wife of Robert 
Wilkin ; Jane, wife of Adam Dickerson. 

Of these children, George was for a few months on 
guard in the Mamakating Valley to protect the whites 
from the incursions of the Indians during the Revo- 
lutionary war, and Joseph was a physician at Amity, 
and afterwards at Edcnville, where he died. All of 
the children were married and reared families in 
Orange County. 

George, father of uur subject, born in 1763, died in 
December, 1825. His wife was Jane, daughter of 
Robert Hunter, of Montgomery, who died in 1801, aged 
about thirty-two, leaving the following children : Ann, 
wife of Samuel W. Brown, of Seotchtown; John G., 
James G., Robert H., and George. The latter was a 
farmer where a part of iliddletown now is, the pres- 
ent cemetery being a part of his farm, and he was 
afterwards a merchant and justice of the peace in 
Middletown. 





(^-f'^^tyiyg?-? I 




'"■'-»!/ j..m»f.' ;•.'■■'" 





^^^^Ir^ 



li^<-L^t^\^ 



WALLKILL. 



489 



George Houston married for his second wife Julia, 
widow of Mr. Gale, and daughter of Willi:im Thomp- 
son, of Goshen, who hy her first marriage had one 
son, William Gale. Of this union were born chil- 
dren,— Anthony and Jane, twins, the latter becoming 
the wife of Charles Heard, of Hamptonburgh ; Henry; 
Sally, wife of Hector Van Cleft; Samuel and Theo- 
dore, died young men ; Alniira, wife of Orange 
Horton, of White Plains, N. Y. ; Elizabeth, wife of 
William Church, of Orange, N. J.; and Thomas. 
Twelve of these children were married, and eleven 
reared families. 

George Houston settled on a farm at Scotchtown in 
1787, where he remained until 1S05, and during the re- 
mainder of his life he was a farmer in the town of i 
Wallkill. He gave the land for the church (Presby- j 
terian) and burial-plots at Scotchtown, was one of its 
founders, and served the church for many years as 
elder. He was a man of strong force of character, 
and a promoter of the best interests of society. He 
was the prime mover in the construction of the Goshen 
and Bloomingburgh turnpike. 

Robert H., son of George and Jane Houston, was 
born in the town of Wallkill, Aug. 20, 1798. At the 
age of sixteen he began learning the tanner and cur- 
rier trade, which he completed at the age of twenty. 
For six years following he remained at home and had 
charge of his father's farm. In 1826 he came to Mid- 
dletown, and in company with Charles Dill rented 
the " Anderson " tannery, which they afterwards pur- 
chased, located across the street from the Commercial 
Hotel, and carried on the tanning business under the 
firm-name of Dill & Houston. After a few years 
they disposed of it, and built another on the present 
site of the Orange County Milk Association building, 
where they continued business until 1846. In 1831 
they purchased a farm of sixty acres adjoining the 
village, which they also carried on. 

The partnership was dissolved in 184(;, Mr. Samuel 
S. Wickham purchasing an interest in the tannery, 
which was carried on by Messrs. Houston & Wickham 
until 1851, when Mr. Houston sold his interest in the 
business to Mr. Wickham. 

In the dissolution of the partnership of Houston & 
Dill, Mr. Houston retained the farm, which now forms a 
part of the village of Middletown, and has been laid 
out by him into lots and streets, and upon which 
many fine and substantial residences have been erected, 
forming a desirable part of the village. 

To the original purchase he has added contiguous 
land, and his present farm, of about 100 acres, he still 
finds pleasure in superintending. 

In 1841, Messrs. Houston & Dill donated the laud 
upon which to erect the Wallkill Academy, and dur- 
ing their career together were also engaged for seven 
years in the lumber business in Sullivan County. 

Mr. Houston may safely be ranked among the men 
to whom much is due for the present prosperous and 
thrifty village of Middletown, and he has been a lib- 
32 



eral contributor in founding many of its present in- 
stitutions, and forwarding such interests as have 
tended to the prosperity of the place and the welfare 
of its citizens. He was one of the men to obligate 
himself for the extension of the Erie Railway to Mid- 
dletown after its completion to Goshen, and in the 
erection of schools, churches, and kindred institutions 
he has always been found ready with his time and* 
money. 

Like his forefathers, he has stood unswervingly a 
supporter of the Presbyterian Church, which his Scotch 
ancestors in the mother-country spilled their blood to 
establish and protect, and both he and his wife have 
been members of the church at Middletown for many 
years. He married, May 2, 1820, Mary, daughter of 
David Dill and Elizabeth Houston, who was born 
April 6, 1799, was a devoted wife and mother, and 
died Sept. 11, 1880. Her mother was a daughter of 
Joseph Houston, and granddaughter of Rev. Joseph 
Houston, the progenitor of the fiimily in Orange 
County. 

Their daughter, Jane Elizabeth, died at the age of 
eighteen. Their only surviving child is David Dill 
Houston, born Dec. 15, 1833, and who married, Aug. 
29, 1801, Catharine M., daughter of John K. Moore. 
He carries on mercantile and milling business and 
i'arming at Middletown. 



HON. EDWARD M. MADDEN. 

Edward Millspaugh Madden was born near Sears- 
ville, in the town of Crawford, Orange Co., N. Y., in 
the year 1818. His ancestry were Scotch-Irish, 
Huguenot, and German. Until he was nearly nine 
years of age he attended the common schools of the 
neighborhood, these being the only educational advan- 
tages that he ever had. When he was about nine 
years old the family removed to the village of 
Walden, in the town of Montgomery, where he en- 
tered a cotton-mill as an apprentice. 

He worked the first year for seventy-five cents a 
week, boarding himself. Being badly treated by one 
of his bosses, young Madden ran away in the year 1833. 
The same day he obtained employment as an appren- 
tice in a tin-shop in the village of ]\Iontgomery. He 
left there in 1839, when about twenty years of age, and 
bought out a small tin-shop located in a little build- 
ing then standing in the west end of what is now the 
Holding House, in the village of Middletown. His cash 
capital at this time was, all told, just S133, which he 
had earned by overwork at his trade. In 1842 he 
entered into partnership with Elisha P. Wheeler, 
Jonah F. France, and Jose))h Lemon, all now de- 
ceased. The firm built the foundry now owned by 
Mr. A. L. Vail. Mr. France died in 1847. Messrs. 
Wheeler, Madden, & Lemon continued the busi- 
ness until 1851, when Mr. Lemon sold his interest to 
Wheeler & Madden. In 1853 the firm built the 
Monhagen Saw-Factory, on King Street, adjoining 



490 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



V 



the foundry, in connection witli the late Josiah 
Bakewell, who had become a member of the firm. 

In 1854 the foundry business, in wliich Mr. Madden 
was a partner, was sold to Messrs. Joseph Lemon 
and Silas R. Martine. The saw manufacturing busi- 
ness was continued by the firm previously men- 
tioned until 1860, when Mr. Bakewell left the con- 
*cern, and Mr. Wm. Clemsen was admitted as a 
partner, and still continues connected with it. The 
business had grown to such proportions that in 1866 
the present extensive works were erected. In 1868, 
Thomas D. Roberts and Lemuel Wheeler were taken 
in as members of the firm. Mr. Roberts died in 
1872, and Mr. Lemuel Wheeler in 1874. In 1873, 
Chai'les I. Humphrey and Wm. Millspaugh became 
members of the firm. In 1874 the other partners 
bought out the interest of Mr. E. P. Wlieeler, the 
senior member. In 1880, Wm. K. Stansbury was 
admitted into the firm. In 1803 the then firm built 
a factory and began the manufacture of files, which is 
still carried on, and known as the Eagle File- Works. 
Mr. Madden is president of the concern, his nephew, 
Mr. Isaac P. Madden, and Mr. J. T. Cockayne being 
the managers. 

In the year 1862, immediately after the capture of 
the Confederate envoys. Mason and Slidell, from a 
British steamer, a])prehending that this would lead to 
a war with England, and thereby prevent the im- 
portation and greatly enhance the price of steel, the 
firm of Wheeler, Madden, & Clemsen began the 
manufacture of this article, having previously im- 
ported all the steel used l)y them. 

In 1877, Mr. Madden, in connection with Mr. 
James H. Norton and Mr. 0. C. Messerre, estab- 
lished the Union Printing Company of New Y'ork 
City, which business still continues, and of whicli he is 
the president. 

In 1843, Mr. Madden was married to Eudocia M. 
Robinson, daughter of Rev. Phineas Robinson, a 
Presbyterian clergyman. Six children were the fruit 
of this marriage, three of whom are now living, — 
Charles Carroll, Edward M., Jr., and Ella. 

Mr. Madden has always taken a lively interest in 
political "affairs, local as well as State and national. 
He was originally a Democrat, and his first vote for 
President was cast for Martin Van Buren. In 1854, 
on the passage by Congress of the Kansas-Neliraska 
bill, allowing slavery to be extended over the Western 
Territories, Mr. Madden, with many other I>emocrats 
throughout the country, protested against this action, 
and in 1855 he aided in the iJreliminary steps which 
led to the organization of the Republican party in 
1856. He has ever since continued a steadfast and 
influential member of that party. 

In the fall of 1855 there was a bolt in the Demo- 
cratic Senatorial Convention of this district, growing 
out of the aggressions of the South and the action of 
Congress upon the slavery question. The Free-Soil 
portion of the convention, in Mr. Madden's absence, 



nominated him for the office of State senator, to 
which he was elected. Although frequently there- 
after urged to become a candidate for office, he re- 
fused until 1868, when he accepted a nomination by 
the Republicans for member of Assembly in the 
Second District of Orange County, having just pre- 
viously declined a unanimous nomination for repre- 
sentative in Congress. Although the district is 
usually carried by a large majority, Mr. Madden 
came within a half-dozen votes of an election. 

In 1871 he was again prevailed upon to take the 
nomination for State senator, and was elected by a 
large majority, notwithstanding the district is strongly 
Democratic. In 1873 he was renominated and elected 
again. The nomination for the office was again ten- 
dered him in 1875 and in 1877, but was declined, as 
was also a nomination again for member of Congress. 
In 1879 he accepted a nomination again for the State 
Senate, and was returned for the fourtii time to that 
body by a large majority. 

Mr. Madden has always held it to be the duty of 
every citizen to attend the primary meetings of the 
party to which they belong, and he is seldom absent 
from these meetings. He has been delegated to at- 
tend numerous County, Senatorial, State, and National 
Conventions. There is probably no one within the 
limits of this county who has oftener been called upon 
for such representative service. He was a member of 
the Republican National Convention at Baltimore in 
1864 which gave Abraham Lincoln his second nomi- 
nation. He declined the nomination as a delegate to 
the National Convention of 1868. In 1876 he was a 
member of the Republican National Convention at 
Cincinnati which nominated Rutherford B. Hayes. 

Mr. Madden drafted and secured the passage of the 
bill for the public-school system of Middletown, and 
for many years was an active member of the school 
board of that place, until increasing business cares 
caused him to decline further service in that capacity. 
Senator Madden was also the author of the bill pro- 
viding for the construction of the Jliddletown Water- 
Works. He was the first and is now the president 
of the board. He also interested himself in obtain- 
ing the charter for the Middletown Savings-Bank, 
and was instrumental in securing the necessary leg- 
islation to set it in operation. While he has been a 
member of the Senate he has secured much import- 
ant legislation for the benefit of the New York State 
Homieopathic Asylum for the Insane at Middletown, 
and no small degree of the success of that institution 
is due to the effective aid that he was thus enabled to 
render it. 

Mr. Madden was ai)pointed by the Governor one of 
the commissioners to locate the Hudson River Asylum 
for the Insane, which is at Poughkeepsic. 

When the project of the Middletown and Crawford 
Railroad was first broached, connecting, as it pro- 
posed, the place of his birth and the place where 
his active business career had been passed, Mr. 




^i/i^:..^^ 



WALLKILL. 



491 



Madden at once tonk IkiIiI of it with his accustomed ' 
energy, and, in co-operation with tlie companion of 
his boyhood days and life-long friend, Maj. Daniel 
Thompson, made it a success. The road was con- 
structed much more economically than many similar 
undertakings. Jlr. Madden has been the vice-presi- 
dent of the company since its organization, Mr. 
Thompson being the president and manager. 

Mr. Madden has been so prominently identified 
with the business and political interests of his county 
and State that few men within their borders are 
better known than he. 

Although without the advantages of an academ- 
ical education, in fact with only the few years 
meagre schooling that he obtained previous to his 
ninth year in the then indifferent common school 
that he attended, Mr. Madden, by close application to 1 
reading and study during the evenings and the mo- 
ments that he could snatch from the labors of the 
work-bench, became a thoroughly well-read man, 
and few, with all the educational advantages they ; 
may have had, have a larger store of practical knowl- 
edge at their command. He has seemed to acquire ; 
knowledge by intuition. His memory for events and i 
dates is most remarkable. 

He is a man of the strictest integrity, who has 
never been known to go back upon his word, which 
is proverbially as good as his bond, and has never 1 
deserted a friend. 

]\Ir. ^Madden has now been in active business in 
Middletown for forty-two years, and has seen the 
little hamlet of some 500 inhabitants increase to 
a population of 10,000. He is still actively engaged 
in business, and is constantly making large additions 
to his manufactories. 

Senator Madden may be considered as a fair and 
conspicuous type of the " self-made man," having 
from an humble origin, and against adverse circum- 
stances, arisen to wealth and prominence in the com- 
munity, solely through industry, pluck, determina- 
tion, indomitable energy, and a laudable ambition, 
which demonstrates what may be accomplished by 
the youth of our land, through the possession and 
active use of these qualities, under our beneficent, 
free American institutions. 



SAMUEL ,S. AVICKHAM. 

The property settled on by Samuel and Israel 
Wickham and their sister Jerusha, mentioned in the 
sketch of Col. Israel H. Wickham, comprised about 
1000 acres in the Minisink Angle, upon which the 
village of Middletown is now built. 

Samuel was grandfather of our subject, married 
Mary Irwin, who bore him the following children : 
Elizabeth, wife of John H. Corwin ; Jerusha, wife of 
EliadTryon; and Jesse H. The homestead of Sam- 
uel Wickham was where Mrs. Linus B. Babcock now 
resides. 



Upon his decease the liomestead property was en- 
tailed to his son, Jesse H., upon which he resided 
during his life, and died Oct. 3, 1841, having been 
born Feb. 28, 1786. 

He took down the log house in which his father 
lived, and kept the hospitable inn of "olden time" 
about 1829, and where the forefathers of the present 
generation used to gather and exchange wit, indulge 
in story-telling, and narrate the incidents of pioneer 
life. 

Jesse H. Wickham married Laura, daughter of 
Samuel Benedict, of Middletown, who died Aug. 31, 
1823, aged thirty years, leaving the following children : 
Temperance Ann, Harriet Maria, wife of Isaac Van 
Duzer, Samuel S., and Henry Lewis, who died young. 

His second wife was Frances Ludlum, who died in 
1857, and bore him the following children: Theo- 
dore, George, and Israel. 

Jesse H. Wickham was one of the founders of many 
of the early institutions in Middletown, spent his life 
in a quiet way as a farmer, and was esteemed through- 
out his business life for his integrity in his dealings 
with his fellow-men. He was a man of correct habits 
and sterling principles. 

Samuel S., son of Jesse H. Wickham, was born on 
the homestead Aug. 20, 1821, spent his boyhood at 
home, and was twenty years old when his father died. 
He was one of the pupils who attended school the 
first term of the opening of the Wallkill Academy. 

At the age of twenty-two he started out in life for 
himself, and for three years was a clerk in a dry -goods 
and orockery-.store in Middletown. 

In the spring of 1846 he rented a stone-quarry in 
Sullivan County, which he was successfully carrying 
on when, in the fall of that year, he purchased the 
interest of Charles Dill in the tannery of Houston & 
Dill, at Middletown, and, in ]Kirtnership with Robert 
H. Houston, carried on the business until 1851, 
when he purchased Mr. Houston's interest, and, 
with the exception of two years, carried it on alone 
until 1855, when he sold out to Stephens & Hulse. 

During that year, with Joseph Lemon, he purchased 
1900 acres of woodland in Sullivan County, upon 
which were three saw-mills. 

In 1858, having paid for their land in lumber, and 
having a large quantity on hand, they disposed of their 
land, dissolved partnership, and Mr. Wickham estab- 
lished a lumber-yard on Canal Street, in Middletown, 
where he was engaged in the lumber, feed, and coal 
business until 1866, and sold out to Eaton & Eussell. 

The same year, with Eaton & Russell, he purchased 
the property he now occupies, and in 1869 became 
the sole owner of it. Here since 1866 he has been 
successfully engaged in the lumber, coal, and feed 
business. He erected in 1870 his present commo- 
dious store-house and lumber-sheds, and in 1877 he 
erected a grist-mill on the property, in which latter 
interest he has associated with him in business Joseph 
F. Terhune. 



492 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW ^OllK. 



For nearly forty years Mr. Wickham has been 
closely identified with the active business interests of 
the village, and among the first to encourage, promote, 
and push forward every worthy local enterprise tend- 
ing to the thrift and prosperity of Middletown, or in 
any way to advance the educational interests of its 
rising generation. 

His ancestors were among the founders of the 
early institutions now enjoyed by tlie people. Mr. 
Wickham retains the family characteristic of prog- 
ress, and by his frank, sociable, and unostentatious 
ways holds the confidence of his fellow-citizens. 

His first wife was Ellen Adelia, daughter of Fred- 
erick Dolson, of Wawayanda, who died in 1868, 
leaving children, — Cecilia S., Oscar, Almeda D., 
Samuel S., and Laura B. 

His present wife, whom he married in 1870, is 
Marilla, daughter of Madison Kaplee, of Yates 
County, N. Y., bj' whom he has one child, Willis R. 



WICKHAM C. McNISII. 

Wickham C. McNish is a descendant in the fifth 
generation from Kev. George McNish, a native of 
Scotland, who came to America in 1705 upon the so- 
licitation of Rev. Francis Makemie, who was after- 
wards styled the father of Presbyterianism in America. 
There also came with Revs. McNish and Makemie 
Rev. John Hampton. 

Rev. George McNish was licensed to preach here 
by Governor Seymour, of Maryland, in 1706. He was 
one of the original members of the Philadelphia Pres- 
bytery, the first formed in America, and upon the 
first vacancy in the pulpit after the formation of the 
Philadelphia Presbytery, he was called in 1710 by the 
wardens and vestrymen of the Presbyterian Church at 
Jamaica, Long Island, and began to preach there in 
1711, and is called the father of the Presbyterian 
Church on Long Island, — the first Presbytery in the 
province of New York. He was a man of much Chris- 
tian zeal, and having inherited a spirit of freedom of 
worship in his native country, which his forefathers 
spilt their blood to achieve, he was well prepared to, 
and did meet with determined resistance, the aggres- 
sions of the devotees of the English Church on the 
island, who finally succeeded in taking from them 
their church property. After this he preached to his 
congregation in private places. He owned 1000 acres 
of land in the town of Wallkill, Orange Co., which, 
after his death, became the property of his only child. 
Rev. George McNish. He died March 10, 1722. His 
son. Rev. George McNish, married a daughter of Jo- 
seph Smith, of Jamaica, and settled in New Jersey, 
preaching at Newtown (now Newton) between 1744 
and 1746. He subsequently preached at Goshen, spent 
his life in the ministry, and died in Wallkill in 1779, 
aged sixty-five. His children were Andrew Clark ; 
George, who served in the Revolutionary war, and 
fortunately escaped from Fort Montgomery when 



taken by the British ; Peggy; and Polly, wife of George 
Conkling, of Goshen. 

Andrew Clark McNish, born Aug. 17, 1752, died 
Feb. 12, 1805. His wife was Elizabeth Davis, of Long 
Island, who was born in 1752, and died Feb. 22, 1797, 
leaving eight children, — Joshua, born Sept. 1, 1779, 
was stationed on Staten Island, and served for fifteen 
mouths there in the war of 1812 ; Polly, born in 1781 ; 
Phebe, born in 1783, died at the age of eleven years ; 
Joanna, born Sept. 21, 1785, wife of Robert Kirk ; 
Sarah, born Aug. 12, 1782, wife of David Everett, 
father of Dr. Everett, of Middletown; Henry, born 
April 5, 1791, is residing in the town of Mount Hope, 
in 1881, and served with his brother in the war of 
1812, under Col. Faulkner ; Andrew, born March 26, 
1793 ; and Spicer, born April 24, 1795, resided in 
Sullivan County, where he was accidentally killed by 
a falling tree. 

Andrew was a carpenter by trade, and built the 
Clove Church in Wantage, N. J. He was subsequently 
a farmer there, where he spent the remainder of his 
life. Henry was a blacksmith. 

Andrew Clark McNish owned 100 acres of land 
within what is now the corporation of Middletown, 
on the road leading from Bloomingburgh to Mechan- 
ictown, upon which he erected a log house and log 
barn. Here he resided until his death. Upon the 
death of the parents, when the children were all young, 
they were put out among their friends. The eldest, 
Joshua, succeeded to the homestead, and gave, as re- 
quested in his father's will, his brothers and sisters 
$75 each, and a trade, if they chose to learn one. 
Joshua was father of our subject, and resided upon 
the homestead during his life. Subsequent to his 
marriage he built a house on another part of the 
homestead, which was destroyed by fire in 1855, and 
the same year the present substantial residence was 
built by his son, Wickham C, who purchased the 
property of his brother, Andrew C, in 1854, and re- 
tained possession of it until 1860, when he sold it to 
his brother-in-law, James B. Crawford, who now re- 
sides upon it. His wife, Mary M., born June 4, 1789, 
was a daughter of Deacon James Reeve, one of the 
founders and first deacons of the Congregational 
Church at Middletown, and who settled in Waway- 
anda from Long Island, about two miles from Mid- 
dletown, on the farm now owned by his grandson, 
Wickham C. Reeve. They were married March 19, 
1814, and she died Dec. 18, 1863, having survived her 
husband since Oct. 6, 1829. After her husband's 
death she managed the homestead farm with superior 
judgment and ability, and reared her children with 
all the care and devotion of a Christian mother until 
her death. Both Joshua McNish and wife were ac- 
tive members of the Congregational Church at Mid- 
dletown, and promoters of all worthy objects in the 
vicinity. Their children are Andrew C, born Nov. 
28, 1816, died at the age of thirty-seven ; George, born 
Dec. 25, 1819, died at the age of twenty-one ; Eliza- 




m m^ 





WALLKILL. 



493 



beth, born Jan. 17, 1820 ; Wickham C, born Aug. 25, 
1823. 

Wickham C. McNish received his early education 
at the district school and in the Wallkill Academy, 
and at the age of sixteen engaged in teaching, which 
he continued for six terms, alternating with labor on 
the home fiirm during the summer seasons. About 
this time emigration to the gold-fields of California was 
rapidly going on, and Mr. McNish, desirous of travel- 
ing, and also of testing the truth of the fabulous re- 
ports that came from the Pacific coast, accordingly in 
the spring of 1850 set out for San Francisco, which he 
reached via the isthmus after a tedious journey of 
some three months. Having formed the acquaintance 
of James B. Roberts, of Philadelphia, on his way there, 
after a short time as clerk in a boot and shoe store, 
with that gentleman he established himself in the 
jobbing and wholesale boot and shoe trade, which 
rapidly increased with the then growing demands of 
the new country. Leaving his partner in charge of 
the business there, Mr. McNish, in 1853, came East, 
and remained the resident partner here, purchasing 
goods in Boston and New York for their trade in San 
Francisco. These .successful business relations con- 
tinued until 18G9, when they sold out their business. 

In 18()5 a stock company was formed in Boston, 
styled "The Phrenix'Oil and Land Company," in 
which Mr. McNish held a controlling interest, and be- 
came the manager of their oil and real estate interests 
at Titusville, Pa., until 1873, when the company dis- 
posed of their busine.s3. Since this time he has con- 
tinued his operations in tanking and producing oil in 
the various oil-fields of Pennsylvania. 

During his active business career, Mr. McNish, 
whether a resident of San Francisco, Boston, or among 
his immediate friends at Middletown, has never lost 
sight of the early impressions of his boyhood, and 
wherever he has been located he has been numbered 
among the promoters of morality, good society, and 
religious instruction. For nearly his whole life he 
has been identified with the Congregational Church 
at Middletown as a member, and officially, and a lib- 
eral contributor to its interests, and while a resident 
at San Francisco he ])ecame one of the founders of 
the First Congregational Church of that city, and was 
one of the charter members to lay the corner-stone of 
that church. Mr. McNish was one of the incorpora- 
tors of the Wallkill Bank, and was one of its directors 
from its organization until his return to California in 
1860, when he disposed of his interest in that institu- 
tion. 

He married in January, 1857, Marietta, daughter 
of William W. Reeve, Esq., and Jane Ayres, of Mid- 
dletown. They havean only child, Mary Jane McNish. 
Mrs. McNish's father was widely known throughout 
Orange County as a surveyor, wa-sju.stice of the peace 
at Middletown for si.xteen years, supervisor of the 
town of Wallkill for several years, and represented 
his district in the State Legislature in 1856. 



ALBERT BULL. 
Albert Bull is the sixth in line of descent from 
William Bull, born in England in February, 1689, 
came to America, sailing from Ireland, where he had 
spent his minority, about 1715. He was a mason by 
trade, and in 1716 did the mason-work for a stone 
house, known as the "Old Graycourt House," in 
Chester, for Daniel Cromeline, who had an interest in 
the Wawayanda Patent. 

In 1718 he married Sarah Wells, the first white 
woman who set foot upon the soil of the town of 
Goshen, born April 6, 1694, and who died April 21, 
1796. He died in February, 1755. In 1868 an ap- 
propriate monument was erected over the remains of 
William Bull and Sarah Wells, near the Hampton- 
burgh church, by their lineal descendants. 

To this venerable couple were born twelve children, 
of whom two sons, Thomas and William, were settled 
by their father on 500 acres of land lying partly in 
each of the towns of Goshen and Wallkill, divided by 
the Wallkill River. 

William settled on the west side of the river, and 
the homestead is still in possession of his descend- 
ants. 

His son Moses, born June 20, 1753, occupied the 
homestead during his life, and died Dec. 23, 1844. 
His only son, Moses Bull, Jr., born June 19, 
1773, was grandfather of our subject, and resided at 
Scotchtown, in the town of Wallkill, on the farm now 
occupied by Harvey Roe, where he died May 16, 
1848. 

His wife, Dolly Moore, whom he married July 28, 
1795, was born June 17, 1771, and died May 14, 1855. 
Moses Bull, Jr., joined the church in 1815, was a 
devoted Christian man, and from the time of his mar- 
riage until death kept up the family altar. His wife 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church from girl- 
hood, and reared her large family of children under 
Christian influences. 

Their children were Sophia, wife of Thomas Bell, 
of Geneva, N. Y.; Arietta, wife of John Patterson, 
of New York; Elijah and Elisha (twins); Rev. 
Ralph Bull, for twenty-seven years a Presbyterian 
clergyman at Westtown, Orange Co. ; Marianne, 
I widow of the late Daniel Cousins, of Middletown ; 
Caroline -and Catherine (twins); the former, first 
the wife of Andrew McWilliams, and after his death 
the wife of Harvey McMonagle, of AVallkill ; Me- 
hetabel, wife of Moses McMonagle, of Wallkill, now 
occupying the old homestead ; Rhoda, wife of Heze- 
kiah Conner, of Wallkill ; Emma, wife of Charles B. 
Conner, of Wallkill ; and Julia, wife of Harvey J. 
H. McWilliams. Of these children, Elisha was father 
of Albert Bull, was born Jan. 16, 1801, in Wallkill, 
and died June 22, 1870, in Missouri, while there 
visiting his son. He spent his active business life 
as a farmer in the town of Warwick, where he set- 
tled soon after his first marriage, and was a member 
of the Presbyterian Church at Amity. 



494 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He married, March 4, 1828, Harriet, daughter of 
Walter and Abigail (Corwin) Everett, of Wallkill, 
and sister of the wife of Dr. Harvey Everett, of Jlid- 
dletown. She was born in 1806, and died Sept. 3, 
1836, leaving children, — Albert, Walter, and Harriet, 
wife of Henry Howe, of Warwick. His second wife 
was Sarah Dusenberre, who bore him the following 
children : Sidney, Harrison, Charles, Henry, and 
John P. After the death of his second wife he mar- 
ried Mary Nichols, of which nnion there was no issue. 

Albert Bull was born in Wallkill, April 16, 1829, 
■and spent his minority in the routine of farm work and 
at school. For two years after reaching his majority 
he resided in the western part of the State, and for one 
year following at Chester, Orange Co. 

In the spring of 18.53 he settled in Middletown, and 
became the partner of Dr. Harve}' Everett in the 
drug business, whose place is located on Franklin 
Square, where he has continued a successful trade 
since. Mr. Bull erected the fine brick building, 
" Bull's Opera-House," on Main Street, in 1870, ca- 
pable of seating 800 persons, and since his residence 
in Middletown he has ranked among the enterprising, 
thorough-going, and substantial business men of the 
place. 

He married, June 20, 1867, Ella B., daughter of 
Leander and Nancy (Barkley) Crawford, who was 
born in January, 1845. Their children are Anna M., 
Frank, and Irving. 



ELISHA PEARL WHEELER. 

Elisha Pearl Wheeler, grandson of John, and son 
of Lemuel and Hannah (Pearl) Wheeler, was born at 
Hampton, Windham Co., Conn., Feb. 5, 1807. 

His father, Lemuel, born at Pomfret, Conn., April 
20, 1782, was a carpenter and builder by trade, 
and for a time was a merchant in Springfield, Mass. 
He resided at Red Hook, Duchess Co., N. Y., for 
a few years, and subsequently took up his resi- 
dence in Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y., for the 
purpose of superintending the construction of the 
aqueduct and water-wheels at the iron-works there, 
where he died April 16, 1839. 

By his first wife, Hannah, daughter of Philip 
Pearl, and sister of Hon. Philip Pearl, who was born 
Aug. 14, 1785, whom he married Jan. 25, 1806, he 
had two children, — Elisha P., and Emeline (wife of 
Charles Sanford), who died in Newburgh. 

By his second wife, Orinda Goodell, he had chil- 
dren, — Lydia Angelina (widow of James G. Swezey), 
and Cordelia Wheeler, of Middletown. 

Elisha P. Wheeler received his education at the 
district school and at Red Hook Academy, which 
was thorough as far as it went. He had a good com- 
mand of language, wrote well and to the point, and 
was a very accurate accountant. 

At Saugerties he was engaged for a few years in a 
rolling-mill and ftirnace located there. 



At the age of twenty-three he went into the employ 
of Charles Sanford, who married his sister, and was 
in the stove and tin business at Rhinebeck. He re- 
mained in the employ of his brother-in-law in^the 




(f 'yp'^^^^^:^.^^ 



same business at Rhinebeck and Catskill until 1830, 
when they came to Orange County, as partners in the 
.same business at Montgomery. The firm was San- 
ford & Wheeler. For a while Mr. Wheeler managed 
a branch store at Walden, which was afterwards re- 
moved to Newburgh. They remained in business to- 
gether — Mr. Wheeler at Montgomery, and Mr. San- 
ford at Newburgh — until the latter died, in 1832. 

He then went into partnership with Jonah F. 
France, in the stove and tin business. In 1839 they 
took into the firm Joseph Lemon and Abner Madden, 
and built a furnace. The firm of Wheeler, France & 
Co. was engaged in the business of making castings, 
stoves, etc., and in the tin trade, until 1842, when 
they sold out. Mr. Wheeler first came to Middle- 
town in the spring of 1843. He commenced in busi- 
ness herewith Jonah F. France, Edward M. Madden, 
and Joseph Lemon. The new firm started in the 
spring of 1843, under the firm-name of AVheeler, 
France & Co., in the tin and foundry business, with 
a store on North Street. The foundry business gave 
Mr. Wheeler his first favored start in Middletown. 
He was connected with it as a part owner until 1854, 
when he sold out, and it was in other hands until 
1863, when he became its sole owner. 



WALLKILL. 



495 



After 1853 he was connected with many of the 
principal manufacturing enterprises which have given 
Jliddletown its chief growtli and prominence. In the 
year mentioned the Monhagen Saw-Worlis were 
started, of which he was one of the three original 
owners. The firm was first Wheeler, Madden & 
Bakewell, and afterwards, in 1860, Wheeler, Madden 
& Clemson. The factory was one of the first in the 
country, and it is now one of the largest. Its busi- 
ness increased so that in 1862 the firm started the 
Jlonhagen Steel-Works and Kolling-Mills, under the 
firm-name of E. M. Maddeu & Co., for the manufac- 
ture of their own steel. In 18(53 the firm became 
largely interested in the Eagle File- Works. The firm- 
name was Wheeler, Clemson & Co. In 1866-67 
Wheeler, Madden & Clemson, with others, started 
the Middletown Forged Horee-Nail Works. A few 
years ago the firm became a stock company, under 
the incorporated title of The Wheeler, Madden & 
Clemson Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Wheeler 
was its president. 

In 1866, Mr. Wheeler began to make connections 
with new railroad enterprises, which promised to be 
beneficial to Middletown, and not unprofitable to 
those who should engage in them. 

He was made a director of the Middletown and 
Unionville Railroad on its organization, and was its 
president till 1875. He broke ground for that enter- 
prise, throwing the first shovelful of dirt Oct. 8, 
1866. He was among the earliest of those who were 
enlisted in the Midland Railroad enterprise, and 
drove the last spike at its completion. Unfortu- 
nately, he was among the most severely punished 
of its victims. He was an original director and the 
first vice-president of the New York and Oswego 
Midland from 1868 until 1872. He was a director of 
the New Jersey Midland from its organization in 1870 
till 1874. He was also an original director of the 
Middletown and Crawford Railroad in 1870. 

He was from the first a director of the M. U. & W. 
G. Telegraph Company, also of the Middletown and 
Wurtsboro' Turnpike Company. He was also director 
of its predeces-sor, the Middletown and Blooming- 
burgh Plank-Road Company, and of the Middletown 
and Unionville Plank-Road Company. 

He was a trustee of the Middletown Gas-Light 
Company and of the Orange County Milk Association. 
He was one of the originators and first life members 
of the Middletown Lyceum. He was a director of 
the Middletown Bank from 1860 to 1857. He was 
one of the originators of the Wallkill Bank, and its 
first president for a few years, and a director until it 
closed. He was a member of the board of trustees 
in the year 1868, and was a member of the board of 
education for every year except one since 1867, and 
was its first president. 

He was largely infiuential in getting the New York 
State Homoeopathic Insane A.sylum located at Mid- 
dletown. He gave S2000 towards it, and was one of 



the trustees from the first until, by act of the Legisla- 
ture in 1875, reducing the membership of the board, 
he was legislated out of office ; but his interest in the 
work suffered no abatement, his retirement being 
gladly accepted by him as a relief from one of his 
multiplied business and trust engagements. 

He was one of the originators of Grace Episcopal 
Church, and was one of its chief supporters. He 
built both transepts entirely at his own expense. 
He was a warden from the first to his death. Mr. 
Wheeler, E. M. Madden, and William M. Graham 
erected, in 1852, Gothic Hall, which the Press now oc- 
cupies. It was then the first hall for public assem- 
blages, except the churches, in all Middletown. Mr. 
"Wheeler was one of ten citizens who assisted Mr. 
John W. Hasbrouck to establish ' the mig Press, 
which was the predecessor of the Orange County Press 
and I\[idd!etown Daili/ Press. 

He became an Odd-Fellow at Newburgh while 
living at Montgomery, and a Mason shortly after the 
reorganization of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F. A. M. 
He was a member also of Midland Chapter, No. 240, 
R. A. M., of Middletown. 

Although Mr. Wheeler was never a seeker for po- 
litical preferment, he nevertheless took an active 
interest in the political questions of the day. He 
was many times solicited to accept nominations to 
office, but declined. Originally a Whig, he was in- 
fluential in promoting the success of that party while 
it existed. When the continued oppressions of the 
slave power called into being the Republican party, 
he was among the first to enter into that organiza- 
tion, and was zealous in its support, participating 
actively and prominently in several campaigns. In 
1872 he acted with the Liberal Republicans and was 
on the Greeley electoral ticket. Since then he gener- 
ally acted with the Republicans. 

Mr. Wheeler was married in Montgomery, in 1834, 
to Miss Phebe Sears, of that place, who was a most de- 
voted wife. She was born Oct. 13, 1813, and died 
Dec. 3, 1878. Four children were born to them, — 
Emeline, wife of Henry S. Moshier ; James, a lawyer 
(formerly in practice in Brooklyn, now in San Fran- 
cisco, Cal.); Hannah (wife of Charles H. Horton) ; 
and Lemuel, who died in 1873. His mother died when 
he was three years old. 

As trustee, guardian, and executor of the estates of 
deceased persons, probably more trusts were confided 
to him than to any other man in Middletown, and 
every trust was discharged with the utmost fidelity. 

The last few years of his life were clouded by anxie- 
ties and troubles, brought upon him by the acts of 
those in whom he trusted. 

He was also subjected to severe trials in the loss of his 
property, which was the result of his connection with 
the Midland Railroad and the Nes Silicon Steel Com- 
pany. These he bore manfully, and the transfer of his 
property was made with an honesty that in these times 
is as uncommon as it is remarkable. 



496 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mr. Wheeler was a man of simple, correct habits, 
frugiil ways of living, unostentatious manners, and 
lived a pure life. In him the poor of Middletown 
had a friend, generous and liberal to a fault. 



OLIVER p. REEVE. 
His grandfather, Deacon James Reeve, came from 
Long Island about 1763, and settled on a farm in 
Wawayanda, between Middletown and New Hamp- 
ton, where he resided the remainder of his life. The 
property is owned in 1881 by his grandson, Wickham 
C. Reeve, and has been in possession of the family 
since its first settlement bv Deacon James Reeve. 




Deacon James Reeve was one of the principal men 
who united in building the First Congregational 
church at Middletown, which occupied the site of the 
present Congregational church. His first wife, Heph- 
zibah Moore, bore him three children, — James, who 
served as a soldier at the battle of Minisink in 1779; 
Hephzibah, married a Mr. Hulse ; and Mary, a Mr. 
Canfield. By his second wife, Mary Corwin, he had 
the following children : David; Daniel; .Joshua, set- 
tled in Michigan ; Elijah, died a young man ; Isaac, 
resided on the old homestead; Anna, married a Mr. 
Keene, and resided at the Beach Woods, Pa. ; Debo- 
rah, married a Mr. Shultz, of Orange County ; Ketu- 
rah, married Stewart Brown, and resided in Ohio; 
Lydia, married a Mr. Moore, of Orange County ; 
Mary A., married Joshua McNish, of Wallkill, a 
descendaut of Rev. George McNish, of Long Island, 



who was one of the original members of the first 
Presbytery in America, and father of the first Presby- 
tery in the province of New York ; Jerusha, married 
a Mr. Burns, of Beach Woods, Pa. ; Dorothy, married 
Benjamin Hulse, of Orange County ; Sarah ; and 
Julia, married a Mr. Tidd, of Sullivan County, N. Y., 
and after his death a Mr. Drake. She was the last 
surviving one of this family of eighteen children, 
died at the age of eighty-seven, and was buried on 
New- Year's Day, 1881, at Bloomingburgh, N. Y. 

Of these children, David was father of our subject, 
was born in 1771, and died in 1848. He followed 
agricultural pursuits during his life, and owned a farm 
in the town of Wallkill, within a couple of miles of 
Middletown. He was a quiet, unostentatious mau, 
and sought to fulfill the full duty of a citizen, was 
active as a member of the Congregational Church at 
Middletown, and a promoter of the benevolent objects 
of his time. His wife, Esther, daughter of William 
Wickliam, whom he married in 1797, was born in 
1780, was a devoted Christian woman, a member of the 
Congregational Church, and died in 1837. Their chil- 
dren are Mary, wife of George V. Mapes, of Orange 
County; Rosetta, wife of Sylvester Cooper, of Matti- 
tuck, L. I.; William W., for many years supervisor 
and justice of the peace at Jliddletown, and widely 
known throughout the county as a surveyor ; James, 
settled in Tompkins County; Hosea, of Jackson 
County, Mich. ; Arminda, widow of Dr. Hedges, of 
Chester, N. J. ; Fanny Jane, died at the age of ten 
years ; Louisa, widow of the late B. W. Shaw, of Mid- 
dletown ; David Rose, died in Orange County ; Ben- 
jamin Franklin, died in Philadelphia ; Oliver P. ; and 
Harriet, wife of Rev. L. I. Stoughtenburgh, of Morris 
County, N. J. 

Oliver P., son of David Reeve, was born on the 
homestead, in the town of Wallkill, March 10, 1822. 
His early book knowledge was received at the district 
school and select school at Ridgebury, and prior to 
reaching his majority he was a teacher in the common 
schools in the vicinity of his birth for some three 
years. LTpon the death of his father he succeeded, by 
purchase of the other heirs, to the homestead farm of 
15fi acres, which he carried on for nine years, and then 
disposed of it. 

In 1859 he engaged in mercantile business at Bull- 
ville, Orange Co., and in connection with this busi- 
ness was largely engaged in forwarding produce via 
Newburgh to New York. He carried on this busi- 
ness successfully for five years, disposed of his stock 
of goods, and in 1864 settled in Middletown, where 
he engaged in building tenement houses for some five 
years, and in improving real estate which lie pur- 
chased. 

In the spring of 1879 he opened an insurance office 
on Franklin Square, representing several wealthy and 
substantial companies, where he has since continued 
to do business, having for his partner the late H. L. 
Shaw, who died May 20, 1881. 




J./^. 



^OuJl^ 



WALLKILL. 



497 



Mr. Reeve has spent a life almost wholly devoted 
to business pursuits, yet amidst its activity he has 
ever been interested in the various enterprises of a 
local nature about him, and a promoter of morality 
and religious interests in society. For forty years he 
has been connected with the Congretcational Church 
at Middletown, was one of tlic building committee in 
the erection of the present church edifice, and is at 
the present time one of its board of trustees and treas- 
urer. He has also officiated as trustee of the village 
for two terms, and assessor for one term. He married, 
in 18.52, Charlotte, dauglitor of David G. Redfield,who 
died four years after her marriage, leaving no issue. 
His present wife is Esther E., daughter of John 
Shorter, of Crawford, whom he married in 1858, and 
by whom he has one son, Theodore Lincoln. 



BENJAMIN AVOODFORD SHAW. 

The Shaw family are of Scotch-Irish extraction, 
having removed at an early period from Scotland to 
the north of Ireland, from whence a branch emigrated 
to America about 1750. Among this number was Wil- 
liam, who chose a residence in Orange County, pur- 
chasing land in Mount Hope township, which is still 
in possession of the family. On this wilderness tract 
of land he first resided in a log house, but afterwards 
built a frame house, which forms a part of the resi- 
dence now on the farm. He married Mary Waldron, 
of New York, who bore him the following children : 
John, Dr. Robert, Samuel, Henry, Alexander, Wil- 
liam, James, Charles, Elizabeth, and Mary. 

The death of William Shaw occurred in 1822. The 
simplicity, integrity, and purity which governed his 
life are best illustrated by embodying in this sketch 
the following letter left by him on his death : 

*' This to be reail to my children wlieu I am laid iu the grave. My 
dear children, aa God in his meiey has given yon all the natural facul- 
ties and powers that are natural to man, I hope you will daily return 
thanks for the same, and that yon will make the Scriptures your nile of 
life, and seek and serve God in the way and manner that he will approve 
and bless. 

*' As your mother has nursed you with the greatest tenderness, endeavor 
to give her a suitabh' return by honoring her person and receiving her 
counsels and providing for lier \vant.s while God continues her in time. 
I hope you will love and cherish one another, not taking the least ad- 
vantage, and if misfortune shonld befall any of you I hope the rest will 
not only with your counsel, hut with your property, assist your unfortu- 
nate brother or sister. Be just in all your dealings with mankind ; be 
content with your own, ho it little or much, for it is not the quantity 
that makes men happy, but being content with your condition. 

"Signed with my hand this third day of June, one thousand eight 
hundred and si.\. William Siiaw " 

William, the sixtli son of William and Mary Shaw, 
father of our subject, was born Dec. 27, 1782, and 
died March 25, 1855. His wife was Rachel Schoon- 
oven, who was born Dec. 19, 1792, and died Dec. 18, 
1876. Their children were Aaron, a lawyer, judge of 
the Supreme Court, and member of Congress, of Olney, 
111. ; Howard, I'nited States ganger, and fanner on a 
part of the old homestead ; Benjamin ^V^oodward ; 
Mary Waldron, wife of John Myer, of New York, 



and after his death became the wife of Edward Clapp, 
of New York, who is now deceased ; Catherine West- 
brook, wife of William Howell, of Middletown ; Peggy, 
wife of Benjamin Beyea; Alexander McMaken ; and 
Su.san Elizabeth, wife of David Robertson, of Shawan- 
gunk, Ulster Co., N. Y. 

This family of children were reared on the old 
homestead, where the jjarents spent their lives, and 
did well their part as good citizens in promoting all 
local enterprises tending to benefit society. 

Benjamin Woodward, son of William and Rachel 
Shaw, was liorn Feb. 3, 1817, on the homestead in 
Mount Hope, on the road between Van Burenville 
and New Vernon. He spent his boyhood on the farm 
of his father, attending district school in winter, and 
showing unusual ability as a mathematician. He also 
paid some attention to surveying, but chose for his life 
occupation the mercantile business. At the age of 
seventeen he came to Middletown as clerk for Samuel 
Denton, then the leading merchant here. On Sept. 
26, 1839, he married Louisa, daughter of David Reeve, 
and granddaughter of Deacon James Reeve, who 
came from Long Island about 17()3, and settled on a 
farm in Wawayanda, where he resided the remainder 
of his life. She was born Oct. 3, 1814, and survives 
her husband, who died Mtirch 29, 1881. 

In 1841 Mr. Shaw formed a partnership with Daniel 
Gerow, under the firm-name of Shaw & Gerow, and 
engaged in business on his account. This partnership 
lasted one year. He was then associated with Col. 
Herman B. Young and John B. Hanford. After the 
first year Col. Young retired from the firm, and for 
fifteen years Mr. Shaw and Jlr. Hanford continued 
the business under the firm-name of Shaw & Hanford. 
Mr. Hanford's health failing, he retired from busi- 
ness. A new partnership was then formed with Charles 
Stewart and AVilliam M. McQuoid. After a few years, 
Mr. Stewart retired from the firm and went West, and 
the firm became Shaw & McQuoid, and continued 
until 1869, when Mr. Shaw's son, Hanford L., entered 
the firm, the name being changed to Shaws & Mc- 
Quoid. When Mr. McQuoid's health failed and ne- 
cessitated his retirement from active business, the firm 
became B. W. Shaw & Son. Mr. Hanford L. Shaw's 
health compelled his retirement from business, and 
on the first of February, 1877, Mr. Shaw associated 
with himself his two head clerks, Charles C. Luckey 
and James B. Carson, and the firm became B. W. 
Shaw & Co., so continuing until the present time. 

The firm of Shaw & Gerow did business on the 
south side of Main Street, and on its dissolution Jlr. 
Shaw removed across the street, taking possession of 
the .store that he has ever since occupied. 

Although closely absorbed in his private business, 
Mr. Shaw found time to devote to the public interests. 
He was a trustee of the village under its present charter. 
For nine years he was trustee of the Presbyterian 
Church. He was a director of the Wallkill Bank 
from its organization to the time of its failure. He 



498 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was president of the Middletown and Wurtsboro' 
Plank-Road Company from the time of its reorganiza- 
tion. He was also a trustee of the Middletown Sav- 
ings-Bank. Although an earnest Republican, he 
never took much interest in politics, and when nomi- 
nated for supervisor by his i)arty a few years ago, re- 
fused to run. 

Mr. Shaw was during the whole of his life deeply 
absorbed in business, yet he was always willing to 
lend a listening ear and a helping hand to any pro- 
ject looking to the welfare of the village. He was a 
thoroughly honest and upright man, and much of his 
success was due to the confidence that the luirchasing 
public had in the excellence of liLs goods and the 
truth of the representations made by himself and his 
employes. He had a very wide acquaintance not 
only in the village, but in the country round about, 
and all his acquaintances soon grew to be friends. 

Although not a communicant of any church, he 
was a regular attendant at the services of the First 
Presbyterian Church, and contributed liberally of his 
means towards building the present church edifice. 
His children are Esther W., wife of Irving D. Booth, 
a wholesale hardware merchant of Elniira ; Pauline 
D., wife of T. N. Little, of Middletown ; Hanford L., 
of the real estate and insurance firm of Reeve & Shaw, 
died May 20, 1881 ; and Miss Netta L. Shaw. 



HORTON VAIL. 

Josiali, Samuel, and Benjamin Vail, three brothers, 
were among the early settlers of Orange County, and 
the name appears in connection with papers and 
titles of land in the old town of Goshen. 

Samuel married Hannah Petty, who bore him 
children, — Gilbert, Michael, Phebe, Experience, and 
Hannah. 

Gilbert married Hannah Arnot, who bore him the 
following children : Julia, Samuel, Joseph, Sally, 
Phebe, Esther, Hannah, and Polly. Of these, Samuel, 
the grandfather of our subject, resided in the west 
division of the town of Goshen, where he carried on 
farming, and also his trade as a cloth-dresser and 
fuller. By his wife, Hannah Dunning, he had the 
following children : Deborah, Gilbert, Samuel, James, 
John, Anson, Phebe, Jacob, Julia, William, Hannah, 
and Horace. Both Samuel Vail and his wife were 
buried in the cemetery at Goshen. 

The first Gilbert mentioned in this sketch was 
among the ever memorable brave and worthy patriots 
who fought Col. Brant, "Monster Brant," as he was 
styled, and his 300 warriors and 200 painted Tories, 
at the battle of Minisink, in 1779, and whose name 
appears on the monument at Goshen, donated by the 
late Dr. Merritt H. Cash. 

Samuel, second son of Samuel and Hannah Vail, 
was born Sept. 23, 1787, and died April 5, 1855. His 
minority was spent in his native town, Goshen, 
mostly in the family of Joseph Wood. Upon reach- 



ing his majority he learned the trade of wool carding 
and fulling cloth, which business, during the early part 
of his active business career, he followed on his own 
account, and, in connection with farming, was his 
main life business. He was a resident successively 
of Minisink (Gardenerville), Warwick, and Pochuck, 
now Glenwood, in the township of Vernon, Sussex 
Co., N. J., until about 1834, when he removed again 
into the town of Warwick, and settled near Amity, 
where he resided until his death. 

He had a studious and thoughtful disposition, pos- 
sessed a good business education, and his account- 
books showed the work of a neat and thorough 
accountant. He was liberal of his means to any cause 
that had for its object the elevation and amelioration 
of society. His love for home and family was intense, 
and his eyes always kindled with pride when mention 
was made of his ten boys in his presence. Never an 
open professor of religion, yet Samuel Vail was a 
God-fearing man, a thorough student of the Bible, 
and assisted liberally Christian churches and kindred 
objects. It was a common saying of him, " If all men 
were as truthful and honest as ' Uncle Sammy Vail' 
there would be little need for lawyers, judges, and 
jurymen." 

His wife, Sally, born April 5, 1704, and who died 
Nov. 7, 1845, was a daughter of Reuben Cash and 
Milliceut Howell, of Minisink, and sister of the late 
Dr. Merritt H. Cash, well known as a prominent 
physician in Orange County, who died April 26, 1861, 
aged about sixty years. 

The children of Samuel and Sally (Cash) Vail are : 
Festus H., was a farmer near Great Bend, and there 
died ; Reuben C, was a farmer at New Milford, Pa., 
where he died ; Samuel, is a farmer at the latter place ; 
Charles M.; James Lewis, is connected with the 
Newark Moniing Ref/iski- ,■ Dr. M. H. C. Vail, gradu- 
ated at the Castleton Medical College, Vermont, 
practiced medicine for some twenty-five years, served 
one term in the New Jersey Legislature, and is now 
the editor and proprietor of the Newark Morning 
Register; George, resides at New Milford, Pa. ; Hor- 
ton ; Solomon Van Rensselaer, deceased ; and John M., 
a farmer at Havana, N. Y. 

Horton Vail was born June 27, 1834, spent his 
minority in the routine of farm work and attending 
school, and for three years after reaching his major- 
ity was a teacher. On Oct. 8, 1858, he married Sarah 
France, daughter of John S. and Hannah M. 
(France) Redfield, of Goshen. They have an only 
child, Nellie Vail. 

For seven years following his marriage he owned 
and carried on a farm in the town of Goshen. In 
1865 he removed to Middletown, where he engaged 
in the book and stationery business, which he success- 
fully carried on for eight years, and disposed of his 
business. 

Upon settling in Middletown, Mr. Vail at once 
identified himself with the best interests of the village. 




l4)o^t^ Vcul 








S^'^^i^vCcc^^Li^ 



\^ 



' :l 



; li 



WALLKILL. 



499 



and since his residence liere he lias been a promoter 
of church and school interests, and an advocate of 
all progressive measures tending to morality, good 
society, and the genera! welfare of the people. Mr. 
Vail is possessed of a naturally literary taste, and as 
a casual correspondent of the local newspapers of 
Orange County, and especially of the Middletown 
papers, in which many valuable productions from 
his pen may be found, his contributions are trenchant, 
studied, and interesting, and show a studious mind, 
' reading, and research. Mr. Vail is conversant with 
the current imi)ortant topics of the times, a man of 
practical ideas, considerate in his opinions, and frank 
in his ways. Both as a trustee of the Second Presby- 
terian Church, of which he and his wife are members, 
and as the assessor of the village for the past two 
years, he retains the confidence of the people. 

Mr. Vail is the only representative left in Orange 
County of the large family of ten sons of Samuel 
Vail, all of whom grew to manhood, and all were 
married and reared families except George. 



GEN. CALVIN G. SAWYER. 

His father, Benjamin Sawyer, resided near Carpen- 
ter's Point, on the Delaware, and for many years kept 
the hospitable inn of " olden time," and conveyed the 
guests of his house and the traveling public across the 
river by means of his ferry. He afterwards removed 
to the town of Goshen, near the " Drowned Lands," 
where he purchased a i'arm, now in possession of one 
of his sons, Franklin, and there spent the remainder 
of his life in agricultural pursuits. His wife was a 
Miss Wood, who bore him the following sons : John, 
Moses, Gen. Calvin G., and Franklin. 

Gen. Calvin G. Sawyer was born on the homestead 
at Carpenter's Point, March 12, 1796, and there spent 
his minority, and often with his brothers was engaged 
in running the ferry across the Delaware. He mar- 
ried Hannah Valentine, who bore him seven children : 
John ; Rev. Samuel Sawyer, a Presbyterian clergy- 
man of Marion, Ind. ; Mary E., wife of Alonzo Banks, 
of Pine Valley, Chemung Co., Js. Y. ; Hannah V., 
widow of De Witt C. Payne, formerly of Goshen, but 
now residing at Battle Creek, Mich.; Harriet; Ga- 
briel, of Clarence, Iowa; and Caroline. 

His second wife was Harriet, daughter of Judge 
Armstrong, of the town of Warwick, near Florida, 
but at the time of his marriage a widow Smith. 
The children born of this union are Alida, wife of 
Joel H. Coleman, of Blooming-Grove, and Calvin J., 
a lawyer, of Clinton, Tenn. 

His third wife, whom he married Dec. 25, 1844, was 
Harriet W., widow of James M. Cash, brother of Dr. 
Merritt H. Cash, and daughter of Maj. John White 
and Eifa Brown, of Wallkill. She was born Aug. 18, 
1815, and died May 7, 1861, leaving no issue. 

Maj. White was born Dec. 22, 1768, was son of 
Samuel White, a farmer, near Montgomery, but who 



afterwards settled at Scotchtown, where Maj. White 
became one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church, 
and was one of its first elders. He died Sept. 11, 
1839. Maj. White's wife was Efla Brown, born Dec. 

1, 1775, married March 15, 1792, and who died May 

2, 1847, leaving eleven children. 

Gen. Sawyer married for his fourth wife, Aug. 31, 
1863, Miss EfTa Ann, a sister of his third wife, who 
was born Oct. 15, 1809, survives in 1881, and causes 
the portrait of her husband to be placed in the his- 
tory of Orange County, accompanying this sketch. 

Gen. Sawyer first resided near Goshen, where Dom- 
inie Staats now resides, and on the farm afterwards 
owned by Garret Thew. Retiring from the more ac- 
tive duties of life, he removed to Middletown, remained 
one year, thence to Hamptonburgh, where he resided 
nine years, and returned to Middletown, where he re- 
sided sixteen years, and until his decease, which oc- 
curred April 2, 1874. He was a man of decided con- 
victions, good business ability, and sterling integrity. 
He was well informed upon the current topics of his 
day, and always interested in local and national legis- 
lation, although no seeker after place himself He 
received his military title from his connection with the 
old State militia, and was familiarly known among 
the prominent men of the last generation in Orange 
County as sociable, frank, and always generous and 
courteous. 



CAPT. THOMAS E. HULSE. 

Capt. Thomas E. Hulse, now residing near Middle- 
town, is one of the oldest living native citizens of 
Orange County. His birth occurred Sept. 16, 1796, 
only thirteen years after the treaty of peace was signed 
that made the American republic free and independ- 
ent, and he has lived through nearly every adminis- 
tration of a government that has increased from a few 
millions to fifty millions of people. 

The progenitor of his family in Orange County was 
Thomas Hulse, who came from England, was a sol- 
dier in the struggle of tlie colonies for independence, 
and after its close settled in the town of Wallkill, 
on a farm near where the asylum now stands. He 
died at about the age of eighty years, leaving the fol- 
lowing children: Martin, Phineas, Edward, Oliver, 
Thomas, Susan, wife of James Mapes ; Julia, wife of 
Mr. Woodruff; and Abigail, wife of Daniel Cooley. 
Oliver was in the war of 1812. 

Of these children, Thomas was father of our sub- 
ject, owned and resided upon a farm on the Mount 
Hope road, about two and a half miles out of Middle- 
town, and spent his life in agricultural pursuits, es- 
teemed for the common cliaracteristics of tlie family, 
— integrity and honesty in all the relations of life. He 
lived to be eighty-one years of age, and died about 
1850. His wife, Phebe Everson, who also lived to the 
age of eighty-one, dying one year before him, bore 
the following children: Fanny, Benjamin, Oliver, 
Capt. Thomas E., Julia, wife of Hudson Everett ; 



500 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mary, wife of George Cox ; Gilbert, John, and James, 
the youngest succeeding to the homestead farm. 

Capt. Thomas E. Hulse spent his boyhood in the 
routine of farm work and attending school. At the 
age of fifteen he started out in life for himself, and be- 
came a clerk in a clothing-store in Newburgh. He 
was engaged there as a clerk for i^everal years, but 
about the time of reaching his majority set up busi- 
ness for himself, which he continued until 1824. Dur- 
ing that year, thinking that the city of New York 
would be a more successful place for business and 
give better opportunities for an enterprising young 
man, he accordingly formed a business connection 
with Peter Cornell, father of Hon. Thomas Cornell, 
of Eondout, N. Y., and opened a wholesale grocery- 
house in West Street, near the corner of Robinson 
Street, the corner store being occupied by Mr. Piatt 
Brush, in the same business. These two stores were 
at that time the only buildings between Robinson and 
Canal Streets, and for several blocks below. 

After four years, Mr. Cornell went to Kingston, and 
Capt. Hulse, after successfully continuing that busi- 
ness for some time, disposed of it, and became in- 
terested in and the owner of a number of schooners 
plying between New York and Southern ports. He 
also became a stockholder, and assisted in building 
and running several steamboats, one of which, the 
" Thomas E. Hulse," is well and favorably known to all 
travelers on tlie Hudson River. Among those asso- 
ciated with him in steamboat enterprises were Daniel 
Drew, Kelly, Raymond, Weeks, Cox, Odell, and the 
Hon. William Radford. 

Having acquired a comfortable competence, and 
becoming tired of public business, Capt. Hulse, in 
1852, purchased a farm in Wawayanda, upon which 
his family resided until 1855, when he bought 150 
acres of land adjoining and partly lying in the corpo- 
ration of Middletown, upon which he erected the same 
year his present residence, and removed thereto. He 
has mostly since been engaged in the improvement 
and management of bis property, until age and paral- 
ysis debarred him from its superintendence. He mar- 
ried, Jan. 23, 1823, Permelia A., daughter of George 
E. Hulse and Mary Lyon, of Newburgh, who was born 
Nov. 2, 1800. Mrs. Hulse possesses rare womanly 
qualities, an exquisite taste for all the appointments 
of her household and flower-garden, in the latter 
of which may be found, the summer long, blooming 
flowers that attract the attention of the passer-by, 
and a hospitality in every respect generous, frank, and 
welcome. 

On Jan. 23, 1873, many of the large circle of friends 
of Capt. and Mrs. Hulse met at their well-appointed 
and handsome country-seat, and joined them in cele- 
brating the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, — 
their golden wedding, — then .surrounded by six chil- 
dren and eight grandchildren, among whom were 
Rev. Aug. Seward, D.D., pastor of the First Presby- 
terian Church of Middletown, of which thev are mem- 



bers ; Rev. Charles Seattle, and Rev. Charles A. Har- 
vey, who delivered appropriate addresses, frequently 
dwelling upon the history of this couple who had 
traveled life's journey together so happily, and again 
filled with wit and humorous allusions drawn from in- 
cidents and scenes in the courtship, marriage, and 
after-lives of the now aged but still cheerful and viva- 
cious couple. 

Capt. Hulse has never been a seeker after political 
place or its emoluments, but preferred the quiet and 
independence of a business life, to which he gave a* 
period of nearly half a century. As a citizen, he has 
always been esteemed for his integrity, usefulness, 
frankness, generosity, and courtesy, and to all mat- 
ters of a worthy local nature he has given a liberal 
and hearty support. 

Their children are Mary A.; Charles J., died at the 
age of forty in 18G6 ; Henry L., visited California in 
1849, returned in 1851, enlisted Sept. 5, 1862, in the 
One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, New York 
Volunteers, Duryea's Zouaves, Nineteenth Army 
Corps, and was in the Red River expedition ; he was 
in the battles of Fort Hudson, Mansfield, Pleasant 
Hill, and Sugar-Cane River, and was mustered out of 
service Aug. 30, 1865 ; Francis A., was the wife of 
James V. Schenck, and both are deceased, leaving 
two children, only one, Marie Louise, survives in 
1881 ; Harriet A., wife of S. J. Curtis, of New York ; 
Elmendore R., a farmer in Wawayanda : Eugenia C; 
La Grange W., carries on the home farm ; and Julia 
A., deceased. 

JAMES B. BELL. 

Among the oldest native residents of Jliddletown 
and vicinity who, by untiring industry and integrity, 
have won a place in the agricultural history of Orange 
County, is the subject of this sketch, now in the 
eighty -first year of his age, the last surviving child in 
a family of eleven children of John Bell. 

John Bell, born in county Down, Ireland, in 1753, 
came to America in 1772, and upon the commence- 
ment of hostilities by the colonies for independence 
he enlisted in the regular service as a common sol- 
dier, suffered the hardships, endured privations, and 
followed the fortunes of war till he saw his adopted 
country free and independent, and was honorably 
discharged. 

He served under General Washington and other 
illustrious and brave commanders, and fought in the 
battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth , 
and for many years after the close of the war received 
a small pension. 

After the close of the war he married Keziah 
Mapes, who was born in 1770, and settled on 
111 acres of land in the town of Wallkill, where 
he spent the remainder of his life in agricultural 
pursuits. His wife, a devoted Christian mother and 
member of the Presbyterian Church, died in 1810, 
and bore him the following children : 








zizn^^nM 



^.^^ 




M 



uo^^t'ny: 




WALLKILL. 



501 



Benjamin, born April 22, 1786; Alexander, born 
1788 ; Jane, born June 22, 1790 (wife of L. Godfrey) ; 
John, born May 23, 1792; William, born July 13, 
1794 ; Moses, born April 20, 1797 ; Thomas, born 
March 4, 1799; James B., born March 10, 1801; 
Gabriel, born April 25, 1803; Lewis, born July 2, 
1805 ; George W., born June 3, 1807. 

John Bell married for his second wife Mary Crane, 
of which union there was no issue. 

All his children settled in Orange County except 
Benjamin, who settled in Ohio, and all were married 
and reared families except Thomas and James B. 

John Bell was known as honest in all his dealings 
with his fellow-men. He inherited from liis Scotch 
ancestry that independent free spirit of religious 
worship which they spilt their blood to achieve, was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church at Deerpark, 
and a devoted Christian. He died Feb. 23, 1834. 

James B. Bell was left motherless at the age of nine 
years, and at that tender age went into the busy 
world to carve out a fortune for himself, which, by 
industry, economy, and resolution, he early in life 
laid a foundation for; until the age of fifteen he 
worked where he could find anything to do, at very 
small wages, at one time only receiving twenty shil- 
lings per month. At that age he began to learn the 
tailor's trade, which he followed until his marriage, 
Oct. 25, 1826, to Harriet Tuthill, who was born in 
1802. He then purchased the homestead farm, which 
he retained until 1831, sold it, and subsequently 
owned several farms in the town of Wallkill. In 
1859 he bought 108 acres contiguous to the village 
of Middletown, which he has laid out into lots 
and streets, and sold for building purposes. In 
the short time of twenty-two years this property 
has been nearly all covered with many fine and sub- 
stantial residences, forming a very desirable part of 
the village. 

Wherever his residence has been, Mr. Bell has al- 
ways taken an interest in church matters and all that 
tends to morality and good society. 

He became a member of the Deerpark Church at 
an early age, was a member of the Howell Presbyte- 
rian Church, and served it as trustee for fifteen years, 
building himself the present church edifice, and since 
his residence in Middletown he has been a member 
and contributor to the Second Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Bell is a man of strength of character, pos- 
sessed of integrity in all business relations, consid- 
erate in his opinions, and decided in them when 
once made. 

His wife died May 6, 1874. 

For his second wife he married Harriet, daughter 
of George Pelton and Sarah Tuthill, of Wallkill, and 
granddaughter of Peleg Pelton, a native of Con- 
necticut, who was one of the early settlers of Wall- 
kill. She was born Nov. 16, 1816, wiis first married 
to Peter H. Bell, by whom she had seven children, 
■only one of whom (Jane, wife of Andrew Myres, 



of Wantage, N. J.) is living. Her second hus- 
band was Daniel ]Mapes. Her marriage to James B. 
Bell, her present husband, occurred June 10, 1875. 



ALANSON SLAUGHTER. 

His paternal ancestor came from Wales, and settled 
in Virginia, and many of his descendants are now re- 
siding in the vicinity of Petersburg and Fredericks- 
burg in that State. 

Isaac, grandfather of Alanson, served under Gen. 
Washington in the war for independence, and was 
with him when encamped near Newburgh, Orange Co. 

He was at the Ijattle of Ticonderoga and at the 
taking of Crown Point, and served in the northern 
campaign. After the war he received a pension. He 
settled in the town of Wallkill after peace was de- 
clared, subsequently removed to Shawangunk, Ulster 
Co., and in the year 1803 purchased 200 acres of 
land in the southeastern part of Wallkill, which 
has since remained in the family. 

In 1817 he bought a farm in what is now the town 
of Hamptonburgh, upon which he settled in 1819, and 
there resided the remainder of his life. He died in 
1838, aged eighty-four years. 

He was twice married, and had a family of twenty- 
one children, of whom nineteen grew to manhood 
and womanhood. Of these, Benjamin, Joseph, Archi- 
bald, De Witt, William H., and several daughters 
located in Orange County. His second wife's name 
was Jane McBride. 

Joseph was born Oct. 13, 1794, and died Feb. 25, 
1873. His wife, whom he married Dec. 16, 1817, was 
Amelia, daughter of Thomas Booth and Jane Barker, 
of Hamptonburgh, who was born in 1798, and died 
Aug. 14, 1877. 

She was granddaughter of Benjamin Booth, son of 
Charles Booth, who was son of Charles Bootii, who 
was son of John Booth, of Southhold, L. I., to 
whom, with one Sylvester, Shelter Island was granted 
by the Indians in 1652. 

The children of Joseph Slaughter and Amelia 
Booth were Alanson, born Aug. 31, 1818; Mary 
Louisa, born July 5, 1826, wife of John T. Coleman, 
of Hamptonburgh ; and Helen, died young. 

For some four years Joseph Slaughter resided upon 
the home farm in Hamptonburgh, and about two 
years after his marriage settled on the purchase of 
his father at Wallkill, where he erected a part of the 
present residence in 1823, and where he carried on 
agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He 
was a man of high social position in his town, and 
influential in his town and county. 

For many years he served as justice of the peace, 
and frequently held his courts in his own house. He 
was appointed judge of Orange County, represented 
his Assembly district in the State Legislature for one 
term in 1839, and for twentv vears was an elder in 



502 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Presbyterian Church at Scotchtown, of whicli both 
himself aud wife were members. 

He was originally a member of the Democratic 
party, was a Free-Soiler, and upon the breaking out of 
the Rebellion joined the Republican party. 

Joseph Slaughter was a kind-hearted, sympathetic, 
faithful, and patriotic citizen, and a man of correct 
habits and sterling honesty. 

Alanson, only son of Joseph Slaughter, received 
his early education in the district school at home, 
and in select schools at Goshen and Middletown. 
He succeeded to the homestead in Wallkill by in- 
heritance, and has there followed agricultural pur- 
suits during his life. He is interested in all matters 
pertaining to the prosperity of the town in which he 
resides, is well read in the current topics of the times, 
and a promoter of religious work and educational 
interests. He has officiated as elder in the Scotch- 
town Presbyterian Church for some eight years, and 
both he and his wife have been members of that 
church for some twenty-five years. 

He has been one of the directors and stockholders 
of the First National Bank of Middletown since its 
organization, assessor of his town for several years, 
and represented it in the board of supervisors of the 
county for one term. 

His wife is Mary Ann, only daughter of Nathaniel 
Bailey and Jennet White, of Wallkill, and grand- 
daughter of Daniel Bailey, who came from Long 
Island, and was the progenitor of this branch of the 
Bailey family in Orange County. 

She was born Oct. 15, 1817, was married to Alanson 
Slaughter Oct. 11, 1843, of which union they have 
three daughters, viz.: Helen Jane (wife of George 
W. Ackerly, of Montgomery), Jennet Bailey (wife of 
Robert G. Young, of Goshen), and Ann Amelia. 



JOHN B. HULSE. 

John B. Hulse, son of Thomas Hulse and Phebe 
Everson, mentioned in the sketch of Capt. Thomas 
E. Hulse, aud brother of C'apt. Thomas, was born on 
the homestead in Wallkill, March 8, 1800. He re- 
mained at home until the age of twenty-five, working 
upon his father's farm, and received during his minor- 
ity a fair common-school education. 

With little pecuniary assistance, but with a deter- 
mination to succeed and carve out a property for him- 
self, after his marriage, Feb. 22, 1834, to Hetta Ann, 
daughter of Barney Horton and Anna Hawkins, who 
was born Aug. 14, 1811, he settled on the farm, where 
he has since resided, containing 120 acres of land, in 
the southeastern part of the town of Wallkill, near 
the Wallkill River. 

By industry, economy, aud judicious management, 
Mr. and Mrs. Hulse, in due course of time, paid 
in full for their farm, and to it subsequently added 
37 acres more. Upon this property Mr. Hulse has 
erected commodious and substantial buildings, and 



has brought the farm into a high state of cultiva- 
tion. The products of his dairy were sold in the form 
of butler until tlie completion of the Erie Railway, 
since which time he sends the milk of his dairy direct 
to a New York market daily. 

Mr. Hulse may safely be classed among the active, 
thrifty, and enterprising farmers of Orange County, 
and in all his business relations he is known for his 
integrity, good judgment, and business ability. For 
many years he has been a stockholder in the Middle- 
town National Bank, and for seven years past he has 
served his town as one of its commissioners of high- 
ways. His wife, a devoted mother, died Dec. 10, 
1877. 

Their children are Hudson E., a farmer in Wawa- 
yanda ; Harriet Amelia, wife of Augustus Smith, a 
farnier in the town of Goshen ; Theodore, born Feb. 
9, 1838, was for several years in business in New York, 
and died April •"), 1875 ; Barney H., born July 24, 
1839, was also a business man in New York, and died 
Dec. 22, 1873, leaving a widow ; John Edgar, a farmer 
in Wallkill; Thomas E., born Sept. 16, 1847, died 
April 18, 1862 ; and Silas, connected with the Erie 
Railway, located at Jersey City. 



HIRAM S. WILKISON. 

His paternal grandfather, Jonathan, a cooper by 
trade, removed with his family from Rahway, N. J., 
in 1791, and settled first at Bloomingburgh, N. Y., and 
after two years settled on the farm now owned by 
William Kirk, near Circleville, in the town of Wall- 
kill. He died in that vicinity. Both himself and 
wife were members of the Hopewell Presbyterian 
Church. 

His wife, Phebe Barber, bore him ten children: 
Sally and Edward, died young; Samuel, a cooper 
by trade, died at sea of yellow fever, on his way to the 
West Indies ; Polly, wife of Robert Osborne, resided 
at Circleville ; Phebe, wife of Samuel Wisner, of 
the same place ; Katy, wife of John Winfield, 
died in Wisconsin ; Betsey, wife of Peter Rede- 
ner, died at Cold Spring, N. Y. ; Richard, never 
married ; Jonathan, died Feb. 9, 1872, aged eighty- 
nine ; Sally, was the wife of John Douglass, and after 
his death married a Mr. Buck, of Western New 
York, whose sou, Charles W. Douglass, is a promi- 
nent superintendent of railroads. 

Of these children, Jonathan, father of our subject, 
married, in 1806, Hannah, daughter of John Puff, of 
Wallkill, who died March 1, 1866, aged seventy-two. 
He was a cooper by trade, and followed that business 
most of his active life. He resided at Circleville after 
his marriage until 1831 ; in Goshen for two years fol- 
lowing ; near the asylum for one year; in Shaw- 
angunk, Ulster Co., for twelve years ; and returned 
to Circleville, where he died. Both himself and wife 
were first members of the Scotchtown Presbyterian 
Church, but afterwards became members of the 




^rCj a ^t..ju^ 





/4^^>^ 




^r*^^-fi^^ 



His ])aternal grandfather came from France, 
and John I., who was born in Orange County, 
was liis son. By oceuj)ation he was a farmer, 
and as such was a successful business man and 
a good manager. He lived in the town of Wall- 
kill for many years, but subsequently moved to 
Goshen, where he died in 1861. 

Virgil Thompson, the subject of this sketch, 
was the son of John, and was born in Mont- 
gomery, Orange Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1 800. There 
his early days were sj^ent, and the Montgomery 
Academy gave him his education. When a 
young man he learned the blacksmith's trade of 
Charles Buchanan, of Montgomery, and subse- 
quently carried on a blacksmith's business there 
for ten years. In 1839 he settled in the town 
of Wallkill, upon about three hundred acres 
of land, the place where his father had pre- 
viously resided. Here Mr. Thompson has since 
lived, and until within a few years has been 
an active, energetic, industrious man. Of late 
his poor health has made him lead a retired 
life. He has been a member of the Orange 
County Agricultural Society for many years, 
was a director in its board, and is now an hon- 



orary vice-president. He is a stockholder in 
the Goshen National Bank, in the Middletown 
National Bank, and also in the Walden National 
Bank. His judgment has always been esteemed 
in matters of business and agriculture, and he 
is fearless and outspoken in his convictions. 
He has never been active in political matters, 
although he was a delegate from Orange County 
to the Republican State Convention held at 
Utica, N. Y., in 1864. For many years he has 
been a member of the Presbyterian Ciiurch at 
Goshen, and contributed towards the building 
of the .same. 

Mr. Thompson married Mary Ann, daughter 
of Jonathan and Susanna (Yoimgblood) Decker, 
of Montgomery, on Jan. 11, 1837, and of 
this union were born Virgil, who lives at 
home; Anna, married Hudson E. Hulse, of 
Wawayanda; Mary, died in infancy; Horace 
D., who married Sarah M., daughter of Dr. G. 
M. Millsi)aiigh, of Walden, and is a fixrmer on 
the homestead. Mary \n\\ Thompson died on 
April 10, 1850. On Jan. 18, 1855, he married 
Ophelia, daughter of Peter A. Millsi)augh, of 
Montgomcrv. 




t-'^>^^^^^ it^.^ToeA^^ 



JosEni WicKiiAfli is siippu.-iL'il to luivo liecu llie progi'iiitor of tlie 
liiniily on Lung Island, iind liisiwcuutit-Iniok sliow.s that Iiodifl Imsiiiops 
at S:ig Ilaibor in 1G81, ami remained uii tlio island until l(iS9. Ili^ wife 
was Sarali. He had a eon, JoBcph Wrckham, Jr., wbo siiccfc-ded hijii, 
and was engaged there in businrss in 1720. 

The will of Joseph AVickham, Jr., dated in 1734, names a son Samncl, 
who was great-grandfather of onr subject, married, in 173S, Abigail 
Ilbwell, and settled in the east division of the town of Goshen, Orange 
Co., in 1740. lie was a tnilor by trade, and his account-book shows 
charges for medical services in attending the sick. 

His children were Samuel, Israel, William, IMatthew, Jerusha (wlio 
married a Wells), Elizabeth (married a Jackson), Abigail (married a 
Smith), Margaret (nnirried a Bailey), Mary (married a Corwin), and 
Julia (married first a Moore, and after his death a Gale). 

Samuel Wickbam was followed from Long Island by bis nephews, 
who also settled in Orange County, and o'no of them, William, became 
judge of the county, and was the father of Gen. George D. Wickbam. 
Trior to the Revolutionary war, Samuel Wickbam, witli David Moore, 
purchased lot No. :3ri, in the Mini^ink Angle, upon which be settled two 
sons and one daughter, viz. : Samuel, where Mrs. Linus B. Babcock now 
resides in Middletown ; Israel, where John W.Baird now resides in Blid- 
dletown ; and Jerusha (Mre. Wells), where John Gardiner now resides. 

Israel, born in 1741, was a tailor by trade, married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Carpenter, of (iosben, and granddaughter of Rev. John 
Bradner, the first settled Presbyterian eleigynian at Gosbcn, who came 
from Scotland. The deed of the land upon which hia father settled him, 
given by his father to him, is dated 1709. He did militia duty at home 
during the Kevolutitmary war, and served for some time in the French- 
and-Itulian war at Furt Edward. lie was known as a man of independent 
thought and action, anil possessed strong force of character. He owned 
slaves, and thought it his duty to liberate the girls at the age of eighteen 
and the boys at the age of twenty-one, giving each with his or her free- 
dom the same as an apprenticed child. When he manumitted bis slave 
Abel, who was so favorably known on account of his Christian zeal, lie 
kept him as long as he lived, thus showing that his charity and generosity 
were only measured by bis means to bestow. He died in April, 1817. 

His only daughter, Abigail, died uuTuari'ied, and his only son who 
grew to manhood was Israel, father of our subject, who was born in 
1773, and being left niotlierUss was reared until (hirteen years of age 
by his grandfather Caii)enter. He married J^lary, daughter of David 
Moore, who bore him children sis follows: Benjamin <;., settled in tiic 
West and there died; Col. Israel H. ; Joseph and George, died young; 
and Abigail, became firet the wife of Oscar Welch, of Michigan, and 
after his death the wife of Mr. Kilpatrick. 



After his marringe Isniel WicUbani selllrd .n ^^\\v hiindri-d ami 
tMcnty-five acres of land in the town of Wiillkill, about two miles fnmi 
Middletown.and after five years sold the prnp.-rly and bought a farm nt 
Middlelown, a part of which is now the "Hillside Cemetery," uium 
which lie resided until 1813. 

In 1S17, upon the death of bis father, he removed to the homestead, 
where John W. Baird now resides, and there resided until his death, in 
Manh. 1821. His son, Col. Israel H. Wickbam, w.is horn May 2.i, lSfJ4; 
married, March 4, 182S, Sally, daughter of Henry B. Wisner, who was 
born April 2, 1S03. 

After his marriage ho resided until 1834 upon the farm now owned 
by David Miller, and then purchased of his sister Abigail forty acres, 
which was a part of the original purchase of Samuel Wickbam. To 
this he added some sixty acres. Hero he remained until 18G3, when he 
left the farm in charge of his son and removed to Middletowu. He was 
appointed justice of the peace after removing to the village; was after- 
wards elected to the .same ofificp, which he held at the time of bis death, 
March 12, 1868. His wife died August 20th of the same year, both 
deaths being caused by poison received in the flour from which their 
bread was niade. 

Col. Wickham was a man of conservative opinions, correct habits, and 
a decided advocate of the principles of temperance. He was esteemed 
for his frankness of manner and for hi.s sterling integrity in all the 
relations of life. He took an active interest in all worlhy local enter- 
prises tending to the prosperity of the place and the welfare of ita 
citizens. He had a retentive memory and a fondness for reading and 
research, and was an active participant in \\\v lyceum which was suc- 
cessfully continued at Middletowu for some time, of which he servfd 
several years as president. He was one of the organizers of the Middle- 
town Bank, one of its directors, and one of the founders of the Wallkiil 
Academy, of which be served several years as trustee. 

Col. Wickham was widely known throughout Orange County, was in- 
terested in its material resources, and wjis chosen president of the 
Orange County Agricultural Society. 

On account of his strong temperance proclivities and able exposition 
of its principles ho was made the nominee on the Temperance ticket for 
memberof Assembly, and received a very ruspectahlo vote in the county. 
He received his title of colonel from his connection with the old State 
militia. 

His children living are Marin, who became the wife of John N. Dun- 
ning, ami after his death was married to her present hush md, Herman 
B.Young; and George, who succeetled to the homest<^ad i)roperty and 
married Mary A., daughter of Col. Morgan L. and Juliette (Conkling) 
Sproat, of Middletowu. 



WALLKLLL. 



503 



Method 
Samuel, 
a coope: 
wife of 
wife of 
cooper, 



ist Episcopal Church. Their children were 
, a mechanic, resided in Wallkill ; John P., 
r, resided in Brooklyn, N. Y; Fanny Jane, 
James Wooden, died in 1843 ; Hannah P., 
George A. Foster, of Circleville ; James B., a 
resides near Towanda, Pa. ; Hiram S., born 




and both himself and wiCe arc members of the Old- 
School Baptist Church at Middletown. He married, 
Oct. 24. 1840, Clarissa, daughter of Ebcnezer Mowrey 
and Chloe Merchant, who was born Jan. 30, 181(5. 
Her mother was a native of Connecticut, and her 
maternal grandfather, John Merchant, was one of 
Washington's Life Guard ; her maternal grand- 
mother was Tabitha Hamilton, a cousin of Alexander 
Hamilton ; her father, Ebenezer Mowrey, was a na- 
tive of Rhode Island, and re-sided most of his life in 
Sullivan County. 

The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkison 
are Sarah E., a teacher of several years' experience, 
who possesses a natural fondness for historical re- 
search, and Cornelia A. Wilkison. 



April 27, ISlti; Washington, a carpenter, at Xew- 
burgh ; Jlatthew M., died in Tennessee, was a mason 
by trade; Zaccheus, was swallowed by a whale at sea 
in 1844; Margaret M., widow of John S. Mance, of 
Middletown ; Phebe, wife of William Maultby, of 
Pennsylvania; and Walter W., of Bridgeport, Conn. 
Of these twelve children, all were married except 
Zaccheus, and most of them reared families. 

Hiram S. Wilkison, while young, served an ap- 
prenticeship to the mason's trade; afterwards, being 
of a naturally ingenious turn of mind, took up the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1856, and 
built many of the substantial residences and other 
buildings in the vicinity of Circleville, where he has re- 
sided. During the last twenty years he has been en- 
gaged in manufacturing churning-powers. well-curbs, 
iron post-fences, etc. He made the first eudless-chain 
churningrpower in Orange County, and introduced the 
first in the State of Virginia. Mr. Wilkison was un- 
fortunate, and lost his shop by fire in 1846, two years 
after he had settled where he now resides; and again, 
in 1870, his house, shop, and other buildings, cov- 
ering an area of 3870 feet, were destroyed by fire. He 
has always been a promoter of all worthy local objects, 



HIRAM B. WEBB. 
His father, Samuel Webb, a farmer in the town 
of Wallkill, married Mary Bennett, who bore him the 
following children : Hiram B., Cynthia (wife of Cor- 
nelius Van Scoy), Esther (wife of William Shaw), 
Abby Maria (wife of Solomon Crane), and Hannah 
Jane (wife of Bailey Crane). They were attendants 
of the Congregational Church in Middletown. Jehial, 




his eldest son, was a farmer in Wallkill, and died in 
I'^llenville, Ulster Co.. N. Y. ; had two sons and two 
daughters, one of whom, William B., was sheriff of 
Ulster County. The other children are Harriet (wife 
of Edwin Bartholf, of Warwick), Ira, and Mary (wife 
of Harvey Brodhead, of EUenville). 

Hiram B. Webb was born Dec. 31, 1799, and until 



504 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1SG6, after liis marriage, was a farmer on the Bloom- 
ingburgh iilank-road, about one mile out of Middle- 
town, at which date he removed to Middletown, where 
he resided until his death, which occurred Dec. 10, 
1869. He was well known as a man of sterling integ- 
rity and honesty of purpose, and although not a mem- 
ber of any church, his sentiments were with the Old- 
School Baptists, of which society at Middletown his 
wife became a member in 1872. In his middle life 
he was active in local politics, but never sought any 
place for himself. 

His wife, Hephzibah, born Oct. .5, 1803, married 
Jan. 23, 1838, survives in 1881, and is a woman of 
good' mind, retentive memory, and esteemed by all 
who know her for her womanly virtues and Christian 
excellence. Her father, Jonas Hulse, born Nov. 29, 
1759, died March 23, 1845. In the early part of his 
life he worked at his trade, making spinning-wheels, 
but during his latter years was a farmer near Middle- 
town. He was a son of Silas Hulse, born on Long 
Island, March 5, 1726, and was the progenitor of the 
family in Orange County. He was in the French 
and Indian war of 1755, and died June 18, 1770. 
His wife was Charity Smith, born May 9, 1734, and 
died Oct. 30, 1814. Jonas Hulse's wife was Hephzi- 
bah, daughter of Deacon James Reeve, who settled in 
Wawayanda from Long Island, and was one of the 
founders of the Congregational Church at IMiddle- 
town; and Deacon James Reeve's wife was Mary, 
daughter of David Moore, born Nov. 25, 1713, who 
was the first settler on lot 35, Minisink Angle, with 
Samuel and Israel Wickham, where Middletown is 
now located, and died June 18, 1789. 

The children of .Jonas and Hephzibah Hulse 
were Mary (wife of David Murray), J.nnes E., 
Martha (wife of John Anderson), Effa, Jonas, Isaiah, 
Silas, Hephzibah, Israel, Ambrose, Lewis, and Wil- 
liam. 

ULYSSES F. P. BLIVEN. 

LTlysses F. P. Bliven was born in De Ruyter, Mad- 
ison Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1817. His father, Isaac B. 
Bliven, and two brothers came from England while 
young men. Isaac B., after his marriage, settled in 
Rhode Island ; afterwards purchased a farm in De 
Ruyter, where he resided for a time. He then settled 
in Scott, Cortland Co., N. Y. ; subsequently removed 
to Spafford, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where, after re- 
maining a few years, he retired from business life and 
settled in Auburn, N. Y. 

Accustomed to active life, he soon became restless 
under too much leisure, traded his property there for 
a farm in the town of Litchfield, Bradford Co., Pa., 
where he resided until his death, at the age of sev- 
enty-four years. His wife, Lavina Snow, died at the 
age of sixty-four years. Her great-grandfather Snow 
came from France, and settled in Connecticut, where 
she was born. 

Their children are Daniel S., resides on the home- 



stead in Litchfield, Pa. ; Cranston V. S., of Nichols, 
N. Y. ; Eliza, wife of Jedediah Smith, of Skaneateles, 
N. Y. ; Emily Dumont, wife of Elijah Miller, of Au- 
burn, N. Y. ; Elijah F., of Steuben Co., N. Y. ; 
Ulysses F. Plummer, subject of this sketch ; Cordelia 
L., deceased, was the wife of Lorenzo Sweet, of Skan- 
eateles, N. Y. 




^. ^ ra^u 



Ulysses F. P. Bliven remained at home until the 
age of sixteen, and then went to learn carriage-mak- 
ing with his brother Cranston. He married, Dec. 13, 
1838, Clementina, daughter of James Haight (her 
mother was a Miss Goldsmith), who died July 20, 
1860, aged forty-eight, leaving children, — Amelia 
Louisa, widow of Harvey L. Angell, of New York ; 
Joseph Alanson, of Wallkill. 

He married for his second wife, Oct. 3, 1861, Caro- 
line, widow of Harrison Harding, and <laughter of 
Nathaniel Beyea and Durenda King, jirominent citi- 
zens of New Vernon, Sullivan Co., N. Y. Nathaniel 
Beyea was influential in his town and county, and an 
ardent supporter of the Union cause to suppress the 
slave-holders' rebellion. Caroline Beyea was born 
July 13, 1827, and died June 26, 1880, leaving chil- 
dren, — Clementina I., Thomas K., 3Iinnie C, and 
Ulysses F. P., Jr. 

After his first marriage Mr. Bliven went to Towanda 
to assist his brother Elijah F. in carriage-making, 
where he remained until 1842, and that year^settled 
at Mechanictown, Orange Co., where he remained 
only one year, when he bought a shop, house and lot, 
where he now resides, in the town of Wallkill, and 
established a carriage and blacksmith-shop. Here he 




Harrison Bull is a descendant in direct line from 
William Bull and Sarah Wells, whose history is given 
in detail in other parts of this work, and belongs to the 
Wallkill branch of the family, Thomas and William, 
sons of William Bull and Sarah Wells, whom their 
father settled on live hundred acres of land lying on the 
Wallkill Uiver. 

Samuel, grandfather of Harrison Bull, born Nov. 12, 
1758, resided in the neiglihorhood of Circleville, was a 
blacksmith by trade, but was mostly engaged in farm- 
ing. He served in the Revolutionary war, and helped 
to forge the chain that was stretched across the Hudson 
to prevent the British from ascending the river. His 
wife, Margaret Gale, born March 28, 1762, bore him 
children, who grew to manhood and womanhood, as 
follows: Benjamin, Sarah, Margaret, William, Sam- 
uel, Phebe, George, and Oscar. Both himself and wife 
were buried in the Bull burying-ground at Hampton- 
burgh. 

Like their first ancestor in this country, the boys were 
all stone-masons by trade, and followed it more or less 
during their lives. 

Samuel, Jr., was born Nov. 28, 1793, and died April 
13, 1857. His wife, Mary Osborne, was born in 1705, 
and died May 4, 1875. He was a drummer in the war 
of 1812. He was a man of much enterprise and a master 
mason. Most of his active life was spent in the con- 
struction of buildings and other structures, among which 
were the following: Stony Ford bridge, across the Wall- 
kill ; Cochecton bridge, across the Neversink ; Orange 
County poor-house, Hopewell Presbyterian church, Sul- 
livan County court-house, and Phillipsburgh factories. 
He also contracted for and built the Middletown and 
Bloomingburgh Plank-road, and the plank-road from 
Port Jervis to Forestburgh. 

He owned a farm of one hundred and twenty-five 



acres where Circleville is now located, besides other real 
estate, and on it built a stone house in 1832, now occu- 
pied by his oldest son, John Bull. He gave the land 
upon which to build the Presbyterian church at Circle- 
ville, was the leading man in its construction, and a 
member and elder in the church from its founding until 
his death. 

His children were John, a merchant at Circleville ; 
William H., a farmer at Circleville; Mary, wife of 
Charles H. Stringham, of City Island, N. Y. ; Daniel, 
a merchant at Burlingham, Sullivan Co., N. Y. ; Rob- 
ert, a farmer and stone-mason at Circleville ; Harrison ; 
Catharine, deceased, was the wife of James H. Van 
Fleet, of Jersey City; Elizabeth, wife of George M. 
Beakes, M.D., of Bloomingburgh, N. Y. 

Harrison, son of Samuel and Mary (Osborne) Bull, 
was born on the homestead at Circleville, Jan. 20, 1832. 
His early education was received in the school at home 
and at Wallkill Academy, and for four years after reach- 
ing his majority he assisted his father on the public 
works on which he was engaged. In 1856 he bought 
out his brother Daniel, a merchant at Circleville, and 
successfully continued the mercantile business there until 
1874. He was appointed postmaster at Circleville in 
1850, and has filled the position since. In 1870, Mr. Bull 
was elected justice of the peace, and by re-election is 
serving his third term of four years each. In tliis posi- 
tion ho tries as few causes as possible, always advising 
settlement, and generally brings it about without litiga- 
tion. Mr. Bull was active in the establishment and 
construction of the Middletown and Crawford Railroad, 
has been a director since 1874, and agent for the road at 
Circleville since its building, in 1872. 

He married, Jan. 5, 1858, Nancy, daughter of Bart- 
lett D. Bennett and Sarah C. Sample, of New York. 
Their children are Georgianna and Irene C. 




a I. If ail 



The Vail family has been identilicil with the liistory of 
Orange County from its early settlement, when three Jirothers, 
Josiah, Samuel, and Benjamin Vail, settled here from Long 
Island. 

Josiah is the ancestor of Archibald L. Vail, and married 
Patience Corwin, who bore him five children, — Isaiah, Daniel, 
John, Phebe, and Irene. 

Isaiah married Abigail Meeker, who bore him eleven chil- 
dren, — Obadiah, Mary, Josiah, Phebe, Irene, Nathaniel, Isaiah, 
Aliigail, John, Samuel, and George W. 

Of these children, Josiah was grandfather of our subject, and 
married Mary Smith, who bore him the following children r 
Moses ; Luther, spent his early life here, and removed to Seneca 
County, where he died ; Samuel S., is now residing at Southhold. 
L. I., and has reached the great age of ninety years; and 
Maria, was the wife of Dr. James M. Gardiner, a physician of 
Newburgh. 

Moses was father of Archibald L. Vail, and married Miriam 
Hulse, who was born in 17S4, and died Sept. 30, 1872. lie was 
born in 1783, and died Sept. 6, 1861. Their children were 
Gabriel, who followed boating on the Hudson most of his life, 
and died leaving no family; Silas, a farmer in Wallkill ; Ar- 
minda, deceased ; Josiah, deceased ; Dayton, studied for a phy- 
sician, and died soon after graduating; Luther, i-esided on the 
homestead until his death ; Maria, wife of Asa D. Dolson, of 
Muscatine, Iowa; Margaret M., resides on the homestead; and 
Archibald L. Vail. 

Moses Vail was during the early part of his life a merchant 
at Slate Hill, but a few years after his marriage purchased one 
hundred and three acres of land in the town of Wallkill, about 
two miles from the village of Middletown, upon which he re- 
sided until his death. He was a quiet, unostentatious man, and 
contentedly followed agricultural pursuits, seeking neither of- 
ficial jilace nor its emoluments. His wife was a member of the 
Old-School Baptist Church, and did her part well as a wife and 



mother in rearing her children and training them in ail Ihat 
pertains to true manhood and womanhood. 

Archibald L. Vail was born on the homestead in Wallkill, 
April 22, 1829. At the ago of seventeen he became a clerk in 
the forwarding, freighting, and grocery store of H. & B. G. 
Vail, of Middletown, and after one year went to New York, 
where he remained for three years in a grocery house as clerk. 
In 1850 he returned to Middletown, and for some two and a 
half years was clerk for Samuel Denton, a dry-goods merchant. 
In 1853 he formed a partnership with James T. King, of Mid- 
dletown, in the drug business, under the firm-name of King & 
Vail, which business relation continued for nine years. He 
then entered a partnership with Thomas B. Scott — Scott A Vail 
— in the hardware business. After two years Mr. Vail purchased 
Mr. Scott's interest in the business, and associated with him 
Leander Brink, with the firm-name of Vail k Brink. This firm 
continued the hardware, tin, and stove business until 1879, 
when they associated with them James A. Clark, who had been 
a clerk in the concern since 1864, and the lirm of Vail, Brink 
k Clark continue a successful business on North Street in 1881. 

In 1876, Mr. Vail purchased the Orange County Furnace and 
Machine-Shops, which he has since carried on independently 
of his other business interests. Mr. Vail has been associated 
with many other business interests in Middletown during his 
residence here, and has been a promoter of all enterprises tend- 
ing to the prosperity and thrift of the village. 

For some twenty years he has been a director of the Jliddlc- 
town Bank ; one of the vice-presidents of the savings-bank, 
and a trustee since its organization ; a trustee of the village for 
two terms; and a trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church 
for the past twenty years. 

He married, Oct. 20, 1853, Ruth Ann, daughter of Walter 
Everett and Phebe Case, of Middletown, who was born April 10, 
1832, and died Oct. 17, 1878. The children born of this union 
are Phebe Ann, Archiena, Mosos, and James Coleman. 



I 

^1 



I 



; 




^0 , 0. cLiA^c(jt/\^y\^JU^, 



His father, Honry Lindcrnian, of German extraction, 
burn in tlie town of Crawford in May, 17G4, settled in 
1790 on one hundred acres of land in the town of Wall- 
l<ill, near the Crawford line, then in a wild state, and 
there resided in a log house until 1807, when he erected 
a framed house, which was burned in 1840, and the 
present one built by his son, Henry S., subject of this 
sketch. To his first purchase he added one hundred 
acres, and brought his land into a good state of culti- 
vation. 

Henry Linderman was a man of naturally tine intel- 
lect ; was justice of the peace for forty years, and during 
that time never had a judgment rendered by him re- 
versed in the higher courts. He always counseled settle- 
ment between parties in litigation instead of trial and the 
course of the law. He was a member and deacon of the 
Hopewell Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of kin- 
dred interests. He removed to Bloomingburgh in 1842, 
and died there Jan. 15, 1844. His wife, Mary Shaw, 
daughter of Moses Shaw, of Crawford, born in 1766 and 
died in 1831, bore him children, — David, a farmer in 
Wallkill ; John, a physician at Dingman's Ferry, Pa., 
had a son, Dr. Henry Iliehard, a prominent physician, 
who was director of the Philadelphia Mint, resigned just 
after the beginning of the late civil war, was reap- 
pointed, had charge of all the mints in the United 
Stales, and died in March, 1870; another son. Garret 
B., — a sonin-law of Asa Packer, — is an extensive coal 
owner and railroad man ; Albert B., another son, is the 
originator of the scheme to drain the Everglades of 
Florida, now being undertaken by Philadelphia capi- 
talists; Peter went to Michigan, where he died; Willet, 



a lawyer in Shawangunk, Ulster Co., was district at- 
torney of that county for thirteen years; Elizabeth, 
wife of Kobert Thompson, of New York ; Henry S., 
subject of this sketch; James 0., a lawyer, settled in 
Kingston, N. Y., and was judge of Ulster County from 
1843 to 1855 ; Dolly ; Emily, wife of Thomas J. Evans, 
of New York ; and Sarah Jane. Henry Lindcrman's 
second wife was a widow of Col. Clark, of Sullivan 
County, N. Y. 

Henry S. Linderman was born on the homestead 
where he has spent his life, May 28, 1807. He married, 
Dec. 25, 1830, Mary Ann, dauglitor of James Martin 
and Catharine Linderman, of Crawford, who was born in 
1810. Their children are James, who carries on the homo 
farm, and for the past seven years has been engaged in 
the sale of agricultural implements, and is also an auc- 
tioneer; Virginia, wife of Benjamin F. .Van Fleet, of 
Wallkill ; Emma, wife of C. Albert Knapp, of Goshen ; 
Crotilda, wife of George E. Bull, of Bullville. 

Henry S. Linderman received a good English educa- 
tion while young, and after reaching his eighteenth 
year was for four years thereafter a teacher, the last 
year being spent as principal of the Bloomingburgh 
school. He then settled on the homestead, and has there 
carried on agricultural pursuits since. For eight years 
he has served his town as assessor ; was formerly a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Bullville, and is now 
a member of tlie church at Circleville, of which he has 
been elder for the past live years. 

Mr. Linderman is a man of positive convictions, good 
judgment, strict integrity, and correct habits, and seeks 
to fulfill the full duties of the citizen. 




The Wileux family are of English extraction. It is iliHieuU 
to clctoi-minc the pcrioj of their emigration to America, though 
a branch of the family early scttlei-1 in Duchess County, N. Y., 
where Nathaniel, the grent-granJfathcr of Horatio R., was 
born, his ileath having oecurrcd in Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y., 
at the residence of his eon John. Among his children were 
Jchiel, Jesse, Nathaniel, Aaron, John, and two daughters, — 
Polly and Lois. Of this number, Nathaniel was born in the 
town of Dover Plains, N. Y., where his early life was spent in 
agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna 
Mctionigle, of Scotch parentage, and a native of Hinsdale, Co- 
lumbia Co. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox removed 
to Lexington, Greene Co., N. Y., where the following children 
were born : Henry, Oliver, Joseph, Jchiel, John, Thom.is, Mar- 
garet, Anna, and Sarah. The year 1S3G witnessed the death 
of both Mr. Wilcox and his wife, with an interval of but a few 
weeks between the events. Oliver, one of the sons above men- 
tioned, was born in Lexington, May S, 1705, where his youth, 
until the age of sixteen, *was passed. Being desirous to render 
himself independent of any changes which an uncertain fortune 
might develo]), he decided upon the acquirement of a reliable 
trade, and having removed to Austerlitz, Columbia Co., he 
learned that of a hatter. His marriage to Miss Cyntliia Beebc, 
daughter of Roswell Ijeebe, occurred March IS, 1S18. The 
Bcebe family were originally from Connecticut, and at an early 
date became residents of Chatham, N. Y., where Roderick, the 
grandfather of Mrs. Wilcox, was born, and subsequently mar- 
ried to Miss Nancy Vaughn. Among their children were Ros- 
well, Frederick, Henry, John, Roderick, Alexander, Pamelia, 
Triphena, Chloe, and Sylvesta. Roswell was born in 1777, at 
Chatham, where he resided until his death, March 31, 1841. 
He was united in marriage to Miss Annie Gott, whose death 
occurred Sept. 4, 1830, in her tifty-ninth year. To them were 
born children, — Cynthia (Mrs. Wilcox), Philo, Anson, Welcome 
R., and Lucrctia. The children of Oliver and Cynthia Wilcox 
were Horatio R. and Franklin A., the latter of whom was born 
June .TO, 1837, in Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., and married 
Miss Anna, daughter of Enoch Armitago, of New York City, 
their present residence. 

The birth of Horatio R. occurred at Chatham, N. Y., Sept. 



2j, 131'J, though the early years of his life were spent at Pitts- 
field, Mass. The ]iublic and private schools near his home 
afforded him opportunities for education, and laid the foun- 
dation for more thorough acquirements at the Wilbrahain 
Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. Having determined upon a 
career of business activity, he then removed to New Y'ork, 
and served a brief apprenticeship as clerk. A more extended 
field of labor opened at .Ashland, Greene Co., soon after, where 
lie engaged with his father in mercantile and manufacturing 
enterprises. Mr. Wileox was married, Aug. 20, 1845, to Miss 
Sarah M., daughter of Hon. Henry Kinsley, exniember of 
the State Legislature from Ashland, N. Y. Thoy have one 
son, Henry K., who is married to Frances, daughter of Hon, 
George D. Wheeler, of Deposit, N. Y., and who ha* served 
for twelve years as deputy collector of the Eleventh District, 
New Y'ork. Their daughter, Olivia, is the wife of John W. 
Slawson, one of the editors and proprietors of the Miihlhttnni 
Diiily Press. 

During the year 1853, Mr. Wilcox made Middlctown his 
residence, where he at once established a factory for the manu- 
facture of hats. After an interval of rest ho became largely 
interested in the Middlctown Gas-Light Company, of which ho 
is president. He is a director of the Middlctown National 
B.ank, and vice-president .and one of the incorporators of the 
Middlctown Saviugs-Bank. He was one of the originators of 
the Middlctown board of water-works, of which ho is now 
commissioner. He is akso a director of the Middlctown, Union- 
ville and Water-Gap Railroad, and of the Middlctown and 
Crawford Railroad. 

Mr. Wilcox is a Republican in polities, but indilferent to the 
honors of olBcial life, and has no political aspirations. He has, 
however, for .several years held the position of president of 
Middlctown village, and also been a member of the board of 
education. His religious views are in sympathy witli the 
creed of the Presbyterian denomination. In the development 
of the public and business interests of the place of his resi- 
dence he has been an important factor. Its mercantile enter- 
prises have found in him an energetic and able representative, 
wliile all worthy schemes for the public good have been cor- 
dially advanced by him. 



1 ?! 

' ! 

1 1. 

i 





AViLLiAM Wallack, of Scotch-Irish extraction, came from the 
north of IrclanJ, with his wife, four sons, and two dnughters, 
about the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled in Mary- 
land, where his wife died. The children were John, who settled 
in Goshen, where he was a teacher for some time, afterwards a 
niercban*, and for one term was county treasurer. lie died 
there. AVilliam, born in 1777, went to Crawford, Orange Co., 
while a young man, where he married, about 1806, Kezia Mac- 
Dowelt, of Scotch extraction. About 1S09 he purchased ninety 
acres of land near Seotchtown, in the town of Wallkill, where 
he spent his active business life. He resided for a few years 
in Middletown, and died in 1S62 at the residence of his son 
George, subject of this sketch. William Wallace was a strictly 
honorable and upright citizen, quiet and unassuming, and a 
deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Seotchtown, of which 
his wife was also a member. She died in 1S42, aged tifty-two. 
James, settled in Milford, Pa., where he was a large farmer, 
and there died. Robert, was a lumber merchant in Philadel- 
phia, and there died. Jane, was the wife of Robert Lougheed, 
of Wallkill. Mary, was the wife of Robert A. Thompson, of 
Ilopewcll. 

The children of William and Kezia AVallace were fifteen, 
viz. : John C, was a merchant at Goshen, was county clerk, 1S43 
to 1846, and from 1876 to 1879; William, was a carriage-maker 
by trade, was a merchant at BuUville for some time, and died in 
1863, at Middletown ; Mary W., is the widow of Thcron Libolt, 
and resides at Seotchtown ; Rebecca, is the widow of Walter B. 
Sears, of Montgomery ; Robert, was engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness at Goshen from boyhood, and there died about 184II; 
Andrew T., a farmer in Crawford ; Harvey, a merchant at 
Goshen; Martha Jane (deceased), was the wife of John E. 
Corwin, of Seotchtown; George; Alfred, died at the age of 
thirteen; Matilda; Theodore, died at the age of eighteen, in 
1S46 ; and Elizabeth, James { ls( ), and James (2d), died young. 



Of these children, George AVallace, our subject, was born July 
17, 1S2.3, and spent his boyhood at home. At the age of four- 
teen he went to lenrn the wagon-making trade with his brother- 
in-law, Walter B. Sears, in Montgomery, where he remained 
most of three years. He then returned homo, where he re- 
mained until his marriage. 

He married, Nov. 11, 1846, Susan C, daughter of Oliver 
Bailey and Susan Millspaugh, of Goshen, who were formerly 
residents near Seotchtown. Oliver Bailey died Dec. 20, 1867, 
aged seventy-eight. His wife died July 5, 187.3, aged eighty. 
Both were members of the Presbyterian Church at Scotch- 
town. Oliver Bailey was a son of Capt. Daniel Bailey, horn 
on Long Island, who was the progenitor of his family in Orange 
County, and settled near Phillipsburgh, in the town of Wull- 
kill. 

Susan C. Bailey was born July 29, 1825. Their children 
were Georgianna, died at the age of six years, March 21, ISo;') ; 
Susan Alice, is the wife of John W. Clark, of Goshen; Theo- 
dore; and Carrie H. 

In the spring of 1848, Mr. Wallace settled on his present 
farm of one hundred and forty acres, known as the Baldwin 
homestead, once owned by Rev. Mr. Baldwin, the first settled 
pastor of the Seotchtown Presbyterian Church. Here he has 
resided since, engaged in stock-raising and dealing in cattle 
and sheep. In 1873 he began the manufacture of brick in 
Midclletown, and has furnished brick for many of the substan- 
tial buildings of the village, and in 1880 he furnished one and 
a half million:? of brick for a portion of the asylum building 
in Middletown. 

Mr. Wallace has been a stockholder in the banks at Middle- 
town for some time, and owns considerable real estate in the 
village. Both himself and wife have been members of the 
Presbyterian Church at Seotchtown since 1855, and he has 
served tlic church a?^ elder for several years. 



J 



MOUNT HOPE. 



505 



was engaged until 1861 in manufacturing all kinds 
of wagons for ordinary use. 

For seven years following, in connection with 
Thomas K. Beyea, he engaged quite largely in pur- 
chasing timbered lands, taking off its timber for 
wood, railroad ties, etc., and afterwards disposing of 
the land. 

About 1868 he began to deal in cattle, and for ten 
years purchased stock in the midland counties of the 
State, and disposed of them mostly at a home market 

Mr. Bliven began life with little of this world's 
goods, but with willing hands, resolution, and honest ' 



pur,,oses he has gradually, by economy, secured a 
fair competency, adding to his first purchase a 25- 
acre lot across the road from his residence, and also 
some 75 acres of land near by. He has taken an ac- 
tive part in the Presbyterian Church at Scotchtown 
as a member, and many years ago he was influential 
and active in the suppression of the sale of intoxi- 
cating liquors in the locality. 

Frank and unostentatious in his ways, Mr. Bliven 
has the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and is ever 
ready to do, commensurate with his means for every 
'worthy local work. 



MOUNT HOPE. 



I.-SITUATION, BOTJNDAKIES, AHEA, TITLE. 

Mount Hope is one of the western towns of the 
county. It is bounded noith by Sullivan County and 
the town of Wallkill, east by Wallkill, south by Wa- 
wayanda and Greenville, west by Deerpark The 
acreage of the town, as given in the last equalization 
table ot the supervisors, is 16,204 acres. The assessed 
valuation of the town was $673,470, and the tax paid 
upon that basis was 15157.79. 

The town lies wholly north of the old county line 
that originally divided Orange from Ulster. For the 
title to the soil we refer to the patents, fully explained 
elsewhere. 



II.-NATUEAL FEATUKES. 
The most important points in the topography of 
Mount Hope are the Shawangunk Mountains and the 
Shawangunk River. The former occupy the western 
portion, extending from southeast to northwest, and 
the atter flows in the same direction along the base 
of he mountains, and nearly parallel to them The 
highest summits are 1400 to 1800 feet above tide- 
water. The Little Shawangunk rises in this town in 
part, and flows for a short distance near and along 
the east boundary. There are several small branches 
dL- •' ^f"7°SUuk, mostly from the northwest, 
Mountdn?' ''""^"^ '^"^'^ °''*^' Shawangunk 

The geological features of the town are worthy of 
study. The deposit of minerals is rich, and has given 
rise to very many mining enterprises, some of the 
"lore important of which are mentioned below. The 
eastern slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains are sus- 
ceptible of til age almost to the very summit, and at 
the presen time the scenery combines much of the 
beauties of nature with the varied and charming 



features arising from cultivated farms adorned in 
many cases with handsome residences. In Eager's 
" History of Orange County" a somewhat doubtful 
opinion of the agricultural resources of Mount Hope 
appears in the close of the following passage. Thirty- 
I five years of subsequent cultivation have doubtless 
modified the face of the country to a considerable de- 
gree ; 

■'The Mount Hope portion of the old town is an exact diamond in 
a. ape, and among the lea.t of he,- sisters. I,, situation and physical 
charace,- are ruled by the sa„,e laws which govern DeeriLu a 
It hes on the eastern slope of the mountain, shelving pretty suddenly 
down to the Shawangunk Creek, The location of the town and the b d 
of the creek are among the highest portions of the county. This fact is 
a luded to .n the name borrowed, as we suppose, from the older village of 
hopemi "'"'' "'"■'""" " '"'"' '"""'"" "'"' " ''"°" buoyant and 

wh •, • "''''^^'','"™"g""k Kill, here a small stream, runs through the 
Who e length o, the town from south to north, and is the only one worth 
mentionmg. This town may he considered hard to till, and not very pro 

T.T I'T" """""■ "" "■''"' °' "'"bandry. The spots which have 
the benefit of mountain wash may be excepted, still the culture of stock 
and Its produce in various ways must in the nature of things in this 
chmate be the most advantageous husbandry. A shepherd will thrive 
better than a horticultuiist." ' 



III.-EABLY SETTLEMENT. 
As this town is a modern organization, its settle- 
ment is largely blended with that of the towns from 
which it was taken, Deerpark and Wallkill. In the 
early proceedings of Wallkill Precinct (1772 to 1780) 
in several military rolls given elsewhere, and in list^ 
of names in the chapters upon Deerpark, will be 
found many of the early families who entered upon 
the present territory of Mount Hope and made for 
themselves homes within its limits. The several 
papers given, as above stated, undoubtedly contain the 
name of nearly every settler prior to the Revolution 
At Finchville and in that neighborhood was made an 



50C 



HISTORY OF ORANGK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



early settlement. The general accounts do not locate 
the pioneer Finch there until 1773. There were others 
earlier. 

Jasper Writer was from Germany. On arriving in 
this country, then a minor, he landed at Philadelphia, 
and lived until he was of age in the family of a Mr. 
Depuy. Arriving at his majority, he came to this sec- 
tion, and settled on the farm where John H. Writer 
now lives. The wife of Jasper Writer was Eve Kort- 
right. As to the time when he made a settlement 
here the family traditions are very clear but not de- 
cisive. It was understood that he was over one hun- 
dred years old at the time of his death, though how 
much over that was not known. He died Nov. 1.5, 
1842. Supposing him to be one hundred, that would 
leave seventy-nine years of residence here, and carry 
the date of his settlement back to 1763; if over one 
hundred, it would make the settlement still earlier. 
His wife, Eve Kortright, was from Phillipsburgh ; 
she died Dec. 31, 1830. The children of this pioneer 
were Aaron, who was born April 25, 1776, and settled 
on a part of his father's estate ; Jasper, Jr., who re- 
mained on the old homestead ; John, who moved to 
Pennsylvania and died near Honesdale; Margaret, 
who became Mrs. Rundle, and after his death Mrs. 
Wagoner ; Nancy, who married Joel Rundle, of Green- 
ville; Elizabeth, who married John Van Tuyl, of 
Greenville; Rebecca, who married Daniel Van Tuyl 
and settled at Pond Eddy ; Eleanor, who married John 
McKeeby. Aaron Writer, above mentioned, had four- 
teen children, among them Aaron K., father of Dr. 
Theodore Writer, of Otisville. 

Among other early settlers of this section of coun- 
try was Ashbel Cadwell. His wife, Sylva Stevens, 
was one of those who escaped from Wyoming at the 
time of the massacre and went through the forest on 
foot to Connecticut. After Mr. Cadwell's death she 
became the wife of John Seybolt. A son of Ashbel 
Cadwell was Elisha Cadwell. Harvey R. Cadwell, 
a son of Elisha, resides at Otisville, and to him we 
are indebted for many items in this chapter. 

Another early settler was Rufus Stanton. He first 
settled a mile from Finchville, near where Edward 
Force now lives. He afterwards moved to Finch- 
ville, and his homestead was the large brown house 
standing near Mr. Moore's. His children were Joseph 
(now living at Finchville, at the age of eighty -seven), 
Samuel, Nathaniel, Jonathan, and Mrs. Ezra Hoyt. 
It was probably before James Finch came to Mount 
Hope that Stanton settled there, though, as in many 
other cases, family tradition has not preserved the 
exact date. 

Israel Green, mentioned in the chapter upon Wall- 
kill, settled at an early day on the site of Middletown. 
His descendants state that he gave the land for the 
site of the Congregational church* and for their 



* The documentary evidence shows that Iiia executors were paid for 
the church site, however it might be as to the bunal-place. (See Con- 
gregational Churcli, Wallkill.) 



burial-place, on the express condition that it should 
remain a burial-place forever, — a contract which 
they claim could not be impaired even by a legisla- 
tive enactment. His children were Orange, who 
settled in Michigan ; Nathaniel, who lived at Otis- 
ville, and afterwards in Sullivan County; and there 
was one daughter. Osmer B. Green, the proprietor 
of the hotel at Otisville, is a son of Nathaniel. 

Daniel Green, a brother of the pioneer Israel, set- 
tled not far from Finchville. 

William Shaw was a settler in Mount Hope, not 
far from Howell's, before the Revolution, probably 
for some years. His homestead is now owned by a 
descendant, Oscar Shaw. His children were John, 
William, Robert, Alexander, Henry, and Mrs. Ben- 
jamin Woodward. 

Benjamin Woodward, Esq., was one of the early 
patrons of Mount Hojie village, and did business 
there, and, with Benjamin Dodge, Esq., was instru- 
mental in originating and carrying forward all those 
little acts and appliances, difficult to be told, though 
of yearly necessity, which give animation and growth 
to such a place. This gentleman was of an enter- 
prising turn of mind, and took a deep interest in the 
improvements of the town, which brought him early 
into public notice, both at home and abroad. Having 
the confidence of the peoj)le, and being of the Demo- 
cratic party, he was honored with the station of State 
senator, which he held for two terms. 

Benjamin Dodge and Stephen St. John were also 
alike beneficial, enterprising men at this locality for 
many years, and well deserve the grateful remem- 
brance of its citizens. 

John Finch, the first immigrant, came from Horse- 
neck, Ctmn., and settled at Goshen, and the family 
tradition is that he was the first grown person buried 
in the graveyard of the Goshen Church, some chil- 
dren having been previously buried there. 

His son, James Finch, Sr., was born there, and 
married to Miss Catharine Gale by Rev. Mr. Kerr. 
James removed and located on land now covered by 
the site of the village of Middletown, in the town of 
Wallkill. At this time there were but three log 
houses besides his within a mile of the place. 
Shortly before the Revolutionary war he removed to 
the vicinity of Finchville. When Pennpack was in- 
vaded and burnt by the Indians under Brant, many 
of the women and children fled from there to his 
house for protection. Among others was Mrs. Decker, 
the wife of Maj. Decker, who came leading her small 
children by the hand. She had fled from her bed, 
after retiring for the night, clad in garments which 
scarcely covered her person. The only article which 
she saved from the conflagration of her dwelling was 
the family Bible, which she carried under her arm. 

Mr. Finch, though living in the vicinity, was not. 
in the battle of Minisink. The reason was Cols. 
Phillips and Wisner, with their troops, while on their 
march to Minisink, halted at his house to refresh 



MOUNT HOPE, 



507 



themselves and procure something to eat. At the 
time there were nothing but salted provisions in the 
house, and Finch killed a large fat hog and prepared 
it for the troops.* After they had eaten, the residue 
was placed in the Irtiapsacksof the soldiers for furtlier 
use. Col. Phillips directed that Finch should not go 
with them, but stay at home and make ready to feed 
his men when th6y should shortly return. But, alas! 
how many of his friends and neighbors, who that day 
partook of his hospitality, never returned from the 
field of battle to share his kindness or need his care. 

Mr. Finch during the Revolution performed mili- 
tary duty three months, and also during the old 
French and Indian war in 1755 and 1756. When 
quite young he was at Fort Stanwix in the capacity 
of waiter to Gen. Abercrombie or some of his staff. 
He lived and died a patriot, and a member of the 
Baptist Church, having acted as a deacon for many 
years. 

James Finch, Jr., his son, of a later generation, 
was born July 25, 17(38. He was well known, both 
at home and abroad. He came into public life when 
young, and held the office of justice of the peace 
from about 1798 to 1830, excepting the time he acted 
as judge of the county. In 1831, Coe Finch, his 
son, was elected a justice of the peace in his place. 
He held the supervisorship of his tovra for twelve 
years in succession, and served as a member in the 
State Legislature thirteen sessions. Early in life 
he became a member of the Baptist Church, and 
died in the faith of his fathers on Dec. 7, 1843, aged 
seventy-five years. He married in 1794, and had ten 
children, nine of whom lived to be twenty-four years 
of age. We give a copy of tlie family record: 

Names. Birth. Death. 

James Finch, father July 26, 1768. Dec. 7, 1843. 

Sarah, mother Sept. 23, 1772. Dec. 1, 1843. 

Zophar May 2li, 1795. 

Cath'arine May 1, 1797. Dec. 30, 1843. 

Margaret Sept. lu, 1799. Feb. 12, 1807. 

P. G Feb. 28, 1802. 

Coe April 30,1804. Sept. 12, 1832. 

Julia Nov. 20, 1806. 

Jesse Jan. 24, 1809. Nov. 23,1843. 

James M April 11,1811. Feb. 4, 1844. 

John June 28, 1813. Pec. 9, 184:J. 

Sarah Aug. 9, 1819. Dec. 2, 1843. 

Benjamin Woodward, mentioned above, was the son 
of Hezekiah Woodward, Jr. The latter, with his 
father, Hezekiah Woodward, Sr., moved to this 
town from Stonington, Conn., in the year 1773 or 
'74. This was not far from tlie same time as the set- 
tlement of James Finch. Benjamin Woodward was 
born Feb. 28, 1780. His talents brought him early 
into public notice. He was a member of the Legis- 
lature in 1814-16, 1820-21, and in 1826. He was a 
member of the Constitutional Convention of 1821, and 
also a State senator 1827-30. His son, Charles S. 
Woodward, was chosen supervisor in 1862, and a 
member of the Legislature of 1863-64. 

Joshua Corwin was probably in Mount Hope before 

* B. F. Bailey states that his grandfather at least had salt pork in bis 
haversack taken from home. 



the Revolution. He was from Southold, Long Island. 
He purchased a tract of considerable extent and set- 
tled his sons upon it. His children were Joseph, Ab- 
ner, Joshua, David, John, Peter, Anna, Jemima, Ben- 
jamin, the la.st named by a second wife. The home- 
stead of the son Joshua was the place now owned by 
Silas G. Corwin. He also had one son by the name 
' of Joshua, who was the father of Selah R. Corwin, of 
Middletown. Joshua the pioneer was born March 25, 
1733, or 1735, Joshua the second was born March 6, 
1756, and Joshua the third, Oct. 19, 1785. 

Jacob Wiggins settled at Mount Hope soon after 
the Revolution. The homestead was about two miles 
south of Otisville, now the Writer place in part, 
though a great-grandson owns a portion of his ances- 
tor's farm. Jacob Wiggins had three sons, William, 
Jacob, Benjamin. William succeeded to the home- 
stead, Benjamin went West, and Jacob became a mer- 
chant at what is now Otisville, where he traded about 
1810, 1811, 1812. A son of Jacob, Abraham B. Wig- 
gins, resides near Unionville, but over the line in New 
Jersey. John Wiggins, a descendant of William, re- 
sides at Otisville. 

In the original family were three daughters, who 
respectively became Mrs. David Slauson, of Minisink ; 
Mrs. Zachary Young, of Mount Hope ; and Mrs. Wm. 
Young, of !Mount Hope. 

TOWN OFFICERS OF 1825. 

The officers named at the first town-meeting are 
given under the head of " Organization." The follow- 
ing memorandum as to their locations will be inter- 
esting, though it was at a date only forty-five years ago. 
Joseph Conklin, at whose house the first town-meet- 
ing was held, kept the house now known as Green's 
Hotel, at Otisville. Joseph Chattle lived at Mount 
Hope village, now the place of Mrs. Beekman. Ste- 
phen Farnum's place was the present farm of M. M. 
Writer. John King lived on the road to New Ver- 
non,' where his son, John D. King, now resides. Wil- 
liam Shaw lived near Howell's, on a farm now owned 
by his nephew, Oscar Shaw. Isaac Corwin's home- 
stead was tlie present place of his son-in-law, John S. 
Wheat. Elisha S. Cadwell resided at Otisville, on 
the present Everitt place. John Penny, the only one 
of the town officers of 1825 now living, resides about 
a mile from Mount Hope village. Peleg Pelton's 
place was the present farm of John Newkirk, near 
Howell's. Erastus Mapes' homestead is now owned 
by his son, Benjamin Mapes, at what is known as 
Jlapestown. Hezekiah Woodward's place was the 
present farm of Halsey W. Mapes, southeast of Mount 
Hope village. William Coleman (4) lived near, or 
in Mount Hope village. It is said that there were 
actually four William Colemans, not junior not se- 
nior, and therefore to be designated by numbers. 
Freegift T. Boyd lived in the southeast part of the 
town, on the present place of Mary Graham. Barney 
Horton's farm was the one now occupied by Mr. 



508 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mapes, below Mount Hope. Nathan Hallock's place 
was beyond Mount Hope village, and is now owned by 
the heirs of A. D. Thorn. David Redfield was two 
miles or so from Otisville, on a place now owned by 
the Middletown Savings-Bank. Eleazer Brown's 
homestead was near New Vernon, now owned by his 
son-in-law, Theodore Graham. William S. Little re- 
.sided near Mount Hope village, on the present place 
of Mr. Macardell, editor of the Middletoum Argus. 
David Corwin's place was at Mount Hope, now the 
homestead of Chas. Woodward. Stephen Wiggins 
resided on the place now owned by his son, James 
B. Wiggins. Daniel Palmer's house was on the pres- 
ent Craig place, known as " Farmer" Craig, to distin- 
guish him from the Rev. Mr. Craig. William Otis 
was a partner of the firm running the Otis woolen- 
factory. William Brown lived on a part of what is 
now the Craig farm. Harris G. King's place was the 
one now owned by Solomon Jerome, near New Ver- 
non. Joseph Reed lived in the "dark hollow," so 
called, on the lower road to New Vernon. Samuel 
K. Seybolt lived half a mile from Otisville, on the 
road to Finchville. John Logue lived at the Otis 
factory place. Abijah Norris resided where A. V. 
Boak does at the present time. Josiah Pierson's 
homestead was the farm now owned by his grandsons, 
Henry S. and Charles Otis. 

Aaron H. Writer lived on the mountain, at the place 
now owned by John F. Writer. Samuel Harding re- 
sided on a farm now owned by the Middletown Savings- 
Bank. Joshua Penny's farm was the present place 
of Josiah Coykendall, between Otisville and Mount 
Hope. Abraham Wheat lived on the farm now owned 
by Galen Otis, near Howell's. Ebenezer Mowry's 
farm was the one now owned by his son Henry, a mile 
or so from New Vernon. Daniel Greenleaf lived 
about half a mile southeast of Mount Hope. Thomas 
Wheat's place was the farm now owned by George B. 
Horton, about two miles from Otisville. Henry Cole- 
man was a merchant at Mount Hope village. Andrew 
Crawford lived on the "Plains," half a mile from 
Otisville, and was a shoemaker. Cornelius Newkirk 
resided at New Vernon. James Finch's place was 
the one now owned by Oliver Green at Finchville. 
James H. Prime resided out towards Finchville, on 
the lower road, premises now owned by John G. 
Wilkin, of Middletown. John Osborn's place was 
the one now owned by his daughter, near Otisville. 
William M. Conklin lived on what is now the place 
of Samuel C. Howell, near the village of Howell's. 
Jonathan Coleman lived below Mount Hope village, 
south part of the town. Peter Hoyt lived near Mount 
Hope village. Elijah Reeve, Jr., resided near How- 
ell's, on the present Dolsen place. Philip Ketcham 
lived near Mount Hope, where his nephew, Emmet 
Ketcham, now lives. John Whiting was a school- 
teacher, and lived at Mount Hope. Asa Smith's 
place was at Otis' factory. He was a partner with 
Otis. Ambrose D. Baker afterwards went to Sullivan 



County. William Baker lived at Otisville. Philip 
Davis resided near John Penny, on the premises now 
owned by Mr. Eglinger. Luther Harding lived near 
Otisville, on the place now owned by Hiram Willis. 
Nathaniel Stanton's place was the one now owned by 
Thoodore Moore at Finchville. Eleazer Harding's 
farm was the present Gillis place, about a mile from 
Otisville. This locates all of the town officers except 
Samuel Beyea, Jr., Samuel J. Corwin, Elijah Ban- 
nister, and Ebenezer Hoyt. 

PHYSICIANS. 
An early doctor in this section was Dr. Newkirk, 
of Mount Hope village. Dr. Lummis was at Otisville 
quite early. Both these men practiced during a long 
period,— from 1800 or 1805 to 1835 or 183(5. Dr. Cook, 
yet in practice at Otisville, is a native of Belcher- 
town, Hampshire Co., Mass. When about twenty 
years of age he came to this county, arriving here 
April 27, 1827. He taught school for several years, 
and during that time studied medicine, mostly with 
Dr. Gabriel S. Corwin, of Bloomingburgh, Sullivan 
Co. He opened an office at Otisville in 1834, and has 
spent nearly half a century in the practice of his pro- 
fession. 

At Mount Hope, Dr. Wm. C. Terry was the suc- 
cessor of Dr. Newkirk, and continued in practice 
until his death. He was succeeded by Dr. McBride, 
who also died after a few years. 

Dr. Newton also practiced at Mount Hope, and 
died there. Dr. Whitaker settled at Mount Hope 
for a time and then removed to Unionville, in Mini- 
sink. Dr. Graham was contemporary with Dr. Terry 
at Mount Hope. 

The present (1880) physicians of the town are Dr. 
Cook, Dr. Writer, and Mrs. E. S. Plumb, as shown by 
the registry. Dr. Putney, though practicing to some 
e.xtent in the town, resides at Howell's, in the town 
of Wallkill. 

LAWYERS. 
Several gentlemen have done legal business in this 
town from time to time. Joseph Chattle, at Mount 
Hope, practiced law for thirty or forty years. Coe G. 
Bradner, who resided between Mount Hope and Otis- 
ville, was also a practicing attorney for quite a num- 
ber of years. Samuel Vanton opened an office here, 
but after a few years went West. George Wiggins 
died after practicing law a short time. John L. Wig- 
gins, a lawyer of Mount Hope, afterwards settled at 
Chillicothe, Ohio. The present legal business, includ- 
ing legal writing, is done by John Wiggins, Esq., and 
by Mr. Durland. 



IV.-OBGAIiriZATION. 

The act of the Legislature incorporating this town 
was passed in 1825. The territory comprised portions 
of Wallkill and Deerpark. The new town was first 
named Calhoun in honor of the distinguished sena- 
tor, John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. 



MOUNT HOPE. 



509 



His views, policy, and patriotic course as secretary 
of war during the contest witli Great Britain, in 
1812, had rendered him very popuhir with the people 
of this section ; but in the nullification discussions of 
1831 and '32, a sudden revulsion of public opinion 
took place, and the people were as anxious to discard 
the name as they had been eager to adopt it seven 
years before. A public meeting was called and the 
name of Jlount Hope adopted. A petition was sent 
to the Legislature, and the following law ratified the , 
action of the citizens : 

" Chapter 63. — An Act to alter the name of the town of Calhoun. 
Passed March 14, 1833. 

"The people of the State of New York represented in Senate and 
Assembly do enact as follows: 

'* Sect. 1. From the passage of this act the town of Calhoun, in the 
County of Orange, shall be known and distinguished by the name of the 
town of MoUTit Hope." 

Like several other towns in this county, the records 
of the town clerk's office are very meagre, as the 
books were destroyed by fire in 1848. Fortunately, 
the first town meeting was recorded in the books of 
Deerpark, and can, therefore, be given in full as 
follows : 

" Proceedings of the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Cal- 
houn, in the county of Orange, at their first town-meeting at the house 
of Joseph Conklin in said town, on Tuesday, the Ttth day of April, 1825. 
Joseph Chattle and Richard Penny, Justices of the Peace, present. 

" On motion, liesotved^ That the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars 
be raised for the support of the poor for the ensuing year. 

" Jtesohcil, That thirty-five dollars be taxed on the town for supporting 
bridges for the ensTiing year. 

" Resohed, That there shall be four coDstables in said town for the year 
ensuing the date hereof. 

" Resolved, That the collector's fee shall he three per cent. 

"OfiBcers electe<l by uplifted hands : Fire-Masters, Nathaniel Stanton, 
Eleazer Harding, Thomas Wheat, Stephen Farnum, Henry Coleman, 
Samuel Beyea, Jr.; Fence-Viewers, Isaac Corwin, Andrew Crawford, 
Cornelius Newkirk, Elisha Reeve, Jr.; Highway-Masters as follows; 
No. 

1. James Finch. 

2. Isaac Corwin. 

3. Jame- II. Prime. 

4. John Osborn. 



5. David Corwin. 

6. Stephen Wiggins. 

7. Daniel Palmer. 

8. Wm. Otis. 

9. AVm. Brown. 

10. Harris G. King. 

11. Joseph Reed. 

12. Samuel K. Seylwlt. 

13. John Logue. 

14. Cornelius Newkirk 

15. Abijah Norris. 

16. David Redfield. 

17. Sanuiel J. Corwin. 

18. Eleazei' Brown. 

19. Aaron Writer. 

20. Samuel Harding. 

41. 



No. 

21. Eleazer Harding. 

22. Joshua Penny. 

23. Thomas Wheat. 

24. Wm. Shaw. 

25. Abraham Wheat. 

26. Ebenezer Mowrey. 

27. Daniel Greenleaf. 

28. Josiah Pierson. 

29. Peleg Pelton. 

30. Erastus Mapes. 

31. Hezekiah Woodward. 

32. Wm. Coleman (4tU). 

33. Freegift T. Boyd. 

34. Henry Coleman. 

35. Barney Horton. 

36. Nathan Hallock. 

37. Etyah Bannister. 

38. Peter Hoyt. 

39. Ebenezer Hoyt. 

40. Wm. M. Conklin. 
Jonathan Coleman. 



'■ Resolved, That the by-laws which were formerly of Deerpark be sev- 
erally adopted. 

" Reiiolved, That the next annual town-meeting be held at the house of 
Mr. Geo. F. Seybolt, in said town. 

" Officers elected by ballot : Joseph Cliattle, supervisor ; Joseph Conk- 
lin, town clerk ; Stephen Farnum, John King, William Shaw, assessors ; 
Joshua Penny, Erastus Mapes, overseers of the poor ; Isaac Corwin, col- 
lector; Elisha S. Cadwell, John Penny, Jasper Writer, Jr., commis- 
sioners of highways; Wm. S. Little, Elisha Reeve, Jr., Philip Ketcham, 



commissioners of common schools ; Joseph Chattle, John Whiting, Asa 
Smith, inspectors of schools; Ambrose D. Baker, William Baker, Philip 
Davis, Luther Harding, constables." 

At the first town-meeting after the fire, in 1849, the 
proceedings were as follows : 

Officers elected : Augustus P. Thompson, super- 
visor ; John K. Seybolt, town clerk ; Samuel C. 
Howell, assessor; Daniel Mapes, commissioner of 
highways ; Richard Blizard, justice of the peace ; 
Benjamin W. Corwin, justice of the peace (vacancy) ; 
George H. Seybolt, collector ; Richard Penny, Amzi 
Mapes, overseers of the poor ; Howard Shaw, Joshua 
Mulock, Jr., inspectors of election ; Horace D. Par- 
rott, Frederick S. Brown, Philip Davis, Jacob Till- 
man, constables; Gabriel Corwin, town sealer. 

Levi L. Van Vleck was appointed an inspector of 
election by the board of town officers. 

It was voted to raise one hundred dollars for the re- 
pairs of roads and bridges. 

Wm. Shaw, Wm. S. Little, and Augustus P. Thomp- 
son were appointed to report by-laws at the next 
annual town-meeting. 

It was voted that the next annual meeting be held 
at Otisville, at the house of T. K. and J. Rogers. 

We give below a list of the principal town officers 
from 1848 to 1880 : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1848 Augtistus P. Thompson. Elisha R. Harding. 

1849 " " John K. Seybolt. 

1860 John K. Seybolt. Ferdinand Seybolt. 

1851 " " Lebbeus L. Harding. 

1862 Wm. W. Reeve. " 

1853 Wm. S. Little. Benjamin W. Dunning. 

1854 Horton Corwin. *' " 

1855 " " Lewis W. Coleman. 

1856 Algernon S. Dodge. Adam Sinsabaugh. 

1857 Harvey R. Cadwell. Ferdinand Seybolt. 

1858 '■ " Lewis A. Seybolt. 

18.59 Charles S. Woodward. George Smith. 

1860 John Mulock. " " 

1861 Israel Y. Green. " " 

1862-63 Charles S. Woodward. " " 

1864-65 " " Reuben Frazer. 

1866 John Mulock. James M. Clinton. 

1867 George Smith. 

1868 " " Harrison AVilkin. 

1869 " " Theodore Writer. 

1870-78 " " Joel Northrup. 

1879 Theodore Writer. " " 

1880 George Smith. " " 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1830 to 1848, records burned ; 1849, Richard Blizard, Benjamin W. Cor- 
win ; 1850, Horton Corwin ; 1S51, John Penny, Richard Penny ; 1862, 
John W. Martin, John W. Martin (vacancy) ; 1853, Wm. Baker ; 1854, 
Horton Corwin, Charles Conklin ; 1856, Wm. S. Little, Wm. J. Clows ; 
1856, .lohn Penny; 1857, Dimmick Wilkin; 1858, Horton Corwin; 

1869, Wm. S. Little; 1860, John Penny; 1861, Dimmick Wilkin ; 
1862, Horton Corwin; 1803, Wm. S. Little ; 1864, James N. Coleman; 
1865, Dimmick Wilkin, Wm. L. Jackson ; 1806, Horton Corwin ; 1867, 
John Wiggins ; 1808, Benjamin L. Swezey ; 1869, Dimmick Wilkin ; 

1870, Horton Corwin; 1871, .John Wiggins; 1872, Charles S.Wood- 
ward ; 1873, Dimmick Wilkin, Hugh Quigley ; 1874, Horton Corwin ;* 
1875, Theodore Moore; 1870, Hugh Quiglej-, Jonathan Stanton ; 1877 ■ 
Dimmick Wilkin, Wm. H. Dodge; 1878, Theodore Graham; 1879_ 
Jonathan Stanton, Martin Corwin ; 1880, Wm. H. Dodge. 



V.-VILLAGES. 

MOUNT HOPE VILLAGE 

is situated in the southeastern part of the town. It 

was so named many years before the town was organ- 

* Mr, Corwin died Aug. 5, 1880, the same day that the record of his 
long service was being compiled by the writer in the office of the town 
clerk. 



510 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ized, and the latter derives its name from the village. 
It is on elevated ground, and from various points 
there are charming views of the surrounding eoun- 
try. 

For many years this village did a brisk lumber busi- 
ness, and large quantities of shingles were bought of 
the individual makers in the forests round about the 
place and sold to dealers abroad. This industry de- 
clined in later years. The village was founded by 
Benjamin Woodward and Dr. Benjamin B. Newkirk 
on the 8tli day of May, 1807. They raised the frames 
of their dwellings at that date. At the conclusion of 
this old-fashioned " raising," amid something of the 
hilarity of those times, James Finch, Sr., called the 
assembled company to order, and in an appropriate 
speech bestowed the name Mount Hope upon the vil- 
lage thus founded. Among early residents, Benjamin 
Dodge and Stephen St. John were prominent busi- 
ness men, and greatly promoted the prosperity of the 
village. In modern times there is but little business 
here. There is a hotel by A. J. Mills, a general coun- 
try store by J. H. Jeifries, and blacksmithing by Mr. 
Hatch. 

Of Mr. A. J. Mills we obtain the following : " His 
grandfather, Ebenezer Mills, of Mills' Pond, L. I., 
was born Aug. 3, 1759. He came to Orange County 
in 1786, and was fourteen days making the pas- 
ssage by a sloop from Long Island to Cornwall. 
He settled near Middletown and married Abigail 
Vail, twin sister of Isaiah Vail. He soon after moved 
to the Francis Hughes farm near by, but a little later 
bought the Monhagen Lake farm, where he spent the 
rest of his life, dying in 1829. His children were 
Isaac (father of A. J. Mills, the Mount Hope Hotel 
landlord); Henry P., who settled in Jlinisink, but 
afterwards removed to Onondaga County ; Isaiah, who 
lived in Mount Hope ; Samuel, who removed to In- 
diana; and Sally, who became Mrs. J. C. Coleman, 
of Goshen, and later removed to Allegany County ; 
Phebe, who became Mrs. Wallace, of Onondaga 
County ; and William, who settled in Wallkill." 

The Mount Hope Hotel was built in 1807 by Ben- 
jamin Woodward. It was the first house in Orange 
County to burn coal. Mr. Woodward kept it for 
many years, and was succeeded by his son, Charles 
Woodward, for a few years ; subsequent proprietors 
were Thomas King and Leman Stiles. A. J. Mills 
took possession of the property, Jan. 8, 1849, and has 
kept the house ever since. It is a rather unusual 
circumstance that Benjamin Woodward, one proprie- 
tor, served two years in the Legislature; Charles 
Woodward, two years ; and A. J. Mills, two years ; 
three landlords from the same house of equal service 
at Albany. Mr. Mills is very clear in his recollec- 
tion of names and dates, and can give them with pre- 
cision and accuracy. He gives a rare instance of 
testimony. Daniel Skinner, in a lawsuit held in the 
hotel of Mr. Green, at Otisville, gave evidence relat- 
ing to events ninety years be/ore. Mr. Skinner was 



one hundred and three or one hundred and four years 
old at the time. 

OTISVILLE 

may be described as the principal village in the town, 
located near the western line, and a little north of 
the centre. It is a station upon the Erie Railway, 
and just west of this place that route makes its 
sharp southern detour to reach Port Jervis. The lo- 
cation is pleasant, and some of the lands in the imme- 
diate vicinity are of excellent quality for agricultural 
purposes. The name is from Isaac Otis,* who settled 
at this place, carried on an extensive mercantile busi- 
ness with other enterprises, and gave an impulse to 
the growth of the village. The present business may 
be briefly stated as follows: The Blizard House, kept 
by L. N. Dix ; the old hotel kept by O. B. Green ; 
Joel Northrop, general merchandise; A.W.Dodge, 
groceries ; Dr. A. Cook, practicing physician and 
druggist : Albert Ketcham, post-office and groceries ; 
Dr. Theodore Writer, practicing jihysician and keep- 
ing a drug-store; Charles H. Wiggins, merchant 
tailor; Mrs. Plumb, a practicing physician, and keep- 
ing a drug-store ; Reed & Smith, general merchan- 
dise, also dealers in grain, feed, coal, lumber; James 
S. Eaton, general merchandise, also dealing in grain, 
feed, lumber; William H. Smith, restaurant; J. Van 
Duzer, stoves and tin; Joel Northrup, meat-market; 
Ralph Elston, bakery and groceries ; Mrs. Wilkin, 
millinery, boots and shoes ; A. Kniffen, harness-shop ; 
Asa J. Ogden and William H. Hall, blacksmiths; 
Anderson Holley, wagon-shop, making and repair- 
ing ; and the freight and passenger buildings of the 
Erie Railroad. 

A public school with two departments is main- 
tained, Harvey Clark principal, and Mrs. Frank 
Hill a.ssistant. 

Dr. Cook states that when he began to practice 
there was one store and tavern kept by Galen Otis. 
Not long after, Thomas King opened a similar estab- 
lishment, combining trade and entertainment. Cor- 
win & Tryon were afterwards in trade for some years. 

The post-office at Otisville was established in 1819, 
and Isaac Otis was the first postmaster. He held it 
for about five years, and was succeeded by Galen 
Otis for about the same time. Other incumbents 
since then have been Elisha Cadwell, about two 
years ; Charles Conkling ; Ferdinand Seybolt ; Alsop 



* Isaac Otis was of Puritan descent, and resided in early life in Massa- 
chusetts, where he married the daughter of Capt. Oliver Smith, of Wal- 
pole. He removed to Orange County in 1S16, and established a country 
store, around which other buildings clustered, and to which a post-office 
was given under the title of Otisville. Mr. Otis removed to Philadelphia 
in 1S31, where he served as a member of the Common Council from tS35 
to 1849. In 1S41 he was appointed by President Harrison marshal of 
the United States for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and held the 
office two yt'ars. In 1851 he removed to New Tork, where he became 
the head of the firm of Otis & Co., and also served as president of the 
Hanover Bank. He retired from that position in 1853, and was instru- 
mental in founding the Atlantic Bank, of which he became president. 
Ho died in Boston. 



MOUNT HOPE. 



511 



W. Dodge, for seven years, until 1871 ; Harrison 
Reed, until Feb. 17, 1879 ; and the present incum- 
bent, A. J. Ketcham. 

NEW VERNON 
is situated ujjon the north line of the town, and is 
partly in Sullivan County. 

FINCHVILLE 
is a hamlet in the southwest part of the town. It 
is named in honor of John Finch, the first immigrant 
of that name to this section of country, and in honor 
of his descendants, many of whom have been promi- 
nent citizens in this vicinity. The hamlet is situated 
at the eastern base of the Shawangunk Mountains. 
In later years it can hardly be described as a village, 
as there are no stores there at the present time and 
no hotel. The neighborhood is somewhat noted as 
the place to which many [lersons fled from the Mam- 
akating Valley during the Indian troubles. The 
names of Finch and Finchville are very common in 
the ancient annals. 

GUYMARD 

is situated on the western slope of the Shawangunk 
Mountains, and is a station on the Erie Railroad. It 
also has a post-office. There is much fine scenery in 
the vicinity, and the place is something of a resort for 
picnic parties and pleasure excursions, as well as for 
more permanefit summer boarders. The name is the 
old French form of the family name Gumaer. The 
post-oflice was established July 1, 18(56. Peter L. 
Gumaer was appointed postmaster, and has retained 
the office to the present time (1880). The village 
owes its existence principally to the discovery of lead 
on the lands of the Gumaer Brothers, situated on the 
west side of the Shawangunk Mountains, and near 
the line of Deerpark. The lead was first found while 
building a road from the old turnpike to Gumaer's, 
on the canal. The Erie mine, the most important in 
this section, being at the immediate site of Guymard, 
secured a rapid growth to the village, very soon in- 
cluding stores, hotels, shops, and private residences. 



with himself in that field, John Whiting, Corwin 
Swezey, Harvey Taylor, and Hiram Shons. 



VI.— SCHOOLS. 

The town books having been destroyed by fire, it is 
not po.ssible to give the names of the school commis- 
sioners and inspectors from 1823 to 1843, during 
which time the schools were under that method of 
supervision.* From the records we only have the 
town superintendents from 1850 to 1856, viz. : 1850, 
Wm. C. Terry ; 1851, Avery Cook ; 1853, Charles B. 
Halstead ; 18.55, Nelson Newton. 

The office of this last incumbent was terminated by 
the new law authorizing district commissioners, which 
took effect in June, 1856. 

Dr. Cook mentions as other teachers, cotemporary 

* In the records of Wallkill and Deerpark, given elsewhere, the names 
of school officers upon the territory of Mount Hope between 1813 and 
1825 wiH be found. 



VII.-CHUHCHES. 
THE OLD-SCHOOL BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW VERNON. 

The following sketch of this society was furnished 
by the late Elder Gilbert Beebe, its pastor for about 
fifty-five years : 

The Old-School Baptist Church at New Vernon, 
N. Y., was constituted under the ministry of Elder 
Ebenezer West in 1785. The constituent members, 
16 in number, viz. : Elder Ebenezer West, Richard 
West, Wm. Smith, Jedediah Fuller, Solomon Wheat, 
Asa Worden, John Harding, David Smith, Wm. Pat- 
terson, Lydia King, Keziah Jillett, Abigail Smith, 
Elizabeth Godfrey, Dealia Rogers, Anna King, Rhoda 
Harding. 

Elder Ebenezer West held the pastoral care of this 
church until his death, which occurred in October, 
1793. Soon after the death of Elder West, Elder 
Benjamin Montanya succeeded him, and held the pas- 
torate of the church thirty-three years, and until his 
death, which occurred Dec. 2o, 1S25. In May follow- 
ing, viz., 1826, Elder Gilbert Beebe was called to the 
pastoral care, and he held the i)osition almost fifty- 
five years. 

In about the year 1800 the first church-house was 
built, and called the Deerpark Baptist Church, lo- 
cated very near the line which divides Orange and 
Sullivan Counties, and what is now the towns of 
Mount Hope and Mamakating. This was a frame 
house, built in ancient style, with galleries on three 
sides, and a capacity to seat from 300 to 400 persons. 

A new frame house was erected by the church, near 
the site of the old one, about twenty-five years ago, 
of about the same capacity. In the rear and east 
side of this house the church has a large cemetery, in 
which many of the first settlers of the vicinity are 
buried. The church now numbers 85 members, — Gil- 
bert Beebe, pastor; John C. Harding, Samuel Jordan, 
Samuel B. Beyea, deacons. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT WALLKILL 
AND DEERPARK PATENT 

effected a legal organization May 14, 1810. Erastus 
Mapes and David Corwin signed the proceedings as 
inspectors of the election. The meeting was held at 
the school-house in which said church usually met, 
and the trustees chosen were David Corwin, Selah 
Mapes, and Jonatlian Coleman. This was the old 
church at the place known as Mapestown. There 
was a comfortable house of worship, and services 
were maintained for many years. At a later period 
it was deemed necessary to file a new certificate, 
probably because the names Wallkill and Deerpark 
were no longer applicable to this town. The new 
incorporation was under the name of " The Congre 
gational Church of Mount Hope," July 6, 1847. The 
proceedings were signed by Erastus Mapes and Amzi 



51^ 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mapes. The trustees chosen were Daniel Mapes, 
James Bell, and Isaac Davis. Not long after this 
renewed organization it was deemed best to remove 
to Howell's, a station upon the Erie Railroad not far 
away. (See churches of Wallkill.) 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MOUNT 

noPE« 
had its origin in the la.st century. On March 25, 
1770, Oliver Delancy, Esq., of the city of New York, 
executed a deed or perpetual lease, conveying to 
Messrs. W. Gillett, David Smith, and Simeon Marsh 
fifty acres of land lying in the town of Deerpark, 
to be held in trust for the use of a Protestant min- 
ister, " who must be elected and chosen by the tenants 
and freeholders for the time being residing in said 
town, to do divine service and preach the word of 
God among them." March 2, 1771, David John- 
ston, Esq., also of New York, executed a deed, con- 
veying to the same persons in trust, for the same 
purpose and on the same terms, twenty-five acres 
of land lying next to the previous lot. This land 
lay near the locality long known as Otis' Factory. 
There was at that time no regular Presbyterian 
Church in the town of Deerpark. Two congregations, 
however, assembled regularly for religious worship. 
One was of the Baptist communion, and was served by 
Rev. Eleazer West. The other held services and 
had occasional preaching at the house of Elijah 
Reeve, a large stone house near Otis' Factory, re- 
cently removed. After the close of the war of the 
Revolution a law was passed by the Legislature of 
New York, April 20, 1784, enabling congregations to 
incorporate. In accordance with this, Feb. 9, 1785, 
the congregation worshiping at the house of Elijah 
Reeve met, and were regularly incorporated by the 
election of the following six trustees, viz. : David 
Smith, Sr., Joshua Corwin, Sr., Joseph Smith, John 
Ketcham, William Shaw, William Rose. They as- 
sumed the corporate name of "The Trustees of the 
First Presbyterian Church in Deerpark." Steps were 
at once taken to secure possession of the land con- 
veyed by the deeds of Messrs. Delancy and Johnston. 
It was occupied by Mr. West. But as the Baptists 
had failed to secure an organization, after some arbi- 
tration and the payment to Mr. AVest of ten pounds 
as remuneration for improvements made by him, the 
land was yielded to the trustees of the organized 
body. A portion of it was used for a time as a place 
of burial, but no building was erected thereon. After 
this, upon applicatiim by Messrs. Thomas White and 
Wm. Shaw, Lewis A. Scott, Esq., of New York, gave 
the promise of a deed for five acres of land on " The 
Plains," near the present village of Otisville, for the 
erection of a house of worship and other church pur- 
poses. The deed for this land was given ten years 
afterwards, in March, 17Po, by the executors of Mr. 
Scott, and conveyed a clear title to the trustees of the 

* By Rev. Luther LitteU. 



church. A portion of the lot had in the mean time 
been fenced in and used as a place for burial, aud the 
whole of it is now used for that purpose, and known 
as the " Mount Hope Cemetery.'' 

It was not, however, till 1791 that a house of wor- 
ship was erected on this land. It was built under a 
subscription-paper headed " For a Presbyterian Con- 
gregational Meeting-house." The house was not 
finished for several years. This building was a very 
plain structure, about fifty feet square, with lofty 
pulpit and high-backed seats, and without paint. 
It was used for purposes of worship more than forty 
years, until about 1835, when it was removed from 
the ground and put to otjier uses. 

In the mean time there had been a large removal 
of Presbyterians to Mount Hope, mostly from Long 
Island. Rev. Mr. Kerr, of Goshen, preached occa- 
sionally for the congregation. The church as yet, so 
far as is known, had only a civil existence. Just 
when its first board of elders was elected is not known, 
as the first book of records of Session cannot be found. 
The question of the ecclesiastical connection of the 
church was settled Sept. 3, 1792, when by a large 
majority of votes the congregation resolved to join 
the Presbytery of New York. A considerable portion 
of the people had a strong preference for Morristown 
Presbytery or Platform, the latter body being an as- 
sociation chiefly of Congregationalists. It is ptob- 
able that about this time the first elders were elected, 
William Shaw, William Rose. These matters dis- 
posed of, the congregation, April 1, 1793, made a 
"call" upon Rev. Jonathan Freeman, then of Hope- 
well, to become their pastor for one-third of his time. 
Mr. Freeman accepted, and was installed the first 
pastor of the church, Aug. 29, 1793, by a committee 
of the Presbytery of New York, consisting of Revs. 
Kerr, Close, and King, and Elder Reuben Hopkins. 
His pastorate was not successful. Contending ele- 
ments existed in the church. The Congregationalists 
had become a well-defined party and claimed the 
property. Appeal was made to the courts, which 
confirmed the title in the trustees of the Presbyterian 
Church, after which the Congregational element drew 
off and formed the church now worshiping at How- 
ell's. f The pastoral relation of Mr. Freeman was 
dissolved by Presbytery April 19, 1797. 

In 1801 the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, for many years the 
pastor of the church at Scotchtown, served the Mount 
Hope Church a part of his time. June 10, 1803, Rev. 
Benjamin Prime became pastor of the church, preach- 
ing three-fourths of his time. After several years 
the relation was dissolved. Mr. Prime resided in the 
community until his death, June 25, 1823. 

During this period the church languished, having 
only 17 members. Three persons were now elected to 
the eldership, who served the church long and laith- 

t This conflicts somewhat with the account of the Howell's Church, 
which is drawn direct from their ancient book. We leave both tljat the 
facta may appear by comparison. 



MOUNT HOPE. 



513 



fully in that oflBce. They were Alexander Bodle, 
Marshal Stigney, and John Boyd. But a brigliter 
day was now to dawn upon the hitherto struggling 
church. Oct. 2, 1816, Eev. William Blain was in- 
stalled its pastor. He preached also a part of his time 
at Ridgebury. Mr. Blain was the first student who 
entered the theological seminary at Princeton. Un- 
der his effective ministry the church enjoyed its first 
revival of religion, resulting in large additions to the 
membership. After six years of successful labor, in 
1822, Mr. Blain accepted a call to the church at Mid- 
dletown. When he left the Mount Hope Church it 
was united and strong, with a membership of 117. 
Four elders were added to the Session during his pas- 
torate, viz.: Joshua Penny, William S. Little, David 
Swezey, and Abijah Norris. Mr. Blain was a man of 
high character as a preacher and pastor, and after 
leaving Middletown was for many years pastor of the 
ancient church of Goodwill. During the two years 
following Mr. Blain's removal, Rev. Thomas Grier, of 
Westtown, acted as stated supply for one-half his time. 

In 1824, Rev. Edwin Downer, a young man from 
New Jersey, became pastor. He remained four years, 
in which time there were 17 additions to the church. 
Failing health compelled him to relinquish the charge 
Oct. 22, 1828. He continued to reside many years in 
the bounds of the congregation, but at length removed 
to Westficld, N. J., his native place. He died May 
31, 1868, in the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church of 
that place, just as he was commencing service. Fol- 
lowing him, for a short time, Rev. James Russel acted 
as stated supply, but declined to become the pastor. 

In 1829, Rev. Sylvester Swezey became stated sup- 
ply of the church. By his efforts the Congregational 
Church, which years since had gone out from the con- 
gregation, were induced to unite with them in the sup- 
port of one pastor. The two congregations worshiped 
together, as Mr. Swezey preached alternately in the 
church on the " Plains" and the building of the Con- 
gregational ists, long known as the "Yellow Church," 
near the village of Mount Hope. The union seems to 
have been a happy one, and during this time the 
church enjoyed its second revival of religion, resulting 
in the additicm of r)7 persons to its communion. This 
union ceased when Mr. Swezey left, in the spring of 
1833. He was soon succeeded by Rev. Andrew 
Thompson, who had been serving the churches of Ny- 
ack and Greenbush, in Rockland County. As early as 
1811 the tract of 75 acres deeded to the church by 
Messrs. Delancy and Johnson was sold, under an 
order granted by the chancellor of the State, and the 
money placed at interest. With these funds a par- 
sonage was purchased in the spring of 1833, consisting 
of a comfortable house and 25 acres of laud, lying near 
the village of Mount Hope. This was first occupied 
by jMr. Thompson. With his coming the subject of 
the erection of a new house of worship was discussed. 
The village of Mount Hope had now grown to be a 
thriving place of considerable business importance, 



and here the congregation decided, not without strong 
opposition, to erect its new building. It was a neat 
edifice, 70 by 45 feet, with spire, and sittings for over 
400 people, built at- a cost of $4000. The building 
was the exact counterpart of the then new house of 
wor.ship at Montgomery, in this county. It was finished 
and dedicated early in 1835, when the old church on 
the Plains was abandoned. After a successful pas- 
torate of five years Mr. Thompson died, Feb. 27, 1838, 
and was buried upon the Plains. He was a man of 
thorough culture and high character as a preacher, 
and left his impress upon both the church and the 
community. He was the father of A. P. Thompson, 
now of Port Jervis. 

He was succeeded by Rev. W. G. Johnston, a 
Scotchman, who was installed pastor in 1839. He 
remained about two years. For two years following 
there was no pastor, until May 3, 1842, when Rev. 
Edward B. Edgar, who had accepted a call, was in- 
stalled. Under his labors the church assumed a 
higher position. Regular contributions to the great 
missionary enterprises were commenced ; the inter- 
ests of the Sabbath-school were advanced; the 
church grew stronger in piety and influence. Thirty- 
six persons were added to the membership during his 
pastorate of eight years. Amid the general regrets 
of the people, Mr. Edgar left early in 1850 to become 
pastor of the church in Westfield, N. J., where for 
twenty-two years he labored successfully. He is now 
living without charge at Plainfield, N. J. 

His immediate successor was the present pastor, 
Rev. Luther Littell, who came to the congregation a 
young man, direct from the theological seminary at 
Princeton. He was ordained and installed pastor of 
the church by the Presbytery of Hudson, Sept. 25, 
1850. During the thirty years of this pastorate there 
have been five seasons of special religious interest, 
resulting in additions to the church varying from 10 
to 60 persons. The Sabbath-school grew to more 
than double its former number, and the yearly con- 
tributions to religious and benevolent objects were 
much increased. In these years, at various times, the 
congregation has expended over $1500 in renovating 
their house of worship. On May 2, 1864, by act of 
the Legislature, the corporate name of the church was 
changed from the "First Presbyterian Church of 
Deerpark" to the "First Presbyterian Church of 
Mount Hope." Such change seemed desirable, as, by 
changes in the towns, the church had long been miles 
away from the boundaries of the town of Deerpark. 
Also, in the spring of 1867, by order of the court, the 
recent parsonage premises were sold, and a more con- 
venient and spacious house, with four acres of land, 
lying near the church in the village, was purchased 
at an additional cost to the congregation of $1000. 
During this period of thirty years there have been 
229 additions to the church. But, as in all our rural 
churches during these years, there has been a heavy 
drain upon the membership of this church by death 



514 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and removal of families to railway villages, so that 
the membership of 160 a few years since has now de- 
clined to 120. During the last two pastorates the fol- 
lowing persons were chosen to the eldership, viz. : 
John K. Davis, Barna Horton, Robert Thorn, Joshua 
Corwin, Daniel T. Boyd, A. W. Mapes, J. W. Can- 
field. Some of these persons are deceased, others 
have removed to other churches. At present the 
officers are as follows : Pastor, Rev. Luther Littell ; 
Elders, John K. Davis, Daniel T. Boyd, Alsop W. 
Mapes ; Trustees, Charles Mapes, John Borland, 
Danl. T. Boyd, Theodore Moore, Isaac E. Ketcham.* 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF OTIS- 
VILLE 

executed a certificate of incorporation Aug. 7, 1848. 
The proceedings were signed by Richard Van Horn 
and Ferdinand Seybolt. The trustees chosen were 
Ferdinand Seybolt, Russel R. Smith, John K. Sey- 
bolt, Algernon S. Dodge, and Samuel K. Wheat. 
The meeting was at the house of Ferdinand Seybolt, 
there being then no house of worship. The society 
subsequently erected a comfortable church edifice, and 
has maintained services steadily since that time. 

The more active founders of the church were Jo- 
seph Ketcham, Mrs. Dr. Cook, Mrs. Sidney Dodge, 
Mrs. Smith Looniis, William A. Brown, Elisha Hol- 
sapjjle, and others. Early ministers, preaching here 
before the house was built, were Rev. Mr. Reed 
and Rev. Mr. Vandewater. Rev. Fletcher Loomis 
was here when the house was erected. The present 
organization (November, 1880) consists of Rev. R. B. 
Lockwood, pastor ; W. F. Dewitt, local preacher and 
class-leader; O. B. Tyrrell, Wm. Wood, Harrison 
King, J. Vanduser, Samuel K. Wheat; Trustees, 
Charles T. Wheat, James Cranse, 0. B. Tyrrell, John 
D. King, Wm. Wood. Mr. Dewitt has been in the 
ministry about forty years, and has resided here 
twenty-five years, doing a large amount of Christian 
work in connection with this church. 

THE FINCHVILLE METHODLST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

was duly incorporated July 3, 1850. The certificate 
was signed by Walter Chamberlain and Samuel S. 
Ketcham. The trustees named therein were Fer- 
dinand Seybolt, Samuel S. Ketcham, Jasper N. 
Writer, Joseph Ketcham, Chauncey L. Ketcham. 
This church was located in the south part of the 
town, and maintained services for some years. After 
the congregation became too small to support a 

* Upon the church history^given above it should be remarked that the 
pastor appears to trace the same church orgauization that is given in 
part in the account of Howell's Congregational Church. (See WaUkill.) 
It seems that both claim the same origin, and that each is the legitimate 
successor of the one church of 1Y82. The old book, still preserved at 
Howell's, bears unmistakable evidence that the organization was Congre- 
gational at the outset, though it might have been somewhat Presliyte- 
rianized at a later period. There seems no better way than to let the 
two accounts stand as they are prepared. If they are in any respect con- 
flicting, that very fact may lead both to the exact truth in the case. 



society at that point it was dissolved, the property 
sold, and the members mostly attend at Utisville. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OTISVILLE 

effected a legal organization June 27, 1855. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by Daniel G. Beyea and Ben- 
jamin W. Dunning. The trustees named in the cer- 
tificate were William A. Gerow, A. Sidney Dodge, Dr. 
Avery Cook, John Mulock, James McBride, Daniel 
G. Beyea, and John N. Dunning. 

The church was organized March 24, 1855, by a 
committee of the Presbytery of Hudson, consisting 
of Messrs. Daniel T. Wood, pastor of the Presbyte- 
rian Church in Middletown ; O. M. Johnston, pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church in Denton ; and Augus- 
tus Seward, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Port 
Jervis, together with George M. Newman and Moses 
Sawyer, elders in the Denton Church. The following 
persons united with the church at its organization, 
namely : Mrs. Pamela Cook, wife of Dr. Cook ; Mrs. 
Sarah Ann Dodge, wife of A. S. Dodge, Esq. ; Mrs. 
Kezia Dunning, wife of B. W. Dunning, Esq. ; Mrs. 
Sophia Gerow, wife of Wm. A. Gerow, Esq. ; Mrs. 
Esther E. McBride, wife of James McBride, Esq. ; 
Mrs. Frances Loomis, wife of Ephraim S. Loomis, 
Esq. ; Mrs. Charlotte Beyea, wife of Daniel G. Beyea, 
Esq., who presented letters of their membership in 
good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
the place, together with Benjamin W. Dunning, who 
made profession of faith. These eight persons con- 
stituted the First Presbyterian Church in Otisville. 

The first elder elected was Benjamin W. Dunning. 

On April 18th following the church was taken 
under the care of the Presbytery of Hudson. 

A suitable house of worship was erected at a cost 
of over $5000, on a lot given for the purpose by Eph- 
raim S. Loomis, Esq., on the west corner of Orchard 
and Main Streets. The building was completed, and 
Sept. 24, 1856, was dedicated to God for public wor- 
ship. 

The congregation had much to contend with during 
the first years of its history. A heavy debt rested 
upon it, the membership was small, it had no pastor 
to feed the flock, yet it increased steadily, and bravely 
met every discouragement until March, 1858, when 
Rev. Moses H. Wilder was invited to supply the pul- 
pit for one year. During the next twelve months 
the Rev. Wm. W. Page supplied the pulpit also with 
ability. In December, 1862, the Rev. Wm. R. S. 
Betts accepted a call to become the pastor of the 
church ; this office he discharged faithfully for three 
years, resigning April 18, 1865. Two years afterwards 
Rev. F. W. Farries was invited to preach as a supply 
for one year, at the end of which time he was called 
to be the pastor, which relationship continued until 
Feb. 1, 1871, when the pastoral relation was dissolved 
amid much regret of the congregation. Rev. R. H. 
Craig was then called to the pastorate of the church, 
May 1, 1871, which relationship is still maintained 



MOUNT HOPE. 



515 



by an affectionate people and a devoted pastor. A 
debt of $1500 resting on the church building was 
liquidated Jan. 1, 1870, and in 1874 the laudable en- 
terprise of erecting a parsonage was entered upon 
with much zeal by the congregation. It was com- 
pleted at a cost of S3000, and occupied in the follow- 
ing year, but with a debt of 4^1200 remaining. At the 
twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the 
church this debt was all paid, the entire congregation 
subscribing liberally, even the children of the Sab- 
bath-school being glad to take a part in the work. 

Among the good friends of the church who have 
passed away stood the late Ephraim S. Loomis, Wm. 
A. Gei'ow, and S. A. Dodge. 

The elders of the church at present are J. K. Aus- 
tin, D. G. Beyea, A. L. Corwin, H. Willis, G. Beebe, 
and S. N. Gerow. 

Two revivals of religion have taken place during 
the history of the church, one under the pastorate of 
Rev. F. W. Farries, in connection with the efforts of 
the evangelist, JVfr. Parker, when about thirty persons 
united, chiefly on profession of faith ; and the other 
in 1876, when the present pastor, Rev. R. H. Craig, 
received thirty-nine, nearly all on profession of faith. 

A prosperous Sabliath-school is maintained in the 
church, tauglit by devoted teachers ; the society is 
free of debt; the people are united; and altogether 
there is much to be hoped for in regard to the Presby- 
terian Church of Otisville. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF OTISVILLE, 
a fine brick edifice, plain but substantial, was 
erected a few years since. It is not, however, an 
independent charge, but is connected to that of Mid- 
dletown, and the priests from that congregation oifi- 
ciate at Otisville. The society, with wise forethought, 
secured a spacious lot just beyond the village, and 
have devoted a part of it to burial purposes. Quite 
a number of fine monuments have been erected. With 
their usual energy, the Catholic pastors will doubtless 
continue to improve these grounds and render them 
worthy of the sacred objects to which they are de- 
voted. Father Brennan, of Port Jervis, began the 
work here, and the church was built about 1867. It 
will seat about 400. Fathers Riley, Gorman, and 
Clancy, of Middletown, have ofliciated here. A large 
Sunday-school has been steadily maintained. James 
Shields is an active layman, steadily looking after the 
interests of the church. 



VIII.-BUKIAL-PLACES. 
Half a mile or more from Otisville to Mount Hope 
village is the old burial-place of the town. In later 
years it has been enlarged by the purchase of several 
acres, and the whole is in a very good state of preser- 
vation. It is referred to, in the history of the Mount 
Hope Presbyterian Church, as being located on the 
" Plains." Jeremiah Mulock, who died Dec. 24, 
1802, aged ninety-one years, was the oldest of the 



pioneers buried here, and 1790 is the earliest date 
recorded on the ancient headstones. 

The other principal burial-places are the following : 
A very old one in the woods, two miles or more from 
Otisville, on the road to New Vernon, and near the 
Whitlock place. This doubtless contains many graves 
of pioneers, all unmarked and nameless. There is 
another old burial-place above Finchville, on the side 
of the mountains. This is a tangled mass of bushes, 
but there are very early graves, and a careful search 
may discover valuable dates bearing on general or 
family historv'. There is also one in Mapestown, near 
where the old Congregational church stood. 

The new cemetery at Howell's is over the line in 
Mount Hope. 

At Otisville there is the Catholic burial-ground in 
connection with the church. There is also a beauti- 
ful private cemetery on the hill back of Otisville. 



IX.— TOW^N SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, INCOR- 
PORATIONS, Etc. 

An early Masonic lodge existed at Mount Hope 
village. The lodge-room was in the upper part of 
the school-house. Nathaniel Green, Eleazer Hard- 
ing, Stephen W. Palmer, Benjamin Woodward, Ben- 
jamin Dodge, the Colemans, and others were con- 
nected with it. It went down under the excitement 
following the Jlorgan troubles, and no attempt has 
been made to revive it. In an old newspaper we find 
the following : 

" Mount Hope, May 20, 5852. 
"St. John's day will be celnbrated at Brother Henry Coleman's, in the 
village of Mount Hope." 

THE FARMERS' LIBRARY 
was incorporated Oct. 13, 1807. The meeting for 
organization was held at the house of Benjamin 
Woodward, and the trustees named in the instru- 
ment were Benjamin B. Newkirk, Benjamin Wood- 
ward, William Mulock, James Finch, Jr., Peter E. 
Gumaer, Daniel Green, William Shaw, Jr., Stephen 
Farnum, Peleg Pelton. The last-named person cer- 
tified this paper before Judge John Steward. A 
library was established in pursuance of this certifi- 
cate. Mr. Harvey R. Cadwell states that he obtained 
books there ; that a valuable collection of historical 
works was kept; that his first reading of history was 
stimulated by those volumes. It is doubtless true 
that many young men shared in the educational influ- 
ences of this early library. The attempt to sustain 
such a library of such books in this day in the same 
quiet country town might not prove complimentary 
to the present age. The old library lasted twenty or 
thirty years, but the books were finally scattered and 
the enterprise was discontinued. 

THE WASHINGTON LEAD COMPANY 

was organized March .3, 1865. The capital stock was 
stated at $500,000, divided into 100,000 shares. The 
trustees named were John Wiggins, Henry A. Chopin, 



516 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



George Wiggins, and E. B. Brown. Their mines are 
located about a mile from Otisville, on tlie Erie Road. 
Two shafts were sunk about 60 feet deep, about 100 
feet apart, and the drift about 180 feet. They found a 
good vein of lead, and a vein of zinc about five feet 
wide. The work was suspended because of the low 
price of lead and the general depression of mining 
interests, but no doubt exi.sts that there is a valuable 
deposit of minerals at this point. 

THE EMPIRE MINING COMPANY 
was founded about 18(54. The mines were located 
about one and a half miles from Otisville, along the 
Erie Road, on the property of John Wiggins, — trus- 
tees, John Wiggins, A. W. Dodge, George Wiggins, 
E. B. Brown, and others. They sunk one shaft 105 
feet, two others about 20 feet each, another about 25 
feet. The vein found was abundant, and of excellent 
quality, yielding lead and zinc. The work was sus- 
pended for the same reasons that caused the closing 
of the Washington. 

THE WALLKILL LEAD COMPANY 
executed a certificate of incorporation Oct. 9, 1863. 
The capital was stated at $500,000, divided into 100,000 
shares. The trustees named were Edward A. Quin- 
tard, Leverett E. Rice, George B. Satterlee, Living- 
ston Satterlee. This was entirely by New York men. 
The mines were located about a mile north of Guy- 
mard. Considerable money was expended. Good 
lead ore was found, but the company ceased to work 
after a few years. Rumors of renewed operations 
arise occasionally, and it is understood the company 
is still in existence. 

THE SAVOSS COPPER-MINE 

is located about half a mile from Otisville, near the 
Erie Railroad, and just at the summit of the Shawan- 
gunk range. A shaft 80 feet deep was ojiened about 
1864. A good vein of copper was found, but work 
was discontinued in a short time, and has never been 
resumed. 

THE CHAMPION LEAD-MINING COMPANY 
was incorporated Aug. 19, 1864. The capital stock 
was declared to be fixed at $500,000, divided into 
100,000 shares. The object was the mining and sale 
of lead and other minerals. The trustees named 
were Thomas T. Davis, Marvin Beeman, Ambrose 
W. Green, F. V. Booth, John T. Willis, Albert H. 
Hager, Thomas C. Robbins, John Eager, and James 
H. Gage. 

THE NEW YORK CENTRAL MINING AND MINERAL 
COMPANY. 
This association executed a certificate of incorpora- 
tion Oct. 27, 1863. The objects were stated as " the 
mining of lead ores and other minerals, and vending 
the same unmanufactured or manufactured." The 
trustees named were Alanson Gillespie, of Goshen ; 
Ambrose W. Green, of Otisville ; Oliver Green, of 



Mount Hope; Roswell Plummer, Marvin Beeman. 
James P. Keeler, William A. Keeler, of Brooklyn; and 
Ruftis H. Wood, of New York City. The capital 
stock was stated at 50,000 shares of $10 each. 

THE MOUNT HOPE MINERAL COMPANY 
was incorporated by certificate executed Dec. 17, 1862. 
The place of business was declared to be " in the town- 
ship of Mount Hope, and also in the city and county 
of New York." The objects were stated as " the 
mining of lead ores and other minerals, and vending 
the same manufactured and unmanufactured." The 
trustees named were Alfred Mclntire and William 
Blauvelt, of New York City, and Josiah R. Sturgis, 
of Brooklyn. Their mines were on the top of the 
mountain, east of Guymard. 

GUYMARD SILVER-LEAD COMPANY 
executed a certificate of incorporation Jan. 3, 1877. 
The capital stock was stated at $100,000, divided into 
40,000 shares. The trustees named were Charles 
Place, John H. Small, Hon. George W. Green, Wil- 
liam A. Keeler, John K. Ruckel, Samuel A. Banks, 
and George B. Curtiss. 

THE ERIE MINING COMPANY. 
This is the strongest organization formed for min- 
ing purposes in this section, and the one whose suc- 
cess doubtless led to all the other enterprises. The 
mines are located at Guymard. A large amount of 
ore has been taken out, though the work has always 
been an intermittent one, pushed effectively at times, 
and then stopped for some years. At the present time 
(November, 1880) it is in one of its suspended in- 
tervals. There seems to be no doubt in the minds of 
the community that the deposit of ore is rich and 
abundant, and that the work need never stop on 
account of failure of materials. 

THE EMPIRE MINERAL COMPANY 

was formed July 18, 1863. The trustees named were 
John Wiggins, George Wiggins, and John Mulock. 
The object was declared to be the " mining of lead 
ores and other minerals, and vending the same un- 
manufactured and manufactured." The capital stock 
was fixed at $300,000, divided into 60,000 shares. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTOHIC INTEBEST OR OP 
SPECIAL NOTE. 

Perhaps there is little under this head to require 
special remark. The Shawangunk range is, however, 
full of rare attractions to students of geology, to all 
who desire to read the great lessons of creation traced 
by a divine hand upon the rocky strata. Cabinets of 
rare value may be easily made by gathering speci- 
mens for a few days along these hills and in the exca- 
vations of the mines. The " Pass of the Mountains," 
at Otisville, too, is worthy of some study. Though 
not grand and ruggedly sublime, like the wonderful 
passes of lofty mountain ranges, yet the depression is 



MOUNT HOPE. 



517 



decided enough to attract much attention. The en- 
gineers, in laying out the Erie Railway, traveled north 
along the range for ten miles or more from Port Jcrvis, 
to find a place to break through. Here they found it 
almost ready made for their jjurpose. 

THE FINCH HOMESTEAD. 

This was directly opposite the present McBride 
house, at Finchville. The old residence was burned 
a tew years since. Here the militia of Goshen and 
vicinity halted on their way to the fatal field of Mini- 
sink. Here the captain directed Mr. Finch not to ac- 
company them, but to be ready to feed them on their 
return. From their hurried meal they commenced 
their march over the mountain, doubtless winding 
their way along the slight depression where the pres- 
•ent road is laid, past the burial-ground, in which the 
dead of earlier years bad already begun to be buried. 
!f rom the summit of the pass they took their last look 
of the eastern slopes they were leaving behind them. 
Alas, how few survived to recross the mountains or to 
receive the hospitality of the Finch homestead! 

THE PEDDLER'S SPRING. 
This is so called from the tradition that a peddler 
\*'as murdered at some former time while drinking 
there. There seem to be no facts, however, known 
either of the supposed murderer or of his victim, and 
very likely it is only an idle story of the past. The 
spring is romantically situated on the summit west of 
Otisville, near the old " half-way tavern," on the 
stage-road from Goshen to Cochecton. 

OLD COIN. 
A quantity of coin was dug up a few years since in 
a field near Otisville, at the entrance of the moun- 
tain pass now traversed by the Erie Railroad. It 
proved to be counterfeit, but of rare and unusual de- 
sign. Many conjectures were made about it, some 
supposing it to have been the work of counterfeiters, 
who at a very early date may have had a retreat in 
this vicinity ; others, that it was used to cheat the 
Indians in the purchase of lands. Dr. Theodore 
Writer has specimens of the coin. 

THE LOCATION OF THE MASTODON 

exhumed some years since was upon the present 
Mitchell farm, a mile from Otisville. It was formerly 
known as the Alison farm. Here one may pause to 
reflect upon that ancient era when these gigantic 
animals roamed along the valleys and over the hills 
of the Shawangunk region. The imagination may 
revel at its "own sweet will," and weave its own 
fancies of that titanic age. 

THE OLD ORCHARDS 
in different parts of the town give some proof of the 
very early settlement. At Finchville, out in the 
field back from the old Finch homestead, is one of 
the oldest in the countv. The time-scarred trunks. 



the gnarled, rough limbs, the broken tops, tell of the 
winds and the storms that for a century have swept 
down the mountain-sides and roared along the val- 
leys. 

XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

The town is largely agricultural. The eastern 
slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains, the alluvial 
lands of the Shawangunk River, and the plains lying 
between form a tract that seemed desirable to settlers 
at an early period, and the cultivation of which has 
proved reasonably remunerative from that time to the 
present. All the crops common to this section of 
country are raised here. As in all the other towns of 
the county, or nearly all, the facilities for freighting 
milk to New York are so convenient that dairying is 
one of the most important industries. Yet the direct 
shipment of milk has had the effect to cause the 
almost complete extinction of that once famous article, 
" Orange County butter." Orange County farmers in 
many instances now sell milk so close that they are 
obliged to buy butter for their own family use, and 
find it economical to do so. 

Judging by the number of mining companies men- 
tioned above, it might be supposed that mining would 
be an important industry of Mount Hope, but mining 
here resembles the modern institution of Jfasonry in 
one feature, — it is " speculative," not " operative." 
That valuable ores exist in the mountain range is un- 
doubtedly true, but whether in paying quantities and 
convenient for digging sufficient to render labor re- 
munerative is yet an unsettled question. 

In the vicinity of Otisville and also at Guymard 
summer boarding ha-s been of some importance for a 
few years past. At the latter place a very large and 
handsome hotel was erected a few years since to ac- 
commodate summer visitors. The tide of travel is, 
however, so variable and uncertain that it is scarcely 
safe to erect a costly building at any one point, because 
very likely the throng next year may pass on to some 
new and wilder locality. 

Near Mount Hope village is the grist-mill known 
as Little's. It was established at an early date, and 
is now owned by J. E. Ketcham. The woolen-factory 
of Otis & Co. lasted for some years, but was after- 
wards burned down. At this same place is now an 
establishment for tanning skins used in the glove 
manufacture. 



XII.-MILITARY. 

In the various Revolutionary annals of Deerpark 
and Wallkill many of the incidents refer to the 
present territory of Mount Hope, tvhich was taken 
from those two towns. Especially was the east side 
of the mountains a place of safety to which families 
often fled to escape the dangers arising from Indian 
attacks in the Mamakating Valley. 

As in other portions of the county, a few men were 
" out" in the war of 1812, and here and there a pen- 



518 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sioner yet remains. The Wallkill Regiment was 
ordered out in full. The One Hundred and Twenty- 
eighth, of Sullivan, was subjected to a draft. This 
included a part of what is now Mount Hope. Among 
those that went may be mentioned Joseph Stanton, 
Amzi Mapes, John Mulock, Zebulon Giffen, Fred- 
erick A. Seybolt, Richard Penny, Capt. William 

Mulock. 

CIVIL WAR, 1861-66. 

No very large number of men volunteered from 
this town. In proportion to the population, how- 
ever, the record is a creditable one. Liberal sums of 
money were voted to secure additional recruits and 
fill the quota, as shown by the following official 
action. 

At a special town-meeting, held Aug. 9, 18G4, to 
consider the question of paying bounties to volun- 
teers, Wm. S. Little and Horton Corwin were pres- 
ent, and presided as justices of the peace, and R. 
Fraser was appointed clerk. 

A committee was appointed to report resolutions, 
viz.: Wm. S. Little, John Mulock, George C. Strick- 
land, Horton Corwin, and H. R. Cadwell. The reso- 
lutions reported were voted upon by the meeting, and 
carried,— 157 to 29. By this action a tax of $35,000 
was authorized for the payment of bounties to the 
amount of $500 to each volunteer for one year, $600 
for two years, and $800 for three years. The town 
clerk and supervisor were authorized to issue the 
necessary bonds to raise the money. 

The above meeting was informal, and to ratify the 
action another special meeting was held August 20th, 
Wm. S. Little, Horton Corwin, and John Penny 
present as justices of the peace, and R. Fraser, town 
clerk. The committee on resolutions were Charles 
Hoyt, John Wiggins, Amos Ketcham, W. W. Shaw, 
and John Mulock. The tax was limited to $37,000, 
instead of $35,000. The bounty was made uniform at 
$800. It was offered also to any man furnishing a sub- 
stitute in anticipation of a draft. 

The resolutions of this meeting were ratified by a 
•vote of 168 in favor, and 62 against. At a special 
town-meeting, held Feb. 2, 1865, to consider the sub- 
ject of bounties, William S. Little acted as chair- 
man, and R. Fraser clerk. A tax of $10,000 was 
authorized for the payment of bounties, at the rate of 
$250 for one year's enlistment, $350 for two years, and 
$500 for three years, with $50 hand money in each 
case. The resolutions were adopted, 113 voting in 
favor, and 34 against them. 

In pursuance of these resolutions recruits were ob- 
tained, and the several quotas required of the town 
were filled. We regret to add, however, that there is 
no record in the office of the town clerk of the oper- 
ations of the town in filling its quotas, or of the men 
who went into the service. From a carefully-pre- 
pared statement by Charles S. Woodward, Esq., one 
of the most useful supervisors the town ever had, we 
gather, however, the following facts: 



The quotas of the town were : 

Calls of July ami August, 1862 49 

Drafts of 1S()3 29 

Call of October, 186:1, and February, 1864 36 

" March 14, 1864 15 

" July 18, 1864 47 

" Dec. 19,1864 6 

Total 182 

Blen furnished prior to July 1, 1862 30 

Under call of July and August, 1862 40 

Under draft of July, 1863, by volunteers 1 

by commutation 24 

by substitutes 4 

— 29 

Under calls of October and February, 1864 36 

" call of March, 18G4 16 

" July " 47 

" " December, 1864 6 

Excess on quota of July 18, 1864 3 

Total 206 

The claim of the town for reimbursement of boun- 
ties paid to fill quota under call of Dec. 19, 1864, and 
for excess of years of service on filling the quota un- 
der call of July 18, 1864, was : 

For 42 years' excess of selrice, S'200 each S8,400 

" 3 substitute volunteers, S600 " 1,800 

" 3 volunteers, S400 each 1,200 

811,400 

and the claim was allowed by the Paymaster-Gen- 
eral. 

To promote enlistments a subscription of $413 was 
raised in 1862, and, in addition to this voluntary con- 
tribution, there was sent to the Sanitary Commission 
the sum of $500 prior to December, 1863. 

Bonds for the payment of bounties were issued in 
1864 as follows : Call of July 18, 1864, $20,450 for vol- 
unteers, $15,025 for substitutes. 

The quota of July 18, 1864, was filled by contract 
(except substitutes put in) at the rate of $700 cash or 
$800 in town bonds per man. $10,000 was paid in 
cash and the balance in bonds. $3975 was paid to 
volunteers and principals furnishing substitutes under 
call of Dec. 19, 1864. 

The following is the roll of men prior to July, 1862 : 

Baker, Charles A., 56th, or 1st Mounted Bitles. 

Brown, James, 56th. 

Baxter, Lewis, 56th. 

Crozier, Abraham, ISth. 

Drake, F. 

Eaton, Henry C, o6th. 

Gardner, William. 

Green, Horace, 1st Mounted Rifles. 

Gillett, Charles, Jr., 18th. 

Gillett, George, 66th. 

Hill, George H., 66th. 

Hill, James M., 60th. 

Martin, Joseph, Sickles' brigade. 

McMaban, Michael, o6th ; dead. 

Newkirk, Charles M. 

Nash, William, 66th. 

Penny, Theodore, 56th, or 1st Mounted Rifles; died in service. 

Smith, Charles, 66th. 

Schofield, David L., 66tb. 

Shine, John, 56th. 

Sbuart, Charles E., marine. 

Uptegrove, Theodore. 

Woodward, Thomas, marine. 

Armstrong, David, Co. C, Ist Mounted Rifles. 

Pine, Samuel, Co. C, Ist Mounted Rifles. 

Rhodes, C. W., Co. C, 56th. 



MOUNT HOPE. 



519 



Sergeant, James G., 87th. 

Conk ling, James. 

Loveland, Martin. 

Horton, Rev. Geo. W., chaplain. 



Credits by Senatorial Cottiniitlee, July and Atfjust, 1862. 

Bannister. Gilbert W., 124th. 

Banker, John R., 4th sergt., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. at 

Washington, Nov. 11, 1S62. 
Brown, Wm. S., 124th. 
Clearwater, Thomas, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 16, 1863; absent, ill, from 

Oct. IT, 1862 ; must, out by Gen. Order 77. 
Corey, John, 124th. 
Conkling, Nathaniel W., 124th. 
Comfort, J. M., capt., .^4th Penn. 
Conkling, Coe, IGSth. 
Dalsen, Theophilus, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; 1st sergt. ; must, out 

with regiment. 
Graham, Walter, 124th. 
Gardner, Lewis P., Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Otisville, Aug. 9, 18C2; credited 

to Wallkill ; must, out with regiment. 
Goldsmith, Obadinh S., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Howell, Henry M., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; wounded in leg May 

12, 1864; in hospital, and must, out by Gen. Order 77. 
Howell, Wm. H., Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; killed in action May 

12, 1864. 
Hursh, John W., Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must, out with regi- 
ment. 
Johnston, Wm., Co. E, 124th. 
Kelly, Judsou, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; severely wounded at 

Chaucellorsville; disch. Sept. 4, 1863. 
Kerr, Solomon, 124th. 
Kerr, Abraham, 124th. 
Kemble, Lewis, 4th Art. 
Lanning, James, 143d. 

Miller, John F., Co. E, 124th ; trans, to Inv. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863. 
Morgan, George, Co. E. 124th ; must, out with regiment. 
McVettie, Charles, 124th. 
Parsons, James M., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died in Chestnut 

Hill Hospital, July 1, 1863, aged 20. 
Price, Wm., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; severely wounded May 3, 

1863; sergt. 
Russell, Wm., 124th. 

Reed, John R., sergt., Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 2, 1862. 
Smith, Jacob C, 124th. 
Staples, John C, Co. E, 124th ; e'nl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; killed in battle at 

Chaucellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Sergeant, Isaac, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Oct. 11, 1862. 
Still, Uzal K,, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1862. 
Stewart, Benjamin F., hospital service. 
Talmadge, Isaac, 4th Art. 
Terwilliger, Jesse, 124th. 
Uptegrove, Wm. P., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; pro. com.-sergt., and 

trans, to non-commissioned staff. 
Vance. Miles. C o. E, 124lh ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; killed in action a t Beverly 

Ford, June 0, 1863. 
Whitaker, J, L., M.D., medical department. 
Wheat, Simeon, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded in hand May 

12,1864; trans, to V. R. C. 
Wood, Matthias W., Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; taken prisonBr July 
3, 1863 ; paroled, and went home and did not return. 

Etilislmenti!, July, 1863, to July, 1864. 
Beyea, Richard F., 4th Art. ; returned home, sick, and died. 
Brown, Samuel, 15th Cavalry ; born in Orange County ; aged forty-four. 
Corwin, Alsop L., 4tli Art.; wounded before Petersburg; died since the 

war; served in war with Mexico. 
Clark, Moses J., Hh Art. 
Coady, John, 124th. 
Davis, Charles, 4th Art. 
Decker, George, loth Cavalry. 
Davis, William, 124th. 

Goldsmith, Peter W., 4th Art.; died in service. 
Kirkwood, Hugh, 4th Art. 
Kipp, James, 4th Art. 
Laughlin, David, 15th Cavalry. 
Moore, Seth, 4th Art. ; retunied home, sick, and died. 



Rodman, Wm. C, 98th. 

Skinner, Samuel L., 15th Cavalry; horn in Sullivan County. 

Schofield, David L., 56th ; re-enlisted, 

Tuthill, Henry C , 4th Art. 

Speers, Wm. H., 4th Art.; credited to Wallkill. 

Persons Funmhintj Substitutes under Call of July, 1864. 

Oscar Halstead $660 Lewis A. Ketcham $800 

C. C. V. Ketcham 800 John Wiggins 800 

Charles Roe 8110 John Whitlock 775 

Harrison King 800 Wm. W. Shaw 800 

Jesse W. Canfield 800 Henry C. Otis 800 

John Newkirk... 800 Glen Otis, Jr 800 

James Easton 800 Chas. W. Otis 800 

George W. Canfleld 800 Samuel Vauton 800 

Samuel Raymond 800 Joseph Ketcham 550 

John Borland 800 James Ketcham 550 

Charles H. Wiggins 800 Wm. E. Davis 550 

The three last named were in excess, and were credited on call of De- 
cember. 

Volunteers and Stdistitutes, December, 1864. 

John Dill, navy, March 1, 1865 $725 

Daniel McKinley, navy, March 8, 1865 726 

Patrick Carrigan, navy, March 8, 1865 725 

Wm. Stanton, furnished substitute 600 

Harrison Reed, " " 600 

John R. Reed, " " 600 

Excess on July call, three. 

The following additional names are the result of 
inquiry. The persons appear to have been credited 
elsewhere or are otherwise without local record: 

Ackerman, Curtis, Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Otisville, Aug. 8, 1862; credited 

to Deerpark ; must, out by Gen. Order 77. 
Blivens, Joseph A., Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Otisville, Aug. 9, 1862; credited 

to Wallkill; must, out by Gen. Order 77. 
Beyea, Ferdinand, 1.5th Art. 
Brown, Samuel, 15th Cavalry. 

Baulf, James, loth Cavalry ; was a prisoner of war at Salisbtiry. 
Burns, John, wounded ; died since the war. 
Booth, John. 
Clearwater, Nicholas, Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Newburgh, Aug. 7, 1862, and 

credited to that town ; absent, sick, from Oct 10, 1863. 
Daley, Wm. J., Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Otisville, Aug. 11, 1862; credited to 

Wallkill ; pro. Corp. ; killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Downey, Sylvester, 15th Cavalry ; formerly served in Co. H, 18th. 
Fosdick, Charles J., Co. E, 124th ; enl. at Otisville, Aug. 9, 1862 ; credited 

to Wallkill ; trans, to V. R. C. 
Force, Jonathan : died in service. 

Hill, George H., 124th ; probably credited to Greenville. 
Hill, James M., 124th ; probably credited to Greenville. 
Hazen, Jerry, 1st Mounted Rifles. 

Holley, S. J., Co. B, 54th; probably credited to Goshen. 
Knitfen, Albert, Co. F, 27th ; enl. May 31, 1861 ; re-cnl. Jan. 4, 1864, in 

4th H. Art., Co. G; wounded at South Mountain. 
Kirkwood, Hugh, 4th H. Art. ; wounded before Petersburg. 
Ketcham, Hiram, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 9,1862; residence, Otisville J 

credited to Wallkill ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; disch. Feb. 9, 1864. 
Newkirk, Charles M., Co. A, 16Sth ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862. 
Norris, J. S., 1st Mounted Rifles. 

Scott, Henry, taken prisoner, and died in Libby Prison. 
Wheat, David B., Co. E, 124th ; credited to Wallkill; disch. Jan. 11,1863. 
Note. — Harvey Corwin, Alsop Corwin, and S. J. Holly served in Mex- 
ican war. Alexander Langdon and Sylvester Corwin have served in the 
regular army since the war. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



GEORGE SMITH. 
The progenitors of the family to which George 
Smith, the subject of this biography, is allied, were of 
Dutch extraction, though tradition has not preserved 
the date of their first settlement in the New World. 
George, his grandfather, early resided in Goshen, but 



520 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



subsequently removed to Wiillkill township, where 
his death occurred. He was married to Mary Tyler, 




and became the father of a family of children, among 
whom was Ira, the father of George, who was born 



September, 1800, in Wallkill township, and remained 
with his parents during the early years of his life. 
After growing to man's estate he made Mount Hope his 
residence, and became one of the enterprising agri- 
culturists of the township. He was married to Miss 
Sallie, daughter of Robert Crawford, of Crawford 
township, and had children, — Robert C, Charles, 
William H., Gabriel S., Mary E., George, Oran, Ira, 
and Sarah F. After a life of unusual activity, the 
death of Mr. Smith occurred at Otisville, Feb. 28, 
1879. His son George was born Feb. 8, 1835, in 
Otisville, where his early life was spent. After gain- 
ing by study at the neighboring public school such 
knowledge as enabled him to embark with success in 
the active duties of life, he began his career as a clerk 
in Otisville. A copartnership was formed in 18.56 
with Benjamin W. Dunning, and subsequently other 
business relations were established. He is now the 
senior member of the firm of Messrs. Reed & Smith, 
of Otisville, and extensively engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. l\Ir. Smith has for years identified himself 
with tlie public interests of the township of Mount 
Hope, and been chosen by his constituents for four- 
teen successive terms as supervisor, besides filling 
other minor positions of trust. He represents in 
politics the principles of the Democracy, of which he 
is an active exponent. 

While his enterprise and capacity have rendered 
his life a successful one, his integrity and manliness 
have won for him the esteem and regard of his asso- 
ciates. 



G O S H E ]sr. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AHEA, TITLE. 
GosiiEN is the central town of the county. It is 
bounded north by Wallkill and Hamptonburgh, east 
by Hamptonburgh, Blooming-Grove, and Chester, 
south by Chester and Warwick, and west by Wawa- 
yauda. The area of the town, as expressed in the 
equalization table of the board of supervisors, is 
22,691 acres. The assessed valuation of the town was 
$2,975,805. The total tax paid upon that basis (1879- 
80) was $23,861.27. The town is wholly upon the 
territory of the Wawayanda Patent. The first settle- 
ment was made just within the limits of the present 
town of Hamptonburgh. Various subdivisions of the 
patent soon took place. The laying out of the " town- 
ship" of Goshen is mentioned in another place. 



II.-NATUEAL FEATUBES. 
The surface of this town is rolling or moderately 
hilly. The hills are bordered by long and gradual 



slopes, and may be cultivated to their summits. In 
the southwest corner, along the Wallkill, is a con- 
siderable tract of drowned lands. In later years 
much of this has been reclaimed by skillful drainage. 
The principal stream is the Wallkill, which forms the 
boundary on the west. Quaker Creek also constitutes 
the boundary line for some distance on the southeast, 
and unites with the Wallkill at the extreme southern 
part of the town. There are two branches of the 
Wallkill, one flowing directly south and then west 
from the vicinity of Mapes' Corners, the other from 
Goshen village, where it is formed of two rivulets, 
one from the north and the other from the south. 
There are also two small streams tributary to Quaker 
Creek. Across the northeast part of the town the 
Otterkill flows through a rich and productive valley, 
having one branch from the east and one from the 
south. Several swamps have local names, as Big 
Swamp, Cedar Swamp, and Pumpkin Swamp, which 



GOSHEN. 



523 



Wm. T. Macknight 5 

John Chandler 5 

Daniel Carpenter 3 10 

Henry Wisner 13 13 

James Bntler 6 8 

Juseph Wood 3 IS 

Moses T. Leadtield (?).... 11 11 

Timothy Wood 4 15 

Roger Townsend 13 2 

Thomas Wickham 3 9 

John Wood (blacksmith). 6 16 
Samuel Denton (hatter).. 10 4 

AmaCase 2 

George Thompson 6 17 

William Thompson, Jr.... 10 U 
John Carpenter (stiller).. 7 11 

Mathew Howell 10 9 

" The ahove is the list of all th 
September, 1775. 



£ «. 



i. 



G 
11 


10 



3 

3 



9 

6 
11 



6 

3 



4 
e men in my district, as witness my hand, 
John Stewahd." 



Benjamin Moore 5 9 

Benjamin Moore, Jr 6 

Koeleff Van Brant 10 

William Trcadwell 13 13 

Wm. Thompson (atty.)... 24 8 

John Everett 7 7 

Benjamin Lndlnm 7 

Eichard Wood 1 8 

John Denton 12 5 

John Thompson 12 13 

Isaac Lndlnm 13 Ifi 

Daniel Everett 17 11 11 

John Steward 8 2 7 

William Thompson, "l 

attorney, in bebalf \... 3 10 
of Widow ElvenduyeJ 



SPECIAL NOTES ON FAMILIES. 
Maj. John Wood wa.s engaged in the battle of Min- 
isink, and was the only prisoner who.se life was 
spared by the enemy. At the time of his capture he 
was a farmer and blacksmith, and owned what is now 
known as the Wallace property, and lived in the 
house now or lately occupied by John Bradner. His 
blacksmith-shop was in front of his residence, west 
on the hill, at the junction of Church Street and Mur- 
ray Avenue. He was a captain in Col. Allison's regi- 
ment of militia, and as such moved to the defense of 
the Minisink settlers with his company. After his 
return from captivity he was commissioned major in 
the militia. During his captivity his first wife mar- 
ried another, and after his return he married Han- 
nah Carpenter, of Goshen, sister of James Carpenter, 
and also of Benjamin Carpenter, of Carpenter's 
Point. Solomon C. Wood, of Bangor, Wis., was the 
only son by the last wife, although he has descend- 
ants by his first wife. Maj. Wood died in 1812, and 
was buried with military honors at Slate Hill Ceme- 
tery. 

Widow Christian Wood, who died in Goshen on 
July 5, 1825, aged fourscore and five years, was at 
Wyoming with her family when the battle took place 
there, and narrowly escaped with her life. She had 
a son and husband killed in the battle. 

Samuel Mofiatt lived a mile northwest of Goshen, 
where his son, John Moffatt, resided at a later period. 
He was a surveyor and a school-teacher, well known 
as " Master Moffatt." 

Phineas Case lived where Michael Burke now re- 
sides. A daughter of Mr. Case, Mrs. John Brown, 
is still living in Newburgh about ninety years of age. 
Thomas Gale probably lived above Phillipsburgh ; 
Coe Gale, in the village of Goshen, just above the 
Episcopal church. 
Carman Carpenter lived in the West Division. 
Silas Horton's homestead was a short distance north 
of Goshen village. 

William Thompson settled in the south |iart of the 
present town of Goshen, about two miles from Florida. 
He was a man of considerable means, and purchased 
600 acres or more. One daughter became the wife of 
Dr. Nathaniel Elmer, and one son was the well-known 
Judge William Thompson. Sons of the latter were 



Morris, William, and Thomas, all of whom lived for 
a time in this county. One daughter became the wife 
of Col. John Cowdrey. 

Nathaniel Conkling emigrated from Long Island, 
and settled at what has since been known as Conk- 
lingtown, in Goshen. This was near the close of the 
Revolutionary war, 1780 to 1781. His sons were Na- 
thaniel, Samuel, Enos, Joshua; one daughter, Eliza- 
beth, died unmarried, and one became the wife of 
Joseph Conkling. Samuel Conkling removed to Mid- 
dletown. Joshua succeeded to the old homestead, 
while Nathaniel and Enos lived on farnis adjoining. 
"V Elijah Reeve lived northeast of Goshen village. 

Jonathan Swazey's homestead was north of Goshen. 
The name is now generally written Swezey, although 
there are those who still write it Swazy — a distinction 
which we may not correctly recognize in all cases. 
Indeed, one of the most difficult problems in local 
names is to secure uniformity in orthography. 

Col. Tusten, Sr., some years before the Revolution, 
had left his son. Dr. Tusten, on the Denne homestead 
(Mrs. Price's), and removed to the head of Main Street, 
Goshen. After the death of the young physician the 
father moved back to the early homestead. This ac- 
counts for the two being assessed separately in 1775. 
Children of Dr. Tusten were James, Thomas, Catha- 
rine, Sarah, Abigail. 

Capt. Michael Jones resided on the Drowned Lands, 
three miles from Goshen village. Andrew, Anthony, 
Michael, and Samuel Jones, of a later generation, 
were his grandsons. 

Gabriel Wisner was the son of Hon. Henry Wisner, 
of Goshen.* The children of the latter were Gabriel, 
Henry, Jr., Mrs. John Denton, Mrs. Phineas Holmes, 
and Mrs. Moses Phillips. Henry Wisner was a mem- 
ber of the first Continental Congress, and is said to 
have remarked, when the decision to resist England's 
oppression was made, " The next thing we want is 
gunpowder ;" and arrangements were soon after made 
to manufacture it at Phillipsburgh. 

Capt. Bezaliel Tyler f was the first man killed in 
the battle of Minisink. He had four children, — John, 
Phebe, Elan, Oliver. It is sometimes said that he was 
really the only officer on that fatal day who had had 
any previous experience in fighting Indians. He was 
making a reconnoissance of the Indians' position when 
he was killed. 

Capt. John Duncan resided in Goshen village. He 
' was a tanner by trade, and lived in the old stone 
house which formerly occupied the site of William 
M. Sayer's residence. 

Gamaliel Bailey was in the battle of Minisink, 
from Goshen, and was killed. 

Capt. Benjamin Vail and Gilbert T. Vail were in 
the battle of Minisink. William Vail was taken sick 
on the way and returned. Capt. Benjamin had two 
brothers, William and John. 

* Grandson of Johannes Wisner, whose deed is the oldest in Goshen. 
f Not a resident of Goshen. 



524 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Roger Towusend's old homestead was opposite the 
present brickyard. As one of the incidents attending 
the destruction of old graveyards (incidents that 
ought forever to prevent such desecration) it may be 
added that in excavating in the church park the 
tombstone of a little five-year-old daughter of Mr. 
Townsend wiis dug up bearing the date of her death 
in 1765. Gen. Joseph W. Wilkin married a daughter 
of Roger Townsend. 

Lieut. John Wood lived at Summerville, in the 
town of Goshen. It seems there were four of the 
name, who must be distinguished from each other, 
viz. : Capt. vToIm Wood, Lieut. John Wood, Maj. 
John Wood, John Wood, Jr., the last named of whom 
was a son of the major. 

Adjt. Nathaniel Finch was a descendant of one of 
the earliest settlers of Goshen, and the early burials 
of the family were on Prospect Hill, in Goshen vil- 
lage. 

Maj. Thomsis Waters lived just beyond the mile- 
stone on the Florida road. He had four children, 
Thomas, Henry, Mrs. Thomas Thorn, and Mrs. Robert 
Seeley. He W!»s one of the early sheriffs of the 
county. 

Rev. Nathaniel Kerr was pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church of Goshen for thirty years, including the 
Revolutionary period. He was a grandson of Walter 
Kerr, who was born in Scotland in 1653, and of whom 
it may be briefly said that he was a strict Presby- 
terian, and was arrested as a Non-conformist, stripped 
of his property, and sentenced to perpetual banish- 
ment ; that he came to America and settled at Free- 
hold, N. J., where he became one of the founders 
and a ruling elder of the famous Tennent Church, of 
which the brothers William and Gilbert Tennent were 
successive pastors. His grandson had many of the 
traits of his ancestor; was a strict Presbyterian, 
and hated the name of king. We have referred to 
him briefly elsewhere. (See General History — 
■'Churches.") His children were Oliver L., Catha- 
rine (Mrs. Simon Hasock), Hannah (Mrs. Theodorus 
Van Wyckl, Margaret C. Mary, and Elizabetli. At 
the time of his death he was one of the regents of the 
University of the State of New York. He died in 
1804. 

John Steward was a prominent citizen, a near 
neighbor of Hon. Henry Wisner. He was born in 
Goshen in 1747. He had five sons. 

Richard Halstead was an early settler of Goshen. 
He lived on the Florida road, near the present Snyder 
place, over the " Rio Grande," and it is claimed by 
his descendants that he was the first merchant in 
Goshen. He afterwards bought 600 acres of land in 
what is now Wawayanda, adjoining the Fullerton 
farm. The tradition in this family is that his son 
Michael wjis born there. If so (as Michael died in 
1820, at the age of seventy-two), it determines the set- 
tlement of Richard in Wawayanda to have been as 
earlv as 1747 or 1748, not more than ten or twelve 



years later than the Dolsens. Michael Halstead left 
several children, — Michael, Jr., Jesse, Aaron, Mrs. 
William Hemingway, Mrs. Silas Hemingway, and 
Mrs. Alma Bailey. Michael, Jr., had one daughter, 
Mrs. Charles T. Jackson, from whom most of these 
particulars are obtained. It is understood that the 
pioneer Richard Halstead had a brother Joseph, who 
came to Orange County about the same time. He 
had no children, but an adopted son, bearing the 
family name, became the owner of the well-known 
Cash farm in Wawayanda. 

There are four Jacksons mentioned in the assess- 
ment-roll of 177o,— William, twice (probably father 
and son), Henry, and Richard. The late Charles T. 
Jackson, postmaster of Goshen, a citizen, and warden 
of the Episcopal Church for more than thirty years, 
was a son of John C. Jackson. That there were two 
or more branches of this early family and but slightly 
related is evident from the fact that the wife of John 
C. Jackson was Fanny Jackson, a daughter of Wil- 
liam Jackson ; and through this line tlie family chain 
is linked to the names upon the assessment-roll. Wil- 
liam Jackson, the father of Mrs. John C. was a cap- 
tain in the Revolutionary war, and subsisted a com- 
pany of soldiers for some time at his residence in the 
West Division, and at his own expense. He was from 
Ireland, educated in Dublin, and a certificate of his 
qualifications was extant among the family papers a 
few years since. Judging by the assessment-roll, his 
son William was a yonng man of age at the time of 
the Revolution. It is of this stalwart young patriot 
that an exploit is told among Revolutionary tradi- 
tions. Goshen had some Loyalists, and the discussions 
between Whig and Tory were violent, and sometimes 
came to blows. Young Jackson caught a Tory one 
night trying to cut down a liberty -pole. Seizing him 
on the instant, he compelled the Tory prisoner to throw 
his arms around the pole and hug this patriotic sym- 
bol while he administered a good sound flogging, thus 
teaching the Tories that liberty-poles had rights on 
this continent which must be respected. 

Returning to the names on the assessment-roll, 
Richard Jackson had one daughter, who became the 
wife of Thomas Wilkin. Mrs. Hottman, of Goshen, 
is a daughter of the latter. 

The pioneer members of the Vail family in Orange 
County were three, — Josiah, Samuel, and Benjamin. 
They all settled near each other, south of the present 
residence of Thomas Crist. There was the old Vail 
mansion, a shingle house, which stood down to about 
twentv-five vears ago. The three then made a clear- 
ing in what is now Wallkill, beyond the Phillipsburgh 
bridge, half a mile or so down-stream. The clearing 
was made under perpetual danger of the Indians, one 
man to work and two to watch with old smooth-bore 
rifles, — sure death every time to an Indian in range. 
Jtwiah moved there and settled, having married a 
member of the Corwin family. Benjamin settled on 
what is now known as the John Tuthill place, in Gro- 



GOSHEN. 



525 



shen, east of the Otterkill. Samuel remained on the 
place first bought in Goshen. Josiah Vail married 
Patience Corwin. Their children were Isaiah, who 
occupied his father's homestead; Daniel, who settled 
in Western New York ; John, who remained in Orange 
County ; Phebe, who became the wife of her cousin, 
William Vail ; and Irene, who died unmarried. Sam- 
uel Vail married Hannah Petty. Their children were 
Gilbert T., killed at the battle of Minisink ; Michael, 
who settled in Vermont; Phebe, who married David 
Horton ; Experience, who married Silas Horton ; and 
Hannah, who married Wm. Carpenter. Benjamin 
Vail married Miss Alsop. Their children were Wil- 
liam, of Chester ; John, who settled on the homestead ; 
Benjamin, killed at Minisink ; Mary, who married 
John Payne ; and Lydia, who died unmarried. 

William Barker lived two miles from Goshen vil- 
lage, on the Lagrange road. 

John Payne was probably father of the John Payne 
who died recently at the age of ninety. 

Capt. Silas Pierson, Mr. Victor M. Drake states, 
lived near the old stone house in Haniptonburgh. 
His wife wa.s a DeWitt, and a relative of Mrs. James 
Clinton. Capt. Pierson had two children, — Jubal, 
who removed to Ithaca, and Rhoda, who became the 
wife of Rufus J. Drake, and mother of Victor M. 
Drake, the well-known publisher of Goshen village, 
and for thirty years a resident of Newtown, N. J. 
The father of Rufus J. Drake was Francis Drake, of 
Blooming-Grove, an early citizen and a deacon in the 
Blooming-Grove Church. 

Caleb Smith probably lived where Mrs. Phillips 
now resides in the village of Goshen. But there are 
so many Smiths named in the early papers that it is 
difficult to locate them. 

Solomon Carpenter lived over the hills west of 
Goshen. Samuel Dunning resided at Goshen village. 
Elisha Goldsmith was two miles or so south of (ioshen 
village, where his descendants now reside. Abraham 
Springsted lived in the same neighborhood. David 
Moore's homestead was immediately adjacent. Isaiah 
Vail lived near David Moore before the Revolution, 
but must have removed to Phillipsburgh soon after 
the war. Eliud Tryon must also have removed from 
Goshen to Wallkill at an early day. Daniel Reeve 
resided where Charles Reeve now lives, near the old 
Tusten place. Peter Clowes and wife are said to have 
been buried in the garden at this homestead. Heze- 
kiah Watkins' homestead was the place now owned 
by William Watkins. Zaccheus Case lived in what 
was known as " Casetown." There were three early 
homesteads on that road, — Phineas Case, Zaccheus 
Case, and David Case. 

Benjamin Coleman's homestead was a short dis- 
tance beyond the Carpenter place, on the Mont- 
gomery road. The present recollections of old citi- 
zens locate Aaron Cortright in what is now Wall- 
kill, but he may have moved over the line soon 
after the Revolution. William Mapes lived on the 



Montgomery road, two and a half miles from the 
court-house. Phineas Salmon and his son, Gideon 
Salmon, lived in " Casetown." 

Joseph Conkling was probably the early hatter. 
John Barker lived out on the Montgomery road, per- 
haps three miles. 

A very early pioneer was Henry Smith, who prob- 
ably came to Goshen about 1743-. He had at least 
one son, Caleb, whose name appears in the old rec- 
ords. The children of Caleb were Henry C, Stephen, 
John, Caleb, and Mrs. James Tusten. Stephen, Jr., a 
son of the Stephen named above, is still living at the 
age of eighty-one. He states that Caleb Smith's 
homestead was near where S. L. Everett now lives. 

Ma.j. Henry Brewster was a lieutenant in Col. Al- 
lison's regiment of militia, and was taken prisoner at 
Fort Montgomery, Oct. 7, 1777 ; exchanged Dec. 17, 
1780. He was wounded at the battle in which he was 
taken prisoner, and confined for a time in the old 
prison-ship at New York. Capt. James Brewster, a 
brother of Henry, was also in the army of the Revolu- 
tion, — captain-lieutenant New York Artillery. Both 
left an honorable record. The latter was a member 
of The Society of the Cincinnati. 

Colville Bradner lived about half-way from Goshen 
to Florida. He and Colville Ludlum married two 
sisters Denton. 

William Denton lived where the railroad crosses 
South Street. Moses Gale lived above the Episcopal 
church. John Ludlum on the old road to Florida. 
Timothy Wood, Jr., or his father, lived on Greenwich 
Street, where William H. Snyder now lives. Wood 
owned a small farm. Joshua Wells lived near the 
railroad, where Alfred Wells now owns, west of the 
village. Stephen Crane lived towards the Drowned 
Lands, probably where the Cranes now reside. Samuel 
and Charles Webb lived near what is known as the 
Webb Cemetery. 

William Knapp, brother of the two Knapps killed 
at Minisink, beyond the Webb Cemetery, the present 
Knapp neighborhood. James Sawyer also, still 
farther west. Samuel Jones near Sawyer's. Daniel 
Carpenter lived near the Orange County farm, where 
a descendant of Daniel resides. Dr. Thomas Wick- 
ham lived in Goshen village. 

Nathaniel Tuthill, overseer, father of O. B. Tuthill, 
lived in the stone house now owned by O. B. Tuthill, 
now a tenant-house in Haniptonburgh. Moses Polly 
lived in what is now Hamptonburgh, — house gone, — 
on land recently sold to Thomas B. Jackson. Wil- 
liam Mapes lived in Hamptonburgh, where James 
Lewis now owns. William Moore on the same Lewis 
farm. Samuel Horton was a son of Silas Horton. 
Joshua Tuthill lived where Horace Tuthill now lives, 
in Hamptonburgh. John Conner lived in a tenant- 
hou.se on the Joshua Tuthill farm. Widow Springsted 
lived in the town of Goshen, in a shingle house now 
owned by O. B. Tuthill, which goes back of the 
Revolution. A store was kept there in the war by 



526 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Christopher Hunter. The husband of the Widow 
Springsted was Christopher H. Springsted. 

Mary Arnold (widow), of the Dr. Arnell family,* 
lived in Hamptonburgh, where Thomas Crist now 
lives ; the early Arnold house was removed only within 
a few years. 

William Borland lived in Goshen. He was a son- 
in-law of Capt. David Swezey, and both lived near the 
Widow Arnell house, but in Goshen. Timothy Tryon 
lived a little nearer Goshen, where Mr. Howell now 
owns. Thomas Payne lived about ten rods nearer 
Goshen, where Ezra F. Tuthill recently lived. Wil- 
liain Wells lived in Goshen, where David E. Case 
now owns, — occupied by a tenant. " Flanigan, the 
tailor," lived in a tenant-house belonging to Mr. 
Wells. Alexander Corey was a son-in-law of Wil- 
liam Wells. Sila-s Horton lived where Samuel Eum- 
sey now resides. Mathias Horton was a son of Silas. 
Barnabas Horton lived about a mile and a half from 
Silas Horton, west. Jonathan Swezey lived a little 
nearer Goshen village. David Steward where Widow 
Coholau now lives. Joseph Wood, commissioner of 
highways, lived a mile and a half west of Goshen vil- 
lage, where Mr. Everett now resides. Phineas Case 
where M. Burke now owns. There is also mentioned 
" Brown, the weaver." 

Of William Allison, whose assessment was the 
largest on the list, very little is now known. That he 
was a man of standing and influence, however, is suf- 
ficiently attested by the fact that he was the com- 
manding officer of the Goshen regiment of militia, 
and in that capacity was in action at the Highland 
fort in October, 1777, where he was taken prisoner 
by the enemy. He was a representative from the 
county in the Provincial Convention from 1775 to 
1777 ; State senator from 1783 to 1786, and member 
of Assembly in 1795. Further information has been 
sought in vain. The prayer of Dickens, " Lord, 
keep my memory green," is very suggestive in con- 
nection with men of his class. 

The early physicians of the town appear in the ac- 
counts of early settlement already given, — Dr. Tusten, 
Dr. Thomas Wickham, Dr. Swezey, and Dr. Arnell. 
Somewhat later Dr. Thomas Evans, Dr. Ostrom, Dr. 
Egbert Jansen, Dr. Wm. Horton, Dr. Smith, and Dr. 
Elliot, and there were doubtless others, for which see 
chapter on medical profession. 

OLD TAVERNS OF GOSHEN-t 
In the year 1729, March 31st, William Mapes, a 
descendant of Thomas Mapes, one of the first Eng- 
lish settlers of the State of New York, came to Goshen. 
He bought of Madame Elizabeth Denne, the widow 
of Christopher Denne, for the " sum of six hundred 
and twenty-five pounds lawful money of the colony 
of New York, all the remaining part of a certain tract 

* Family are said to have had the name changed t6 Arnell after the 
treason of Benedict Arnold, 
t By Nathaniel Vail. 



of land on the west side of the Otterkill, computed 
to contain eleven hundred acres of land," upon which 
he erected, within a short distance of the "old county 
line," at what was subsequently called " Emtintown," 
a building which he kept as a tavern previous to the 
French and Indian war. His next-door neighbor 
was David Moore, "the weaver," whose large house, 
coming into the hands of William Mapes at the be- 
ginning of the Revolution, was soon occupied by 
Mapes, where he continued business for many years. 
This house in the days of the Revolution was the 
scene of many remarkable gatherings. In this im- 
mediate neighborhood were a few friendly Indians, 
who remained about Goshen for years. These, with 
the negro slaves, now about as numerous, and the 
newly-arriving white settlers, made this country tavern 
a great resort. William Mapes was an active, middle- 
sized man, with prominent features, well fitted for 
his business, which he followed nearly his entire life. 
He died in his eighty-fourth year. His wife was 
Eunice Loring, who survived him, and attained the 
age of nearly one hundred years. The old Moore 
house was demolished by James Lewis, Jr., in the 
year 1870, about one hundred and twenty-five years 
after its erection. 

James Denton kept what is now known as the " old 
Josey Sayre house," situated at " Carpenter Mill," as 
a tavern as early as 179(5. He was a stocky-built 
man of vigorous constitution. Here in the year 1801, 
March 4th, was celebrated the inauguration of the 
first Democratic President, Thomas Jefferson. The 
celebration had obtained a genuine success, when, 
late in the day, the crowd in the bar-room becoming 
large and active, the flooring gave way, precipitating 
the entire party into the cellar, producing an uncalled- 
for amount of confusion. One account, published a 
few years since, says this breakdown produced a free 
fight. 

Following Main Street, the next place of note as a 
public-house was near the present residence of Henry 
Bacon, once the family mansion of the Burrills.+ 
Here it is said the first tavern in Goshen village 
was kept by Birdseye Yarrington. It was not, how- 
ever, as important as that of Anthony Dobbin, in the 
house now occupied by John J. Heard. Here, while 
courts were held under the old custom, the judges 
were wont to march from the court-room to their din- 
ner and back wearing their official robes. In the 
stables of this hotel, which stood near the present resi- 
dence of J. D. Staats, Esq., in the year 1801 was kept 
the celebrated horse " Imported Messenger," the pro- 
genitor of more trotting-horses than any other in 
the country'. 

Southeast of this, on the same side of the street, 

X Charles Burrill was a Federalist ; was appointed postmaster of the 
city of Baltimore by the senior Adams; was continned in office, not- 
withstanding his political principles, by Thomas Jefferson eight yeare; 
then removed to Goshen and fitted up this residence, where he lived 
until his death, May 2, 1830. 



GOSHEN. 



527 



where the present residence of Horton Smith now 
stands, was a tavern, erected soon after ISOO by the 
father of Colville Braduer, which was kept by him, 
by Daniel Gale, Peter Gale, George Moore, and others, 
with little or no success. It afterwards passed into 
the hands of Capt. Lebbeus L. Vail, who kept the 
house for ten years with great popularity, until he 
was elected to the office of county clerk. It had a 
splendid sign, painted by Phillips the artist, with an 
eagle on each side. It was known as " Vail's tavern," 
until a new proprietor, O. Ensign, looking at the 
swinging sign-board, exclaimed, " Why, this is the 
Eagle Hotel. Eagle it has been, Eagle let it be." It 
wa-s destroyed by fire April 17, 1841, with the Mansion 
House, immediately adjacent. 

The Mansion House was re-erected soon after 1800, 
and enlarged iu 1830 by Hector Craig.* 

The Mansion House, kept for many years by Evans, 
Lewis, Barker, Drake, Blain, Dolsen, Hathaway, and 
others, was the headquarters of the Whig and Anti- 
Kegency parties in this county. The spacious salons 
were freijueiited for many years by Ludia Grant and 
Sanford Robinson, the celebrated teachers of dancing 
in Orange County. This was a first-class house in the 
modern sense. 

The well-known Orange Hotel has been occupied 
for hotel purposes more than a hundred years. 

On South Main Street was the Kitchel tavern, the 
present residence of Mrs. Weymer, adjacent to the 
race-course. It was kept by Josiah Kitchel and his 
family until his death. May 5, 1826. He was a Jer- 
seyman from Monmouth Co., and a model landlord. 
A few rods] further south was the well-known Wash- 
ington Hotel, in which Professor Wilson now holds 
his institute. John Bailey was the proprietor trom 
1833 to 1842, when this hotel was the headquarters of 
the civil engineers then surveying the New York and 
Erie Railroad. John Daily succeeded John Bailey. 
He was a brother-in-law of Col. Theron Feltor, of 
Newburgh. Daily erected the piazza and balconies, 
giving the building its present form. 

Sidway's tavern, kept by William Sidway, a drum- 
mer of the Revolution, was the present building in 
part of Mrs. D. Denton Young. Here, for the war of 
1812, the several drafts for this district were made. 
The landlord was an eccentric character, and many 
interesting anecdotes might be told of him. At the 
time of his death he was living in the old Minchin 
residence, opposite the present place of Charles J. 
Everitt. 

The " Yellow Tavern" was a large frame building a 
few rods farther south, on the site of the jiresent dwell- 
ing of Capt. Ellis Post. It was kept by Robert Seeley 
and others, and was very much of an " upper ten" 
affair. In 1825, at this hotel, was celebrated the in- 



auguration of John Quincy Adams, headed by Gen. 
George D. Wickham, and many distinguished poli- 
ticians from other places, including New York, were 
present. It closed with a grand ball. The hotel was 
subsequently kept by Robert L. Hathaway in 1841 
and 1842, after which he kept Hathaway's Hotel, in 
Greenwich Street, New Y'ork, until the death of his 
wife, a woman of many estimable qualities. 

Coming down to modern times, the Occidental 
Hotel, on West Main Street, was built by Gen. George 
D. Wickham in 1841, and was opened in September 
of that year, at the celebration of the opening of the 
Erie Railroad from New York to Goshen. It was first 
known as the Pavilion Hotel, taking that name from 
a sulphur well in the rear of the building. Capt. 
Barney first kept it, a well-known Hudson River 
man. Afterwards Gilbert Gale, whose large family 
of sons have for thirty years past kept with great suc- 
cess fashionable hotels at Lake George, Saratoga, Ni- 
agara, and Lebanon Springs, also in New York and 
in Philadelphia. John S. Edsall, the owner of the 
famous horse " Edsall's Hainbletonian," afterwards 
known as "Alexander's Abdallah," also kept this 
hotel. It took the name Occidental when Col. Abbott 
took possession in 1872. 

Soon after the completion of the Erie Railroad to 
Goshen, William Lovelace, an old river boatman, came 
to Goshen, and made the acquaintance of Andrew 
Tucker, a colored man, who had for some years lived 
on the present site of the Van Nort House. This was 
soon changed into a fish-market and green groceries, 
which they kept with success until 1844, when Joseph 
S. Van Nort came in possession of the property and 
continued the business. He finally procured license, 
and kept a restaurant and oyster saloon until 1869, 
when he erected the present brick building. It had 
been intended to extend it to the corner of John 
Street, but finally he finished it in its present form. 
In the failure of the experiment the project died. 

It was afterwards kept by many different proprie- 
tors until Mr. George N. Remer, the present propri- 
etor, took possession and made it a complete success. 



* James Craig and his son, Hector Craig, were Scotchmen. The son 
was elected to Congress about 18'2K, when he became intimate witli Gen. 
Jackson, who appointed him collector of the port of Now York. Hector 
Craig, a grandson, resides in N'ewburgh. 



IV.— OKGANIZATION. 

The precinct formed by the name of Goshen was 
the first iu Orange County north of what is now Rock- 
land. It is a tradition, though of little authority, 
that the name was selected for its scriptural associa- 
tions. As ancient Goshen included the best land in 
Egypt, so the modern Goshen was supposed to include 
the best land of the Wawayanda Patent. This ex- 
planation might be admitted were it not for the fact 
that the name was then applied to an immense terri- 
tory stretching from the Hudson to the Delaware, and 
not to a small fertile tract. 

The boundaries of the early Goshen Precinct, formed, 
it is supposed, about 1720, were evidently the follow- 
ing: On the north by the "old county line," extending 
from Plum Point, on the Hudson, to the Delaware 



528 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



River-in the vicinity of the present hamlet of Spar- 
rowbush ; on the east by the Hudson River ; on the 
southwest by the boundary line between New York 
and New Jersey. As this line was in dispute for a 
period of fifty years or more, it might be inferred that 
the southwest line of Goshen was a movable and un- 
certain boundar}'. Perhaps this was so to some ex- 
tent. Yet there is some evidence that the present 
boundary between the two States was from the first 
the New York view of the southwest line of the 
Goshen Precinct; for as early as 1738 New York 
had organized the "Precinct of Minisink," lying 
wholly below Carj^enter's Point, in what is now the 
State of New Jersey. The name Minisink Precinct 
has no place in New York documents after the settle- 
ment of the State line. It is certain that the next year 
after the final settlement of the dis|)utcd line (that is, 
in 1775) Goshen extended up to S])arrowbush, taking 
in the triangular portion of the present town of Deer- 
park, south of the old county line. This is proved 
by the assessment-roll of that year. 

In 1764 the precinct of Goshen was divided by a 
line which was nearly that of the present west line 
of Monroe. The west part retained the name of 
Goshen, and the east part was named New Cornwall. 
After that year the territory of Goshen was still an 
immense tract, covering the present towns of War- 
wick, Goshen, part of Chester, Wawayanda, Mini- 
sink, Greenville, and the south part of Deerpark. 
This continued until 1788, when Goshen was reduced 
largely by the formation of the towns of Warwick 
and Minisink. 

The precinct records which would have furnished 
names abundantly for the period 1720 to 1775 are de- 
stroyed. Little or nothing can therefore be given of 
the civil history of Goshen from 1720 to 1798, more 
than three-quarters of a century. Even a list of 
supervisors can only l)e obtained back to the latter 
date by consulting the county records. Dismissing, 
then, these lost records, we give the following list of 
supervisors and town clerks from 1798 to 1880, and 
the justices of the peace chosen by the people: 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1798-99 John Vail. David M. Westcott. 

1800-1 Peter Townsend. " " 

1802-7 David M. Westcott. Kobert Wood. 

1808 Sti'plien Jackson. " " 

18U9-10 Joshua Brown. " " 

1811 Keuben Hopkins. David M. Westcott. 

1812-13 " " Asa Dunning. 

1814-16 David M. Westcott. 

1817 " " Henry Seward. 

1818 " " John Wilson. 

1819-21 " " Timothy B. Crowell. 

1822 " " Nathan Stark 

1823 Thomas Thorne. Albert S. Benton. 

1824 John B. Booth. 

1825 " '■ Daniel H.Tuthill. 

1826-29 David M. Westcott. John Bailey. 

1830 " " George M. Grier. 

1831 Egbert Jansen. " *' 

1832 " " John J. Smith. 

1833 " " Lebbeus L. Vail. 

1834 Francis Tuthill, 

1835 " " Daniel Warden. 

1836 Henry Merriam. Albert S. Benton. 

1837-38 John Vauduzer. Daniel Warden. 

1839 Charles B. Durland. 

1840 Gabriel Seeley. John Everett. 

1841 " " Daniel Warden. 

1842 Daniel Warden. Robert E. Potter. 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1843 James J. Hallock. Robert E. Potter. 

1844 Uobert L. Hathaway. " 

1845-47 Calvin Gardner. W. W. Bodle. 

1848 Chas. D, Edsall. V. S. Seward. 

1849 Richard 51. Vail. Jacob T. Randall. 

1850 " " It. Vail. 

1851-52 " " James C. Johnson. 

1853-59 Calvin Gardner. 

1860-61 " " Samuel B. Kitchell. 

1862-64 John C. Wallace. H. V. D. Hoyt. 

186.5-66 " " Samuel B. Kitchell. 

1867 " " H. V. D. Hoyt. 

1868-69 George W.Millspaugh. " " 

1870 John C. Wallace. " " 

1871-72 " " Asa S. Strong. 

1873 " " A.J.Moore. 

1874-76 lesse S. Mapes. " 

1876 R. B. Hock. 

1877-80 A. J. Moore. Wm. T. Newkirk. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL TOWN- 
MEETINGS. 

1830, Stephen Jackson ;* 1831 , Nathan Westcott :• 1832, Horace W. Elliott ; 
1833, Hannibal M. Hopkins; 18.34, Wm. Smith; 1835, J. J. Hallock ; 
1836, Horace W. Elliott; 1837, Hannibal M. Hopkins; 1838, William 
Smith; 1839, Frederick A. Hoyt; 18411, Horace W. Elliott, Oliver B. 
Tuthill, 1841, Thomas G. Feagles; 1842, John Van Duzer; 1842, A. 
S. Benton ; 1844, Horace W. Elliott; 1845, Frederick A. Hoyt; 1846, 
John Van Dozer ; 1847, James H. Jansen, Hannibal M. Hopkins, 
Andrew J. Wilkin ; 1848, Andrew J. Wilkin ; 1849, Frederick A. 
Hoyt ; 1850, John E. Howell ;t 1851, James H. Jansen ; 1852, Horace 
W. Elliott, Hannibal M. Hopkins; 1853, Frederick A. Hoyt; 1854, 
John E. Howell ; 1856, John E. McConnell ; 1856, Horace W. Elliott ; 
1857, Frederick A. Hoyt; 1858, ,7ohn E. Howell; 1859, George W. 
Millspaugh; 1860, Horace W. Elliott; 1861, Frederick A. Hoyt; 
18G2, Bradford R. Champion; 1863, George W. Millsp.iugh; 1864, 
Roswell C. Coleman, Charles G. Elliott; 1866, Frederick A. Hoyt; 
1866, Bradford R. Cham)iion ; 1867, George W. Millspaugh; 1868, 
Roswell C.Coleman; 1869, Frederick A. Hoyt; 1870, Bradford R. 
Champion; 1871, Charies O. Elliott; 1872, Charles W. Coleman ;t 
1873, Frederick A. Hoyt; 1874, Henry C. Duryea; 1S75, Charies G. 
Elliott; 1870, Wm. H. Wyker; 1877, Charles W. Coleman (same to 
fill a vacancy); 1«78, George W. Millspaugh ; 1879, Chas. G. Elliott; 
1880, Wm. H. Wvker. 



v.— VILLAGES. 

GOSHEN VILLAGE 
is situated in the northern part of the town, and nearly 
central from east to west. Its history is very largely 
the history of the town, as well as of the ancient pre- 
cinct of the same name, extending back one hundred 
and sixty-six years. Goalien was the place of public 
business ; courts held their sessions here ; military 
movements were arranged here; prominent men of 
early times resided here ; the prisoners of ante-Revo- 
lutionary years were incarcerated here, and the con- 
demned were executed here. It is not possible to 
study Orange County without finding material re- 
lating to Goshen in almost every direction, and ex- 
tending through the records of more than a century 
and a half Much of this material will be found in 
the General History of the county included in this 
volume. The General History of the county must be 
referred to also for a large amount of valuable and in- 
teresting material bearing upon the history of Goshen. 
It may be remarked that the proprietors laid out the 
village by running a broad street or avenue nearly 
north and south through the plat, some half a mile 

* Town books burned, but the above appear in the county audits, and 
there must have been others, 
t Elected before he was of age. 



GOSHEN. 



529 



in length, and then by laying ofi" four lots of 80 acres 
each on the east and west sides of it. The church 
and academy lots were at the south end of the street. 

In addition to laying out the site of a village, the 
patentees, at or about the same time, laid out on the 
patent an oblong square, lying northwest and south- 
east, of several miles in extent, and known on the 
old maps us " Goshen Township." The village of 
Goshen is in the northwest part of this oblong square. 

The " old township" was laid out in accordance 
with the early custom of conferring certain civil 
rights upon the inhabitants of a small, clearly-defined 
tract, and then attaching to that outlying settle- 
ments, as " precincts of" the township thus created. 
This original idea had but little application. Very 
soon the term precinct came to mean a civil division, 
in nearly the same sense as " town" is now used. In 
fact, precinct powers were gradually enlarged until, 
after the Revolution, it was only necessary to substi- 
tute the word town for precinct, and the modern sys- 
tem was legally established. The proprietors of the 
township laid out the ministerial lots they were re- 
quired to in the northwest part of this oblong square, 
and naturally a village was established around in 
that section. The act incorporating the village was 
passed April 18, 1843. The bounds were described in 
the act as follows : " Beginning at the one-mile stone 
on the road leading from Goshen to Montgomery, and 
running thence in a southerly direction to the east 
corner of the dwelling-house formerly owned by 
Phineas Case ; thence in a direct line southwesterly 
to the most southerly corner of the house-lot of Wil- 
liam B. Tuthill ; thence northerly to and including 
the dwelling-house of Dr. James S. Horton ; thence 
northerly to and including the dwelling-house of 
Lebbeus S. Vail, and the whole of the house-lot of 
John B. Booth and Asa D. Jansen ; thence in a direct 
line to the place of beginning." 

The annual meeting was fixed for the first Tuesday 
of May in each year. The first election was held 
May 13, 1843, called by F. A. Hoyt, one of the 
justices of the peace in the town, pursuant to the pro- 
visions of the act. The following officers were duly 
elected : James S. Horton, Charles W. Eeevs,* Charles 
Monell, John C. Wallace, Asa D. Jansen, trustees; 
John J. Hurd, Charles T. Jackson, Victor M. Drake, 
assessors; John S. Crane, treasurer; Samuel B. Kit- 
chell, collector. 

This election wa.s held and certified to by F. A. 
Hoyt, Esq., and by James C. Johnson and Lester L. 
Robinson, secretaries. 

The first meeting of the board was held on Monday 
evening. May 15, 1843. Charles Monell was chosen 
president, James S. Horton, vice-president, and 
Jeromus Johnson, clerk. Stated meetings were or- 
dered for the third Monday of each month, except 



• The orthography generally is Reeve, but there are those who write 
the name Reevs. As in similar cases, we may not be able to coirectly 
recognize the distinction. 



when some court of record for Orange County should 
meet upon that day, and in that case the meeting was 
to be held on the second Mondav. 

Messrs. Jansen and Reevs were appointed a com- 
mittee to procure a seal for the corporation. It was 
voted to call a meeting of the inhabitants to vote on 
money to be raised, such meeting to be held on the 
26th. 

At a meeting of the board held on the 26th, the village 
was divided into three districts, — Northern, Western, 
and Southern. 

The meeting of the inhabitants on the same day 
authorized the raising of a tax of $350 ; $300 to be 
applied to the construction of drains, sewers, and 
sidewalks, and .$50 to the purchase of hooks and lad- 
ders. At a subsequent meeting of the board, May 
31st, Messrs. Horton, Jansen, and Monell were ap- 
pointed a committee on by-laws ; Messrs. Wallace and 
Reevs to provide hooks and ladders ; Messrs. Monell 
and Wallace to see and consult with the commission- 
ers of highways. 

June 19th, the committee upon by-laws reported 
twenty-one sections, which were duly adopted, ordered 
to be printed in the village papers, and to go into 
operation on the first day of July, 1843. 

June 29th, the trustees appointed Schuyler P. 
Owen pound-master, and made the yard attached to 
his barn the public pound. They also adopted as 
their temporary seal the impression of the eagle upon 
the American quarter of a dollar. 

Aug. 29, 1843, seems to have occurred the first 
auditing of bills, and it included the following : 

Henry Gale's, for timber and lumber, repairing 
bridges on Main Street, $7.75 ; John C. Wallace, for 
making sidewalks and sewers, $58.88; Patrick Dunn's 
bill for sewer and walk, $9.25; Charles W. Reevs, 
for sewer and sidewalk, $25.70. 

Oct. 26, 1843, the board adopted a resolution pro- 
viding names for the streets of the village. 

The following were the principal officers from 1843 
to 1880 : 

Presidents. Clerks. Treasurers. 

1843^4. Charles Monell. Jeromus Johnson. .John S. Crane. 

1845. Squire Lee. Moses Swezey. Charles Monell. 

1846. No record. 

1847. Squire Lee. Moses Swezey. 

1848. Nathan Westcott. " " John .S. Crane. 

1849. Benjamin F. Duryea. James F. Hoffman. " " 

1850. F. A. Hoyt. " " " " 

1851. C. W. Reevs. Stephen H. Strong. John C. Wallace. 
1862. Chas. H. Winfleld. " " •' " 

1853. " " James F. Hoffman. Henry W. Merriara. 

1854. Moses Swezey. John E. Howell. " " 
1855-56. " " John C. McConnell. " " 
1857. John C. McConnell. David R. Feaglcs. " " 
1858-61. " " James F. Hoffman. *' " 

1862. W. W. Warden. " " " " 

1863. " " Brad. R. Champion. John Wallace. 

1864. Benj. F. Edsall. " " " " 

1865. Wm. C. Little. " " Henry Merriam. 

1866. Ellis A. Post. " " " " 

1867. Horace Newkirk. Henry V. D. Hoyt. John Wallace. 
1868-70. F.dw'd Dikeman. " " Wni. M. Murray. 
1871. " " Asa .S. Strong. " " 



530 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Treasurers. 
Wm. M. Murray. 



Presidents. Clerks. 

1872. Geo. W. Millspaugh. Asa S. Strong. 

1873. Jason W. Corwin. Andrew J. Moore. 

1874. Edward Dikeman. " " 

1875. Wm. P. Townseud. " " 
187G. Wisner Murray. " '* 
1877. Chas. W. Coleman. " " 
1878-80. H. W. Nanny. " " 



Watek-Works. — The water-supply of Goshen was 
provided for in 1872. The water of Prospect Lake 
was used, an excellent body of water lying between 
two hills a mile and a half from the village. The ex- 
pense was about !?60,000, and is being paid in install- 
ments of 13000 each. The first commissioners were 
Benjamin F. Edsall, John Cooper, and N. C. San- 
ford. The present commissioners (December, 1880) 
are J. D. Day, Philip A. Power, James Scott, A. J. 
Moore, clerk ; P. A. Power, treasurer. 

Police Department. — This was organized Jan. 
1, 1876. The present police-justice is A. D. B. Staats. 
Three uniformed policemen are employed, — ^ William 
H. Wood, Hiram Van Keuren, and George Smith. 

Fire Department. — Soon after the incorporation 
of the village steps were taken to organize fire compa- 
nies and jirocure the necessary apparatus. Aug. 29, 
1843, the following ten persons were accepted as mem- 
bers of Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1 : Charles 
S. Tappan, Archibald Smilax, Ogden K. Dunning, 
Joseph W. Gott, Robert A. Smith, William M. Sayre, 
Alexander Ross, Benjamin F. Dunning, Samuel Mof- 
fatt, and William W. Morris. 

A meeting of the taxable inhabitants was called for 
Thursday, September 14th, to vote on the question of 
raising money for the purchase of a fire-engine, and 
at that meeting the sum of $450 was authorized to be 
raised for that purpose. 

At a subsequent meeting of the trustees, A. D. Jan- 
sen and Charles W. Reevs were appointed a commit- 
tee to procure the engine. At the same meeting (Dec. 
4, 1843) the board adopted rules for the government 
of the Goshen Hook-and-Ladder Company. 

Jan. 22, 1844, the board approved the organization 
of "Orange Fire Company, No. 1," consisting of the 
following members: Asa D. Jansen, Dennis Mc- 
Laughlin, Joseph D. Pardee, Samuel Van Voorhees, 
John L. Riker, Oliver D. Corey, George Maze, Wil- 
liam Bedford, Charles H. Smilax, William V. Ray, 
Robert Wilson, Andrew J. Jones, James McCaw, 
William Kinsey, Jacob Vreeland, Harvey Wallace, 
Gilbert Chandler, Edward J. Ayres, Patrick Moore, 
Henry B. Murray. By-laws for the government of 
this company were adopted at the same meeting. 

The present Fire Department (December, 1880) 
comprises three companies, with C. G. Elliott, chief 
engineer; N. M. Jay, first assistant engineer; James 
Scott, second assistant engineer ; John T. Larue, 
treasurer ; William T. Newkirk, secretary. This 
general organization has been in force about ten 
years. 

Cataract Engine and Hose Company, No. 1, is the 



one early company formed soon after the village was 
formed. It has an engine for use beyond the limits 
of the water system of the village. Within those 
limits the hydraulic pressure is sufficient to enable 
the company to dispense with an engine and operate 
with hose only. At the present time the oflicers of 
Cataract Company are Barto Wright, foreman ; D. F. 
Demiug, first assistant foreman ; Alonzo Reed, second 
assistant foreman; Wellington McBride, treasurer; 
Casper Reinar, secretary ; J. E. Loud, assistant secre- 
tary ; William Tierney, steward. The company con- 
sists of about 40 members. 

Dickerson Hose Company, No. 3, was organized in 
1872, and has about 20 members. Charles E. Wright, 
foreman; William McNish, assistant foreman ; Thos. 
Farrell, Treasurer; William O'Neil, secretary ; Miles 
Shafer, assistant secretary ; Hugh Dougherty, steward. 

Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1, was or- 
ganized in 1870, and has about 30 members. A. J. 
Moore, foreman ; William Ackley, assistant foreman ; 
John L. Kniffin, treasurer ; Frank Drake, secretary ; 
F. C. Hayne, assistant secretary ; E. M. Thurston, 
steward. 

The Department is in an efficient condition, well 
supplied with apparatus, and managed by active and 
energetic men. Happily, the village has been fortu- 
nate in not requiring their services to any great ex- 
tent, few fires having occurred for some years past in 
Goshen. 

Private Residences. — Goshen at the present 
time includes a large area, within which are many 
elegant private dwellings. Some of the more elevated 
streets in the outskirts of the village are especially 
fine, and few pleasanter drives can be found than 
through the principal streets and along' the outer lines 
of the corporation. The village has had a large 
growth in recent years, despite the fact that the loca- 
tion of heavy manufacturing enterprises at Middle- 
town many years ago gave to that place a decided 
advantage. It is said that a more liberal policy in 
the sale of lands should have secured a part of them 
at Goshen. Perhaps no one in the last twenty-five 
years has contributed so much to the actual extension 
of the village as ex-Sherift" Van Sickle. He has 
erected forty or more dwellings. They are not only 
convenient and spacious, but many of them show 
much attention to correct taste and proper architec- 
tural beauty in the exterior. They are an ornament 
to the place. One portion of the village has been so 
exclusively built by him that it is popularly known 
by his name. 

The Post-Office.— This is doubtless one of the 
earliest post-oflSces in what now constitutes Orange 
County. It is a matter of regret that so little can be 
obtained concerning its history. The present post- 
master, Charles T. Jackson, is a popular and efficient 
officer. He was appointed to succeed his father upon 
the death of the latter, in March, 1876, and holds a 
commission renewed for several years. 



GOSHEN. 



531 



His father, Charles T. Jackson, Sr., held the office 
from July, 1853, until his death, a period of nearly 
twenty-three years. That he remained in office 
despite the great political changes of 1861 indicates 
his popularity with men of all parties, and the suc- 
cessful way he conducted the office to the .satisfaction 
of tlie people. 

Virgil Seward was po.stmaster during the Taylor- 
Fillmore administration, and prior to him was Horace 
Elliott for a long series of years. Between Mr. 
Seward's term and that of Mr. Elliott, Frederick A. 
Hoyt was postmaster for a time. 

Hotels. — The Occidental is conveniently situated, 
near to the depot, and reached quickly without cross- | 
ing the railroad, — a point of considerable importance ; 
with the wide track of the Erie road and the numer- 
ous trains in the way. The present proprietor is Mr. ! 
A. Brownson, a gentleman of long and varied ex- | 
perience in the management of hotels. Guests are 
sure of courteous attention, an excellent table, good 
rooms, and ready assistance to and from trains over 
all the roads. It is the favorite stopping-place of j 
commercial travelers, of the board of supervisors, j 
and of attendants upon courts. 

The Orange County Hotel is further up-town. It 
has been a public-house back to the " time when the 
memory of man runneth not,'.' and has had a long 
succession of proprietors. It stands upon the site of 
the early court-house of 1738. It shares with the 
other hotels in the ordinary travel and the general 
business of the county-seat, and besides has quite a 
patronage from summer boarders, who like its dis- 
tance from the railroads and its consequent quiet. 

The Erie, the Van Nort, and the Union are the 
other principal hotels of the village. 

MAPES' COKNERS 

is a village in the south part of the town, near Mount 
Lookout. It is situated on the old public road lead- 
ing south from Goshen, and which afterwards became 
the "Plank Road." At the opening of the Pine 
Island Branch Railroad, Mapes' Corners was made a 
station. It bears the name of a well-known citizen 
of that place, as well as that of one of the oldest 
families. 

COUNTY FARM. 
The latest established post-office in the county dates 
from Jan. 26, 1880, and the postmistress is Miss C. 
Augusta Goodale. At this place is located the Orange 
County farm and the County House, the present 
superintendent being Harvey H. Goodale. (See chap- 
ter on county buildings.) 

EAST DIVISION AND WEST DIVISION 
are two terms found in early writings and continually 
recurring in all descriptions of the village of Goshen. 
They need to be clearly defined. The explanation is 
this: The oblong square known as the "township of 
Qoshen" was divided into four parts. North Division, 



East Division, South Division, and West Division. 
The names East and West have ever since been in 
frequent use, but North and South have not. That 
the latter existed is, however, clearly proved. In a 
deed of land given to encourage the settlement of the 
first blacksmith, bearing date July 17, 1721, it is re- 
cited that certain lands lying in the South Division 
are granted to William Thompson for the purpose of 
encouraging him to locate there. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

A large amount of information upon the schools of 
the town and the names of the school officers, .such as 
we have given for other towns, cannot be obtained for 
Goshen in consequence of the loss of records, already 
mentioned. From the records of the late years which 
are preserved we obtain the names of most of the 
town superintendents: 1846, Benjamin F. Duryea; 
1847, Benjamin F. Dunning; 1848, Charles T. Jansen; 
1850, Benjamin F. Dunning ; 1852, Benjamin F. Dun- 
ning ; 1854, John H. Thompson ; 1856, John H. 
Thompson. At this latter date the schools passed to 
the control of the district commissioners. 

Farmers' Hall Academy. — A select school of 
a classical character was maintained for some years 
before the incorporation of an academy. Noah Web- 
ster, the subsequent author of the dictionary, was the 
first teacher of note. To meet the expense of his 
education he had resorted to teaching. 

In his itinerancy as a pedagogue he came to Goshen, 
and is said to have been at that time poor, and com- 
paratively without friends. Indeed, it is a local tra- 
dition that he had but seventy-five cents left in his 
pocket after reaching there and securing a school. It 
is evident that he taught about one year. No list of 
the pupils is preserved who enjoyed the teaching of 
this afterwards illustrious lexicographer. He may 
have practiced upon them the lessons of his first 
spelling-book, for it was issued very soon after he left 
Goshen. On leaving he received from Hon. Henry 
Wisner the following note of introduction: 

"Goshen, ,\ugiist20, 1782. 

" Sir,— The bearer, Mr. Noah NVebster, hns taught a grammar school 
fur some time past in this place, much to the satisfaction of his employ- 
ers. He is now doing some business m the literary way, which will, in 
the opiuioD of good judges, be of great service to posterity. He being a 
stranger in New Jersey, may stand in need of assistance of some gentle- 
men with whom you are acquainted. He is a young gentleman whose 
moral as well as political character is such as will render him worthy of 
your notice. Any favor which you may do him will be serving the pub- 
lic, and accepted as a favor done your friend and very humble servant, 

" Henry Wisner. 

" His Excellency Uovernor Livingston." 

The school building in which Mr. Webster taught 
had been erected in 1773, not long after the court- 
house of that period. The builder is said to have 
been James Webster, a Scotch Highlander, who 
fought at the siege of Quebec. The school established 
was known as Farmers' Hall Academy, and was in- 
corporated by a charter bearing date April 1st, " in the 
fourteenth year of American independence." The 



532 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



incorporators named in the instrument were William 
Thompson, Jesse Woodhull, Birdseye Young, John 
Carpenter, Phineas Case, Reuben Hopkins, Samuel 
Gale, Jonathan Swezey, Seth Marvin, John Hathoru, 
Henry Wisner, Elihu Marvin, Hezekiah Howell, 
Thomas Moffatt, Moses Phillips, Joseph Wood, James 
Carpenter, David Arnold, Coe Gale, James Denton, 
Anthony Carpenter, Timothy Dunning, Joseph Den- 
ton, Joshua Wells, Joshua Brown, Jr., Nathan Kerr, 
Henry Wisner, Jr., John Everett, Israel Wells. 

The first principal of the academy was Benjamin 
C. Carpenter. He taught until Dec. 30, 1791. Mr. 
Minor appears to have been the next teacher, and he 
was followed by John K. Joline, whose service closed 
in 1808. The next principal was Abijah Carrington. 



Horace Swezey became principal of Farmers' Hall. 
He remained until some time in 1828, when Jlr. 
Rogers taught for one quarter first and then for a 
longer engagement to 1831. Victor M. Watkins then 
became principal for two years. 

In April, 1833, John C. Slack was emploj'ed, but 
left unexpectedly, and Nathan Stark, a former teacher, 
was employed. Nathaniel Webb then became prin- 
cipal of both scho(jls for about two years. About 
1837, Rev. B. Y. Morse was appointed, and made a 
longer stay than some of his predecessors. Stephen 
D. Bross, afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois, 
taught one year, commencing April 15, 1843. His 
successor was Henry Fitch, to Sept. 19, 1846. 

Then David L. Towle became_principal, and con- 




NATHANIEL WEBB. 



He was succeeded by William Danielsou, and on Oct. 
15, 1815, Mr. Kenyon was appointed. He was fol- 
lowed by Joshua Boyd, for a few weeks only. About 
this time the Female Academy was established, and 
put under the care of the trustees of Farmers' Hall. 
William Ewen became the first principal. 

John Decker, .Ir., was appointed principal of Farm- 
ers' Hall, April 19, 1822. He remained only one 
term, and August 5th of that year Wm. C. Hasbrouck 
was placed in charge. He taught only a .single term, 
and his successor, taking control in November, was 
Nathan Stark. He taught for some years, his labors 
closing Aug. 1, 1826. 

Nathaniel Webb then taught for a few weeks, when 
he became a teacher in the female department, and 



tinned eleven years. In the fiill of 1857, Wm. H. 
Foster took charge and taught one year. Mr. Phil- 
lips followed for a short time, and then, Oct. 19, 1859, 
C W. Davenport became principal. 

Ooshen Female Seminary was established in 1851 by 
those who preferred an independent school for girls 
to the Female Academy in connection with Farmers' 
Hall. Elizabeth Phillips was the first principal. Her 
successor was Julia Seward, and then Mrs. M. P. 
Bradley took charge of the seminary. 

Nathaniel Webb, whose connection with the 
schools of Goshen is above noted, was the son of Ben- 
jamin, and grandson of Benjamin Webb. He was 
born on the old homestead farm near Middletown, 
N. Y., Aug. 16, 1798. His preparatory education was 



GOSHEN. 



533 



obtained in the academy of his native piace, and he | 
was graduated from Union College soon after reach- 
ing his majority. His early inclinations were for the 
profession of tiie ministry, but ill health compelled 
him to relinquish his cherished desires in that direc- 
tion, and immediately after graduating he traveled in i 
the South for his health, which he partially recovered. 
Returning, for some time he was a teacher in the 
public school at Goshen. 

He married. May, 1827, Louisa, daughter of Xeno- 
phon and Abigail (Burr) Mead, of Wilton, Conn., 
and sister of Charles Mead, of Goshen. She was 
born June 20, 1802, and survives in 1881, well pre- 
served in body and mind. After his marriage Mr. 
Webb opened a private school at Middletown, which 
he continued for only six months, and for the follow- 
ing two years was principal of tlie academy of that 
place. He was afterwards principal of the academy 
at Montgomery for one year, and in 1831 opened a 
private female boarding-school in Goshen, which was 
the origin of the Female Seminary of that place, that 
obtained such a wide repute for high scholarship and 
moral influences. For thirteen years Mr. Webb de- 
voted his entire energies to the work of this school, 
and continued to teach and to take an interest in it until 
his death, which occurred April 20, 1855. 

In 1843 he purchased the interest of J. W. Gott in 
the Democrat and Whig, and was afterwards, until his 
decease, associated with Charles Mead in editing and 
publishing that newspaper. 

As a writer for his paper he possessed solid abili- 
ties, and a quiet, chastened humor, which lurked be- 
neath a terse and pleasant style. As a teacher he had 
both experience and judgment, and acquired and 
preserved the confidence and patronage of the public. 
His gentle manners, and the familiar sym])athy which 
he exhibited towards his pupils, endeared him to both 
old and young, and wherever the fame of the Goshen 
Female Seminary reached, his name, as the scholarly, 
gentlemanly, efficient, and beloved teacher, was insep- 
arably connected with it. 

He was emphatically a self-made man. Industry, 
honor, and sagacity were the implements with which 
he made himself useful to others and carved out an 
enviable reputation for himself. 

As a man, he was foremost in every good work. 
A.s an instructor, his reputation is identified with the 
prosperity of some of our best schools. As the editor 
of a leading political journal, he acquired and judi- 
ciously wielded an extensive influence. As the 
superintendent or teacher of the Sunday-school, he 
became endeared to his pupils and fellow-teachers ; 
and as a Christian from early manhood, and an elder 
for many years in the Presbyterian Church of 
Goshen, he left a name for purity and holiness of life 
which shall long, 

" Like the memory of the just, 
Smell Bweet, and blossom in the dust." 

Daniel WelW Classical School for bovs, limited to 



about twenty, was commenced in 1849, and continued 
for some years. 

The Young Ladies' Institute was started in the old 
Washington Hotel by Prof D. L. Towle, who had 
taught for some years in Farmers' Hall.* 

Miss Jennie Bishop at the present time maintains 
a select school in the village. 

The Goshen Institute, an academic boarding and 
day school, is held in the ample rooms of the old 
Washington Hotel. It has had many successive pro- 
prietors. Prof Joel Wilson is the present principal. 
He came to this place in January, 1877, and has been 
successful in maintaining an excellent school and se- 
curing a large number of pupils. 

The present public school is simply the long-stand- 
ing organization of an ordinary school district. The 
building is of brick, arranged for three departments, 
and four teachers are employed, — Wellington McBride, 
principal ; Mrs. Wellington McBride, Miss Sarah 
Houston, Miss Julia Kane, assistant teachers. 

A school for colored scholars is maintained by the 
trustees of the district. Miss Elizabeth Drake teacher. 
The trustees at the present time arc R. C. Coleman, 
N. J. Kelsey, and William E. Mapes, and the clerk is 
Charles G. Elliott. 



VII.-CHUHCHES. 
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GOSHEN 
executed a certificate of incorporation May 19, 1784, 
in which the trustees named were William Bodle, 
John Steward, John Wood, Joshua Brown, Jr., Sam- 
uel Moffatt, Benjamin Conkling, David M. Westcott, 
James W. Wilkin, and Thomas Borland. The paper 
was signed by Saml. Carpenter and Reuben Hopkins. 

There is ample evidence of a collateral nature to 
show that the church of Goshen was organized as early 
as 1721. The dates of legal papers conveying property 
to the church of Goshen, and the regular call and set- 
tlement of a pastor, establish this fact. There are, how- 
ever, no church records in possession of the society 
showing either facts, dates, or names for the succeed- 
ing sixty years. The founders of the church were 
doubtless in the main the founders of Goshen, and 
their names may be inferred from the list of early 
settlers, already given, and from the information which 
families of the present time have in relation to their 
ancestors, and this is all that can be given as to the 
names of members prior to the Revolution. 

For some reason not now apparent, the above cer- 
tificate of May 19, 1784, was not considered sufficient, 
as another one appears in a few months, executed Dec. 
7, 1784. The meeting effecting this organization was 
held at the meeting-house, and was called by Ben- 
jamin Gale and Samuel Carpenter, two of the elders 
of the church. The trustees chosen were Benjamin 
Gale, John Carpenter, John Steward, Reuben Hop- 



* An expected article, showing the connection of these schools with 
those of the present time, has not reached ns. 



534 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



kins, Peter Gale, Henry Wisner, Jr., James Carpen- 
ter, Joseph Wood, and Daniel Hall. The paper was 
verified before Judge William Allison. 

At the laying of the corner-stone of the present 
house of worship, May 11, 1869, the pastor, Rev. Dr. 
Snodgrass, read the following paper: 

"The congregation of the I'reshyterian Cliurcli in Goshen hiive come 
together to-day— the lllh of May, 1869, at 3 o'clock p.m.— to lay the 
corner-stone of the third edifice erected by them for the worship of God. 
They have been in existence in an organized form since the year 1720 : 
and are therefore in the one Imndred and forty-ninth year of tlieir age 
During this long period they have had Imt eight pastors, in addition to 
the present incumbent, — a nnmbei' unusuully email when compared witli 
the number of yeare of whicli this period consists. It makes the average 
length of time during which their pastors have lived and labored among 
them between sixteen and seventeen years. 

" During the year 1720 there was preaching in the settlement occa- 
sionally by a clergynnm whose name was Treat, and in 1721 a call was 
made upon the Rev. John Bradner, who accepted the invitation, and was 
installed during that year as the first pastor. He was ordained to the 
ministry in 1714, and was settled for some years befoie his removal to 
Goshen at Cape May, in the State of New Jersey. He died in 1732, and 
his remains are with us to this day. 

" Mr. Bradner was succeeded by the Rev. Silas Leonard, whose pastor- 
ate extended to the year 1754, and was terminated by his decease. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. Abner Brush, who was installed in the fall of 
1758, and whose term of office covered a pei iod of between seven and 
eight yeare. His connection with the congregation was dissolved by the 
Presbytery in May, 176G. In the fall of the same year Rev. Nathan 
Kerr was installed as pastor, and continued in office until his death in 
1804:, a period of nearly thirty-eight years. Rev. Isaac Lewis was 
called near the close of 1805, and was installed Jan. 1, 1806. His pas- 
toral relation was dissolved in June, 1812. The Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D.,* 
was called in June, 1812, entered upon his labors in August of the same 
year, and was installed April 21, 1814. He was dismissed on the second 
Tuesday in September. 1833, and died Dec. 14, 1834. Before his dismis- 
sion the pulpit was supplied for some time by Rev. John N. Lewis. Dr. 
Fisk was succeeded in the pastoral office by Rev. James R. Johnson, who 
was installed April 30, 1835, and was dismissed Oct. 17, 1839. The Rev. 
Robert McCartee, D.D., was installed May 6, 1840, and resigned his 
charge July 31, 1849. The present pastorate commenced shortly after- 
wards, and if continued, by the favor of Providence, till the 7th of No- 
vember next, will have reached the termination of its twentieth year. 

"In 1724 a committee was appointed to superintend the erection of 
the tirst house of worehip. There are no particulars on record us to the 
character, dimensions, or completion of this building, but it is well 
known to have been a wooden structure, and to have occupied the 
ground on which the court-house now stands. It seems to have been 
occupied for many years in a somewhat uufinisfaed state, as measures 

* The following inscription is on the stone over the vault belonging to 
the Presbyterian Church : 

'* Here repose the remains of 
Rev. John Bradner, 
1 a native of Scotlantl, the first Pastor of the 

Presbyterian Church of Goshen, 
settled A.D. 1721. Died 1732." ^ 

" also of 

Rev. Nathan Ker, 

His successor, who preached the Gospel 

in this place for 38 years. 

Died December 14, 1804, 

aged 69 years." 

"also of 

Rev. Ezra Fisk, d.d., 

who was born Jan. lu, 1785, 

dt Sherburne, in Massachusetts. 

Settled as Pastor of the Goshen Church 

Aug. 13,1813. 

Died December 14, 1804, 

Aged 49 years," 

This vault was on the grounds of the church, a little southwt-st of the 
present edifice, and has beeu covered from sight in later years. 



were taken, long after it was built, to have pewa constructed in the 
gallery. Witli repairs and improvements from time to time, it continued 
to accommodate the congregation up to the year 1810. In January of 
thut year a committee was appointed to take into consideration the pro- 
piiety of erecting a new building. Their report, favorable to the meas- 
ure, was made, considered, and adopted on February 5th. On April 16th 
a committee was appointed to draft a plan, and the edifice in which we 
now worship wjis the result. An eflTort was first made to raise the neces- 
sjiry funds by subscription, but this plan failing to produce a sufficient 
ainonnt, was afterwards abandoned, and resort was had to a sale of pews 
in the contemplated building, which took place on the last Thursday in 
December, 1810. 

" The structure took rank among the best and most expensive church 
buildings of its time. The plan in the main, and especially that of the 
pulpit, was taken from the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadel- 
l)bia, worshiping at that time at the corner of Second and Arch Streets. 
Its cost was §14,500. It was completed early in 1813, and was dedicated 
in August of that year. During the fifty-six years of its existence there 
have been but few Sabbaths on which it has not been opened for the 
worship of God and tin; news of salvation publislied within its walls. 
It is now waxing old, and is about to vanish away, but there cluster 
around it sacred memories that will not die as long as any of Ibis gener- 
ation shall live. It has been the scene of some of the most remarkable 
displays of awakening and renewing grace which the churches in this 
land have witnessed. In addition to other seasons of unusual interest, 
during one year between SO and 90 stood up within its wails to i>rofess 
their faith in Christ, and during another, 120; of this latter number 104 
were received into the comniuiiion of the church atone time, 55 of whom 
received the ordinance of baptism together. 

" It is not, therefore, because we are wanting in veneration for the old 
church, or ingratitude fur the service it has rendered in its day, that we 
propose soon to give it into the hands of those who are to demolish it, 
and thereby make room for the new structure which is rising by its side. 
For seveial years it has been too small to accommodate all who have 
desiretj to have a Sabbath-home under its roof. At tlie same time the 
impression has become general that something more in accordance with 
the architectural improvements of the last half-century is demanded by 
a due regaid to the past history anil present character of the congrega- 
tion, to the i)rominence, amplitude, and beauty of this plot of ground 
on which they have always been accustomed to meet for the worship of 
God, and to the favorable influence which an ample, commodious, and 
even beautiful house of worship in this locality may be expected to exert 
upon the interests of morality and religion in this community and in 
the country around. It was thereftire declared by the congregation, in 
a resolution passed July 21, 1866, to be ' proper and expedient that a new 
church edifice be built.' Since that time the object aimed at in this 
resolution has been kept in view. Various consultations have been had 
as to what the new structure should be as to its character and cost. It 
was imjwrtant, on the one hand, not to undertake what the congregation 
were unable conveniently to accomplish ; and, on the other, to produce, 
if possible, a stnicture which would adorn and beautify the eligible 
ground on which it was to stand, and at the same time be best suited to 
the wants and conveniences of those who were to worship in it for years 
and perhaps for geneialions to come." 

In pursuance of the plans submitted the new edifice was ei'ected. The 
first contractor was W. A. Wilkison. The fii-st ground was broken Sept. 
7, 18G8, and the firet stone laid the 28th. On July 7, 1869, Mr. Wilkison 
abandoned the contract, and Peter H. Terhune, of Binghamton, was 
employed to complete the edifice. 

From the time Mr. Terhune took hold of the building of the church 
till the last stone was laid, in September, 1871, there was no cessation of 
the work. 

The building committee were Rev. Di'. Wm. D. Snodgrass, Rev. Dr. 
John A. Stuats, Ellis A. Post, D. J. Steward, John E. Howell, R. M. Vail, 
and N. C. Sanford. 

The trustees of the church were at that time Adam H. Sinsabaugh, 
chairman; George M. Grier, clerk; Stephen Smith, John C.Wallace, 
James S. Hopkins, Alfred Wells, George M. Sayer, Geoige H. Crans, and 
John Wallace. The elders were Dr. John S. Crane, Hannibal M. Hop- 
kins, Adam G. Crans, Adam H. Sinsabaugh, John 'N'alentine, and James 
G. Thompson. 

The new edifice was built of blue limestone, cut on the grounds, and 
quarried from the Orange County farm, about four miles from the village. 
The doorways, windows, and copings are of dressed Syracuse stone, very 
closely resembling the dressed native limestone of which the upper por- 
tions of both towers are built. The main tower was 186 feet high from 
the ground. The bell, weighing with its appurtenances about 4000 




.-.5gJ iy AJI-W- 



00'':l^^i-iM-(Yva 



T' 



GOSHEN. 



535 



pounds, was about 120 feet from the ground. It waa cast in Troy, N. Y., 
and beare the inscription, " Holiness unto the Lord." Tlie clock was 
about 130 feet from the ground, and a very excellent time-piece. It 
was made by George M. Stevens & Co., Boston, and cobt, put up, S650. 
The body of the church is capable of seating 1000 persons very com- 
fortably. There is a gallery around both sides and the organ end of the 
church. 

The organ occupies the western end of the church, in the gallery. The 
architectural design of the case is in conformity witli the church, made 
throughout of solid black walnut, with gilded front pipes. Tlie [lulpit is 
in the eastern end. It is approached by three steps at either side, from 
within the church, and by side doory from vestibules connecting with 
the two rear entrances. The commuuioo table iu front is of beautifully 
judished black walnut, and bears, in beautifully-carved letters of lighter 
colored wood, the inscription, " In remembrance of nie." 

The ceiling is of wood, in panels, profusely ornamented with a variety of 
brilliant colors. Tlie pews, pulpit, doors, wainscotings, etc., of the inside of 
the church are of solid black walnut. The outer dooi"B are of heavy oak. 
At the eastern end of the galleries are illuminated texts in golden let- 
ters bearing these words : " Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His 
name ; bring an offering, and come into His courts." — Ps. xcvi. 8. "0 
come, let ns worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our 
maker." — Ps. xcv. G. 

The windows are Gothic, and are of beautiful ^tuined glass, arranged iu 
corresponding colors on opposite sides of the church. In addition to the 
many beautiful designs and arabesques in colur, the windows have each 
some fitting symbol or ecclesiastical design at the top. Some of these are, 
we believe, fur the first time now introduced iuto the aichitectuie of a 
Presbyterian church. Certainly such designs in stained-glass windowB 
would not have been adopted or dreamed of by Presbyterians fifty years 
ago, but a \\iser and more enlightened policy takes the good and beauti- 
ful iu allegory, art, church, and Bible history, and keeps them as living 
symbols of tlie faith from which they spring. Among tliese emblems 
are the cross and crown, the Holy Spirit in the form uf a dove, the heart 
and hand, the trefoil and other emblems of the Trinity, and even an 
A'jinis Dei. Behitid the pulpit is a beautiful and large triplet window, 
iu whiuh tlic richest colors of all are found. On this window are nearly 
life-sized images of Christ, St. John (the beloved Apostle), St. Gabriel, 
and St. Michael. The colors also bear at the bottom of the window the 
following inscriptions : *' Lo ! I am with you alway, even unto the end." 
"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." 

The lecture-rotim is a wiug built on to the campanile, and is designed 
fur the use of the Sunday-school and prayer-meeting. It is a very hand- 
some room, beautifully frescoed overhead, and having very tasty win- 
dows, and trefuil dormer-windows. This room will seat about 2(K) per- 
sons. Tlie campanile is a tower about 70 feet high, standing between the 
main edifice and the wing, and serves admirably to harmonize and add 
to the effect of the front or side view of the whole structure. 

At the rear of the main body of the church there are two turrets with 
louvre windows, and over the large triplet window is a circular window. 
■With the foregoing description and the following table of meiwurements, 
a pretty fair idea of the size and style of the edifice may be formed: 
Extreme frontage, 114 feet; depth, 105 feet; width, G2 feet; height of 
main gable, 63 feet ; area of campanile, lo by 15 ; lecture-room, 46 by 
30; heiglit of lecture-room gable, 34 feet; windows, 21 by feet; 140 
pews on main floor ; 48 pews iu gallery; 46 pews in lecture-room ; 4000 
cubic yards of masonry ; there were 16,070 days' work done here, besides 
considerable which was done abroad. 

The architect was Daniel T. Atwood, of New York City. 

The dedicatory services were held Nov. 22, 1S71. The sermon on the 
occasiou, by Dr. Snodgrass, was from the text, "And I saw no temple 
therein." 

This beautiful edifice, thus completed and dedi- 
cated, has had an unfortunate history in one respect. 
The handsome tower, which was of neat and grace- 
ful proportions, proved defective, and in a few years 
it was found necessary to take it down rather than 
incur the danger of its fall. This was done, and 
its ruins lie upon and disfigure the otherwise fine 
grounds. 

A movement to rebuild the tower has been made 
the present year. The sum of $9000 has been sub- 
scribed, materials are being drawn (December, 1880), 



and the work will doubtless be completed early in the 
ensuing year. 

The present organization (1880) consists of the fol- 
lowing officers : Rev. Wm. D. Bnodgrass, pastor ; Rev. 
Arthur Newman, assistant pastor; A. H. Sinsabaugh, 
George Crans, Adam Crans, John Valentine, Dr. H. 
H. Robinson, Daniel Carpenter, James Gabby, Charles 
G. Elliott, ciders; Stephen Smith, Nathaniel Tuthill, 
N. C. Sanford, Charles E. Millspaugh, J. W. Corwin, 
N. J. Kelsey, B. R. Champion, R. C. Coleman, John 
Wallace, trustees. 




<;(tSHEX I'KKSTIYTKKIAN < IlfUCll. 

It is said that the first Sabbath-school in Orange 
County was held in the old Female Seminary at 
Goshen. It was intended for the improvement of 
slave children, and besides reciting Bible and cate- 
chism lessons, reading and writing were taught. The 
school prospered, and finally white children attended 
it, and the school was removed to the Presbyterian 
church. This was in the early days of the Rev. Dr. 
Fisk's preaching. 

Rev. Bekjamix Snoikirass (father of Rev, W. 
D. Snodgrass) was born in Doylestown, Pa.; gradua- 
ted at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, 
and studied divinity under Rev. Dr. Sproat, pastor of 
the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. He 
settled in West Hanover, Dauphin Co., Pa., in 1784, 



536 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



where he remained pastor of the church until his 
death, which occurred in 1846. 

His wife, Martha Davis, of Philadelphia (the 
mother of Kev. W. D. Snodgrass), was a successful 
helpmeet of her husband in matters pertaining, to 
his pastoral work. She had six children who survived 
the period of infancy. One of the daughters became 
the wife of a clergyman, and another became the 
mother of three ministers, one of whom was the Rev. 
Ashbel Green Simonton, who went as missionary to 
Brazil, was the founder of the first Presbyterian 
Church in Rio Janeiro, and died in early life, greatly 
lamented by the church generally. 

The subject of this sketch was the youngest but one 
of the six children, and was born on June 30, 179(5. 
His parents bestowed upon him much care and solic- 
itude in regard to his mental training, and as a result 
he resolved to devote himself to the service of Christ 
in the work of the gospel ministry. With tiiis view 
he remained in his father's family, attending a select 
school in tlie neighborhood, where the usual branches 
of an English education were taught. At the age of 
fourteen he began the study of Greek and Latin, un- 
der the tuition of the Rev. James Sharon, pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church in Derry, Dauphin Co., Pa. 

In the fall of 1812 he entered the sophomore class 
in Washington College, Pa., graduated in 181.5, receiv- 
ing the first honors of his class ; studied Hebrew 
under the tuition of Rev. James R. Wilson, then of 
Philadelphia ; entered the theological seminary at 
Princeton in the summer of 1816, passing through 
the entire course of study, and in the fall of 1818 ap- 
peared before the Presbytery of Carlisle, and entered 
on the usual trials for licensure to preach the gospel. 
After leaving the seminary he filled an ajipointment 
from the Young Men's Missionary Society of New 
York for the period of six months, in the section of 
country lying south of the James River, and between 
Norfolk and Petersburg, Ya. 

At the request of Dr. Alexander, visited the Pres- 
byterian Church at Fayettevillc, N. C, afterwards re- 
ceiving a call to be its pastor; was ordained to the 
work of the gospel ministry ; installed pastor bj' the 
Presbytery of Fayetteville July 30, 1819. 

During the winter of 1822 received a call to the 
Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Ga. 
(Rev. Dr. Kollock's, deceased.) Filled this pulpit 
until the summer of 1823, when he received a call 
from the Session of the Murray Street Church, New- 
York (Rev. Dr. Mason). Arrived in New Y'ork Au- 
gust, 1823, and was installed pastor by the Presbytery 
of New York the same year. 

Married, Dec. 9, 1823, to Miss Charlotte H. Moder- 
well, of Lancaster, Pa., a niece of William Kirkpat- 
rick, of the same place, who was an elder of the Pres- 
byterian Church, who had superintended her educa- 
tion in the seminary under the care of Mr. Judson, in 
Philadelphia, and who was an active and liberal friend 
to all Christian institutions and interests. 



The above pa.storate continued for about ten years, 
during which time (in the year 1826) the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Colum- 
bia College. After leaving the Murray Street Church, 
he was elected and served as assistant secretary of the 
Board of Domestic Missions for the period of about 
two years, the field of labor being in the States of New 
York and New Jersey ; after which was called to the 
pastorate of the Second Street Presbyterian Church, 
in Troy, and installed as its pastor Oct. 3, 1834, for 
the period of about ten years. In the spring of 1844 
called to found the new church built by Mr. James 
Lennox, in Fifteenth Street between Irving Place and 
Third Avenue; installed its pastor March 15, 1845, 
laboring in building up this (then) waste place for 
five yeare, besides serving as a member of the Exec- 
utive Committee of the Board of Foreign Missions. 

Received a call in the summer of 1849 to the Pres- 
byterian Church in Goshen, N. Y., made vacant by 
the I'esignation of the Rev. Robert McCartee, D.D. ; 
pastoral relation with the church in New York dis- 
solved by Presbytery Oct. 8, 1849; installed by the 
Presbytery of Hudson on the 7th day of November, 
1849, preaching his inauguration sermon on the en- 
suing Sabbath. From the date of the beginning of 
this pastorate up to the present time has faithfully 
fulfilled all of its requirements, passing through 
scenes of the Spirit's quickening power, dedicating a 
new church, celebrating his golden wedding, witness- 
ing the leveling and raising of the church steeple, 
and at a green old age of eighty-five fulfilling ac- 
ceptably with an assistant all the duties and require- 
ments of a full pastorate, and patiently waiting for 
that last summons to "go up higher." 

His grandfather, James Snodgrass, whose parents 
came from the north of Ireland about 1700, settled 
in Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa. There his father, 
James Snodgrass, was born in 1761. 

ST. J.\MES' EPISCOPAL CUCRCH OF GOSHEN 

eflected a legal organization March 27, 1801. Rev. 
Frederick Van Home, rector of the Episcopal Church 
of St. Andrew's, presided at the meeting, and the fol- 
lowing oflicers were chosen, whose names appear in the 
certificate: William Wickham and William Thomp- 
son, wardens ; Christian Hurtin, Anthony Dobbin, 
Jacobus DeKay, Joseph Drake, George D. Wick- 
ham, Thomas DeKay, William JI. Thompson, Dr. 
John Gale, vestrymen. In the absence of any statis- 
tics from the officers, we have obtained the following 
items from Mrs. Charles T. Jackson. The succession 
of pastors includes the names of Rev. Messrs. Smith, 
Cadle, Hubbard, Kingsbury, John F. Clark, James 
Mallaby, Jesse H. Spencer, Wm. Page, John T. Cush- 
ing, Stephen Thrall, John Robinson, Albert Wood, 
Edmond S. Rowland, and the present pastor. Rev. 
Wm. Delancey Grannis. 

The first house of worship was a plain wooden 
building, erected soon after the formation of the 



GOSHEN. 



537 



church. It stood upon the site occupied by the hand- 
.some edifice in which the society now worship. The 
latter was erected in 18.52-53, and Rev. Mr. Gushing, 
tlie pastor under whose leadershij) the work was com- 
pleted, preached the dedicatory sermon. The contrac- 
tor was Mr. Brown, of Florida, and it is understood 
that the expense was about !?lo,000. A few years 
since a chajiel was added to the church, conveniently 
arranged for Sunday-school and for miscellaneous 
purposes. The church also have a rectory, consti- 
tuting a handsome and convenient residence for the | 
pastor, which cost nearly $7000. 1 

The interior of the church is handsomely furnished. 
A new organ has recently been placed in it, and all 
the appointments are in keeping with the sacredness 
of the place and the ritual of the church. Upon the 
walls there is a very handsome tablet to the memory 
of Mr. George 1). Wickham, for a long time warden 
of the church, and one to his wife, Bridget Wickham, 
erected by their nephew and heir, Charles B. Hofl'man, 
son of Ogdcn Hoffman, Esq. There is also a tablet 
to the memory of Henry B. Wisner, who was for 
many years a warden of the church. The rich com- 
munion set of solid silver was presented by Martha, 
daughter of Henry B. Wisner, as a memorial of her 
sister. Alma Wisner. 

The church has a vested fund of about $4000, 
donated by the will of Mr. Wickham, the interest of 
which is used towards the support of the rector. 

The present organization (December, 1880) con- 
sists of Rev. W. I). Grannis, pastor ; George C. Mil- 
ler, warden (the senior warden, Mr. John ,T. Smith, 
has recently died, and the vacancy has not been filled) ; 
J. F. Matthews, Wm. T. Russell, William M. Sayer, 
Henry C. Duryea, David F. Gedney, A. S. Murray, 
Herbert Gedney, vestrymen ; J. W. Gott, Sunday- 
school superintendent. 

The church has no debt, owning its valuable i)rop- 
erty free of all incumbrance. 

Mr. Charles T. Jackson was very active in support 
of this church, a heavy and regular contributor, and 
a warden for over thirty years. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF GOSHEN. 

In 1776 there was but one church in the town of 
Goshen, worshiping in a small, unfinished building, 
without steeple, standing near the location of the 
present court-house, and occupied, according to a 
former grant of lands for that purpose. The majority 
being Presbyterians, the service was conducted ac- 
cording to their forms and by the oflicers of their de- 
nomination. Their pastor at this date was the Rev. 
Nathan Kerr, who lived two miles northeast of the 
village, where he owned a house and seven acres of 
land, and had the use of the church lands, consisting 
of about 160 acres. A parsonage was commenced for 
him in this village about 1802, in which he died two 
years later, 1804. The Rev. Isaac Lewis was his suc- 
cessor. During his pastorate the officers of the church 
36 



gave some offense in administering discipline, or in 
general management, and the Episcopalians formed a 
parish of their own. About this time William Sey- 
mour (a slave) was converted under the preaching of 
Rev. John Robertson, of the New Windsor Circuit, 
and joined a class at Craigville, where he attended 
preaching, prayer- and class-meetings. He was a 
zealous worker, full of the Holy Spirit, and was after- 
wards licensed to preach. He died in Oxford, Octo- 
ber, 1846, leaving a good record of a useful life. 
About 1810 James Cunningham bouglit a house in 
Goshen village, on what is now Greenwich Street, 
and here, in company with Mr. Seymour and a few 
others, kept up regular prayer- and class-meetings for 
a few years, when Mr. Cunningham sold out and left 
the place. 

In 1811, William Goldsmith, from the old Bethel 
Methodist Chui'cb, built a house two miles north of 
Goshen village, and as soon as it was inclosed invited 
the ministers of New Windsor Circuit to make it a 
regular appointment, which they did for some years. 
In the absence of a minister, Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Sey- 
mour, Isaac Denton, of Ridgebury, Smith Benedict 
and James Manny, of Phillipsburgh, and some others, 
kept up interesting prayer- and class-meetings. In 
the mean time Rev. Isaac Lewis left the Goshen 
Church, and Rev. Ezra Fisk succeeded. There were 
converts from time to time, through the efforts of the 
Methodist ministers and other workers. These for 
some years united with the old church of Goshen. 

In 1822, Mr. Goldsmith seeing no prospect of estab- 
lishing a Methodist Church, applied for and received 
admission into the Goshen Church. He was accepted, 
not on a certificate nor on confession of faith, but as a 
Methodist. He there maintained an excellent stand- 
ing for a half-century under the Presbyterian minis- 
ters Fisk, J. R. Johnson, Robert McCartee, and for a 
quarter of a century under the preaching of his es- 
teemed friend. Rev. William D. Snodgrass. He died 
Feb. 14, 1877, aged ninety years. In 1823, Rev. John 
Kennedy, a Methodist minister, preached regularly in 
the school-house of the Goldsmith district. He, and 
others succeeding him, occasionally ])reached in the 
old stone court-house at the village during the next 
fifteen years, down to 1838, when Revs. Seymour 
Landon and Thomas Newman preached regularly 
Sunday evenings at the same place. 

After the old court-house was taken down there was 
no convenient place for meetings. In 1844 some one 
hired the ball-room in the old Orange County Hotel, 
and preachers from Sugar Loaf Circuit — Rev. Messrs. 
Runnels, Van Duzen, and Blakesley — preached there. 
The room was uncomfortable, and meetings had to be 
discontinued at the approach of cold weather. 

In 1S4.5 application was made for the use of the 
old Farmers' Hall Academy, but it was not granted. 
Permission was, however, obtained to use an unoccu- 
pied l)uilding in the churchyard, known as the Goshen 
Female Academy. Here services were maintained 



538 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



by Rev. Edward Oldren, C. H. Dibble, and John P. 
Herniiiiice re^uhirly euili Sunday eveiiiiif);. 

At the meeting of the New Yorlv Conference of 
1847, Rev. Cliarles Isliam was appointed to take 
charge of the work at Goshen. A church organiza- 
tion was completed July 26, 1847. The trustees 
chosen were Matthew Koons, Oliver B. Tuthill, Wil- 
liam McCoy, Sr., Samuel Beyea, Charles W. Reevs. 
William McCoy, Sr., was nuide chairman, O. B. Tut- 
hill treasurer, and C. If. Reevs clerk. 

The site for a house of worship was purchased of 
the widow of George D. Wickham, Nov. 22, 1847, 
90 by 100 feet, for $100. The edifice cost S2769.14. 
At the dedication a balance of S2.")4.57 which was 
unjinividcd for was ]>romptly raised, and the society 
began its labors in the new house out of debt. The 
dedication was Aug. 30, 1848. The money for the 
erection of the church was quite largely raised in 
small sums, there being about two liundred subscrip- 
tions of one dollar or less. There were a few sub- 
scriptions of large amount, — ( ). B. Tuthill, $130; Asa 
D. .lanscn, $3r) ; M. Koons, $51 ; A. S. Murray, $25. 

The early members of the church are shown by the 
class record of 1848,— Oliver B. Tuthill,* leader; El- 
mira Tuthill, William O'Neal, Asenath O'Neal,* 
John Conklin, Phebe M. Conklin, Hannah Case,* 
Samuel J. I'urdy,* Simeon (Joldsniith,* Matthew 
Koons, ,Iane Koons, James McCoy, Lydia .T. Meafoy,* 
David E. Ca.se,* Cynthia Caldwell,* Sarah Beyea, 
William L. Langrege,* Mary Langrege. Nicholas 
Messenger,* Martha Odell, ]Mary FuUerton, Catha- 
rine Little. 

The successive ministers have been as follows,. the 
appointments being for the spring of each year 
named : 

1S48, Kev. Cliarlps Islmui ; 1S49-5(I, Rev. Heury Lounsbury; 1851-52, 
Kev. 0. V. Amuieriuim ; 18.'>:!-5+, Rov. Totei- C. Oakley ; 1865, Rev. 
George K. Kerr; 1856-57, Rev. Wm. Bluke ; 1858-511, Rev. Thomas 
B. SllliHi; 18C1)-C1, Rov. Will. Ostnuuicr ; 18(52, Rev. Jlotthow Van 
Du7.eu ; 1863-04, Rev. Tlioiniis W. Clirroy ; 1865-06, Rev. Klias E. 
Osborii; 1807-08, Kev. J. W. li. Wood; 1869, Rev. J. Chester Hoyt; 
18711-72, Rev. Z. N. Lewis ; 187:1-75, Rov. E/ru Tinker ; 1876-77, Rev. 
I). II. Ilniilialiurgh ; 1878-80, Rev. J. W. Selleck. 

The pre.sent oificers (December, 1880) are : Pastor, 
Rev. J. W. Selleck ; Leaders, Oliver B. Tuthill, Henry 
B. Montanye; Stewards, Wm. A. BlcCoy, C. E. 
Wright, Will. H. Snyder, J. W. Dayton, "Wni. V. 
Ray, S. F. Barnes, T. T. llettield, N. C. Coleman, M. 
G. Lewis ; Trustees, F. H. Reevs, Wm. V. Ray, J. A. 
Holbert, George McEwen, O. B. Tuthill, T. T. Het- 
field, T. L. Kyte ; Sunday-school superintendent, 
John W. Dayton ; Assistant, Coe L. Reevs. 

A noted revival may be mentioned as occurring in 
1850, meetings being held from January IPth to the 
latter i)art of March. The movement was very ex- 
tensive, about (iOO having been understood to obtain a 
hope, but many of them united with several surround- 
ing churches. Anotli'er very noted revival may be 



> sun living. 



mentioned as occurring in 1873. There have been 
several other years when considerable religious inter- 
est was manifested, and several new members were 
added to the church. 

THE SEPARATE METHODIST CHURCH OF GOSHEN. 

This body executed a certificate of incorporation 
June 29, 1849. The meeting was held at the old 
brick academy, so called, then being u.sed as a district 
school-house. The proceedings were signed by George 
W. Harding and John W. Green. The trustees 
chosen were George W. Harding, Robert Thorne, and 
Ebenezer Green. 

The church was organized Dec. 20, 1847. At that 
time, or previous to that time, the colored people of 
(xoshen had no church of their own, or no religious 
society of any kind. There were a few persons there 
at that time who were members of a white Methodist 
Church, — some three or four,— -and there were about 
the same number behmgingto the Presbyterian Church, 
but the remainder, numbering 150 or more, were not 
church-members or church-goers. Peter W. Brister, 
a member of the Colored Separate Methodist Congre- 
gational Church of Philadelphia, Pa., came to Goshen 
in the spring of 1847. He was a traveling missionary 
of the church mentioned above, and seeing the de- 
plorable condition that the colored people were in, 
and being aware that they had no church organiza- 
tion of their own, concluded to consult the ministers 
of the dillerent white churches on the subject of call- 
ing the colored people together and establishing a 
Separate Methodist Congregational Church. He was 
advised by them to do so, they promising to use their 
influence and to do what they could to forward the 
enterprise. The names of these men are here men- 
tioned, so that it m.ay be seen that the interest that 
they took in the welfare of the colored people in 
Goshen was not in vain, nor have their good deeds 
been forgotten. They were the Rev. Dr. McCartee, of 
the Presbyterian Church ; the Rev. J. T. Cushen, of 
the St. James' Episcopal Church ; and the Rev. Chas. 
Ishani, of the Methodist Episcojial Church. Being 
thus encouraged. Brother Brister began to preach 
in the old brick academy on Greenwich Street, a little 
above where the post-office now is, and in December 
of the same year he organized a society of eight or 
nine members. 

In the spring of 1848 the Rev. David James, of 
Philadelphia, came to tioshen, having previously 
preached and established several societies in New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania. During his preaching in 
1848 and 1849 nearly 40 persons were added to tlie 
society, and it was about this time he came to the 
conclusion that it was best to purchase a lot and build 
a church, and for this purpose the congregation was 
duly called together in the summer of 1849, a board 
of trustees chosen, and a lot purchased with a build- 
ing on it, on what is now called High Street, for the 
sum of $300. Subscriptions were made out, and col- 



GOSHEN. 



539 



lectors appointed to raise tlie funds in the surround- 
ing neigliborliood to purchase the liouse and ground. 
Those clergymen of the white churches previously 
mentioned each signed their names to the subscrip-' 
tion. Among those who were appointed to collect 
for that purpose were Rev. J. W. Green, G. W. Har- 
den, Joshua Swartout, Sylvester Jervis, and others. 
By this means the house and lot were soon purchased, 
and dedicated to the service of Christ in the spring of 
1850. Such was the beginning of the Separate Meth- 
odist Congregational Church in Goshen. 

Rev. J. W. Green is the present pastor (December, 
1880). Services have been steadily maintained from 
the date of organization to the present time. 

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION 
CHURCH OF GOSHEN 

was organized a few years subsequent to the Separate 
Methodist Church. They erected a house of worship 
on West Main Street, and maintain regular services. 
Rev. Mr. Prime is now the minister in charge. 

CATHOLIC CHORCH OF GOSHEN. 
This church has been in existence in Goshen for 
many years, and is understood to be doing a vigor- 
ous work. It has a comfortable house of worship, in 
which a large congregation gather for the services of 
the Sabbath. The pastoral residence is a handsome 
and costly edifice, standing on one of the finest streets 
in Goshen, and from which most delightful views ex- 
tend in every direction. The pastor is fortunate in 
the possession of this pleasant dwelling. Other 
charges have from time to time been connected with 
Goshen, and the village has been the centre from 
which much Catholic influence has extended to other 
parts of the county. The present pastor. Father 
Keoghan, is in the prime of active life, devoted to his 
calling, and administers the affairs of the parish with 
great ability and success. For some reason which we 
do not understand, there is an apparent reluctance to 
furnish information by pastors of this denomination, 
a fact which will sufficiently account for the absence 
of more extended histories in this as well as in other 
instances. 



VIII.-BUEIAL-PLACES. 

The earliest burial-place in Goshen was doubtless 
upon what are now the public grounds around the 
Presbyterian church, the clerk's office of the county, 
and the Miuisink monument. 

There may have been sufficient reasons for the ob- 
literation of this old historic graveyard, but they 
hardly satisfy the descendants of those whose remains 
were buried there, and whose monuments, even if they 
were rude, bore undoubtedly some dates and names 
that were inevit.ably lost in the wholesale destruction. 
It is sometimes claimed that all the stones with names 
were removed to Slate Hill or otherwise saved, but 
this can hardly be possible, when three or four still 



lie around the church, and none are at Slate Hill of 
such age as must have stood in this yard, laid out in 
1721. The finding of a Townsend monument in re- 
cent years, the striking of human remains the present 
year in the excavations near the county clerk's office, 
and many other incidents, all tell a story of lost 
graves, lost names, and lost dates. 

SLATE HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was incorporated Oct. 8, 1861. The chairman of the 
meeting held to organize was Simon Bradley, and 
the secretary Samuel S. Wickhani. The trustees 
named in the certificate were James F. Dolsen, 
Benjamin W. Bradley, Alva Bennett, Daniel Reeve, 
Theophilus Dolsen, William M. Dolsen. Owing to 
some alleged informality in the proceedings of 1861, 
or for other reasons, a new organization took place at 
a meeting held in the Presbyterian church, April 19, 
1867. John S. Crane was appointed chairman and 
George M. Grier secretary. The trustees named were 
Thomas Edsall, G. M. Grier, Ellis A. Post, Henry 
Merriam, John J. Heard, S. L. H. Jackson. The 
proceedings were verified by the officers before 
Charles J. Everett, notary public, April 27th, and 
recorded the same day. This was simply organizing 
under the modern law for the control and manage- 
ment of the Slate Hill burial-ground, which had 
been in use from about the year 1795. The older 
portion is on the higher ground at the further end 
from the road. The newer portions, down the hill 
and next the street, are laid out with some view to 
landscajje adornment, though but little attention is 
given to mowing and trimming the lots. It is evident 
that there are also very man)' unmarked graves. In 
some parts the rows of mounds lie thick, with neither 
name nor date. 

THE WESTCOTT BURIAL-PLACE. 
There are a few graves near the court-house, on the 
grounds of Mrs. Denton, sometimes mentioned by the 
above name. 

CEMETERY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
This is in a beautiful section of the village, and is 
pleasantly situated. It seems to have been opened 
for use about 1810 or 1812. The old Wickham family 
vault was located there, and used earlier than the es- 
tablishment of the general burial place. The ground 
is in very good condition, though it needs much more 
care than it is receiving in the way of mowing, trim- 
ming, etc. 

THE WEBB BURYING-GROUND 
is situated about a mile southwest of Goshen village. 
This comprises an old part and a new, both in a fair 
condition. 

THE VAN DUZER FAMILY LOT, 
a mile and a half south of Goshen, dates back to 
early times, and is to some extent kept in repair. 



5i0 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



THE HAIGHT FAMILY CEMETERY, GOSHEN, 
was incorporated by a certificate executed Feb. 4, 
1873. D. Henry Haight was chairman of the meet- 
ing held for oi'ganization, and Henry G. Piffard 
secretary. The trustees named were David Henry 
Haight, Henry G. Piffard, and Charles H. Haight. 
There is a mausoleum erected at a great expense, and 
located at the junction of JIain Street with the road 
leading to Newburgh. The cemetery proper is 
some distance from this structure, and is neatly 
walled. It incloses the early dead of the Jansen 
family, with others of the same neighborhood. 

THE CASE FAMILY 

burial-place is about a mile beyond the line of the 
corijoration. 

THE CATHOLIC BURIAL-PLACE 
occupies a fine site of excellent sandy soil for burial 
purposes. It needs much additional care to render 
it the place of beauty it might be. Its very high 
mounds and deep-cut walks are inconvenient for the 
mowing and trimming which can alone keep a burial- 
place in that clean, neat condition which should indi- 
cate the love of the living for the memory of the 
dead. 

THE WALLKILL VALLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 
executed a certificate of association Nov. 14, 1859. 
Samuel W. Tryon was chairman of the meeting held 
to organize, and Oliver B. Tuthill secretary. The 
trustees named were Daniel C. Wisner, Benjamin 
Hulse, Oliver B. Tuthill, Noah Gregory, William P. 
Smith, .James S. Hopkins, William Jackson, John P. 
White, and William A. Booth. This is on the east 
side of the Wallkill, not far from the Goshen line. 
It is in excellent preservation, is laid out in lots, has 
several fine monuments, and one family vault. It is 
within the town of Wallkill. 

At the county house there is the burial-place of 
the poor who die while being supported at the public 
expense on the Orange County farm. 

At Conklingtowu there is an old burying-ground, 
dating back to early times, and fenced with some care 
in later years. 

The Bradner family lot is in the south part of the 
corporation or near the line. This is in good preser- 
vation. 

On Pro.spect Hill was an old burial-gnmnd, prob- 
ably not very large, — an almost forgotten place. Mr. 
O. B. Tuthill is of the opinion that bodies were re- 
moved from there to some extent. Remains were, 
however, found in excavating for gravel recently. 
This was the Townsend ground. 

On the Craigville road is the Vail burying-ground, 
still in use, and receiving some care as to its preserva- 
tion, j 

The Ramsey ground is further east, not far from the 
line of Chester. 

The Thompson burial-place in the south part of I 



the town is an old ground, where many of the pioneers 
were buried- 

On the Bradner farm, so called, southwest of 
Goshen, there are a few graves carefully fenced. 



IX.-TOWN SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, BANKS, 
INCORPORATIONS, Etc. 

ORANGE COUNTY LODGE, No. 45, F. i A. M., 
was organized March 12, 1796. The officers of the 
present lodge are not in possession of any informa- 
tion concerning it, but it had a prosperous existence 
for some years. The present lodge is modern in its 
origin. It was preceded for some years by a lodge of 
Odd-Fellows, the leading members of which entered 
into the movement to found a Masonic lodge. 

THE GOSHEN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 
was formed Aug. 9, 1831. The trustees named in the 
certificate were Ezra Scott, Nathan Kingsbury, Isaac 
R. Van Duzer, Samuel Wilkin, John J. Smith, Albert 
S. Benton, John 8. Crane, John E. Phillips, William 
Horton, Jr. This library was established according 
to this certificate, and maintained for a time quite a 
collection of valuable works. They, however, disap- 
peared after a few years and the institution died out. 

THE GOSHEN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 
executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 9, 1858. 
The trustees named were Ambrose S. Murray, Henry 
Merriani, George M. Grier, Benjamin F. Edsall, John 
C. McConnell, John C. Wallace, Benjamin F. Duryea, 
Stephen L. H. Jackson, and William Murray. John 
C. McConnell was chairman of the meeting. They 
organized " for the purpose of erecting a public 
library." This movement was not continued. It was 
designed to secure a public building for literary pur- 
poses, includingalibrary,liall, and reading-rooms, but 
the encouragement was not sufficient to justify fiirther 
effort. 

THE GOSHEN GAS-LIGHT COMPANY 
effected a legal organization Sept. 13, 1867. The 
capital stock was fixed at 130,000, divided into shares 
of thirty dollars each. The first directors named in 
the instrument were Robert H. Berdell. David H. 
Haight, A. S. Murray, Thomas Edsall, George M. 
Grier, Ellis A. Post, John E. Howell, John Wallace, 
Henry Merriam. It was organized " for the purpose 
of supplying gas for the streets and for public and 
private buildings in the village of Goshen," and its 
time of duration was stated at fifty years. For various 
reasons this organization did not enter into business 
nor construct buildings. 

The Go.shen Gas-light Comi)any now supplying the 
village was chartered in July, 1879. The officers then 
chosen and still in office were J. W. Hodges, presi- 
dent, William Blakeman, secretary and treasurer. 
The franchise was obtained from the trustees by Mr. 
B. Van Steenbergh, conferring the right to manufac- 
ture gas in the village, lay gas nuiins along the streets. 



/f 





e>i^ 



> 



GOSHEN. 



541 



supply private and public buildings, and light the 
streets. The buildings were erected in July, August, 
and September, 1879. In the manufecture of gas 
a new method was adopted known as " the Averell 
Water Gas Process." It has been a great success and 
has been adopted by the Singer Sewing Machine Com- 
pany, Elizabethport, N. J., in Norwood, Mass., and is 
now being introduced into EUenville, Ulster Co. The 
gas-works were built by the firm of A. Vanderweiken 
& Co., of which Mr. Van Steenbergh was a member. 
The latter, desiring to enter into the foundry enter- 
prise mentioned elsewhere, retired from the manage- 
ment of the gas-works, and Mr. Vanderweiken is now 
the principal stockholder and the manager in charge. 
Four and a half miles of mains have been laid. The 
company supply at the present time seventy-two cus- 
tomers and sixty-nine street lamps. 

ORANGE COUNTY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COM- 
PANY, GO.SHEN, 

was reorganized April 16, 187.5, by papers filed in the 
office of the county clerk. 

The commissioners appointed by the State depart- 
ment to examine the affairs of the institution were 
Matthew H. Robertson, George C. Willis, of Albany, 
and George W. Green, of Goshen. The authoriza- 
tion by the department was granted by Orlen W. 
Chapman, superintendent of insurance, Aug. 16, 1875. 
This institution thus newly authorized by the State 
department has a history of considerable age, and is 
one of the only two county mutual insurance compa- 
nies remaining in the State, the other being that of 
Duchess County. The Orange County Mutual was 
organized under a charter which was granted March 
15, 18.37. The directors named in the act were Isaac 
E. Van Duser, Horace W. Elliot, John J. Smith, John 
E. Phillips, John S. Crane, John B. Booth, Charles 
Monell, John Bailey, John W. Smith, Miles Hughes, 
Henry S. Beakes, Robert Denniston, Stephen W. 
Fullerton. The officers were John S. Crane, presi- 
dent ; Miles Hughes, vice-president ; David M. West- 
cott, secretarv ; Charles Monell, attorney and coun- 
selor; John Bailey, general agent. The first policy 
was issued to Jonas King, of the town of Chester. 
John S. Crane continued president until his death. 
Jan. 13, 1876, Benjamin F. Edsall was chosen to that 
office ; he resigned March 3, 1879, and was succeeded 
at that date by Henry Bacon, the present incumbent. 
David M. Westcott, the first secretary, continued in 
office until his death. May 14, 1841, Horace W. 
Elliott was appointed his successor; he also remained 
in the office until his death. Oct. 8, 1863, John C. 
Wallace was appointed as the successor of Mr. Elliott; 
he resigned March 3, 1879, and on the same date Dud- 
ley Murray, the present incumbent, was appointed. 
The present directors (December, 1880) are George 
W. Sanford, F. H. Reevs, B. C. Sears, W. D. Van 
Vliet, A. B. Post, R. C. Coleman, N. H. Sanford, 
John C. Wallace, A. S. Dodge (deceased, vacancy 



not filled), H. A. Wadsworth, Ellis A. Post, Henry 
Bacon, John R. Halstead, Wm. M. Murray, J. W. 
Convin. Wm. M. Jlurray is the present vice-presi- 
dent, and E. S. Turner is general superintendent. 

NATIONAL BANK OF ORANGE COUNTY. 
This institution was originally chartered in the 
winter of 1812 as "The President, Directors, and 
Company of the Bank of Orange County." The or- 
ganization was made June 7, 1813, and the first board 
of directors comprised the following names: Richard 
Trimble, George Monell, John Barber, Abraham 
Schultz, James W. Wilkin, George D. Wickham, John 
Duer, David W. Westcott, John (i. Hurtin, Moses 
Phillips, Jr., John Bradner, Alanson Austin, and 
Reuben Hopkins. George D. Wickham was chosen 
president and continued in that office until November, 
1845. He was succeeded by Ambrose S. Murray, who 
is the present incumbent, after a service of thirty-five 
years in that position. Henry A. Townsend was 
cashier from the organization until July 31, 1813, 
when James W. Wilkin succeeded temporarily. He 
was followed, Sept. 3, 1813, by Morris Robinson, who 
remained cashier until June 2, 1820. Jonathan Bur- 
rill was then appointed and served until April 19, 
1824. Henry Seward was then chosen cashier, and 
he continued in that capacity until Aug. 1, 1834. Am- 
brose S. Murray then served until November, 1845. 
On his election to the presidency, as above noted, 
Thomas T. Reeve became cashier, who continued until 
April 3, 1857. William T. Russell then served until 
November 27th of that year. He was succeeded by 
Charles J. Everett, the present cashier-. George W. 
Murray is the present vice-president, and George A. 
Denniston clerk. 

At the reorganization of 1832, the board of direc- 
tors comprised the following: George D. Wickham, 
John W. Smith, Moses Phillips, Isaac Jennings, Hud- 
son McFarlan, D. H. Moffatt, Jr., I. R. Van Duzer, 
Samuel Williams, Oliver Davis, James W. Wilkin, 
James Hulse, Isaac Van Duzer, Richard Trimble. 

The bank was reorganized Jan. 1, 1862, under 
the General State Banking Law. The directors at 
that date were Albert S. Murray, George M. Grier, 
Richard M. Vail, George F. Talman, Algernon S. 
Dodge, Wm. H. Houston, George T. Wisner, Wm. F. 
Sharpe, Charles B. Hoffman, John H. Morris, George 
Mapes, John Wallace. 

The present directors (December, 1880) are A. S. 
Murray, A. S. Dodge, Charles J. Everett, George W. 
Murray, R. M. Vail. 

The original capital paid in was $105,600. At the 
new organization of 1862 the amount was increased to 
$110,000. The institution became a national bank 
Jan. 1, 1865. The banking-house was originally " up 
town," at the place which is now the residence of Am- 
brose S. Murray. * There it remained for forty years. 



* It was temporarily opened first in the parlor of the house now owned 
by Charles J. Everett. 



542 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1853 the present building was erected. It is not 
large and showy, according to the modern usage in 
the erection of banks, but is nevertheless a very con- 
venient building. The stock of the bank is valuable, 
the price for any shares which may happen to be put 
upon the market reaching to $180 and over ; in one 
instance 1200 is said to have been paid. 

It has been able to declare large dividends through 
all its history, and especially during the last fifteen 
years. It represents a long and honorable career. The 
management has been conservative. Unity of control 
has produced its usual valuable results. There have 
been but two presidents in a period of sixty-seven 
years ; and Mr. Murray's term of service in this bank 
approaches very nearly to half a century. 

Ambrose S. Murray. — Among the influential and 
substantial business men of Goshen is Hon. Ambrose 
S. Murray, who was born in the town of Wallkill, 
Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1807, .and for the past 
fifty years has been closely identified with the finan- 
cial and business interests of the county, and the 
growth and prosperity of Goshen, where he has spent 
most of his active business life. 

His paternal grandfather, George Murray, was 
born at Inverness, Scotland, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica while a young man, as a soldier in the British 
army. He settled at Reading, Pa., where he married 
a Miss Snyder, and subsequently removed to Orange 
County, where he reared a large family of children, 
and where he spent the remainder of his life. His 
children were Alexander, John, George, William, 
James, Jacob, David, Charles, and one daughter, all 
of whom were married and reared families. 

William, son of George Murray, born in Orange 
County, in 1773, married Mary Ann Beakes, of the 
same county, who died in 18-17, aged seventy-two 
years. He died in 1849. He was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and resided in the town of Wallkill, where 
for many years he was an active and influential 
citizen. He was among the zealous and devoted 
members of the Baptist Church of that town, and 
officially identified as deacon. 

In matters of religion and education he was a man 
always interested in their propagation, and a liberal 
contributor in their permanent establishment and 
prosperity. 

He was identified politically with the Democratic 
party, and although naturally of a retiring disposition 
he held various places of trust and responsibility in 
his town, and was chosen one of the Presidential 
electors in New York State, to cast his vote for James 
K. Polk for President of the United States. 

His children are Archibald Y. ; Sally, who became 
the wife of William A. Sayer; Cynthia, who became 
the wife of Jonas Hulse; Amelia, wife of Tustin 
Moore, of Orange County; William; Edmund B. ; 
Ambrose S. ; Mary Ann, wife of Gabriel Dunning, of 
Wantage, Sussex Co., N. J. ; and Henry B. 

Ambrose 8., son of William Murray, and subject of 



this sketch, spent his boyhood on the home farm, 
and in obtaining such an education as the common 
schools then attbrded. 

Coming as he did from a Scotch ancestry, he in- 
herited that resolution and force of character that 
early in life gave him a place among business men, 
and made him esteemed for his integrity and early- 
developed business ability. 

At the age of seventeen he became a clerk, at 
Middletown, N. Y., in the store of his uncle, Stacey 
Beakes, where he remained until the year 1831, when 
became to Goshen as clerk in the Orange County Bank. 
Here was an opportunity for his business qualifica- 
tions to develop, and such was the confidence reposed 
in him by its directors, that in 1834 he was elected 
its cashier, which place he creditably filled until the 
death of its president, George D. Wickham, in 184.i, 
when he was chosen president of the bank, which 
position he has held since, a period of thirty-six 
years. 

Before the reorganization of this bank under the 
national banking law, and while transacting business 
under its cliarter from the State, its bills were printed 
upon fine yellow tinted paper, which in consequence 
of their peculiar color, and tlie locality from which 
they originated, were known not only throughout the 
county, but the country, as " butter money." 

Mr. Murray's yellow money, in consequence of his 
strict integrity and business capacity, was considered 
wherever and whenever presented equal to gold, and 
many of these notes may still be found in the posses- 
sion of those who sacredly treasure them as memen- 
toes of the past. 

For a short time prior to the reorganization of the 
Wallkill Valley Railroad, and continuously since 
that time, Mr. Murray has been one of its directors. 

He was a director of the Erie Railway for fourteen 
years ending in 18()7, and is one of the directors of 
the " Farmers' Loan and Trust Company" of New 
York. He was formerly identified with the old Whig 
party, and upon the organization of the Republican 
l)arty in 1856 he was active in the propagation of its 
principles, and has since unswervingly advocated its 
progressive measures. He was elected county trea- 
surer, and served for three years beginning with 1851. 

In the fall of 1855 he was elected in the Tenth Con- 
gressional District of New York to the Thirty-fourth 
Congress, and by re-election was a member also of 
the Thirty-fifth Congress of the United States. 

Mr. Murr.ay married, in 1830, Frances, daughter of 
Henry G. Wisner, a prominent lawyer of Goshen, 
whose wife was Sarah Talman. The children born 
of this union are Ellen, widow of the late John V. 
Beam, Jr., for many years a merchant in New York 
City ; George W., who carries on mercantile business 
in New York, and ofliciates as vice-president of the 
National Bank of Orange County, at Goshen, of 
which his father is president ; Wisner Murray, who 
for several years was in the bank at Goshen with his 




^'^t-liyA-kMiord-^ 



^(fi^^yt^i 



y 



543 






in accordance witl • at that 

\ formal u 'rs was hi 



\\\ " 
and the 



Ai lUf \':r ■■ mr.-^ directors, held on 



vole ror . 



. lie w: 



GOSHEN. 



543 



father, died in 1876, aged thirty-two years ; Ambrose 
S., Jr., a graduate of Trinity College, i.s a practicing 
lawyer in New York ; Russell, was graduated at 
Trinity College, and is a merchant in New York; and 
Francis W., who, after graduating at Yale, was grad- 
uated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 
New York, and by appointment is a surgeon in the 
Chambers Street Hospital of that city. Both George 
and Wisner Murray served in the late Rebellion ; en- 
listed and went out with the Seventh New York 
Regiment. 

THE GOSHEN NATIONAL BANK. 

The preliminary meeting for organization was held 
Sept. 6, 18.51. It was called by the subscribers to the 
stock, and there were present Barret Ames, B. F. Ed- 
sall, John S. Crane, Charles Reevs, Henry Merriara, 
AVilliam M. Graham, Henry S. Beakes, and Alex- 
ander Wright. Barret Ames, chairman. A resolu- 
tion was passed directing a certificate of organization 
to be filed in accordance with law ; the name at that 
time being "The Goshen Bank." 

A formal meeting of stockholders was held Sept. 
13, 1851, to complete the organization. Jeremiah 
Knight, of Monroe, was appointed chairman, and 
William Montgomery secretary. All the steps neces- 
sary to open the bank for business were then taken, 
and the following board of directors chosen : Henry 
S. Beakes, Benjamin F. Edsall, John S. Crane, Ga- 
briel Seely, Jeremiah Knight, Marcus Sears, Alex- 
ander Wright, Henry Merriam, Charles M. Reevs, 
Barret Ames, Peter Townsend. 

At the first meeting of the directors, held on the 
same day. Barret Ames, chairman, Alexander Wright 
was duly elected president, and William L. Beakes 
appointed cashier. The bank was opened for busi- 
ness Nov. 12, 1851. Mr. Wright continued in office 
until his resignation, Nov. 17, 1857 ; and under the 
same date, William Murray was chosen his successor. 
He served until his death, Aug. 25, 1875. Aug. 31, 
1875, William T. Russell was chosen president, and 
is the present incumbent (December, 1880). He had 
previously served as vice-president for several years. 

Mr. Beakes, the first cashier, served until his resig- 
nation, Nov. 21, 1857. He was succeeded by William 
T. Russell, chosen the same day. He continued cashier 
until April 9, 1866, when he resigned, and was suc- 
ceeded by William M. Murray, the present incumbent 
of that office. Charles S. Edsall served as teller from 
■ November, 1866, to November, 1879, when he was 
succeeded by John Ogden Smith, the present teller. 
The present board of directors (December, 1880) 
comprises the following names : William T. Russell, 
Benjamin F. Edsall, Henry Merriam, James Durland, 
Nathan C. Sanford, George Grier, AVilliam M. Mur- 
ray. 

The change to a national bank was made under the 
authorization of the comptroller of the currency, 
bearing date July 8, 1865. The bank commenced 



doing business under this authority soon after. The 
business was first transacted in the building now 
owned by John Sturtz ; not long after it was moved 
to the building now owned by L. and W. Poppino, 
on Main Street. 

The present building was erected by the bank in 
1869, and occupied in April, 1870. The expense of 
the lot, building, and fixtures was about $15,000. 
The capital of the bank was originally established at 
1110,000, in shares of $100 each, and remains the 
same at the present time. Since Nov. 17, 1857, in 
addition to making large semi-annual dividends, the 
bank has accumulated a surplus of $22,000, and of 
other undivided profits, $26,000. The stock of this 
bank is exceedingly valuable, bringing at times when 
put upon the market $160, and one sale was made a 
short time since at $162. .50. The bank building is a 
very fine edifice of modern construction, with high 
ceiling and a convenient arrangement of rooms. It 
has a burglar-proof vault with walls of great thick- 
ness, and closed with the latest improved chronometer 
lock. 

Hon. William Murray. — His paternal grand- 
father, George Murray, was born at Inverness, Scot- 
land, and while a young man came to America as a 
soldier in the British army. He resided at Reading, 
Pa., but for many years prior to his decease was a 
resident of Orange County, where he died. His wife 
was a Miss Snyder, who bore him eight sons and one 
! daughter, of whom William was father of our sub- 
ject, and was born in Orange County in 1773. Wil- 
liam Murray was a farmer in the town of Wallkill, 
an active and influential citizen of the county, and 
one of the deacons in the Baptist Church where he 
resided. 

Politically he was a Democrat, and by that party 
in the State was honored as one of the Presidential 
electors to east his vote for James K. Polk. He died 
in 1849. His wife, Mary Ann, a sister of Stacey Beakes, 
died in 1847, aged seventy -two years. Of their family 
of five sons and four daughters, William, subject of 
this memoir, was second son, and was born in the 
town of Wallkill, near Middletown, Orange Co., Oct. 
1, 1803. He obtained a good education in boyhood 
in the schools of his native place, and at about the 
age of sixteen began his business life as a clerk in 
the store of his uncle, Stacey Beakes, of Middletown, 
N. Y., where he laid the foundation for business ca- 
pacity for which he afterwards became so distinguished. 
He subsequently became a clerk in a dry goods 
jobbing-house in New York city, and after a few years 
became a member of the partnership, under the firm- 
name of Ira Smith & Co., in which successful busi- 
ness relation he remained until 1841, when he re- 
moved to Goshen, where he continued to reside, with 
the exception of ten years spent at Phillipsburgh on 
his farm, until his death, which occurred Aug. 25, 
1875. 

For more than thirty years after his early retire- 



544 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ment from a prosperous mercantile career, Mr. Murray 
was a resident of Goslien and vicinity, and during 
the mostof tliose years he occupied in the community 
positions of trust and responsibility. Public and 
private interests were largely committed to his care 
and watchfulness, and it is faint praise of him to say 
that he was true to every trust, and that if he had 
enemies, the most censorious of them could not point 
to one instance wherein infallible judgment and per- 
fect integrity failed to govern his actions. 

In 1850 he was elected to Congress on the Demo- 
cratic ticket, and served in the Thirty-third Congress. 
By re-election he was a member also of the Thirty- 
fourth Congress of the United States, and none de- 
served a higher position than Mr. Murray for ability, 
sound logic, sagacity, and unspotted integrity. 

During his second term he was called upon to cast 
his vote upon Mr. Douglas' Territorial bill, which 
involved the repeal of the Missouri Compromise Line 
of 1820. The position was not void of embarrass- 
ment. Mp. Murray had been elected, at the time of 
President Pierce's election, by the suffrages of the 
Democrq,tic party. Mr. Pierce favored the bill, and 
his party showed a disposition to sustain him in such 
support. Mr. Murray's support was eagerly sought 
and strongly urged by the administration. The Pres- 
ident and the cabinet held him in high estimation, 
and knew that his name would be a tower of strength 
if it could be procured to indorse the new policy. But 
to Mr. Murray the line of duty did not seem to lie in 
that direction, and no inducement availed to secure 
his co-operation in the disturbance of this long-sanc- 
tioned compromise. His opposition was steady, vigi- 
lant, and unyielding, and his vote was cast against 
the Douglas bill on its final passage, and for this he 
was read out of his party. He was instrumental in 
the organization of the Eepublican party, and gener- 
ally afterwards acted with it. 

On the expiration of his second term he returned 
to his farm on the banks of the Wallkill, and there 
remained until 1857, when he was called to take the 
presidency of the Goshen Bank. How useful and 
skillful he was in this new tield of labor, the success 
of the bank demonstrated before his decease ; and the 
flourishing financial condition of that institution over 
which he jjresided was in a great measure due to his 
foresight and good management. 

His sterling patriotism deserves grateful mention. 
He was not only liberal in his monetary contribu- 
tions towards the conduct of our late civil war, but 
he further contributed two of his sons to the defense 
of the nation's honor, thereby making his patriotism 
practical. He loved his fellow-men, and he was al- 
ways, and to all, just, generous, and true. The close 
of his life was marked by a universal expression of 
personal bereavement. 

Mr. Murray married, July 13, 1837, Ellen Maria, 
only daughter of Capt. White and Abby (Robert- 
son) Matlack (formerly spelled Matlock), of New 



York City. She w:is born May 22, 1809, and had 
an only brother, Robert R. Matlack, who was for 
several years a merchant in New York, and died in 
middle life in Virginia. Her father was a sea-faring 
man all his life, traded between Lisbon and Cadiz for 
several years, and for thirty years he traded between 
New York and Liverpool. This was in the early part 
of the century, and his business was done in sailing 
vessels. He was born in Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1778, 
and die<l in New York about 1834. His wife survived 
him only about two years. Her paternal grandfather. 
White Matlack, born at Hatten Field, N. J., Nov. 7, 
1745;(0. S.), married, June 21, 1768, Mary Hawks- 
hurst, who was born on Long Island, at Hempstead 
Harbor, Nov. 22, 1747. 

The progenitor of the Matlack family, a Quaker, 
emigrated from Derbyshire, England, and settled at 
Philadelphia about the time of the settlement of Wil- 
liam Penn ; and one of his descendants, Timothy, was 
father of the last named, White Matlack. 

Mrs. Murray's mother, Abby Robertson, was born 
at Portsmouth, N. H., and her grandfather, Robert 
Robertson, was a native of Dalkeith, Scotland. 

The children of William and Ellen Maria Murray 
are William M., who began a clerkship in the Goshen 
Bank in 1863, and was elected its cashier in January, 
1866, which position he retains in 1881. 

Maj. Henry Spencer Murray enlisted in the Sev- 
enth New York State Militia, which was employed 
to guard Washington in the beginning of the late 
civil war, and subsequently to guard Baltimore. In 
the fall of 1862 he raised a company for the One 
Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment of Volun- 
teers, and joined the Army of the Potomac ; w-as in 
the battle of Chancellorsville, in May, 1863, where 
he was wounded and captured, but afterwards par- 
oled. At the battle of Gettysburg, the major and 
colonel of his regiment being killed, he was promoted 
from captain to the rank of major, and assigned to 
duty at the camp of paroled prisoners at Annapolis, 
where he remained until regularly exchanged, about 
January, 1864. He again joined the regiment, and 
followed the events of the army until the battle of 
Boydton Road, Oct. 27, 1864, when he was again 
wounded, captured, and placed in Libby Prison, 
where he remained until about the close of the war, 
when he was regularly discharged. He never recov- 
ered from the effects of his first wound, and died at 
Goshen, March 6, 1874. 

Robert R. Murray enlisted in 1862, in the company 
commanded by his brother, Capt. Henry S. Murray, 
and remained in constant service until the close of the 
war. He was wounded at the battle of Chancellors- 
ville in the hand, but recovered from its effects, except 
the loss of a finger. He was regularly discharged 
upon the closing of hostilities, returned to Goshen, 
and has been engaged in mercantile business there 
for the past six years. The youngest of this family 
of children is Miss Abby M. Murray. 



GOSHEN. 



545 



William T. Russell. — His paternal ancestors 
were early settlers in New England, and his great- 
grandfather once owned the land where New Bedford, ' 
Mass., is located. His father, John W., sou of Hum- 
]ihrey and Berthia (Wady) Rnssell, settled in New 
York City wliile a young man, where he married 
Frances M., daughter of Samuel Talman. 

He was an enterprising business man of New York 
for many years, where he was engaged in shipping in- 
terests, and he is said to have established the first line 
of sailing packets between that city and New Or- 
leans. In 182!) he settled in the town of Goshen, Or- 
ange Co., where he was engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits until his deatli, which occurred in 1842. His 
wife survived him, and died in IS.'SS. 

Their children are Edward C. ; Phebe A., wife of 
.John D. Monell, of New Y'ork ; and William T. Russell, 
who was born in New Y'"ork, Dec. 12, 1821, and was 
therefore eight years of age when the family settled in 
Orange County. 

He received a sound, practical education during his 
minority, being for some time a pupil of the well- 
known scholar and teacher. Rev. Clarkson Dunn, of 
Newton, N. J., and was also a student at Hartford 
grammar school. Leaving school in 1840, for three 
years he remained at home on the f;irm. From 1843 
to 18.37 he was a partner with David Redfield in the 
dry-goods trade in Goshen. 

In 18.57 he was chosen cashier of the Orange 
County Bank, but after serving for a few months he 
accepted the position of cashier of the Goshen Bank, 
which place he satisfactorily filled until the sj>ring of 
1865 and resigned. He acted as vice-president of that 
bank from January, 1870, until August, 1875, when, 
upon the death of its president, Hon. William Murray, 
he was chosen president of the bank, which position 
he retains in 1881. 

GOSHEN SAVINGS-BANK 
was organized under a special act passed April 11, 
1871. The meeting to organize under the act was 
held April 14th, and the bank was opened for busi- 
ness May 1, 1S71. The first depositor was Cliarles H. 
Westervelt. 

The first trustees were E. A. Post, Henry Morrison, 
A. B. Post, Benjamin F. Ed.sall, Lewis Cuddeback, 
George D. Wilson, Charles W. Thompson. E. A. 
Post was chosen president, B. T. Edsall first vice- 
president, Henry Merriam second vice-president. 
These officers continue to the present time (Decem- 
ber, 1880). Other members of the board now are 
Dudley Murray, Henry Bacon, Charles J. Elliot, 
Charles M. Thompson, A. B. Post, Lewis Cuddeback. 

The first secretary and treasurer was Lewis Cudde- 
back. He was succeeded by Dudley Murray, the 
present incumbent of that office. 

The amount of deposits Dec. 1, 1880, was $192,- 
380.35. 



X.-PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST. 

These are mostly the old homesteads, around which 
family traditions cluster. There are neither battle- 
grounds nor encampments of armies to be traced in 
Goshen. The central part of the village is a place 
fruitfiil in suggestions of the past. Courts of justice 
were held liere a hundred and fifty years ago. Here 
is where the earnest discussions that preceded the 
Revolution occurred. Here the symbol of royal su- 
premacy was broken by the hammer of a sturdy pa- 
triot, whose hatred of kingly authority did not wait 
for the breaking out of the war. Tradition points to 
the spot also where Claudius Smith was executed, not 
far from the present band-stand at the lower corner 
of the park. The Orange County Hotel occupies the 
site of the court-house of 1738, and a portion of the 
wall belonging to the early building constitutes a part 
of the present south wall of the hotel. There are 
doubtless some other ancient structures in the village, 
but nearly all have given way to buildings of modern 
times. 

THE OLD WESTCOTT WELL. 

This was found forty years ago or more on the land 
of David M. Westcott, in Goshen village. It was sev- 
eral feet. beneath the surface, and covered carefully 
with a large flat stone. Beneath that it was regularly 
stoned up. It has been suggested that it was dug by 
Frencli explorers traveling from north to south soon 
after the discovery of this country ; but there is no 
proof of tliis, nothing but conjecture. 

It has been supposed that it was dug, stoned up, 
and covered by early surveyors, about the time of 
Christopher Denne's settlement, perhaps earlier, per- 
haps later ; that it was near one of their temporary 
cabins, in which they lived while surveying. They 
needed such a well ; made its covering somewhat 
down in the ground, which in after-years became 
easily covered and lost during the early cultivation 
of the field. 

There has also been another supposition : that dur- 
ing the colonial period, either in the war of 1756 or 
earlier, a rude block-house fort or building of some 
kind for protection was erected by the people of 
Goshen at this point, and that this well was sunk 
within the fort as an absolutely secure source of water 
in case of an attack, or especially a prolonged siege.* 

If buildings and places of historical significance 
are few, it is evident, from the collection of relics at a 
Martha Washington tea-party in 1876, that certain 
families of Goshen are in possessi'on of many curiosities 
of the past. Among these may be named the origi- 
nal assessment-roll of 1775, copied for this county 
history, O. B. Tuthill ; a wooden trunk of 1620, 
Victor M. Drake; deed from Cadwallader Colden to 
AVm. Bull, 1723; black-flint Indian pestle. Miss Fanny 
Denton ; salt-cellar from the " Mayflower," Mrs. 



• This wonderful discovery was probably only the uncovering of an 
old well dug for the first minister's residence, and needs no historic ex- 
planatiou. 



546 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Moody; copy of the Declaration of Independence, 
printed in Boston on cotton, 1776, Miss Ethalinda 
Drake ; snutf-box one hundred years old, Silas 
Horton ; a silver token, which the newspaper that 
we quote from gravely affirms was given by Queen 
Anne to the Reformed Church at Neelytown, 1710,* 
Mrs. James P. Hoffman ; deed from John Tuthill and 
David Horton to Barnabas Horton for a farm in 
Goshen, 17.30. There were many others, "too numer- 
ous to mention." Mr. Montauye, of the Goshen Inde- 
pendent, has a small collection of old newspapers, 
very valuable, — Goshen Repository, vol. ii. No. 570, 
Dec. 31, 1799, in mourning for Washington; The 
Orange Patriot, vol. ii., Aug. 4 and Aug. 11, 1801 ; 
Goshen Repository, Sept. 26, 1797. 



XI.-INDUSTKIAL PURSUITS. 

Goshen is very similar in its agricultural capabili- 
ties to the other towns in the central part of the 
county. The surface is rolling or moderately hilly. 
The soil is good, and many valuable farms abound. 
The labor of the industrious farmer is rewarded in 
every part of the town by abundant crops. All the 
.grains usual to this section of the country are success- 
fully produced. The trade in milk is extensive, and 
the conveniences for daily shipment to New York are 
excellent, by means of the Erie Railroad, the Wall- 
kill Valley and the Pine Island branch of the Erie. 
Much attention is given to the raising of fine cattle, 
and many choice specimens may be seen upon various 
farms in all parts of the town. Superior horses are 
bred in Goshen. A driving-track at the village 
affords a convenient place for testing their speed, and 
during quite a portion of the year horses may daily 
be seen in training, whose value would often excite 
the astonishment of a stranger unacquainted with 
Orange County stock. 

It ought to be added that recently the Drowned 
Lands, in Goshen, are now being devoted to onion 
culture ; that the product, both in size, quantity, and 
quality, rivals the best Chester onion-fields, and it is 
confidently expected th.at a much greater culture of 
this fragrant esculent may be expected in this town. 

ORANGE COUNTY AGRICULTUR.^L WORKS. 
This is an old-established foundry, William V. 
Ray proprietor. The line of works consists of agri- 
cultural implements and a general foundry business. 
Mr. Ray also manufactures small steam-engines of 
four or five horse-power. He has made for some 
years a specialty of iron fence, and sends out from 
his establishment very fine specimens of work. 

GOSHEN BRICKYARD AND TILE-WORKS. 
This business was begun about 18(58 by Jacob W. 
Hayne and John Wallace. Mr. Peter Hayne became 
associated in the business in 1870, and five years later 

* Queen .inoe died in 1714, and the Neelytown Church was formed in 
1765. 



became sole proprietor. The line of work consists 
of brick, both common and pressed, drain tile and 
glazed tile of large size. The clay deposit is abund- 
ant, lying convenient to the works, and of excellent 
quality. 

THE RIDER ENGINE COMPANY OF GOSHEN 
was organized by a certificate filed Nov. 12, 1879. 
The object of said association was stated to be " the 
manufacture and sale of engines, and the carrying on 
of a general foundry and machine business." The 
capital stock is $90,000, divided into ninety shares. 

The trustees named in the instrument were Wil- 
liam M. Sayre, Henry Merriam, Jason W. Corwin, 
and Frank A. Merriam. The manufactory is located 
at Walden, in the town of Montgomery. The com- 
pany from which they purchased was Rider, Wooster 
& Co. The business had been under their manage- 
ment for six or seven years. 

PLANING-MILLS. 
There have been two in operation at times in 
Goshen village, but neither of them are now in ope- 
ration, though the buildings are standing. 

GOSHEN FOUNDRY AND GAS MACHINERY COM- 
PANY. 

This is a new enterprise, and is an imiwrtant addi- 
tion to the business interests of Goshen. The com- 
pany was organized in May, 1880. The officers are 
B. Van Steenbergh, president; H. H. Paulsen, treas- 
urer; George E. Dougherty, secretary'. The capital 
stock is S40,000. The buildings were commenced 
about the middle of April, and completed in Sep- 
tember. The company secured a convenient lot of 
nearly three acres, lying near the Erie Railroad. A 
branch track is laid through their property, supplying 
facilities for shipment at the foundry. The buildings 
are constructed in the best manner, and furnished 
with the latest improved machinery. The material 
used in erecting them is brick. The machine build- 
ing is 40 by 70 feet, and in part two stories high; 
the foundry is 40 by SO ; the carpenter- and pattern- 
shop, 20 by 90. There is also a handsome office ele- 
gantly fitted up ; it is 16 by 22, and two stories in 
height. Business was commenced about the 1st of 
October, 1880. Twenty-five hands are employed, and 
the works are in active operation. They are built of 
such capacity as to allow the proprietors to increase 
the business to any extent which the demands of the 
future may require. The line of work is that of a 
general foundry, but the manufacture of gas ma- 
chinery is given special attention. 

The managers are men of energy, and the enter- 
prise is already attracting an excellent line of custom. 
Orders for work to the amount of $16,000 were re- 
cently received in a single day. The company have 
erected a handsome block of dwellings for their em- 
ployes, comprising eleven separate tenements. They 
have also built two dwellings of wood. In the erec- 



GOSHEN. 



547 



tion of all the buildings upon the property regard 
has been had to beauty of exterior as well as to 
solidity of construction and convenience. 

CREAMERIES. 
These will, perhaps, be too common in Orange 
County soon for any special notice. There are four 
in this town, — one by Carpenter Howells, at Goshen ; 
one by Bailey & Co., near the Orange County farm ; 
one by John A. Ryerson, near the village ; and one 
at Conklingtown, by Youngs, Wells, and others. 



XII.-MILITAHY. 
Considerable military interest seems to have existed 
in Goshen from the earliest settlement. Solomon 
Carpenter was lieutenant-colonel in the regiment of 
1738, under command of Col. Vincent Matthews. 
James Thompson was quartermaster, and Michael 
Jackson adjutant. In all military matters Goshen 
was a rallying-point. Doubtless soon after the settle- 
ment every .able-bodied man was enrolled in the 
militia, and trainings and military drills took place at 
Goshen. It was not, however, until some years after 
the first settlement that any troubles arose which 
called the militia of Goshen into actual service. 

OLD FRENCH WAR. 
Goshen became very early the most important, 
populous, and publicly-known place in the county, 
and its people were called upon to take an active 
part in all matters of a public character or which 
concerned their interests. These events were largely 
of a warlike character, commencing with the aggres- 
sions of East New Jersey as early perhaps as 1730, 
then continued through the old French and Indian 
war, and so down to the Revolution and the battle of 
Minisink, in each and all of which the inhabitants of 
this region turned out with alacrity, and discharged 
their duty with good will and patriotic honesty. In 
relation to these services in the French and Indian 
war, it may be said that they were principally on the 
frontiers of Orange and Ulster, and in the northern 
part of the State. (See General History.) 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

During this struggle Goshen was an important 
point of military preparation, as it had been in the 
colonial period. For the names of those who became 
soldiers in that war we refer to the old militia-rolls 
or other papers of the General History. The one en- 
gagement in which Goshen had so large a share and 
suffered so severely was the battle of Minisink. For 
convenience, we treat of that in connection with the 
obsequies to the memory of the fallen in the battle of 
Minisink in 1822. 

Public interest in gathering up the remains of the 
slaughtered heroes of that fearful struggle seems to 
have received the first public expression in November, 
1821. A communication appeared in the Independent 
Jiepublican, signed " Vindex Mortuorum." At a pub- 



lic meeting held at the house of Jesse Edsall, in 
Goshen, Nov. 14, 1821, Hon. James Finch was called 
to the chair, and Jesse Wood, Jr., appointed secretary. 
A committee to gather up the bones was named, con- 
sisting of John Hathorn, Thomas Waters, Nathan 
Arnout, Jacobus Swartwout, .Tames Reevs, Daniel 
Myers, Henry G. Wisner, Maj. James Tusten, Mi- 
chael A. Jones, Alsop Vail, John Barker, Col. Ben- 
jamin Webb, Dr. David R. Arnell, James W. Car- 
penter, Jesse Wood, Jr., Thomas Jackson, James 
Burt, Col. Benjamin Dunning, Col. Jonathan Bailey, 
James Finch, Jr., Peter E. Gumaer, and James Van 
Vleet, Jr. 

Committees were appointed in each town to solicit 
donations to meet the expenses of obtaining the bones, 
'interring them, and erecting a monument over the 
graves. These committees were as follows: Goshen, 
G. D. Wickham, James W. Carpenter, Amzi L. Ball, 
Townsend Seeley, Daniel H. Denton ; Warwick, 
Samuel S. Seward, Robert Farrier, James Wheeler, 
Jesse Wood, Jr., Stephen A. Burt ; Minisink, George 
Phillips, Peter Holbert, Joshua Sayre, John T. Jan- 
sen, Jr., Increase B. Stoddard; Wallkill, Erastus 
Mapes, Jacob Dunning, William Phillips, Joshua 
Horubeck, Adam Millspaugh; Deerpark, James 
Finch, Jr., Isaac Otis, Martin L. Corwin, Abraham 
Cuddeback, Benjamin Van Inwegen ; Monroe, Robert 
Fowler, George Wilkes, Benjamin Cunningham, 
Joseph R. Andrews, Israel Green ; Cornwall, Wil- 
liam A. Clark, Nathan Westcott, Isaac Van Duzer, 
Oliver Gridley, Elihu Hedges ; New Windsor, Rob- 
ert B. Burnet, Joseph Morrell, Samuel Brewster, 
William Sly, Charles Ludlow; Newburgh, Isaac Bel- 
knap, William Wear, Jr., Cornelius Wood, Alexander 
Ross, Daniel Tooker; Montgomery, John Blake, 
Samuel Hunter, David Strahan, Moses Crawford, An- 
drew Bedford; Blooming-Grove, Selah Strong, Hec- 
tor Craig, Moses Ely, William Horton, Henry Seeley. 

The following is taken from the Independent Repub- 
lican of April 29, 1822 : 

" .\11 the bones that could be found of the brave men who fell in the 
battle of Minisink were collected from the battle-ground on Wednesday 
last, arid brouglit to the village on the day following. They are now in 
the possession of the committee, with whom they will renniiii until the 
anniversary of the day upon which tiie battle was fought. 

"In securing the bones neitlier pains nor expense were spared. The 
party traveled about forty miles the first day, and half of that distance 
was a complete wilderness. They put up for the night at Mi-j-. Watkins', 
who lived about six miles from tlie battle-ground, to which they pro- 
ceeded the next morning. Some left their horses behind, it beiug very 
difficult to get along with a horse. The country around was a complete 
wilderness, scarcely exhibiting a trace of human footsteps. The battle 
was commenced on the banks of the Delaware, opposite the mouth of 
the Lackawack, and terminated about three-quarters of a mile from the 
river. It was a matter of astonishment to many of the party when they 
weie shown the course taken by our troops. Some of the descents are 
really frightful. Most of the bones were found on the grouud where the 
battle was fought; but some were found some distance away, which 
undoubtedly belonged to the wounded who had died with hunger and 
fatigue." 

Proguamme of the Exercises .\nd the Order of the Funeral 
Procession, July 2'.^, 1822. 

At the separation of forty-three years the bones of forty-four of our 
fellow-citizens who were slain at the battle of Minisink by the Indians 



548 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



have been collected, and will be deposited in the old burjiiig-ground in 
the village of Goshen, 

The special conioiittee have agreed upon the following arraugemeuts 
for rendering fnueral honors to the remains of those who fell in that 
battle : 

1. Maj. AVorth is appointed marshal of the day, and all orders pro- 
ceeding from him will be respected and obeyed accordingly. 

2. Col. Faulkner and Cupt. Ball are appointed aides to the marshal of 
the day. 

3. It is requested tliat stores, otfices, and other places of business be 
closed, and that no carriages or persons on horseback appear on the 
street through which the i)roces8ion is to pass from the commencement 
thereof to the end. 

4. It is recommended to tiie citizens, as well as those in the procession, 
to be silent during the solemnities of the day. 

5. The general order of the procession will be four deep. 

6. The line of the procession will form on the street between James 
W. Carpenter's store and tlie house of Jeremiah Drake, and will proceed 
thi'ough the Main Street to the junction of the roads near the house of 
Alfred Ely ; thence to the Orange Hotel ; and thence to the Pre.sbyterian 
church, through which they will pass to the place of interment. 

7. On the arrival of the front of the procession at tlie gate opposite 
the church the whole will halt upon a signal for that purpose, and open 
to the right and left tu admit the biers and procession, according to the 
order of the marshal of the day. 

8. During the movements of the procession minute-guns will be fired 
aud the village bell tolled. 

9. Signal-guns will be fired in the following order: 

1. Three guns will be fired in quick succession at sunrise to an- 

nounce the solemnities of the day. 

2. One gun will be fired at eleven o'clock as the sigrnil of parade, 

when the different societies, companies, etc., will form at their 
respective places of rendezvous. 

3. One gun at twelve o'clock for forming the line. 

4. Two guns in quick succession for the procession to move. 

o. One gun for the procession to halt and open to tliB right and left, 

as will be directed by the marshal of the day. 
6. Two guns in rapid succession for the minute-guns and bells to 

cease. 

Order of Procession. 

1. Detachment of dragoons; 2. Marshal of the day; 3. Military, in 
reversed order; 4. Committee of arrangements; 5. Kscurt, battalion of 
cadets; 0. Pall-bearers and two hearses; each heaist; drawn by two 
white horses ; 7. Chaplain, orator, and persini laying tbe corner-stone ; 8. 
Mourners; 9. Clergy ; 10. Sui-vivorsof the l-aitle; 11. (itlicers and soldiers 
of the Revolution ; 12. Officers not on duty, in uniform ; 13. Civil and 
judicial officers; 14. Gentlemen of the bar ; 15. Me'iii:al society ; 16. Ma- 
sonic lodges, with their badges; 17. Piiin,ipals, teachers, and students of 
academies; 18. Citizens; 19. Detachment of dragMnns. 

Order of Solemnities at the Intirment. 
1. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Fisk ; 2. Funeral eulogium by the Rev. Mr. 
Wilson; 3, Interment; 4. Laying the corner-stone; 5. Prayer by the 
Rev. Mr. Cotter; conclusion by military firing. 

Minor Arrangements. 
1. The general and special committees of arrangements will appear 
on that day with crape on the left arm ; 2. The surviving relatives are 
requested to appear clothed with the usual badges of mourning; 3. 
Committee of arrangements meet at J. W. Carpenter's ; 4. Survivors and 
relatives of the slain at J. Wood's ; i>. Clergy at the court-house ; 6. Sur- 
viving officers and soldiei-s of the Revolution at Mr. Kitchell's ; 7. Mili- 
tary officers not on duty at J. Edsall's ; 8. Gentlemen of the bar and civil 
and judicial ofiicers will meet at Dr. Seward's; 9. Medical society will 
meet at Dr. T. G. Kvans"; 10. The diffeieut Masonic lodges will meet at 
George MiHire's hotel; 11. Principals, teachers, and students of acade- 
mies at Oliver Crane's; 12. Military at such places as their commanding 
oflBcers may direct; 13. The Presbyterian church will be opened from 
11 to 12 o'clock, for the admission of females only. 

Thomas Waters, 

Gabriel N. Phillips, 

David R. Arsell, 

Henry G. Wisner, 

James W. Carpenter, Committee. 

The proceedings were conducted in accordance with 
the above arrangement. It wa^i estimated that 15,000 



people were present. The procession was very large, 
and was conducted with becoming solemnity. 

The corner-stone was laid by Gen. Hathorn, who 
commanded the forces of the Spartan band at the 
battle. The veteran, about eighty years of age, wa& 
deeply touched as the scenes of the slaughter forty- 
three years before swept through his mind and kin- 
dled the fearful memories of the past. 

At no previous time in the history of Goshen were 
so many people collected together. The military of 
the connty, and especially the ':orps of cadets from 
West Point, under their gallant commander, Maj. 
Worth, who had kindly consented to be present and 
direct the movements of the military, looked remark- 
ably well ; they performed their evolutions with the 
accuracy of trained soldiers. The procession formed 
on the occasion moved with the solemn dignity in- 
spired by the patriot event they came to celebrate. 
The address of the Rev. James K. Wilson was touch- 
ing, forcible, and eloquent, and his manner, as he 
spoke of the dried bones of our ancestors slain in In- 
dian battle, was admirably calculated to light up anew 
the fires of the Revolution in the breast of the aged 
and time-worn patriot, and animate the youth of the 
land to imitate their deeds of valor in the just defense 
of their country. 

Dr. Wilson's address consisted largely of a de- 
tailed description of the battle. In this respect it 
can no longer he considered as authority upon that 
subject. The more careful study given to the Mini- 
sink affair in recent years and the clearer light thus 
thrown upon it dispel very many traditions concern- 
ing it. He closed as Tnllows: 

"Ton will permit me to a Idress the noble sentiments of your souls, 
and invite you to emulate the example of tliese heroes in deeds of noble 
dariM*; should j'our country ever call. The young and those now around 
me under arms may see our country involved in dangers that will 
reiiuire even the sacrifice of life for her safety." 

The monument of 1822 was not the present fine 
shaft which adorns the public grounds at Goshen; 
that was erected at a subsequent date, as shown below. 
The monument of 1822 was a much plainer affair. 
It had one central shaft, however, on which were in- 
scribed the names of the dead. On the erection of 
the new monument the former block became the pri- 
vate property of John Edward Howell, of Goshen, 
and was donated by him to the committee of the Sul- 
livan County celebration in 1879, to be erected upon 
the battle-ground in that county. 

Among those who were in the battle but escaped 
with their lives were Col. John Hathorn, of War- 
wick ; Adjt. Robert Armstrong, of Florida; Maj. 
John Poppino, of Summerville; Maj. John Wood, of 
Goshen ; Sergt. Caleb Goldsmith, of Goshen ; Maj. 
Meeker and Evi DeWitt, of New Jersey ; Capt. 
Abraham Cuddeback, of Deeri)ark ; Daniel Myers, 
of Minisink, who is said to have killed more Indians 
than any other man during the engagement; and Jona- 
than Bailey, of Wawayanda. It is probably not pos- 



r 



GOSHEN. 



549 



sible to prepare a (•onii)lete list of those who went to i 
repulse Brant. Traditions differ greatly upon that 
point, ranf^ing from 80 to 130. With 45 killed, the 
former estimate leaves 35 to account for. 

It has been something of a question whether the 
company who were engaged with the Indians at the 
battle of Minisink was an organized force and called 
out by formal orders, or whether it was entirely a 
volunteer force without regular organization, except 
as they yielded obedience to recognized officers iu the 
regular militia. It would appear that in part, at 
least, it was called out by a regular order. Mr. Victor 
M. Drake, a few years since, unearthed the following 
order : 

"To Caleb Goldsmith, Sergt. : 

" You are liereby reiiuested to warn your class and niarcti to Minisink, 
Iiereof fail not, as you will answer the county. 

"Given under my hand this I7th* day of July, 1779. 

" Samuel Jones, Cuptaiii.'' 

The names of this class were indorsed as follows : 
Stephen Smith, Benjamin Dunning, Charles Weeks. 

THE CELEBRATION OF JULY 22. IS62. 

This occurred at the unveiling of the new monu- 
ment erected in honor of the heroes of Minisink by 
the generous donation of Dr. Merritt H. Cash, of 
Wawayanda. Dr. Cash had always taken a patriotic 
interest in the Revolutionary events occurring in this 
section of country, and particularly in those of Mini- 
sink and Wyoming. He had a direct family connec- 
tion with the latter, his grandfather having been in 
the fight at Wilkesbarre, and the man who broke 
through the Indian lines and went for help. Daniel 
Cash afterwards settled in Orange County, as did the 
Fullertons and others from the Wyoming Valley. 
Dr. Cash had studied the story of Minisink well, and 
desiring that a fitting monument should be erected in 
memory of that battle, he left by his will .S4000 for 
that purpose. He died at the age of fifty-eight, April 
26, 1861. The money thus donated was all expended 
upon the monument, the erection of the iron fence 
and other expenses being born by the citizens. 

Committee of Reception, David F. Gedney, Wni. 
Murray, James' W. Carpenter, George W. Green, 
Charles II. Winfield, Adrian Holbert, John Wood. 

Grand Marshal, Wm. C. Little. 

Assistant Marshals, Gen. Alfred D. Hurtin, Gen. 
Calvin G. Sawyer, Gen. John McBride, Col. Charles 
C. Wheeler, Col. John C. Wisner, Col. John Cum- 
mings. Col. Morgan L. Sproat, Col. Wm. B. King, 
Col. John Jenkins, Maj. Wm. L. Naiiney, Maj. John 
■S. Edsall, Capt. Archibald R. Taylor, Capt. McCor- 
mall, Capt. Daniel Fullerton, Capt. George W. Mills- 
paugh. 

Committee of Invitation and Correspondence, Jo- 
seph W. Gott (chairman), Bradford R. Champion, 
Henry Merriam, Samuel R. Owen, Benjamin F. 

* Thia may be an error for 19th, but there is great confusion in the 
dates, at best, concerning the battle. 



Duryea, Isaac V. Montanye, Richard Sears, John E. 
Howell, David A. Scott. 

Committee on Music, Wm. P. Townsend, J. W. 
Corwin, Eugene McGarrah, Wm. Marvin, Thomas 
G. Canham, Roswell Carpenter, Wm. H. Murray. 

The officers of the preliminary meeting were Wm. 
C. Little, chairman ; J. H. Thompson, secretary. 

The order of the procession was as follows : 

1. The marshal of the day. 

2. GosheTi Cornet Band. 

'■i. Masonic lodges, — three, — one from Goshen, one from Newburgh, 
and one from Port Jervis. 

4. Lodges of odd-Fellows, — one from Middletown, and one from Port 
Jervis. 

rt. Wagon w ith thirty-four young misses from Port Jervis. 

6. Sons of Orange and Sullivan residing in Xew York. 

7. Orange County Jledical Society. 

8. Cataract Engine Company of Goshen. 

9. W'alden Brass Band. 

10. Firemen from Waldeu and ^lontgomery. 

11. Middletown Cornet Band. 

12. Firemen from Middletown. 
l;5. Susqiiehauna Baud. 

14. Firemen from Port Jervis. 

15. Hook-aud-Ladder Company from Middletown. 

16. Speakers. 

17. Iloisemen. 

IS. Citizens in wagons. 

PROGRAMME OF CKLEBR.^TION, JULY 22, 18B2. 

1. Prayer by Rev. George Potts, T).D., of Xew Y'ork. 

2. Music by the bands. 

3. Reception of the Society of the Sons of Orange and Sullivan, with 
an address from David F. Gedney, i-eeponded to b> a member of the 
society. 

4. Music. 

.0. Oration by John C. Dimmick, Esq. 
G. Music. 

7. Address by a member of the Society of the Sons of Orange and Sul- 
livan. 

8. Music. 

This programme was carried out in full. All the 
proceedings were in excellent keeping with the occa- 
sion. It was impossible to restrain the speakers or 
the audience to the scenes of Minisink a hundred 
years before. 

The then critical condition of the country, and the 

high demands of the hour, evoked a rising tide of 

emotion that commingled with and ennoliled every 

thought of the past. The Rev. Dr. Potts prayed 

" the Divine Ruler to protect those brave men who are 

i defending the cause of the Union upon the battle- 

! field, and to strike from the temple of liberty the sac- 

' rilegious hand of the traitor." 

Mr. David F. Gedney said, " No human being could 
lift the veil which now enveloped our native land. 
He trusted she would emerge from her darkness i-a- 
diant with starry brightness." 

Mr. A. S. VanDuzer said, " We have come here to 
meet the loved of other days, to rekindle within our 
hearts the fires of patriotism, and to offer prayer for 
the brave departed. , Alas! what a chalice of woe 
and desolation has been presented to the lips of the 
American people. I seem to hear the voices of those 
; whose bones lie under that icy marble, calling to us 
' to march forward with cold steel and belching cannon 



550 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



until this accursed rebellion is subdued. My thoughts 
inevitably run forw.ard into coming years. It is now 
our blessed privilege to teach rebellion a never-ending 
lesson. Future generations will erect monuments to 
the memory of the noble army of martyrs who have 
fallen in its path." 

Mr. John C. Dimmick, the orator of the day, also 
closed his eloquent address with an impassioned ap- 
peal to the young men of the assemblage to rush to 
the conflict. 

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, JULY 22, 1S79. 

The Minisink battle can never be forgotten by the 
citizens of Goshen. It has formed the theme of fire- 
side stories for a hundred years. It is embalmed in 
the traditions of families whose ancestors died upon 
those rocky heights, or shared in the struggle, only 
escaping with their lives. 

Had it been attended with but little loss of life, the 
battle of Minisink would probably have never taken 
an important place in either State or local annals. It 
was the bloody nature of the tragedy which drew such 
forcible attention to it in the earlier years. The fact 
that so many lost their lives in the fight, that at its 
close there were thirty-three widows in the single 
church of Goshen, made an impression that can never 
die out from this community. 

The simple, horror of the massacre, too, obscured 
other considerations, and prevented, perhaps, a full 
understanding of the relative importance of the battle 
in the national contest. 

The names of Saratoga, of Trenton, of Yorktown, 
justly have greater prominence in the records of Revo- 
lutionary valor, but on none of those fields was there 
more heroic and desperate fighting than on the 
rocky plateau where the men of Goshen met the 
shock of battle, and died that their homes might be 
saved from invasion. Brant had carried that bloody 
height, but it was at a fearful sacrifice of his own 
men, and he dared not make a further movement east- 
ward. The militia of Goshen had died, but their 
valor had not been in vain. The national cause 
passed safely through a dangerous crisis ; a few 
months later the large and well-appointed army under 
Gen. Sullivan carried death and destruction to the 
Indian regions of central and western New York. 
The tide of battle changed. The dark days of 1779 
passed forever away. No Indian force ever again 
sought to invade the homes of a people whose heroic 
fighting had reddened the rocky heights with their 
own and their enemy's blood. 

As the centennial anniversary of the battle ap- 
proached in 1879 it attracted much attention, and two 
celebrations of the event took place, one at Goshen, 
from whose vicinity most of the troops had gone to 
the battle a hundred years before, the other on the 
battle-ground itself in Sullivan County. There was 
an appropriateness in both these celebrations, so that 
in no e.special manner were they rivals of each other. 



At Goshen the committee of arrangements con- 
sisted of A. J. Moore, B. F. Bailey, L. Cuddeback, 
Alfred Neafie, C. G. Elliot, J. H. Goodale, C. E. 
Mellspaugh, J. M. Allerton, Joel Wilson, H. A. 
Wadsworth, Victor M. Drake, J. W. Corwin, George 
W. Greene, George W. Seward, Chauncey Thomas. 

The programme was as follows : 

1. Prayer by Rev. W. D. Snodgrass, D.D. 

2. Address of welcoDie on behalf of the citizens and trustees by Har- 
rison W. Hanny, president of the village of Goshen, and introdnciDg the 
orator of the day. 

3. Address by Hon. James W. Taylor, of Newburgh, president of the 



day. 
4. 
6. 
6. 
7. 



Mnsic by the Goshen Cornet Band. 

Oration by Rev. J, Halstead Carroll, of Newburgh. 

Mnsic. 

Address by Hon. 0. H. Winfield, of New York City. 

Address by Gen. James A. Briggs, of Brooklyn. 

Mnsic. 

Benediction. 



The celebration was in every respect a success. 
There was a large gathering of citizens. The proces- 
sion, the addresses, the music, were in every respect 
worthy of the occasion. 

REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS. 

We add the following papers, which show some- 
thing of the valuable material that once existed in 
the office of the town clerk of Goshen : 

"At an annual town-meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
precinct of Goshen, in the county aforesaid, on Tuesday, the 4th of April, 
1775, the following question, whether any deputies should be sent from 
this precinct to meet deputies from the other counties of New York the 
20th instant, to join with them in choosing proper persons as delegates 
on the part of this province, to meet in general Congress at Philadel- 
phia on the 10th of May next, was put, and carried unanimously in the 
affirmative. 

"A motion was then made by several pei"Bons that Henry W'isner and 
Peter Clowes, Esquires, be appointed deputies for tlie aliove purpose, and 
the tpiestion being accordingly put, it was carried in the affirmative 
without one dissenting voice. 

" And at an annual town-meeting held the day aforesaid at Cornwall 
precinct, in the county aforesaid, a motion was made that Mr. Israel 
Seeley, of said precinct, be appointed one of the deputies for the aforesaid 
county, to meet deputies from the other counties at New York on the 
20th instant, to join in choosing some proper persons to be sent as dele- 
gates to represent this province in general Congress at Philadelphia the 
loth of ne.xt month, and the question being accordingly put, it was car- 
ried by a great majority in the affirmative." 

'* At a meeting of the freeliolders and inhabitants of the precinct of 
Goshen, in the county of Orange, and colony of New York, assembled 
at the bouse of Mr, Isaac NicoU, inn-holder, in the town of Goshen, on 
Wednesday, the 10th day of May, 1777, Peter Clowes chairman. 

" liemU'ed, unanimously. That as the present critical situation of atfairs 
makes it necessary for a Provincial Congress to be held, that Michael 
Jackson, Peter Clowes, Benjamin Tusten, and William .\llison, or any 
two of tliem. do attend therein at the city of New York on the 22d day 
of this instant. May, as delegates for this precinct. 
" By order of the meeting, 

"Balth. De Heabt, Clerk" 

MEXICAN AVAR. 

A company was enlisted in Goshen and vicinity 
during the winter of 184(5-47 for service in the Mex- 
ican war. It became Company K, Tenth United 
States Infantry. Capt. Alexander Wilkin, son of 
Samuel J. Wilkin, was the leading man in the enter- 
. prise, and it was largely due to his energy that the 



l\ 



GOSHEN. 



551 



company was raised. He was assisted by Francis M. 
Cummins, who was appointed first lieutenant. 

Tiie company was attaclied to tlie army of tlie Rio 
Grande under Gen. Taylor. Lieut. Cummins was 
promoted, April 17, 1848, to the captaincy, in place I 
of Mr. Wilkin, who had resigned. His commission I 
bears the signatures of James K. Polk, President of ! 
the United States, and William L. Marcy, Secretary 
of War. 

We give the roll of the company as it is now pre- 
served by Mr. Cummins, though it [)robably lacks 
one or more names. They are as follows : 

Alexander Wilkin, captain ; Francis M. Cnmmins, first lieutenant ; Peter 
H. Brewer (New Jerseyl, second lieutenant; N. Millett (New York 
City), first sergeant; Wm. Fisher (Goshen), second sergeant; S. 
Holly (Goshen), third sergeant ; Riley Lane (Shandaken, Ulster Co.), 
fourth sergeant; Aaron Clearwater (Goshen), first corporal; Orris 
Judd, second corporal ; Wm. Dickersou, third corporal ; Wm. Blake, 
Wm. Beiu, Felix Burns (Goshen), James Cariigan, Henry Cranipton, 
Wm. Davis, Jesse Enhout, Jacob Jackson, Patrick Harney, John A. 
Kennedy, Herman Laue.W'm. Martin, Andrew 5Iartin,E. S. McCar- 
ter (Hamptonburgh), Wm. Muliner, John O'Brien, Jesse Middagh, 
Edward Nickerson, Sylvester Parrot, Wni. E. Quinn, Morris Radney, 
Samuel P. Smith, Patrick Stevens, Sylvanus Swartwout, Cornelius 
Schoonniaker (1st), Henry Terwilliger, Joseph Weed, Wm. W'inno, 
Erastns Wright, John Winters, Wasliington Easily, John Barrett, 
Charles Case (drummer-boy. or Unionville), Wm. Corwiu, Wm. 
Cromley, Calvin Itavis, David Hays, Edward E. Jackson (Goshen), 
Samuel Kelly, Lawrence Kilbride, Samuel Langdon, Patrick Martin, 
0. P. McCarter (Hamptonburgh), Francis McKernna, James Muli- 
ner, John F. Howard. Robert McLaughlin, James O'Malley, Jona- 
than Pound, Samuel Reed, Uzal Roe, AVm. S. .Smith, Samuel Smith, 
John Sumpft, H. T. Schoonmaker, Cornelius Schoonmaker (2d), 
Wni. Van Tassel, Isaac White, Garrett T. Wood (Chester), Robert 
Wilson, Wm. B. Craft, John Doty, privates. 

At the close of the Mexican war, Capt. Cummins 
was mustered out. At the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion, in 1861, he was residing at Muscatine, Iowa. 
Fort Sumter surrendered April 14th. The procla- 
mation for 75,000 men was dated the 1.5th. Capt. 
Cummins raised a company the 16th, rode thirty miles 
that night, and at three o'clock on the morning of the 
17th tendered its services to the Governor of the 
State. A comparison of dates since shows that it 
was the first company (without any nucleus) that was 
raised west of the AUeghanies. Mr. Cummins be- 
came captain of the company, and it was ranked Co. 
A of the First Iowa. His command served in the 
Missouri campaign under Gen. Lyon. He was trans- 
ferred to the Sixth Iowa, and promoted lieutenant- 
colonel. At the expiration of the term of service he 
was mustered out, came back to Orange County, and 
assisted in raising the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, of which he became lieutenant-colonel. July 
2, 1863, Col. Ellis was killed at Gettysburg, and 
Lieut.-Col. Cummins was promoted colonel, his rank 
dating from that day. He was wounded at Gettys- 
burg, but was with his command at the battle of the 
Wilderness, where he was totally disabled. May 6, 
1864. He was discharged from the otficers' hospital 
at Annapolis, Sept. 20, 1864. 

Alexander Wilkin, who raised Co. K of the Tenth 
United States Infantry for the Mexican war, was 



also settled in Iowa, and in the war of the Rebellion 
became colonel of the Second Iowa. He was killed 
in Georgia. 

REGULAR ARMY. 

A. J. Moore, the present supervisor, enlisted, Nov. 
1, 1858, in the Second United States Dragoons, and 
served five years, being discharged Nov. 1, 1863. He 
was wounded in several engagements, and once taken 
prisoner. June 24, 1867, he again enlisted in the 
Third Cavalry, and served another term of five years, 
receiving his discharge June 24, 1872. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

This struggle called out many volunteers from this 
town, as well as from the other towns of the county, 
It may be that the history of the war of 1861-65 mu.st 
wait for a future chronicler to write its .story in the 
steady, passionless prose of a Macaulay ; but it is not 
too soon to say that in future years men will scan 
muster rolls and explore old archives to read the 
names of the heroes of 1861-65. As eagerly as the 
men of to-day strive to rescue from oblivion the name 
of every Revolutionary soldier, so will the men of 
another century study the rolls of the great civil war 
to learn the names of those who participated in the 
conflict. The humblest resident of Goshen who 
obeyed the summons to arms and died in the service 
is worthy to be remembered with the heroes of other 
days, and to have a monument erected to his memory. 

Official Action, 1861-65.— At a special town- 
meeting held Aug. 20, 1864, resolutions were passed 
authorizing the raising of $50,000 for the purpose of 
paying bounties to volunteers under the call of the 
President for 500,000 men. The town oflScers were 
instructed to issue bonds for the purpose of raising 
the said sum, and a committee was appointed, viz. : J. 
E. Vail, Thomas Edsall, and George W. Green, who 
should have the management and disposal of the 
bonds. 

At another town-meeting, held Feb. 5, 1865, the 
sum of $30,000 was voted for the purpose of paying 
bounties to volunteers under the then recent call. 

Ellis A. Post, John D. Bradner, and David Redfield 
were appointed a committee to fix and regulate the 
amount of bounty to be paid, and were vested with 
exclusive and ample authority to manage the whole 
matter according to their judgment and discretion. 

By a report of the supervisor, Mr. John C. Wallace, 
made at the close of the war to the bureau of military 
.statistics, it appears that the number of men furnished 
by the town of Goshen was as follows : 

Volunteers at the outbreak of the war 30 

Under the calls of July and August, 1862 113 

Under the call of March 14,1864 117 

July 18, 1864 54 

" " December, 1864 24 

Total 338 

This was eight in excess of the quotas required. 
The town paid as follows : 



552 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YOHK. 



For bounties 840,360.00 

Recruiting leee, hund-ninney, and other expenses 2,540.00 

For support of soldieiij' fiimilies 4,000.00 

Intel-est on bonds it*^iieii 111.12 

Miscellaneous 7,000.00 

Total $54,007.12 

In its final settlement the town was allowed : 

For an excess of 70 years, or 26V<5 men 815,800 

" '.i two-years' men > 1,200 

" 19 three-3 ears' men 11,400 

" 1 '• " 600 

" 1 " " 650 

*' 1 diTw his own 600 

Total paid town by quartermaster-general $30,050 

The following list has been prepared from the printed 
muster-in rolls of the State, and from the files of the 
Goshen newspapers, and has been revised by several 
citizens acquaintetl with the men who went. 

J. N. Arnold, capt., enl. April, ISOl. ' 

Geolge Allen. 

Henry G. liai ker, Co. D, 56tli ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 

James II. Uiidsall, sergt., Co. li, liith; enl. Aug. 5, 1862; wourided. 

Thonuis BurKess, Co. li, 124th ; enl. July 24, 1862. 

John F. Browii, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 

Felix Burns, Co. H, 16Stli ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862 ; had served in the Mexican 

war. 
Isaac Beckett, 2d lieut., Co. D, 56th. 
John Brewster, 20th II. S. C. T. ; enl. 1862. 
Joseph Brown, 20th U. S. C. T.; enl. 1862. 
Sylvester Byard, 14th Rhode Island ; eul. 1861. 
Caleb Baldwin, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864. 
Wni. Becker, Edgar A. Bowen, Charles Byron, Wm. H. Babcock, Peter 

C. Bergen. 
Thomas Brannan, 13lh U. S. Regulars; enl. 1861. 
John Brooks, 1st Engineers. 

Samuel Bi-owu, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 2, 1864. 
Herman Crane, Co. B, 124th ; eul. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville. 
Gabriel Crane, Co. D, 561h ; enl. Sept. 6, 1861. 
Ira Couklin, Co. E, 44th ; enl September, 1861; killed in action. 
Francis M. Cummins, maj., 1st Iowa ; lient.-col. of lJ4th : pro. to colonel 

on the death of Col. Ellis ; wounded at Gettysburg and in the Wil- 
derness. 
John Callahan, 13th U. S. Regulars; enl. 1861. 
George P. Crans, 1st N. Y. Engineers. ^ 
Alvah A. Cortright, Samuel B. Cooley, Wm. Casey, o6th ; Delancet \V. 

Cox, Lawson Cole, Charles C. Cox, A. J. Cronk, .foseph Cain. 
Daniel Carpenter, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862. 
James C. Coleman, 16Hth ; eul. 1865 ; asst. surgeon in charge ; now (1880) 

examining surgeon U. S. P. service. 
Wm. R. Collius, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 2, 1864. 
Levi Low, Co. C, 25tli Cavaliy; enl. Feb. 9, 1804. 
Andrew T. Coddington, Co. C, 26tb Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 
John H. Carl, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; eul. Feb. 20, 1804. 
John Carl, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 
Virgil Y. Cranz, Co. E, 25th Cavalry ; enlrJan. 22, 1864. 
Rensselaer Curry, Co. E, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 6, 1864. 
Henry C. Duryea, Corp., Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 20, 1862; also served iji 

7th Art. 
James Deaue, 20th N. Y. 

Wm. Duncan, Joseph Davis, John Doyle, Clark Decker, Peter DeKay.* 
John Defrees, 26th U. S. C. T. ; enl. 1862. 

Webster E. Duryea, 44th ; enl. September, 1861 ; killed at Gettysburg. 
Zeno Dusenberry, l'24th ; he was past age ; had served in Mexican war. 
Felix Dohn, Co. M, 25th Cavalry ; eul. Oct. 13, 1864. 
John M. Eckert, Co. B, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; lost an eye. 
George H. Evans, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 8, 1864. 
Benjamin Edwards, Co. C, 25th Cavalry; enl. Feb. 20, 1864. 
Davis Francisco, Ist Engiueei-s. 
Stephen W. Fullerton, Jr., 124tb. 
John 0. Fullerton, Francis Fleming, Wm. H. Fincli. 
James Finley, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

John Finley, Co. D, 176th ; eul. Aug. 2, 1864; his name is also in 168th. 
Ira Fairchild, •2d Cavalry. 



John S. Gale, sergt., Co. H, 168th; enl. Sept. 20, 1862. 

Robert Gabbey, sergt., Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 8, 1862. 

.Sanniel Garrison, color-sergt.. Co. B, 124tli ; enl. 1862. 

Dewitt J. Gibson, David S. Giles. 

Thomas Griffin, naval service. 

Harry Gordon, 22d ; re-enl. in 176th. 

Samuel Grigan, Samuel Gregory. 

John Glanz, Co. B, 124th: enl. Aug. 8, 1862. 

James Gavin, C.j. B, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

Benjamin W. Halstead. 

James Hamilton, Co. B, 124tli; enl. 1862. 

Benjamin M. Hunt, Co. H, 1681h ; enl. Oct. 9, 1862. 

J. W. Hayne, 7tb X. Y.; enl. April, 1801. 

David Huff, Uth U. S. C. T.; enl. 1862. 

Francis Hecker. 

Wm. Holden, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 

Joseph Hillinger, Richard D. Hawkins. 

W. Hamilton (musician), Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1862. 

Matthias T. Holbert, Co. B, 124th ; wounded at Chancellorsville. 

Robert Holland, Jr, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1802; killed at Gettys- 
burg. 

Charles Harrington, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 

Ebenezer Holbert, corp., Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; wounded. 

Andrew J, Isbell, Co. B, 124th ; enl. July 31, 1,S02. 

Thomas Jones. 

Fi-aucis Johnson, Co. M, 25tli Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 22, 1864. 

George Johnson, Charles Johnson. 

James S. Jones, Co. D, 56th; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; re-enl. Co. D, 15th Art, 
Jan. 18, 1SG4; had been in the Mexican war. 

John II. Juilson, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 

Alexander Jones, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 

George Jackson, 26th ; enl. 1802. 

Edwaid Jarvis, 19th ; enl. 1861. 

Charles Knapp, Co. C, 124th; eul. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded, 

.Toseph Kain. 56th ; enl. 1861. 

George Ketchum, 1st N. Y. Engineers. 

Julius Krancye, Wm. Kelper. 

Benjamin M. Little, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

John Lowe (20th), AVm. J. Laucey, Wm. Leonard, James Lynn. 

Henry Y. Lewis, Co. H, 108th; enl. Oct. 6, 1862. 

Wm. F. Lewis, drum-major, 40th. 

Michael Landy, Co. A, 4tli Mass. 

John T. Laroe, Co. 1, 124th ; wounded. 

Patrick Leach. Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; wounded. 

Benjamin W. Little, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; wounded. 

Charles Manning, Ist Engineers. 

Dennis McCormick, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville. 

Michael Mooney, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

Edward T. Mapes, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1802 ; wounded. 
I Stephen Millspaugh, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 

James M. Morritt, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; pro. Old. sergt. 

Wm. H. Merritt, Co. B, 124th ; eol. Aug. 5, 1862. 

Heniy S. Murray, capt., Co. B, 124tb; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; severely 
wounded at Chancellorsville; taken prisoner; pro. major. 

Robert R. Murray, Corp., Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; pro. sergt. ; 
wounded at Chancellorsville. 

James Merriam. 

George W. Murray, 7th Militia ; enl. April, 1801. 

Michael McGowan, James McXamee. 

A. J. Mooi'e, regular army. 

H. Miller, 7th; Thomas H. Moore; Wm. L. Miller, 7th; Philetus L. 
Murphy, August G. Moerch, Albert Blortimer, John Maree, Peter 
McDonald. 

James flloi-gan, Co. E, 25th Cavalry; enl. Feb. 5, 1864. 

George H. Miller, Co. E, 25th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 20, 1804. 

John Meade, 56th ; enl. 1802. 

James McCoun, Co. M, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 

Wisner Mui-ray, 7th N. Y. ; enl. April, 1861. 

Martin Mealoy, 10th Legion; enl. November-, 1801; died in service; 
brought home for burial. 

Thomas S. Marvel, capt., 10th Legion ; enl. November, 1861. 

Lewis McCoy, Wallkill Girards. 

Charles Mortimer. 

DeWitt W. Millspaugh, Co. B, 124th ; eid. 1802 ; died of disease just after 
return. 

James Marvin. 



GOSHEN. 



553 



Peter Miller, 14th U. S. C. T. 

Henry Morrison. 

Isaac Miller, 26th C. S. 0. T. 

Janie9 Mulligan. 

James Mapes, 26th U. S. C. T. 

Elias Miller, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; ejil. Feb, 9, 1804. 

Ele Mann. 

Charles McCann, Co. C, 2.9111 Cavalry ; enl. Feb. .i, 1864. 

John Mann, oGtti. 

James M. Hunt, 168tli ; wounded. 

Ak-.\ander li. Olds. 

Ira R. I'ayne, Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 9, 1862. 

Heniy E. Ponieroy, Co. C, 2.ith Cavalry ; enl. Feb. IG, 1864. 

J. W. Puff. 

John Pintler, 1st N. Y.; killed in action. 

John Price, 168th; M. Pintler, capt. ; John Pembroke, Nathan Porter, 

Alma Perry, Nathan Parke, Richard Peter'son. 
Ellis Post, Co. A, 124th ; qr.-nir.-sergt. ; pro. qr.-mr. 
Henry C. Payne, musician, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Hugh IJuinn, Co. M, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 8, 1864. 
Peter IJuinn, Co. M, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 8, 1864. 
\Vm. W. liowe, Co. C, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
James Riley, Co. M, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
William Riley, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Wui. Reed, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; wounded. 
Coe L. Reevs, Corp., Co. B, 121tb ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; pro. sergt. ; wounded 

at Chancelloreville. 
Reuben Ryuders, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. 
James Scott, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; pro. Corp.; wounded six 

times at Gettysburg. 
Jesse Sullivan, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862. 
Henry O. Smith, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; wounded at Cbancel- 

loisville; never heard from. 
Stephen B. Smith ; Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; died at Falmouth, Va. 
John A. Space, Co. B, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Samuel Shult/,, Co. B, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died in the service. 
Edward Stafford, 124th. 

Samuel Sherman, Co. B, 124tb ; enl. August, 1862 ; killed at Spottaylvania. 
Ira Stafford, 124th. 
Abrani Shipman, naval service. 
Tuthill Smith, 1st Eng. 
Theodore Shaw, 2d ; William Scott, Peter Smith, Alexander Swazey, 

Andrew Schafer, Theodore Shaw, Joseph Stafford, Edward Stafford. 
Theodore A. Shaw, Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862 ; trans, to Co. K. 
William Scott, Co. C, 25th Cavaliy ; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 
Peter C. Smith, Co. C, 2oth Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864. 
Sampson Smith, Co. C, 25th Cavalry; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 
Edward Schwighoffer, Co. E, 25th Cavalry ; enl. March 9. 1864. 
Robert W. Stevenson, Co. M, 25th Cavalry; enl. Oct. 13, 1864. 
George K. Siiyer, 10th Legion ; enl. November, 1861 ; hospital steward. 
John Tremper, 56th. 
Hector Thompson, 5th. 

Thomas H. Thomas, John 0. Tuthill, William Tennant. 
Ezra F. Tuthill, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville. 
William Utter. 

David R. P. Van Gorden, Oj. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. i, 1862. 
William Valentine, coi-p., Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, and died from the wound. 
Hiram Vandewater, 20th U. S. C. T. 
Walter Van Tiser, 28th U. S. C. T. 
Rynn Van Sickle. 
David (.». Wetraore, wounded. 
Richard J. Wilson, wounded. 

Charles White, 2d N. T.; killed in action in 1863. 
Moses A. Wells, 22d. 
Jonathan Wilcox, 56th. 
Lieut. D. C. Wilkin. 
John Wright. 
Charles A. White. 
Johnson Wilco.x. 

John White, Co. B, 124th; enl. 1862. 
William B. Wood, Co. A, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 13, 1362. 
Charles A. Wheeler, sergt., Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862 ; killed at 

Spottsylvania. 
William White, Corp., Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. 
John Williams, corp., Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

36 



Thomas M. Wood, Co. C, 25th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 30, 1864. 

William Wilkerson, Co. E, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 5, 1864. 

Alexander Wilkin, capt., Mexican war; col., 2d Minn. ; enl. 1861, at St. 

Paul ; killed iu Georgia. 
William H. Wood, 1st N. Y. EnR.; enl. 1861 ; wounded. 
William Wallace, 1st. 

Charles E. Wright, sergt., 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Ananijuj Wheeler, wounded. 
Henry Williams. 
Jacob Young. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ALEXANDER WEIGHT. 
His father, Robert Wright, born in Ireland, came 
to America about the close of the Revolutionary war, 
with his father, and settled in Pennsylvania, where, 
soon after, the father died. Robert returned to his 
native country, where, in 1793, he married a lady of 
wealth, and in 1795 returned to this country, and set- 
tled at Newburgh, N. Y. Here he resided for several 
years, and then purchased a farm of 125 acres in the 
town of Newburgh, upon which he resided until his 
death, which occurred in 1835, at the age of sixty-six 
years. His wife survived him, and died in 1851. 

Robert Wright and wife were attendants and sup- 
jKirters of the Associate Reformed Church, and con- 
tributors to all worthy and local objects. 

Their eldest son, William, born in 1797, was a suc- 
cessful business man of Newburgh, and died in 1865, 
aged sixty-eight years ; Jane resides in Newburgh ; 
Margaret became the wife of Robert W. Boyd, and 
resided at Hamptonburgh, where both died ; John 
was a leather manufacturer in Sullivan Co., N. Y. ; 
Francis and Robert (deceased) resided on the home 
farm ; James removed to Indiana, where he success- 
fully carried on business for many years, and died at 
Cairo ; Alexander, subject of this sketch, and Susan 
reside at Newburgh. 

Alexander Wright was born June 6, 1813, and dur- 
ing his boyhood obtained a practical business educa- 
tion at the common school and in the private school 
of the well-known scholar and teacher, James R. Wil- 
son, of Coldenham, Orange Co., N. Y. At the age of 
eighteen he became a clerk in the general store of 
Judge Robert Denniston, at Salisbury Mills, in the 
town of Blooming-Grove, where he remained for three 
years. Here he earned a reputation for integrity, and 
upon the recommendation of Judge Denniston he ob- 
tained a situation as clerk in the Highland Bank, at 
Newburgh, upon its organization in 1834, where he re- 
mained until 1839, when he went to Middletown, and 
organized the Middletown Bank, now the National 
Bank of Middletown, of which he was chosen cashier, 
and tilled the position until 1844. 

In 184(5 he organized the Chester Bank at Chester, 
and officiated as cashier until 1850, and in 1851 he 
organized the Goshen Bank, now Goshen National 
Bank, of which he was elected president, with Wil- 
liam L. Beakes as cashier, and continued his connec- 



554 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tion with this bank until 1857, when he disposed of 
his interest in bank stock and retired from the more 
active duties of life. 

During his residence in Middletown he was one 
of the prime movers in founding the Wallkill Acad- 
emy of that place, got up the subscription for the 
erection of the brick building, now standing, and col- 
lected and disbursed the money. 

Upon taking up his residence in Goshen, Mr. 
Wright was chosen one of the board of trustees of the 
Farmers' Hall Academy, and officially and otherwise 
labored earnestly for the continuation of that institu- 
tion of learning, that its benefits might accrue to the 
rising generation of Goshen and Orange County. He 
has ever been a promoter of church interests, and all 
objects tending to the prosjierity of the place where 
. he has resided, and the general good of society. 

During his active business life Mr. Wright was 
known as a discreet and successful financier, and his 
business ability was commensurate with the most pro- 
gressive demands of the times. 

He married, Jan. 10, 1844, Mary, daughter of Henry 
S. and Laura (Genung) Beakes, and granddaughter of 
Stacey Beakes, one of the early merchants of Middle- 
town, N. Y. Her only brother was William L. Bejikes, 
and her sisters, Jane, wife of the late Dr. Winfield, 
and Cynthia, wife of the late Charles C. McQuoid, a 
lawyer, all of Middletown. The children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Wright are Mary; Robert, died, at the age of 
nine years, in 18.56 ; Frank Alexander, and Janie 
Laura. 

ADAM H. SINSABAUGH. 

In 1730 four families, — Sinsabaugh, Millspaugh, 
Bookstaver, and Youngblood, — on account of religious 
persecution in their native country, left Germany and 
settled in the town of Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y. 
Their first winter was spent in a dug-out, or tem- 
porary place to live. In the following spring they 
built a log church, and there continued worship for 
many years. These families purchased 1000 acres of 
land in the town, and jjart of the same projierty is in 
possession of their descendants at the present time. 

The names of the heads of these families are found 
at Albany, where they were naturalized and swore 
allegiance to George III., in 1735. Of the first-named 
family, Jacob was great-grandfather of our subject. 
Frederick, son of Jacob, was born in the town of Mont- 
gomery, and reared the following children, who were 
married and reared families, settling in the vicinity 
of their birthplace, viz. : Adam, Mary, Elizabeth, 
Betsy, Henry, Frederick, Mrs. DeHart, and Abram. 
Of these children, Henry, born in 1758, married Mar- 
garet, daughter of John A. Brown, of Easton, Pa., 
who was the youngest in a family of fourteen children. 
She died in 1842, aged seventy-four. 

Henry Sinsabaugh sjient his life as a merchant at 
Nazareth, Pa., and as a farmer in Sullivan County, 
and in the town of Montgomery, Orange Co., where 



he died in 1826. He was a volunteer soldier in the 
war of the Revolution, and was at the battle of Fort 
Montgomery. His son David was a soldier in the war 
of 1812. His children are Susan, wife of Philip 
Gross ; Catharine, wife of Daniel Plumley, of Mont- 
gomery ; David, and Adam H. 

Adam H. Sinsabaugh was born in the town of 
Montgomery, May 11, 1802. His minority was mostly 
spent at home, where he received only limited opi)or- 
tunities for any education from books. He married, 
Dec. 23, 1824, Jemima, daughter of Isaac Crissey, of 
Montgomery, who was born Oct. 22, 1799, and died 
Feb. 19, 1832, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth, who 
became the wife of William Sinsabaugh, of Iowa. 
His second wife was Jane Sinsabaugh, who was born 
Nov. 1, 1809, and died Sept. 22, 1844. The children 
born of this union were Kate, wife of Goldsmith 
Gregory, of Iowa ; William ; and James B., who served 
four years in the United States navy during the late 
civil war ; subsequently enlisted in Hancock's vet- 
eran corps, and was stationed at Indianapolis, where 
he was accidentally drowned in the White River. 

His third marriage, in 1845, was to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Henry Scofield, of Goshen, who was 
born Aug. 26, 1820, and died Jan. 11, 1861, and who 
bore him two sons, — George (deceased) and Henry, of 
Goshen. 

Mr. Sinsabaugh married, Oct. 1, 1861, Maria Jane, 
daughter of Elting and Catharine (DuBois) France, 
of Ulster Co., N. Y., who was born Aug. 3, 1833. 
Their children are Nellie J. and Cora DuBois. 
Catharine DuBois was a daughter of Henry, and 
granddaughter of Methusalem DuBois, who was a 
lineal descendant of Lbuis DuBois, the progenitor of 
the DuBois family in Esopus, who was born in the 
province of Artois, France, Oct. 27, 1026, married 
Catharine Blanshan, daughter of a burgher of the 
city of Mannheim, Germany, and in 1660, with his 
wife and two sons, Abraham and Isaac, settled in 
Hurley, Ulster Co., and was the first Protestant of the 
name in this country. He was the first elder of the 
French Reformed Church, established at New Paltz 
in 1683. Elting France's mother was only daughter 
of Peter Elting.of New Paltz. 

After his first marriage Mr. Sinsabaugh settled in 
the town of Crawford, Orange Co., where, in 1833, he 
first came to notice in politics as constable of that 
town. In 1834 he served as constable and collector, 
and was continued in those offices by re-election, with- 
out opposition, until 1840. In June, 1840, he was 
appointed census-taker of one-half of Orange County 
by Anthony J. Bleecker, marshal of the southern dis- 
trict of New York, and in the fall of the same year 
he was appointed under-sheriff of the county, re- 
moved to Goshen, and served in that capacity for 
three years. In 1843 he was elected sheriff of 
Orange County, and discharged the duties of the 
office creditably for one term. 

Mr. Sinsabaugh headed the first temperance move- 




,^^?^y^ 




I 






GOSHEN. 



555 




^^^^^-/^i^^^^t^^^^^a^^,^ 



ments in Orange County, and became permanently 
identified with various .organizations in town, county, 
and State, where liis influence for the good of the 
cause was often acl^nowledged, and he was honored 
with the vice-presidency of the New York State Tem- 
perance Society under its president. Gen. Joseph S. 
Smith, of Kingston, N. Y., who was one of its foun- 
ders in 1865. 

Mr. Sinsabaugh was formerly identified with the 
Democratic party, but was always opposed to the 
extension of slavery. In 1848 he joined the " Barn- 
Burner" party, and in 1856 became a Kepublican. He 
was appointed deputy provost-marshal, and held that 
position through the entire late civil war. He has been 
a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church at 
Goshen for thirty years, and has officiated as elder 
nearly the whole time of his residence here. He is 
also a life-member, and has been first vice-president 
of the Orange County Bible Society. Mr. Sinsa- 
baugh is widely known throughout Orange County, 
and by all esteemed for his correct habits, his high 
moral influence, and for his integrity in all the rela- 
tions of life. 

HENRY MERRIAM. 
His father, Thomas, son of Thomas Merriam, was 
born at Meriden, Conn., about the year 1765, where 
he spent his minority. 



He married Hannah, eldest daughter of Noah 
Guernsey, of Litchfield, Conn., and for some time 
afterwards was a merchant at that place. Subse- 
quently he removed to Schaghticoke, Rensselaer 
Co., N. Y., and resumed his business as a merchant. 
Closing this business, he purchased a farm in Sara- 
toga County, which he carried on for ten years, and 
removed to the town of Harpersfield, Delaware Co., 
where he again engaged in agricultural pursuits 
until his death, which occurred in 1815. His wife 
was subsequently married to a Mr. Disbro, and re- 
moved with a part of the family to Cicero, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., where she lived to the advanced age of 
ninety years. Both Thomas Merriam and his wife 
were members of the Presbyterian Church, and es- 
teemed members of society. Their children were 
Philomelia (wife of Bartholomew Andrews, of Cic- 
ero); Allen was a farmer, and died at Geneva, 
Wis., leaving a large property there ; Harvey was a 
farmer, and died at Cicero ; Samuel resides at New 
Haven, where he has been a successful merchant for 
many years; Henry, subject of this sketch; Noah 
was a farmer, and died at Cicero ; Mary (wife of 
Henry Jones, of Monroe, Orange Co.); and Clara 
(unmarried) resides at Syracuse, N. Y. 

Henry Merriam was born in Schaghticoke, Eensse- 
laer Co., N. Y., Dec. 1, 1802. At the age of thirteen, 
upon the death of his father, he went to Litchfield, 



556 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNT 7, NEW YORK. 



and for six years resided with his grandfather Guern- 
sey. During his boyhood he received a practical 
business education, and learned those inestimable 
lessons, economy and self-reliance. In 1822, Mr. 
Merriam left Litchfield, and started out in life for 
himself. For some three years he was engaged in 
the sale of Yankee notions, with his headquarters at 
Elizabethtown, N. J. In this he was successful, 
and in 182.5 settled at Goshen, N. Y., and, in part- 
nership with the late John J. Smith (Merriam & 
Smith), established himself in the manufacture of 
tinware. This firm was for many years located in 
business'on the opposite side of the street, near the 
Orange Hotel, in Goshen, but on the completion of 
the Erie Eailway, in 1841, they built a store near the 
Goshen Bank, at a place which has become the centre 
of business since that road was finished. For fifteen 
years they carried on the tin and hardware business, 
and for most of the time had upwards of a dozen 
peddlers on the road selling their manufactured tin 
goods and notions. 

In 1849 the firm opened a general hardware house, 
and continued a successful and large bu.siness until 
18G9, when Mr. Merriam retired from the active 
duties of life. During nearly half a century Mr. 
Merriam was in trade in Goshen, and for many years 
after his first establishment here his was the only | 
stove-store between Newton, N. J., and Kingston, 
N. Y., consequently his trade reached to all parts of 
Orange County, and into adjoining counties. 

While his active business life was successful, he 
has never for any time forgotten the full duty of a 
citizen, and has been a liberal contributor to all 
worthy local objects, and a promoter of the best inter- 
ests of society in morality and religion. For some 
twenty years he was identified with the educational 
interests of Goshen as one of the board of trustees of 
the Farmers' Hall Academy, and since the organiza- 
tion of the Goshen Bank in 1851 he has been one of 
its directors. 

Mr. Jlerriam was formerly a Whig, and became a 
Republican upon the organization of that party. He 
ha.s never been solicitous of official position, and never 
held office, except to serve as supervisor of Goshen for 
one term. 

His wife is Anna Eliza, daughter of Isaac and 
Abigail (Tusten) Reeve, of Goshen, whom he married 
Jan. 1, 1833. She was born May 3, 1810, and with 
her husband have been for many years members of 
the Presbyterian Churcli at Goshen. Her grand- 
father. Col. Benjamin Tusten, was in the American 
army during the Revolutionary war, and was killed 
at the battle of Minisink, in 1779. Their children 
arp Helen ; Henry G. la graduate of Brown Univer- I 
sity) and his brother, Charles E., are the firm of : 
Merriam Brothers, hardware merchants, at Waverly, 
N. Y. ; Frank A. is the successor of his father in the 
business at Goshen; Alexander E. Merriam was , 
graduated at Yale College in 1872, at Andover 



Theological Seminary in 1877, and is the settled 
pastor of the Payson Congregational Church, at East 
Hampton, Mass. ; and Alma E. 



JOHN J. SMITH. 

His grandfather, Job Smith, was born Sept. 26, 
174.5, and died Aug. 6, 1776. He was a soldier in the 
patriot army, was captured by the British, and con- 
fined in the old Sugar-House Prison in New York, from 
which he was released by the influence of friends, 
only to return home and die of disease contracted 
during his imprisonment. His wife was Sarah Ogden, 
born March 29, 17-52, and died May 11, 1827, and who 
bore him three children, viz. : Mary Mitchell; Sarah, 
who became the wife of Elias Darby ; and John Job, 
father of our subject. 

John Job Smith was born at Elizabethtown, N. J., 
Oct. 27, 1772, and married, Jan. 22, 1797, Phebe, 
daughter of John Jewell, who was born July 11, 1774, 
and died Nov. 23, 1835. He carried on blacksmith- 
ing at Elizabethtown, and liad connected with his 
business a " hay-scales," not the neat platforms upon 
which the farmers of 1881 leisurely drive on, but a 
huge frame-work, from the top of which hung a big 
steelyard, from which depended four chains with 
rings at the ends to slip over the hubs of the wheels, 
and thus lift the wagon bodily from the ground. He 
died July 9, 1814. 

Their children were Job, born Aug. 20, 1798, died 
Jan. 10, 1800 ; John Jewell, subject of this sketch ; 
and Ogden Smith, born Aug. 27, 1803, resided at 
Elizabeth, and died Feb. 8, 1851. 

John Jewell Smith was born at Elizabeth, N. J., 
Aug. 19, 1800. He only received a common-school 
education, but early in life learned that industry and 
economy are the foundation of business success. He 
served an apprenticeship in Elizabeth at the tinner's 
trade with Gould Phiuncy, and for three years after 
reaching his majority worked at his trade as a jour- 
neyman. 

In 1824 he settled in Goshen, N. Y., and set up 
business for himself, his first place of business being 
a part of the building now comprising the Orange 
Hotel. Here he remained only about a year, and 
having formed a copartnership with Henry Merriam, 
the firm of Merriam & Smith started the manufacture 
of tinware on the opposite side of the street from his 
first place of business in Goshen. They continued 
their business there until the completion of the Erie 
Railway, adding to it the sale of stoves and peddlers' 
supplies, and had for many years some fifteen men on 
the road selling their manufactured wares and notions. 
Tlieirs was the first stove-store established between 
Newton, N. J., and Kingston, N. Y., and for several 
years the only one, hence this firm controlled largely 
the sale of tinware and stoves in a large section of 
country. 

In 1841 thev built a store near the Goshen Bank, 



CHARLES W. RKEVS. 



His paternal nnccstor first sottlinl on Imwj; Island, 
from wlience Josluia Recvs, gnindfatlier ol' oiir subject, 
removed and became the progenitor of the family in 
Orange County. 

Cliarles W. was one in a family of eleven children of 
Howell Hi'Cvs (who subseciuonlly removed to the town 
of Minisiiik), and was born in the town of Chester, 
Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1805. Uis early life was 
spent on the farm at home. In 1825 lie established him- 
self in mercantile business at Westtown, in the town of 
MinisinU, where he continued a successful tradi^ until 
1842, when, upon the opening of the Krie Railway, he 
removed to (ioshon, where he was enabled to i-nlargo his 
business. 

By his removal lu' .Irrw with him almost the entire 
trade of Minisinlc. llei-e he engaged in a general mer- 



cantile trade and freighting business, which reached for 
thirty to forty miles around, Goshen being the nearest 
supply point to New York for the shipment .il produce. 
Until nearly the time of his death, which occ\irred Sept. 
2, 1805, he ranked among the most substantial and en- 
terprising business men of Goshen, a nniii of integrity, 
whose plighted word never failed. He was a director in 
both the Goshen and Orange County Banks for many 
years. 

Mr. Reevs was a man of independent thought and 
action, possessed a naturally inquiring mind, and always 
atlemptod toconipleto wliatever ho undertook when he 
had once conceived in his mind the object worthy of his 
support. Although somewhat skeptical aiul in doubt of 
the truth of Christianity in early manhnod, his convic- 
tions linally became firm in support of it, and ever after- 




wards he was one of the most devoted supporters of the 
Christian religion. He became one of the founders of 
the Methodist Kpiscopal Church at Goshen in 1847, and 
from that time until his decease he was an earnest, 
Christian member, superintendent of the Sunday-school, 
and a liberal sujiporter of that church. lie had an 
active mind, stored with knowledge acquired by exten- 
sive reading. His manners were atl'alilo, unobtrusive, 
gentle, and forbearing, and his heart was full of licnev- 
olenoe, kindness, and charity. The most luimblo felt at 
ease in his presenee and were always assured of his 
sympathy. Formerly a Whig, he became a member of 
the Kepubliean party u]ion its organization, and by his 
means and intluenee sustained the Union cause during 
the late civil war. 

In 1825 he married Azubali, daughter of Scpiire Lee, 



ot Goshen. Of this union were born seven children, 
three of whom died in childhood. The remaining four 
now living arc Louisa, wife of J. Seeley Het/.el ; Floyd 
H., married, Feb. 18, 18();?, Christine, (laughter of John 
and Hannah (I)e Kay) Cowdrcy, by whom he has two 
surviving children, Hattie and ('hira, and is the suc- 
cessor of his father in business :il Goshen ; ('o(^ L., en- 
listed in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment 
New York Volunteers in lsi!2, and was one of the few 
who remained of the original number when they were 
mustered out in July, 1805; and Klla, wife of Dr. J. B. 
Arnold, of Nebraska. The mother of these children 
died January, 1853, aged forty-three years. For his 
second wife Mr. Reevs married, in 1858, Mrs. Cath- 
arine J. Millspaugh, of ^Warwick, by whom he had 
one daughter, Fannie. 




WILLIAM KNAFP 



His groat-griuidf'utlicr, WiUiaiii Knapp, was tlie pro- 
genitor of the family in Orange County, settling here 
from Horscneck, Conn., when the Indians still claimed 
a right to their hunting-grounds, and the wolf and bear 
were frequent visitors to the cabins of the settlers. His 
land was a part of the Van Horn tract, and contained 
two hundred and ten acres, most of which remains in 
the possession of the family in 1881, and a part of which, 
one hundred and fifteen acres, is the property of the 
subject of this sketch. 

Upon this wilderness tract of land William Knapp, 
Sr., resided the remainder of his life, and was among 
the first in the town of Goshen in the early establish- 
ment of the manj- interests that are enjoyed and carried 
on by the present generation. His wife was of Irish 
birth, and bore him the following children: James, 
Samuel, and William, the first two of whom took part 
in the struggle of the colonies for independence, and 
were killed at the battle of Minisink in 17"'J. 

James, grandfather of William Knapp, our subject, 
was born in 1735, and being the eldest succeeded to the 
homestead, the other sons receiving other real estate 
whicli their father possessed. 

James married Esther Drake, born in 1741, who 
died at the age of ninety years. Their children were 
John, Daniel, Nathaniel, James, Stephen, Polly (wife 
of Stephen Crane), and Sally (wife of William Lucas). 
Several of these children took possession of the soldiers' 
right of land, and settled in Cortland County, N. Y. Only 
John remained, and .succeeded to the homestead property. 



Ho was born Aug. 24, 1705, and died Aug. 1, 1854. His 
first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of James Sawyer, bore 
him one child, Betsey, who became the wife of Stephen 
Valentine. 

His second wife, Eunice, daughter of Jonathan Smith, 
of Goshen, born Oct. 0, 1775, died !May 2, 1853, and bore 
him the following children : Abigail, born in 1705, 
wife of Daniel Wood, resides near Rochester, N. Y. ; 
Polly, born in 1797, and Fanny, next older, each died 
at the age of sixteen ; John, born Sept. 1, 1801, died 
March, 18G0; Gabriel, born in 1804, died in 1867; 
Dolly, is the wife of Calvin B. Gale, of Goshen ; Wil- 
liam, subject of this sketch, born April 13, 1812; Thomas, 
born July 17, 1813, resides in Schuyler County, N. Y. ; 
Fanny Maria, is the wife of N. C. Coleman, of Goshen ; 
and Virgil, the youngest, owns and resides upon a part 
of the homestead. 

William Knapp, son of John, has resided on the 
homestead farm of four generations during his life. 
Like his forefathers, ho has never sought public place 
or the emoluments of office, but has industrious!)' fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits, and been known as a man 
of correct habits, sterling integrity in all the relations 
of life, and a promoter of all worthy local objects. 

He married, in November, 1857, Hannah Maria, 
daughter of Robert Kutan, Esq., of Vernon township, 
Sussex Co., N. J., and who was for many years a justice 
of the peace in Passaic County, N. J. She was born Feb- 
ruary, 1827. Their children are Isaac Thomas, Adelia 
It., William, and John. 




oi^<:^^s ':/ca^ic^ 



Oliver B. Tutiiill (Nathixuicl,*^ Nathaniel,^ Freegift,' John,-'' 
John,- Henryi), of Goshen, N. Y., is seventh in descent from 
Henry Tuthill, born in England, July 16, 1635, married Deliver- 
ance King, and settled at Xew Haven, Conn., in 1638, and after- 
wards, in 1640, at Southhold, L. I., where he reared a family, 
and where he died Oct. 12, 1717. 

Freegift, above mentioned, was great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject, born Aug. 8, 1698, at Southhold, L. I., where he learned 
the tailor's trade. For a time after his marriage to Abigail 
Goldsmith he resided at Brookhaven, L. I., but in 1730 pur- 
chased a wilderness tract of some four hundred acres of land in 
the town of Goshen, upon which he settled, and where after- 
wards he built a stone house. He died in June, 1727, leaving 
four children, viz.: Abigail, Nathaniel, Joshua, and Freegift, 
Jr. The three sons were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, 
and the latter died in the service. 

Nathaniel, eldest son, born at Brookhaven, L. I., Jan. 17, 
1730, was at Fort Montgomery when taken by the British, but 
escaped. He married Margaret, daughter of John Herod, of 
Long Island, and resided on a part of the homestead in Goshen 
during his life, where he erected a stone house, now standing, 
and in which his grandson, subject of this sketch, has resided 
most of his life. His wife was born Aug. .'i, 1730, and bore him 
the following children, viz.: Benjamin, Mary (wife of Daniel 
Bailey), and Nathaniel. He died Sept. 16, 1803. 

Nathaniel Tuthill, born on the homestead Feb. 2, 1768, mar- 
ried, Feb. 27, 1702, Martha, daughter of Joseph Wiekham, of 
Hashamomnck, L. I. She was born in 17GS, and died in 1S08, 
leaving children as follows : Joseph W., was engaged in (Jreen- 
wuod fuin:ice making cannon balls during the war of 1812, and 
afterwards spent most of his life as a farmer; John H., was in 
the war of 1812, and was a farmer; Hector C, was a large 
farmer in Scmpronius, N. Y., where he settled in 1827, and was 
a member of the State Legislature from that place in 1848 and 
in 1849 ; Daniel H., was graduated at Union College, read law, 
practiced his profession in Warwick, Orange Co., and for some 
time prior to his death was the law partner of Henry G. Wisner, 
at Goshen, and was also surrogate of Orange County, 1827-.'J1, 
apjiointed by Governor Throop; Nathaniel, Jr.; and Oliver 
Bailey. 

For his secontl wife Nathaniel Tutliil! nmrried Mary Bodle, 



of Wallkill, who bore him one son, William B. Tuthill, who re- 
sides upon a part of the old homestead. All of the children of 
the first fiimily are deceased in ISSl, except Oliver B,, subject 
of this notice, who was born on the homestead Aug. 27, 1805. 
He resided with his brother. Hector C, from the age of fourteen 
to twenty, and then purchased one hundred and twenty-seven 
acres of the homestead farm, where he resided and carried on 
agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he settled in the village 
of Goshen. LTpon the erection of the town of Ham])tonburgh a 
part of his farm, including the buildings, fell inside the line of 
the new town. While a resident of Hamptonburgh he filled 
the various offices of school inspector, assessor, and justice of 
the peace. In 1845 he built a house on another part of his 
farm in the town of Goshen, where he resided until his removal 
to Goshen. He united with the Presbyterian Church .it Goshen 
in 1842, although a Methodist in belief, and in 1817 he was one 
of the founders and a liberal contributor of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Goshen, and since that time has been officially 
connected with it and influential in its councils. Mr. Tuthill 
is plain, unostentatious, frank, and honest, and he has ever been 
esteemed fur his integrity in all his business relations. 

Mr. Tuthill was among the foremost in the temperance move- 
ment in Orange County in 1S50, and liberally gave his time and 
means in support of that cause, and with Charles W. Reevs and 
others did much to lessen the sale and efl'ects of intoxicating 
liquors. lie became a member of a temperance organization in 
the county, which was advised by the Orange County Medical 
Society in 1 828, and has been a sui)porter of its principles since. 

In the fall of 1S52 his name was placed in nomination for mem- 
ber of Assembly in the First District of Orange County by the 
friends of the temperance cause, and a respectful vote polleil fur 
his return, one town, Blooming-Grove, giving a majority for him. 

He married Elmira, daughter of George Thompson, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove, June 30, 1S30, by whom he had four children, viz. : 
Ezra Fisk, George N., Martha Elizabeth, and Oliver. His wife, 
born May 20, 1805, died in May, 1869. 

For his second wife he married Mrs. Melinda, widow of the 
late John Burr, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who by her first marriage 
had one daughter, Caroline Stacey, who became the wife of 
Charles Wiiison, both of whom are deceased, leaving an only 
daughter, Carrie Grace. 




l^e^m/A 



n 




Q>^^^ 



The progenitor of the DurlanJ family in Orani^e County was 
Charles DurUiml, who came from Long Island in lioti, and was 
engaged on the frontier in the French-and-Indian war. After 
the close of the war he married Jane Swartwout and settled 
on a tract of land adjoining the village of Chester, Orange 
Co., upon which, in 178.1, he built a house, which is standing 
in 18Sl,and has been occupied ns the Durland homestead until 
the present time, lie was exempted from service in the struggle 
of the colonies for independence, and died about 1800, aged 
sixty-seven. His children were Mary, Garret, Joseph, John, 
Charles, Elizabeth, Rosanna, and Samuel, all of whom were 
married and reared families in Orange County. 

Joseph, son of Charles, and grandfather of De Witt C. Dur- 
land, born March 31, 1762, was a scout during the close of the 
Revolutionary war, married Martha Board, of Ringwood, N. J., 
who bore him children, — Charles; Elizabeth, wife of Jonas 
King; and James and John, who were both drowned while 
young in a pond near the homestead. 

By a second wife, Sally, daughter of Samuel Satterly, he 
had children, — Martha, widow of John M, Bull, of Blooming- 
Grove; Jonas; Samuel; Kezia, died young; Susan, wife of 
George Mapes, of Goshen; James; Thomas; and Seciey. 

Joseph Durland inherited a part of the homestead at Chester, 
upon which he resided during his life. lie was known as a 
man of strong force of character and a supporter of all worthy 
local objects, lie assisted in building the first Presbyterian 
church edifice at that place, of which church his wife was a 
member. Ilis second wife died May, IS^^S, aged sixty years. 
Ho died Aug. 28, 1828. His children who survive him are 
Martha, Thomas, and James, who reside upon tho honiestcal. 

Jonas, son of Joseph Durland, born on the homestead in 
February, ISO.*?, married Abigail Little, who was born in 1S05 
and died in October, 1876. He died in 1865. Their children 
are Martha, wife of Edward A. Millspaugh, a farmer in Goshen ; 
Orpha J., wife of C. B, Wood, a farmer of Chester; Cornelia, 
died at the age of twenty-one; Oscar, a fanner in Chester; 



James Seclcy, died at the age of nineteen; Nelson, died in 
1871, aged thirty-eight, leaving a widow and three children; 
Do Witt C. ; Sarah, deceased, was tho wife of John C. Walling, 
of Goshen ; Louisa, died at the age of ten years. 

After his marriage Jonas Durland settled on a farm in Mini- 
sink, where he remained until 1830, when he purehaseil one 
hundred and ninety acres of land in the town of Goshen, where 
the subject of this sketch now resides. He built the present 
residence on the place in I8i7, and made this his home until 
his death. He was a thorough-going and well-to-do farmer, 
and upright in all his dealings with his fellow-uien. Both 
himself and wife were members of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Florida, 

Do Witt C, son of Jonas Durland, was burn May 1, IS.'J.'i, 
and married, Dec. 30 18oS, Marietta, daughter of George S. 
Conkling and Mary Sceley, of Chester, who died Dec. '.I, 1872, 
aged thirty -five years, leaving four children,— J. Howard, 
Murray, Bi-adford C, and Clara M. 

His present wife, whom he married June 10, 1875, is Theresa, 
eldest in a family of three sons and five daughters of Samuel 
McCain and Anna Ward, of Hoboken, N. J., and granddaughter 
of William McCain, who resided at Amity, Orange Co., and 
whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Warwick. 
William McCain's wife was Sarah Jennings. 

By his second marriage Mr. Durland has one child, Ella 
McCaiu Durland. He succeeded to tbe homestead farm in 
Goshen, party by purchase and partly by inheritance, upon the 
death of his father, to which he has added one hundred and 
six acres, having sold a part of the original purchase in small 
parcels to men engaged in onion-raising, the first sold in tho 
town of Goshen for that purpose. 

Mr. Durlaml has erected commodious barns on his premises, 
and all tho appointments about his place show the handiwork 
of a thrifty and enterprising farmer. He was one of the orig- 
inal stockholders in tho Goshen and Pine Islanil Railroad, and 
is a trustee of tho Presbyterian Church at Florida. 



II 



«l 














^P^Cf.^^Y^ 



GOSHEN. 



557 



now occupied by Merriam & Corwin, where tliey con- 
tinued tlieir business until 1849, when they opened a 
general hardware house, and did a large mercantile 
business until the retirement of both members of the 
firm from the active duties of life in 1869. 

Mr. Smith's career, both in business and private 
life, was one of distinguished integrity and above re- 
proach. He was of a retiring disposition, uno.stenta- 
tious in his ways, and always sought the happiness of 
others, while he enjoyed the common benefits of life 
accruing to himself. He was never solicitous of any 
oflBcial position, and preferred the quiet routine of a 
business life to the bickerings of political strife or the 
emoluments of oflice. 

Mr. Smith was the senior warden of St. James' 
Church iit Goshen, and filled that position and the 
oflice of vestryman for many years. Born with the 
beginning of the century, he attained the ripe age of 
eighty years, his death occurring June 4, 1880, and 
his long life was devoted to kindness to his fellow- 
men and devotion to his Maker. He left behind him 
the useful lesson of a good example. 

His wife was Ellen, daughter of Moses and Eleanor 
(Holly) Sawyer, and granddaughter of James and 
Elizabeth (Bradner>) Sawyer, of Goshen, born Feb. 23, 
1817, whom he married Dec. 5, 1838. She died March 
23, 1864, leaving three children, viz. : Mary Ellen, 
born Sept. 20, 1839, died Nov. 1, 1858 ; Julia, born 
Sept. 11, 1843, became the wife of William D. Van 
Vliet, a merchant at Goshen, and died July 28, 1880,- 
leaving two children, — John Jewell and Julia Marion ; 
and John (!)gden Smith, for several years a clerk in 
his father's store, and for the past few years a clerk in 
the Goshen National Bank. 



ALFRED WELLS. 

For about one hundred and fifty years the Wells 
family ha.s been identified with the history of Goshen, 
Orange Co., N. Y., and the homestead upon which 
John Wells settled in Goshen about 1735, then a wil- 
derness tract of land, containing 240 acres, has been 
successively owned by the members of four genera- 
tions, and upon it the subject of this sketch has spent 
his life. 

The progenitor of the Wells family from which 
Alfred Wells is descended, was Hon. William 
Wells, who was born at or near Norwich, Norfolk- 
shire, England, in 1608, and emigrated to America 
about the year 1635. He was stated to have been a 
passenger on the ship " Free-Love," of London, 
Robert Dennis master, June 10, 1635, and was 
twenty-seven years of age at that time. He was 
an educated lawyer in England, and high sheriff 
of New Yorkshire, on Long Island. 

His son. Justice Joshua Wells, was born at South- 
old, L. I., in 1664, and died there in 1744. John, 
son of Justice Joshua, born at the same place, Jan. 
31, 1689, also died there. John, son of John, born at 



the same place about 1715, died in Orange County, 
July 4, 1776, is supposed to be the first settler of the 
family in Goshen, and the one mentioned at the be- 
ginning of this sketch. His son Joshua, born at 
Goshen in 1744, succeeded to the homestead, upou 
which he resided during his life, and died in 1819. 
He was a soldier in the colonial army during the 
Revolutionary war. 

His wife, Ehoda Booth, was a granddaughter of 
William Bull and Sarah Wells, who bore him the 
following children : Mary (wife of George Phillips), 
John, George, Joshua, Jr., Christina (wife of John 
Decker), Dolly (wife of Edward Ely), Sarah (wife of 
James Tuthill). He was one of the early members 
of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen. 

Of these children, Joshua Wells, Jr., was father 
of our subject, and was born on the homestead, Sept. 
6, 1779, and died there in 1867. He carried on the 
homestead farm during his active business life, was a 
man of good judgment, correct habits, and strong 
force of character. He sought to fulfill the full 
duties of the good citizen, and was known by his 
fellow-men as a man of sterling integrity, not solici- 
tous of public place, frank and manly in his ways, 
and a Christian man. 

His wife was Jemima, daughter of Jonathan Sayer, 
of the town of Goshen, born in 1779, and who died 
in 1811, leaving the following children: Adeline 
(wife of James C. Reeve), Alfred, Mary Jane (died 
unmarried), Jerome was a physician of Goshen, and 
died here, and Frances (wife of Adrian Holbert, of 
Goshen). 

His second wife was Katy Ford, who bore him 
children, viz. : Julia (wife of John M. Ford) and 
Elizabeth (unmarried). His second wife died in 
October, 1834. 

Alfred, son of Joshua Wells, Jr., was born on the 
homestead, Nov. 17, 1805. His early education was 
\ received in the common school, and at Farmers' 
Hall Academy at Goshen. For one term he was a 
[ teacher, but succeeded to the homestead property, 
upon which he has spent most of his business life. The 
present residence on the farm was built by his father 
during his lifetime, and during the last three years 
Mr. Wells has caused to be erected one of the finest 
and most substantial barns in Orange County. Mr. 
Wells succeeded to the old homestead by inherit- 
ance, to which he has made an addition of a small 
parcel of land, and is the possessor of other valuable 
property besides. 

He is a man of determined effort, judicious in the 
management of his affairs, and, although far past the 
active duties of life, finds pleasure in the care and 
superintendence of the place of his birth, where he 
and his wife spent so many happy years together. 

Mr. Wells always gave encouragement to all ob- 
jects of a local nature tending in any way to the pros- 
perity of the people and the development of interests 
in his own town, and although, like his forefathers, 



558 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK: 



he never sought political place or its emoluments, he 
has always been a careful observer of the progress of 
the times, and interested in the establishment of law 
and order in the country. 

He married in June, 1832, Lydia, daughter of 
John Nyce, of Wheat Plains, Pike Co., Pa., who was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen, a 
devoted wife and mother, and died October, 1871, 
aged sixty-two years. 

Their children are Jerome, prepared for college, 
but died at Flushing, L. I., in October, 1855 ; James 
E., a farmer in the town of Goshen; John N., of 
San Francisco, Cal. ; George W., was graduated at 
Princeton College in the class of '65, subsequently at 
the Bellevue Hospital, New York, and is connected 
with the medical department of the New York Mu- 
tual Insurance Company; Moses A., a soldier in the 
late civil war, is a dry-goods merchant in Chicago ; 
Eugene F., a druggist at Waverly, N. Y. ; Lewis A., 
died October, 1870 ; Charles S., a farmer in the town 
of Goshen ; Mary F. (wife of Lewis E. Coleman, of 
Goshen); Catharine R. (wife of Samuel M. Slaugh- 
ter, of Wallkill); Charlotte (wife of Samuel W. 
Slaughter, of Waverly, N. Y.). 

THOMAS THORNE. 

His father, Richard Thorne, of Great Neck, Hemp- 
stead, L. I., was a wealthy and influential citizen. 
He served in the Revolutionary war in defense of the 
colonies, and was taken prisoner by the Hessians. 
His family consisted of eleven children, of whom the 
following, Phebe, Betsey, Richard, Henry, Latitia, 
Sarah, Daniel, William, Thomas, and John, reached 
manhood and womanhood, and all reared families 
except Phebe and Betsey. 

Thomas Thorne, son of Richard, was prominently 
identified with the business interests of Goshen nearly 
his whole life. His frankness, sociability, genuine 
good sense, readiness to assist young men starting out 
in life, generosity in all matters of a local nature tend- 
ing to the welfare of the community, and his fine busi- 
ness capacity have made him remembered in Goshen 
as a man the history of whose life was inseparably 
connected with many of the leading interests of Goshen 
for many years. 

He was born at Hempstead, on Long Island, March 
11, 1774, and at the age of sixteen came to Goshen to 
reside with his uncles Daniel and William, who then 
owned the place which afterwards became his home- 
stead, consisting of about 100 acres, which was a part 
of the large tract of land formerly owned by Maj. 
Wood. He was a student at the Farmers' Hall Acad- 
emy in Goshen when under the supervision of Noah 
Webster, the lexicographer, but in early manhood 
turned his attention to business pursuits. He pur- 
chased the farm of his uncles, which he carried on dur- 
ing the remainder of his life, and made it one of the 
most desirable locations, contiguous as it is to Goshen 



village, anywhere to be found in Orange County. On 
the opposite side of the road from his residence he 
built a tannery, where, although not a practical tan- 
ner himself, he successfully carried on business for 
many years. He dealt largely in cattle for market, 
supplying Goshen and the surrounding country almost 
wholly with beef, besides shipping to other markets. 
Mr. Thorne successfully undertook the improvement 
of the Rio Grande running through Goshen, by which 
nearly 1000 acres of boggy and marshy land adjoin- 
ing the village, inundated for most part of the year, 
became tillable and rich, productive farming land. 

Mr. Thorne was influential in local matters, was 
supervisor of Goshen in 1823, and he was one of the 
loan commissioners for Orange County when great re- 
sponsibility and care in the management of the pub- 
lic funds were required. During his busine.S3 career, 
in middle life, Mr. Thorne signed a sherift''s bond, by 
which he lost his entire property. Nothing daunted, 
and with a most remarkable recuperative energy and 
resolution, he began at the bottom of business, and 
soon regained a stronger financial position than he had 
before occupied, and, although late in life, he acquired 
a large comjietency. 

Mr. Thorne was a promoter of secular interests and 
good society, and at the time of his decease, April 2, 
1860, he was the senior warden of St. James' Church, 
Goshen, and had been for many years one of the liv- 
ing pillars of that body. His first wife, Mary Het- 
field, died in 1825, leaving no children. 

His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Col. 
Thomas Waters, who owned some 300 acres of land, 
a part of the Stewart estate, in Goshen, where he kept 
slaves to carry it on. He was with the Goshen vol- 
unteers, and had charge of the horses used to convey 
them from Goshen to the place where the battle of 
Minisink was fought, and after many of their riders 
had been slain in that memorable engagement, Mr. 
Waters, then a young lad of about sixteen years, safely 
returned with the horses to Goshen, and first reported 
the news of the terrible slaughter by Brant and his 
.soldiers. 

Col. Waters was sheriff of Orange County, and an 
influential citizen. His wife was Betsey Matthews, 
who owned a large estate at Washingtonville, known 
as the " Matthewsfield." 

Elizabeth Waters was born Aug. 28, 1790, married 
to Mr. Thorne April 9, 1826, and died Nov. 6, 1865. 
Their children are John W., born Jan. 18, 1829; Mary 
Elizabeth, died Oct. 11, 1835, at the age of four years ; 
and Sarah Thurman Thorne, born Jan 16, 1831, re- 
sides on the homestead at Goshen, and is the wife of 
J. Francis Matthews, a manufacturer in Middletown 
for many years. 

JOHN J. HEARD. 
His paternal great-grandfather, John, emigrated 
from England during the reign of Queen Anne, and 
settled at Woodbridge, N. J., where he reared the fol- 




^yy2.<r->^^i^^ 




^V~Z^T_yC_ 




His great-grandfather, Johu T. Waiiing, was born in Ire- 
land, came to America wiiile a young man, and settled in Ver- 
non township, Sussex Co., N. J. 

He is supposed to have been a man of considerable means, 
for he took up a large amount of land in that place j and 
although he died at middle age, he was the possessor of some 
three thousand jicrcs of land, owning tracts about Hamburg, 
and nearly all the land from Tompkins Corners to Hamburg. 
He died on the Charles Do Kay tract, which he owned, in Ver- 
non. 

His wife was a Miss Baird, who bore him three children, — 
Sarah (died at the age of six years), Francis, and Joseph. 

Francis, grandfather of our subject, was born about 17S6, and 
died in 1861. He learned the tanning and currier business of 
Maj. James "Wheeler, of Warwick, during his minority ; after- 
wards, with his brother Joseph, went to Cincinnati, where they 
were engaged in business for a time, and were very successful. 
Returning, he married Margaret Perry, who bore him the fol- 
lowing children : Jose])h, Catharine (wife of Nathan Campbell), 
Sally (wife of Robert T. Martin), Vincen P., Hester, John T., 
Hannah (wife of Frederick Uulick), Abiah F., Brice P., and 
William. 

By his second wife, Mrs. Van Court, a sister of CJovernor 
John Wilcox, who owns Merrit's Island, he had children, — Julia, 
Harriet, Mary (wife of Alfred Carling), Almeda (wife of Chaun- 
cey Millspaugh), and Henry C. 

After returning from Cincinnati, Francis Walling engaged 
in the tanning and currying business at Amity, Orange Co., 
N. Y., and during the latter part of his life became a large 
farmer. 

Although his father acquired considerable property, through 
complications in business matters little was received by his 
children, and consequently they started out in life with little 
pecuniary assistance. 

Francis Walling was a thorough-going business man, be- 
longed to the Old-Line Whig party, but was no seeker after po- 
litical place. He furnished a substitute for the war of 1812, 
was patriotic, and a strong supporter of the government. 



Of his children, Joscj'h, born at Amity, in ISOH, ig father of 
John C. Walling; in early life learned the trade of a tanner of 
bis father, which he worked at for a short time after his mar- 
riage, at Hamburg. N. J. He then purchased a farm of ninety- 
two acres in Vernon township, Sussex Co., N. J., upon which 
he resided until 1852, when he purchased two hundred and six- 
teen acres of land in the town of Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y., 
upon which he has resided since. 

His wife was Margaret, daughter of John Campbell and 
Hannah Tompkins, of A^crnon, and granddaughter of William 
Campbell, of Monmouth County, N. J., who was of Scotch de- 
scent. She was born in ISIO, and died in October, 1880, leav- 
ing an only child. 

John C. Walling, subject of this sketch, who was born at 
Hamburg. N. J., April HI, 1830, remained at home, and re- 
moved with his father to Orange County, where he resides, 
having purchased one hundred acres of the property settled on 
by his father in 18r)2, to which ho has added some forty-five 
acres more. He built his present brick residence in 1859, which, 
with his commodious barns and the well-ordered appointments 
of his farm, make his j)lace one of the most desirable in the 
town of Goshen. Mr. Walling is one of the intelligent farmers 
and thorough-going business men of the county. The products 
of his dairy are marketed direct to New York in the form of 
milk and cream, although for a few years he was engaged in 
butter-making. 

He married, Oct. 22, 1851, Sarah, daughter uf William and 
Catherine (Lyons) Thompson, of Vernon township, N. J. She 
was born Nov. 10, 1829, and died in January, 1858, leaving 
the following children : George T. and Albert T. 

His second wife was Sarah, daughter of Jonas and Abby 
Durland, of Goshen, whom he married Dec. 21, 1859, who was 
born April G, 1837, and died March 28, 186fi, leaving no chil- 
dren. 

His present wife, whom he married Jan. 1, 1S67, is Anna, 
daughter of Samuel T. and Phebe P. (Pearsall) Seaman, of 
Cornwall, N, Y., who was born April 22, 1837. The children 
born of this union are Joseph, Maggie C, Carrie T., and John. 




"^/^^Ulr^^t. 




Thomas, Joseph, and James Sayer, brothers, were 
natives of Wales, and emigrated to America. Thomas 
resided at Eiizabethtown, N. J., as a deed, dated 1704, 
was given by Benjamin Parlchurst to him, conveying 
six acres of land there, which is now in the posses- 
sion of the subject of this sketch. 

Joseph, great-grandfather of Walter H. Sayer, was 
the first settler of the family in Orange County, 
and had children, — James, John, Daniel, and Jona- 
than. James, grandfather of Walter H. Sayer, was 
born in 1731, and died in 1821. He settled on four 
hundred acres of land in the southern part of the 
town of Goshen, on the main road leading from Ches- 
ter to Florida, then a wilderness tract, upon which he 
resided the remainder of his life, and there died. He 
built the central part of the house now standing, and 
at his death the property was divided among his 
children. By his first wife (Mary Mapes) he had 
cue daughter, Mary, who married Daniel Poppino. 
By his second wife, Mary Goldsmith, of Long Island, 
he had three children, — James, William, and Ruth, 
who became the wife of Egbert Jessup, of Goshen. 
James was never married, and died at the age of sixty. 
He was a captain in the war of 1812. 



William, born Nov. 28, 1789, married, in 1811, 
Martha, daughter of Richard Jackson, of Goshen, 
who was born Nov. 12, 1789, and died in January, 
1869. His children are Augusta L., Walter H., 
George M., Jane S., Mary G., Harriet T. (wife of 
John Jessup, a farmer), Sarah E. (wife of Wil- 
liam L. Vail, a merchant of Warwick), Helen A. 
(widow of James S. Seely, of Warwick), and Wil- 
liam H. 

William Sayer resided on a part of the homestead 
— ninety acres — during his life, and carried on farm- 
ing. He also was largely engaged as a dealer in cat- 
tle, which he marketed at Newburgh and New York. 
He was widely and favorably known in Orange County 
as a strictly honest man and a good citizen. He was 
an attendant of the Presbyterian Church at Florida, 
of which his wife was a devoted member, and a liberal 
supporter of all that makes up morality and order in 
society. He died suddenly, of sunstroke, in June, 
1840. 

Walter H. Sayer, born Sept. 15, 1814, is unmar- 
ried, has resided on the homestead during his life, is a 
plain, unassuming man, and seeks to fulfill the full 
duties of the good citizen. 



'I 



GOSHEN. 



559 



lowing children : William ; Nathaniel ; Phebe, wife 
of John Taylor, of Amboy ; Sarah, wife of James 
Smith, of Woodbridge ; and Mary, wife of Cyrenius 
Van Mater, of Middletown Point. Of these children, 
William was grandfather of our subject, and reared 
a family of five sons — John, James, Samuel, Capt. 
Phineas, William — and one daughter, — Delia, — and 
resided at Woodbridge. Capt. Phineas Heard com- 
manded a company of light-horse cavalry iu the Rev- 
olutionary war. Nathaniel, son of the emigrant John 
Heard, was a general in the Revolutionary war, and 
liad two sons also in the war, viz.: Gen. John Heard 
and James. 

Phineas Heard, fourth son of William, removed to 
Orange County, and owned some 200 acres of land in 
the town of Blooming-Grove, where he carried on farm- 
ing, and where he died about 1812, leaving by his sec- 
ond marriage one child, John ,T. Heard, the subject 
of this sketch. By his first marriage he had several 
sons and daughters, of whom Charles was a large 
cattle-dealer, and well known in this and other States 
among stock-men. He was the keeper of the famous 
" Heard Cattle Stand," in the town of Hamptonburgh. 
His second wife was Hester, daughter of James Board, 
eldest of three brothers (others, David and Joseph), 
who came from England and settled in Ringwood, 
N. J., and whose wife was Ann Schuyler. His house 
was the welcome and hospitable stopping-place for 
officers and soldiers in the Continental army during 
the Revolutionary war. 

After the death of her husband Mrs. Heard re- 
moved to Goshen, and took up her residence with An- 
thony Dobbin, who married her sister, Ann Board. 
The Board children were four sons and three daugh- 
ters. 

Mr. Dobbin's house was made in those days the 
popular stopping-place of the Governor of the State 
on occasions of a review of the State troops, and also 
of judges and other men of note. Mrs. Heard resided 
here until her death, on May 17, 1857, being ninety- 
two years of age. Her sister, Mrs. Dobbin, died March 
4th the same year, aged ninety years. 

Young Heard was five years old when his mother 
came to Goshen, having been born July 5, 1807, on 
the homestead in Blooming-Grove. During his boy- 
hood he received a good education in the public 
schools of Goshen, but early decided to lead a busi- 
ness life. His uncle died, leaving no children, before 
John reached his majority, and thus he was looked 
upon by his aunt as the only male representative to 
take charge of the farm after the death of her hus- 
band. A portion of this farm is in the corporate lim- 
its of Goshen, and now forms a part of the village, 
upon which substantial residences have been built 
since its ownersliip by Mr. Heard. Mr. Heard has 
spent his entire life upon this farm since his first 
settlement there in 1812, the property coming to him 
from his aunt and mother. In 1877 he remodeled 
the old residence, adding a brick structure, and now 



has one of the most substantial and pleasant resi- 
dences in Goshen. 

Although his life has been spent as a farmer, he 
has been interested and taken an active part in most 
local worthy enterprises tending to the prosperity of 
Goshen and the welfare of its citizens. He was an 
influential member for many years of the Board of 
Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, until the build- 
ing of the present church edifice, when he resigned, 
and has been a member of that church for thirty 
years. For several years he was a trustee of the Far- 
mers' Hall Academy at Goshen, and he has always 
been a promoter of educational and religious inter- 
ests in the community. For upwards of twenty 
years Mr. Heard has been one of the State Loan 
Commissioners for Orange County, and his judicious 
investment of funds has reflected much credit upon 
himself for his integrity and safe counsel in these 
business relations. In 1855 he was appointed by the 
court, with Hon. James G. Graham and Beverly' 
Johnston, Esq., of Newburgh, as commissioners to 
assess the damages to land-owners by the laying out 
of the Short-Cut Railway in Orange County. Also, 
in 1869, with Hon. Homer A. Nelson, then Secretary 
of State, and Hon. Charles Wheaton, both of Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y., to assess like damages on the Port 
Jervis and Monticello Railroad. Also, in 1870-71, with 
Hon. S. W. FuUerton and David A. Scott, Esq., both 
of Newburgh, to assess like damages on the Pough- 
keepsie and Eastern Railroad in Duchess County. 
Also, in 1869, with D. A. Scott, Esq., of Orange, and 
Hon. Saxton Smith, of Putnam County, to equalize 
the taxes of Duchess County ; and also, in 1869-70, he 
was appointed, with D. A. Scott, Esq., and others, to 
assess damages by laying out and other street matters 
in Newburgh. He was assistant United States rev- 
enue assessor, 1866-69, president of the (Jrange County 
Agricultural Society one term, and one of its mana- 
ging members for many years ; has been appointed by 
the court as commissioner and referee in every town 
in the county in highway matters; has acted as ex- 
ecutor and administrator ibr several estates, and in all 
these places of trust and responsibility his integrity 
has remained unquestioned. 

He married, Aug. 20, 1833, Mary, daughter of Isaac 
and Keturah (Reeve) Van Duzer, of Cornwall, sister 
of the late Isaac R. Van Duzer, a well-known and 
prominent attorney of Goshen. She was born Aug. 
12, 1812. 

Their children are Isaac, an ex-State senator of 
Minnesota, and prominent lawyer of St. Paul, in that 
State ; Eliza A. F. ; James B., a merchant of Pitts- 
burgh, Pa. ; Jennie, wife of N. K. Delevan, of Pitts- 
burgh, Pa. ; Emma ; Julia W. ; Catharine, wife of A. 
DuBois Staats, a lawyer of Goshen ; and Fanny 
Benton Heard. 



560 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



GARRET THEW. 

The progenitor of the Thew family in Kockhind 
County was of Welsh origin, was a sea-captain, and 
settled in New York. One of his descendants, Daniel 
Thew, was a lawyer, practicing his profession here in 
1791. The grandfather of Garret Thew was John, 
who resided in Rockland County, and by his first 
marriage with Alche Cooper, who was born in 1720, 
had the following children : Gilbert, born in 1756 ; 
Garret, born in 1758 ; John, born in 1760, died in 
1822 ; and Tunis, born in 1763. For his second wife 
he married a Miss Blauvelt, who bore him one son, 
James, who was the father of our subject. 

James Thew married Sarah Snedeker, who bore 
him three sons, viz. : Garret; John, died in 1822, aged 
twenty -two ; James, died before reaching his majority. 
She died in 1836. James Thew resided at Rockland 
Lake, in Rockland Co., N. Y., for a while after his 
marriage, but removed to Hohokus, N. J., where he 
carried on a card and cloth-dressing mill, and was a 
clothier. He died at the age of thirty-two, in 1804. 

Garret, only surviving son of James and Sarah 
Thew, was born at Rockland Lake, Oct. 27, 1798. 
Upon the death of his father, when Garret was only 
six years old, the family was left almost to depend 
upon their own resources for existence. From eleven 
to fourteen years of age he worked on a farm. At 
the latter age he went to New York and apprenticed 
himself to learn the carpenter's trade. After com- 
pleting this, he worked at the trade for eleven years 
as journeyman. In 1826 he married Abigail, daughter 
of John and Hannah (Gurnee) Thew, of Hampton- 
burgh, Orange Co. John Thew was son of John and 
Alche Thew, before spoken of in this sketch. After 
his marriage Mr. Thew settled on the old homestead 
of his father-in-law, in Hamptonburgh, where he re- 
sided for ten years. He then purchased a farm in 
Warwick, near Florida, of 170 acres, upon which he 
resided until 1849, when he purchased the Gen. 
Sawyer place in the town of Goshen, containing 220 
acres. 

By economy and judicious management he had 
accumulated sufficient means, so that he soon paid 
for this property, upon which he resided until 1866. 
His wife died in 1864, aged sixty-nine years and 
eleven months, leaving an only child, Elizabeth T., 
who became the wife of Dr. William P. Townsend, 
for many years a prominent physician in Goshen, and 
who died leaving five children, viz. : Garret Thew, 
Mattie Wilder, Alice, Charles Emerson, and Edith. 

Upon retiring from the active duties of life, in 
1866, Mr. Thew took up his residence with his 
daughter, Mrs. Townsend, in Goshen, where, in 1881, 
he resides, and retains in a remarkable degree the 
vigor of body and mind common to men much 
younger in years. He was a member of the Florida 
Presbyterian Church while a resident in Warwick, 
and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church 
in Goshen since his residence here, and for a part of 



the time he has acted as one of the trustees of the 
church. Mr. Thew was known as a representative 
agriculturist, a man of sound judgment, a judicious 
financier, and an honest man. 

Both of his grandfathers were soldiers in the Revo- 
lutionary war, and he was in the service for a short 
time in the war of 1812. 



WILLIAM B. TUTHILL. 

William B. Tuthill is a half-brother of Oliver B. 

Tuthill, whose sketch gives an outline history of the 

ancestors of the Tuthill family, and will be found on 

another page of this work. For his second wife Wil- 




^li/'^'^/h 



<:::(- ^caAIx/vCX^ 



Ham B. Tuthill's father married Mary, eldest of twelve 
children of Judge William Bodle, of Hamptonburgh, 
Orange Co. Judge Bodle was in the battle of Fort 
Montgomery, was judge of the county, justice of the 
peace, first elder in the Presbyterian Church at 
Goshen, was a farmer by occupation, and died in 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., at the age of ninety-two. Mrs. 
Tuthill was born Aug. 6, 1771, was married March 24, 
1810, and died May 12, 1861. He was born in Feb- 
ruary, 1768, and died March 28, 1846. 

William B., son of Nathaniel and Mary Tuthill, 
was born on the homestead, April 21, 1811, married, 
Jan. 31, 1833, Mary, daughter of Abimael and Mary 
(Harlow) Young, of Blooming-Grove, who was born 
Sept. 9, 1810. Their children are as follows ; Charles 
Bodle; William Young; Mary Vashti, died young; 
James; Sarah Frances, wife of Jewett M. Ashman, of 
Goshen; Nathaniel B. and Harvey Wickham, died 
young. 





The Iloyt fjuiiily is luoTitiotied among the first settlors of New Eng- 
land, and Simon Iloj't (Iloytc) is mentioned witii otlni'r names in tlie 
earliest records in the settlement of Charlestoun, Mass., in I(;28, and is 
snpiiQsed to he the progenitor of the family in New England. Joseph, 
grandfather of James W. Hoyt, resided on Norodon Hill, near Stam- 
ford, Conn., where he reared two sons, Joseph and Ilezekiah, and two 
danghtere, Sarah and Hannah. 

Hezekiah, son of Joseph, born on Norodon Hill, April 1 , 177G, married 
Esther Sellick, of Stamford, Conn., wlio was born Nov. 10, 1780. He 
settled with his family in the town of Wallkill, Orange Co., abont tlie 
year 1808, where he carried on farming until the death of his wife, Doc. 
24, 1824, when he took np his residence with his daughtei-, Mrs. Miller, 
of Middletown, ami there remained nntil his death. Feb. 17, ISS.'j. He 
served in the war of 1812. His wife was a devoted woman to her family, 
and a member of the Congregational Church. 

Their children were Isaac; Hezekiah; William; Caroline, wifi'of.lohn 
Arnold, who died in Luzerne County, Pa. ; Harriet, widow of tlio late Ly- 
man B. Miller, of Middletown ; Maria, wife of Edward Seward, of 
Arlington, N. J. ; James W., subject of this sketch; Henry W., died in 
1824; and Gilbert F., who died the same year. 

James W. Hoyt was born April 5, ISIG, and at the age of ten years 
became a clerk in the store of his brother William, at Bloomingburgh. 
In 1836 he staited a store at Amity, Orange Co., witti his brothei Heze- 
kiah, where he remained in business only two years, and was then in 
mercantile business with Albert Millspaugh for two years at Bloom- 
ingburgh, and sold out the business, unfortunately losing all in the 
sale. 

Ue then settled in Bnrlinghani, Sullivan Co., where his name first 
came before the public as constable and collector, which offices he filleil 
for two years. For two years following lie was a merchant at Middle- 
town, and for one year thereafter took charge of a store for his brother 
Isaac, at Newport, on the Wallkill. He was proprietor of the Frankiin 
House, at Middletown, in 1855, and in 1859 he purch.ased the Union 
House at that place, which he conducted until the close of the war. 
Dnring the civil war he espoused the Union canse, and was zealous 
and liberal, more than commensnrato with his means, in giving his 
time and money and making his house the welcome and free home of the 
needy suldierand the homeless patriot. His house was the headqiiarters 
for recrniting and filling the ranks with new men. Not only did he do 
this, but he gave two of his sons to serve in their couritiy's ciiuse. 

In 1867 he settled on a farm in the town of Goshen. In 1871 he was 



appointed under sheriff by Sheriff Weygant, and, after serving three 
years, he was elected, in the fall of 1874, sherift of Orange County, which 
office he creditably filled for one term. Upon the expiiation of his term 
as shei iff he purchased and settled on the farm where he now I'osides, 
commanding a view of the village of Goshi-n. In tlie fall cf 1877 he 
was elected from the SecoTid Assembly District of Orange County, and 
served one term in the State Legislature. Althougli Mr. Hoyt had 
limiteil opportnnitiea while young for edncation from books, his native 
energy and active busines*) capacity, with a good knowledge of men 
and things, have given him a place among the widely-known men of 
Orange County. 

Ho nuuried, Sept. 20, 1808, Loretta A., daughter of Maliar W. and 
Rachel (Norris) Ilorton, of Bloomingburgh, Snllivan Co., N. Y. Her 
father, born May 15, 1787, died .\ng. 5, 1806; her mother, born April 5, 
179G, died Feb. 20, 1859 The children of Mahar W. Horton were Harman 
N.; Loretta A., born Jnly 20, 1817; Harriet, wife of Tlionas K. Beyea, of 
Fair Oaks, Orange Co.; and Napoleon. ]\Iahar W. Horton was an in- 
fluential man in Sullivan County, and served as sherift'of tlie county 
fin- three terms, and for several terms as UTider sheriff. Mahar W. 
Horton was son of Eliliu, grandson of S las, and great-gnind.si)n of Bar- 
nabas Horton, a native of Long Island, who hecamo one of the early 
settlers of Goshen in 1732. 

The children of James W. Hoyt are Mahar Henry ; Isaac, enlisted in 
the beginning of the hite civil war in the Eighteenth Regiment, was in 
the battles of Bidl Run, Fredericksburg, Wdliamsburg, West Point, Va., 
Giiines' Mills, Seven Days' Fight at Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Chancel- 
loi-sville, and .■Vntietam. Upon the exprmtion of his term of service — 
two years — he became dispatcher under Gen. McColInm during Sher- 
man's march to Atlanta, and remained in service until the close of the 
war; Hezekiah W., enlisted in the Nineteenth Regiment, and served 
for three months, guarding Baltimore. He then re-enlisted fur nine 
months, and at the end of that time was transferred to the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fii-st Regiment, and Wiis in the battles of Fredericks- 
burg, Wilderness. Spotfsylvania, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg, and was with 
the memorable bloody Sixth Corps, under Sheridan, in the Shenandoah 
Valley at the battle of Winchester. He was honoiably discharged 
about one month before the close of the war by Pi'esident Lincidn; 
James W., born Nov. 25, 1S48, died June 1, 185:t ; Mary Louisa, wife of 
Charles W. Coleman; James W. (2), horn Nov. 12, 1855, died Dec. 2n, 
1856; Hattie A., born April 14, 1858, died Sept. 22, 1858 ; and Wintield 
S. Hoyt. 




qJ tc^l^yyuy-i^^' (^n-^^^i^^t^ 



His great-grnndfather, Henry Smith, was born in Enghmd, 
and settled in Goshen, Orange Co., about 1743, where he pur- 
chased one hundred and seven acres of land, for wliieh he paid 
furty pounds. He subsequently bought another parcel of land 
in the same town, upon which he resided until his death. His 
wife's name was Joanna. 

His children were Henry, Stephen, Caleb, Abigail, Phobe, 
Joanna, Elizabeth, and Hannah, of whom Caleb was grand- 
father of our subject, and resided on the homestead or first 
purchase by his father, to which ho added other land during 
his life. He died in 1784, leaving the following; children : 
Henry C, Stephen, Caleb, John, Joshua, and Abby, wife of 
Major Tusten. 

Stephen, born on the homestead in 1765, married Sarah, 
daughter of Benjamin Conkling, whose ancestors settled on 
Long Island during tho early history of this country. Ben- 
jamin Conlcling first removed to Connecticut, and subsequently 
settled in Goshen. 

Stephen Smith resided on the homestead of his father, then 
comprising about one hundred and fifty acres, to which he suc- 
ceeded partly by purchase, from ISOO until his death, which 
occurred May 31, 1824, and was known as a man of sound 
judgment, a good farmer, and an upright man. 

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen 
when the church edifice was located where the court-house now 
stands, and was a liberal contributor to early church and school 
interests. He belonged to the school of Jeffersonian Demo- 
crats, but took no very active part in jiolitical matters outside 
of his own town. 

His wife was born in 1765, and died April 27, 181S. Their 
children were Elizabeth, wife of James Van Duzer; Abigail, 
wife of Henry Smith; Benjamin C, who was in the war of 
1812; Sarah, wife of Joshua Smith; Stephen, subject of this 
sketch; Joseph R. ; and John A. ; all of whom are deceased in 
ISSl except Stephen, wlm was born on the houicstcad. .Tune 16, 
1799. 



His early education from books was limited to a short 
attendance at the district school, but he became Tamiliar 
during his minority with what makes a practical business 
education, as his successful business career has in after life 
developed. 

He married, Dec. 19, 1822, Matilda, daughter of Timothy 
Wood and Dolly Carpenter. Her grandmother AVood was one 
of the six daughters of Henry Smith, before alluded to. She 
was born Dec. 15, 1804, was devoted to her family, her friends, 
of whom she had many, and to the church of which she was a 
member nearly her whole life, and died Jan. 28, 1881. The 
children born of this union are Sarah E., widow of 0. B. Vail, 
of Middletown, and Stephen Augustus, whose wife is Harriet 
A., daughter of John B. and Hetta A. (Horton) Hulse, of Wall- 
kill. 

After the death of his father, Mr. Smith rented the homestead 
for a few years, but in 1830 came into possession of it partly by- 
purchase and partly by inheritance. He built his present resi- 
dence in 1837. Mr. Smith has spent his life on this place, the 
homestead of his forefathers, and has well kept up the reputa- 
tion of the family for thrift, industry, and good management 
in agricultural pursuits. Even at the age of eighty-two years 
his activity of body, his apparent healthy and vigorous consti- 
tution, and his retentive memory are wonderful, and not often 
found common to men of even threescore years. 

Ho has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1815, 
and a part of the time deacon. 

For fifty-nine years Mr. and Mrs. Smith were spared to live 
together, and their home was always the welcome resting-jdacc 
for the weary traveler, and their hospitality was ever extended 
to their many friends. 

Mr. Smith has been a trustee of the Presbyterian Church for 
forty-five years; was assessor of his town for nine years, and 
has often been selected to act as guardian, executor, and admin- 
istrat'ir of estates, in all of which oflieial tru^t.■^ he has had the 
full confidence of all interested. 



il 




^^^c/?-^^ 



O-L^^ 



The pro^eultor of Uic Hycrrfon family on Lon^ I^lan.l was 
Martin Uycrsou, who came from Ain.-terdam, and stttled first 
at Flatbush, and afterwards at tlic Wallabout, Long Island. Of 
his five sons, Joris, with two of his brothers, Rycr and Francis, 
settled in New York, and subsequently removed, about 1701, 
to Bergen County, N. J., and were the first settlers of Pacquanae. 
Joris married Sarah .^chnuten. who died in 1743, by whom he 
had four sons and four daughters, — John, Martin, George, 
Lucas, Mary, Blandina, Klizabeth, and Ann. Martin, sou of 
Joris, married Catherine Coxe, and settled in Hunterdon County. 
N. J., near Flemingtnn, on the south branch of the Raritan. 
lie was a surveyor and one of the king's judges, also a colonel 
of the militia. He had five sons and four daughters. Of these 
children, Martin, John, and William A., with their widowed 
mother, removed to Sussex County, N. J., in the year 1770, 
where each reared families. 

Martin married Rhoda, daughter of Benjamin Hull, who 
bore him tlie fullowing children who grew to maturity: Jesse, 
David, Anna, Einma, Thomas C, and Elizabeth, who became 
the wife of Robert A. Linn. 

Thomas C. died in lS:i8, then a judge of the Supreme Court 
of New Jersey, and one of his sons, Martin, was subsequently 
a judge of the same court; a second, Thomas, is a practicing 
physician in Newton, N. J,; a third, Henry Ogden, was an 
officer in the late Rebellion ; and a daughter became the wife of 
Thomas F. Anderson, of Newton, N. J. One of the sons 
who came from Bergen County with their widowed mother was 
grandfather of our subject, and settled in Vernon township, 
Sussex Co., N. J., where he died, leaving by his fii-st marriage 
the following children : John, resided in Ohio and died in In- 
diana; Hassel, resided in Vernon, was thrown oft' his horse 
and killed, his family afterwards removing to Ohio; Peter, was 
a farmer in Vernon ; and Nicholas. By his second marriage 
he had the following children: Jane, wife of Henry Post, 
of Orange County; Bolly, wife first of Abram Ryerson, and 
second of John Snyder, of Bergen County, N. J.; and Cath- 
erine, married George Manderville, and died in Bergen County. 

Of these children, Nicholas was father of our subject, and 
was a boy when his parents settled in Vernon. He was born 
April 8, 1781, early in life Icarncil the blacksmith's trade, sub- 
sequently became a large farmer in Vernon, and followed 
droving. He was a man of great activity, temperate in his 
habits, and never used tobncco or liquor; lived to an advanced 
age, and died Jan, 2, I8GS. His wife, Anna Farver, born Nov. 



2H, 1787, died March 15, 187-i, and both were buried at Amity, 
Orange Co. Their children arc Klizabeth, wife of Amos Mun- 
son, of Wantage, N. J. ; John N., subject of this sketch ; Anna, 
wife of George W. Houston, of Middletown, N. Y. ; Peter N., 
of Vernon; Delia, wife of Peter J. Brown, of Vernon; Nich- 
olas N., oi^ Wantage; Abigail, wife of John T. Walling, nf 
Amity, N. Y.; Catherine, wife of Evi Martin, of Amity; and 
Jane, wife of Abiah F. AValling, of Wawayanda. 

John N. Ryerson was born in the town of Vernfin, Sussex 
Co., N. J., March 12, 1809. He receivcil a fair education 
during his boyhood, but at the age of fifteen began his business 
career by establishing himself in the grocery trade at Pat- 
erson, N. J., where he continued for six years. 

After reaching his majority, until ISo-l, he carried on fanning 
in Vernon, Bergen County, Wantage, and a second time in \'cr- 
non, N. J., when he purchased five hundred acres of land in the 
town of Goshen, a part of which he subsequently sold. In 1S5G 
he purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifty acres, 
located within the corporate limits of the village of Goshen. 
This land Mr. Ryerson has brought into a high state of culti- 
vation, and the ])roducts of his dairy he sends daily Iiy rail- 
road to New York City in the form of cream and milk. Mr. 
Ryerson may be safely classed among the substantial farmers 
and enterprising agriculturalists of Orange County, and has 
devoted liis whole life to business ])ursuits. With Peter J. 
Brown, of Vernon, he spent the year LS.'iO in California in the 
grocery business. He was formerly a Whig, then a Rejtublican, 
and a firm supporter of the Union cause during the late civil 
war. 

He married first, in August, 1S28, Hannah, daughter of 
Abram Van Houton, of Paterson, N. J., who was born in 1810, 
and died in 1832. The children of this union were Annie, who 
was the wife of Adam Terhune, of Paterson, and died in 1851 ; 
Amos, is a farmer of Wawayanda; Abram, is a farmer in Hamp- 
tonburgh ; and Catherine, wife of Joshua Holbert, of Chemung 
County, N. X. 

For his second wife he married, Dec. 3, 1830, Hannah, 
daughter of Daniel Bailey, of Glenwood, N. J., who was born 
June 21), 1820. The children are Hannah, wife of William 
Holbert, of Chemung County; Elizabeth, wife of Jesse A. 
Holbert. of Goshen; Mary, wife of Daniel Carpenter, of 
Goslien : Annie, wife of J. B. Slawson, of Jersey City; John 
B. : and Daniel B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ryerson are attendants 
of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen. 





His father, Stewart Voun<;, was born near London- 
derry, Ireland, in 1785, and during his early life was a 
linen-weaver and farmer in his native country. With 
his wife, llarffaret, daughter of Joseph AVatson, and 
daughter Margaret, he came to Anfierica in 1817, stop- 
ping for a few months at St. John, N. B. From thence 
he proceeded to Boston, and about the year 1820 removed 
with his family to Craigvillc, Orange Co., where he re- 
sided until his death, at the ago of fifty-two. His wife, 
born in 1795, survived him, and died at the ngeof sixty- 
five. Both were hurled in the Greycourt Cemetery. 

Their children were Margaret ; Robert, subject of this 
sketch; James, of Chemung County; Joseph W., a 
farmer in Steuben County ; Frances J., deceased, who 
was the wife of Horace Mapes, of Monroe; John, de- 
ceased ; Stewart, who carries on a creamery in War- 
wiclc ; Eliza K., widow of William Sutton, of Warwick ; 
Matthew, a farmer in Monroe: Alexander, of Carson 
City. 

Robert Young was born in the city of Boston, Dec. 
25, 1818, and was only able to obtain the advantages of 
a common-school educat'on in boyhood ; but he early 
learned those inestimable lessons that industry, pru- 
dence, and economy are the foundations of a successful 
business career. By his own savings he, in 1845, felt 
able to buy a farm in Sullivan Co., N. Y., upon which, 
however, he never settled, but sold it in 1848. In No- 
vember of that year he married Margaret, daughter of 
Abram B. and Hannah (Harlow) Watkins, of Hamp- 
tonburgh. Orange Co., who was born May 27, 1814. Her 
father died in 1859, at the age of eighty-four years, 
leaving six sons and seven daughters, of whom only two 



sons and two daughters survive in 1881. She is a grand- 
daughter of Benjamin Hiirlow, of Hamptonburgh. 

For some time prior to his nuirriage, and for three 
years altogether, Mr. Young was engaged in the milk 
business in New York City. In 1851 he purchased the 
farm upon which he now resides, containing one hun- 
dred and ten acres, which, by addition and sales, only 
contains seventy-two acres. To this property he has 
added other real estate in the town of Goshen and in 
Sullivan County, and is one of the thrifty, enterprising, 
well-to-do, and judicious farmers of Orange County. 
The products of his dairy are daily sent by him direct 
to the New York market in the form of milk. 

Mr. Young's business career is only another illustra- 
tion of the many in this country where industry and 
self-reliance result in the accumulation of a fair compe- 
tency, and where honest labor is rewarded with satis- 
factory compensation. He has been very little connected 
with town matters, except to serve as census enumerator 
for the Second Election District of Goshen in 1880, ap- 
pointed by Marshal Frederick Bodine, and to hold 
some minor otEces. He has been a director of the 
Goshen and Pine Island Railroad since its organiza- 
tion. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Young are attendants of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Florida, Orange Co., of which 
she is a member and he has been a trustee for many 
years. Their children are Margaret, wife of William 
T. Jayne, a farmer in the town of Goshen, and Robert 
G. Young, who resides upon the homestead, and married 
Nettie, daughter of Alanson Slaughter and Mary Ann 
Bailey, of Wallkill, Orange Co. 





John Sears Crane, M.D., the only son of John 
and Abigail Crane, was born in the town of Goshen, 
Aug. 3, 1795. 

He entered Princeton College in 1815, and gradu- 
ated in ISIS. .In June, ISGS, he was one of the 
seven survivors of his class who celebrated the fiftieth 
anniversary of their graduation from the college. 

He studied medicine under Dr. Hosack, in New 
York City, and was admitted to membership in the 
State 5Iedieal Society, March 16, 1822, and in the 
Medical Society of Orange County, July 22, 1822, 
Drs. David R. Arnell and E. Jansen being the presi- 
dent and secretary of both societies. 

April 18, 1822, he was married to Miss Sarah 
Smith, of Goshen, and of the six children by this 
union three still survive. He began the practice of 
medicine in Milford, Fa., extending his tours as far 
as Lackawaxen, much of which was accomplished on 
horseback through the woods and by an uncertain 
foot-path. His health being unequal to the labor, 
he engaged in the general store business in Goshen 
with Benjamin Strong, his brother-in-law. 

" He was appointed surgeon's mate of a separate 
battalion of infantry attached to the Nineteenth Bri- 
gade of Infantry of New York State, with rank from 
Oct. 12, 1825, under De Witt Clinton, Governor, 
General and Cuniniander-in-Chief of all the Militia, 
and Admiral of the Navy of the State. N. F. Beck, 
Adjutant-General. 



"On the 29lh of September, 1S2(), he took the 
oath of ofiBce before Asa Dunning, clerk of the 
county of Orange." 

In 183T he and John C. Wallace, Esq., entered 
into the store partner.ship, from which lie retired in 
1855. At the organization and incorporation of the 
Orange County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, in 
1837, he was elected and continued to be its first 
president till his death. In 1851 he was elected a di- 
rector of the newly organized Goshen Bank, and con- 
tinued such during his life. His name for many 
years appears among the officers of Farmers' Hall 
Academy. He united with the Goshen Presbyterian 
Church, under Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D., April 28, 
lSol,and was elected a ruling elder therein Dec. 21, 
1858. He was an untiring librarian and occasional 
superintendent of the Sabbath-school almost from its 
beginning up to three weeks before his death. For 
nineteen years he was the treasurer of the Orange 
County Bible Society. In politics he was an Old-Line 
Whig till the Rebellion, when he became a Republi- 
can. Eminently conservative, he was ever ready to 
lend a helping hand intelligently to every good and 
useful work. 

A fall in July, 1874, disabled him from his usual 
active exercise, and thus rendered more easy the final 
conquest by laryngitis and general debility, on Jan. 
1, 1875, when " he entered into his rest, having fallen 
asleep in Christ." 




The Johnson family is of English descent, and the 
progenitor of this branch emigrated to America in 
1664, and settled at Newark, N. J. — 

His grandfather, Jotham, resided at the south end 
of Newark, and married Hannah Beach, who bore to 
him the following children : Josiah, Nathaniel, Thomas, 
James, Ebenezer, Elmira (wife of Henry Parkhurst), 
and Phebc (wife of Caleb Carter) ; all of whom who 
grew up settled near the place of their birth. Eben- 
ezer, father of our subject, was born Jan. 23, 1793, 
and married Mary, daughter of Dennis and Elizabeth 
Osborne, of Salem, Union Co., N. J., who was born 
in 1795, and died in November, 1870. 

Their children were William, who was a farmer in 
Essex County, and there died, leaving children ; 
Henry, died unmarried ; Charles F. ; and Mary C. 

Ebenezer Johnson while a young man learned the 
trade of a mason, which he followed until 1826, 
when he purchased a small farm in the township of 
Clinton, Essex Co., N. J., upon which he resided, 
and also for many years worked at his trade, until 
1870, when he removed to Elizabeth, N. J., where 
he now resides. He is a member of the First Pres- 
byterian Church of Elizabeth. 

Charles F. Johnson was born at Newark, March 
16, 1824. He remained at home until he was nine- 
teen years of age, when he left the parental roof to 
carve out a fortune for himself. For three years he 
was a farm laborer. On Jan. 20, 1847, he married 



Joanna, daughter of Gen. Charles Board and Jo- 
anna Seeley, and granddaughter of Joseph Board, 
who with his two brothers, James and David, came 
from Wales and settled at Ringwood, N. J., where 
they had charge of the iron-works. They owned the 
land in the Pompton valley, consisting of some fifteen 
hundred acres, and many of their descendants became 
settlers in Orange Co., N. Y. Joanna Board was born 
in June, 1817. 

For twelve years following his marriage Mr. John- 
son rented a farm at Ringwood, N. J., consisting of 
five hundred and thirty acres, which in 1859, upon 
the death of his father-in-law, he purchased. This 
property he sold in 1872, and purchased one hundred 
and sixty-three acres in the town of Goshen, Orange 
Co., N. Y., — one of the most desirable and productive 
fiirms in the town, — upon which he has resided since. 
The products of his dairy are marketed in the form 
of milk in New York. Upon this property he has 
built a fine and substantial barn, and all the appoint- 
ments of his place show thrift and enterprise. 

Mr. Johnson has taken a somewhat active part in 
political matters, and prior to his settlement in Orange 
County was one of the freeholders of Pompton for 
two years, assessor of the township from 1865 to 1870, 
and represented the Third District of Passaic County 
in the State Legislature in 1863 and 1864. His 
children are Henry P., Charles E., Asher, and 
William. 



GOSHEN. 



561 



Mr. Tutliil! had only the advantages of a common- 
school education, but has always kept well read in 
the current topics of the times, and has a retentive 
memory and a natural taste for the acquisition of his- 
torical data. 

He has always taken a somewhat independent 
stand in political matters ; and although a member of 
the Republican party, has cast his vote for the men 
who represent the principles he conceives to he right. 

He was assessor in the town in 1842-43, inspector 
of common schools of the town of Goshen for one 
year, and census enumerator of the First Assembly 
District of Goshen in 1865. Both he and his wife 
are members of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen. 

Mr. Tuthill's life has been spent on a part of the 
homestead where he was born, and mostly given to 
the quiet care of his farm. For four years he was a 
resident of Goshen village, and was engaged in build- 
ing. He built his present brick residence in 1860. 
For twenty years he has been afflicted severely with 
a spinal disease, and confined to the house, where 
he spends the slowly-passing days and years in 
reading and meditation, waiting for the summons to 
" come up higher." Mr. Tuthill is known as a man of 
untarnished character, sociable, hospitable, and gen- 
erous beyond his means, and a Christian man. 



GEORGE MAPES. 



Among the olde.st native residents of Orange County 
is the subject of this sketch, who was born on the 
homestead near Sugar-Loaf, Feb. 15, 1798, and has 
spent his life in the vicinity of his birth. His grand- 
father, David Mapes, spent his life as a fanner near 
Sugar-Loaf, in the town of Goshen. His children 
by his first marriage were James, John, Catharine, 
wife of Garret Rysdyke; and Hannah, wife of Isaac 
Bull. The children by his second marriage w'cre 
Edward and William. 

John, son of David Mapes, born about 1770, near 
Sugar-Loaf, resided on a farm in Sugar-Loaf Valley 
most of his active business life, and died at the age of 
sixty -two years. He was a quiet, unostentatious man, 
and .sought to fulfill the full duties of the citizen. His 
wife was Elizabetli Halleck, of Sugar-Loaf Valley, 
who died at the age of eighty-four, and who bore 
him the following children : James, George (subject 
of this sketch), Mittie, wife of William Roe; John, 
Hannah, and Susan, wife of Peter Board. 

George Mapes remained at home until the age of 
twenty-four. He married, in 1828, Susan, daughter of 
Joseph and Sarah (Satterly) Durland, of Chester, 
who was born March 3, 1809, and died March 19, 
1870, leaving two children, — Sarah Jane and John 
Mapes. ^ 

After his marriage Mr. JIapes purchased a farm in 
Wallkill, on the river, where he resided for six years. 
He then purchased, in 1834, some 62 acres in the town 
of Goshen, and for six years kept a public-house at 



the corners which bear his name, — " Mapes' Corners," 
— and also carried on his farm in connection with it. 
In 1840 he built his present residence on another part 
of his farm, in which he has resided since. 




^-^^n^j-f^ 




'^fus 



Mr. Mapes is well known as a man of strict integ- 
rity in all the business relations of life, kind-hearted, 
and sociable. His plain, una-ssuming ways, and his 
genial bearing have won him many friends as he has 
passed through life. 

His great-grandfather Mapes was supposed to have 
been of English birth and the progenitor of the family 
in Orange County. His uncle, Edward Mapes, was 
in the war of 1812, and was killed. 



EDSON COLEMAN. 



William Coleman came from ICngland, and was one 
of the first English settlers on Long Island, and is 
supposed to be the common ancestor of the Coleman 
family in New York State. His great-grandson, 
Thomas, had his residence on the bank of the Hud- 
son, in the town of Cornwall, Orange Co., where he 
died Feb. 22, 1822, having been born April 27, 1767. 
Joel Coleman, grandfather of our subject, — supposed 
to be a descendant of William, the progenitor, — was 
born in Goshen, resided most of his life in Hamp- 
tonburgh, and was a farmer. He was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war, and was at the battle of White 
Plains. He died at Scotchtown, in Wallkill, at the 
age of eighty-four, Oct. 24, 1840. 



562 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



By his first wife he had children, — Rumsey and 
Joel, resided on the homestead their lives and there 
died; Philena, was the wife of Nathaniel Carpenter; 
Keziah, wife of James Manning; Hull, father of our 
subject; Oliver; and Rachel, wife of John Brown. 
By his second wife (Mrs. Mary Owen, a daughter ot 
Hiram Dunning) he had one child, Alfred Coleman, 
who h.as spent most of his life as a farmer in Wall- 
kill, and now, at the age of seventy-six, is a resident 
of Middletown, N. Y. His second wife died in 1845, 
aged eighty-four. 

Hull Coleman, born Sept. 12, 1790, on the home- 
stead, married, in 1810, Lois, daughter of Mrs. Mary 
Owen, before mentioned, by her first husband. She 
died July 3, 1857. He died Aug. 28, 18(35. Their 
children are Eliza, born Dec. 24, 1811, died Jan. 14, 
18GG, was the wife of Thomas S. Nanny, of Amity, 
town of Warwick; Edson, subject of this sketch, 
born March 3, 1815; Almeda, born May 23, 1817, 
wife of William H. Waterbury, of Warwick ; Frances 
M., born March 14, 1819, was the wife first of John 
M. Ferrier, and after his death became the wife of 
Louis M. Jayne, of Warwick. 

Hull Coleman spent most of his active business life 
as a farmer in the town of Warwick ; but about five 
years prior to his decease settled in Florida village, in 
the same town, still continuing the oversight of a few 
acres of land. Both he and his wife were members 
of the Presbyterian Church, first at Amity, and sub- 
sequently at Florida, where they removed. He never 
sought public place, but preferred the quiet life of an 
agriculturist. He was a man of sterling integrity in 
all his business relations, of correct habits, and had 
the confidence of his fellow-citizens. 

Edson, son of Hull Coleman, born on the home- 
stead in Warwick, during his minority received only 
a common-school education ; but he became ac- 
quainted with all that pertains to a well-conducted 
farm. Aug. 26, 1838, he married Hannah Elizabeth, 
daughter of Hon. John W. Wisner, of Elmira, N. Y., 
who was a prominent lawyer of that city and for 
many years magistrate, and who served as judge of 
Chemung County. He was a candidate for member 
of Congress at two different times, and was only de- 
feated by some thirty votes in a poll of thirteen thou- 
sand, although his party was largely in the minority. 
He was also supervisor for several terras, and took a 
decided and influential stand against the principles 
of slavery in the Southern States. 

Mrs. Coleman's mother was Eliza, daughter of 
Richard Ryerson, whose ancestors were from Amster- 
dam, and came to America, first settling on Long 
Island, afterwards in Bergen Co., N. J., in 1701, and 
subsequently in Sussex Co., N. J. Her paternal 
grandfather was Jeffrey Wisner, cousin of Henry G. 
Wisner, a prominent lawyer of Goshen, who died in 
1842, and grandson of Henry Wisner, an early resi- 
dent of Goshen, and one of the founders of the re- 
public. Mrs. Coleman was born March 2, 1818. 



In 1839, Mr. Coleman purchased 100 acres of land, 
where he now resides, in the town of Goshen, to 
which he has since added some 40 acres. In 1860 
he erected a fine and substantial farm residence, 
and later commodious barns, and has brought his 
land into a high state of cultivation. His surround- 
ings show to the passer-by thrift, enterprise, and the 
cultivated taste of an intelligent farmer. Both he 
and his wife are attendants of the Presbyterian 
Church at Amity, of which his wife is a member, and 
a lady of rare womanly qualities. 

Like his ancestors Ijefore him, Mr. Coleman is 
progressive in his ideas, and a supporter of all meas- 
ures tending to the welfare of the community in which 
he resides, although never taking any active part in 
political matters, except to cast his vote, which he 
does as a member of the Republican party. 



JOHN T. ACKLEY. 

His paternal grandfather, Daniel Ackley, married 
a Miss Grovesnor, w-ho belonged to a wealthy and in- 
fluential English family, who bore him the following 
children: Augustus A.; Hiram, of Illinois ; George; 
Catharine, wife of Robert Collins ; Jane ; and Han- 
nah, who became the wife of Thomas Bellamy. 

Of these children, Augustus A. Ackley was father 
of John T., was born in Vermont in 1799, and came 
to Orange County while a young man. He married, 
about 1821, Maria, daughter of Edward Mapes, whose 
family were among the early settlers of Goshen. 
Their children are William P., of Goshen ; James H., 
deceased ; John T., subject of this sketch ; Joanna, 
wife of Hayden Wheeler, of Middletown, N. Y. ; 
Daniel E. ; Wyckliff"e W. ; Hannah, wife of J. W. 
Riker ; Augustus, Henry, Thomas, and Mary. 

Upon coming to Orange County, Augu.stus A. Ack- 
ley learned the tailor's trade of Joseph Munnell, of 
Hamptonburgh,andissaidto have become a first-class 
workman at his trade, which he carried on for several 
years at Sugar-Loaf. He afterwards engaged in farm- 
ing in Warwick, was a merchant at Sugar-Loaf from 
1836 to 1841, and subsequently at Chester. He was 
an active, industrious, and thrifty business man, of 
good habits, and had the confidence of his fellow-men. 
He died at Sugar-Loaf, April 12, 1866. His wife was 
born in 1801, and died about 1863. 

John T. Ackley was born at Sugar-Loaf, Orange 
Co., April 3, 1825. Having received the ordinary 
opportunities of a district school education, at the age 
i -of sixteen he went into the busy world to carve out a 
fortune for himself. For one year he was clerk in the 
store of William N. White, of Newburgh, and for two 
years following he was a clerk in his father's store at 
Chester. He then spent one year as a student at the 
Farmers' Hall Academy at Goshen, and in 1845 wont 
to New York, where he remained for four years as 
book-keeper for the firm of Furman & Davis. 

In 1849 he went to San Francisco, Cal., where he 



J, 




»l 



J^iImcn'^ fhiAh^ ^ 



His gninilf.itlicr, John Ilolbcrt, resided in the town of Ches- 
ter, Orange Co., sold his farm there, and tooli his pay in Con- 
tinental nioucy, and eonscquently, upon his return from tlic 
war, in wliieli lie served as captain, to free the American colo- 
nies from lirilish tyranny, he was without property. He con- 
tinued to reside in Chester until his death, which occurred in 
1S2I, at the age of ninety-three. His wife, Mary, was born in 
Holland, and died some time prior to the death of her husband, 
leaving children, — Peter, Ebenezer, Samuel, John, Mary, and 
Susan, wife of Rynard House, of Chester. All of these chil- 
dren, except Mary, were married, reared families, and settled 
in Orange County. 

Peter, father of Adrian, born Aug. 24, 176S, in Chester, mar- 
ried Rosanna, daughter of Garret Durland, of Minisink, who 
was born April 111, 1770, and died Jlay 15, 1S39. He died Oct. 
19, 1S36. Their children were Mary, wife of David Robertson, 
died of spotted fever in I SOS; William, deceased; Martha, 
wife of Abijah Wells; Susan, wife of Abram Tyler; Miriam, 
wife of William Wells; John; Sarah, wife of Silas C. Brown; 
Harriet, wife of Jacob Dunning; Elizabeth, married first Joseph 
Sayer, and after his death became the wife of Lynden Mulford; 
Adrian; and Peter; ten of whom married and reared families, 
and all of whom reside in the town of Minisink, except Adrian. 
Peter Holbort, father of these children, after his marriage pur- 
chased land in Minisink, which he cleared of its original forest, 
and he and his wife met the obstacles incident to pioneer life, 
with which they battled successfully, and during their lives 
contributed much to the growth and development of the town 
in which they took up their residence. 

Mr. Holhcrt was influential in the affairs of bis town and 
county, and a stanch member of the old Whig party. He 
served as supervisor several terms; was justice of the peace 
for twenty-seven years, doing most of the conveyancing in the 
town, for he was a very line penman; and he served in the 
State Legislature, from tlrange County, in 1S12. He was a suc- 
cessful business man. and owned considerable real estate at his 
death. 

Adrian, son of Peter Holberf, born Aug, II, 1S09, in Mini- 



sink, is a man of good business ability, and has led a life of 
great activity, and mostly devoted to agricultural pursuits. 
For some two years after reaching the age of twenty-three ho 
carried on a general store, in connection with Silas C. lirown, 
his brother-in-law, at Ccntreville, and also at Millsburg, then 
settled on a farm in Monroe; but after about four years, in 
1S36, he purchased the Valentine farm, in the town of Goshen, 
— said to be one of the most productive farms in Orange County, 
— wliich he carried on until 1S61, and sold to his sou, Jesse A. 
Holbert, and removed to Goshen village. 

In ISGS he went to New York City, and for two years was 
engaged in the milk business, and then returned to Goshen. 
He had built one house in Goshen prior to going to the city, 
and lie now built another after his return. 

Like many other men who pass their middle life in active 
duties of farm work and become restless under inactivity, so 
with Mr. Holbort, and in 1S79 he left the village and settled 
on a few acres of land near his old homestead, where he has 
erected a beautiful and substantial residence that would do 
honor to village real estate, where he expects to spend the re- 
mainder of his days. Mr. Holbert has been in every sense of 
the term a representative farmer of Orange County, and all the 
appointments of his well-regulated premises show enterpri.se, 
thrift, and care. 

In 1832 he married Hannah, daughter of Joshua Sayer, of 
Minisink, who was born Sept. 15, 1S09, and died Nov. 20, 1813. 
The children born of this marriage .ire Charles, of Kansas; 
Hannah, wife of George Graham, of Greenville; Mariette, wife 
of Albert W. Slater, of Centralia, Kan. ; Sarah, wife of Richard 
Wilson, died in Wallkill ; and Jesse A. 

His second wife was Harriet, daughter of John Wisner, of 
Minisink, whom he married in 1S45, and who died Jan. 11, 
ISC8, leaving one child, Anna. 

His present wife is Frances, daughter of Joshua and Jemima 
(Sayer) Wells, and granddaughter of Joshua AVells, a represent- 
ative of an old family in the town of Goshen, and who arc of 
English descent. She was boin Dec. 19, ISIl, and married to 
Mr. Holbert, Deo. 22, 1S70. 




y/^ /^j?^^^ 



His ancestors were of Scotch and French extrac- 
tion, and his paternal grandfather was one of the 
early settlers of Orange County. 

His father, Samuel Gregory, born in Chester, 
Orange Co., in 1763, married Mary Hunter, who 
died Feb. 17, 1821, aged forty-six years and eight 
months. He died Nov. 18, 1827, and both were 
buried in the old graveyard near Monroe. 

He resided in the town of Chester during the 
earlier part of his life ; subsequently became a large 
farmer in the town of Monroe, where he owned some 
five hundred acres of land. 

His children were Katy (wife of Joseph Stevens), 
Benjamin, William, Hiram, Noah, Sylvester, James, 
Hannah (wife of Benjamin Van Duzer), Elmer, 
George, and John, — only four of whom survive in 
1881. 

Noah Gregory, fifth son of Samuel, was born on 
the homestead, in the town of Monroe, Oct. 7, 1803. 
His minority was spent at home, where he learned 
farming, and obtained limited book knowledge in the 
district school. He married, March 23, 182G, Sally 
Maria, daughter of Stephen and Abigail (Goldsmith) 
Smith, one of a family of seven children. Her father 
was born Feb. 27, 1752, and died July 25, 1803. 
Her mother was born May 8, 1757, and died Dec. 23, 
182C. Mrs. Gregory was born May 23, 1709, and 



died Dec. 7, 1879. She was devoted to her family, 
and did her part well as a helpmeet of her husband. 

Some two years after his marriage, Mr. Gregory 
purchased one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land 
in the town of Goshen, then an uncultivated tract 
and wild, upon which lie settled. Thi.s land he 
brought into a high state of cultivation in due course 
of time, and to this purchase he added one hundred 
and fifty-seven acres more. With the exception of 
some parcels sold, this has been his homestead since. 
He erected a house about 1831, whicli forms a part 
of his present residence, together with commodious 
barns. 

During his active business life all the appoint- 
ments of his farm showed the work of a thrifty and 
enterprising farmer, and he may safely be classed 
among the substantial agriculturists of the town of 
Goshen. He has never taken an active part in polit- 
ical matters, but has always taken an interest in all 
enterprises tending to the prosperity of the town. 
His children were Mary Jane (widow of the late 
Joseph D. Stage, of Wallkill), Stephen S., Noah, 
Goldsmith, Harvey, Mrs. Sarah A. Goldsmith, John 
H.,born Aug. 11, 1837, was a soldier in the late civil 
war, and died in 1863 ; William H., died in infancy ; 
Catherine E., born Nov. 9, 1842, died Jan. 1, 1880, 
was the wife of Hiram T. Stage; and (ieorge Kimer. 



\i 




^Tyt'-O^i^ 



His great-grandfather Timothy, born in England, 
was among the earliest settlers of Goshen, Orange 
Co., his farm being located where Mr. Snyder now 
resides, just outride the limits of the village of Goshen, 
on the Florida road. On this homestead also his 
grandfather, Richard Wood, resided, and by his mar- 
riage with Miss Smith had the following children : 
Richard, Oliver, Timothy, and Joanna (wife of Jon- 
athan Owenj, all of whom were residents of, and died 
in Orange County. Of these children, Timothy was 
father of our subject, and was born on the homestead 
Dec. 29, 1776. He married Dolly, daughter of 
Michael Carpenter, of Goshen, who was born Feb. 22, 
1781, and died in 1864. He died in 1846. 

Their children were Matilda, born Dec. 15, 1804, 
was the wife of Stephen Smith, of Goshen, and died 
Jan. 28, 1881; Richard L., born Sept. 3, 1806; 
William C., born April 26, 1810, was a farmer on 
the Florida road, in Goshen, and died in 1840, leaving 
an only son, James J. Wood, a silversmith, of Brook- 
lyn, N, Y. ; Sarah Jane, born March 11, 1814 (never 
married), and died Feb. 19, 1879; and Gabriel S., 
born Nov. 27, 1818, was a farmer, and died in the 
town of Mount Hope, Orange Co., June, 1876, leav- 
ing two daughters and one son. 

Timothy Wood resided on the homestead after his 
marriage, about 1803, until 1831, when he purchased 



a farm on the Florida road from Goshen, upon which 
his son William C. afterwards resided. In 1833 he 
purchased two hundred and twelve acres about one 
mile northwest of Goshen village, upon which he 
resided the remainder of his life, and which was 
inherited at his death by Richard L. and Gabriel S., 
his sons. The latter disposed of hi.s part of this farm, 
which is now owned by Mr. Everett. 

Both Timothy Wood and his wife were devoted 
members of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen, as 
also his father, Richard Wood, had been. 

Richard L., son of Timothy Wood, is the only sur- 
viving child, and resides upon a part of the home- 
stead where his father died. He was born on the 
old homestead where three generations before him 
lived, and where his great-grandfather, the progeni- 
tor of the family in Orange County, first settled. 

In 1851 he built his present residence, and later, 
commodious barns, all of which, with the order of 
his whole farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, 
show the care of a thorough-going and thrifty 
farmer. 

Mr. Wood has been industrious, prudent, and up- 
right, and as such is known by all his fellow-men. 
Like his ancestors before him, he has led a quiet, 
unostentatious life, and strictly followed agricultural 
pursuits. He was never married. 




O"'/^^, T^^^-^^*^!^. 



^it^C 



AViLLiAH Coi.EMAN caiue from England, nnd was one of the 
first Engli.-^h settlers on Long Island, and the common ancestor 
of this branch of the Coleman family in America. 

Of his throe sons, William, John, and George, the eldest is in 
line of dcscenf, and had seven son?, one of whom was Thomas, 
who liad two sons and one daughter, viz. : Curtis, Thomas, and 
Delj">rah, who married Jacob Brown. 

Thom;is, born July 2, 1732, married Elizabeth Roe, who was 
born in 17M0. nnd who bore him four sons and two daughters, 
of whom Thomas, grandfather of our subject, born April 27' 
1767, married, for his first wife, Mary Galloway, born April 28, 
1707, who bore him the following children: Elizabeth (wife of 
Obadiah Smith), Ann (wife of Morris B. Pilgrim), Charlotte 
(wife of Morris Stejthens), all of Monroe, Orange Co. ; and Wil- 
liam, Koe, and Thomas. The mother of these children died 
Dec. 9, 1804. By a second wife Thomas Coleman bad three 
sons, — -Samuel, Emery, and Henry. 

His farm was on the banks of the Hudson, in tlie town of 
Cornwall, and he is supposed to be the first of the family who 
settled in Orange County. He died Feb. 21, 1S22. 

Of his children, William, father of our subject, was born 
March 19, 1792, and early in life learned the painter's trade. 
He married Ann, daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret (Brad- 
ner) Conkling, of Goshen, who was born Oct. 19, 1793. For 
two years after his marriage he resided at Haekettstown, 
N. J., and then purchased a carding-mill in the town of War- 
wick, near Florida, which he carried on for some thirty years, 
until small mills were superseded by larger machinery on a 
larger scale, when he built a grist-mill on the site of his carding- 
mill, nnd carried it on the remainder of his life, in connection 
with a small farm bought subsequent to his first purchase of 
the mill property. 

He was a ])romoter of the best interests of society, and a con- 
tributor to the support of the Presbyterian Church at Florida, 
of which his wife was a member. He died April 18, 1850; 
his wife died April 29, 1876. Their children were Nathaniel 
C, born Dec. 9, 1815: Thomas J., born Aug. 28, 1817, was a 
merchant in New York, and died May 8, 1878; John C, born ! 



July 28, 1819, is a farmer in Milwaukee, Wis.; Mary E., 
born Feb, 24, 1822, was the wife of P. P. Deraarest, of Goshen, 
and died April 20, 1S76; Cornelia A., born Nov. 23, 1823, wife 
of A. L. Beyea, of Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y. ; Harriet Eve- 
line, born July IS, 1825, present wife of P. P. Demaroat ; 
George C, born Aug. 21, 1S28, of Colorado ; Caroline, born June 
6, 1831. was the wife of Henry D. Welty, of Auburn, N. Y., and 
died Jan. 8, 1877; and Margaret A , born Jan. 26, 1834, died 
unmarried, July 9, 1868. The eldest of these children, whose 
portrait appears above, spent his early life until the age of 
twenty-six at home, working in the mill and on the farm of his 
father. He married, Nov. 17, 1840, Fanny Maria, daughter of 
John and Eunice (Smith) Knapp, and great-granddaughter of 
William Knapp, who was the progenitor of the Knapp family 
in Orange County, and settled where William Knapp now re- 
sides in the town of Goshen, from Horseneck, Conn., among 
the earliest white people who found a home in the wilderness 
country about Goshen. She was born June 21, 1817, on the 
Knapp homestead, and belonged to a large family of chil- 
dren. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are Mary E., born 
June 5, 1841, died Aug. 31, 1863; Harriet Eliza, died in in- 
fancy; Anna A., wife of Robert Osborn, of Goshen; Fannie 
E., wife of Giles E. Goodrich, of Goshen; Nathaniel C, died 
at the age of five, Aug. 5, 1858; and Addie W. 

About one year after his marriage Mr. Coleman purchased 
eighty-eight acres of land on the Conklingtown road, near 
Goshen village, upon which he settled, and which he retains, 
except some seven acres known as '* Prospect Lake," which he 
sold, and which furnishes the supply of water for the village of 
Goshen. He built his present residence in 1851, and all the 
barns on his farm before and after that time. He has led a 
quiet life as a farmer, and he and his wife, by their industry 
and judicious management, have secured a fair competency. 
The products of his dairy, in the form of butter, on account of 
its superior quality, finds ready market at home. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Coleman are members of the Methodist Church at 
Goshen, and promoter-s of all worthy objects. 





^' 



^, 




GOSHEN. 



563 



carried on, on his own account, successfully the hard- 
ware and tin business for six years. Returning to 
New York, he remained there in business until 1865, 
when he came to Goshen, purchased a farm of 241 
acres of land, upon which he has resided since. 

Mr. Ackley's life has been, thus far, one of activity, 
industry, and self-reliance, for which he has been re- 
warded with a fiiir competence. 

He married, June 23, 1858, Sarah J., daughter of 
Cornelius ^Vestervelt, of New York City, whose ances- 
tors were early settlers in New York. 

His children are Minnie A., Edward H., Jennie M., 
Edith, and John. 



J.\MES M. BULL. 

His grandfather, Daniel Bull, was son of John, and 
grandson of William Bull, who was born in England 
in 1G89, and sailed from Dublin, Ireland, and died in 
Orange County in 1755. The ancestry of the Bull 
family is given in the sketch of Jesse Bull, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove. 

Daniel Bull was born on the homestead, in the old 
stone house in Hamptonburgh. He settled in what 
is now the town of Chester, where he became a large 
land-owner. 

He was an active and enterprising business mau. 
A part of his homestead is now owned by the heirs of 
David Bull, his nephew. He was an influential Quaker, 
and one of the founders of the Quaker Society and 
builders of their meeting-house, which was on a part 
of his property on Quaker Hill. He died at the age 
of eighty-four. His wife, Sarah Harlow, of Hampton- 
burgh, died at about the age of forty-five. Their chil- 
dren were Stephen, lived and died on the homestead 
in Chester; Ebenezer, lived and died upon the original 
Bull homestead in Hamptonburgh, purchased for him 
by his father to keep it in the family ; Phebe, was the 
wife of Joseph Booth, of Hamptonburgh ; and the 
youngest son, John Milton, was the father of our sub- 
ject. He was born March 25, 1798, and died Nov. 29, 
1879. His wife was Martha, daughter of Joseph, and 
granddaughter of Charles Durland, who came from 
Long Island in 1756, and after the close of the Frencli 



and Indian war, in wliich he served, settled in Chester, 
on the place now owned by his grandson, James Dur- 
land. Martha Durland was born in May, 1800, and 
is the oldest living member of the Chester Presbyterian 
Church in 1881. Their children are Sarah, died young ; 
Ebenezer, of Westchester Co., N. Y. ; Mary Ann, died 
at the age of forty-two ; James M. ; Samuel, succeeded 
to the homestead of his father in Monroe ; Elizabeth, 
was the wife of Joseph W. Young, and died at Oxford 
in November, 1858; and Emily, became the second 
wife of Joseph W. Young. 

John Milton Bull settled on a farm of .300 acres on 
the bank of Little Long Pond, in Monroe, where he 
spent his active business life, and was known as a 
progressive and an intelligent farmer. He possessed 
remarkable good judgment, was a man of practical 
ideas and sterling honesty, and was also a man of 
great determination and resolution of purpose. He 
continued litigation, begun by his father, for the con- 
trol of the outlet of Little Long Pond until sixty 
years had elapsed from the beginning of the suit, when 
the matter was settled by arbitration ; their opponents 
were Mr. Craig and his successor, Mr. Ames, of Craig- 
ville. 

James M. Bull was born on the homestead in Monroe, 
April 3, 1830, and married, Jan. 25, 1859, Ann Eliza- 
beth, daughter of George S. Conkling and Mary Seeley, 
and granddaughter of .Joshua Conkling, who came 
from Long Island and was one of the early .settlers of 
Goshen. Her mother was a daughter of Thaddeus 
Seeley, and granddaughter of Thaddeus Seeley, old 
residents of Chester. She was born June 8, 1835. 
Their children are George Seeley, was drowned young ; 
Albert C. ; Cornelia; John Milton, died young ; and 
Whitfield H. 

In 1856, Mr. Bull purchased the " SherifJ' Jackson" 
place of about 100 acres in the town of Goshen, upon 
which he has resided since. He markets the products 
of his dairy in New York, and his father was the first 
man who sent canned milk to a New York market 
from Oxford in the fall of 1842. 

Mr. Bull is a throughgoing, industrious, and well- 
to-do farmer; like his forefathers, he is no seeker after 
place, but has devoted his life strictly to agricultural 
pursuits. 



WARWICK. 



I— SITUATION, BOUNDAHIES, AHEA, TITLE. 
Warwick occupies a large portion of the soutliern 
part of the county. It is bounded north by Minisink, 
Wawayanda, Goshen, and Chester; east by Chester 
and Monroe ; soutli and southwest by the State of 
New Jersey ; west by New Jersey and the town of 
Minisink. 

The only statement of area that can be given is com- 
prised in the annual equalization table of the board of 
supervisors, showing 61,380 acres. The assessed val- 
uation of the town for 1879 was $3,035,646, and the 
taxes levied upon that basis were $23,621.71. The 
title to the soil of the town is derived I'roni the Wa- 
wayanda Patent. 



II.-NATUHAL FEATUKES. 
The topography of this large tract is sufficiently in- 
teresting to justify a lengthy article, instead of the 
brief paragraph appropriated to this chapter. For ad- 
ditional material reference is made to the General His- 
tory. Quaker Creek forms the western boundary, and 
has its source principally in Glenmere Lake (Thomp- 
son's Pond). Tributaries of this, flowing generally 
northwest, are the following : Pochuck Creek, formed 
of several branches, rising in the southwest part of 
the town ; a second of little importance empties into 
Quaker Creek, a short distance north of the Pochuck ; 
Wheeler's Creek, formed of several branches, is next 
north ; and a fourth unites with Quaker Creek, near 
Florida. East of the higher lands, in which these 
streams rise, is the valley of the Warwick Creek. 
This stream has its sources in the north and the centre 
of the town, and among them is Wickham's Pond. 
It flows nearly south into the State of New Jersey ; 
has many tributary rivulets from each direction, and 
drains an extensive tract. It is sometimes called the 
Wawayanda, but owing to its distance from the town 
of the same name it is liable to confuse, and should 
give way to the better name, Warwick. Long House 
Creek is a tributary of the Warwick, and flows from 
the southwest line of the town near Greenwood Lake 
nearly to Wickham's Pond. When uniting with the 
AVarwick its waters flow again to the southwest through 
the Warwick Valley. There are various rivulets that 
drain a section of country north of Greenwood Lake, 
and flow into that body of water. The outlet of Ster- 
ling Pond flows southward into the town of Monroe, 
and becomes a tributary of the Ramapo. 
The ponds form a distinct feature of the topogra- 
564 



phy of the town. Long Pond is partly in Orange 
County and partly in New Jersey. It is about nine 
miles long and one mile wide. It is used as a feeder 
to the Morris Canal, and was formerly celebrated as a 
delightful fishing ground, especially for pickerel, 
which were exceedingly abundant. Thompson's 
Pond is mentioned in the chapter upon Chester. 
This name is from Judge William Thompson, for- 
merly of Goshen, who owned the pond and had a 
flour-mill on its outlet. Wickham's Pond is situated 
in the Sugar-Loaf Valley, in the northeast part of the 
town. Its outlet is one of the principal branches of 
the Warwick Creek. It had its name from William 
Wickham, Esq., once first judge of the county, to 
whose estate the pond belonged. Stirling Pond is 
situated in the southeast part of the town, and is of 
considerable note in connection with the mines and 
the early manufacture of iron in that vicinity. The 
name was in honor of Lord Stirling, of New Jersey, 
prominent in Revolutionary times. Upon the outlet 
of the pond are the Stirling Iron Works. 

In the Drowned Lands tract the so-called islands 
form a peculiar feature. They are known as Little, 
Gardner's, Black Walnut, Pine, Merritt's, and Owens'. 
They are simply small portions of upland in the 
midst of what was once low and swampy ground. 

In the early settlement of the county some of these 
islands could only be approached by a boat, but 
under the drainage and cultivation of modern times 
this would never be suspected, as the Drowned Lands 
themselves are now traversed by good roads and 
divided into valuable farms. 

The elevations in the town have special names. 
A range in the southeast is known as Warwick 
Mountains. East of these is Rough Mountain, a 
barren and rugged tract. Still further east is Stirling 
Mountain. Round Hill, near the New Jei^ey line, 
is so named from its circular outline. A short dis- 
tance from this is Taylor Mountain. In the north- 
east are the Bellvale Mountains. Near Bellvale 
Corners is Decker Hill. Rock Hills are situated 
east of Florida. South of Big Island Station are 
Mounts Adam and Eve. These insulated mountain- 
masses are united in location, and we ^\ill not sep- 
arate them in description. They are on the edge of 
the Drowned Lands, in the west part of the town. 
Adam is the highest, Eve the longest and largest. 
The latter lies east and north of the former. These 
elevations spring up from the bottom-lands on the 



WARWICK. 



565 



west and the beautiful glades around Edenville on 
the east without any apparent physical reason, and 
stand, solitary and alone, like twin islands on the 
broad expanse of the ocean. 



III.-EAELY SETTLEMENT. 

In the division of the Wawayanda Patent the por- 
tion which fell to Benjamin Aske received his personal 
attention in its settlement, as did that of Denne and 
€romeline. By deed dated Feb. 28, 1719, he sold to 
Lawrence Decker, yeoman, for fifty pounds, 100 acres, 
in the deed described as " being part of the 2200 
acres of land called Warwick," showing that previous 
to that time he had bestowed the name of Warwick 
upon his tract. This deed was signed by Mr. Aske, 
'' of the County of Orange." By deed. May 20, 1721, 
he sold 100 acres " of his farm called Warwick" to 
" Thomas Blain, now residing upon the same." The 
third recorded deed from Mr. Aske was to Thomas 
DeKay, Dec. 8, 1724. 

Lawrence Decker having received a deed, as stated, 
made a settlement soon after. It was the opinion of 
the late Mr. Henry Pelton, who had investigated 
these early matters, that his location was the Thomas 
Welling farm of modern times. It is supposed that , 
•one or two other Decker families came at the same 
time, and either then or subsequently a family by 
the name of Stagg, a name written " Stage" in sub- 
sequent years. Thomas Blain's deed mentioned shows 
that he was already located in the year 1721, and his 
farm was the Henry Pelton place of later years, 
though Blain 'subsequently changed to the Samuel 
Dolsen i)lace. Thomas DeKay located no doubt soon 
after his purchase on the farm owned in later years 
by Joel Wood. His son, Thomas DeKay, Jr., suc- 
ceeded him on the old homestead. 

John Vane must have settled in Warwick soon 
after. His homestead was on lands adjoining the 
present Belden Burt farm, on the south, and reaching 
across the Warwick Creek to the north road. His 
dwelling was near the creek by the spring, a few rods 
northeast of the John Pelton barn of the present 
time. 

The story of early settlement is interrupted for a 
time following the above locations of 1719 to 1725. j 
There are few traditions of other families until the 
removal to this place of Daniel Burt in 174G (men- 
tioned below). He only remained four years at that 
time, and his permanent settlement dates from 1760. 
Meanwhile, there is some documentary evidence as 
to other families. The following fragments, among 
the reports of slaves made pursuant to an act of the 
Legislature, are found in the " Documentary History 
of the State." Their titles indicate that the location 
of a part at least of those mentioned was in War- 
wick : 

■** The numh^ of ull the Negroes beloiiying under CnpL John Wmier of 'jlor- 
aday,^ 17.55. 
" Nathaniel Roe, two, a male and a female. 
" William Thompson, two, a male and a female. 



" James Thompson, one, a male. 

" David Shepherd, one, a male. 

''Jonathan Elmer, one, a male. 

" Heniy Wisner, one, a male. 

" Joseph Alson, two, a male and a female. 

'* Richard Alson, one, a male. 

" Israel Parshall, one, a male. 

" George Carr, one, a male. 

" Adam Wisner, one, a female. 

" Matthew Howell, one, a female. 

(Signed) 



'John Wisneh.' 



" May U please Hi« Excellency 

" According to the act of your Assembly this is a true account of all 
the slaves belonging to my District — 1755. 

" To Cornelius De Kay, one negro slave. 

" To George De Kay, one negro slave. 

" To Richard Edsall, one negro male and three female slaves. 

"To Benjamin Burt, one negro slave. 

"To Thomas Welling, one negro slave. 

"To Richard pidsall, Jun., one negro slave. 

"To John Allison, one negro slave. 

" To Peter Clous,* one negro slave. 

(Signed) " Jacobus De Kay." 

The name of James Thompson, probably the same 
as that in the above list, occurs as quartermaster in 
Col. Vincent Matthews' regiment of 1738. Several 
of the others appear in the papers of twenty years 
later given below. James Burt, Esq., makes the fol- 
lowing memorandum on the above list of 17-55 : 

Nathaniel Roe lived in what is now the town of 
Chester. He had a son, Nathaniel Roe, Jr. 

William Thompson lived about two miles from 
Florida, in the present town of Goshen. James 
Thompson, his brother, was settled in the same neigh- 
borhood. 

David Shejjherd was probably living at Amity, an- 
cestor of many of the same family name residing in 
that vicinity in later years. 

Jonathan Elmer was the pastor of the church at 
Florida, and a brother of Dr. Nathaniel Elmer, men- 
tioned in the assessment-roll of twenty years later. 
The name Alson is the Allison of later times, several 
families of whom were in the west part of Warwick. 

Capt. John Wisner, the enrolling officer, lived at 
Mount Eve. Henry Wisner was about three miles 
from Warwick village, towards Sugar Loaf. Adam 
Wisner was doubtless a relative. 

George Carr was a settler at Amity. Matthew 
Howell was in the southern part of what is now 
Goshen. 

Peter Clous (Clowes) was a delegate to the first 
Provincial Convention, April 20, 1775. Just why his 
name appears in this list for the south part of War- 
wick is not clear, as he is supposed to have lived north 
of Goshen village. 

To further show the settlement of Warwick we 
have the aid of the assessment-roll of Goshen for 1775 
(mentioned in several other towns), the last one made 
out under the authority of the crown. There were 
then ten assessment districts. Among these. District 
No. 2 included a section of the present town of War- 
wick, extending north and south from below Florida 

* Peter Clowes was one of the proprietors of the town of Gusben. 



566 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



at some point to Amity, taking in also the Bellvale 
neighborliood and the settlements in the vicinity of 
what is now New Milford and the village of War- 
wick. This statement does not define the exact 
boundaries. The loss of the early precinct records 
of Goshen prevents giving any official outline of the 
district ; but the description locates it with consider- 
able degree of accuracy. Mr. Nathaniel Vail, of 
Goshen, has given this list special study, and the loca- 
tion of District No. 2, as well as that of the others, is 
upon his authority ; but it is also sustained by a com- 
parison of names in old papers and in many other 
ways. The assessor was John Hathorn. lu all this re- 
gion the names of signers to the Revolutionary Arti- 
cles of Association are also preserved, as shown else- 
where, but the assessment-roll is much more complete. 
Every family, without exception, must be mentioned, 
and from the small amount of property, in many cases 
single men with only personal property of little value 
must have also been enrolled. This last suggestion 
may account for the fact that the list shows a greater 
population in 1775 than might at first thought appear 
possible.* 

ASSESSMENT-KOLL, SEPTEMBER, 1775. 
District No. 2. — John Httthorji, Assei*soi: 



Estimate 
Names. of 

Property . 

£ «. :l. 

Thomas Wisner 6 1 

Samuel Clintock 2 

Abel Gale 1 17 

Anthony Yelverton 13 6 

Jacob Bontar 19 6 

Cornelius Bontar 18 9 

Daniel Sayre 7 10 9 

Jolin Vance. , 3 10 4 

Thoriiai Wigt'ins 6 

James Armstrong 1 19 

Lawrence Decker 2 3 

Garret Decker 6 

William Patterson 13 II 

Frederick Shultz 2 (> 

Brice Rickey 14 

John Hathorn 10 2 

James Ellis 1 11 

Thomas Welling 24 8 

Ephraim Bennct, Sr 4 6 

Charles Beardsley 14 12 1 

Jonathan Lockwood 14 9 

Joseph Tompkins I) "I 6 

Augustine Rogei-a 6 19 5 

John Bogart 9 14 4 

Charles Wiggins G 4 

John Price 6 



Estimate 

of 

Property. 

£ 8. d. 



William Landon 3 10 1 

Archibald Armstrong 3 10 

PeterCooley 6 13 

Joseph Wilson 5 5 

Wm. McKane (Irish) 7 

Thomas Johnson 3 15 

Darius Hannan 1 10 

Alhert Wisner 12 

Richard Edsall, Esq 13 6 

Jacob Smith 6 

John Wandoll 6 11 

Daniel Hultz 6 6 

Cornelius Jones 4 7 

Isaac Jones 2 

Isaac Johnson 9 16 

Daniel Benedict 19 

Nathan Grey 5 12 

James Benedict, Sr..-. U 8 

Anthony Finn 6 17 

Daniel Burt, Jr 3 

Timothy Wood 6 13 

Benjamin Burt U 11 

Tlio'mas Burt l! 

Jacob Wansor 4 16 

Peter Clows 10 9 

Richard Johnson 5 12 

Richard Kerr 5 

Nathaniel Finch 4 12 

David Kerr 6 17 

John Duncan 5 18 

Robert Finn 8 15 

Israel Sammons 8 

Lewis Savre 10 

Peter Edsall 6 9 

James Benedict, Jr... v^.... 7 11 

William Clark 1 3 

- Israel W'ood 7 5 

Isaac Alyea 7 S 

Colviii Bradiier 4 12 

, Natlittiibl Jlinthorn 3 12 

John ll..lb,-it 12 

Ezckiel Smith 2 

Gamaliel Truesdale 12 

Richard Masters 14 

John Mintliorn 4 9 

John Robinson 5 1 

Nathaniel Ketcham 11 2 

Oliver Heady 4 

Daniel Wliitney 9 4 

Samuel Vanca. 6 15 



Estimate 
Names. of 

Property. 
£ s. d. 

John Benedict 3 14 8 

Isaac Abbey o u 10 



Benjamin Cooley 3 

Martin King 9 

Joseph Bailey 5 11 

Elijah Finton 3 

John Hazen 4 18 

Anthony Clerk 4 

Abraham Alyea 8 2 

Peter Alyea 14 

Thomas Sayer 10 2 

Glatut Boatnmn 2 

ThonuB Sayer, Jr 21 12 

Thomas Bennett 5 

Matthew Bennett 1 12 

John Wheeler 6 

Nathan Sayer 8 

Thomas De Kay 7 1 

Thomas Snyer (shoemkr) 10 

James Mitchell 18 

Abraham Bennett 3 13 

Abraham Bennett, Jr 1 12 

Joshua Morehouse 2 11 

».John Seeley 2 13 

Ephraim Bennett, Jr 3 10 

John Beckis '. 

Benjamin Brundage 3 6 

Jonathan Silsbee 10 

James Brown 9 

Thomas Barr 3 

Enos Silsbee 3 12 

John Rickey 2 00 

Jonathan Rockwell 2 7 

David Sanford 2 5 

Jolin SaLiford 4 11 

Peter Smith 2 

Paulus Hopper 2 8 

Ezra Sanford 3 13 

Joseph Patterson 2 

Cornelius Voorhis 5 10 

Anthony Brayman 5 

Hezekiah Scliofield, Jr... 1 11 

Jacob Voorhis 6 

Darnel Benjamin 14 

Abraham Vanduzer 18 

John Cnurter 11 

Peter Courter, Jr 2 

Hezekiah Scliofield 6 4 

Samuel Lohdels 9 13 

Ariantea Vandevoort 4 10 



* It is evident, too, that there are names here of those who lived beyond 
the present limits of Warwick. 



Estimate 
Names. ' of 

Property. 

£ ». J. 
Jonathan Knapp (War- 
wick) 4 00 

Jesse Finch 1 3 2 

Daniel Burt, Sr 9 11 9 

Francis Baird 21 6 

William Wisner 3 12 6 

Samuel Eilsall 7 IS 6 

John Edsall 2 17 5 

David McCamly 8 3 

Margaret Case 9 6 

Elizabeth Owens 7 3 

Barnabas Monroe 18 7 

Cato Dean 3 3 3 

George Dean 2 11 1 

Hugh Lord 1 

George Vance :... 8 

John Blaine 5 12 

Jacob Wandell 4 1 

Bourds Jacocks (t 9 3 

John Simpson 3 .3 4 

Samuel Simpson 1 10 

John SutbJU 4 19 11 

Henrv Winfield 3 10 10 

Bill De Kay 1 6 

John Decker 2 6 

William Blaine 12 C 3 

The paper is indorsed : 

"Within is a list of my assessment of all the inhabitants within my 
district. 

"Given under my hand in the month of September in the year 1775. 

" J'>IIN HatH0RN."+ 

The town of Warwick appears to include another 
of the assessment districts of Goshen Precinct, viz.: 
District No. 5, John Wood, assessor. It is described 
by Mr. Nathaniel Vail, of Goshen, sustained by other 
authority, as comprising the territory in the vicinity 
of Wickham's Pond, including Bellvale Valley. The 
boundaries between this and the other Warwick dis- 
trict are not very clear from this testimony, as Bell- 
vale is thus mentioned in each ; but the Bellvale 
neighltorhood was of considerable extent, and may 
have been divided liy the line of the assessment dis- 
tricts. As already mentioned, there is a larger list of 
names for 1775 tlian might be thought correct for tliat 
early date, more than a century ago. But the popu- 
lation of Orange County was of considerable numbers 
previous to the Revolution, and this assessment-roll is 
of unquestioned authority : 



District No, 5. — John Wood, Assessor. 



Names. 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 
£ s. d. 

George Howell 13 

David Howell 2 9 9 

Oliver Bailey 5 

Noniiah Bailey 2 10 

John Bailev 3 

Phineas PaVshall 8 

John Howell 2 5 9 

James Parshall 14 

Henry Dobbins 2 10 

James Robinson 6 

Samuel Harmon 1 19 

Michael Brooks 2 10 

Wm. Lewis 14 3 

Sarah Horton, widow 1 17 

Peter Barlow 2 3 

David Howell, Jr 2 15 

Barnabas Horton, Sugar 

Loaf 3 4 

Zavan Horton 19 6 



Estimate 

Names. of 

Property, 

f «. d. 

James Jackson 16 

Joseph Chilson 2 2 3 

Thomas Goldsmith 4 15 9 

Hugh Fulton 19 3 

Roe Chilson 2 6 

Joseph Todd 4 8 

Peter Bogart 2 17 

Eliphalet Wood 2 17 

Cornelius Decker 2 14 6 

Gilbert Howell 2 9 

James McKeen 4 6 

John Bigger 3 16 

Robert McLaue 8 

Benjamin Demarest 1 14 6 

Peter Demarest 2 1 

Henry Clark 2 9 1 

Abraham Chandler 4 IS 6 

Joseph Jewell 19 6 

Wm. Burdolf. 5 9 



f John Hathorn was, at this time, captain of the Warwick company of 
militia. lie subsequently became colonel of the Warwick regiment, and 
in this capacity commanded in the battle of Minisink. Further notice 
will be found in civil list, General History. 



WARWICK. 



567 



Names. 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 
£ 8. d. 
9 



3 



Henry Biirdolf. 1 12 

Jacobus Larue 1 14 

Jacobus Burdolf 10 4 

Eleanor Vandu^en 2 

Capt. Henry Wisner 8 11 

Wni. Wisner 1 4 

Potter Fous 1 

John Feagles, Sr 2 7 

Juliana Smith, widow.... 2 

Jat-ob Feagles 3 18 

Jolm Newberry 3 

Edwin Newberry 2 17 

David Jones 1 8 

Andrew Plantin 1 14 

John Babcock 12 

Thomas Eagles 6 17 

Cooiirad Gunter 2 14 

Wm. Carby 2 

Eioliard Haycock 2 

Isaac Walker 1 8 

Stephen Lewis 8 15 

Obadiah Savre I 10 

Joel Miller 

.... 

3 

4 



4 
7 
9 

14 



Names. 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 
£ «. d. 

AbnerWood 4 6 

Jacobus Deniarest 5 2 

Jacobus Demarest (2) 8 13 

Wm. Currey 17 

Joseph Currey 113 

Benjamin Currey 1 16 9 

John Armstrong., 3 16 

Joel Cross 1 16 

Matthew McConnell 2 4 

Reuben Hall 3 9 1 

Andrew Miller 6 12 

Samuel Rayner 4 17 4 

.James Miller 4 7 6 

Mary Allison 2 

Jabez Finch 2 

Wm. Wickham 18 12 1 

Jacobus Larue 3 15 6 

Henry Burdolf. 2 6 

Joshua Uallock 6 10 7 

Jesse Owens 3 17 3 

Hugh Dobbin 2 8 9 

Phebe Jennings 2 9 

John Wood 6 3 

James Howell 3 Y 

Samuel Wells 6 

Nicholas Dean 5 5 

Anthony Swartwood 7 19 

Nathaniel Sutton 6 

Solomon Smith 2 19 

Capt. Daniel Dentim and ) 
Wm. Wickham. for U 1 
Capt. Horton's estate. J 



Abel Scott 
John Gardinier. 

Elisha Doan 

James Forest.... 

John Hawes 

Daniel Van Horn 2 18 

Andrew Micks (?) 1 12 

John Hopper 4 6 6: Wm. Wickham. for SI 1 

Peter Burdolf. 3 14 

Peter Burns 5 10 

" The above is a true list of the District taken by me September, 1775. 

" John Wood." 

Assessment District No. 8, of tliis same roll 

of 1775 (Ebenezer Owen, assessor), was evidently 

the southwestern, or more correctly, perhaps, the 

western portion of the present town of Warwick, the 

neighborhood of Mount Eve, Amity to Pine Island, 

and to the New Jersey line, consistin_g in all of quite 

a portion of the fertile 17,000-acre tract. 

District No. 8. — Ebenezer Owe.v, Assessor. 



District No. 9 comprised evidently the southern 
portion of the present town of Goshen, the Florida 
neighborhood of Warwick, and southward to the 
vicinity of Mount Eve, where, as already shown, an- 
other district commenced. This district included an 
extensive portion of the valuable Drowned Lands, 
rich, fertile, and attractive to the early settlers. Ac- 
cording to this list seventy or more families were then 
living in this section. John McCamly was the as- 
sessor. 

District No. 9. — John McCamly, Assessor^ September, 1775. 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 



£ «. 



Samuel Knapp 7 14 

David Devore 1 6 

Aaron Dockworth 1 10 

Increase Holley 5 11 

Charles Knapp 5 8 

Joshua Knapp 3 17 

John Goldman 2 19 

Zebulon Jayne 5 

Noah Holley 14 

Moses Monroe 

Christian Snedaker 

Moses Knapp. 2 

Samuel Cornell 2 

William Holly 12 

Matthias Snook 3 19 

Daniel Burr 2 

Abigail Burr 1 4 

Samuel Burnett 5 

Henry Decker 2 17 

William Tuthill 2 

Wiliiam Green 1 19 

George Bucanan 18 

Noah Carpenter.. 1 

Samuel Brunson 18 10 

William Ferguson 9 

Tliotniis Morgan 2 2 

Peter Post 1 

H\iKh McWhorter 2 16 

Israel Smith 10 

Jabez Lewis 15 

John McWhorter 1 7 

Jacob Goble 2 

Samuel Lewis 1 

William Ramsey I 

John Bloom 3 

William Lettamore 1 

Philip McConnelly 2 

Amos Bennett 2 

Abraham Cortriglit 1 17 10 

ThomiiB Farrier 2 13 2 



5 8 

6 

8 7 



Estimate 
Names. of 

Property, 
f «. <i. 

Elias Taylor 2 11 7 

John Konkling 14 5 

Richard Bailey 2 

Richard Ketchum 2 3 9 

JohuSmith 1 14 6 

David Rogers 2 15 8 

James Williams 5 15 11 

Joseph Nanney 2 8 5 

Jacob Vanderroof. 3 14 

John Luckey 1 18 

John McLaughlin 10 

Robert Longwell 3 2 

James Wright 3 5 

Herman Rowley 18 

Oak. Bloom " 2 4 

Constant Leonard 2 

George Rankins 2 14 

George Luckey 3 13 

Wessel Smith 2 15 » 

Robert Boyil 5 1 

Isaac DoIbou 4 1 11 

Benjamin Davis 7 10 

Henry Ellet 3 

Daniel Carn 2 4 

John Martin 2 4 

Jonathan Tompkins 3 

Anthony Carr 2 

Daniel IJailey 1 1 

William McChier 10 

Caleb Smith, Mount 

Eave 3 3 

John Stratton 2 13 

Daniel Slratton 1 12 



Joseph Totten 3 8 

John Poppino, Sr 4 4 

Wm. Carr, Jr 9 

Jolin Poppino (3d) 3' 3 

Wm. Carr, Sr 5 4 

David Araistrong 6 15 

Wm. Armstrong, Sr 8 10 

Wm. Armstrong, Jr 5 14 

Samuel Burdolf 3 4 

Burdolf 8 

John Sweagles 4 8 

Gerard Declcer 3 14 

Joshua Wicks 2 11 

Abraham Dolkin 5 14 

Isaac Dolson 16 

Peter Demarest 5 7 

James Arsbill 6 

Wm. Allison Orissey (?)... 1 

James Mosier 2 8 

Timothy Halstead 8 

John Rinau 9 

John Munger 8 

Michael Dalv 2 16 

Henry Randall 2 15 

Timothy Beei-s 1 5 

Jonas Wood 3 13 

John Poppino, Jr 5 in 

George Decker 2 

^'athaniel Roe, Jr 4 3 

Cornelius Demarest 4 8 

Wm. McKane.. 14 

Thomas Jackson 10 

Andrew Wood 3 

- Dr. Daniel Wood 3 15 

Mary Wood 8 

Annanias Wliiteman 4 4 

Daniel Holley 2 

Lewis Eastwood 5 

* Samuel Seeley 11 




9 
7 
3 
8 
1 
1 


3 
9 
1 



6 
1 
3 
3 
7 
9 
9 
9 10 
4 10 


6 
1 
3 
6 



Estimate 

Names. of 

Property. 
£ s. d. 

James Benjamin, Jr 5 2 7 

James Firm 3 18 1 

Capt. John Wisner 8 13 9 

John Wisner, Jr 8 6 1 

John Ellison 4 16 

Wm. Clark 2 10 10 

John Simington 2 10 

James Benjamin, Sr 5 11 1 

Benjamin Tliompson 3 7 10 

Samuel Jayne 5 16 6 

Rev. Amzi Lewis 4 11 3 

Richard Baylies 8 13 

Daniel Baylies 9 

TimothyClark 4 2 

George Carr 7 2 

PliineaA Tompkins 1 

John Brown 2 

Richard Clark 16 

George Thompson, Sr 6 

Dr. Nathaniel Elmer 8 2 

John Borland 2 

Noah Holley, Jr 2 13 

Josiah Holley, Sr 7 16 

George Wood 4 12 

Isaac Wynins 5 16 

Henry Lyon 4 

Thomas Osburn 9 10 

Isaac Jennings ' 5 3 

James Mc^ane, Jr 2 8 

Isaac Brooks 10 

John Sayre 10 1 

Jonas Roe, Sr 13 14 

Capt. Nathaniel Roe 6 13 

Jonas Roe, Jr 2 

Adam Wisner 4 

Seeley Smith 5 7 

Jeremiah Curtis 8 1 

John Kennedy 9 8 



John McCamly 4 13 



Elias Smith 4 3 10 

Joseph Smith 110 

Simon Ray 6 7 1 

Margaret Armstrong 3 9 6 

David Utter 8 

Ebenezer Owen 6 13 8 

Henrich Johnston 1 15 7 

Andrew Johnston 2 5 



Jcdin Grey 3 8 11 

*' The above is a true list of the assessment of my District, taken this 
month of September, 1775. Ebenezer Owen." 



" The above is a true list of the assessment of my district taken in the 
month of September, 1775. John McCabily." 

We add a few notes upon several of the names 
mentioned in these rolls, but the subject grows so 
voluminous that we are obliged to abbreviate it for 
this volume. By giving the lists in full we furnish 
to all the descendants a clue by which they can trace 
their ancestors' families and their location to any ex- 
tent desired. 

In 1746, Daniel Burt, the father of Hon. James 
Burt, came from Connecticut and located upon the 
farm owned in later years by Thomas and Edward L. 
Welling. There he remained in the depths of the 
forest for four years, when his relatives came from 
Connecticut, and after a long and tedious search 
found him buried in the wild woods. They assured 
him he could never get along in such a new country, 
and persuaded him to return with them, which he 
did. He sold out to Thomas Welling, the grand- 
father of Thomas and Edward L. Welling, and 
moved back to Connecticut. There he was not satis- 
fied to remain, returned in 17(10, and made an effort 
to re-purchase his old farm of Mr. Welling; but in 



568 



HISTOKY OF OKANGB COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



consequence of a flisagreement about the price of a 
horse, wliicli was to he a part of the consideration, 
the bargain fell through, and Burt purchased at Bell- 
vale, on Long-House Creek. This was a valuable 
property, as it contained a fine water-power, upon 
which he erected a flour- and saw-mill. The mill was 
overshot, there being 30 feet fall in 30 rods. Exten- 
sive milling and other mechanical works have con- 
tinued to be conducted there. This location Daniel 
Burt exchanged for a farm near the village of War- 
wick, the one now owned by his grandson, James 
Burt. 

On the Welling farm there was an Indian settlement 
called Miscotucky. They had an orchard of apple- 
trees, some of which were standing in a meadow down 
to a comparatively modern period. 

Hon. James Burt was born at Bellvale, Oct. 25, 
1760, the youngest of ten children. The various and 
important offices held by him from time to time, 
through the course of a long life, are evidence of the 
high esteem in which he was held by his intelligent 
fellow-citizens. He was a member of the Assembly 
several years, a member of the State Senate for twelve, 
and three times an elector of President and Vice- 
President.* 

During the Revolutionary war Mr. Burt, though 
young at its commencement, was a very active Whig, 
and vigilant in defending his neighborhood against 
the secret and ojien attacks of the Tories. We relate 
one instance among many others. A man by the 
name of Johnston, who had been an English sea-cap- 
tain, lived in a stone house in the village of Warwick. 
The house then belonged to Mr. William Wisner. 
Johnston was a silversmith and followed tl.at business 
at the time. Supposing him in possession oi money 
and other valuable ])roperty, his house was attacked 
one rainy night by eleven Tories, some of whom be- 
longed in that vicinity. Two sisters and two negro 
boys were living with him at the time. The robbers 
broke into the house, and Johnston, while defending 
himself most manfully, received a cut in the shoulder 
from a sword, which wholly disabled him. One of 
the negro boys and a Mr. Coe had been out eeling 
that night, and just at this time were returning home. 
As they aijjjroached the house, the Tories saw them, 
and thinking the settlers were coming upon them, de- 
camjied, taking with them all the valuables of the 
house, and among them a very valuable sword. At 
this time young Burt was a lieutenant in a military 
company commanded by Capt. Minthorn, and his 
brother, Daniel Burt, Jr., came over from the village 
to inform him of the aft'air, and to direct him to warn 
out his company forthwith to go in pursuit of the 
robbers. It was dark, and rained in torrents. He 
started to go as far as Bellvale, and while going 
through the woods on the side of the hill in front of J 
his house he heard three distinct snapping of guns. 

* He voted for Jefferaon, Madison, and Harrison. 



He drew up his musket to fire, though he saw no one ; 
but instantly thinking if he did he might be seen by 
the flash of his own gun and be shot down by the 
robbers, refrained and passed on. Having warned out 
his neighbors Joshua Carpenter, Nathaniel Ketcham, 
Daniel Jayne, Philip, Samuel, and Azariah Ketcham, 
Benjamin Whitney, and a few others, they started in 
pursuit. In the morning they found some Continen- 
tal troops down in the mountains, who went with 
them. The company took down one side of the moun- 
tain and the soldiers the other, who came suddenly 
upon the robbers while together eating in the woods, 
fired upon them and killed five of the eleven. Here 
they found many of the stolen articles and Johnston's 
.sword. The six fled, but one of them was shot 
through the leg, taken, and put in jail. The five con- 
tinued to flee down towards New Jersey, hotly pur- 
sued by all, who turned out to help capture the Tory 
robbers. Tliree of the five were killed during the 
chase, and two only of the eleven thus far escaped. 
The two found their way to Hackensack, and there 
they stole a pair of horses, were pursued again, and 
one was shot and killed, the other wounded. 

While young Burt was in pursuit of the robbers he 
told his company that on the night he started to warn 
them out he heard three distinct snaps of guns iu the 
woods near his house, but they laughed at him and 
said that he was afraid and imagined that the robbers 
were about to shoot him, and made themselves quite 
merry at his expense. When they returned, it was 
thought advisable to search the woods in question, 
when, to the great satisfaction of Sergt. Burt, they 
found at the place described by him that the robbers 
had been there sitting on a log, and left there many 
small articles which they had stolen from Johnston, 
and with which they did not wish to be encumbered. 
The guns of the robbers did not go off in consequence 
of the priming having been dampened by the'rain, as 
was supposed. 

During the war Burt served under Col. Hathorn, 
who commanded at the battle of Minisink, and was 
stationed at P'ishkill when the war closed. On re- 
turning home the troops had to cross the river in an 
old Continental scow. It was crowded with horses, 
troopers, and soldiers. Before they got half over, she 
leaked so fast that they had to bail her out with their 
hats to keep her from sinking. They had but one 
oar, and the water being quite rough, they made out 
to get her ashore at New Windsor. 

Extract from family record of Daniel Burt, giving 
his children : Phebe, born July 15, 1738, married 
Daniel Lobdell ; Daniel, born Oct. 20, 1740, married 
Martha Bradner ; Martha, born April 3, 1743, mar- 
ried Daniel Whitney ; Hannah, born May 24, 1745, 
married James Benjamin ; Ruth, born July 3, 1747, 
married Edy Newbury ; Lydia, born May 1, 1750, 
married Daniel Sayer; Sarah, born Dec. 15, 1752, 
married Joshua Carpenter; Esther, born May 17, 
1755, married Benjamin Coleman ; Ann, born Jan. 



WARWICK. 



569 



27, 1758, married (lirleon Scott ; James, born Oct. 25, 
1760, married Abigail Coe. 

Mrs. Daniel Burt died Jan. 10, 1810, aged ninety- 
four years. At her death she had several hundred 
descendants. 

The farm owned by Daniel Finch, and afterwards 
by Capt. John Jayne, situate on Long Ridge, on the 
road from Florida to Warwick, on the western part 
of the Van Home tract, was located before 1762, and 
that road was then a public highway. Francis Arm- 
strong and Joseph Bailey resided in that vicinity. 

When Daniel Burt returned to the county in 1760, 
Daniel Whitney came with him, married his sister 
and located.* An individual by the name of David 
Benjamin was located upon the side of the mountain 
on the laud aftervvard.s owned by James Burt. 

Benjamin Burt, a brother of Daniel, came into the 
town about that time, and settled on the farm after- 
wards owned by Beldeu Burt. 

John Vance w as early in the town, and lived near 
Judge Wheeler, on the farm subsequently owned by 
John Pelton. 

Mr. David McCamley, the ancestor of those of that 
name, settled about 1760, and built the mill James 
Wheeler owned in later years. 

Philip Ketcham located about half-way between 
Warwick and Bellvale. 

Jonathan Knapp settled on the farm owned in 
modern times by the McGee family. 

John and William Blaiu purchased the lands pos- 
sessed in later years by Samuel Blain, Robert and 
Henry Pelton. 

Thomas DeKay was an early settler, and Maj. J. 
Wheeler and Joel Wood afterwards occupied the same 
property, as already noted. 

Charles Beardsley lived in the village of Warwick, 
and owned the lands now covered by the village. 

The first settlers in the present village of Warwick 
were Daniel Burt, Jr., in 1765, Francis Baird, and 
William Wisner, who lived where the Messrs. Well- 
ing afterwards kept a public inn. 

The family of Jeffrey Wisner, Esq., were early set- 
tlers in this and in the town of Wallkill. They were 
connected by marriage with the old family of Phil- 
lips, and contributed their part in various ways to 
clear up the country and sustain her during the war 
of the Revolution. The members of this family 
were strong-minded, sensible, and enterprising, and 
well calculated to settle a new country and infuse 
strength and energy into its early institutions. 

The Jett'rey Wisner place is very elevated on the 
east side and almost upon the crown of a long ridge 
which runs north and south, and overlooks all the 
eastern part of the town. The village of Warwick, 
with its rolling glades clad in deepest verdure, and 
the Wawayanda gracefully sweeping her course to 
the south, lie directly at its feet. In the distance 

• A daughter also married a Whitney, as shown above. 

87 



are seen the Warwick Mountains, encircling the .south- 
eastern portion of the town, and, as it were, barring 
out all approach to New Jersey ; and to diversify the 
beautiful prospect. Sugar- Loaf Mountain at the north 
lifts up her forest-crowned head and almost shakes 
her verdant locks. The spot looks as if it had been 
tenanted for ages, and has the calm and stately ap- 
pearance of dignity and wealth. 

William Armstrong was an early settler. The 
family is Scotch, though it came here, like many of 
the early settlers, from Ireland, he being one of 
the company of Clinton immigrants in 1729, though 
then a minor. He had several children, among 
whom were Robert, William, John, Archibald, Eliz- 
abeth Borland, and Polly Jackson. He settled very 
early in this town, so that his children were princi- 
pally grown up before the Revolution. The family 
tradition is that his wife was a descendant of Bishop 
Lattimer. 

Robert Armstrong, his son, was born 1754, and 
married Rachel Smith, born 1768. Their children 
were Julia, born Aug. 1, 1788, and married John Roe ; 
Jasper, born April 20, 1790, and married Sarah Coe ; 
Robert G., born July 18, 1793, and married Sarah A. 
L. Lewis ; George W., born March 7, 1796, and mar- 
ried Fanny Wheeler ; Maria, born Sept. 18, 1798, not 
married; Harriet, born July 12, 1801, and married 
John Smith aud Calvin Sawyer; John C, born 
April 15, 1803, never married ; Rachel, born July 15, 
1805, and married Poladore Seward ; and Sally S., 
who married Ira Brown. His biography is contained 
in the following notice of his death pul)lished at the 
time. It will be seen that he was one of the first 
members of Assembly from old Orange County after 
the Revolution, and we have been told that he did 
not know that he was running for office or was even 
a candidate till he went to the polls. People are not 
so ignorant of their worth and pretensions at this day. 
At the battle of Minisink he acted as aid to Gen. 
Hathorn, who commanded. 

" At his residence, Florida. Orange County, State uf New Yorli, on Fri- 
day, May 30, 1834, Robert Armstrong, Esq., iu the eighty. first year of liis 
age. He was a man Jionored and respected as extensively as he was 
known ; and extensively known as a l>ublic man from tlie age of about 
twenty-nine years. Hewas intimately connected with the Revolutionary 
struggle as a member of the Committee of Vigilance for the district in 
which lie lived, and as taking an active part in some of its most difficult 
aud trying scenes. In the days of George Clinton he held a seat as the 
youngest member in the Legislature of the State, and from that day until 
age rendered hira desirous of retiring from public business he was inces- 
santly called upon to sustain public trusts in different offices, both of 
election and appointment: asjustice of the peace, county clerk and treas- 
urer, member of the Assembly, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, aud 
many others; in all he secured the confidence of all; aud was one of 
those rare men who are never even suspected of selfish or corrupt de- 
signs. For tifty-seven years he was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church of Florida, and for fifty-three years a ruling elder in the same 
church. Within this period of more than half a century many times of 
trial came ui)on that church ; in all of which, from first to last, he sttiod 
the firm and unbendiug defender of the truth, and was the acknowledged 
and happy instrument often of saving that portion of Zion from distrac- 
tion aud apparent ruin." 

Of the Wood family the following fact« are given 



570 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



from an obituary notice of Mr. Jesse C. Wood, who 
died at Parkville, L. I., aged eighty-nine years : 

"Israel Wood, only son of Israel Wood, Earl of Warwick, in Enpland, 
came to New York in company with the Duke of York. He was at that 
time a single man, and purchased a tract of land six miles square of a 
man who had previously received a grant from the King of Holland, in 
the township of Bookhaven, on Long Island. He divided it into farms 
and put tenants npon them, and married and settled upon it himself. 
He had three sons, the first named Israel, the second Cornelius, and the 
other is not known. Israel Wood, his eldest son, married a lady hy the 
name of Oldfield, in Kings County, who received as a dowry from her 
father a large tract of land in Fluthush. He hnilt a honse upon this land, 
which was the first house huilt npon Brooklyn Heights. He also huilt 
a tide-mill for grinding grain on what is now called Red Hook, taking 
its name from the mill. He had four sons, — Ahner, Eliphalet, George, 
and Daniel, — and one dangliter , named Mary. He then purchased the 
tract of conntry now known as the Drowned Lands in Orange County, 
and another large tract containing what is now known as the Wickham 
Pond. He also purchased a third tract, on which he settled with his four 
80DB, and huilt a mill hut a few rods above Stone Bridge, svipposed to be 
the first mill Iniilt i[i this vicinity. Abner settled on the farm now 
owned hy Charles A. Van Duzer ; Eliphalet, where .Tames Ackerman 
resides ; George, on the place occupied hy Col. Wm. W. Houston ; Daniel, 
the farm now occupied by his grandson, George W, Wood ; and the 
daughter Mary, on the farm now occupied by Sarah antl Francis Bene- 
dict. Daniel Wood, father of the deceased, had eight sons and one 
daughter. They were Israel, Daniel, John, David, Joel, William, James, 
Jesse C, and Betsy. The daughter died young. All but two of the sons 
passed eighty years; Joel eighty-eight and Jesse eighty-nine, at the time 
of their death. Jesse C. Wood, the deceased, the last one of the family, 
at first resided on the Mariin Brooks place, near Stone Bridge, then in 
New York, then in Montgomery County. He returned to New York, 
visited England and Ireland, held several places of trust with honor. At 
the time of his death he was living at Parkville, L. I. He left but one 
child, a daughter, Mary E. Wood, the others having died young." 

James Benedict, Sr., was the early Baptist minister. 
He had three sons, — James, William, Joseph. The 
sons of James, Jr., were James, William, and Israel. 
A son of William, William L. Benedict, resides now 
upon the old Mabie homestead, near Warwick village. 
William of the first family had one son, Henry, who 
died early, and Joseph had one son, James; one or 
more sons of the latter now reside in town. 

Cornelius Demerest came to Warwick in 1774, and 
settled on the ridge near the present residence of 
James C. Sly. Buildings gone. His sons were David 
C, Samuel, Frederick, and Cornelius C. A son of 
the latter is Cornelius H., president of the National 
Bank. There was one daughter in the original family, 
who became Mrs. Greenwood, of Cincinnati. 

Rev. Charles Cummins was born in Strasburg, Pa., 
July 15, 1776 ; he graduated at Dickinson College in 
1800 ; he studied theology, and was licensed in 1803. 
His first pastorate was at Chestnut Level, Pa. In 1806 
he was settled at Florida ; there he preached forty- 
three years, his labors terminating there in 1849. In 
1852 he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he died 
January, 1863. His children were Thomas A. Cum- 
mins and James S. L. Cummins, of New York City ; 
Mrs. James S. Horton, of Iowa ; Rev. John L. Cum- 
mins, of Keokuk, Iowa; Col. F. M. Cummins, of 
Goshen ; and Mrs. Jacob Butler, of Iowa. These were 
the children of his second marriage. By a previous 
' marriage he had one son, John P., who died when 
twelve years old in consequence of a fall from a tree. 

Dr. Elmer's homestead was the property now occu- 



pied by Nathaniel E. Conkling, of Florida. John 
Kennedy kept tavern about 1790 at Florida, in a 
house still standing: a long low building, now the 
Aspell property. Anthony Finn's homestead was 
where James Foley now lives, below Warwick village. 
Richard Johnson lived on the ridge. Mr. Cornelius 
mentions having seen among the papers of Mr. John- 
son a memorandum of an army oflicer of money paid 
Mr. Johnson for pasturing horses during the Revolu- 
tionary war. John Wheeler's homestead was the 
present place of Ezra Sanford. The Pattersons lived 
near New Milford. George Vance's place was the 
one now owned by James Wisner. John Sutton lived 
near the present place of Richard Wisner. Thomas 
Welling lived where his descendant, Thomas Welling, 
now lives. The proiierty has been owned steadily by 
a Thomas Welling. 

The Newberry homestead was south of Beilvale 
and east of Wickham Pond. 

For many of these items we are indebted to Corne- 
lius H. Demerest, president of the National Bank, 
and to James Burt, Esq. The latter is the son of Hon. 
James Burt of Revolutionary memory and long public 
service, mentioned above, and who died in 1852. The 
present James Burt was born March 9, 1798, upon 
the old homestead, and has spent his life there. He 
has been honored with many important trusts by his 
fellow-citizens, and has been president of the Bank 
of Chester for twenty-six years. During that long 
period he has been present at every monthly meeting 
of the directors, and at the bank every Saturday with 
only one or two exceptions. The bank was organized 
in 1845. Its first president, Edward L. Welling, and 
its second, James Wheeler, were Warwick men, as 
well as the third, Mr. Burt. 

The other children of Hon. James Burt were Mrs. 
Nathaniel Jones, Mrs. Elias B. Coe, Benjamin Burt, 
of Beilvale, ancestor of Grinnell Burt, Stephen A. 
Burt, also of Beilvale, and Thomas M. Burt, of Kin- 
derhook. None of these are now living. 

THE SEWARD FAMILY. 
While the town of New Windsor boasts the birth- 
place of George and DeWitt Clinton, and Wallkill 
that of Commodore Silas Horton Stringham, War- 
wick holds in its embrace the cradling-bed of one 
whose life-record has not been less marked on the 
pages of his country's history, — the late Hon. William 
Henry Seward. Without attempting a full genealogi- 
cal record of Governor Seward's family, we may re- 
mark that he was the great-grandson of Obadiah 
Seward, an immigrant from Wales, who settled on 
Larrington River, in Somerset Co., N. J., in the early 
part of the last century. John, son of Obadiah, 
was born here May 22, 1730 ; married Mary Swezy, 
March 22, 1751, and settled in Hardyston prior to 
1767, at which time his name first appears as a mem- 
ber of the board of freeholders of that township, and 
where he subsequently attained the rank of colonel of 



WARWICK. 



571 



the Second Sussex Regiment of Militia, which was < 
frequently on duty on the frontiers during the Revo- 
lution. He died in 1799, leaving ten children, of 
whom 

Samuel Swezy Seward — locally known as Dr. 
Seward — was born in Hardyston, Sus.sex Co., Dec. 
5, 1768. He married Mary Jennings, of Goshen, 
Orange Co., in 1795, and after living for a time in 
Vernon removed thence to Florida, where he com- 
bined a large mercantile business with an exten- 
sive range of professional practice for about twenty 
years. He also served as a member of the Assembly 
in 1804; in 1815 as one of the judges of the county 
court, and subsequently as first judge of that court, 
a position which he held for "seventeen years. He 
was noted for his wealth and for his liberality ; re- 
tired from medical practice and from mercantile life; 
loaned money to his neighbors and others, and main- 
tained an unsullied reputation. In 1846 he estab- 
lished the Samuel S. Seward Institute at Florida, to 
which he donated the grounds, erected the buildings, 
and added an endowment of $20,000. He died in 
1849, leaving an estate of about $350,000, of which 
his son, William H. Seward, and friend, George W. 
Grier, of Goshen, were the executors. His wife, 
Mary Jennings, was of Irish parentage. She was a 
woman of clear and vigorous understanding, and a 
model of hospitality, charity, and self-forgetfulness. 
She died in 1843. His children were : 1. Benjamin 
J.; 2. Edwin P.; 3. William H. ; 4. George W. ; 
and (5) a daughter, who married Dr. Canfield, of 
Florida. The children of (1) Benjamin J. were Rev. 
Augustus Seward, Clarence A. Seward, and one who 
died in early life. The children of Edwin P. (better 
known by his middle name (Poladore) were Mrs. 
Dr. Jayne, Mrs. C. H. Schaiff, William E., Theodore 
W., Jasper A., and Frederick W. 

William Henry Seward, the third son of Dr. 
Samuel Seward, was born in Florida, May 16, 1801. 
The house in which his parents then resided is still 
standing. After attending the district school in his 
neighborhood he was sent, at the age of nine years, 
to Farmers' Hall Academy, at Goshen. While here 
he was a member of the " Classical Society" of 
Goshen, and of the " Goshen Club," in both of which 
declamations, debates, and compositions formed the 
leading features. At fifteen years of age he entered 
Union College at Schenectady, from which he with- 
drew when three years older, and passed six months 
as a teacher at the South. From this diversion he 
returned to Union College in 1820, and, after taking 
his degree, entered the office of John Anthon, Esq., 
of New York, as a student at law. Completing his 
legal preparation with John Duer and Ogden Hoff- 
man, in Goshen, he was admitted to the bar of the 
Supreme Court at Utica in 1822, and in January, 
1823, took up his residence in Auburn, and formed a 
connection in business with the Hon. Elijah Miller, 
a distinguished member of the legal profession, and 



at that time first judge of Cayuga County. In 1824 
he married Frances Adeline, Judge Miller's youngest 
daughter, and settled down to the duties of life in the 
office, and practically as the successor of his father- 




WILLIAM henry SEWARD. 

in-law. His tastes and habits of thought, however, 
soon led him into politics, and we find him, in 1828, 
presiding at a convention having for its purpose the 
election of John Quincy Adams as President for a 
second term ; and the year 1830 brought him forward 
as a prominent leader in the anti-Masonic movement. 
From that time until his death Mr. Seward's history 
was so intimately blended with the politics of the 
State and nation that one can scarcely be separated 
from the other, nor to either can justice be done in 
the limits of a sketch of this character. The reader 
is therefore referred to his " Life and Works." It 
may be remarked, however, that the leading points 
in his career were, first, his election by the people as 
Governor of New York ; second, his election by the 
Legislature to a seat in the United States Senate ; and, 
third, his appointment by President Lincoln to the 
post of Secretary of State. His services in these 
posts absorbed twenty-five years of his life, during 
which he exercised a direct influence over the move- 
ment of great events. In regard to his qualities as 
a statesman there are of course divergent opinions, 
but that he was a central figure in politics, and a man 
whose integrity was unquestioned, will be universally 
conceded. He died at Auburn, Oct. 10, 1872, in the 
seventy-second year of his age. His children were 
Frederick A., who served as Assistant Secretary of 
State under his father; Maj. Augustus, of the United 
States Army (now deceased) ; William H., of Auburn ; 
and one daughter, who died unmarried. 



572 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



EARLY RESIDENTS OF AVARWICK VILLAGE. 
An excellent description of Warwick village and 
the surrounding country, as they were occupied in 
1805, is taken from the article already mentioned, 
written by Henry Pelton about the year 1872. 

We begin with the village of Warwick, which con- 
sisted of only a few houses on the Main Street, and 
these were not only few but far between. The Cas- 
sidy family lived in a stone house near the bridge, 
where the brick store now stands. Then there was no 
other building until we come to where the Methodist 
church now stands; there stood a curry-shop owned 
by Samuel Smith, and about opposite was his dwelling, 
an old house then, where Pitts has a meat-market at 
the present time. Next was a new house built by 
Benjamin Barney, where the Benedict ladies now live. 
Next was Nathan Reed, who came in 1804 from Darien, 
Conn. This was the stone house built by Francis 
Baird. Next was a store kept by Edmund Raymond. 
Next was a small house standing where John Cowdrey 
now lives. On the opposite side, where Mrs. Pierson 
lives, was Lewis Randolph, who kept a tavern. Next 
was the house where June's now stands, then occupied 
by Thomas Geraghty as a store and tavern. Next 
was Nathaniel Ketchum, a carpenter. Next was 
John Mabee, a blacksmith. Next was the Rev. Leb- 
beus Lathrop, in the old stone house lately demolished 
by Mr. Bradner. Next was William Benedict, the 
father of William L. Benedict. Next was James 
Benedict, Esq. Next was Capt. James Benedict, son 
of the preceding, where John Blain now lives. Next 
were the two Ketchum brothers, Samuel and Philip. 
They had a little mill and a pond from the spring on 
the west side of the road. The next house was owned 
by Daniel Wood. The next was Crines Bertholf. 
Next was Joseph Barrows, in the stone house, and on 
the south, where Durland lives, was the residence of 
Gen. Wisner. Further on towards Sugar-Loaf were 
the Feagles families. Josiah lived back from the 
road, west. John lived at the present place of Ezra 
Holbert, and down at the head of the pond was James 
D: Clark. 

W^e will now come back and take the road from 
June's Hotel towards Bellvale. The first place was 
that of Capt. Garret Post. The next was Richard 
Welling, Sr., near where Jacob Gaul now lives. 
James Burt, Esq., was about ibrty rods east. 
Now we go back and take the road around Chuck's 
Hill. John Wood lived nearly opposite the place 
where he afterwards died. West of him lived Richard 
Welling, Jr., son of John Welling. Next around the 
corner John Welling lived, who carried on a still. 
Not far from there, on the south or east side of the 
street, lived Aunt Milly Everett, as she was called. 
There were no more houses until we come to that of ' 
John Magie. Further on, around the hill, was Kin- 
ner's house. John Palmer came the following spring. 
Next, on the opposite side, was Blauvelt, a son-in-law 
of House, the dwelling now being demolished. Next 



was John Vandervoort. Next, on the corner of the 
Bellvale road, lived Mr. Shaler, a weaver. 

Then, going towards Bellvale, was Daniel Sayer, 
where his son Benjamin now lives. On the opposite 
side were the two brothers Forshee, where John L. 
Sayer and James Benedict now live. Crines Bertholf 
came the next spring, and one of the brothers Forshee 
left. Next was Joel Wheeler, and further on came some 
I tenant-houses belonging to the latter. Then over the 
i hill, on the corner, where James C. Houston lives, was 
John Robinson, who carried on a blacksmith-shop for 
many years. Then, as we turned north, there lived 
Capt. William Minthorn, son of Capt. John Minthorn 
of Revolutionary memory. 

Further north was* Nathaniel Minthorn. Then 
there were the heirs of Calvin Bradner, deceased, and 
also the heirs of William Wisner. Next was Andrew 
Houston, father of Col. Wisner Houston. Now we 
come to the main road leading from Warwick to 
Sugar-Loaf, etc., where stood the old stone school- 
house near Mr. Belcher's. 

Returning now to the village, we will begin at the 
lower end, and the first permanent resident was 
Abraham Gregory, a cooper from Connecticut. Next, 
going west on the north side of the road, where George 
Hyatt now lives, were Zachariah Hoyt and his son, a 
bachelor, who carried on the pottery business. Then 
there was a man by the name of Lafarge, where 
Andrew Geraghty now lives. Beyond Was Corne- 
lius Demerest, grandfather of David D. and Corne- 
lius H. Demerest, where Samuel Pelton now lives. 
Next was Capt. George Vance and his son-in-law, 
Thomas .Sproull. Further on, a few rods from where 
the road intersects that which leads from Florida by 
way of the Armstrong neighborhood, there stood a 
stone school-house, opposite where the present school- 
house stands, and Gilbert Wheeler lived on the present 
William Green place; he traded the same season with 
his brother John for the ferm that James B. Wheeler 
now owns. 

Now we come to the bridge where Isaac Halstead, 
the miller, lived, ib front of where William Sanford 
has since built. Beyond was John Wheeler, Esq., 
with several buildings around him, including grist- 
mill, saw-mill, and fulling-mill ; also he carried on 
the business of tanning and currying. Farther down 
the stream lived William C. Baird, who also owned 
a mill. 

Next below was Samuel Denton, Sr. Then, down 
the hill, at the bridge there were a grist-mill, saw-mill, 
and a fulling-mill, owned by Mr. Shoemaker. Then 
there was no other building until you come to where 
the north-and-south roads leading from Warwick to 
New Milford intersect each other, and at that point 
was the residence of David C. Demerest. In what is 
New Milford there were at that time two or three 
dwellings, among which was that of Cornelius Lazear, 
Sr., an estimable man, and one of the founders of the 
Methodist Church in that village. 



WARWICK. 



573 



And now, to return, we will take the south road 
leading towards the village of Warwick, and the first 
residence we find was that of Levi Ellis. Going east, 
the next was William Johnson, who sold out the same 
season to David Fancher, of Darien, Conn. Further 
east, where the old saw-mill of Edward Davis now 
stands, was the forge for making iron owned by Gen. 
Hathorn. There was a log house standing near by 
for the workmen to live in, and in front of this, by the 
road, lived an aged couple by the name of Wiggins. 

On the hill south from where Darius Fancher now 
lives was Thomas Hathorn. Next was William Hol- 
land, a weaver. Further on east we come to a cross- 
road leading to Wheelers' mill, on which lived Capt. 
Thomas DeKay. To follow along the main road, we 
find Nathaniel Blain living where Henry Pelton now 
resides. Further along was Robert Pelton, who came 
from Darien the same year. Here is that famous 
spring which has been known by tradition since the 
first settlement of this part of Warwick as Curtis 
Fountain, by usage shortened into " Curtafontine," 
which gives name to the brook issuing from it. To 
go on further east there was John Blain, commonly 
known as " Uncle Johnny." Beyond were the heirs 
of William Blain, deceased; further on there was Bel- 
den Burt, Sr., and the next was Gen. John Hathorn. 
North of him, on the hill, was David Wiley, where 
James Alcock now resides, and still further north, 
across the fields (for there was no road at that time to 
the house that stood not far from the creek), lived 
John Pelton, who had come from Darien, Conn., that 
spring. 

Again we start from Hatliorn's east, finding Jere- 
miah Morehouse, and next to him Thomas Welling, 
the second of the name. There was no other build- 
ing from there to the bridge except the old school- 
house that stood on the site of the one lately demol- 
ished. The first dwelling was where James R. Christie 
and his mother now live, then owned and occupied by 
Dr. Elisha DuBois. Nearly opposite the present Bap- 
tist parsonage was the residence of Dr. Benjamin S. 
Hoyt, a son of Zachariah Hoyt mentioned above; 
they were from Danbury, Conn. Next were John M. 
Foght and his son-in-law, Daniel Burt, who carried 
on a distillery. Next was Ananias Rogers, where the 
Bradner brothers own. He sold out the same year to 
Sylvanus Fancher, from Connecticut. On the road 
leading west from Rogers there lived Andrew Acker- 
man and Joseph Benedict. To start again from Rogers', 
we find Capt. Garret Ackerman where George W. San- 
ford now lives. Next was Conrad Sly, living on the 
present place of his grandson, Ross Sly. Then if we 
take the eastward road that leads to Florida we find 
Daniel Brown living where Charles Van Duzer now 
lives, and on the cross-road now leading over to where 
the late Col. Houston lived. There was a man by the 
name of Buskirk where James Ackerman lately lived. 

Now if we go back and take the west road to Flor- 
ida, the first house belonged to the heirs of Abraham 



Dolsen, deceased. And now we will turn west towards 
the Armstrong settlement, and in the first house we 
find Wm. Johnson, a little way from the road. Next 
was the place of Isaac Dolsen, who sold out the same 
year to Jacob Howe, from Darien, Conn. Then there 
was Richard Johnson, and further on Samuel John- 
son, where John Vandevort now lives. Then over 
the hill, farther west, was Wm. Armstrong, where the 
late Rensselaer J. Armstrong died. 

Now we turn south, and the first was John Sutton, 
Sr., then Jefirey Wisner, and next to him Micah 
Mills, where the late Gabriel Wisner lived. The 
road from Florida to Edenville was not laid out at 
that time, and consequently these inhabitants were 
put to a great inconvenience in getting to the village. 
Going on, we find a man by the name of George Bra- 
mer living as a tenant where James B. Wheeler now 
owns. This brings us to the main road leading from 
Warwick north of the creek to New Milford, which 
we have already traced. 

The school districts, as arranged July 3, 181.3, throw 
considerable light on the localities as described nearly 
seventy years ago, and the families then residing in 
the town. 

No. 1, Pochuck District. All that part of the town 
the west side of Pochuck Creek, including Pine Island 
and Merritt's Island. 

No. 2, Amity District. Beginning at the house of 
David Post; thence to Isaac Pound's, including Solo- 
mon Carpenter; thence to and including Robert Far- 
rier, Esq. ; thence including Joseph Willcox, George 
Jones, Samuel and Andrew Layton, to Pochuck 
Bridge ; thence including William Taylor and An- 
drew Thompson, to the place of beginning. 

No. 3, Mount Eve District. Beginning at the 
house occupied by Joseph Davis ; then on to Daniel 
Crawl, including all that part of the town on the 
west side of Mount Eve ; thence to and including 
Moses Dolen ; thence, and including John Shultz, 
to the place of beginning. 

No. 4, Union School-House. Beginning at and 
including Abram Gurnee ; thence, including William 
Decker, Nathaniel Wheeler, to and including Samuel 
Parkhurst ; thence, including Thomas Brown and 
John Miller, to the nine-mile stone between Timothy 
Roe and John Finch ; thence, including all north of 
Isaac Ellison's, to the place of beginning. 

No. 5, Brookland District. Beginning at the nine- 
mile stone between the house of John Finch and 
Timothy Roe ; thence to and including the house of 
Samuel Jessup, now in possession of Mr. Gathright ; 
thence to and including the house of Samuel John- 
son ; thence to the cross-road north of the Widow 
Mills' ; thence to the line of the lands of Jacobus Post, 
deceased, including all on that road ; thence to the ten- 
mile stone near Jacob House's ; thence, including 
Jacob House and Timothy Roe, to the place of be- 
ginning. 

No. 6, Purling Brook. Beginning at and including 



574 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the distillery of Robert Ferriii ; thence including 
John Post; thence to the house of Cornelius Jones, 
including Andrew Shorter, the widow of James Sly, 
Abraham I. Lines ; thence to and including the 
house of Daniel C. Dusenbury ; thence to and in- 
cluding the house of Isaac Allison ; thence to and in- 
cluding John Sayre, including all on that road except 
Moses Dolan ; from thence to tlie place of beginning. 

No. 7, Long Swamp. Beginning at and including 
Samuel Luckey ; thence including William Winfleld ; 
thence along the Jersey line to and including the 
house of Thomas DeKay (2d), near John McWhorter's; 
thence including the farm formerly of Peter Edsall ; 
thence including Jacobus Ouderdonk and Jesse Jen- 
nings ; thence including George H. Jackson ; thence 
to the place of beginning. 

No. 8, the school near David Demerest. Begin- 
ning at Samuel McCamley's, to and including Eben- 
ezer McCamley, Pierson's, Cornelius Jones, Jr.; to 
and including William Baird ; thence to and includ- 
ing Thomas and Samuel DeKay ; thence to and in- 
cluding William Holland and Thomas Hathorn ; 
thence to and including Stephen Horton ; thence 
along the Jersey line, including David McCamley, to 
the place of beginnihg. 

No. 9, school near Hiram Rebelee's. Beginning at 
and including Justus Ouderdonk, Robert Peter.son, 
and William H. Campbell ; thence to the Jersey line, 
including Thomas and Joseph Sandford ; thence along 
said Jersey line, including Peter Ackerson ; thence in- 
cluding the house on Belden Burt's mountain farm ; 
thence to the place of beginning. 

No. 10, school near Isaac Clark's. Beginning at 
Round Mountain, including Joseph Gannon and the 
Decker families, adjoining to the Jersey line ; thence 
including Benedict's and Smith ; thence including 
Samuel Drew, Robert Lockwood and son, Solomon 
Smith, John Hall, James Howell, Richard and Abram 
Quackenbush, Jr. ; thence, including Isaac Clark, 
Abram Quackenbush, and Ezra Sandford, to the place 
of beginning. 

No. 11, Mount Pleasant. Beginning at and in- 
cluding Nathaniel Blain and Robert Pelton ; thence 
to and including John Russton, to and including 
James Ackerson, Abram Cole, John Myer, John 
Palmer, Samuel Ketchara, John Vandevoort; thence 
to and including Cornelius Forshe ; thence to War- 
wick Creek, near Benjamin Barney's ; thence, in- 
cluding John Pelton, to the place of beginning. 

No. 12, Warwick Village School. Beginning and 
including Joseph Benedict and Sylvanus Fancher; 
ihence to and including Richard Welling; thence, 
including on the north side of Warwick Creek, to 
and including John and James AVheeler ; thence to 
and including the Widow Mills ; thence to the place 
of beginning. 

No. 13, Long Ridge School near James Dolsen. 
Beginning at Richard Johnson's, including Jacob 
How and William Johnson, to James Dolsen's; 



thence to and including Cornelius Eckerson ; thence 
including John Ackeruian ; thence including Joseph 
Minthorn ; thence to and including George Ramson, 
to the place of beginning. 

No. 14, Rock Hill School, near Francis Armstrong's. 
Beginning at and including John Sayres ; thence, in- 
cluding Widow Jackson, to and including David 
Lawrence ; thence to and including Daniel Tomp- 
kins ; thence to and including Jacob Mabee, Phineas 
Clark, Eli Clark, Peter Dolsen ; thence to and in- 
cluding David Hartsen, to the place of beginning. 

No. 15, Washington Academy School. Beginning 
at and including Nathaniel Wheeler; thence to and 
including John M. Ridsell ; thence to and including 
Enoch Jackson ; thence to and including James 
Wood ; thence to the line of Goshen at Judge 
Thompson's mill ; then along said town-line to the 
Hemp meadows, west of Phineas Tompkins ; thence to 
the place of beginning. 

No. 1(5, the school-house near Nicholas Demerest'.s. 
Beginning at and including John Knap; thence 
and including Jonah Feagles, John Feagles, Crinas 
Lareau, James Helme.s, William Raynor, Winson 
Wood, Benjamin Sayre, Isaac Road, William Drake, 
Benjamin Vail, William Knap, David Miller; from 
thence to the place of beginning. 

No. 17, the stone school-house near Crinas Ber- 
tholfs. Beginningatand including Colvin Bradner's ; 
thence up Warwick Creek, including Jedediah Sayer 
and Abraham Peck ; thence to the Pond, including 
James D. Clark and Harmon D. Clark ; thence to and 
including Joseph Burroughs ; thence including David 
Bigger, Reuben Dunn, Henry Wisner, Gilbert How- 
ell ; thence including Springstead, Andrew Houston, 
and James Benedict, Jr. ; thence to the place of be- 
ginning. 

No. 18. Beginning at and including Joel Wheeler; 
from thence to and including Nathaniel Minthorn ; 
thence to and including Joseph Dowers ; thence to 
Peter Complin's, including Peter Depew ; thence to 
and including John Ward and Abijah Peck ; thence 
to the place of beginning. 

No. 19, Centre School-House. Beginning at and 
including Robert Littel's ; thence to and including 
David Trickey ; thence to and including David Ste- 
vens ; thence to the place of beginning. 

No. 20, Long Pond School. Beginning at the 
Chester road, including John and James Fitzgerald ; 
thence along the road to Stephen Bertholfs ; thence 
including the house on the rise of Stirling Mountain; 

thence to and including Radner Jennings and 

Teachman; thence along the Jersey line to Warwick 
Mountain ; thence [along] said mountain, including 
the valley, to the place of beginning. 

No. 21, Stirling Anchory. Containing all the in- 
habitants of the town of Warwick southerly of Long 
Pond District. 

No. 22, the neighborhood in Sugar-Loaf village, 
adjoining Goshen town. Containing the following 



WARWICK. 



575 



families, viz. : Thomas Weeden, Isaac Wood, Jesse 
Wood, Jr., David Howell, to the Widow Tidd. 

No. 23, the neighborhood in Sugar-Loaf Valley 
near to Bull's Mills, including the following families: 
Stephen H. Bull, Richard Bull, Runyan Compton, 
Francis Compton, John King, and the widow of Peter 
King. 

No. 24. Beginning at the Jersey line where the 
Pochuck Creek crosses the same; thence down the 
said creek to Pochuck Bridge, including the widow 
of Charles Knapp, deceased; thence to the Widow 
Randolph's; thence to the Jersey line, including on 
the easterly side of Pochuck Mountain. 

A trial for murder took place in Warwick in 1818, 
which attracted 30 much public attention that it can 
hardly be omitted in a notice of the town. Richard 
Jennings, of the town of Goshen, was missing from 
his house on the 21st of February, 1818, and on the 
2Sth was found on his farm dead. He appeared to 
have been shot, and then dreadfully beaten with the 
musket. It seemed that he had some litigation with 
his neighbor, David Conk ling, who formed a con- 
spiracy, and employed a negro, Jack Hodges, for a 
reward of $.500, to take the life of Jennings. After 
Jack perpetrated the act he absconded, but was taken, 
and, with Conkling, Teed, and Dunning, committed to 
prison. They were tried, condemned, and executed, 
the latter event occurring at Goshen on the Kith 
April, 1819. 

The following were early taverns, as shown by 
the record of excise moneys : In 1790 two pounds 
each w'ere received as excise money from Cornelius 
Lazear; this was undoubtedly at what is now New 
Milford; Wm. Holley, probably in Sugar-Loaf neigh- 
borhood ; Isaac Thompson ; John Kennedy, his tav- 
ern was at Florida; John Smith (three pounds), he 
kept a hotel at Warwick village, the present Pierson 
place ; Israel Horton ; Thomas Goldsmith ; Ezra San- 
ford lived on the mountain, he was the father of 
the present Ezra Sanford; Nathan Wheeler; John 
Hathorn, his tavern was on the well-known Hathorn 
place, east of the Belden Burt farm. It will not be 
inferred, however, that Gen. Hathorn, the owner, 
pursued hotel-keeping for a livelihood. 

Other names appear in 1791 : Peter Van Houten, 
probably at Edenville; Stephen Bertholf, kept tavern 
in the Greenwood Lake valley ; Morris Thompson. 

In 1792 new names ap])ear, as those of Stephen 
Rogers, he kept in the old Kennedy tavern at Florida ; 
Thomas McAVhorter, this was undoubtedly near Sugar- 
Loaf ; Daniel Burt, this was the old house now stand- 
ing opposite the place of John L. Servin, the present 
Wawayanda House ; Jacobus Post, this was at Eden- 
ville, formerly known as Postville; Gilbert Wheeler, 
this was probably near the present homestead of Ezra 
Sanford; William Helms, the Helms family have 
been in the vicinity of Sugar-Loaf for many years. 
This was probably on the borders of Monroe. 

In 1793, John Baird, this was the stone house now 



occupied by W. E. Sayer; Joseph Houston, this was 
between Amity and Edenville ; Abram Lazear, he 
was probably the successor of Cornelius Lazear at 
New Milford ; Timothy Dunning; John Cassidy, this 
was on the ground of the present Van Duzer building. 

In 1794, Abram Dolsen. He lived on the ridge 
where Capt. J. D. Miller now lives. 

An early settler of Bellvale was Jonathan Wilki- 
son, Sr., from Rahway, N. J. His children were 
Sally, who died young; Edward, who died young; 
Samuel, who died at sea of yellow fever ; Mrs. Robert 
Osborn, of Wallkill ; Mrs. John Winfield, Wisconsin ; 
Mrs. Peter Redner, Peekskill ; Richard ; Jonathan, 
who died Feb. 9, 1872, aged eighty-nine (see Wall- 
kill) ; and Mrs. John Douglass, afterwards Mrs. Buck, 
of Western New York. .Tonathan, Jr., .settled in 
Wallkill. His homestead was the present James 
Purdy farm, near Mount Johnson. A son of Jona- 
than, Jr., Hiram S. Wilkison, resides at Circleville. 

Early physicians were as follows : Doctor Elmer is 
mentioned in one of the assessment-rolls given, and 
his residence has been given above. He was in practice 
during the Revolutionary war. (See General History.) 
At Warwick village Dr. DuBois was a physician of 
prominence for twenty or thirty years in the early 
part of this century. He lived where the Widow 
Christie now lives. Contemporary with Dr. DuBois, 
but dying earlier than he, was Dr. Hoyt, who lived 
where the present parsonage of the (Jld-School Bap- 
tist Church stands. During a portion of the same 
period Dr. James Heron was in practice for several 
years at Warwick village. He was quite distinguished 
in his profession, and as a member of the County 
Medical Society. He was a writer of medical papers, 
and some of his treatises are said to be of valuable 
authority at the present time. Dr. Seward, of 
Florida, was in practice for some years. 



IV.-OHGANIZATION. 

In its first civil organization the town was a part 
of the old precinct of Goshen. What now constitutes 
Warwick remained as a part of Goshen Precinct down 
to the Revolution, and subsequently until the passage 
of the general act of March 7, 1788. The old precinct 
of Goshen had been divided into Cornwall and Goshen 
in 1764, but Warwick was still included in Goshen. 
Under the act of 1788 it became a town, and the first 
town-meeting was held on the first Tuesday of April, 
1789, of which the following record was made: 

" At a meeting of the inhabitants of tlie town of Warwick, heUi in 
the town of Warwick this firet Tuesday in April, 17S9, the following 
persona were elected and chosen for the ensuing year: 

" John Smith, town clerk ; John Wheeler, Ksq., supervisor; Capt. James 
Post, Western District, Maj. Peter Bartholf, Middle District, Capt. Henry 
Bartholf, Eastern District, assessors ; Maj. Jacobus Post, Western Dis- 
trict, Nathaniel Miiithorn, Middle District, John Wood, Eastern District, 
commissioners of roads; Zelmlon Wheeler, James Benedict, overseers of 
the pour; David McCamly, Western District, James Benedict, Middle 
District, David Miller, Eastern District, collectors; John Blain, Jr.» 
David Miller, Eliaa Taylor, David Fulton, constables. 



576 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Road-Masters; John Kanaday, Timothy Clark, John Benedict, Cft£t. 
G eorge Van ce, %Vm. Armstrong, Esq., Anthony Finn, Capt. Jackson, 
n^'. Jacobus Post, Joseph Wilson, Thomas Blain, Abraham Lazair, John 
Smith, Garret Post, Pliilip Burroughs, Calvin Bradner, Capt. Bertholf, 
James Hannah, John Armstrong. James Miller, David Miller, Timothy 
Beers, Jacob Gable, Henry Townsend, Abel Noble, Philip Ketcheui, 
Moses Carpenter, David Lobdell, Caleb Smith, Caleb Taylor, Robert Lud- 
low, Jacobus Chase, David Nanuy, Ezra Sanford, Israel Owens, Abraham 
Dolsen, Richard Johnson, John Sutton, Nathaniel Bailey. 

" Arch. Armstrong and Esq. Shepherd, West District, Maj. P. Bartholf 
and James Benedict, Middle District. James Miller and Philip Bur- 
roughs, East District, fence-viewers. 

" Each road-master to be pound-master; the pound to be put up at the 
expense of the district. 

'*i?csoZred, That there is £100 to be raised for the benefit of the poor, 
and £20 for contiugent expenses." 

(JENERAL NOTES FROM THE EECORDS. 

At the second town-meeting, the first Tuesday of 
April, 1790, Colvil Shepard, John Kennedy, Richard 
Welling, and Israel Holton were appointed pound- 
masters, and it was voted to erect pounds " as near to 
the houses of said pound-masters as jiossible for the 
convenience of water." 

The report of the overseers of the poor for the year 
1789 shows money paid to the following persons for 
the care of the poor: Anthony Fisher, Wm. Mi^Clure, 
Elizabeth Wright, George Luckey, Elias Taylor, John 
Shultz, " for the funeral expenses of Josiah Wigens ;" 
Cornelius Jones, John Sanford, Wm. Gannon. 

Overseer Wheeler's services five and one-half days, 
one pound thirteen shillings. 

As an item of the times when slavery existed in 
the State of New York we find the following certifi- 
cate: 

"This certifies that we, James Benedict and Daniel Jessup, overseers 
of the poor of the town of Warwick, in the county of Orange, and State 
of New York, by the consent of Nathaniel Roe and John ^Vheeler, two 
of the justices of the peace of the said county and State aforesaid, on ap- 
plication to us made by Margaret Vance, of the said town of Warwick, 
respecting her intention of ma n umitting ^ ^ert ain femj i|£»^ai:£. named 
Hap, twenty-nine years of age last July, which female slave the said 
Margaret Vance purchased of John Wheeler and James Benedict, execu- 
tors of the last will and testament of Samuel Vance, late of the town of 
Warwick, deceased; pursuant to the powers" and authority to us given 
by the law of this State in that case made and provided; and having 
examined the said slave Hap, she appears to be under fifty ye^rs of age 
and of sufficient ability to provide for herself Given under our hands 
this tenth day of September, in the year one thousand seven hundred 
and ninety-four. " James Benedict, 

" David Jessup, Overseers. 
" Allowed by us, Nathaniel Roe, John Wheeler, Justicee. Registered 

16th October, 1 794." 

The " Three Districts" were of considerable and 
distinct importance in early times. The assessors, 
commissioners, and collectors were chosen with refer- 
ence to tho.se local divisions. In 1797 they were ar- 
ranged as follows : 

Assessors: Eastern District, David Miller; Middle 
District, James Burt ; Western District, Wm. Carr. 

Commissioners: Eastern District, Garret Post ; Mid- 
dle District, Daniel Jessup ; Western District, John 
Blain. 

Collectors : Eastern District, Gilbert McWhorter ; 
Middle District, Ananias Rogers ; Western District, 
John Sutton. 



The supervisors' apportionment of school moneys 
for 1797 is recorded in the Warwick book : 

Cornwall £140 13g. 

Goshen 82 10 

Warwick 101 9 

Minisink 76 14 

At the town-meeting of 1802, Joel Wheeler, Samuel 
S. Seward, and Wm. Townson were appointed delegates 
to meet with delegates from the different towns (in 
Goshen), in order to nominate suitable persons to rep- 
resent this county in the Congress of the United 
States. 

At the town-meeting.of 1808 it was — 

"Votetl, For the erection of a pair of stocks and a good pound ®30; 
that John M. Foght have a piece of land from Isaac Dolsen to build the 
pound upon, and superintend the erection of the same as soon as possible ; 
tliat Isaac Dolsen be pound-master; that the stocks be set in the most 
public place in the town, under the direction of the above-named John 
M. Foght." 

The beauties of old-fashioned State currency are 
shown by the following memorandum of the highway 
commissioners in 1809: 

" N.B. — One ten-dollar bill has been returned to the town clerk which 
he received from the collector, and paid out on our order to Daniel Burt, 
for building the bridge near Hathorn's mills, for which some recompense 
ought to he made by the town." 

By the subsequent action of the town the amount 
was refunded to the town clerk. 

March 28, 1815, the highway commissioners in their 
report say they " have engaged to pay $lo0 to build 
a bridge across the Warwick Creek, near Francis 
Price, which we expect will be completed this sea- 
son ; and there is a bridge in Florida that will take 
rising of one hundred dollars, and it is our opinion 
that two hundred dollars ought to be raised for the 
support of other bridges, as many of them are very 
shackling." 

The following have been the principal town officers 
from 1789 to 1880 : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1789-91 John Wheeler. John Smith. 

1792-93 " " Francis Baird. 

1794-96 Jacobus Post, Jr. " " 

1797 Robert -Armstrong. '* " 

1798-1800 Jacobus Post. " " 

1801-3 James Burt. John Morris Foght* 

1804 John Hathorn. . " " 

1803-6 John Wheeler. " " 

1807-9 Jacobus Post. " " 

1810 William Finn. " " 

1811 James Burt. " " 

1812-13 Jeffrey Wisner. " " 

1814-15 Jesse Wood, Jr. " 

1816 James Wheeler. Benjamin Barney. 

1817-18 Jesse Wood, Jr. " " 

1819-20 Jeffrey Wisner. " " 

1821-22 " " Nathaniel Jones. 

1823 " " Foght Burt. 

1824-26 Jesse Wood, Jr. Nathaniel Jones. 

1827 " " James Heron. 

1828 James B. Post. " " 

1S29-30 Edward L. Welling. 

1831 John W. Smith. " " 

1832 " " John Cranse. 

1833 " ** Joseph Roe. 

1834-37 " " James Heron. 

1838 " " William L. Benedict. 

1839 David Irwin. " " 

1840-41 James B. Wheeler. " " 

1842 

1843 Edward L. Welling. John Cowdrey. 

1844 James B. Wheeler. " " 

1845 James Burt, Jr. *' " 

1846 James B. Wheeler. " " 

* In later years Toght. 



WARWICK. 



577 



Supervisore. Town Clerks. 

1847 John Cowdrey. Wm. H. Demarest. 

1848 "William V. N. Armstrong. *' •' 

1849 " " " Henr.v B. Stephens. 

1850 John C«wdrey. Wni *H. Demarest. 

1851-52 Wm. II. Houston. Charles G. Winfield. 

185:! Henry C. Seeley. Reuben F. Randolph. 

1864-56 John L. Welling. John E. Conklin. 

1857-62 Daniel Saver. " 

18M William Sly. James H. Van Duzer. 

1864-66 William H. Houston. John E. Conklin. 

1866-68 Albert D. Hyuard. 

1869 John Burt. Wm. 0. Maybee. 

1870 " " Thomas Blood. 

1671 Theodore H. Cooper. James E. Dill. 

1872 " " ,Iohn Sayer. 

187S-74 " " George W. Pitti. 

1875 James E. Waterbury. John E. Conklin. 

187&-80 George W. Pitts. , " " 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1830, James Wood; 1831, Edward L. Welling; 1832, Jesse Wood, Jr.; 
1833, Henry W. Houston ; 1834, John Curtis ; 1835, Edward h. Wel- 
ling; 183G, Joseph Curry; 1837, Henry W. Houston; 1838, Joseph 
Boe, James M. Smith; 1830, John Sly; 1840, Josepli B, Howell; 
1841, Thomas S. Nanny; 1842, Alsop V. Aspell; 1843, Joseph Roe; 
1844, Joseph B. Howell; IMS, Samuel Wilson; 1846, Alsop V. As- 
pell; 1847 (no choice); 1848, John R. Wilson, James Burt, Jr.; 
1849, Milton Barnes; 1850, Zubulon W. Smith; 1851, William H. 
Hoyt; 18.52, Daniel Sayer; 1853, Milton Barnes; 1854, William V. 
Dusinbury; 1855, William H. Hoyt, Wm. L. Vail; 1856, Daniel 
Sayer ; 1857, James E. Waterbury ; 1858, Wm. L. Vail ; 1859, William 
H. Hoyt; 1860, Augustus J. Burt; 1861, James E. Waterbury; 1862, 
Wm. D. Irwin; 1863, Oscar Rosecrans; 1864, Townsend Wright; 
1865, James E. Waterbury, James Burt; 1866, Wm. D. Irwin ; 1867, 
Oscar Rosecrans ; 1808, James Hall ; 1869, James E. Waterbury ; 1870, 
Samuel J. Stewart; 1871, Oscar Rosecrans; 1872, James Hall ; 1873, 
James E. Waterbury; 1874, Joshua C. Wilson; 1875, Oscar Rose- 
crans; 1876, James Hall; 1877, John S. Lines; 187S, John V. D. 
Benedict; 1879, Oscar Rosecrans; 1880, James Hall. 



V.-VILLAGES, NEIGHBORHOODS. 
WARWICK 
is the largest village in the town, and the locality 
was known by that name in 1719, as already shown. 
The Warwick Creek flows along its eastern suburbs, 
crossing the road just south of the village. The 
place is the centre of a rich agricultural region, and 
is about eleven miles from Goshen, the county-seat. 
There are many elegant residences in the village, and 
many farm-dwellings near by of ample dimensions. 
The Warwick Valley Railroad connects the place 
with Graycourt on the Erie main line. Connection 
has also been made with New Jersey railroads by 
extending the Warwick line southward, the extension 
being opened for business in December, 1879. 

The land on which the greater portion of Warwick 
village is situated was bought of Benjamin Aske, 
about 1746, by Col. Beardsley, who evidently laid 
out the village. He built a grist-mill near where the 
main pipe of the modern water-works crosses the 
stream, the site of the old mill-dam being plainly 
visible. The village was not settled until about 1764. 
Two dwellings erected at that time are still standing. 
One erected by Daniel Burt, known as the "shingle 
house," and the other, called during the Revolution 
" the stone tavern," was erected by Francis Baird, and 
now occupied by W. E. Sayer. During the Revolu- 
tion, while New York was in the possession of the 
British, communication between the Hudson and 
Delaware was kept up through this town. 



INCORPORATION. 

The village was incorporated by an act of the Legis- 
lature passed April 15, 1867. The notice for the first 
meeting was issued under date of April 16, signed by 
William D. Irwin, John Cowdrey, Grinnell Burt, 
William C. Eager, Seward Cox, Charles Demerest. 
The meeting was held at the National Hall May 7th, 
and the inspectors who presided were Samuel J. Van 
Saun, .Tohn E. Conklin, Thomas Y. Travis. For 
the office of president there was a tie vote. Trustees 
chosen for two years were William D. Irwin and 
Samuel C. Welling ; for one year, Samuel J. Van 
Saun, Robert Dill ; Assessors, William O. Terry, S. 
Ogden, E. B. Taylor; Treasurer, G. S. Holbert; Col- 
lector, William H. June; Clerk, John E. Conklin. 

At the first meeting of the board Samuel J. Van 
Saun was chosen jiresident pro /em., and a new elec- 
tion to fill the office ordered for Tuesday, June 4, 
1867. John E. Conklin resigned the office of clerk, 
and A. D. Hynard was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

At the special election John L. Welling was chosen 
president. 

Aug. 5, 1867, a resolution was passed prescribing 
the names of the streets in the village. 

The board of trustees from 1867 to 1880 has been 
as follows: 

1867.— John L. Welling, president; William D. Irwin, Samuel C. Wel- 
ling, Samuel J. Van Saun, Robert Dill. A. D. Hynard, clerk; G. S. 

Holbert, treasurer. 
1868. — Thomas S. Vaudevoort, president ; Samuel S. Van Saun, Robert 

Dill, Wm. D. Irwin, Samuel C. Welling. A. D. Hynard, clerk; 

G. S. Holbert, treasurer. 
1869.— John Cowdrey, president ; Wm. U. Chardevoyne, Isaac Taylor, 

Samuel J. Van Saun, Robert Dill. John L. Servin, clerk ; Mahlon 

Cooper, treasurer. 
1870. — Wm. L. Ogden, president; Edward Howe, Cornelius T. Lazear, 

Wm. H. Chardevoyne, Isaac Taylor. John V. D. Benedict, clerk ; 

Mahlon Cooper, treasurer. 
1871. — John G. Knapp, president ; Nathaniel R. Bradner, Robert Dill, 

Edward Howe, Cornelius T. Lazear. John V. D. Benedict, clerk ; 

Mahlon Cooper, treasurer. 
1872. — John Cowdrey, president; Edward Howe, John Ackerman, Na- 
thaniel R. Bradner, Robert Dill. J. V. D. Benedict, clerk ; Mahlon 

Cooper, treasurer. 
1873. — John Cowdrey, president; John L. Servin, Cornelius T. Lazear, 

Edward Howe, John Ackerman. J. V. D. Benedict, clerk ; Mahlon 

Cooper, treasurer. 
1874. — Wm. L. Ogden, president; Wm. F. Quackenbush, John Sayer, 

John L. Servin, Cornelius T. Lazear. J. V. D. Benedict, clerk ; G. 

W. Pitts, treasurer, 
1875. — John Cowdrey, president ; John L. Servin, Peter S. Post, Wm. F. 

Quackenbush, John Sayer. John J. Beattie, clerk ; George W. Pitts, 

treasurer. 
1876. — Charles R. Cline, president; James N. Peck, Wm. F. tjuacken- 

busli, John L. Servin, Peter S. Post. John V. D. Benedict, clerk ; 

James H. Van Duzer, treasurer. 
1877. — Charles R. Cline, president; E. M. Bradner, .Tacob Quackenbush, 

Cornelius T. Lazear, James N. Peck. Samuel S. Van Saun, clerk; 

James H. Van Duzer, treasurer. 
1878.— Charles R. Cline, president; Peter S. Post, John A. Dator, E. M. 

Bradner, Jacob Quackenbush. Samuel S. Van Saun, clerk ; James 

H. Van Duzer, treasurer. 
1879. — John Cowdrey, president; E. M. Bradner, John Carson, Peter S. 

Post, John A. Dator. Samuel S. Van Saun, clerk ; Edward Gritfiu, 

treasurer. 
1880. — John Cowdrey, president; Peter S. Post, John A. Dator, E. M, 

Bradner, John Carson. Samuel S. Van Saun, clerk ; Mahlon Cooper, 

treasurer. 



578 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The other officers for 1880-81, chosen and appointed, 
are as follows: John E. Conklin, collector; Benjamin 
F. Vail, water commissioner ; Nathaniel R. Bradner, 
assessor; Peter Hofl'man, police constable; Norman 
L. Dill, street commissioner. 

A police justice was first elected at the charter 
election of 1872, and N. Roe Bradner was chosen to 
that office. Mr. Bradner was re-elected in 1874. In 
1876, John Mabee was chosen police justice, but did 
not qualify, and John J. Beattie was appointed in his 
place, Sept. 4, 1876. At the election of 1877, John 
L. Servin was chosen, and served one term. At the 
election of 1879 the present officer, Joshua C. Wil- 
son, was elected. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
Excelsior Fire Engine Company, No. 1, was organ- 
ized in September, 1869, with about 60 members. 
For various reasons it was deemed best to change the 
organization somewhat, as well as the name, and in 
1871, November 7th, the company dissolved and im- 
mediately reorganized as the Warwick Hose Company. 
The list of officers from the first organization to the 
present time comprises the following : 

1869. — John G. Knapp, foreman; W. H. Knapp, first assistant; Lewis 

Fritz, second assistant ; J. H. McEIroy, secretary ; J. H. Van Duzer, 

treasurer. 
1870. — John G. Knapp, foreman ; C. B. Vandevort, first assistant ; J. H. 

Holly, second assistant; E. A. Ryan, secretary; J. H. Van Dnzer, 

treasurer. 
1871. — Jolin G. Knapp, foreman; J. H. Holly, first assistant; R. J. 

Rutan, second assistant; C. E. Tolhnrst, secretary; J. H. Van Duzer, 

treasurer. 
1872. — Peter S. Post, foreman ; A. McEwen, first assistant ; C. Kirk, 

second assistant ; S. S. Van Saun, secretary ; J. H. Van Duzer, 

treasurer. 
1873. — J. M. Morehouse, foreman; John HcWillianis, first assistant; 

S. Case, second assistant ; S. S. Van Saun, secretary ; J. H. Van Duzer, 

treasurer. 
1874. — J. M. Morehouse, foreman; J. Quackenbush, first assistant; S. 

Case, second assistant ; Ira S. Smith, secretary ; B. F. Vail, treasurer. 
1875. — J. M. Morehouse, foreman ; J. t^uackenbush, first assistant; H. 

McElroy, second assistant; Ira S. Smith, secretary; B. F. Vail, 

treasurer. 
1876. — S. S. Van Saun, foreman ; H. McElroy, first assistant ; N. L. 

Dill, second assistant; Ira S, Smith, secretary; John Mc Williams, 

treasurer. 
1877.— S. S. Van Saun, foreman ; N. L. Dill, first assistant; Ira S. Smith, 

second assistant ; B. F. Vail, secretary ; W. C. Xazear, treasurer. 
1878. — S. S. Van Saun, chief engineer; Norman L. Dill, foreman ; Ira S. 

Smith, first assistant; L. L. Hyatt, Jr., second assistant; J. D. Ma- 
bee, secretarj' ; John Carson, treasurer. 

Present officers, 1879-80 : S. S. Van Saun, chief 
engineer; Norman L. Dill, foreman; J. D. Mabee, 
first assistant ; Henry Nagle, second assistant ; Sey- 
mour H. Wells, secretary ; Ira S. Smith, treasurer. 

The company numbers now 38 active members. It 
is in excellent condition, and in respect to equipment, 
perfection of drill, uniform, and general efficiency, 
has few or no superiors in villages of this size, while 
it compares favorably with the companies of larger 
places. Appropriations are made by the village trus- 
tees for the support of this company, but it has, through 
its own exertions, a large amount of furniture and 
fixtures, and a pleasant and convenient suite of rooms. 



WATER-WORKS. 
The village has an excellent system of water-works. 
The supply is from an artificial pond of sufficient ele- 
vation to be carried into the highest building in the 
village, and the pressure is sufficient to enable the Fire 
Department to operate by simply attaching the hose 
to the hydrants. The water-works are known by the 
name of the old Indian settlement, Mistucky,* as the 
water-supply is obtained from the head-waters of a 
small stream called by that name and emptying into 
the Warwick Creek at the village. The expense was 
$25,000, and it was arranged to be paid by install- 
ments of $1000 a year, making the burden light. 

POST-OFFICE. 
This is a very early office, dating back undoubtedly 
to the early mail arrangements following tlie Revolu- 
tion and the establishment of the national govern- 
ment. Early in this century Dr. Hoyt was postmas- 
ter for many years. He is understood to have been 
succeeded by Nathaniel Jones, for a considerable 
time prior to 1835 or 1836, when Milton McEwen was 
appointed, who held the office almost consecutively 
to 1861. The exception was that during the Taylor- 
Fillmore administration. Mr. Joseph Roe was ap- 
pointed, and continued in office for two or three years, 
when Mr. JIcEwen was reappointed. In August, 
1861, Thomas C. McEwen received the appointment, 
and retained the office until July 1, 1874, when the 
present incumbent, W. H. Pelton, was appointed. 

FLORIDA 
is a pleasant village of considerable antiquity, and 
withal distinguished for the public men of national 
prominence who have originated at that place and its 
immediate vicinity. A former writer gives the fol- 
lowing solution of the name : " The name is from 
the Latin Floridus, covered or red with flowers ; 
Florida ^tas, the flower of age. This is a pretty 
name, and a spot covered with flowers is a beautifiil 
object to look upon." It is further related on the 
same authority that the place was duly named before 
the Revolution, and at a formal meeting held for that 
purpose, accompanied by a public dinner or festival. 
Judge William Thompson, of Goshen, was a young 
man at the time and present, and lived down the 
years to furnish an account to the writer referred to. 
Provisions in ample quantity are said to have been 
brought from Newburgh, and with proper hilarity 
these grave ante-Revolutionary fathers christened the 
young village Florida, and drank to the name in 
flowing bumpers. We may add that the district was 
called Brookland at an early day. (See history of 
Congregational Church.) 

The post-office at this place was established some 
years prior to 1830. Samuel S. Seward was the first 
postmaster, and served to 1835. The succeeding officers 

* The true orthography is Miskotucky, a compound word, signifying 

red hills or plains. 



WARWICK. 



579 



have been Nathaniel Jennings, 1835 to 1842; James 
Wood, 1842 to 1845 ; Win. V. N. Armstrong, 1845 to 
1850; Wm. L. Vail, 1850 to 1854; Thomas J. Cur- 
tice, 1854 to 185C ; Richard Jennings, 1856 to 1861 ; 
A. V. Aspell, 1861 to 1862; W. H. Birchard, 1862 to 
1875; J.A.Seward, 1875 to 1880. At fii-st a mail 
■was only received once a week. 

AMITY 

is a village dating back to the early settlement. It is ' 
six miles from Warwick, near the New Jersey line, ] 
in the south part of the town. Whether the name 
was a harmonious ending to a dispute as to what the 
name should be, or to some other difference, does not 
seem to be decided by any evidence, though it has 
been inferred that such was the case. It is also said 
that, somewhat in disgust at the harshness of the old 
Indian name Pochuck, wliich attached to that lo- 
cality, they chose one softly gentle in its utterance 
and in its significance, and that this occurred at the 
time the Presbyterian Church was organized. Mr. L. 
C. Layton, the present postmaster, with his wife, was 
in the South when the war broke out. The story of 
his escape, his arrest, and his discharge by a favorable 
judge forms one of the romances of the late civil war. 

PIXE I.<LAXD 
is the terminus of the Warwick Valley Branch of the 
Erie Railway, connecting with the main line at 
(ioshen. The passenger- trains commenced running 
to this point in November, 1869. The station busi- 
ness is of considerable importance to the surrounding 
country in the way of milk shipments, general freight 
and passenger business. The other business may be 
summed up as follows: A hotel by Gabriel Carlin, 
pleasantly situated and having a good reputation; 
lumber and coal trade by S. E. Gale, who is also 
postmaster ; a general country store, by Charles H. 
Woolsey, and the business of the railroad. 

A post-office was established here April 18, 1870. 
Mr. S. E. Gale was appointed postmaster, and has 
been the only incumbent of the office, retaining it 
at the present time (October, 1880). Mr. Gale com- 
menced in trade as a merchant here in 18.S8, and 
also kept a lumber-yard until 1847. Then he was out 
for a few years, opening again' in 1856, and continuing 
until 1870. Since that he has confined his opera- 
tions to lumber and coal. In his first period of trade 
he had a partner, George McDaniels ; in the second, 
W. Cuddeback. Judge Bradner, in company with 
Sandy Baron, opened the first store here about 1820. 

BLOOM'S CORNERS 
derives its name from the Bloom family residing 
there, and is in the southwestern part of the town, i 
near the boundary line of the State. 

NEW MILFORD 

is in the valley of the Warwick Creek, and situated 
in the south part of the town. It was formerly called 



Jockey Hollow, and it is inferred with great caution 
by previous writers that an " ethereal and elevated 
standard of morals" did not always prevail in the 
business of exchanging horses, — that somebody was 
sometimes cheated, and hence this unpoetical name. 
Whether all this changed when the new name was in- 
troduced is not clearly settled. Perhaps now if a man 
had accidentally made five dollars in a horse trade 
he would ride hard after the victim and restore him 
the sum — perhaps not. 

The post-office was established in 1815, and the 
successive incumbents have been Merritt Coleman, 
W. C. Sutton, John Gale, D. D. Demerest, and the 
present officer, Frank M. DeKay. 

At New Milford there is a grist-mill, run by James 
Lawrence. He also has a store, — general merchandise. 
Absalom T. Vail and Thomas DeKay are also mer- 
chants. There is a hotel by Milton DeKay, a black- 
smith-shop by James Sloan, a wagon-shop by J. 
Corey, and a cider-mill by John F. Ryerson. 

EDENVILLE 
is an old name that was given to a collection of dwell- 
ings just east of Mounts Adam and Eve, now the 
Edenville post-office neighborhood. It was formerly 
called Postville, in honor of Col. Jacobus Post, whose 
father first settled the locality and owned the lands 
upon which the village is situated. Dr. Youngs is 
said to have been instrumental in making the change. 
The place is one of such beauty and fertility that it 
may well be presumed had Adam and Eve ever been 
in Orange County, they would have settled there. 

LIBERTY CORNERS 
is a hamlet at the west foot of Pochuck Mountain, 
and nearly upon the New Jersey State line. Between 
Pine Island and Liberty there is located the Pleasant 
Valley Creamery, William W. Walling the proprietor. 
At the Corners is a hotel by Jesse Morton. There 
was formerly a post-office, but it was discontinued a 
few years ago. 

A large property of 600 acres has recently been 
purcha,sed by Mr. Huntington, the well-known rail- 
road man, and he has this year erected a fine country 

residence. 

NEWPORT 

is the name given to the Pochuck Bridge neighbor- 
hood, a short distance southwest of Amity. 

SANFORDVILLE 
is a hamlet in the valley of Warwick Creek, about 
midway between Warwick village and New Milford, 
and is so named from the Sanford family. 

STONE BRIDGE 
is a station on the Warwick Valley Railroad, a short 
distance south of Wickham's Pond. 

BIG ISLAND 
is another station upon the Pine Island Railroad, and 
so named from Big Island of the Drowned Lands, else- 



580 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



where mentioned. This is west of the station, a por- 
tion of the Drowned Lands lying between. 

LAWTON 
is a station on the Warwick Valley Railroad north of 
Wickham's Pond, and on the Chester line. 

DUTCH HOLLOW 
is the name given to a neighborhood southeast of the 
Bellvale Mountains. 

BELLVALE 

is three miles east of Warwick village, and is a ])oiut 
of early settlement. Daniel Burt located there about 
1760. There is a valuable water privilege at this 
place, the Long House Creek falling about thirty feet 
in thirty rods. The name is said to express a retired, 
lonely, and beautiful location, a charming vale, and 
very appropriately applied to this place. 

At this place is the saw-mill of Houston & Forshee, 
dealers in boards, plank, fence-posts, railway-pickets, 
laths, etc. 

Up to about the year 1846 the community cen- 
tring here (and which at that time covered a large 
section of the southern part of Orange County, mostly 
thinly settled) was supplied from the Warwick post- 
office, the mail most commonly being brought over 
by the Hon. James Burt, the father of the late Stephen 
A. Burt, of Bellvale, and distributed from the latter's 
place of business. About the year 1846 the late Fair- 
field Burt, a brother of the present postmaster, A. J. 
Burt, and the late Col. W. F. Wheeler succeeded in 
establishing a post-office in Bellvale, with the present 
incumbent as postmaster. 

The late William Welling, of Warwick, then mail- 
carrier by stage from Chester to Warwick daily, agreed 
to carry the mail through Bellvale on his way to 
and from Chester and Warwick for $100 per year. 
This arrangement would have placed Bellvale on the 
general mail-routes of the United States, and been 
just the thing for Bellvale, liut the citizens of War- 
wick remonstrated so strongly against this inno- 
vation that Welling succeeded in abandoning it be- 
fore the proper papers were executed, leaving Bell- 
vale with a post-office but no mail-carrier. Unfor- 
tunately for this community, the only alternative was 
to either abandon the project or have a special mail- 
carrier employed to exchange mails at the Warwick 
post-office. The latter course was taken, and for all 
these intervening years up to the present time this 
post-office has struggled on with all the objections to 
a special mail supply. 

There have been two or three times during these 
years when the name of A. J. Burt has been .stricken 
from the roll of that great army of feeders at the 
public crib, but the sustenance has been so small for 
those who succeeded him that they soon languished, 
and had to be turned into other and fresher pastures, 
and the original Jacobs placed back to dispense the 
honors. 

Mr. Burt at last induced Robert Mackerel to take 



the office, and Mr. Mackerel administered it for eigh- 
teen months, when he made a complaint that if a suc- 
cessor was not appointed before the Saturday night 
following Bellvale would be without a post-office. 
The present postmaster again came to the rescue, and 
had it transferred to the present locality. The mail 
that supplies this office is a special mail-route, and 
the pay of the carrier is from the receipts of the office. 
Hence it has been a difficult matter to have a suffi- 
cient fund to induce daily mail facilities. 

From an article already quoted we take the follow- 
ing interesting statement : 

•' About the time Warwick was first settled an act 
of Parliament was passed, in the twenty-third year of 
the reign of George II., to prevent the erection in 
the colonies of any mill or other engine for slitting or 
rolling iron. In 1750 the colonial Governor, George 
Clinton, made a report to Parliament, in which he 
certifies that there was erected in Orange County, at a 
place called Wawayanda, twenty-six miles from the 
Hudson, a plating forge with a tilt-hammer, belong- 
ing to one Lawrence Scrawley, blacksmith, and that 
it had been operated for four or five years, and no 
other rolling-mill, tilting-hammer, or forge can be 
found in the province." The race-way and part of the 
dam of the old mill are yet to be seen in the village 
of Bellvale.* 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

At the town-meeting of 1796 five school commis- 
sioners were chosen, viz. : Henry Wisner, Daniel 
Jessup, Joseph Houston, Thomas Montanye, John 
Wheeler. Under the law then existing there were 
others also chosen to that office during the four 
years following, viz. : Francis Armstrong and Na- 
thaniel Roe. Nothing further of official action oc- 
curred until the passage of the act of 1812, by which 
was organized the general school system of the State. 
At the town-meeting of 1813 the provisions of the 
statute were complied with, the necessary officers 
chosen, and the town was soon after divided into dis- 
tricts by the commissioners. 

The names of the school commissioners, serving 
one or more years each during the period commencing 
with 181.3 and ending with 1843, were as follows: 
Jones Seely, Robert Armstrong, Alanson Austin, 
Wm. W. Brooks, Jesse Wood, Jr., James Wheeler, 
Samuel S. Seward, Wm. F. Wheeler, Thomas Far- 
rier, Xenophon Mead, Benjamin S. Hoyt, Hiram K. 
Chapman, Job Noble, Stephen A. Burt, James B. 
Post, William Shepherd, James C. Fitch, Joseph B. 



* " His said Excellency doth hereby certify that there is erected with- 
in the said Province, in the County of Orange, at a place called Wa- 
wayanda, about twenty-six miles from Hudson River, one Plateing 
Forge to work witli aTilt Hammer, which belongs to Lawrence Scrawley, 
of the said county. Blacksmith ; has been built about four or five years, 
and is not at present made use. And further, tliat there are not erected 
in his said Excellency's Government any other or more plateing Forges, 
to work with a Tilt Hammer. " Geo. Clinton, Gov. 

" Dec. 14, 1760." 



WARWICK. 



581 



Howell, Joseph Curry, James P. Young, James B. 
Wheeler, John W. Smith, David Forshee, Morris 
Hoyt, William Smith, James Herron, John J. 
Wheeler, Samuel D. Holly, Alanson A. Lines, 
Charles G. Winfleld, James B. Wood, Jr., Alsop V. 
Aspell, James B. Stevens, Melton McEwen, Dewitt 
C Jayne, Henry C. Seely. 

The inspectors of schools, who served one or more 
years during the same period, were the following : 
James Wheeler, Xenophon Mead, Alanson Austin, 
Samuel S. Seward, Job Noble, Jesse Wood, Charles 
Cummins, Daniel C. Hopkins, Lebbeus Lathrop, 
John I. Christy, Nathaniel Jones, Benjamin S. Hoyt, 
Joel Wheeler, Jr., Samuel G. Hopkins, Thomas 
Swezy, Stephen Burt, Thomas Farrier, Jesse Sheperd, 
John Curtis, Wm. W. Brooks, Jedediah Stepliens, 
Hiram K. Chapman, Joseph Miller, James Heron, 
Hoger Crany, John W. Smith, James C Fitch, Wil- 
liam Timlow, Henry W. Bertholf, James P. Young, 
Thomas M. Burt, Daniel Wood, Henry W. Houston, 
Jesse Wood, Jr., Foght Burt, William Shepherd, 
Hiram K. Chapman, Aaron B. Mead, William Smith, 
Harrison F. Horton, Alanson A. Lines, John I. 
Wheeler, Matthew B. Mead, Stephen A. Burt, Samuel 
D. Holly, Joel B. Armstrong, Charles G. Winfleld, 
Leander W. Lynn, Lester W. Morse, Orlando A. 
Smith, John B. Randolph, John M. Howell, Alsop 
V. Aspell, Ira Brewer, Festus H. Vail, Ira Olmsted, 
Henry C. Seely, James B. Wood, Jr., John L. Sayer, 
Edgar L. Knapp. 

Under the system of supervision by town super- 
intendents the following were the incumbents of that 
office in Warwick : 

By annual election : 1844, Ira Brewer ; 1845, Alex- 
ander T. Johnson ; 1846, Edgar L. Knapp ; 1847, Na- 
thaniel R, Bradner; 1848, Joel B. Armstrong; 1849, 
Nathaniel R. Bradner (for two years); 1851, Charles 
T. M. Cane ; 1853, William S. Benedict ; 1855, Mau- 
rice Hoyt. 

WARWICK INSTITUTE 
-was organized as an academy by a stock company in 
the fall of 1852, the first trustees being chosen Decem- 
ber 2d of that year, as follows : James B. Wheeler, 
president; William L. Benedict, secretary; Abram 
Forshee, treasurer ; Milton McEwen, Gabriel Wisner, 
James Burt, Henry Pelton, Grinnell Burt, Jonathan 
D. Bevier, Nathaniel R. Bradner, Samuel Blain, Cor- 
nelius H. Demerest, Jesse W. Vandevort. 

The buildings were erected during the summer of 
1853, the same still bearing the old name in the vil- 
lage of Warwick. 

The ground cost S300, and the buildings $4719. 
The school was opened in December, 1853. 

The teachers of the first year were D. F. Drew,* 
William H. Carter, principals ; Miss Clara H. Waite 
and Miss Maria Lamont, assistants. 

It continued as an academy with varying success 



' Resigned at the end of the Bpring term, 18o4. 



until Oct. 1, 1868, when the entire property was trans- 
ferred to the Board of Education of " Union Free 
School District, No. 12," which had then been re- 
cently formed by a consolidation of two former dis- 
tricts. The Board of p]ducation agreed, in consider- 
ation of the transfer, to forever maintain an academic 
department, and the opportunities of classical in- 
struction were thereby secured to the pupils of this 
community. During the existence of the academy 
the presidents of the board of trustees were as fol- 
lows : James B. Wheeler, from the organization to 
Feb. 20, 1865 ; Gabriel Wisner, from that date until 
Feb. 19, 1866 ; Samuel Pelton, who served from the 
resignation of Mr. Wisner until the transfer to the 
district. 

In the Board of Education then taking charge, Mr. 
Cornelius H. Demerest was chosen president, a posi- 
tion he continues to occupy after twelve years of 
service. 

Mr. Demerest, and also Mr. Grinnell Burt, were 
members of the original academic board of 1852, and 
have served continuously until the present time in 
that board and its successor. 
1 The first Board of Education in full were Grinnell 
Burt, Thomas S. Vandevort, James R. Christie, C. H. 
Demerest, William L. Ogden, C. J. Lazear, Thomas 
Welling, William D.Irwin, M'illiamW. Pelton. The 
last named was clerk, and William L. Ogden treasurer. 
The present board (Oct. 1, 1880) consists of C. H. 
Demerest, W. H. Hynard, J. H. Holly, C. J. Lazear, 
S. S. Van Saun, Thomas Burt, Grinnell Burt, Thomas 
Welling, P. E. Sanford. Clerk, John Sayer; Treas- 
urer, James H. Van Duzer. 

The present corps of teachers (October, 1880) con- 
sists of Prof. A. G. McAllister, principal ; Miss Bessie 
B. Dewitt, Miss Julia Reed, Miss S. R. Reed, Miss 
Rowena Herrick, Miss Maggie Mabee, Miss Amelia 
M. Nichols. 

AMITY HOME SCHOOL 
was established in 1873. The course of study em- 
braces all that is implied in a sound and thorough 
English and classical education. Scholars are pre- 
pared for college or for business. The principal is 
W. H. Seeley, a son of Dr. Seeley, and the school is 
at the old homestead. 

SEWARD INSTITUTE, FLORIDA. 
As mentioned elsewhere, this was founded by Judge 
Samuel S. Seward. He opened the institution first 
about 1848 as a classical school. For this he repaired 
and remodeled the old Randolph Hotel, which he had 
purchased. By his will he gave $20,000 to be invested 
for the benefit of the school, and as he died a year 
later the proceeds became available at an early date. 
With the sums accruing from the interest the trustees, 
about 1852, purchased of the estate the mansion of 
Judge Seward, nearly opposite, on the west side of 
the street, and devoted that to the female department. 
This gave the school very liberal accommodations, 



582 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and at times there was a large number fif Ixianling 
students and many day scholars from the village and 
vicinity. The first principal was Mrs. Parsons, who 
conducted the school in the Randolph building. After 
the separation into male and female departments, the 
first principal of the former was John W. Round, and 
he continued for several years, until hia death in 186:i. 
He was succeeded by Thomas G. Schriver, who was 
principal from 1802 until 1876, when, soon after the 
beginning of the fall term, he was compelled to leave 
by sudden illness. 

The first principal of the separate female depart- 
ment was Miss Seward. She was succeeded by Miss 
Mary E. Hotchkiss, and the latter by Mrs. George 
W. Seward. In 1877 both departments were placed 
in charge of Rev. H. A. Harlow, and he remained as 
principal until the summer of 1880, when he resigned. 
The trustees in charge of the school are Frederick A. 
Seward, of Washington, and George Grier, of Goshen. 
Rev. Augustus Seward is president of the institute. 



VII.-CHUBCHES. 
THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN WARWICK 
effected a legal organization at the meeting-house, 
Nov. 23, 1791. The certificate was signed by Jona- 
than Silsbe and James Burt. The trustees named 
therein were John Morris Foght, John Sutton, and 
James Burt. This was a compliance with the new 
law of 1784, for the incorporation of churches, but the 
church itself had existed for many years previous. In 
Eager's " History of Orange County" it is stated that 
the Baptist Church of Warwick was organized in 1766, 
and that James Benedict was the first pastor. 

The late Mr. Henry Pelton, in an article published 
a few years since, gave the following items relating 
to the founding of the Baptist Church of Warwick: 
From the first settlement in Warwick Valley down 
to 1764 the people had lived, it appears, wholly 
destitute of religious privileges. Many of them had 
enjoyed the preaching of the gospel where they had 
emigrated from, and no doubt longed for the same 
privileges in their new home ; but they differed 
widely in their sentiments, some being of Baptist 
faith, others of Presbyterian. Many of the settlers 
from Connecticut were Baptists, and being men of 
energy and influence, they determined to make an 
eflfort to procure a preacher of their persuasion. 

Accordingly they sent to Connecticut for a man by 
the name of .lames Benedict, who was then a licenti- 
ate of that denomination, and whom many of them 
were well acquainted with. He came and preached 
in different neighborhoods very acceptably to the 
people, and in the following year he was ordained 
and settled. The church was also organized about 
that time. There was no other organized denomina- 
tion at that time, and most of the people attended 
worship with the Baptists, who met at private houses, 
as no meeting-house was then erected. In the vear 



1774 a meeting-house was erected near where the late 
,Tohn AVood lived, on the corner at the junction of the 
road leading from the village of Warwick and the 
road leading from the Welling school-house to Bell- 
vale. The remains of this house still identify the 
site. The house was built on a piece of ground given 
by Mr. Benedict, who was their pastor till he became 
enfeebled by age and infirmity, when he resigned. 
He died in 1792, and he and his wife lie buried by 
the side of the road near where the old church stood, 
without a stone or tablet of any kind to show who is 
buried there. He left a number of children, from 
whom have descended most of that name in this 
vicinity. It would seem only natural to expect that 
they who cherish the memory of this pioneer Baptist 
minister should erect at least some small monument 
to mark his final resting-place. 

After the resignation of Mr. Hardenburgh, of the 
Reformed Church, in the year 1807, and during the 
partial suspension of services in that church for the 
two or three years following, the Baptist congregation 
increased so much as to render proper the building of 
a new house of worship and the location of it in the 
village of Warwick. The site was purchased of Rich- 
ard Welling (the same now occupied by their church). 
The new building was erected in the year 1810, and 
finished in the spring of 1811. 

We also have the pleasure of adding the following 
paper with reference to this venerable society, written 
by William L. Benedict, a descendant of the first 
minister: 

" Be it recorded that in the year of our Lord one 
thousand seven hundred and sixty-four, the Lord of 
His infinite mercy and grace having begun, and carry- 
ing on, a glorious work of grace in this place, and a 
number of souls being awakened and converted to 
Je.sus Christ as we trust, and being destitute of those 
ministerial helps and ordinances that our souls now 
thirsted after, and being personally acquainted many 
of us with James Benedict, who was a member of the 
Baptist Church of Christ at Stratfield, Conn., under 
the pastoral care of Mr. John Sherwood, and said 
Benedict being licensed by that church to the work 
of preaching the gospel, a number of us, jointly agree- 
ing together, drew up a letter and sent to said Bene- 
dict to come over and help us, which accordingly 
he did, about the middle of November, 1764, and 
preached about two weeks, to our joy and satisfac- 
tion, and then returned home. Mr. Benedict, upon 
invitation, came again in March, 1765, and brought 
a church covenant with him, which was accepted, 
and those who had been baptized were constituted 
into a regular Baptist Church, and signed the cove- 
nant. The following are the names of the members 
thus constituted as the Warwick Baptist Church : 
Elder James Benedict, Ebenezer Green, Timothy 
Wood, Gload Bootman, David Lobdell, Nathaniel 
Roe, Daniel Whitney, Philip Ketchum, Jonathan 
Weeks, Abigail Weeks, Hannah Ketchum, Hannah 



WARWICK. 



583 



Bent, Elizabeth Gano, Pliebe Lobdell, Mary Bene- 
dict, Elizabeth Knapp, Elizabeth Knapp, Jr., Thank- 
ful Whitney. Thirteen were added to the church in 
1766; 20, in 1767; 10, in 1769; 5, in 1770; 11, in 
1771 ; 20, in 1773 ; 45, in 1774. Elder Benedict con- 
tinued with the church as its pastor until June, 1777, 
when, upon his request, he was dismissed, after re- 
signing the charge of the cburcli. He removed to 
Westmoreland, Pa. Elder Thomas B. Montanye was 
called to the pastoral care of the church Nov. 20, 
1788, and continued as pastor until April 27, 1801, 
the church being greatly prospered, and his resigna- 
tion accepted, as the record says, " not cheerfully, but 
with sorrow of heart and many tears." 

Elder Thomas Stevens was called, and accepted the 
pastoral care of the church July 10, 1802. He re- 
signed his charge Aug. .30, 180;^. Elder Lebbeus 
Lathrop was called to the pastoral care of the church 
Oct. 2.5, 1801, and continued in charge of the church 
until May, 1819, when, on his own request and resig- 
nation, he was dismissed. Elder Philander D. Gillett, 
called as pastor Dec. 29, 1821 ; resigned March 25, 
1826. Elder Aaron Perkins was called to the charge 
of the church Oct. 1, 1827 ; resigned April 19, 1829. 
Elder John C. Murphy, called Dec. 26, 1829 ; resigned 
March 30, 1833. Elder Richard Pickard, called as 
pastor April 26, 1834; resigned April, 1844. Elder 
Philander Hartwell, called March, 1845 ; resigned 
April 1, 1852. Elder John F. Johnson, called Oct. 
26, 1856; resigned July 31, 1868. Elder Wilson 
Honsel, called Jan. 1, 1859; resigned March 30, 1863. 
Elder Joseph N. Badger, called April 1, 1868; re- 
signed April 1, 1876. Elder William Pollard, the 
present pastor (1880), called April 1, 1879. 

Ordinations : Elder James Benedict, at Warwick, 
Nov. 7, 1765 ; Elder Thomas B. Montanye, at War- 
wick, Nov. 20, 1788 ; Elder William L. Benedict, at 
Warwick, Nov. 19, 1865 ; Elder Joseph N. Badger, 
Aug. 26, 1868. 

Deacons : James Burt, .Jonathan Silsbee, Jolin 
Morris Foght, Azariah Ketchum, .Teremiah More- 
house, Jeffrey Wisner, John Sutton, James Brook, 
William L. Benedict, Minard Sutton, John Parkin- 
son,* Eleazer M. Bradner,* Joseph B. Van Duzer,* 
Samuel Brook.* 

Clerks: John Morris Foght, David Forshee, James 
Burt, John L. Sayer, William L. Benedict, William 
AVelling, John E. Conklin.f 

The meeting-house was built 1809-10, is 60 by 40 
feet, cost $7000, stands in the centre of the village of 
Warwick, on a lot containing an acre of land ; is a 
wooden structure with a spire or steeple ; is a firm, 
substantial building, and in good repair; can seat 
about 500 people. The parsonage contains seven 
acres of excellent land, with a commodious house, 
built in 1852, at a cost of about $1500. The church 
and congregation own a lot of half an acre of land. 



* Deacons at the present time. 



t Clerk at present time. 



donated by Deacon James Burt, leased to the War- 
wick Institute, a graded school. This lot is bounded 
on the .south by the Wawayanda Creek, and is the 
place where the ordinance of baptism is administered. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF FLORIDA 
was incorporated by a certificate executed March 24, 
1787. The pa])cr is signed by two of the deacons, 
John Bradner and Abel Jackson, and the trustees 
chosen were William Thompson, John Bradner, 
Robert Armstrong, Enoch Jackson, Roeleff Van 
Bruns, Moses Carpenter. The following extract from 
the records shows the early efforts to establish a 
church in Florida, though it fails to show at what 
date a church was actually organized. The building 
of a house and the settlement of ministers, as described 
below, is good evidence that the church organization 
really dates back to 1742: 

" In the year of the Christian era 1738 the people 
of Florida and Goshen were considered as one con- 
gregation, and attended public worship at Goshen 
under the ministry of the Rev. Silas Leonard. On 
the 7th day of August, 1741, the people of Florida 
purchased a piece of land of Richard Baylis, contain- 
ing one acre and one rod of land. 

" This purchase was made under the name of the 
Men of Brookland (as Florida was then called), and 
as will appear by a deed of conveyance executed by 
the said Richard Baylis, bearing date the seventh day 
of August, one thousand seven bundled and forty- 
one, now on the files of the clerk of the board of 
trustees. The people proceeded without delay to 
prepare to build a meeting-house, which was raised 
and inclosed the next year, viz., 1742. Soon after 
this time the Rev. Mr. Judd, from New England, 
spent some time in Florida as a supply, but he not 
inclining to settle in this part of the country, left the 
place. From this time until the year 17-50 there was 
but little preaching in Florida. About this time the 
people of Warwick made a proposal to join with 
Florida and settle a minister between the two congre- 
gations. Agreeably to the proposal of Warwick, the 
two congregations united and prepared a call for the 
Rev. Jonathan Elmer, who accepted of the same and 
preached .alternately between the two congregations 
for about four years. Some difficulty arising between 
Mr. Elmer and the people of Warwick about this 
time, Mr. Elmer left Warwick and continued the 
duties of his ministerial office at Florida for about 
three years, when Mr. Elmer was dismissed, by the 
consent of the congregation, for want of ability to give 
him a sufficient support. 

■ " On the 13th of June, 1762, the Rev. Samuel Park- 
hurst was ordained to the pastoral charge of the con- 
gregations of Florida and Warwick. On the 8th day 
of March, 1768, the Rev. Mr. Parkhurst departed this 
life, leaving the united congregations of Florida 
and Warwick vacant. On the 8th day of December, 
1771, the Rev. .-imzi Lewis came to preach at Florida 



584 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and Warwick as a stated supply, with a view to his 
settlement, and on the 9th day of April, 1772, Mr. 
Lewis was ordained to the pastoral charge of the 
united congregations of Florida and Warwick. 
Within a few years after Mr. Lewis' ordination the 
people of Warwick became dissatisfied with Mr. 
Lewis, and a committee of the Presbytery of New 
York having been appointed to meet at Warwick to 
inquire into the causes of the difficulties existing, the 
result was that Mr. Lewis was dismissed from War- 
wick. The congregation of Florida continued Mr. 
Lewis as their minister until the month of November, 
1787, when Mr. Lewis left Florida with the consent ' 
of the congregation. On the 27th of March of that 
year the congregation was incorporated as shown j 
above. 

" The board of trustees was classified as follows : 
first class, John Bradner, Enoch Jackson, seats vacant 
March 27, 1788 ; second class, William Thompson, 
Moses Carpenter, seats vacant March 27, 1789 ; third 
class, Robert Armstrong, Euliff Van Brunt, seats va- 
cant March 27, 1790. 

"On the 4th day of March, 1793, the board of 
trustees purchased of Renulche Parkhurst, Nathaniel 
Parkhurst, and Mary his wife, a lot and messuage of 
land situate near the meeting-house, for the purpose 
of a parsonage, for the sum of four hundred and fifty 
pounds lawful money of the State of New York, I 
which said sum had been previously raised by the 
voluntary subscriptions of the persons whose names j 
are hereafter set down : ! 

" William Armstrong, William Thompson, James .'?ayre, Benjanun Sayre, i 
John Kennedy, Roliert Armstrong, Francis Aiuistrong, John Sayre, 
Lewis Howell, Ruliff Van Bruilt, Keinard Bayli.-. T^aac Johnson, 
John llolhert, John Springsted, Phineas Touipkint, Jaiiirs Jackson, ! 
William Armstrong, Jr., Nathaniel Roe, David Lauttncr, Joseph ' 
Totten, James Miller, Willi.ani Mullock, James Foster, Timmhy Hoe, ! 
Daniel Poppino, Samnel Jessup, Zebnion Wheeler, James .-V^pell, 
Benjamin Roe, Joseph Roe, George Wood (deacon), John Poppinu, 
Isaac Jennings, George Rankin, Samuel Jayne, Anthony Finn, Wil- 
liam Carr, Enoch Jackson, Charles Durland, Richard Poppino, Mat- 
thew Adams, Benjamin Jennings, Thomas Beach, David Miller, 
Daniel Jessup, William Randall. Richard Jennings, Samuel Gilson, 
Moses Armstrong, Joseph Drake, Barnabas Horton, Samuel Bailey, 
John Finch, Solomon Carpenter, David Wilson, Robert Armstrong, 
Jr., John Randall, John Carr, Jonas Roe, David Dunning, Wm. 
Bradner, Benoni Bradner, Israel Wood, Gideon Jennings, Isaac 
Smith, Jr., James Hannah, John Hathorn, Francis Baird, John 
Smith, John Roy, Alexander Brown, David Howell, David Robert- i 
son, Joseph Houston, John Wood, Jr., Thomas Goldsmith, Joseph 
Todd, Thomas King, Samuel Bradner, Caleb Smith, David Nanny, 
Gepl-go VancCj Moses Wisner, Joseph Curry, Stephen Balys, Jesse 
siiepard, Wm. McKain, Nathaniel Roe, Jr., Christian Minthoru, 
Daniel Wood, William Carr, Jr." 

In May, 1795, Rev. John Joline was installed 
pastor. June 2d the presiding board of church officers 
was elected, as follows : Elders, William Armstrong, 
Robert Armstrong, Nathaniel Roe, William Bradner, 
Samuel Jessup ; Deacons, John Holbert, Daniel 
Jessup. These officers were ordained by Mr. Joline 
June 9, 1795. At that time 47 persons were received 
and enrolled as members of the church. 

Rev. Mr. Joline died in October, 1802. He was 



buried in the grounds adjoining the church. After 
the death of Mr.. Joline the church remained without 
a minister for six years. In 1803 the congregation 
resolved to build a new house of worship. Accord- 
ingly the old house was taken down, and a new one 
erected on the same site, 40 by 50 feet, with a "'gal- 
lery and a steeple." 

The Rev. Charles Cummins commenced his labors 
as pastor July 15, 1808, and was installed the follow- 
ing September. At that time the congregation em- 
braced families residing within the present boundaries 
of the congregations of Sugar-Loaf, Chester, and 
Amity. In 1812, Asa Bailey gratuitously deeded one- 
half acre of land to the trustees adjoining the par- 
sonage farm on the same hill, to which was added a 
portion of the farm for a burying-ground. In 1813 
and in 1824 the trustees purchased of Samuel S. 
Seward pieces of land on the north and east side of 
the burying-ground for enlarging it. They had pre- 
viously sold the parsonage farm, excepting what was 
reserved for the above purpose. 

In 1820 the trustees appropriated a lot in the north- 
east corner of the burying-ground for the use of the 
colored people. In 1820 the first bell was procured. 
Saturday, March 18, 1837, about mid-day, the church 
was discovered to be on fire, and in one hour was 
burned to the ground. The next day being the Sab- 
bath, the congregation assembled in the " long room" 
of the academy. A sermon was preached by the 
pastor from Daniel ix. 17. The next day the congre- 
gation assembled in the same place, and resolved to 
build another church on the same site as soon as pos- 
sible. The present building was completed and 
dedicated in June, 1838, at a cost of 14650. The con- 
gregation, upon invitation of the Methodist Church, 
worshiped in their church while the building was 
being erected. 

In the division of the Presbyterian Church iu the 
United States, when the church was rent asunder by 
the exciting acts of the General Assembly in 1837, a 
majority of this church decided to remain with the 
constitutional church, as the " New School" portion 
of the A.ssembly claimed to be. Rev. Mr. Cummins 
resigned his jiastoral charge, and the relation was 
dissolved in May, 1839. He with 30 members with- 
drew and organized a church under the other branch, 
or the Old School judicatories. A suit was soon after 
brought by those who withdrew against the church 
for all the property, which they claimed. The case 
was decided in favor of the church, and they retained 
the jiroperty which they had heretofore held. 

Rev. George Pierson was called to the pastorate 
and installed Aug. 13, 1839. In 1867 the church 
building was enlarged and greatly improved. Rev. 
Mr. Pierson continued pastor till May 15, 1878, a 
period of nearly thirty-nine years, when the relation 
was terminated at his own request. He died at 
his residence in Florida, Feb. 2, 1880. At the time 
of his dismission, in May, 1878, the two Presbyterian 



WARWICK. 



585 



churches in Florida were united in one church by 
the action of the Presbytery and the civil courts, 
and retained the house of worship belonging to the 
first organizations for their future use. Rev. A. L. 
Clark, the present pastor, began his ministry April 1, 
1879, and was installed by the Presbytery of Hudson 
on the 29th of the same month. 1 

The following have served as trustees since 181.S : 
Samuel S. Seward, elected 181.3, and continued in 
office till 1837 ; James Wood, Richard Poppino, Dan- 
iel Poppino, Nathaniel Wheeler, Samuel Jessup, Wil- 
liam Smith, Francis Armstrong, Wm. W. Armstrong, 
Amzi A. Jessup, Daniel Finn, Wm. M. Taylor, James 
Vail, John Curtice, Philo Gregory, Christopher As- 
pell, Jr., John M. Vanderoef, Peter S. Post, Daniel 
Jessup, Jr., Alsop V. Aspell, Nathan R. Wheeler, 
Thomas Armstrong, Charles C. Wheeler, Joseph 
Hetzel, Lewis M. Jayne, Geo. M. Seward, Lewis 
Howell, Cornelius Vandevoort, Abram L. Nanny. 

The present board of trustees are James H. Hous- 
ton, Stewart Young, Robert Young, Lewis Howell, 
Jasper A. Seward, Wilmot A. Durland. 

The elders have been : John Roy, Wm. Smith, 
1801; Selah Smith, Enoch Jackson, John Holbert, 
Daniel Poppino, James Wood, 1808; Daniel Mills- 
paugh, Daniel Finn, Jasper S. Armstrong, 1822; 
Charles Jackson, Nathan R. Wheeler, Geo. M. Sew- 
ard, 1839; Geo. N. Chase, Thos. Armstrong, 1843; 
William Finn, Zebulon W. Vanderoef, Asa Howell, 
1852 ; Saml. F. Gardner, Geo. M. Pierson, 1870 ; Henry 
L. Sherwood, 1871. 

The present elders are Zebulon W. Vanderoef, Asa 
Howell, Samuel F. Gardner, Stephen D. Pierson. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WARWICK 
effected a legal organization at the meeting-house, Oct. 
22, 1791. Archibald Armstrong and Joseph Wilson 
were the inspectors of election, pursuant to statute, 
and the trustees named were John Wheeler, Francis 
Baird, and John Simson. This movement took defi- 
nite legal shape at the above date, but there was a 
previous history of twenty years or more, which is 
given in the following extract, condensed from Mr. 
Pelton's article already quoted. There were many 
settlers of Presbyterian or Congregational ancestry 
who were not satisfied with Baptist usages or doc- 
trines, and they began to take the necessary stejis 
towards forming themselves into an organized so- 
ciety. 

In 1770, Mr. John Morin Scott, who owned a piece 
of land in the village of Warwick, sold the same to 
William Wisner, one acre, where the church now 
.stands, to constitute a site for a meeting-house, and 
the remainder to be used as a burying-ground. About 
the same time William Wickham, the well-known 
land-holder of early times, donated one acre for the 
same purpose adjoining the land bought of Mr. Scott. 
It appears, however, from stones standing in that 
yard, that it had been used for burial purposes earlier 
38 



than the date given above. Soon after this acquisi- 
tion of a site preparations were made to build a meet- 
ing-house. A frame was erected in 1773 or 1774, 
covei-ed and inclosed, but nothing more done to it. 
Troublesome times then came on, and the building 
stood during the war of the Revolution without any 
protection, open to the public, without doors or win- 
dows, and a shelter for anything and everything that 
might happen to enter. After the war things became 
more settled. Many people desirous of religious 
privileges attended meeting at Florid.i, though the 
distance was great and the roads rough. From the 
churches of Florida and Chester ministers occasion- 
ally came to Warwick to preach. Many Dutch fami- 
lies had now settled in Warwick, coming from what is 
now Rockland County, and from Bergen County, New 
Jersey, among them the families of Demerest, Ber- 
tholf, Ackerman, Aekerson, Post, Magee, and others. 
There were Dutch settlements in Minisink along the 
Delaware River, and as the road from Rockland and 
Bergen Counties to Minisink was through Warwick, 
travelers made this a stopping-place, and ministers 
coming through here were often invited to preach. 
John Lazear used to say that he well remembered 
that when he was a child his father, Cornelius Lazear, 
was once invited to attend a meeting in Warwick and 
lead the singing in Dutch. 

In 1792 a movement was made to repair and finish 
the meeting-house. Pre|)aratory to this, or for the 
purpose of securing a perfect title, the incorporation 
mentioned at the commencement of this article was 
obtained. A subscription was raised, and the house 
completed in 1793, and from that date forward it is 
supposed that services were regularly held, sometimes 
by ministers of neighboring churches. The old meet- 
ing-house was an ill-shaped, uncouth-looking building, 
which in these modern times would hardly be thought 
fit to be used as a place of worship. It was nearly 
square, with a gambrel roof, and the entrance in the 
end fronting the road. The seats were very clumsy 
affairs, though strong. An aisle led from the entrance 
to the pulpit, with one tier of seats on each side, and 
around the outside there were box-pews, four-square, 
according to the old style. The gallery was not fin- 
ished, only a floor laid, and a breastwork put up in 
front, with loose boards placed on blocks for seats. 
Such was the church in which the hardy pioneers 
worshiped and prized the gospel privileges, though 
there was no fire even in the coldest weather, and in 
the long services their bodies and limbs were almost 
frozen stiff with the cold. 

There is no record of what transpired from 1793 to 
1802. At this last date a Presbyterian minister was 
engaged to preach once in two weeks for a year, and 
his salary was to be $150, the agreement being signed 
by Ge orge Vance ,, Abraham Genung, and Ananias 
1 Rogers, as trustees. The receipt for the payment of 
this sum is dated Feb. 23, 1804, signed by the minis- 
ter, Benjamin Prime. This agreement and this re- 



586 



HISTOEY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ceipt were found among the papers of the late Richard 
Johnson, for many years a trustee of the churcli. 

There were some difficulties in the way of forming 
a church. The church building and ground were 
given for a Presbyterian Church, but the Dutch and 
English families were neither able to found a church 
alone, and a compromise was exceedingly desirable. 
Those in favor of organizing under the Classis of the 
Dutch Reformed Church finally prevailed, and a har- 
monious result was reached that has remained un- 
disturbed for seventy-five years. The name and style 
of the society was "The Presbyterian and Dutch Re- 
formed Church of Warwick." The trustees were to 
manage the church property, and the Consistory the 
spiritual interests of the church. This happy result 
was due in part to the services of several young Dutch 
ministers, who had preached here with great accept- 
ance to the whole people. Under this arrangement a 
church was organized by a deputation of the Classis 
of Paramus, Jan. 7, 1804. 

The first elders were Andrew Ackerman and Cor- 
nelius Demerest ; the first deacons, Aaron Taylor and 
John G. Ackerson. Soon after this organization was 
made a call was extended to the Rev. Charles Har- 
denbergh, which was accepted. About this time the 
Pelton families and Jacob Howe, Sylvanus Fancher, 
and others came to this place from Connecticut, and 
this added considerable strength to the congregation. 
Early in 1808 the elders chosen were Edward P. 
Ackerson and John Pelton ; the deacons, Andrew 
Onderdonk and David C. Demerest. John Pelton 
outlived all of his associates, and held his station until 
disqualified by age and infirmity. 

Rev. Mr. Hardenbergh left about this time, and the 
growing church had no pastor for some years. The 
congregation scattered, and it was necessary to make 
a strong eflbrt to rally. In the year 1810, S3000 was 
pledged for a new house of worship. William Cul- 
ver, a leading mechanic, had the contract. A large 
amount of timber was given by Thomas DeKay, and 
the erection of the building took place in 1811. It 
was finished and dedicated in the spring of 1812. 
During the building of this house services were held 
in the " long room" of the old Dolsen tavern, after- 
wards the house of J. & S. Welling. 

Among the supplies was Rev. Mr. Westervelt, to 
whom the church extended a call, which was, how- 
ever, declined. In the year 1812, Rev. John J. 
Christie was settled. He remained the pastor until 
the fall of 1835, a considerable portion of the time in 
failing health, on which account he had not been able 
to do the needed work of the church. The Rev. Ben- 
jamin Van Keuren was next settled, but only re- 
mained for a year and a half, or to the fall of 1837. 
It seemed to be a necessity at this time to secure a 
parsonage. The Consistory acted with promptness 
and discretion. A farm belonging to Mr. Henry 
Johnson was purchased, the homestead and buildings 
reserved for the minister's residence, and the other 



portions sold, so as to leave but a small sum to be 
raised by the congregation. This was immediately 
provided for, and as a result of this early and wise 
action the society have ever since enjoyed the posses- 
sion of a pleasant and commodious parsonage. About 
this time it was deemed desirable to file a certificate 
of incorporation, which had, perhaps, been previously 
neglected. The proceedings were signed by William 
H. Bishop, chairman. The trustees chosen were 
Peter Schoonmaker, Robert Ettinge, Ishmael Aclin, 
Ciesar Sahler, and John Whiting. 

The next j^astor, Rev. James W. Stewart, was in- 
stalled May 15, 1838. He was evidently a man of 
talent, devoted to the doctrines of the church, and 
preached them forcibly. In the strong disputations 
characteristic of that era throughout the country, he 
deemed it his duty to oppose boldly the Methodists, 
then entering upon this field, and to some extent he be- 
came unpopular with the people, and even with a por- 
tion of his own societ}'. He resigned in 1842. Rev. 
Mr. Christie, the former pastor, was then employed 
temporarily as a supply, so far as his feeble health 
would permit. Rev. F. H. Vanderveer, the next pas- 
tor, commenced his labors on the 1st of December, 
1842, and remained in that capacity until the fall of 
1870, a pastorate of unusual length, extending for a 
third of a century. The pulpit was vacant for only a 
short time, the present pastor. Rev. Vernon B. Car- 
roll, being installed about Jan. 1, 1877. 

Soon after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Vanderveer 
it was determined to rebuild the house of worship. 
The builder was Walter Brooks. Subsequently it was 
necessary to put an addition on the end, thus secur- 
ing additional pews. The parsonage was next rebuilt. 
A debt of $1000 accumulated as the result of these 
improvements, which was met by disposing of three 
acres of land from the north end of the ample par- 
sonage lot. The church has a vested fund of .'52300, 
arising from donations as follows: William Culver, 
$400 ; John Magee, $500 ; James Magee, his son, 
$500 ; Mrs. James R. Christie, $500 ; Miss Sarah De- 
merest, $300 ; Rev. Mr. Christie, $100. This fund is 
left in charge of the Consistory for the support of the 
minister. After the opening of the railroad and the 
advance in the value of real estate it was deemed best 
to sell more of the parsonage lot, which was accord- 
ingly done for the sum of $4500. This carries the 
vested fund up to $6800, the revenue from which 
renders the annual support of the minister a com- 
paratively easy aflair. 

The present officers of the church (October, 1880) 
are Thomas Welling, Mahlon Cooper, C. H. Demerest, 
and Samuel Pelton, elders ; Alexander H. Galloway, 
N. R. Bradner, Henry C. Dusinbury, C. M. Demerest, 
deacons; C. H. Demerest, clerk; C. M. Demerest, 
treasurer; John L. Servin, Sunday-school superin- 
tendent. The membership of the church is about 
100. It is a matter of regret that the early records 
of the church are lost, as it would be interesting to 



WARWICK. 



587 



have given in full the first roll of members. Among 
early members of the Consistory, though not perhaps 
the first, were Cornelius Demerest, John Ackerson, 
and Aaron Taylor. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AMITY 
effected a legal organization at the house of Jesse 
Sliepard, where public worship was commonly held, 
April 21, 1797. The certificate was signed by Lewis 
Sayre and Colville Shepard, inspectors of the elec- 
tion, and the trustees chosen were Robert Farrier, 
Philip McConnel, and David Carr. Of this church, 
organized somewhat earlier than the above date in- 
dicates, we have the following sketch written by tlie 
pastor : 

The Presbyterian Church at Amity had its origin ; 
in an association incorporated Dec. 10, 179G, under 
the name of " The Presbyterian Society of Amity." 
The society, soon after their incorporation, put them- 
selves under the care of the Presbytery of Hudson, 
although a church was not organized until several 
years after. 

In the spring of 1797 they began to build a house 
for public worship. This house, though not finished, 
was so far completed that it was opened and dedicated 
to the worshi]) of God on the first day of August fol- 
lowing. The Rev. Mr. Kerr, then of Goshen, preached 
a sermon on the occasion from Isa. Ivi. 7. The size 
of this first church building was 36 feet by 44 feet, 
and cost $1100. At its origin, and for several years 
after, the congregation was small and weak, many of 
its members being in indigent circumstances. The 
country was new and thinly settled, and many of the 
inhabitants were but tenants of the farms which they 
cultivated. The community was in a comparatively 
rude and disorganized state. There were very few 
professors of religion, and these were of different re- 
ligious denominations. Hence the labor and expense 
of sustaining religious worship devolved upon a few, 
who felt more deeply the importance of gospel insti- 
tutions and privileges to the welfare of the community. 
During the year 1800 they succeeded in securing the 
moans needful to the completion of their house of 
worship, which for three years had remained un- 
finished. 

For several years after this the congregation had 
no settled minister, but were dependent for their 
preaching on occasional supplies furnished by the 
Presbytery of Hudson, and on missionaries from the 
Presbytery of New York and other traveling preach- 
ers. 

In 1807 the Rev. Benjamin Prime was engaged as 
a supply for half the time for one year. After the 
expiration of Mr. Prime's term of service the con- 
gregation were dependent on occasional supplies 
until the spring of 1809, when the Rev. Daniel C. 
Hopkins, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, 
came among them. The congregation soon gave Mr. 
Hopkins a call to become their pastor, which he in 



due time accepted, and his ordination and installa- 
tion were fixed for Oct. 4, 1809. 

Measures were now immediately taken for the or- 
ganization of a church. A meeting of the congrega- 
tion was held Aug. 22, 1809, at which a committee 
was appointed to prepare a petition to the Presbytery 
of Hudson, expressing their desire to have a church 
organized. This petition was signed by the follow- 
ing persons, professors of religion, living within the 
bounds of the congregation, viz. : Daniel C. Hopkins, 
Jesse Shepard, James Onderdonk, Robert Ferrier, 
Israel Owen, Nathaniel Roc, William Adams, Su- 
sanna Burr, Abby Smith, Lydia Rowley, Sally Long- 
well, Abigail Knapp, Phebe Carpenter, Hannah 
Smith, Eunice Onderdonk, Aletta Edsall, and Anna 
Nanny. In compliance with this petition, a meeting 
of the congregation was called for Sept. 15, 1809, 
when a church was duly organized by a committee 
of Presbytery, consisting of Rev. Isaac Lewis, of 
Goshen, and Rev. Charles Cummins, of Florida. 

The new church was composed of the following 
members : Jesse Shepard, James Onderdonk, Israel 
Owen, Robert Ferrier, Eunice Onderdonk, Eunice 
Brown, Susanna Burr, Lydia Rowley, Aletta Edsall, 
Anna Nanny, Sally Longwell, Nathaniel Roe, Abi- 
gail Knapp, Phebe Carpenter, Hannah Smith, Phebe 
A. Coleman. The election of elders was deferred to 
a future meeting, which was held September 25th, 
when Jesse Shepard, James Onderdonk, and Israel 
Owen were chosen to the office of ruling elder. They 
were duly installed into office on Oct. 4, 1809. At 
the same time Mr. Hopkins was ordained by the Pres- 
bytery of Hudson, and installed pastor of the church 
and congregation. (See Records of Presbytery.) 
Mr. Hopkins remained pastor of the church until 
Jan. 27, 1818, when be was released from his charge. 
His active ministerial life after leaving Amity was 
principally spent in Northern and Central New York. 
He died at Montclair, N. J., June 7, 1871, aged 
ninety-one years. 

After Mr. Hopkins' departure from Amity the 
church remained vacant until June 19, 1819, when 
Rev. William Timlow, a licentiate of the Presbytery 
of Hudson, was ordained and installed pastor. This 
relation continued for the long term of thirty-nine 
years, when, on account of the failure of his health, 
Mr. Timlow felt constrained to seek a release from 
his pastoral labors. In compliance with his request 
the Presbytery dismissed him from his charge April 
21, 1858. After a few months his health was in a 
measure restored, and he continued for twelve years 
longer to preach the gospel as he had opportunity, 
— supplying vacant churches, — and most cheerfully 
rendering assistance to his ministerial brethren when 
they sought his aid. After his retirement from the 
jjastorate he continued to reside at Amity, among 
the people whom he had so long served in the gospel. 
His last public service was but three weeks before his 
death, when he officiated at the funeral of an aged 



588 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



friend, whom he had baptized and received into the 
church at the first communion season after his in- 
stallation as pastor, some fifty years before. 

During his pastorate, viz., in the summer of 1828, 
the second house of worship was built. The size of 
this building was 40 feet by 60 feet, and cost about 
$2000. It was dedicated to the worship of God Dec. 
4, 1828, on which occasion a sermon was preached by 
the pastor from Psalm Ixxxiv. 1. Mr. Timlow died at 
Amity, Dec. 30, 1870, after a week's illness, in the 
eighty-eighth year of his age. Soon after the resig- 
nation of Rev. Mr. Timlow the church gave a call to 
Rev. Edsall Ferrier to become their pastor. Mr. Fer- 
rier was born within the bounds of the congregation. 
His parents were members of the church, and his 
grandfather had been an elder. He accepted the call, 
and in a few weeks began his labors among the 
people. He was ordained and installed by the Pres- 
bytery of Hudson Sept. 28, 18.58, Rev. Daniel Hig- 
bee, then of Washingtonville, preaching the sermon. 
This relation continued until April 18, 1860, when it 
was dissolved by the Presbytery in order that Mr. 
Ferrier might accept a call from the Second Presby- 
terian Church of Florida, N. Y. Mr. Ferrier is now, 
and has been for several years, pastor of the Presby- 
terian Church at Mauch Chunk, Pa. 

After Mr. Ferrier's departure the pulpit was filled 
by temporary supplies until the following October, 
when Rev. Henry J. Acker, who had been for some 
time in charge of the Congregational Church at 
Greenport, L. I., was engaged as stated supply. After 
a few months the church gave him a call to become 
their pastor. His installation took place April 3, 
1861, Rev. Augustus Seward, of Middletown, preach- 
ing the sermon. In November, 1863, Mr. Acker hav- 
ing been drafted, and declining the offer of friends to 
furnish him a substitute, entered the army as a chap- 
lain. His church, hoping that the war would soon 
close, declined to accept his resignation and gave him 
leave of absence for a year. At the expiration of the 
year he again tendered his resignation, which was 
accepted, and he was released from his charge by the 
Presbytery Jan. 31, 1865. After a few months he be- 
came jiastor of the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant 
Valley, N. Y. He remained there until the autumn 
of 1872, when he removed to Brainard, N. Y., where 
he died Jan. 1, 1874, aged forty years. 

Rev. Daniel O. Timlow, a son of Rev. William Tim- 
low, succeeded Mr. Acker as pastor at Amity. He 
was installed by the Presbytery of Hudson June 6, 
1865. The relation then constituted still continues. 

During the summer and autumn of 1868 the pres- 
ent church edifice was erected. The size of this build- 
ing is 40 by 70 feet, and its cost, together with the 
furnishing, was about $12,000. Mr. Thomas E. Fer- 
rier, of Catskill, N. Y., formerly an elder, and a 
brother of a former pastor, presented the congrega- 
tion with a sweet-toned bell, weighing over one thou- 
sand pounds. 



The dedication took place Jan. 28, 1869. The fol- 
lowing is a brief extract from an account published at 
' the time in the New York EvatKjelht : "At the service 
of dedication a crowded audience filled the house. 
I Three of the pastors of tlie church were present, with 
many of the neighboring clergymen. The sermon 
was preached by Rev. Henry J. Acker, from Psalm 
Ixxxv. 5 : 'Of Zion it shall be said, This and that 
man w-as born in her, and the Highest himself shall 
establish her.' " 

A form of dedication was read by the pastor, and 
the prayer made by his aged father, not, however, 
till the people, by bringing in their offerings, could 
give the house to God entirely free of debt. 

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH IN WARWICK (EPISCOPAL) 
was incorporated by a certificate executed April 6, 
1804. Timothy DeKay and Richard Welling were 
chosen wardens; Elisha DuBois, Thomas Welling, 
Belden Burt, John Welling, William Holland, Wil- 
liam Johnson, Charles Thompson, and Joseph Miller 
' vestrymen. The above legal paper shows an attempt 
I to establish an Episcopal Church in Warwick early in 
this century, and it doubtless embodies most of the 
I names of those favorable to the enterprise. It is 
understood that the effort was not continued to any 
extent, nor is there any memorandum among the 
records of the present church concerning this early 
movement. At a much later period another attempt 
is shown by the following certificate incorporating 

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WAR- 
WICK 

Sept. 30, 1853. The proceedings were signed by W. 
H. Carter, Abraham L. Reynolds, and James D. Roe. 
The w ardens chosen ^^re, Dr. A. L. Reynolds and Wil- 
liam H. Hoyt ; the vestrymen, Milton McEwen, Ezra 
Sanford, John Wheeler, Amherst Wisner, James Roe, 
John S. Pelser, Charles Morehouse, and William H. 
Demerest. The meeting was held at the Methodist 
church, in which the Episcopalians were then worship- 
ing. Before this date, and for a time subsequently, 
Episcopal services were regularly held in the Meth- 
odist church. A lot was purchased and trenches dug 
for the foundation of a church edifice. By the re- 
moval to other places of the principal men fevoring 
the formation of a parish the movement was aban- 
doned, and nothing more was done until about the 
time mentione<l in the following certificate. 

CHRIST CHURCH OF WARWICK (EPISCOPAL) 
executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 1, 1862. 
The paper was signed by Rev. George T. Gray, rector, 
Horace Porter, and Isaac Reeve. The wardens chosen 
were Horace Porter and J. M.McJimsey ; the vestry- 
men were John Bradner, Grinnell Burt, John Cowdrey, 
J. H. Houston, William H. Hoyt, Isaac Reeve, J. D. 
Roe, and Samuel C. Welling. At a subsequent meet- 
ing, December 6th, James D. Roe was chosen secre- 
tary and Horace Porter treasurer. The next entry in 



WARWICK. 



589 



the book shows that a committee was appointed Sept. 
19, 18(3.3, to select a suitable site on which to build a 
bouse of worship. The committee were Joseph M. 
McJimsey, Grinnell Burt, and Samuel C. Welling. 
The rectorship of Rev. Mr. Gray continued for 
about a year and a half. His successor, Rev. N. T. 
Ludlum, was chosen rector July 23, 1864. During 
his pastorate further steps were taken towards the 
erection of a church, and either because of some 
suj)posed defect in the previous proceedings, or to 
make the title to the property about to be secured 
more certain and definite, another certificate of in- 
corporation was filed under date of Sept. 23, 1865. 
The paper was signed by Rev. Nicholas F. Lud- 
lum, rector, and by J. M. McJimsey and Isaac Reeve. 
The last two were named as wardens and the follow- 
ing vestrymen were chosen: John M. Bradner, Grin- 
nell Burt, John Cowdrey, Heury C. Weir, John D. 
Miller, William H. Chardevoyne, Samuel H. Arnout, 
and William D. Irwin. The meeting was held at the 
Methodist church, the use of which was liberally 
granted l)y that society. 

The Episcopal house of worship was erected in 
186.5 and 1866, as the records show a meeting of April 
3, 1866, in the Methodist church, and one of Sept. 22, 
1866, in the " church building." Its cost was about 
$7000, and it occupies a handsome site on the corner 
of South and Second Streets ; a very fine and com- 
manding elevation. The pews were first rented from 
Jan. 1, 1867, the lessees being 36 in number. 

Rev. Mr. Ludlum resigned the pastorate July 1, 

1868. A call was tendered to Rev. Charles E. McII- 
vaine, Nov. 6, 1868, which was declined. May 1, 

1869, Rev. Peter A. Jay was called to the rectorship, 
and commenced his labors soon after. His pastorate 
continued until March 20, 1872, when he resigned. 
A call was immediately tendered to Rev. William S. 
Earl}', which he accepted, and commenced his labors 
in Warwick soon after. He remained about a year. 
Under date of May 9, 1873, a call was sent to Rev. 
Alfred Goldsborough, which was duly accepted. He 
removed to this ])lace and began his parochial labors 
immediately. He resigned in 1880, his closing ser- 
vices being held on Easter Sabbath. His ministerial 
brethren of other denominations speak in warm com- 
mendation of his piety and his faithful presentation 
of the truth during his seven years' residence here. 

The officers of the parish chosen in 1879, and whose 
successors have not been named, are H. C. Weir, S. 
B. Dolsen, wardens ; Grinnell Burt, J. D. Miller, J. 
N. Houston, John Cowdrey, J. Carson, W. H. Char- 
devoyne, vestrymen; John Cowdrey, treasurer; W. 
H. Chardevoyne, secretary. 

The pulpit is now vacant, and services are sus- 
pended (October, 1880). 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FLORIDA. 
In the year 1831, at the solicitation of Justus Dill 
and others, the preachers of the New York Annual 



Conference commenced preaching in the village of 
Florida, occupying the wagon-making shop of Justus 
Dill as a place of worship, April 15, 1832. P. Rice, 
preacher in charge of the circuit, authorized H. 
Wing, his colleague, to form a class, which was com- 
posed of ten members, — Abram Odell and wife, M. G. 
Lewis and wife, Jamas H. Wood, Justus and Eliza 
Dill, Walter Wood and wife Sarah, Oscar F. Whit- 
ney. Walter Wood acted as leader. The Presby- 
terians, who had been the sole occupants of the 
ground, opposed the work to some extent ; but at the 
close of the year the class had increased to a member- 
ship of twenty. 

Cyrus Silliman and Noble W. Thomas then ap- 
peared on the circuit, and held service every fortnight. 
The prayer-meetings were well attended, and finally 
compelled them to seek a permanent place. Accord- 
ingly the academy was secured, and for some time 
occupied as a place for preaching and prayer services. 

In 1835, James Cover, Jr., Nathan Rice, and Thomas 
Edwards were the preachers on the circuit, followed 
the ensuing year by Thomas Newman, William Mil- 
ler, and S. S. Strong. This was a year of great pros- 
perity to the church. At the first Quarterly Meeting 
held at Edenville, in August, seven from Florida were 
converted. 

A protracted meeting at the academy followed, and 
twenty more were received. Isaac Millspaugh and 
his brother, John H. Jlillspaugh, Sarah Goble, Han- 
nah Vanbrunt, Abram P. Miller, E. P. Seward, and 
Susan and Elizabeth Woodruff were among the 
number. 

Rev. T. Newman, encouraged by the continued 
growth of the membership, proposed the building of 
an edifice. This met with hearty concurrence from 
the people, and on Jan. 16, 1837, legal notice having 
been given, the congregation elected as trustees for a 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Florida the following : 
Justus Dill, Jonathan Davy, Walter Wood, Edwin P. 
Seward, and Marenius G. Lewis. In spite of op- 
position and the dullness of the times, pledges were 
received to the amount of nearly 12000. A lot 100 
feet front by 105 feet back, owned by John Curtis, 
was purchased by the trustees, and contracts were 
made with Justus Dill to build a church 40 by 50, 
with basement. 

While the work was in progress the Sugar- Loaf Cir- 
cuit was newly organized, and contained the following 
api)ointnients: Washingtonville, Monroe, Highland 
Mills, Sugar-Loaf, Florida, Edenville, Bellvale, Ox- 
ford, Little Pond, Mount Eve, Greenville, Long 
Pond, and Monroe Works. William Miller and 
Seymour Landon were assigned to this work. Wil- 
liam Miller resided in the place. The edifice was 
completed, and August 31st, was dedicated. 

Rev. John Kennedy, of Newburgh, preached the 
dedicatory sermon. A series of extra meetings was 
held, and many added to the church. 

The following preachers have filled the appoint- 



590 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ment up to 1869, at which time the church was thor- 
oughly repaired at an outlay of over S600. At the 
reunion W. P. Abbott preached, — Eli Denniston, Wil- 
liam M. Furguson, George C. Bancroft, John Rey- 
nolds, Blatthew Vandusen, Isaac J. Divine, Edwin 
Oldren, Charles H. Dibble, J. P. Hermance, Henry 
Wright, Ira Ferris, William N. Nelson, M. Carrier; 
Humphrey Humphreys, C. S. Brown, J. Millard, A. 
C. Fields, Benjamin (Jenung, A. W. Blakely, William 
H. Bloomer, George Dykeman, C. F. Pelton, James H. 
Hawxhurst, Richard S. Amerman, Joel Croft, J. W. 
Jones, N. H. Bangs, Joseph Elliott, Uriah Messiter, 
R. S. Shurter, M. M. Curtis, P. C. Oakley, and Joseph 
H. Wood. 

In 1870 pulpit supjilied Ijy Alexander Burriss ; 1871- 
72, F. D. Abranis was appointed, and the cliurch 
greatly prospered, — fifty-two uniting with the church ; 
1873, F. Mason North followed with marked success, 
the debt being canceled this year; 1874, David H. 
Hanaburgh ; 1875, J. T. Hargraves ; 1876, William 
H. Peters; 1877, Edward H. Royce ; 1878-79, P. P. 
narrower; 1880, Frank T. Rogers. 

Present Onjanizaiion. — Rev. Frank T. Rogers, pastor ; 
Trustees, Isaac Millspaugh, L. D. Adams, Harvey 
Green, Samuel Green, Oscar Rosencranse, William 
Fletcher, Charles Smith ; Stewards, Isaac Mills- 
paugh, Jlrs. Mary M. Adams, Mrs. J. W. Bertholf ; 
Chorister, Mr. M. Mapes ; Organist, Carrie E. Rosen- 
crans ; Sexton, James Cronk. The pastor is the 
class-leader and Sunday-school superintendent. 

Church membership, 54 ; Sunday-school, 1 ; mem- 
bership, 60; average attendance, 50; 12 officers and 
teachers ; church valued at $2000. 

THE PRE.«BYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF FLORIDA 
executed a certificate of incorporation Feb. 6, 1844. 
The proceedings were signed by William Smith and 
William W.Taylor, elders. The trustees chosen were 
John J. Poppino, William Houston, Amzi A. Jessup, 
Daniel P. Onderdonk, Jonas Seely, Zebulon W. 
Smith. This was what, for convenience, became 
known as the Second Presbyterian Church, of which 
the following account is given : 

The formation of a second Presbyterian Church in 
Florida was due in the first place to the general dis- 
ruption of the Presbyterian Church of the United 
States, resulting from the sharp theological discussions 
of the period 1830 to 1837. When two General As- 
semblies were formed out of the one previous organi- 
zation, the " excluded synods" fell naturally and 
without much trouble into the New-School organiza- 
tion. In some quarters there arose, however, strong 
debate as to which body the allegiance of individual 
churches should be given. A majority of the then ex- 
isting church at Florida decided to adhere to the New- 
School Assembly. This comiiellcd those who deemed 
it their duty to sustain the Old-School Assembly to 
form a new organization. This no doubt cost a strug- 
gle of feeling in the minds of those on both sides of 



this discussion. The church thus rent in twain in 
Florida was the united church of their fathers; the 
church whose services once celebrated in the rudely- 
liuilt meeting-house of primitive times had come 
down to them sacred with the precious memories of 
three generations. It was the church under whose 
teachings they had each formed their own strong 
opinions, — opinions of which Presbyterians have ever 
been stout defenders. 

The second church was organized in 1839. Its 
first sessional records are dated in September of that 
year. William Smith was appointed a delegate to 
Presbytery. Under date of September 23d, at a meet- 
ing of Session, there were present Rev. Charles 
Cummins, moderator, and Elders Daniel Poppino, 
William Smith. Four additional elders were chosen 
about that time, namely, John Fox, William Taylor, 
Renald House, Amzi A. Jessup. 

The records do not show what members then con- 
stituted the second church. Rev. Mr. Cummins, 
with Elders Poppino and Smith, joined the second or- 
ganization, and as they claimed to some extent to be 
the regular succession of the original cliurch, they 
undoubtedly claimed nominally that the roll of church- 
members as it existed prior to the division all be- 
longed to them, acknowledging only as an existing 
fact that certain members were actually adhering to 
the first cliurch. However this may be, the book of 
records does not give the names of the members who 
formed the second church in 1839. 

The pastors of this church were as follows : Rev. 
Charles Cummins, who was the pastor from the or- 
ganization until 1849; Rev. W. A. Westcott, who 
ministered to the church fi-om 1849 to February, 
1860 ; Rev. Edsall Ferrier, whose services began May, 
1860, and continued until the fall of 1865 ; Rev. H. A. 
Harlow, who began his labors in the fall of 1866, and 
continued until the spring of 1872 ; Rev. Elijah Bur- 
nett, who preached from February, 1873, to the win- 
ter or spring of 1875 ; Rev. David McLeod, whose 
labors c<immenced in July, 1875. 

Under his pastorate a movement to unite the two 
churches took place. The distinction between Old 
School and New having been done away in the general 
church, and the two Assemblies in the United States 
become one some years before, it was perhaps natural 
that an effort should be made to unite individual 
churches in places where two existed and the popu- 
lation did not seem to require tw'o organizations of 
the same faith and order. The result proved that the 
movement was premature in Florida, but neverthe- 
less it was made. The formal union was consum- 
mated May 15, 1878, the petition to Presbytery having 
been presented April 16th. The effort proved unsat- 
isfactory, and it was soon discovered that the two so- 
cieties should each have gone on with their work as 
individual churches. To retrace these later stejis was 
a work of difficulty. It was, however, done ; the second 
church was again formed Sept. 29, 1879. Of this or- 



WARWICK. 



591 



ganization Rev. S. D. Noyes became the acting pastor 
at the time of tlie reorganization, a'nd remains in-that 
position at tlie present time (October, 1880). The 
elders are Walter Sayer, William L. Vail, George 
Fox, William T. Goble, Charles Jessup, and John 
Houston. The trustees are twelve in number; Wil- 
liam L. Vail is president of the board, Thomas J. 
Taylor clerk, and Samuel H. Thompson treasurer. 
Charles Jessuji, superintendent of the Sunday-school. 
There is a library of 200 volumes. The society have 
a large and convenient house of worehip, erected soon 
after the division of 1839. They also have a manse 
situated on Main Street near Conkling Avenue. In 
its present organization the society is but a little more 
than a year old, yet it has evidently entered ujion its 
work with vigor and efficiency. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WAR- 
WICK VILLAGE 

executed a certificate of incorporation June 4, 1849. 
The paper was signed by Jonathan S. Wood and 
James Green. The trustees chosen were Jonathan S. 
Wood, James Green, and Samuel Wilson. 

This was the legal organization of a society that 
had existed for some years before that date. From 
1830 to 1840 the Methodist preachers held occasional 
services in Warwick village. These early meetings 
were in private houses. In 1840 they held a series of 
revival meetings in a tent pitched near the ground 
where the Catholic church now stands. Many con- 
versions took place, and a strong impulse was given 
to Methodist work at that time. They were able im- 
mediately to erect a house of worship, which they 
thereafter occupied until 1867, when it was sold to 
the Catholics, and the new Methodist church was 
erected in another part of the village. 

For a correct history of the early introduction of 
Methodism in Warwick, reference must be made to 
the General History (p. 134) in this volume, from 
which it appears that the first service was at the house 
of Col. David McCamley, in 1786. A class was organ- 
ized at Sugar-Loaf, at the house of Samuel Ketcham, 
in 1789. Henry Wisner was its leader in 1809, at 
which time there was also a class in Warwick, Cor- 
nelius Jones, leader, and one in Amity, James Ben- 
jamin, leader.* It was not until 1839, however, that 
a society was formally established. The pioneer of 
this later organization is said to have been Mr. John 
Ketchum, who came here about 1837. He lived in 
the house, still standing, opposite the site of the old 
Methodist church. About that time Rev. Seymour 
Landon opened new appointments in town. In War- 
wick village meetings were held in the tavern of 
Mr. Thomas Ward, in the old store-house that stood 
on or near the present site of J. H. Van Duzer's store. 

* Mr. Cornelius Ltizear is traditionally mentioned as tlie first class- 
leader in the county, but the tradition is not justified by written records. 
His bouse at New Milford was perhaps a place for holding meetings, but 
the date of bis services as a leader is evidently some yeare later than 
that of the persons named above. 



The Ward tavern was on the site of the present Wa- 
wayanda House. The tent-meetings, already men- 
tioned, commenced on the 6th of September, 1840, 
and were conducted by Daniel Ostrander, presiding 
elder, and Eli Denniston, the preacher in charge, 
with his colleague, Sylvester S. Strong. They were 
continued until October 8th. A class was formed, of 
which Mr. Oscar B. Welling was appointed leader. 
There were only three in full membership, — Mr. Wel- 
ling and his wife, and Mary Case ; with them were 
eighteen on probation. July 13, 1841, a meeting was 
held to take steps for building. Trustees were chosen 
and a resolution to procure incorporation adopted. 
It does not seem to have been recorded until 1849, as 
given at the beginning of this notice. The contract 
to build the house of worship was signed Jan. 29, 
1842, the contractor being Warren S. Ruinsey ; the 
price for the completed house being $1675. The 
building was known as the Wesleyan Chapel of War- 
wick, and was dedicated Dec. 1, 1842, Rev. E. E. Gris- 
wold preaching the sermon. Thus the Methodist 
Church of Warwick was fairly established, and it has 
continued steadily on its appro])riate work to the 
present time. 

In 1864 the Sugar-Loaf Circuit was divided, and 
Warwick with Edenville constituted one charge, the 
Rev. D. D. Gillespie being the first preacher under 
the new arrangement. His successor was Rev. D. W. 
C. Vau Gaasbeck, who came to Warwick in the 
spring of 1866. Under his pastorate the new church 
edifice on Main Street was built, at a cost of $18,000. 
It was dedicated March 5, 1869, sermons being, 
preached by Rev. R. L. Dashiell and Rev. C. D. 
Foss. About this time also the Edenville Church 
erected a new edifice at an expense of $5000, and it 
was dedicated March 10, 1870, Rev. J. B. Wakely and 
Rev. H. H. Birkins preaching on the occasion. At 
Warwick, the present parsonage on South Street was 
purchased a few years since for $4000, an earlier 
house having been sold for $1900. Camp-meetings in 
this vicinity have been held near " Aunt Fanny 
Lewis' spring," so called, on the Henry Benedict farm, 
and also near the " Houston Spring." A debt re- 
maining from all the various enterprises of about 
$5000 was raised in 1878, by a single day's work, a 
series of meetings being held at different houses. Well 
might a local writer say " this was a red-letter day in 
the history of this church." The present organization 
(October, 1880) comprises the following ofiicers : 

Pastor. Rev. Wm. Colden ; Stewards, Charles R. 
Cline, Elihu B. Taylor, Peter S. Post, S. T. Lazear, 
Edward C. Armstrong, J. M. Burt, J. H. Vreeland, 
J. Hunter ; Trustees, J. H. Vreeland, James B. Dem- 
erest, Jacob Quackenbush, John B. Knapp, Elihu B. 
Taylor, J. M. Burt, P. S. Post, Thomas Pitts ; Sun- 
day-school Superintendent, Edwin S. Caldwell ; vol- 
umes in the library, 300 ; communicants, 138. 

We add a list of preachers from 1837 to the present 
time. The appointments included in Sugar-Loaf 



592 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Circuit in 1837 were Sugar-Loaf, Florida, Edenville, 
Warwielc, Bellvale, Oxford, Goshen, Washiugtonville, 
Monroe Cburcli, Greenville, Little Pond, Long Pond, 
Monroe Works, and Mount Eve : 

1837, Seymour Landun, William Miller ; 1838, Seymour Laudou, Thomas 
Newman ; lS3fl, Thomas Newman, Eli Denniston ; 1840, Eli Deuuis- 
ton, S. S. Strong ; 1841, Thomas Newman, William M. Ferguson, G. C. 
Bancroft; 1842, John Reynolds, Matthew Van Deusen, Isaac Divine; 
1843, John Reynolds, Matthew Van Deusen, E. Westlake; 1844, E. 
Osborn, J. G. Smith, C. M. Dihhle, J. P. Uermance ; 1845, E. Oldren, 
J. G. Smith, C. M. Dibble, J. P. Hermance; 1846, Thomas Newman, 
J. P. Hermance, J. W. Lefevre, Henry Wright. At this time the 
Southfield division was establislied, while Monroe and Goshen were 
made separate charges. 1847, Thomas Newman, David Buck, T. F. 
R. Mercien (Monroe Circuit), J. P. Hermance (Southfield) ; 1S4S, E. 
J. Jackson, D. Buck (Sugar-Loaf), D. Buck, N. H. Bangs (Monroe), 
C. C. Isham (Goshen), John P. Hermance (Southfield). In the place 
of the appointee, E. J. Jackson, came William H, Nelson. 1849, J. 
Ferris, M. Carrier (Sugar-Loaf I, H. Lounsberry (Goshen); 1850, H. 
Humphries, C. S. Brown ; 1851, A. C. Fields, C. S. Brown ; 1852, A. C. 
Fields, J. Hillard; 1853, William Bloomer, J. Hillard, 1854, William 
Bloomer, G. W. Dikeman (Sugar-Loaf ), and B. H. Genuing (Chester) ; 
1855, C. F. Pelton and M. Lockwood (Sugar-Loaf), and B. H. Gen- 
ning (Chester) ; 1856. C. F. Peltou, James P. Haw.xliurst ; 1857, James 
P. Haw.xhurst, R. S. Amerman ; 1858, J. (Voft, R. S. Amernian ; 18.59, 
J. Croft, J. H. Jones; lSCO-61, N. H. Bangs, Joseph Elliot ; 1S62-63, 
U. Messiler, B. L. Shorter ; 1864-65, D. D. Gillespie ( Warwick alone) ; 
1866-68, D. W. C. Van Gaasbeck ; 1869-71, D. Buck : 1872, E. L. 
Prentice;* 1873-74, Z. N. Lewis; 1875, W. N. Traver ; 1876, V. N. 
Traver; 1877-79, William E. Ketchum ; 1880, Rev. William Colden. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NEW MIL- 
FORD. 

Services by ministers of the Methodist Church were 
held in this neighborhood very early.f This pioneer 
work soon induced the organization of a class, but 
the class-papers seem to have been lost, and the names 
.of the founders of this church are not preserved. 
The house of worship was erected in 1838. The 
charge belonged to the New Jersey Conference until 
1873, when it was transferred to the New York Con- 
ference. Prior to that date the records are with the 
Vernon Church, of New Jersey. The Edenville 
Church had been included in the Warwick charge. 
In 1873 Edenville and New Milford were united 
under the name of Edenville charge, and so remain 
at the present time. The pastors have been as fol- 
lows : 1873-75, Rev. C. C. Miller; 1876-78, Rev. M. 
S. Tuthill; 1879, Rev. J. B. Heroy; 1880, Rev. C. 
F. AVinau. The present stewards and trustees are S. 
Y. Layton, Thomas Corey, and A. Vail. A Sunday- 
school is in active operation with a good attendance. 
These brief facts give the outline of a steady work of 
fifty years, the details of which are not preserved for 
the ])en of the historian ; but the influence for good 
wielded by this church, and the results achieved, re- 
main a permanent blessing to this community. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF EDEN. 

This society effected a legal organization Sept. 1 1 , 

1822. The proceedings were signed by Eleazer Mc- 

Camley and Andrew Shorter. The trustees chosen 

were John Bloom, Eleazer McCamley, Cornelius 

* He died in the parsonage at Warwick. Feb. 28, 1873. 
t See account of Warwick Church. 



Jones, George Jones, Samuel Gardner, Peter Van 
Cort, J. C. Ketchurfl, Elias Fancher, Andrew Shorter. 
Edenville appointment was connected with Warwick 
charge down to 1873 ; since that date it has been 
united with New Milford, and its pastors are given 
in the notice of that church. The present stewards 
are R. Wisner, S. Green, S. B. Houston, and A. 
Houston. The trustees are H. B. Edwards, W. Du- 
sinberre, A. Houston, and R. Wisner. 

The pastor of this church and of New Milford re- 
ports ninety-six members, two Sunday-schools, with 
twenty teachers and eighty members. 

BELLVALE METIIODLST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first record of the Bellvale class in connection 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Orange 
County was made in 1809, — Henry Stead, presid- 
ing elder ; John Roberson, James Coleman, circuit 
preachers; Andrew Cunningham and Benjamin West- 
lake, local preachers. It was reported at ;i quarterly 
meeting as a part of the New Windsor Circuit. The 
quarterage paid was $2.76 ; the class-leader, James 
Cunningham. He also received license to exhort, but 
afterwards withdrew from the church. The places for 
preaching were at Mr. William Wisner's and Mr. 
Ananias Wilson's. The preachers were those of the 
New Windsor Circuit prior to 18.37. {See New Wind- 
sor.) 

In 1817, William Seymour, a colored man, was 
licensed to exhort ; afterwards he was given a local 
preacher's license, and for many years preached in 
the vicinity of Bellvale. As one of the first laborers 
under God, his name is remembered by some still 
living in this place. His home, while here, was at 
the house of William Wisner. His portrait, gift of 
Mr. Samuel Wilson, is in the Bellvale parsonage. 
William Seymour died at the house of Isaac Still, in 
the town of Monroe. He retired for the night, after a 
very happy meeting during the evening in the place, 
and when called for breakfast he was found dead in 
the bed. The Master came, his work ended, and he 
entered into rest. 

Heman Bangs, one of the circuit preachers of 1820, 
lived in part of William Wisner's house, near where 
William H. Wisner's house now stands. Preaching 
was held at Ananias Wilson's, Squire Horton class- 
leader. His wife, son, Milton, daughter, Julia, and 
son-in-law, Peter Bennett, Mr. William Wisner, his 
wife, and a Mrs. Jones, also two slaves in the family 
of William Wisner (named Joe and Lottie), were 
members of the class. 

1824. This year the class at Bellvale was broken 
up by what was then known as the "Horse Trial." 
Jlr. William Wisner withdrew from the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and Peter Bennett, a class-leader, 
was expelled, and Messrs. Wilson, Bradner, Wisner, 
and others removed their names to Sugar-Loaf class. 
The regular appointment for preaching at Bellvale 
was abandoned until 1833, when Samuel Wilson, 



WARWICK. 



593 



having experienced religion, invited tlie prt'acliers on 
tlio circuit again to preach at his house. 

In 1832, Revs. Silliman and Thomas held an extra 
meeting at the house of Samuel Wilson, in Bellvale, 
during which, in the month of November, Mr. Samuel 
A. Monell, Jonathan S. Wood, Henry B. Wisner, and 
many others experienced religion. The persons 
named have been for years the true and warm-hearted 
friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when 
the church was divided and its interest suffered at the 
hands of others they remained steadfast. Following 
the protr.acted meeting, a class was organized, and 
Milton Horton appointed leader. Services were held 
also at the Red School-house, near Mr. James H. Hal- 
lock's farm, and at an old house opposite the Bellvale 
church, owned at this date, 1880, by Mr. Jonas 
Quackenbush. 

1837. This year the New Windsor Circuit was di- 
vided, and the Sugar-Loaf Circuit formed, embracing 
the following appointments, viz. ; Florida, Eden- 
ville, Bellvale, Chester, Monroe village, Oxford, Sat- 
terly Town, Washingtonville, Blagg's Clove, Highland 
Mills, Little Long Fond, and Dutch Hollow (now 
Greenwood Lake), beside preaching in almost every 
school district on this circuit. Rev. Phineas Rice, 
presiding elder; Seymour Landon and Wni. Jliller, 
preachers on Sugar-Loaf Circuit. 

1838. Seymour Landon and Thomas Newman 
preachers. 

1839. William Jewett, elder; Eli Denniston and 
Thomas Newmau, preachers. 

1840. D. Ostrander, elder ; Eli Denniston and Syl- 
venus S. Strong, preachers. 

1841. Wm. M. Fergerson and George Bancroft, 
preachers. 

1842. John Reynolds, Matthew VanDeusen, and 
Wm. Blaksly, circuit preachers. 

1843. John Reynolds, Matthew VanDeusen, and 
Isaac I. Divine. 

1844. Marvin Richardson, presiding elder; Edward 
Olden and Chas. H. Dibble, preachers. 

184.5. Edward Olden and John P. Hermance, 
preachers. 

1846. Thomas Newman and J. P. Hermance, 
preachers, on Sugar-Loaf Circuit. 

1846. I. G. Smith and Chas. H. Dibble, preachers, 
on Monroe Circuit. This year the Sugar-Loaf was 
divided, and the Monroe Circuit formed. Sugar-Loaf 
embraced only Sugar-Loaf, Chester, Goshen, Florida, 
Edenville, Warwick, Bellvale, Demerest School-house, 
and Greenwood Lake. In 1841 the upper part of the 
school-house at Bellvale was furnished and seated 
for holding meeting. The committee who circulated 
the subscription was W. H. Wisner and Edward Burt. 
The room was to be occupied by Baptist, Reformed 
Dutch, and Methodist jointly, and the building was 
called the Tabernacle. 

1847. Thomas Newman and Henry Wright, 
2)reachers. 



1848. Ira Ferris and Marcus Cumer, preachers; 
Wm. Jewett, presiding elder. 

1848. Goshen was taken from Sugar-Loaf Circuit, 
and Rev. C. Isham stationed there. 

1849. Ira Ferris, Wm. N. Nelson, preachers. This 
year a protracted meeting was held in the Tabernacle, 
and the same winter a gracious revival attended the 
labors of Henry D. Wright, a local preacher at the 
present Greenwood Lake charge, following which a 
subscription was raised, lot purchased, and church 
built at Greenwood Lake. At that time the Green- 
wood Lake class was connected with the Southfield 
charge. 

1850. S. Martindale, presiding elder; Humphry 
Humphries and C. S. Brown, preachers. 

1851. A. C. Fields and C. S. Brown, preachers. 

1852. A. M. Osbon, presiding elder ; A. C. Fields 
and J. Millard, prcachei-s. During this year a sub- 
scription was circulated to build a church at Bellvale. 
On Feb. 8, 1863, a meeting was called of the society, 
and the following persons elected as a board of trus- 
tees, viz.: Mr. Calvin Bradner, Townsend Wright, 
Samuel Wilson, Benjamin H. Bennett, Thomas 
Brooks, Wm. H. Wisner, John R. Wilson. Samuel 
Wilson, chairman; John R. Wilson, secretary; Wm. 
H. Wisner, treasurer. 

On the 11th of February, 1853, at a meeting of the 
board of trustees, it was resolved to build a church 50 
feet by 32 feet, with 22 posts, and belfry, alsoagallery 
across the end of the church, and a basement 30 feet 
by IS feet, with 7 feet ceiling. Resolved to accept a 
lot given by Mr. Samuel Wilson. Immediately fol- 
lowing this work was commenced on the lot for a 
foundation. The corner-stone was laid by Rev. J. B. 
^Vakely, then pastor of the Forsyth Street Church, 
New York City. The corner-stone was given by Mr. 
David Stevens. The mason-work was under the 
supervision of Mr. Edward Mills, the carpenter-work 
being under the supervision of Mr. Adolphus Brad- 
ner. The timber for the entire building was cut on 
the farm of Wni. H. Wisner, and sawed in the old 
saw-mill just above where the church now stands. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, wife of Daniel Wilson, one 
of the first stewards of the old New Windsor Circuit, 
and mother of John R. Wilson, one of the trustees, 
gave the bell for the church. 

1853. W. H. Bloomer and J. Jlillard, preachers. 
18.54. William H. Bloomer and George Dikeman, 

preachers. 

This year (1854; the church was dedicated. Rev. 
Hiram Matterson preached the dedicatory sermon from 
Matt. xxvi. 8: "To what purpose is this waste?" 
Rev. A. M. Osbon, presiding elder, dedicated the 
church. A choir under the direction of Mr. Mil- 
ton Younges, with an instrument of Mr. Town- 
send Wright, occupied the gallery and conducted 
the singing. Entertainment was furnished at the 
houses of Mr. Samuel Wilson, John R. Wilson, and 
William H. Wisner's for the many persons attend- 



594 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ing the dedication from distant parts of the circuit. 
About this time a church trial at Sugar-Loaf grew 
out of the renting of the pews at Sugar-Loaf Church, 
resulting in the expulsion of one member at Sugar- 
Loaf Church. Tills difficulty in the church was made 
the occasion for a division of the society .at Bellvale. 
One of the preachers then in charge withdrew from 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and with him a large 
number of those recently brought into the church. 
They worshiped at the Tabernacle, organized a Sun- 
day-school, named the society after their minister, 
and united with the Protestant Methodist ; they con- 
tinued until the year 1867, when they dissolved. 

1855. L. M. Vincent, presiding elder; C. F. Pelton 
and Rev. Lockwood, preachers. 

1856. C. F. Pelton and J. H. Hawxhurst, preachers. 

1857. J. H. Hawxhurst and Richard Aramerman, 
preachers. 

1858. Joel Croft and R. Ammerman, preachers. 

1859. Joel Croft and 1. W. Jones, jireachers. 

1864. This year Bellvale and Greenwood Lake were 
separated from the circuit and became a charge by 
themselves, having one preacher between them. R. 
M. Roberts, preacher-in-charge. 

1865. Horace Wood, preacher-in-charge. 

1868. Mark E. Rude, preacher-in-charge. 

1869. J. H. Lane, preacher-in-charge. 

During this year a subscription was circulated to 
build a parsonage at Bellvale. About $800 were 
pledged. The cost of the building to be erected was 
estimated at about .^l.MO. Work was commenced in 
the spring of 1870; the house was finished that year, 
costing $2200. After this the pastors, by subscription, 
reduced the debt of $1400 down to -SIOOO, which 
amount still remains. 

1871. C. C. Miller, preacher-in-charge. 

1873. J. W. Felvus, preacher-in-charge. 

1874. C. Rheor, preacher-in-charge. 

1875. A. N. Mulnix, preacher-in-charge. 
1878. N. Brusie, preacher-in-charge. 
1880. F. F. Angevine, preacher-in-charge. 

This year, 1881, the church has 60 members and 5 
probationers. Service is held at Bellvale morning and 
evening, and at Greenwood Lake in the afternoon. 

THE UNION METHODI.ST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF 
STERLING, 

town of Warwick, executed a certificate of incorpor- 
ation April 7, 18.56. The proceedings were signed by 
David B. Banker and Zenas Covel. The trustees 
chosen were John May, Samuel Green, Charles T. 
Ford, Samuel Duvall, and Peter Barnes. The meet- 
ing was held " at the school-house where the congre- 
gation usually worshiped.'' 

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF 
FLORIDA 

executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 2, 1862. 
It was signed by Henry Johnson, and the trustees 



named therein were William Jacklin, William Mati- 
zer, and Henry Harris. 

This undertaking was not successful, though a lot 
was purchased and some preparations made to build 
a house of worship. 

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, WARWICK VILLAGE 
(C.VrHOLIC). 

This society was organized as a mission-work in 
connection with the Catholic Church of Goshen. In 
1865, the Methodists desiring to build a new church, 
sold their old property to the Catholics for $1600. It 
was immediately refitted, and consecrated in August 
of that year as St. Stephen's, and services have been 
maintained since that date. Much energy has been 
displayed in raising money for church purposes. The 
house of worship is a convenient chapel, not showy 
nor costly ; but with wise prudence the church has 
declined to enter upon the building of a larger struc- 
ture, involving the risk of debt and embarrassment. 
There were not more than five or six families inter- 
ested in Catholic services at the time the enterprise 
commenced in Warwick. The property bought cost 
this small band $.3000. It was assuming a serious re- 
sponsibility, but by steady, prudent, and systematic 
work it has all been paid except about $900, and the 
pastor confidently expects to extinguish that in a few 
months. The priests from Goshen ministering at St. 
Stephen's were Father O'Callahan, succeeded by 
Father O'Hare, and lastly. Father Keoghan. In July, 
1880, the appointment w.is taken from Goshen. War- 
wick became a separate pastorate, to which Monroe 
is attached. Rev. Edward J. Byrnes was assigned to 
the piistoral work here in July, and immediately en- 
tered upon his duties. The members number about 
200. The Sunday-school, with two ladies as teachers, 
and about 50 scholars, is suijcrintended personally by 
the pastor. Rev. Edward J. Byrnes. 

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This is located at Warwick village, and is a young 
and vigorous organization. The church was formed 
on the 4th of January, 1866, and with only six mem- 
bers, viz.: Ezra Sanford, Mary E. Van Duzer, Anna 
E. Peck, Adaline Harrison, Martha Fancher, -and 
Rev. George F. Love. The movement was under- 
taken in connection with the preaching of Rev. 
George F. Love, who became the first pastor, and 
remained until March 28, 1868. The pulpit was not 
allowed to remain vacant, but, in anticipation of the 
close of Mr. Love's services, the church had already 
engaged (March 11th) Rev. Mr. Dwight Spencer as 
stated supply, who continued to labor in this capacity 
for nearly nine months. The Rev. Charles A. Cordo 
was then settled as pastor, commencing his labors in 
Warwick June 5, 1869. He remained nearly six 
years, his services terminating May 2, 1875. The 
pulpit was supplied by various ministers during the 
summer. In September Rev. Daniel C. Litchfield 



WARWICK. 



595 



accepted a call to this church, and commenced his 
labors in October. He has remained to the present 
time, and is just entering upon the sixth year of his 
pastorate. 

The society for a time worshiped in the public hall 
of the Van Duzer building, but active measures were 
taken very soon to erect a house of worship. An eli- 
gible lot was secured on West Street and the present 
handsome church erected. The edifice was dedicated 
Aug. 2(i, 1868. 

The parsonage stands adjacent to the church, on the 
same lot. The grounds of both are laid out with taste, 
displaying the effect of careful adornment and culti- 
yation. Together they constitute a handsome church 
property. The whole expenditure was about $20,000; 
and, notwithstanding the reduction in the value of 
real estate within the last few years, the property is 
yet valued at §15,000. 

As the result of all these movements by a society 
so small in numbers, a debt of about $.3,500 remained 
unpaid tor a few years. The present pastor two years 
since determined that this ought to be paid and could 
be paid. By the quiet circulation of a subscription, 
with no public demonstration, the whole amount was 
raised in about one week. It was followed by a jubilee- 
meeting, March 1, 1878. 

An active and vigorous Sunday-school has been 
maintained from the date of the organization to 
the present time. The contributions of the church 
have been unusually large. The congregation raises 
annually about $1300 for the ordinary current ex- 
penses. Including the erection of the church and 
parsonage, this may be stated at an average of $2500 
a year for the whole fourteen years ; and bringing the 
statement to an individual basis, it amounts to foriy- 
two dollars per member each year since 1866. 

The present officers are Rev. D. C. Litchfield, pas- 
tor ; Isaac N. Baldwin, Charles L. Morehouse, dea- 
cons ; Ezra Sandford, now in his eighty-sixth year, has 
also been a deacon in the church from its organization 
and occasionally officiates at the present time. J. N. 
Baldwin is the present clerk, and C. A. Crissey treas- 
urer. The number of communicants at the present 
tinie is 76. The Sunday-school has 150 volumes in 
the library, 103 pupils, 18 of whom are members of 
the church, 8 teachers, and an average attendance of 
68. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF MOUNT BETHEL 
executed a certificate of incorporation' Aug. 3, 1870. 
It was signed by Darius P. Merritt and George M. 
Ackerson, and the tru.stees therein named were Da- 
rius P. Merritt, Stephen Morse, Melvin R. Green, 
Wallace P. M. Horton, and Henry Hyatt. 



VIII.— BUKIAL-PL ACES . 
On the Belden Burt farm is a very ancient burial- 
ground. There are no monuments with inscriptions 
to give any clue to the names of those buried there. 



It is, however, a lot'al tradition that this was the early 
Decker burying-ground. As Lawrence Decker is 
supposed to have been the earliest settler in this part 
of Warwick (the deed from Benjamin Aske to him 
being dated 1719), the fact of burials here by his 
family is at least probable. The graves are said to 
be of unusual length, indicating very tall people, and 
this is further stated to have been characteristic of the 
early Deckers. 

The burying-ground in connection with the Re- 
formed Church was in use, it is said, before it was 
deeded to the church in 1770. Mr. Pelton, before 
quoted, states that this is shown by stones in the yard. 
But the earliest dates found by the writer are the fol- 
lowing: "Hannah, wife of Ebenezer Gregory, died 
Dec. 21, 1789, aged twenty-two ;" " Anna, wife of Wil- 
liam Feagles, died July 8, 1771, aged seventy-four;" 
" Alida Johnson, died July 29, 1777, aged forty-nine ;" 
"Cornelius Paulding, Jr., died May 17, 1778, aged 
six years." It is possible that on the sunken field- 
stones which mark most of the early graves dates 
might be discovered prior to 1770. It is evident that 
the early settlers are buried here in large numbers. 

The Florida cemetery is now being laid out with 
considerable care, drive-ways made and walks estab- 
lished. The grounds include in part an old burial ■ 
place, though not dating back to the time of early 
settlement. There are monuments by the families of 
Jennings, Houston, Jackson, Lawrence, Shultz, Van- 
deroef, and Wheeler. In this ground is the Seward 
vault. LTpon a marble tablet in the front, over the 
iron door, is the simple inscription, " The family 
vault of Samuel S. Seward, 1839." 

The cemetery around the Florida First Pre.sbyterian 
church was doubtless a historical landmark before it 
was torn to pieces, and its oldest stones removed and 
lost or miscellaneously piled up. Stones are said to 
have been taken away that were one hundred and 
thirteen years old. The destruction of old grave- 
yards is a serious historical loss, as well as a violation 
of esthetic taste and precious family traditions. There 
is land enough for trade and business and churches 
without building upon the graves of the fathers. 
There is one stone in the part left erected to the 
memory of "Maj. John Poppino, who died March 7, 
1828, aged one hundred and one years and ten months;" 
another to "William Armstrong, who died March 11, 
1805, aged eighty-two." 

At Amity is a cemetery securely walled and show- 
ing considerable care. Without any attempt at 
elaborate ornamentation, it is yet cleared of rubbish 
and well mow-ed, giving a chance for a clean grass- 
sod to form, one of the best methods (where expen- 
sive plans cannot be carried out) to place an old 
burial-place in good condition. Thorough clearing 
out of brush and careful, frequent mowing will give 
any burial-place a creditable appearance. A portion 
of this ground contains the early graves, marked only 
by field-stones, with neither names nor dates. There 



596 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



are several monuments of good proportions, and one 
brick vault covered with a tablet, " Sacred to the 
memory of Martha, wife of Alexander Denniston." 

THE WARWICK CEMETERY. 

This was founded by an association organized at a 
meeting held in tlie Wawayanda Hotel, Nov. 27, 1866. 
Gabriel Wisner was appointed chairman, and Wil- 
liam D. Irwin secretary. The trustees named were 
Thomas S. Vandervort, Gabriel Wisner, William D. 
Irwin, Thomas Welling, Cornelius J. Lazear, Grin- 
nell Burt, Richard Wisner, George W. Sanford, and 
Israel Willesdorf. The proceedings were verified by 
the officers before Mahlon Cooper, notary public, 
November 28th, and recorded November 29th. 

The association purchased and laid out a tract of 
rolling upland in the centre of the valley, not far from 
the village of Warwick. The selection was made with 
excellent judgment and discriminating taste. There 
are two distinct elevations, each sloping gently from 
the higher ground to the lower, and separated by a 
smooth valley. The rugged features retained in some 
rural cemeteries of rock and gorge and wild ravine 
are not found here, and the effect of their absence is 
on the whole pleasing. Here are none but soft and 
gentle lines, easy grades, and a smiling landscape, that 
suggest life and love and beauty and immortality, 
rather than the harshness, the pallor, and the ruin 
of death. The contour of the ground was favorable 
to the artificial arrangements desirable, and those in 
charge have availed themselves of this feature with 
excellent success. 

It has many monuments of varied beauty, strength, 
and symmetry. Among the principal of these may 
be mentioned those belonging to tlie families of 
Houston, Fitzgerald, Wright, Burt, Denton, Vande- 
vort, Mapes, Hawxhurst, Jennings, Bradner, Christie, 
Quick, Wheeler, Wood, Husted, Baird, Lawrence, 
Younians, Tliompson, Conklin, Brooks, Runise\', Ser- 
vin, Forshee, Magie, Sayer, Bennet, Wisner, 81y, San- 
ford, Jones, Carpenter, Arnout, Lain, Pel ton. Post, 
Irwin, Lazear, Nanny, Randolph, Ogden, Randall, 
and Clark. The smaller memorial stones are in good 
order, and of excellent proportions. 

The president of the association is George Sanford, 
and the superintendent John Jenkins. Two work- 
men are constantly employed. 



IX.-SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, BANKS, INCOR- 
PORATIONS, Etc. 

WARWICK MASONIC LODGE.* 
This was established in December, 186.3, its com- 
plete organization dating from the 1st of January 
following. The first oflicers were Elisha M. Smith, 
W. M. ; Benjamin Corwin, S. W. ; Charles W, Doug- 
lass, J. W. ; Edward T. Gould, S. D. ; Nicholas K. 



* Prior to this was oliJ St. Jolin's Lodge of Warwick, organized March 
26, 1790. (See General History.) 



Grotty, J. D. ; James D. Roe, Sec. ; Maurice Hoyt, 
Treas. ; Daniel Dikeman, Tyler. 

The succession of Masters has been Elisha M. 
Smith, 1864-65; John Cowdrey, 1866-(;8 ; John D. 
Miller, 1869-70; John Cowdrey, 1871-72; Samuel 
J. Stewart, 187.3-7-5; John McWillianrv, 1876-77; 
Theodore H. Cooper, 1878 ; John Sutton, 1879. 

The officers for 1880 are Theodore H. Cooper, W. 
M.; Alex. G. McAllister, S. W. ; Samuel S. Van 
Saun, J. W. ; John Sayer, Treas. ; J. E. V. Miller, 
Sec; John W. Clason, S. D. ; John Carson, J. D. ; 
George W. Sayer, S. M. C. ; E. S. Colwell, J. M. C. ; 
John Mabee, Chaplain ; Jolin W. Houston, Marshal ; 
Norman L. Dill, Tyler. The lodge have a room con- 
veniently arranged, with good furniture, and are in 
excellent financial condition, having vested funds to 
the amount of $5000. 

WAWAYANDA LODGE, No. 34, L 0. 0. F. 
This was organized at Warwick village in 1867. 
It was a renewal of the old Goshen charter of very 
early date, which had been surrendered. Several of 
the members residing in Warwick, or removing there, 
desired to organize, and obtained the renewal. The 
books of the lodge were burned in January, 1879. 
It is understood, however, that the opening at War- 
wick was by five members, — Jesse Wood, William 
Smith, F. J. Haskins, Henry June, and John Mabee; 
that William R. Wood and John McVey were in- 
itiated at the first meeting, and that among the first 
officers were Jesse Wood, N. G. ; William Smith, 
V. G. ; and William R. Wood, Sec. The lodge has 
continued in regular work since its formation. It 
has a vested fund of nearly $2000. The present 
officers (October, 1880) are A. P. Shaw, N. G. ; L. H. 
Peiltz, V. G. ; F. Kohberger, R. S. ; Dr. T. V. Roe, 
P. S. ; Sylvester Case, Treas. ; S. T. Lazear, Chaplain. 

PATRONS OP HUSBANDRY. 
This order has four granges in the town of War- 
wick ; they have formed a convenient arrangement 
for purchasing at wholesale, for consultation over the 
best method of farming, for mutual help in disposing 
of the crops raised, and for social enjoyment. The 
first Master of Warwick Grange, No. 273, was James 
B. Wood, Jr. His son, Enos S. Wood, was secretary. 
At the present time John Sutton is the Master, and 
his daughter, Mrs. William D. Ackerman, is secretary. 
The other granges are located at Florida, Amity, and 
Lake Station. The one at Amity established and 
carries on a creamery. 

WARWICK CORNET BAND. 
This favorite organization with the citizens of War- 
wick was formed Dec. 1, 1878, with fifteen members. 
It has the same number now, and moslly the same 
individuals. They have a very handsome uniform. 
Their instruments are of superior make and owned 
by tlie members, and their uniform is in good taste, 
not excelled in beauty or quality by any in the county. 



WARWICK. 



597 



The instructor of the band is Prof. Isaac Collins, of 
Newburgh. The leader is James Thorp, and the i 
secretary and treasurer J. H. Wood. j 

THE TE.MPERAXCE LEAOUE OF WARWICK. 

This association was organized about three years 
since. Its objects are to develop i)ublic sentiment in 
favor of temperance, secure the election of commis- 
sioners of excise opposed to license, and by judicious | 
action enforce the law as far as possible. It proposes ' 
to make an annual canvass of the town for the further- 
ance of these plans. That it has met with a reason- 
able degree of success is evident from the increased 
vote in favor of no license. In March, 1879, 750 votes 
were cast on the excise question, of which 613 were 
in favor of license, and 137 against. In March, 1880, 
982 votes were cast on the same question, 597 of which 
were for license, and 384 against. A majority of 576 
reduced to 213, and on a largely increased vote, is 
sufficient encouragement to the society to go forward 
with its work. Its membership comprises the clergy- ' 
men of the place and many of the leading business 
men. Its present officers (October, 1880), are Rev. D.C. 
Litchfield, president; Rev. William E. Ketchum, I 
vice-president ;* C. A. Crissey, secretary ; Grier Pier- 1 
son, treasurer. 

Connected with this society is a glee club, led by 
E. B. Taylor, adding with its stirring songs and excel- 
lent music a feature of great interest to the meetings. 

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF WAR- 
WICK VILLAGE. 

This is a recent enterprise of a few Christian 
workers belonging to the various churches. It was 
organized in December, 1879. Miller's public hall 
was rented permanently by the association, and a 
general prayer-meeting established at three o'clock 
Sunday afternoons. This has been regularly main- 
tained to the present time, having a large attendance 
during the winter months, and well sustained through 
the summer season. No other definite work has yet 
been undertaken, but steps are being taken to open 
a public reading-room, and establish a library in con- 
nection with the same. It is also in contemplation 
to hold meetings to some extent in neighborhoods 
not supplied with religious services within a few miles 
of Warwick village. The present officers (October, 
1880) are E. S. Col well, president ; Henry P. Demerest, 
vice-president ; George A. Sanford, secretary ; Rens- 
selaer J. Wisner, treasurer. 

THE ARMY AND NAVY ASSOCIATION OF VETERANS 
AT WARWICK. 
This was organized Jan. 1, 1880, and holds regular 
meetings on the first Tuesday evening of each month. 
All honorably discharged Union soldiers or sailors are . 
entitled to membership. Its objects are mutual aid, 
social enjoyment, the bringing together of comrades 

* Removrd from town. 



in the late struggle, and the rendering of appropriate 
honors to the dead. Under the auspices of this asso- 
ciation decoration services were held the present 
year. The present officers (October, 1880) are James 
W. Benedict, Commander ; John W. Houston, Senior 
Vice-Commander; Norman L. Dill, Junior Vice- 
Commander ; William B. Van Houten, Adjutant ; 
James W. Mallery, Quartermaster ; Dr. T. H. Cooper, 
Surgeon ; Rev. D. C. Litchfield, Chaplain ; William 
J. Miles, Sentinel. 

THE WARWICK LIBRARY 
was founded by an association formed Dec. 12, 1814, 
at the house of Isaac Dolsen. The trustees named 
in the certificate were William W. Brooks, Job Noble, 
Rev. John J. Christie, Benjamin S. Hoyt, John W. 
Smith, Nathaniel Jones, and Robert Crary. A small 
library was bought, and the books put in circulation. 
It shows considerable literary taste at that early period 
that such an attempt was made. It lasted but a few 
years. The books were scattered, and the "War- 
wick Library" passed into history. 

THE FRANKLIN LIBRARY 
was legally organized March 10, 1814, with John M. 
Satterly as chairman of the meeting. The trustees 
named in the certificate were Charles Cummins, 
James Wood, John M. Satterly, Thomas Allison, 
Thomas Jackson, Benjamin I. Seward, and John J. 
Wheeler. The paper was verified by the chairman 
before Judge John Steward, March 19, 1814. This 
shows something of the literary enterprise at Florida 
in an early day. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF WARWICK. 
This institution was organized in the winter of 1864. 
The articles of association were approved by the comp- 
troller of the currency March 14, 1864, and the bank 
was opened for business April 2d of the same year. 
The first board of directors consisted of John L. 
Welling, Samuel C. Welling, F. M. Woodhull, Grin- 
nell Burt, John Cowdrey, Richard Wisner, C. H. De- 
merest, George W. Sanford, and James A. Thomp- 
son. John L. Welling was the first president of the 
bank. He was succeeded by the present incumbent, 
C. H. Demerest, Jan. 29, 1878. John Cowdrey was 
chosen vice-president at the organization, and still 
holds that office. Mahlon Cooper was the first cashier. 
He was succeeded by Gabriel S. Holbert, Oct. 22, 
1864. The present cashier, C. A. Crisses, followed 
Mr. Holbert, commencing his services Jan. 1,' 1869. 
The capital of the bank was named at $75,000, but 
there was so much anxiety to secure the stock (five 
per cent, premium being oft'ered before going into 
business) that it was immediately increased to 
.$100,000. Business was done at first in rooms of the 
Van Duzer Building. The present, handsome and 
convenient edifice was erected by the bank in 1868, 
and occupied in March, 1869. The present board of 
directors (October, 1880) comprises the following 



598 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



names : C. H. Demarest, John L. Welling, Thomas 
Welling, James C. Sly, P. E. Sanford, G. W. Sanford, 
Grinnell Burt, John Cowdioy, Richard Wisner. 

WARWICK SAVINGS-BANK. 
This institution was organized pursuant to the gen- 
eral act passed May, 1875. The hank opened for 
business Jan. 1, 187ti, with the following officers and 
trustees: Thomas Burt, president and treasurer; 
Thomas G. Pierson, first vice-president; William C. 
Eager, second vice-president; William J. Sly, William 
L. Ogden, DeWitt C. Jayne, Samuel Pelton, I. V. 
Wheeler, Cornelius .T. Lazear, C. H. Wilson, James 
H. Holly, J. E. Waterbury, James Wisner, A. James 
Burt, John Ackeriiian, William M. Sanford, Thomas 
Welling. Thomas Burt was the first president, and 
was succeeded by James H. Holly, now in office. 
Thomas Burt has been treasurer from the first, and 
the general business is transacted by him. The sum 
on deposit now (October, 1880) is $182,000. This was 
the first bank organized under the new law of 1875. 

TIIK WARWICK VALLEY FARMERS' MILK ASSOCIA- 
TION 

executed a certificate of incorporation April 1, 1872. 
The objects were stated to be the following, viz. : " To 
work up and dispose of a surplus of milk whenever 
there shall be a flush of milk, or whenever in the 
opinion of the trustees it shall be for the interest of 
the association to do so." The corporate stock was 
fixed at $12,000. The first trustees named were Jesse 
Holbert, Nicholas N. Ryerson, Isaac V. Wheeler, 
George W. Sayer, Richard Wisner, Wm. L. Benedict, 
James Wisner, Alexander H. Galloway. The shares 
were to be 240, at .i!50 each. 

Of this board, Mr. Isaac V. Wheeler is de^-cased, 
and Mr. Ryerson retired ; John Vandevort and James 
Ball were chosen members, and the rest of the boanl 
remain the same as at the time of the organization. 
Thomas Welling has been president of the association 
from the first, and C. H. Demerest also secretai-y and 
treasurer. The company have a large and convenient 
building 70 by 40, and thoroughly supplied with the 
best of modern fixtures and machinery. They ship 
milk and cream to New York direct, manufacture 
some butter, but do their largest business in cheese. 
Their cheese-room, when nearly filled, presents a fine 
sight. This property was purchased of Thomas Smith, 
who had been doing busine.ss in the same line for a 
time. 

THOMAS SMITH'S CREAMERY. 

This is also located at Warwick village, and is an 
unincorporated private enterprise. It was estab- 
lished soon after the sale of the other property to the 
above milk association. The shipment of milk and 
cream and the manufacture of butter and cheese 
(mostly the latter) constitute Mr. Smith's business 
here. The shipments are all to his own New York 
sales-house, where he is himself located. 



THE PRODUCERS' MILK COMPANY, WARWICK, 
was formed April 18, 1870. The objects were stated 
in the certificate as follows : " To purchase, make, 
manufacture, produce, or vend milk or cream." The 
capital stock was stated at $25,000, divided into 250 
shares. The trustees named were Pierson E. San- 
ford, of Warwick ; David P. Brockway, of New York 
City ; Charles T. Pegg, of New York City ; and L. H. 
Sanford, of the town of Warwick. This was mostly 
a New York business for the sale of dairy produc- 
tions ; the supplies, however, coming from the vicinity 
of Warwick, and for various reasons incorporated in 
Orange County. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OR OF 
SPECIAL NOTE. 

There are neither battle-grounds nor encampments 
of armies to be described in connection with the fair 
valleys of Warwick. Doubtless the Indians loved 
these haunts, and had their favorite places ; of these 
little is known save the traditions connected with the 
Welling farm. There is said to have been an Indian 
settlement known to the early white men as Mistucky.* 
There is little romance in the name, but the imagina- 
tion may invest those now cultivated fields with all 
the usual tales of aboriginal scenes ; love and war, 
and council fires, and Indian eloquence may all have 
combined to render the place classic ground in Indian 
story. 

CHOUCKHASS HILL. 
In near connection with this we have the following 
from the article of Grinnell Burt before quoted : 

" My great-grandfather, Daniel Burt, purchased Borne six hundred acres, 
extending from the Beardsley purchase up to and inchiding Mistucky, 
tlien au Indian village. Chouckhass, the ruling chief, was one of the 
twelve grantors who signed the deed fur the Wawayanda Patent, there 
lived and died and was buried. Years after, when no trjice was left of 
the Indiau village, the bones of the old chief were plowed up, and that 
old patriot. Gen. Hathorn, gave to them a decent sepulture." 

That the Tories in the time of the Revolution had 
hiding-places in this town and routes of travel through 
it is also i^robable, yet little or nothing is known con- 
cerning them. 

When the excavations for the water-works was 
being made, a skeleton was dug up beside which there 
were some relics, as knee-buckles and other articles 
of dress. 

BIRTHPLACE OF WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

The old residence of Judge Samuel Seward, in which 
William H. Seward was born, stands upon the east side 
of Main Street but a few doors north of the old vil- 
lage church. It is a low, one-story, gambrel-roofed 
house, and is a dwelling of considerable age, though 
in good preservation, having been kept neatly painted. 
It was sold some years ago. It is now owned by Wil- 

* Miskatucky. 



WAKWICK. 



599 



Ham E. Mapes, of Goshen, and occupied by tenants. 
It may easily be identified by strangers visiting Florida, 
as there is standing near it an American sycamore- 
tree, a tall, handsome specimen, with variegated trunk 
and well-balanced symmetrical top. 



XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

The people of Warwick are mostly engaged in ag- 
riculture. Some of the finest farms in the county are 
to be found in this town. The valley of the War- 
wick Creek and the lower slopes of the adjacent hills 
are fertile, yielding abundant rewards in return for 
diligent cultivation. The farmers are evidently en- 
terprising, taking a just pride in their occupation ; 
there is a neatness of cultivation, a general air of 
thrift and energy displayed in good fences, conveni- 
ent and spacious farm buildings, and improved stock, 
all of which is exceedingly commendable, and rarely 
surpassed in the county or even in the State. In the 
^Vestern portion of the town are the celebrated 
Drowned Lauds, of rich, deep soil, and so productive 
that it is no wonder immigrants were attracted there 
long before the Kevolutionary war. Great attention 
has been given to the county fairs by the farmers of 
AVarwick ; the recent one of 1880, held at Warwick 
village, equaling any of its long list of predecessors 
in the interest shown and in the variety and abund- 
ance of the exhibits. 

The manufacture of butter, once so celebrated as to 
have given " Orange County butter" a national rep- 
utation, has given way as in other parts of the county 
to direct shipments of milk. The amounts leaving 
their various depots every afternoon and evening are 
simply enormous. 



XII.-MILITABY. 
The town of Warwick was not organized until after 
the close of the Revolutionary war. There was, how- i 
ever, quite a thorough settlement of this territory as a [ 
part of (xoshen Precinct for many years previous. The 
accounts given and the papers embodied under the 
head of Early Settlement show a population of such 
numbers as to have furnished many participants in 
that great struggle for Independence. Their names 
are found in the military rolls elsewhere given, and 
in the general chapters upon Revolutionary times. 
It may be repeated here, however, that Col. Hathorn's 
regiment, members of which, as well as himself, were 
conspicuous in the battle of Minisink, had its head- 
quarters in Warwick village. For local movements in 
the war of 1812 reference is also made to the General 
History. 

WAR OF I S61-65.— OFFICIAL ACTION. 
At a special town-meeting held at the house of 
Thomas S. DeKay, Aug. 8, 18t)4, resolutions were 
adopted providing for a tax sufficient to pay $500 
bounty to each volunteer for three years, $450 for 
two years, and $400 for one year. The same sum was 



voted to any citizen who should furnish a substitute 
towards filling the quota of the town. 

A committee of three was appointed to issue bonds 
in the name of the town for the purpose of raising 
the money ; to sell said bonds at any price they may 
be able to negotiate them, not below par, and to pay 
out the money so obtained to volunteers. The com- 
mittee were William H. Houston, Grinnell Burt, and 
William D. Irwin. Further powers were granted to 
the committee to employ, if necessary, a town agent, 
and to pay $25 hand-money for each recruit obtained 
to fill the quota. 

Sept. 1, 1864, another special town-meeting was 
held at the house of E. M. Smith. An appropria- 
tion of $100,000 was voted for the purpose of paying 
bounties. The proceedings of the first meeting were 
to a certain extent repealed, but the same committee 
was continued and the same bounties authorized. 

Another special town-meeting was held Dec. 22, 
1864, at which an appropriation of $100,000 was 
again voted for the payment of bounties. The com- 
mittee appointed were William H. Houston, John M. 
Bradner, William D. Irwin, and they were fully au- 
thorized to take all necessary steps to raise the money, 
pay the bounties, and fill the quota. 

The list annexed has been prepared from the 
printed muster-in rolls of the State, and from the 
record in the office of the town clerk, supplemented 
by inquiries of those who were in the service: 

Lewis Asbley, (Jo. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 12, 1862 ; died of fever May 11, 

1863, at TigerviUe, near New Orleana. 
Cornelius Allison, Co D, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; died Dec. 10, 1862, 

of typlioiii fever, at Baltimore. 
John Henry Ackerman, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch.Juue 

2, 1805; died since the war. 
Charles H. Acker, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. for disability. 
Edmund F. Allen, Corp., Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Martin S. Ackerman, Co. E, H. Art. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1864 ; captured at Deep 

Bottom, and died in AndersonviUe prison. 
Joseph Ashley, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; disch. June 26, 1865. 
Lewis D. Adams, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1802 ; disch. August, 1865. 
George Ackerson, 57th ; enl. Jan. 27, 1865. 
John Allen, naval service. 
James H. BcrUiolf, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died of typhoid fever 

at Fahuoutli, Va., Dec. 8, 1862, and buried there. 
James M. Bontain, ord. sergt. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1861; disch. for disability 

May 1, 1S64 ; re-eul. in New Jersey Cavalry. 
John H. Butler, 7th Art. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864 ; wounded June 16, 1864. 
Charles Brown, enl. Jjin. 9, 18G3; disch. July, 1865; wounded at the 

battle of North Anna. 
Joseph S. Brooks, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; killed at the battle 

of Chancel lorsville. 
Edward J. Blake, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; sick in hospital part 

of the time; disch. June, 1865. 
Charles H. Bull, Corp., Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; disch. June, 1866 ; 

wounded 
Ilairison Hull, coi'p., Co. B, 124th; enl. August, 1862; wounded in the 

Wilderness; disch. June, 1865. 
Milton Bucaunon, enl. Aug. 29, 1864 ; served in New York harbor; disch. 

June, 1865. 
David Barrett, Jr., Co. II, 124th. 

James Bucannon, 15th Cavalry ; enl. 1863 ; disch. July 21, 1865. 
Charles K. Baird, 7th ; enl. April, 1861 ; disch. August, 1861. 
David D. Barrett, Co. D, 124th ; cnl. Jan. 26, 1863 ; killed at Spott- 

sylvania. 
George R. Brown, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 
Sidney D. Bertholf, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died of typhoid fever 

Jan. 31, 18G2, on board of boat going to Baltimore. 



600 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



George Babcock, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802. 

David Babcock, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; disch. June, 1865. 

Daniel Babcock, Co. B, 124th; enl. 1S02. 

Davitl P. Ballard, Co. B, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 

Theodore Babcock, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 22, 1862. 

Jerome Babcock, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 30, 1862 ; taken prisoner and died 

in rebel hands. 
James W. Benedict, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862; capt. ; wounded in 

the battle of the Wilderness. 
Francis A. Benedict, Corp., Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at 

ChaDcellorsville and buried on the battle-tield. 
Gillian Bertholf, Co. D, I24th; enl. Aug. 11,1862. 
William L. Becraft, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville. 
Charles C. Benedict, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; died at Warwick, 

of typhoid fever, Nov. 2, 1862. 
E. Morris Bahrman, Corp., Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, '62; disch. June, '65. 
Anthony Bush, enl. Feb. 25, 1865. 
Isaac J. Babcock, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
Edward Burns, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
Thomas Bonter, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
James Brown, naval service; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
Judson Beach, naval service. 
William Brown, naval service. 
John Burns, naval service. 

Horace Bertholf, naval service ; enl. Oct. 7, 1863. 
Charles Bertholf, naval service; enl. Oct. 7, 1863. 
Samuel Berbers, 56lh ; enl. Aug. 13, 1861. 
Edward Bronson, Co. D, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Edward Barnes, 64tli ; enl. Oct. 8, 18M. 
Morris Benedict, enl. Dec. 16, 1863. 
Joseph Benjamin, 20th V. S. C. T. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Elisha B. Benjamin, Co. B, 124th; killed in action. 
Matthew Babcock, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 
Charles Babcock, Co. D, 124th; enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Volney Benjamin, enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 

Joel H. Brown, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864 ; died in the service. 
John Bush, enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 
Otto Bittmann, Co. I, 64th ; enl. Feb. 2, 1865. 
George T. Burns, 176th ; enl. March 6, 1865. 
Jonathan Bickhart, enl. Oct. 5, 1863. 
Paul Baure, enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
Samuel Bollet, enl. Jan. 23, 1806. 
Charles Bush, enl. Jan. 30, 1865. 
James Benson, naval service. 
George Bolton, 5tli Cavalry; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Abram T. Brown, 5th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; taken prisoner before 

Richmond, and died in rebel hands. 
Alfred Brown, lOOth ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862. 
David Boweu, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Francis Brock, 124th ; enl. Sept 5, 1862. 
James Brady, naval service. 
George M. Barker, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 7, 1864; wounded at Spottsyl- 

vania; disch. Aug. 7, 1865. 
Joseph Benjamin, Co. D, 56th ; enl. 1861. 
Wells Benjamin, Co. D, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Peter Byrnes, Co. D, 124lh. 
Charles Bartleson, Co. D, 124th. 
Albert Bigler, Co. D, 124th ; wounded April 6, 1865. 
Peter Byrne, Co. D, 124th. 

David Conklin, Co. M, l.'.th Art. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
James J. Cox, sergt., Co. D, 56th; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; pro. lieut. 
David Carr, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 12, 1862. 
Martin C. Conklin, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 29, 1862. 
Moses S. Clark, Co. B, 124tli ; enl. August, 1862. 

James H. Clark, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; wounded in the Wilder- 
ness; disch. June 15, 1805. 
John K. Clark, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at ChaDcel- 
lorsville. 
Peter Conklin, Corp., Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded at ChaD- 
cellorsville; disch. Oct. 20, 1864, for disability. 
Henry P. Corey, Co. G, 56th ; enl. .\pril, 1861 ; disch. disabled, February, 

1862 ; re-enl. Dec. 18, 1863, Co. B, 124th ; disch. May 4, 1865. 
James A. Carr, Co. G, 56th ; enl. May 1, 1861. 
George Culver^ Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
Jacob Cronk, 7th Art. ; enl. Dec. 18, 1863. 
William Cronk, 7th Art. ; enl. Dec. 26, 1663. 



William Conklin, 15th Art. ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 

Martin V. Campbell, Co. D, 1241h : enl. Jan, 4, 1864. 

David Conklin, 16tli Art.; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 

Thomas Collis, ir.tli Art. ; enl. Jan. 25, 1864. 

James Cannon, 48th ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 

Patrick Connelly, 4Sth ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864 ; trans, to 124th. 

Thomas Collins, Co. D, 124th. 

Albert P. Cronk, 106th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 

Thomas Culliu, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 

Wm. Conlet, Co. D, 124th ; enl. .Sept. 12, 1864. 

.John S. Conklin, enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 

John Crossley, 106tli ; enl. Feb. 8, 1865. 

Henry 0. Covert, 56th ; enl. March 8, 1865. 

John H. Cronk, enl. March 8, 1865. 

James Cropley, enl. Jan. 23, 1866. 

Thomas Cane, enl. Feb. 5, 1866. 

John Chaplan, enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 

Harrison Cooper, naval service. 

Richard Callahan, enl. Aug. 15, 1804. 

John Cowdrey, Jr., 1st sergt., Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; 

typhoid fever at Falmouth, Va., June 9, 1863. 
Joel Cole, 166th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1862 ; died in Louisiana, Jan. 20, 1863. 
Abram Conklin, enl. October, 1804. 

David Curry, Co. D, 124th ; enl. August, 1802 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Nathaniel Conklin, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1864. 
John Carey, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1864. 

Dr. Theodore H. Cooper, asst. surg. ; enl. 1863 ; appointed to the 93d, but 
was trans, to Light Artillery and served with various brigades; 
disch. April, 1804. 
Robert Gmnelly, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1802. 

Wm. H. Callister, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1862; wounded at Beverly Ford. 
Joseph Durland, Co. M, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 
Wm. Doland, Co. M, 1.6lh Art.; enl. .Ian. 26, 1864. 

Erastus Dill, Co. D, 56tl] ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; disch. for disability in 1862; 
re-enl. Sept. 21, 1864, Co. D, 124 lli ; disch. June 16, 1866 ; died since. 
Henry Dolsen, Co. D, 66th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Joseph Davey, Co. A, 124Hi ; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; pro. to corp.J wounded 

at Cbancellol-sville; disch. June 26, 1865. 
Norman I. Decker, Jr., musician, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 27, 1862 ; disch. 

in 1863. 
Wm.Dolsen, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. for disability ; re-enl. 

in 7th Artillery. 
John Degraw (3d), Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. May 22. 1866; 

wounded at Gettysburg. 
Peter DcKay, 5th Art. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1864 ; disch. July 6, 1865. 
Norman L. Dill, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; trans, to V. R. C. Sept. 
3, 1863 ; pro. to ord. sergt. ; disch. July 20, 1865 ; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville. 
■George Davis. Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864 ; disch. June 18, 1866. 
Wm. H. Dill, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; pro. to sergt., 2d lieut., 1st 

lieut., capt, and major U. S. C. T. ; wounded in the Wilderness. 
Theodore Dill, Co. A, 6l8t; enl. Aug. 9, 1864; died in Staunton Hospital, 

Feb. 24, 1865. 
Oscar Dolsen, 7th Art.; enl. Dec. 26, 1863; disch. Aug. 1, 1865; killed 

since the war b.v an accident in a well. 
Wm. Douglass, 106th ; enl. Feb. 10, 1865. 
Martin Dowling, lOCth ; enl. Feb. 11, 1865. 
Christopher Dedeiick, enl. Aug. 1, 1864. 
Alfred Decker, enl. Oct. 17, 1863. 
George Di.\on, enl. Aug. 21, 1864. 
John Davis, enl. Aug. 16, 1864. 
Thomas Daniels, naval service. 
Henry Doland, 5th Cavalry; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
Daniel Devow, 1st Eng. ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861. 
William Duval, 1st Eng.; enl Sept. 14, 1861. 
John W. Duval, 5th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
John W. Devow, enl. Jan. 4, 1863. 

Isaac Devow, 1st Cavalry; enl. Sept. 13, 1864; disch. July 5, 1865. 
Jesseniah Dolsen, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802 ; wounded in the Wil- 
derness; died May 18, 1864, from the effects of the wound. 
George W. Decker, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; taken prisoner at 
Chanceltorsville ; paroled May 5, 1863 ; exchanged ; wounded in the 
Wilderness; disch. June 25, 1805. 
John C. Degraw, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, and also May 12, 1864 ; disch. in 1865. 
Daniel P. Dugan. Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wouDded in the Wil- 
derness twice ; disch. July 18, 1806. 



WARWICK. 



601 



Garret Decker, Jr., Co. D. 124tli ; enl. December, 1864; twice wounded 

in tlie Wilderness; disch. June, lS6o. 
Clmrles W. Davis, Co, D, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; discli. June 2, 1865. 
James J. Decker, 15tb New Jersey; enl. Aug 25, 18B2 ; wounded on 

picket duty. 
John W. Decker, Co. E, 10th; enl. Sept. 4, 1863; wounded near Peters- 
burg; disch. June, 18G5. 
Alfred Decker, Co. B, 30th ; eul. June 1, 1861 ; disch. for disability July 

16,1863; re-enl. in 4Sth; disch. Sept. 1, 186.i. 
Robert Decker, Co. I, 66th; enl. May, 1861; wounded at Fair Oaks; 

discli.; re-enl. Oct. 8, 1863; wounded again ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864. 
John M. Decker, 20th ; enl. September, 1862 ; pro. to sergt. ; disch. Au- 
gust, 186.5, 
James H. Dubois, enl. Dec. 15, 1863. 

James Dunn, Ist Eng. ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 25, 1864. 
Jeremiah Dailey, Co. D, 124th; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Patiick Donahue, enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 

David Dowling, 1st Erjg. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Wni. Deiow, 1st Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Thomas Deface, 26th ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Charles Dowling, naval service. 
Joiiu Downes, enl. Aug. 10, 1864. 

Amos Delong, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1864; wounded April 6, 18G5. 
John Degraw, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

Norman L. Dill, Co. D, 124th : eul. 1862 ; wounded at Cliancelloraville. 
William Dolsen, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

William Edsall, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4 ; disch. June 14, 1865. 
Daniel M. Ellis, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Frederick W. Ellen, 7th Artillery ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Edward Earl, Co. D, I24tli ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
William Elliott, 25th Cavalry; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 
John Edwards, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; wounded at Mine Run, 

and died in hospital at Washington, D. C. 
James Edwards, Jr., 5tli Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 1, 1863. 
George W. Edwards, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
George R. Ford, Jr., Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1801. 
Thomas Farrall, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; killed at the battle of 

Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 
Thomas French, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 

Wni. R. Flagler, 56th ; enl. September, 1861; pro. to corp. and 1st lieut. 
Abrani C. Forshee, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; wounded at Chau- 

cellorsville ; pro. to corp. ; disch. June 25, 1865 ; died since the war. 
Edward Fitzgerald, Co. D, 66th ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864; disch. July 3, 1865. 
Geo. W. Fitzgerald, Co. D, 561b ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864; disch. July 3, 1865. 
Wm. Fern, enl. May 2, 1801 ; disch. for disability in 1863. 
diaries H. Fowler, Co. B, IDtli ; enl. June 5, 1861 ; disch. October, 1861 ; 

re-enl. in Ist Bat.; died at home March 30, 1863. 
Levi D. Fowler, Co. D, 124th; enl. Dec. 24, 1863; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

June 29, 1865. 
Chas. A. Foster, Co. L, 2d Art. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865. 
John Freeman, 20tli U. S. C. T. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864. 
Charles C. Fullertou, enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 
Wni. E. Force, 143d; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Julius A. Freeman, 106th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 
Samuel F. Frederick, 124th; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
John F. Falvey, 106th ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864. 
Sapia Frazier, enl. Sept. 5, 18f>4. 
Wm. Frazier, eul. Aug. 16, 1804. 
James Ferner, 6tli Cavalry; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Charles Ferner, 5th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 

James Green, Jr., Co. D, 50th; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; disch. October, 1802. 
Simeon Garrison, Co. B, 124tli; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; wounded at Spottayl- 

\'auia. 
Thouiuii J. Garrahty, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 12, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 15, 1864. 
David Garrison, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 22, 1862; disch. February, 1804. 
John JI. Garrison, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Sept. 22, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville. 
Thos. Garrison, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 14, 1862 ; diach. September, 1864. 
Alfred Gray, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. Feb. 4, 1863 ; died 

in Warwick, Jan. 29, 1865. 
John S. Gray, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862; died near Waahington, 

June 10, 1864. 
Benjamin Gray, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; disch. in 1865. 
Thomas H. Grifflths, Co. L, 7th Art. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1863 ; supposed to have 

died in Andersonville prison. 
John Gannon, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg; 

died since the war. 
39 



Solomon Gannon, Jr., 7th Art. ; enl. Dec. 21, 1863. 

James N. Gaul, 2Gth Heavy Art. ; enl. Jan. 3, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 10, 1865 ; 

died three days after returning home. 
Thomas Gaul, 20tli U. S. C. T. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; died of fever at Port 

Hudson. 
Benjamin F. Gowne, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Edward A. Grace, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
Peter Gannon, Ist Eng. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804. 
Charles F. Gifford, oOtli Eng. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
Frank Gardner, 106th ; enl. Feb. 8, 1865. 
Wm. H. Green, 1st Eng. ; eul. March 8, 1865. 
James Gray, enl. Oct. 23, 1865. 
Charies Green, enl. Oct. 19, 1863. 
Charles Gaulden, enl. Jan. 26, 1865. 
Cjesar Grumbler, enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
David Green, enl. Aug. 27, 1804. 
Israel Gellanl, enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
Henry Gavitt, enl. in naval service. 
John Gumthell, naval service; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
Stephen W. Garrison, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
I^aac Garrison, Co D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; died in the service. 
Samuel Green, Co. B, 124th ; eul. Sept. 13, 1864 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Alvin Green, 124th; enl. Sept 13, 1864. 

Robert W. Gardner, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; died near Wash- 
ington. 
Samuel W. Garrison, Co. D, 124th ; enl. September, 1862 ; wounded in the 

Wilderness. 
Charles Gordon, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1864. 

Wm. H. Gordon, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1864; wounded May 12, 1864. 
Charies Hollenbeck, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1861. 
Charles B. Hazen, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 
Wm. H. Hazen, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; pro. to sergt. for bravery 

at Chancellorsvitle. 
Jesse Hunter, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; wounded in the Wilder- 
ness; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Wm. H. Holbert, Co. C, 176th; enl. Sept. 29, 1862. 
Benjamin Halstead, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 31, 1862. 
Cart G. Hoffman, Co. D, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded at Spottsyl- 

vania. May 12, 1804; disch. May 8, 1865. 
Hiram G. Herrick, sergt., Co. D, 124th ; eul. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. May 

23, 1863. 
Ebenezer Hazen, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; pro. to Corp., sergt., 

and 1st lieut. ; wounded at Boynton Roads ; disch. June 6, 1865. 
Thomas M. Hyatt, Corp., Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. June 

6, 1865. 
Ezra Hyatt, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 10, 1802; pro. to Corp.; wounded at 

Gettysburg ; disch. July 14, 1865. 
Peter D. Howell, Co. D, 124tli ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
John Hall, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died June 14, 1863. 
Samuel Hall, Co. E, 66th ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 15, 1864. 
Henry H. Hyatt, Co. D, 124th; enl. .\ug 7, 1862; pro. to Corp.; disch. 

May, 1866 ; wounded at Beverly Ford. 
Wm. E. Hyatt, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; pro. Corp.; killed in 

the battle of the Wilderness and buried on the field. 
John L. Horton, Co. C, 176th; enl. Dec. 11,1862; wounded at Fronsh 

Crossing, La.; disch. Feb. 16, 1865. 
Joseph Herman, Co. D, 124tli ; enl. Jan. 12, 1864 ; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Wm. Nelson Hyatt, Co. M, 16th Cavalry; enl. Aug. 28,1863; died of 

disease May 30, 1865. 
Nathan Hunt, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 : disch. June 30, 1865. 
Charies D. House, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Dec. 27, 1863. 
George W. Harrison, 20th U. S. C. T.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
George L. Howard, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 31, 1864. 
James Halsey, Co. K, 124th: enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
John Hidelbnrgh, 7th ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Henry Houston, 124th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 
Edward Hughes, enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
James Holland, 1st Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 15, 1804. 
Wm. Hunter, 100th; enl. Feb. 16, 1865. 
James Horton, 56th ; enl. 1861. 
John Henry, enl. Oct. 28, 1863. 
Otto Hitchell, enl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
Richard Hooley, eul. Jan. 27, 1865. 
James W. Halsey, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
Thomas G. Holmes, Co. D, 124th. 
Dennis Horton, enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
George Haywood, enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 



602 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John Hurley, enl. July 3(1, 1864. 

ThoniHB Haines, uaval service. 

Isaac C. Hiclfs, naval service, ship "Penobscot;" enl. Oct. 7,1863; disch. 
Feb. 2, 1865. 

John W. Houston, capt., Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; wounded twice ; disch. 
Aug. H, 1864. 

Orlando A. Humphrey, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at 
Cliaucellorsville, May 3, 1863; disch. for wounds. 

Cornelius Ilolbcrt, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. 

Gilbert S. Howard, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1862. 

Henry Hubbard, 176th. 

Thomas Horton, Slitli ; enl. 1861. 

Thomas G. Holmes, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1864. 

Emmet M. Irwin, Corp., Co. C, 2d; enl. April 22, 1861; disch. May 1, 
1864 ; died since the war from wounds. 

James G. Irwin, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; pro. ord.-sergt.; 
disch, Sept. 1, 1864. 

Joseph D. Jackson, Co. D, IStli ; enl. April 27, 1861 : disch. May, 1863; 
re-enl. Co. K, 124tll, Sept. 8, 1864; discb. June 2, 1865. 

James E. Jenkinsou, Co. G, 56tli; enl. March 1, 1864. 

Thomas Jackson, 20th U. S. C. T. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864. 

John Johnson, Co. D, 124th. 

James Johnson, 2ilth U. S. C. T.; enl. Jan. 2, 1864. 

John Joyce, 2oth Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 

Benjaniiri Jay Cox, enl. Oct. 30, 1863. 

Martin Johnson, en). July 5, 1864. 

Scipio Jenkins, enl. Sept. 1, 1864. 

Charles Jones. Engineers; enl. Sept. 20, 1864. 

Oliver Y. Jackson, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept. 20, 1862; taken prisoner, pa- 
roled; discb. Feb. 1.5, 1864. 

Wakenian Jolinson, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; died in the service 
or soon after discharge. 

Robert Henry Kelly, 74tli; enl. Aug 8, 1861; wounded in the Wilder- 
ness ; disch. August, 1864. 

Andrew Kniffin, SCtli ; enl. Sept. 14, 1862; taken prisoner;- supposed 
to have died soon iiftor being paroled. 

Kobert Higgins Kelly, Co. A, 174th ; enl. Sept. 29,1862; wounded at 
Port Hudson; disch. July 17, 186u. 

Andrew J. Knilttn, 176th ; enl. 1862; taken prisoner; paroled; died soon 
after at New Orleans. 

John Kelly, 56th ; enl. Aug. 31, 1864. 

Samuel Kniffln, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

James Kelly, 124th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 

George T. Kemble, 16th Art.; enl. March 8, 1865. 

Wm. Keller, enl. Feb. 17, 1865. 

Ferdinand Koehler, enl. Nov. 10, 1863. 

Henry King, drummer, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 

Charles Koch, enl. Jan. 20, 1865. 

Andrew Kelly, enl. Jan. 27, 1865. 

Michael Kenny, enl. Jan. 31, 1865. 

Michael Kennedy, naval service. 

Michael Keogh, naval service. 

John E. Kerble, naval service. 

Lawrence Kierner, naval service. 

Frank Kelly, enl. Aug. 10, 1864. 

Patrick Kelly, enl. Aug. 15, 1.S64. 

Charles A. King, uaval service; enl. Oct. 7, 1863; disch. Feb. 2, 1865. 

George B. Kinney, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; wounded at Gettys- 
burg ; disch. Feb. 15, 1864. 

Wm. H. Luckey, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 13,1862; disch. Sept. 8, 1863. 

James E. Luckey, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept. 20,1862; pro. sergt.; died 
Aug. 25, 1864, at New Orleans; had served in the 56th previously. 

Robert C. Leeper, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 5, 1852. 

Isaac S. Luckey, o6th : enl. 1861. 

Samuel Lozier, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 

James Lewis, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Jan. 15, 1664. 

Edward Lawrence, 106th; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 

William Lee, enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 

John Lappin, enl. Feb. 8, 1865. 

Sylvester Lacey, enl. Feb. 10, 1865. 

George Lloyd, enl. July 15, 1864. 

Richard Lastree, enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 

Thomas Lockwood, enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 

Thomas Laybrook, enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 

Lewis Lee, enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 

Peter Leonard, naval service. 

John Lander, naval service; enl. Aug. 16, 1864. 



Rensselaer Lamoreux, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug, 9, 1862; disch. June 6, 

1865. 
Oliver C. Lewis, 5tli Cavalry ; enl. Aug. 28, 1864 ; disch. in 1803 ; died in 

1864. 
Edward H. Lewis, enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 

John W. Leeper, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1862; killed at Gettysburg. 
James Marsden, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 
Patrick Mulligan, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 2, 1861. 
W. DeWilt Jlillspaugh, Jr., Corp., Co. B, 124th : enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Peter B. Monell. 48th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861 ; re-enl. 
William McGarrah, Co. D. 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 12, 1864 ; 

wounded at Chancellorsville. 
William M. Mann, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. June 2, 1865. 
James II. McElroy, musician, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; disch. Feb. 

23, 1863. 
Thomas G. Mabee, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; pro. to sergt. and 2d 

lieut. ; wounded in the Wilderness; disch. June 2, 1865. 
William J. Miles, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded at Cold Hai^ 

bor ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Joel McCann, Co. D, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville; disch. June, 1865. 
Robert B. McGullie, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861; pro. Corp.; killed 

at the battle of Fair Oaks. 
William McGufiie, Co. K, 35th ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864; disch. May, 1865. 
Coleman Morris, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 24, 1862; pro. corp. ; wounded 

at Chancellorsville; disch. June 1, 1865. 
William E. Mapes, 2d lieut. ; pro. capt. Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; 

lost right leg; disch. Dec. 19, 1864. 
Abram S. Miller, Co. D, 50th; enl. May, 1864. 
Isaac Mason, Co. C, 14th Rhode Island ; enl. September, 1863 ; died May 

10, 1864, in Texas. 
Archibald Minnia, Co. C, 176th; enl. August, 1862; wounded; disch. 

Feb. 15, 1864. 
Owen McCabe, enl. December, 1863; disch. Aug. 20, 1865. 
Win. H. Morgan, 124th ; enl. Dec. 21, 1863; wounded at Spottsylvania. 
Wm. E. Merritt, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Michael McNorris, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Wm. Monroe, Co. D, 124th. 
John Morgan, Co. D, 124th; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 
Johnson Monroe, Co. D, 124th. 
Hezekiah Montross, Co. D, 124th; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 
Charles Morgan, Co. D, 124th. 
Hugh McGurdy, Co. D, 124tb ; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 
James Morrison, 7th Art ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
Wm. Margison. 16th ; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Thoujas Morgan, 124tb ; enl. Feb. 10, 1864. 
Isaac Blillspaugh,56th; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Martin McKinney, Co. K, 124th; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
George W. Mulligan, 20th ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. 
James McCabe, 25th Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Thomas McGuire, 48th ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 
George Milo, enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Samuel McWilliams, 106th; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
James S. Martin, 106th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 
Ross Milligan, lOOtli ; enl. Feb. 26, 1866. 
Joseph Martin, Ifitli Art.; enl. March 8, 1865. 
Wm. Miller, enl. Aug. 13, 1864. 
Patrick Mongey, enl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
Frederick Myer, ehl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
Simon IMadigan, enl, Feb. 26, 1866. 
Wm. Milligan, onl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
Jacob W. May, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
Quabney Middloton, enl. Oct. 1, 1864. 
Frank Middleton, enl. Oct. 1, 1864. 
John N. Meagher, naval service. 
Anthony Meagiier, naval service. 
James McLaren, naval service. 
Wm. McCarthy, naval service. 
Patrick Mullin, enl. Aug. 16, 1864. 
Hiram Mann, 56tli ; enl. September, 1861. 

Michael McDonald, enl. June 13, 1863 ; disch. September, 1866. 
Martin Mulvehill, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
M. McMorris, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; wounded in the Wilderness ; died 

in the service. 
Hugh McShane, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
A. J. Messenger, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 
J. J. Messenger, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 



WARWICK. 



603 



John Nenkirk, Co. F, 124th ; enl. July 29, 1862; disch. June, 1865. 

Jacob Newall, Co. C, 176th ; ciil. Sept. 11, 1802. 

Philip Nonis, enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 

William Nevin, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. 

George Newell, enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 

Peter Nelson, naval service. 

Andrew Nester, enl. Aug. 15. 1864 ; naval service. 

George Osborn, enl. Sept. .'j, 1864. 

John C. Orrae, enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 

Wm. Oliver, enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 

George Odell, Co. D, 124th : enl. August, 1862. 

Oliver Odell, 0th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 

John Odoll, 50th ; enl. July 29, 1861. 

James Odell, 50th ; enl. August, 1861. 

Miles Odell, 50th ; enl. Aug. 10, 1801. 

Thomas P. Powell, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; died at City Point, 

Va., Nov. 29, 1864, of smallpo.\. 
James L. Pembleton, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1S62; killed at battle 

of Gettysburg. 
Joseph B. Prince, Co. D, 26th ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 18, 1865. 
Henry J. Powell, 15th Art.; enl. Dec.21, 1863. 
James H. Paddock, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 14, 1804. 
Robert Pattei-son, enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Edward A. Patterson, enl. Teh. 8, 1864. 
Henry C. Packard, enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 
James Patterson, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 
James Plant, 124lh ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
Thomas Phillips, enl. Oct. 23, 1863. 
James Pilcher, enl. Aug. 11, 1864. 
James Pairlo, enl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
James H. Polly, naval service. 
Samuel Pifer, enl. Aug. 16, 1864. 
Gideon H. Pelton, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; pro. corp. ; wounded 

at Gettysburg; disch. Jan. 30, 1805 ; died since the war. 
Philip P. Pitts, enl. November, 1863. 
Henry P. Peck. 

Daniel P. Payne, Co, D, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; wounded in the Wilderness. 
Sylvester Qnackenbush, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863. 
Jonas F. Qnackenbush, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville; disch. Sept. 6, 1863. 
Henry S. Quackenbush, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; disch. June 2, 

1865; died since the war. 
Joseph Quackenbush, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; wounded at 

Spottsylvauia ; disch. June 29, 1805. 
Richard Quackenbush, Co, D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch. Aug. 28, 

1863 ; died since the war. 
William F. Quackenbush, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1861 ; pro. Corp. ; 

sergt. ; disch. June 17, 1865. 
Patrick Kooney, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 28, 1864. 
Chaxles M. Riker, Co. D, 50th ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; re-enl. March, 1864, 

same regiment. 
Charles E, Koyce, Co, D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861. 
Eobert R. Ryerson, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 13,1862; died in New Orleans, 

Oct, 17, 1863. 
Edward Royce, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; wounded; disch. June, 

1865. 
John Raymond, Co, D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Beverly 

Ford; disch. June 22, 1865. 
John Ryerson, 124th; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; captured before Richmond; 

supposed to have died in rebel hands. 
John N, Rose, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. U, 1862; disch. April, 1863, for 

disability. 
Joseph B, Roy, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug, 8, 1863 ; died July 14, 1864, at 

Philadelphia. 
James Kyei-son, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863; died in the service. 
Edward F. Ryerson, 7th Art. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1863. 
Wm. Rouke, Co. D, 124th. 
Josephus Rose, 124th; enl. Aug. 31, 1864. 
Robert Rowland, enl, Sept. 3, 1864. 
Charles Rogers, 16th Art. ; enl. March 5, 1865. 
James Robbins, enl. Aug. 15, 1864. 
Peter Rooney, enl. Aug. 23, 1S64. 
Jacob Riley, enl. Dec. 23, 1864. 
John Riley, enl, Feb. 1, 1805, 
Julius Robbins, enl. Sept. 2, 1864. 
John Robinson, enl, Aug. 3, 1864. 
Wm. Riley, enl. Aug. 10, 1864. 



Henry Riley, enl. Aug. 13, 1864. 

Richard Romine, enl. Aug. 13, 1802. 

Charles Royce, 56th ; enl. 1861, 

George T. Riley, enl. Aug. 1, 1801; wounded at Williamsburg; died 

May 11, 1862. 
David F, Raymond, Co. D, 124th; enl, Aug. 1, 1862; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsviUe ; died since the war. 
Wesley Storms, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862. 
Benjamin Sprague, Co. C, 170th ; enl, Sept. 22, 1862. 
Thomas S. Storms, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, and discharged. 
Nathaniel Smith, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept. 20, 1862. 
John L. Springer, 168tli ; enl. Sept. 26, 1863 ; discharged in 18IJ4. 
David T. Sayer, C", D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 1, 1863; discharged July, 1865. 
Daniel Sayer, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; pro, capt, ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville ; disch. June 16, 1865 ; died since the war. 
Wm, S. Sayer, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861 ; pro. Corp., sergt., 2d lieut., 

and 1st lieut. 
Wm, Staller. Co. C, 15th ; enl, Dec, 31, 1863 ; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Norman A. sly, Co. D, 124th ; enl, Aug. 9, 1862; pro. 2d and 1st lieut.; 

disch, July 2, 180,', ; wounded in the Wilderness. 
George Shawcross, Co. IJ, VJ^Ith ; enl. August, 1862 ; killed in the battle 

of Cliancellorsville. 
Nathaniel Smith, Co. D, ITl. h ; enl. Sept, 20, 1862 ; disch, Dec. 9,1864. 
Francis Sears, Corp., ('■■. H, li.oth ; enl. Sept, 15, 1862 ; discli. Feb. 8,1864. 
Peter F. Staller, Co, K, l24th ; im,I. Sept. 2, 1862; disch. February, 1863; 

re-enl. Co. H, 41st, Ocl.iber, 1803; disch. April 15, 1864. 
Dnljois Swazey, Co. D, 50tli ; enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; disch., and re-enl. Feb. 20, 

18ii4, ill the same regiment. 
Josiah Sniitli, Co, B, 124th; enl. Dec, 30, 1863; discb. July 14, 1865. 
Isaac C, Shiner, Cki. D, 56th ; enl, September, 1861 ; re-enl. March, 1864, 

in the same regiment. 
Lewis Strnni:, Co. F, 14th Rhode Island ; enl. October, 1862. 
George K, Storms, Co. D, 124th : enl. Dec. 14, 1863. 
John Scofield, Co. D, 124tll ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863. 
John G. Sprague, enl, Sept. 3, 1864. 
Lawrence 0, Sullivan, 25tli Cavalry; enl. Sept. 9,1864. 
George Springsted, enl. Sept. 9, 1864, 
Samuel Springer, enl. Sept, 12, 1854, 
James Swan, 16th Art. ; enl. March 8, 1865. 
Andrew L. Smith, enl. Nov, 10, 1863, 
I Charles E, Scott, enl. July 0, 1864. 
James Simpson, 50tb; enl. July 15, 1864. 
Melchoir Schndell, enl. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Wm. Smith, enl. Aug. 15, 1864, 
James Shannon, enl. Jan, 23, 1865, 
John .Shields, enl. Jan. 31, 1865. 
Josiah Shannon, enl. Oct. 1, 1864. 
Benjamin Simmons, enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
Edward Smith, enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
William Seldeu, enl. Aug. 19, 1804. 
Daniel Smith, enl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
Isaac Singleton, enl. Aug. 23, 1864. 
Augustus Stewart, enl. Sept. 24, 1804. 
Almond P. Sherman, Co. D, 124th. 
James Sullivan, naval service. 
David D, Sayer, Co, D, 124th, 
Charles Sever, naval service; enl, Aug. 8, 1804. 
John C, Storms, Co, B, 124th; enl. August, 1862. 

James H. Storms, enl. Dec. 26, 1803 ; killed at Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864. 
Benjamin Sprague, Co. C, 106th; enl. Sept. 3, 1862; disch. March 28, 

1864. 
Nelson Speer, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; disch, Jan, 12, 1863. 
David Staller, 5th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1861. 
Daniel Stevens, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

Harrison Storms, Co. B, 124lh ; enl. August, 1862; killed at Gettysburg. 
Charles Storms, Co. E, 17th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Charles F. Santer, 56th ; enl, March 8, 1805. 
A, P, Sherman, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Timothy Shea, 15th Art, ; enl. Feb. 4, 1864. 
John \V. Smith, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug, 11, 1862, 
Thurlow Weed Seward, Co. K, 44th ; enl. September, 1861. 
James Taylor, Co. M, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 
John Thompson, Corp., Co. D. 50th; enl. Aug. 1, 1861. 
Charles W. Thompson, acting surg., 56th ; enl. February, 1861. 
Wm, A, Trainer, Co. D, 124th. 
Wm. Thorp, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Jan. 12, 1864. 



604 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Wni. H.Tomer, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9,1862; wounded at Cliancellors- 

ville; disch. July, 1865. 
Heurj- O. Tiderback, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 11, 1864. 
John Taylor, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Louis Towning, enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
.John A. Travis, Co. D, 124th; died in the service. 
Henry S. Utter, Co. B, 124tli ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
\Vm. B. Van Houten, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; pro. to sergt., 1st 

lieut., and adjt. ; disch. Jan. 24, 1865. . 
James L. Van Bramer, 7th Art.; enl. Aug. 26, 1863; a prisoner at An- 

dersonville for some mouths ; paroled ; disch. May 20, 1865. 
James H. Vail, Co. G, I66th; enl. August, 1862. 
Stephen E. Valentine, Co. D, 124th; enl. Dec. 26, 1863. 
John Van Houten, Co. D, 124th; enl. Dec. 24, 1863. 
James Virgil, enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
Samuel Voorhie. 

John L. Westlake, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 19, 1862. 

Nicholas E. Williams, Co. F, 7th ; enl. Jan. 6, 1864 ; disch. June 17, 1865. 
John B. Weymer, Co. D, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; a prisoner some 

months; disch. June 6, 1865. 
Oscar S. "Weymer, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Dec. 2, 1863; wounded at Spottsyl- 

vnaia; disch. May 27, 1865. 
Thomas Wilson, Co. 1, 26th ; enl. Dec. 19, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 6. 1865. 
Zopher Wilson, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; killed at Chancellors- 

ville. 
Samuel M. Wliedon, musician, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. 

June 18, 1865. 
James Withersnooks, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
William Wright, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1862. 
Benj. C. Wilkinson, 2d Mounted Rifles ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
Wm. Wright {2d), Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
Israel Wood, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. 
Joseph Wood, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1S62. 
Ceorge Williams, enl. Sept. 9, 1804. 
Wm. West, enl. Sept. 10, 1864. 
John H. Williams, 104th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864. 
John Winter, 106th; enl. Feb. 9, 1865. 
Michael Welch, Co. D, 124th ; enl. 1864. 
Owen Welch, enl. Oct. 31, 1863. 
Martin Williams, enl. Oct. 29, 1863. 
James Welch, enl. Jan. 6, 1865. 
George Williams, enl. Feb. 25, 1865. 
Henry W. Wade. enl. Oct. 8, 1863. 
George W. Wadleigh, enl. in naval service. 
John W'ilson, enl. in naval service. 
Joseph White, enl. in naval service. 

Samuel L. Williams, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 5, 1865. 
Francis M. Werner, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; disch. Jan. 12, 1863. 
Wm. B. Wood, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Dec. 18, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 15, 1864. 
Joseph J. Teomans, Co. D, 124th; enl. 1864. 
Kiddy York, enl. Sejit. 16, 1S64. 

Alfred Teomans, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; died in the service. 
Frank Zandenbergh, enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



EZRA SANFORD. 
The progenitor of the Sanford family living in War- 
wick is believed to have been Thomas de Sandford, 
one of the companions in arms of William the Con- 
queror in 1066. He obtained, for meritorious con- 
duct, a grant of the lands in Salop County, England. 
The family are at present represented on English soil 
by Thomas Heigh Sandford, who inherited the origi- 
nal manor of Sandford, in Shropshire, England. The 
name is spelled by various branches of the family 
Sanford, Samford, and Sandford, though the Warwick 
descendants have retained the former orthography. 
The escutcheon of the family is a shield divided per 



chevron, sable and ermine fields, with three boars' 
heads couped close supra ; crest, a boar's head; motto, 
Nee temere, nee tiunde. From the year 1066 to 1550 
the chain of descent is broken. During the latter 
year was born Thomas Sanford, of Shropshire, Eng- 
land, who died leaving a son Thomas, born in 1631, 
who emigrated from England to Dorchester, Mass., 
and had six children, among whom was a son, 
Samuel, who removed from Dorchester to Milford, 
Mass. To him was born a son, Samuel, who made 
Newtown, Conn., his home, and was the parent of 
twelve children. Among his sons were Ebenezer and 
David, the latter of whom was born in 1711, and died 
in 1767. He was the earliest representative of the 
family in Warwick, whence he removed from New- 
town. David Sanford had sons, — David, John, Eph- 
raim, and Ezra, the latter of whom was born in War- 
wick in 1747, and died in 1822. He was united in 
marriage to Ann Hopper, and had children, — Pa- 
tience, Matthew, Olive, Olive (2d), Ann, Esther, 
Hannah, Mary, Ezra, and Dorcas. Of this number, 
Ezra, who is the subject of this biography, was born 
Nov. 11, 1703, in Warwick, where his life has been 
spent. His educational advantages were limited to 
instruction at the public school of the neighborhood, 
after which his early life was devoted to labor upon 
the farm of his father, having during this period 
served in the war of 1812, for which he now draws a 
pension. He was married, Oct. 29, 1814, to Miss Ade- 
line Terry, who died Aug. 13, 1875, after a married 
life embracing sixty-one years. The children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Sanford were Uriah T., Hester Ann, George 
W., George W. (2d), Mary E., William M., Julia, 
Pierson E., Abigail, and Emily, nine of whom grew 
to mature years. 

Mr. Sanford has been during his life a man of re- 
markable energy and activity. To these qualities 
may be added that of self-reliance and a keen intui- 
tion, which has enabled him to improve the oppor- 
tunities offered during his busy life and acquire a 
competence for his advancing years. He has been 
chiefly engaged in agricultural and milling pursuits, 
and rarely participated in the excitements incident to 
public life. In a quiet manner, and with promptness 
and fidelity, he has availed himself of his franchise,^ 
the badge of American citizenship, — and has failed 
but once to cast his ballot since he attained his ma- 
jority. Mr. Sanford has been one of the directors of 
the Chester National Bank since its organization. 
He assisted in the construction of the Warwick Val- 
ley Railroad, and is also a director of that corpora- 
tion. Both Mr. and Jlrs. Sanford were members of 
the Warwick Baptist Church, the former having 
contributed largely towards its construction. Mr. 
Sanford in his declining years is cheered by the pres- 
ence of both children and grandchildren, who vie 
with each other in evidences of filial devotion. It is 
but one among the many manifestations of the har- 
mony which characterizes this happy family circle. 




SSSL^ SAHF®IEBc 



WARWICK. 



605 




^^/M/n^ 



<iA^nA/n 



ity^^^/'e^y* 



BENJAMIN SAYER. 

The ancestors of Benjamin Sayer, three brothers, 
came from England to this country during its early 
settlement. Two of them located in the Eajstern 
States and the other on Long Island. The Sears of 
Boston, as also the late Robert Sears, the historian, of 
New York, belonged to the former branch, while those 
in Orange County were descendants of the Long Island 
portion of the family. The latter variously spelled 
their names Sayer, Sayre, and Sayrs. 

Daniel Sayer, the father of Benjamin, on removing 
to Warwick, located on a farm midway between that 
village and Bellvale. He first occupied a log house 
near the mountain-brook at that place, but about the 
time of the Revolution erected the present stone house 
known as the Sayer homestead. During the struggle 
for independence his warmest sympathies were with 
his country's cause, and his services were called for 
to help rid the neighborhood of Tories and robbers. 
In April, 1777, he was one of a company of scouts, 
commanded by Maj. Henry Wisner, who captured a 
party of thirteen Tories in the passes of the Monroe 
mountains, while on their way to New York to join 
the British. On another occasion he went with a com- 
pany of home-guards, under Lieut. James Burt, and, 
assisted by a company of Continental troops, they 
came upon a band of Tory robbers in the Warwick 
Mountains, shooting six of them. He was also one 
of those brave volunteers who guarded Kamapo Pass 
from the incursions of the enemy during the Revolu- 
tion. 



There were three log houses built near by the Sayer 
homestead, one stronger than the others, where the 
women of the vicinity assembled for greater safety 
during the absence of the men, as in those days In- 
dians and marauders were often troublesome. Farther 
up the mountain-brook were three other families, by 
name Hump, Bump, and Ketcham. Three lots on 
one of the Sayer farms still retain these names. 

Daniel Sayer married Lydia Burt, daughter of Dan- 
iel, and sister of Hon. James Burt. The descendants 
of Mrs. Daniel Burt at the time of her death, in 1810, 
at the age of ninety-four years, numbered no less than 
five hundred and twenty-four pers(ms. 

Benjamin Sayer was the youngest of nine children, 
four girls and five boys, composing the family of his 
parents, and was born April 29, 1791, in the old stone 
house in Warwick, where he was reared and where he 
died. He largely inherited his mother's temperament 
and character. She was said to have been a remark- 
able woman, of noble presence, full of energy, and 
unfaltering in her devotion to her family and in the 
performance of her varied duties. She died when 
Benjamin was only five years old, and he seldom men- 
tioned his mother without tears filling his eyes, for he 
felt that had she lived his youth would have been beset 
with fewer difliculties. 

Benjamin only attended school in his early days 
long enough to get a knowledge of the common rudi- 
ments of an education, yet throughout his life he 
never failed to familiarize himself with the current 
events of the day, to the study of which he ever brought 



606 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a practical common sense. He always took a great in- 
terest in public affairs, both local and general, and, 
owing to an unusually correct judgment, seldom failed 
to espouse the right side on almost every question. 

In the war of 1812, when volunteers were called for, 
he obeyed the first tap of the drum, and was the fore- 
most man to respond to his country's call. A few 
others followed his lead, but failing to secure enough 
to meet the required quota, were disbanded and a draft 
ordered. He was not among those drafted. During 
the late Rebellion he frequently said, if it were not 
for his partial lameness, he felt like shouldering his 
musket and marching to fight for the support of the 
Union, despite his years. 

He was married Dec. 6, 1817, at the age of twenty- 
six years, to Rebecca Forshee, whose parents lived on 
an adjoining farm, and together they reared a family 
of eight children, whose names, in the order of their 
birth, are as follows: John L., William E., Mary E. 
(who married Benjamin C. Burt), Hannah (married 
Thomas Burt), Lydia (married John W. Hasbrouck), 
Ann Eliza, Daniel F., and Sarah C. (married Darius 
Fancher). All but Mary and Daniel are still living. 
Ann Eliza lived with her father at the homestead until 
his death, and contributes to his memory this likeness 
and sketch. Rebecca Forshee was a woman of rare 
personal beauty, virtue, and piety. She died in 1858, 
after a married life of over forty years. 

Benjamin Sayer was remarkably successful in life, 
and by industry and economy, added to excellent 
judgment and foresight, succeeded in acquiring a 
handsome competency, yet be was charitable and 
hospitable in an eminent degree. His house was a 
great resort, where all were alike welcome ; and until 
" tramps" became dangerous and aggressive, no one 
was ever turned from his door who asked for food or 
lodging. A bed was always set aside for the poorest, 
as well as accommodations for the more favored of 
God's children. He inherited his farm from his 
father, but had to pay legacies to nearly its full value 
to his brothers and sisters. For many years he strug- 
gled hard to succeed, and said he sometimes came 
near giving up and hiring out at day's work ; but 
pride, energy, and determination conquered, and at 
the time of his death he owned not only that but 
several other farms, together with a liberal property 
beside. 

He never cared for or sought office, though he filled 
most acceptably several minor positions and trusts 
in his native town. Benjamin Sayer, indeed, was a 
man among men, — six feet tall, erect, and finely pro- 
portioned. Independent in thought, full of activity 
and energy, honest and upright in all his dealings, 
he won, as well as retained, the confidence and esteem 
of all who knew him. 

In a note written by him and found after his death 
he thus describes how he earned the first money he 
ever possessed, and which, in fact, was the foundation 
of his after-fortune: 



" When a boy ten or twelve years of age, my brother 
Joseph and I took a spear and went to my meadow- 
brook to catch a mess of suckers. It was then a noted 
stream for these fish. We had two dogs, and soon they 
left for Mr. Burt's swamp, where we heard them bark- 
ing, and started to see what caused it. AVe found they 
had treed some large animal, and brother sent me up 
the tree to punch it out with the spear. As I ap- 
proached it, it looked so savage I told brother I was 
afraid to go nearer, but he ordered me to keep my 
spear ahead and go on, which I did, and it jumped 
out of the tree and the dogs run it up another tree, 
and brother made me climb and punch it out again. 
As I climbed towards it its eyes looked like fire-balls. 
It again jumped out of the tree, and the dogs and 
brother killed it. We skinned it, and we sold the skin 
in Warwick for five shillings. They said it was a large 
wildcat, but the fur was getting poor, it was so late in 
the season. I got for my share two shillings and six- 
pence in silver. I have never been so rich since as I 
felt then. I must look at my money every day to be 
sure that it was there and all mine. If the chance 
had offered again at that time, I would have climbed 
almost any tree in our forest for a like prize." 

The first work he ever did for wages was to hew 
timber for the Old-School Baptist church in Warwick, 
working from daylight until dark, being allowed fifty 
cents per day to pay his father's subscription towards 
the erection of the church. Before he died he said 
he was the last man living who had labored on the 
erection of the church. Mr. Sayer died Oct. 6, 1874, 
aged eighty-three years. 



EDWARD L. WELLING. 

The Welling family, as already mentioned, are of 
Welsh lineage, and on their arrival in America re- 
paired to Long Island. Among its early members 
was Thomas, who during the year 1770, as indicated 
by old deeds now in possession of the family, became 
a resident of Orange County, where he was the owner 
of an extensive and valuable tract of land. His 
children were Thomas, Richard, and John, and three 
daughters, who became respectively Mrs. Gen. John 
Hathorn, Mrs. John Wheeler, and Mrs. Bronson. Of 
these children, Thomas was born Feb. 9, 1759, and 
was married Feb. 28, 1782, to Miss Sibble Beardsley, 
to whom the following children were born : Anna, 
Charles, Thomas, Edward L., John, Hannah, Lois, 
Elizabeth, and Lois (2d). 

This sketch affords a brief review of the life of 
Edward L., whose birth occurred April 23, 1788, at 
the family mansion in Warwick, where his early 
life was passed. After a period spent at the public 
school of the neighborhood and a few years devoted 
to the labors of the farm, he became associated with 
Dr. Young in commercial pursuits at Edenville. 
Having soon after, in connection with his brother 
Thomas, inherited the paternal estate, he became 




/S) 



UC-us:Z(^Z''^ 






J^^f^y^cy? /}luJ\- — - 



WARWICK. 



607 



from that date one of the enterprising farmers of 
Warwick. Though eminently successful in his voca- 
tion, the public spirit and ambition of Mr. Welling 
led him to embark upon the less tranquil waters of 
offici.il life. He was for successive years chosen as 
supervisor of the township, was for twenty-six years 
justice of the peace, and was in 1837 elected sheriff of 
Orange County, which office he filled at a subsequent 
date a second term. 

Mr. Welling was at the time of his death president 
of the Chester Bank, and also a director of the Orange 
County Bank of Goshen. His acknowledged probity 
of character and excellent judgment rendered his 
services as arbiter in the adjustment of estates in 
great demand, and led to his appointment by the 
Governor as commissioner for the settlement of pub- 
lic claims. He was also active in the military opera- 
tions of the State, having held a lieutenant's commis- 
sion in the war of 1812, and at the close of the conflict 
retained his rank in the standing; army then main- 
tained by the State. Though not a member, Mr. Wel- 
ling was a faithful supporter of the Reformed (Dutch) 
Church, and a liberal contributor towards the erec- 
tion of the church edifice and parsonage. The death 
of Edward L. Welling occurred Jan. 2, 185.'), in his 
sixty-seventh year. His public spirit and liberality 
caused him to be highly esteemed as a citizen, while 
his genial qualities of mind and heart rendered the 
loss a personal one to each member of his family 
circle. 

JEFFREY WISNER. 
A comprehensive sketch of the Wisner family and 
its earlier representatives having been given else- 
where in this work, renders its repetition here un- 
necessary. Jeffrey Wisner traces his descent from 
Johannes, the progenitor of the family in America, 
who was the father of Hendrick, whose son John 
was the parent of Henry, born in 1742, and mar- 
ried to Susanna, daughter of Richard Goldsmith. 
He became the father of ten children, among whom 
was Jeffrey, the subject of this biography. The latter 
was born April 20, 1779, and after limited advan- 
tages at the public school of the neighborhood en- 
gaged in farming occupations. He was united in 
marriage, Oct. 18, 1792, to Miss Hannah Wheeler, 
who was the mother of the following children : 
Henry, born Feb. 28, 1799 ; John W., born Sept. 10, 
1801; Harriet (Mrs. Philander Gillett), born April 
27, 1804 ; William H., whose birth occurred Oct. 6, 
1806 ; and Sarah A. (Mrs. Hammond Sly), born Sept. 
23, 1814. Mrs. Wisner died in 1814, and Mr. Wisner 
was a second time married, in 1816, to Miss Elizabeth 
Armstrong, whose children were Jeffrey A., born 
March 28, 1817; Gabriel, born Oct. 16, 1818; 
Rensselaer J., born March 2, 1820; James, born 
March 17, 1822; Richard, born Feb. 4, 1824; J. 
Amherst, whose birth occurred Oct. 18, 1827; Mary 
E. (Mrs. Wm. T. Van Deeveer), born June 3, 



1830 ; and Vanness, born Aug. 15, 1832. Of these 
children, J. Amherst resides in Brooklyn, and is 
engaged in mercantile interests in New York City. 
Rensselaer J. is a resident of Pittston, Pa., and James 
and Richard are among the representative citizens of 
Warwick, their native township. Jeflrey Wisner's 
death occurred April 11, 1855, while his wife Eliz- 
abeth survived until Dec. 23, 1868. 

Mr. Wisner was a man of marked influence in the 
community. Endowed with an excellent understand- 
ing, great force of character, and remarkable energy, 
he exerted a salutary influence both in the home 
circle and in the larger sphere of public life. He 
represented the township as supervisor during the 
years 1812-13, 1819-23, and for sucessive years 
served as justice of the peace. Both of these respon- 
sible offices were filled by him with signal ability and 
fidelity. In his religious convictions Mr. Wisner 
espoused the creed of the Baptist Church, and was for 
many years, and at the time of his death, a 
member and deacon of the church, at Warwick. He 
lived his religion in daily life, following both the 
letter and spirit of tlie injunction, "Whatsoever ye 
would that men should do unto you, do ye even so 
unto them." 

JAMES BURT. 
The Burts are of English lineage, though the exact 
period of their emigration to the colonies cannot be 
determined. Daniel Burt, with his wife Hannah, be- 
came permanent residents of Warwick township 
during the year 1760. Their children were ten in 
number, among whom was James, who, by his mar- 
riage to Abigail Cos, in 1783, became the fiither of 
four sons and two daughters. He resided upon the 
Burt homestead, now in possession of his son James, 
whose birth occurred March 9, 1798, at the ancestral 
home, the scene of the employments of his lifetime. 
His early years were spent in labor upon the farm, 
after having acquired such advantages of education 
as were aflTorded by the district schools of the day. 
He resided at his father's home, assisted in tilling 
the soil, and eventually came into possession of the 
property. Mr. Burt was married, Dec. 25, 1828, to 
Mrs. Mary Harding, daughter of Charles Gillett. To 
them five children were born, — Peter, Sarah, Abigail, 
Thomas, and Lydia, of whom the daughters survive. 
The death of Mrs. Burt occurred July 16, 1865. 
Her exemplary life as wife and mother causes her 
memory to be held in profound veneration by the 
family. Mr. Burt, though a resident of the country 
and absorbed in farming pursuits, has found time to 
devote to public interests. He has cast his ballot 
with unfailing regularity since his twenty-first birth- 
day, with the exception of the present year. He has 
filled the offices of supervisor and justice of the peace, 
having been always a firm Whig or an active Repub 
lican. He has been honored for twenty-six years 
with the presidency of the Chester National Bank, 



608 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and has been present at all the meetings of the board 
of directors during that period. His religious affilia- 
tions are with the Baptist Church, of which he is a 
regular supporter. Though debarred by the infirmi- 
ties of advancing years from active participation in 
the duties of life, Mr. Burt displays the same lively 
interest in the busy world which was peculiar to his 
more vigorous days, still manifesting that untiring 
energy which is a marked feature of his character. 



GABRIEL WISNER. 
About the year 1713, Johannes Wisner, with his 
wife and one son, emigrated from Switzerland, the 
land of their nativity, to the then undeveloped forests 
of America, and settled upon Long Island. Their 
children were five in number, — Hendrick, Adam, 
Catherine, Ann, and Mary. Hendrick, who survived 
until the year 1790, was united in marriage to a Miss 
Shaw, of New England, and became the father of 
three children, — Henry, John, and a daughter. Henry 
participated actively in the public aflairs of the day, 
and was honored as one of the representatives in the 
Continental Congress. John was a commissioned 
officer during the French war, and also during the 
war of the Revolution. He was the proprietor of a 
tract of land embracing 2000 acres, conferred by royal 
patent, a portion of which is embraced in the present 
estate of Thomas E. Durland, formerly the Wisner 
homestead. John Wisner, whose death occurred in 
1778, left seven children, — John, Henry, William, 
Asa, Anna, Charity, and Hannah. Henry, the second 
son, who was the grandfather of the subject of this 
biography, was a member of the State Legislature, 
representing Duchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties 
from 1776 to 1782. His birth occurred in 1742, and 
by his marriage to Miss Susanna, daughter of Richard 
Goldsmith, he became the parent of the following 
children : Richard, Susanna, Jeffrey, John, Nancy, 
Henry, Abigail, Mary, William and Gabriel. Of 
this number, Jeffrey was born April 20, 1779, and 
married Hannah Wheeler, Oct. 18, 1792, to whom 
were born five children, — Henry, John, Harriet, 
William, and Sarah A. He contracted a second 
marriage, Jan. 27, 1816, with Elizabeth Armstrong, 
who was the mother of eight children, — Jeffrey, Ga- 
briel, Rensselaer J., James, Richard, J. Amherst, 
Vanness, and Mary. The birth of Gabriel, the second 
son, occurred Oct. 16, 1818, at the homestead in 
Warwick township. His childhood was spent in 
attendance uj)on the public schools of the neighbor- 
hood, and a later period was passed at a school in 
Newton, N. J., which enabled him to acquire a more 
thorough knowledge of the English rudiments. He 
early decided to follow the vocation of his father, 
and in 1843 removed to a farm adjoining his home, 
his residence until his death, Jan. 13, 1872. On 
Feb. 2, 1843, Mr. Wisner was married to Miss Susan, 
daughter of Solomon Carpenter, of Amity, Orange 



Co., N. Y. Their children are Henry C, Rensselaer 
J., Albert, Mary E., Susan E., Carrie, Ida, and James 
H. Mr. Wisner was a firm exponent of the princi- 
ples of the Whig party, which had been espoused 
through successive generations of the family, and 
which later led to his affiliation with the Republican 
party. Though a man of much public spirit and 
active in many enterprises which redounded to the 
welfare of the community, he was not ambitious for 
public honors, and found little pleasure in the excite- 
ment incident to official life. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Wisner were members of the Calvary Baptist Church 
of Warwick, and zealous in the promotion of its inter- 
ests. In all the relations of life Gabriel Wisner may 
justly be regarded as an honorable and representative 
citizen of his native tdwnship. 



MAJ. JAMES WHEELER. 
The branch of the Wheeler family represented by 
the subject of this biographical sketch came origi- 
nally from Rhode Island to Orange County, and in- 
cluded three brotliers, — John, Joel, and Gilbert. Of 
this number, John was married, and became the father 
of two daughters and one son, James, whose birth oc- 
curred in 1783, in Warwick township. The early 
years of his life were uneventful, having been devoted 
to acquiring such education as the time and occasion 
afforded, and later to preparation for the more active 
duties of life. He was, in 1810, united in marriage 
to Miss Anne, daughter of Martin Ryerson, of New 
Jersey, to whom were born three children, — Sophro- 
nia (Mrs. Bevier, of Grand Rapids, Mich.), Anne, 
and Sarah Catharine, the latter two being deceased. 
On Dec. 1, 1829, he was a second time married, to Miss 
Cornelia V. E. Hunn, daughter of John S. Hunn, late 
president of the Bank of Newburgh, and became the 
parent of five children, — Mary Elizabeth, deceased; 
John J., lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and 
Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers during the war of 
the Rebellion ; DeWitt Clinton, tor five years police 
commissioner of New York City ; Franklin, residing 
in Michigan ; and Edward, collector of internal rev- 
enue for the State of Arkansas, residing at Little 
Rock, in that State, and served as captain in the One 
Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers during the late war. In both marriages Mr. 
Wheeler was exceedingly happy, his companions 
being ladies of intelligence and many amiable quali- 
ties. In all his tiimily associations Maj. Wheeler was 
conspicuous as displaying the most tender considera- 
tion and regard for those around him. In his rela- 
tions both as husband and parent he inspired the 
strongest affection, and in no less a degree was this 
sentiment manifested beyond the sanctity of the home 
circle. Broad in his views, generous in his instincts, 
with sympathy for the suffering, and the mantle of 
charity for the erring and oppressed, Maj. Wheeler, 
in the sixty-nine years of life that were appointed to 






^■m<^ 




^^^^^w^ ^^^£^^>^ 





^^UL^ 




WARWICK. 



609 



him, made the world brighter and better for his pres- 
eiK-e in it. In business relations he displayed the 
utmost integrity and honor, and commanded the eon- 
fidence of all who knew or were associated with him. 
During the administration of President Jackson, in 
1837, he shared in the universal embarrassment it had 
Ijrought upon the country, and while freely express- 
ing his opinion of the false basis on which the gov- 
ernment credit was founded, declared his intention to 
accept every personal responsibility. In politics Maj. 
Wheeler was an Old-Line Whig of the most decided 
stamp. He was a close friend of Governor DeWitt 
Clinton, a strong supporter of Henry Clay, and held 
confidential relations with Hon. William H. Seward. 
He participated actively in the politics of the day, 
and devoted both influence and means to the interests 
of his State and country. He was also prominent in 
the business interests of the township of Warwick 
and the county, having been active in the organiza- 
tion of the Chester Bank, and its earliest president, 
which ofl5ce he held for many years, continuing in it 
until his death, which occurred Sept. 11, 1852, at the 
homestead in Warwick, and was the occasion of pro- 
found sorrow alike in the home circle and the larger 
community of friends and life-long associates. 



GABRIEL HOUSTON. 

His father, Thomas Houston, settled in Middle- 
town, N. Y., in early life, and was an active and 
zealous member of the Presbyterian Church of that 
place, in which he officiated as elder. His wife was 
Sarah Faulkender, who boi'e him the following chil- 
dren, viz.: Ann, wife of Henry Denton, of Denton, 
N. Y. ; Harriet, wife of Judge John Booth ; Catharine, 
wife of David Corwin ; Gabriel ; Adeline, wife of Rev. 
Gabriel Corwin, now of Cape May ; Philinda ; Jane, 
wife of Henry 0. Bronson, of Jackson, Mich. ; James 
F. ; Franklin ; and Nelson. 

Gabriel Houston was born May 25, 1798, near Mid- 
dletown. He remained at home until his marriage to 
Susan Ann Owen, when -he settled at Glenwood, 
N. J., on the homestead of his father-in-law, Isaac 
Owen, which was formerly the property of Isaac 
Owen's father, Ebenezer Owen, containing 180 acres 
of land. On this property he lived the remainder of 
his life, and died Jan. 22, 1864. He accumulated 
other property, was a representative farmer, and a 
good business man. He was a stockholder in the 
Chester Bank, at Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., and 
owned the old homestead of his father, originally 
consisting of some 300 acres, which property is still 
in the family, and has always been known as an ex- 
cellent stock-farm. He was well informed on the 
current topics of his times, and a man whose counsel 
was often sought by his fellow-citizens. 

Although not a member of any church, he was in- 
terested in the pro])agation of morality and religious 
teachings, and gave the ground upon which the Meth- 



odist church was erected. He was friendly and gen- 
erous with all denominations that applied to him for 
assistance. 

In politics he was a Democrat, but never sought 
political place. In early life he obtained a practical 
education, was plain and unassuming in his ways, and 
was always willing to sacrifice his own for the comfort 
and happiness of others. 

His children are Sally Ann, married Festus Vail, 
of Warwick, N. Y. ; Abigail Jane; Isaac Owen; 
Thomas Erminda, died young; Gabriel Wisner; 
Henry Owen ; Elizabeth W., died young ; James Nel- 
son, Elizabeth and Susan, died young; Susan, wife of 
Thomas Pickens, of Ulster Co., N. Y. ; Philip ; and 
Mary O. 

ISAAC V. WHEELER. 

The Wheeler family, which originally embraced 
nine brothers and three sisters, were early resi- 
dents of Long Island, all of wliom at a later period 
removed to Orange County and made purchases of 
land. One of these brothers, Joel by name, is the 
progenitor of the branch of the family from which 
Isaac V. is descended. He was twice married, and 
the father of five children, of whom Col. William F. 
Wheeler, one of the sons, was born in Warwick, Sept. 
2, 1791, and, having followed the pursuits of an agri- 
culturist, remained upon the homestead during his 
lifetime, with the exception of a brief period of service 
in the war of 1812. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Juliet, daughter of Isaac Van Duzer, to whom 
the following children were born : Dinah E., Robert, 
Ann E., Isaac V., Joel, William W., and Milton V. 

Isaac v., whose life is briefly sketched, is a native 
of Warwick, and was born March 4, 1823, and spent 
his early life upon the homestead. His education 
was acquired at the neighboring public school, and 
later at an academy of some celebrity at Deckertown, 
N. J. His tastes led him to pursue the calling of 
his father, — that of a farmer, — to which his time and 
energies were entirely devoted. Industry combined 
with sagacity, and a thorough knowledge of his voca- 
tion, speedily won for him a marked success in life. 
Mr. Wheeler advanced with the age. All the modern 
scientific appliances which are instrumental in sub- 
duing the soil, and otherwise aiding the agriculturist, 
were utilized by him. On the death of his father he 
became the possessor of the ancestral estate, which 
is still retained by the family. Mr. Wheeler was 
married, June 21, 1853, to Miss Phebe, daughter of 
Jesse Bull, whose portrait appears in another portion 
of this work. Their children are Juliet V., Carrie B., 
William F., Jessie C, Anna M., and Alice. 

In politics Mr. Wheeler was a Republican, having 
been descended from Whig ancestry. He was a 
quiet, unostentatious gentleman, averse to public life, 
and consequently having no political aspirations. 
He was one of the original incorporators of the War- 
wick Valley Farmer's Milk Association, and of the 



610 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Warwick Savings-Bank, having been a trustee of the 
latter institution. His religious affiliations were with 
the Reformed (Dutch) Church, of which he was a 
cordial supporter. Mr. Wheeler's death occurred 
April 9, 1876, in his fifty-third year. He was the last 
survivor of his generation of the family, and justly 
regarded as among its most worthy representatives. 



A. J. BURT. 
The Burt family are of English extraction, and 
early settled in Connecticut, whence Daniel Burt, in 
17415, emigrated to the Empire State, and chose a tract 
of wild land in Warwick, Orange Co. His first efforts 
in the direction of agriculture were not esjjccially suc- 
cessful, and influences were speedily brought to bear 
which caused his^eturn to his native State. The year 
1760 found him again a dweller in the forests of War- 
wick, where he purchased the land now covered by 
the hamlet of Bellvale, and erected a flouring and 
saw-mill. Mr. Burt and his wife Hannah were the 
parents often children, among whom was James, born 
Oct. 25, 1760, who attained some distinction in public 
life. He was a member of the State Legislature from 
1797 to 1826, with the exception of a short interval ; 
was also a member of the council of appointment ; was 
an elector for Presidents Jefferson and Harrison ; was 
supervisor for many years of the township of War- 
wick, and a deacon of the Baptist Church of Warwick 
for a period of sixty-three years. He was married, 
Aug. 15, 1783, to Abigail, daughter of Benjamin Coe, 
and had six children, — Mary, Benjamin, Stephen A., 
Phebe, James, and Thomas M. Of this number, 
Stephen A. was born Nov. 28, 1791, and married. 
May 27, 1818, Paulina, daughter of Jeremiah J^air- 
field. Their children were Caroline, Edward Fairfield, 
Augustus J., Abigail Jane, Abigail Jane (2d), Anna 
Scott, and John. Of this number, Augustus James, 
now the last adult male member of the family resident 
at Bellvale, where they were numerous, and contrib- 
uted largely to the development of the locality, was 
born Oct. 27, 1826, at the latter spot, and has spent 
his lifetime at the place of his nativity. He early 
availed himself of the advantages of the public school 
of the locality, and later engaged in business pursuits 
with his father, who established mercantile interests 
at Bellvale in 1815. Mr. Burt during this time devel- 
oped methodical business habits which contributed 
later to a successful career. He also engaged exten- 
sively in enterprises independent of his mercantile 
trade and which still occupy much of his attention. 
A post-office was established at Bellvale through his 
influence in 1845, of which, with the exception of a 
brief interval, he has since been the custodian. Mr. 
Burt has served two terms as justice of the peace, and, 
not being ambitious for official preferment, has de- 
clined similar honors offered at a subsequent date. 
He was one of the incorporator of the Warwick Sav- 
ings-Bank, and is still one of its trusted officers. His 



known integrity and business capacity have caused 
him to fill the roles of administrator and executor on 
frequent occasions, and these duties have constituted 
a large proportion of the labor of his later years. His 
eflorts have ever been directed in the interests of the 
public weal, and have, as a consequence, resulted in 
benefit to the community in which he has lived. Mr. 
Burt is descended from a family of Old-Line Whigs, 
and has never departed from the traditions of the 
race. He is now an active Republican. Mr. Burt 
was united in marriage, Oct. 19, 1853, to Miss Ann 
E. Wilson, of Bellvale. They have had nine children, 
of whom James W., Augustus, Mary, Gertrude E., 
and Maud survive. 



JOJIX WILLCOX. 
The Willcox family, of Warwick, are of New 
England stock, a portion of whom settled at an early 
date on Long Island. Amos, the grandfather of 
John, removed from the latter locality to Orange 
County, and became the owner of property at Gray 
Court. He was the parent of three daughters and 
an equal number of sons, among whom was Jo- 
seph, who survived until his eighty-eighth year. He 
married Miss Margaret, daughter of S. Scinonson, of 
Vernon, the family having come at an early date 
from Staten Island, and had children, — John, Wil- 
liam, Mary, Susan, Sallie, and Harriet. By a second 
marriage, to Miss Nancy Stagg, he had children, — 
Charles, David, and Phebe. His son John, whose 
name prefixes this sketch, was born at Amity, July 
28th, in the year 1800, and at an early age devoted 
himself to labor upon the land of his father. He was 
married in 1823 to Miss Hannah, daughter of Roger 
Howell, resident near Amity, and became the father 
of the following children : Lewis, Joseph, William 
H., J. Wickham, Margaret, Mary, Sarah, Harriet, 
Prudence, and Eunice Amelia, eight of whom sur- 
vive and are married. In 1836, Mr. Willcox pur- 
chased of George D. Wickham the property in War- 
wick township known as Merritt's Island, embracing 
225 acres. To the improvement of this land he has 
devoted the labor of his life. Mr. Willcox has in his 
daily pui-suits exhibited untiring industry, which, 
united with excellent judgment, have contributed to 
his success. He has established a reputation for in- 
tegrity in his business relations which has placed his 
name among the representative men of his township. 
Mr. Willcox has never sought the preferments of 
office, and will, therefore, not be found among the 
list of county officials. His political sentiments are 
in harmony with the platform of the Republican 
party. He is an active supporter of the Presbyterian 
Church at Amity, of which Mrs. Willcox is a val- 
ued member. Mr. Willcox was appointed commis- 
sioner of the Drowned Lands of the Wallkill, and has 
been instrumental in reclaiming much of this marshy 
territory. 




JOHN WILLCOX. 




"^/^l/z-^zm, /^<^>^^^^<Z.<t^ a^ 



WARWICK. 



611 



THOMAS WELLING. 
The Welling family are of Welsh descent, and 
were among the original settlers on Long Island, 
where Thomas, the great-grandfather of the subject 
of this biograpliy, purchased land in 1704. He at a 
later period removed to Orange County, and acquired 
a large tract of land, embracing a portion of the vil- 
lage of Warwick, and also the homestead of the Welling 
family. His children numbered three sons — Thomas, 
Richard, and John — and three daughters. Of these 
-sons, Thomas, who retained the family residence, was 
united in marriage to Miss Sibble Beardsley, of 
Sussex Co., N. J., and had children, — Thomas, 
Edward L., John, Hannah, Charles, Anna, Elizabeth, 



Welling are members, has offered a congenial field 
for his activities. He is an elder in the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Warwick, and a director of the 
Board of Domestic Missions. In his daily life Mr. 
Welling may, with propriety, be mentioned as the 
perfect type of the Christian gentleman. 



a resident of Brooklyn, 
Charles died in Sussex 



and Lois. John became 
where his death occurred ; 
Co., N. J., and the remaining sons chose homes in 
Orange County. Thomas, born July 8, 1786, was 
united in marriage to Miss Anna Coleman, to whom 
the following children were born and grew to mature 
years : John L., Samuel C, William R., Thomas, 
Elizabeth (Mrs. F. B. Brooks), Harriet (Mrs. J. C. 
Houston), Hannah D. (Mrs. James Wisner), and 
Euphelia (Mrs. Richard Wisner) ; Sibble C. and 
Charles B. having died at an early age. Of these 
children, Thomas, who represents the fourth gen- 
eration bearing the name, was born April 27, 1830, 
in the township of Warwick. His early life was 
not varied by incidents worthy of special mention. 
The public schools afforded opportunities for ac- 
quiring the rudiments of an education, and sub- 
sequent labor upon the farm had so moulded his 
tastes as to induce him to follow the vocation of 
an agriculturist. The condition of his estate bears 
ample evidence that his energies in this direction 
have not been misapplied. Mr. Welling may in an 
eminent sense be regarded as a successful farmer. To 
the energy and practical wisdom which have been 
brought to bear in his labor have been added those 
invaluable helps which modern science has contrib- 
uted to lighten the toil of the husbandman and add 
to the bounty of his harvests. Mr. Welling was mar- 
ried in December, 1855, to Miss Caroline, daughter 
of Aaron Van Duzer, Esq., of Goshen. Their family 
circle numbers eight children, — William R., Thomas, 
Edward L., Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Carrie H., and 
Sarah McC. 

Mr. Welling having been descended from a family 
of strong Whig proclivities, naturally espoused the 
])rinciples of the party. On the organization of the 
Republican phalanx he at once joined their ranks, 
and has never missed an election since he became a 
voter. Though evincing a reasonable degree of in- 
terest in public affairs, he is in no sense a politician, 
and official life has no attractions for him. He is a 
director in both the Warwick National and the War- 
wick Savings- Banks, and generally active in matters 
pertaining to the interests of the township. The Re- 
formed Dutch Church, of which both Mr. and Mrs. 



HON. WILLIAM H. HOUSTON. 

It has fallen to the lot of few of the residents of the 
township of Warwick to fill a career of more distin- 
guished usefulness than did the subject of this biogra- 
phy, William H. Houston. His paternal grandfather. 
Dr. Joseph Houston, was a resident of Edcnville, 
Warwick township, and was united in marriage to 
Miss Nancy, daughter of Gen. Henry Wisner, who 
became the mother often children, — Henry W., John 
H., Richard, George W., Joseph A., Andrew, Samuel, 
Harriet, Susan, and Jane. Of this number, but two — 
George W. and Harriet — now survive. John H., the 
father of William H., was united in marriage, June 
19, 1816, to Miss Julia Ann AVheeler, their children 
being William H., Nathaniel D., James K., and John 
H., who died in childhood. The birth of their son 
William H. occurred March 27, 1817, in Eatonville, 
Warwick township, where his early life was spent. 
The loss of his father, when the lad was but fourteen 
years of age, became not only the occasion of profound 
sorrow, but placed upon him a heavy burden of re- 
sponsibility as the eldest of the family of children. 
The same characteristics which in later years com- 
manded influence, and won success, were developed 
at this early stage of his career. He continued upon 
the homestead, aiding by his industry and wise coun- 
sel in the advancement of the family interests, until 
Jan. 5, 1842, when he was united in marriage to Miss 
Ann E. Wheeler, daughter of William F. Wheeler, of 
Bellvale, Orange Co., and granddaughter of Isaac R. 
Van Duzer, of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. This event 
was celebrated by their removal to his future home, 
now the residence of his sons Joel W. and James E. 
Houston. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hous- 
ton embraced six children, — William W., Julia E., 
John H., Joel W., Frank, and James E. These sons 
are all residents of Orange County. John H. occu- 
pies the farm of his grandfather; Joel W. and James 
E. are upon the homestead ; Frank has a residence 
adjoining; and William W. resides in Florida. The 
daughter is now Mrs. Manson R. Brown, of Wash- 
ingtonville, N. Y. 

The peculiar abilities of Mr. Houston eminently 
fitted him for public life, and these (jualifications were 
at once recognized by his constituents. He repre- 
sented Warwick in the board of supervisors during 
the years 1851-52, 1864-65, was elected sherifli' of 
Orange County for the years 1856-58, and was hon- 
ored as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 
the State in 1867. Mr. Houston was a .stanch sup- 
porter of the government during the late war, and was 



612 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



especially active in the recruiting service. His marlced 
integrity of character won for him the confidence of 
tlie community, and on frequent occasions entailed 
heavy responsibilities as trustee or guardian in the 
settlement of large estates. He was also at his death 
president of the Goshen and Deckertown Railroad, 
of which enterprise he was one of the projectors. 
In his political preferences Mr. Houston was, at an 
early day, an Old-Line Whig, and at once joined the 
Republican ranks on the organization of that party. 
He was a trustee of the Second Presbyterian Church 
of Florida, and one of its most devout worshipers. 
In the fullness of years and in the height and bril- 
liancy of a useful career the life of Mr. Houston was 
terminated. His death occurred on Aug. 30, 1875, 
Mrs. Houston having survived him but four vears. 



HON. JAMES E. WATERBURY. 
Stamford, Conn., was the abiding-place of the rep- 
resentatives of the Waterbury family, who first left 
the shores of Great Britain for the inviting fields of 
industry offered in the New World. The grandfather 
of James E. was James, who served with credit as a 
soldier of the Revolution. Col. Henry Weeks, also of 
Revolutionary fame, was his maternal grandparent. 
The former was born Nov. 28, 1754, and married 
Miss Elizabeth Mead, by whom he had eight chil- 
dren, — Betsey, Charles, Catherine, Henry, William, 
Warren, Rufus, and Ann, the only survivor. Of 
this number, William was born June 29, 1789, and 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy Weeks, of Stam- 
ford, Conn., Oct. 24, 1811. Their children were three 
in number, — William H., James E., and Eliphalet 
Price. James E., whose life is here briefly reviewed, 
was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1824, and 
spent his early years in Orange County, the family 
having made it their residence in 1828. The boyhood 
of James E. was passed at school, first at Amity, his 
present residence, and later at the Chester Academy. 
These educational advantages, though in no sense 
superior, with the acquirements and experience of 
later years, enabled him to fill with intelligence and 
credit the demands of a more public career. He em- 
barked in agricultural pursuits on arriving at mature 
years, and located upon the farm which has since 
been, and is now, his residence. Mr. Waterbury was 
married, Nov. 29, 1848, to Sarah, daughter of John 
Wilcox, Esq., of Merritt's Island, Warwick. Their 
house was brightened by the presence of four children, 
— Ida, H. Lillie, Nancy, and Edgar, — all of whom are 
living. Mr. Waterbury early acquired a lasts for 
official life, and was honored by his constituency with 
important offices, which he filled with ability and 
marked integrity. He has for a period of twenty 
years served as justice of the peace of his township, 
was twice elected justice of sessions, and was chosen 
supervisor in 1875, but declined a subsequent nom- 
ination. He was called in 1879 to fill the responsi- 



ble position of representative of the Second District of 
Orange County in the State Legislature, and served 
upon the committees on State Claims, on Villages, 
and on State Charitable Institutions. He was one of 
the incorporators of the Warwick Savings-Bank, and 
still holds the office of trustee of that institution. Mr. 
Waterbury associated in early years with the old 
Whig party, and on the organization of the Repub- 
lican party found its platform in harmony with his 
political convictions. He has since been one of its 
most stanch and able representatives in the county. 
Squire Waterbury has ever manifested a lively 
interest in the cause of education, and has been for 
nearly a quarter of a century trustee of the public 
schools of the township. His religious sympathies 
are with tlie Presbyterian Church, of which he and 
Jlrs. Waterbury are members and his family regular 
worshipers. 

NATHANIEL R. FEAGLES. 
The Feagles family are of German extraction, the 
great-grandfather of Nathan R. having been Jacob, 
who was born in the fiitherland. His son Jacob early 
emigrated to America, and followed the blacksmith's 
craft. At a later period he located in Chester, Orange 
Co., the scene of his future labors. The children of 
Mr. Feagles were Jacob, William, Nathaniel, and 
Caroline (Mrs. Robert Stoutenburgh). Of this num- 
ber, Jacob, whose birth occurred in January, 1792, 
remained under the paternal roof until his fifteenth 
year, when, inspired liy a spirit of independence and 
ambition, he began the battle of life. About the year 
1815, as nearly as can be determined, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Susan Roe, of Orange County, and 
chose a residence at Amity, in the township of War- 
wick. Their children were David, Charles, Nathan- 
iel R., Henry B., William, Mary, Susan, Robert, and 
Clarissa. The birth of Nathaniel R., the subject of 
this biographical sketch, occurred Sept. 25, 1821, in 
,A.mity, where his early life was spent in attendance at 
the school of the district, varied by labor upon the 
farm. During the year 1850 he moved to the me- 
tropolis of the State, where he engaged in business as 
a butcher. After a residence of five years in the city 
of New York he returned to his native county, and, 
in connection with his brother, purchased the home- 
stead. In 1863, Mr. Feagles removed to his present 
large and highly-cultivated farm. Since that period 
he has continued to follow agricultural pursuits, 
and enjoyed a marked degree of success — the reward 
of industry and sound judgment in his vocation. 
He has won a deserved reputation as a propagator 
of blooded stock, horses of the Hambletonian breed 
having been made a specialty with him. Mr. Feagles 
is an outspoken Republican in politics, and though 
an ardent supporter of the party, has never sought 
office at its hands. He is a Presbyterian in his 
religious predilections, and a tru.stee of the Presby- 
terian Church at Amity. Mr. Feagles was married 




NATHANIEL R. FEAGLES. 



IM 




6/ ^^^^^^ ^ 




^^^^^^<^^ 



The father of Gardner K. was Joseph Nanny, 
who was born Nov. 7, 1785, and was married in 
1807 to Miss Sallie Johnson, whose birtli oc- 
curred April 13, 1789. Their children were 
Maria, born in 1808; Johnson, born in 1810; 
and the subject of tiiis biography, whose birth 
occurred Jan. 12, 1821. The latter was in early 
years a member of his father's family circle, 
where his growing years were devoted to attend- 
ance at the district school, and subsequently to 
the employments of tiie farm. 

On the death of his father he inherited the 
estate. Mr. Nanny was united in marriage, 
April 16, 1862, to Miss Adeline, daughter of 
John Arnout, Esq., of Edenville, who was the 
parent of five children,— William H., Samuel 
II., John W., Mary A., and Mrs. Nanny. 



To Mr. and INIrs. Nanny were born two 
daughters, — Frances M. and Sadie O. Mr. 
Nanny, not having a taste for farming pur- 
suits, soon after his marriage removed to 
Edenville, having acquired the residence now 
occupied by the family. 

The excitement and honors consequent upon 
official life were not congenial to his taste. He 
therefore never sought official position, and was 
content simply to cast his ballot in obedience to 
the requirement of every American citizen. 

In politics he was a Republican, and in liis 
religious profession a Methodist, both he and 
his wife being members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Edenville. Mr. Nanny's death 
occurred at Edenville, .Tune 7, 1874, in liis fifty- 
third year. 




HEZEKIAH HOYT. 



CHESTER. 



613 



in 1858 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Peter N. Ryer- 
son, of Vernon, Sussex Co., N. J. They have had 
nine cliildren, of whom the following survive, — Mary, 
Susan, Jacob, Anna, Charles, Nathaniel R., Eliza- 
beth, and Henry. 

HEZEKIAH HOYT. 
The Hoyt family are of English lineage, the great- 
grandfather of Mr. Hoyt having resided in Stamford, 
Conn., and served with credit during the war of the 
Revolution. His children were two sons — Hezekiah 
and Joseph — and two daughters, — Hannah and Sarah. 
The former, a soldier in the war of 1812, was united 
in marriage to Miss Esther Selleck, of Stamford, 
•Conn., to whom the following children were horn : 
Isaac, Hezekiah, William, Caroline, Harriet, Maria, 
James W., Henry W., and Gilbert F., of whom six 
survive. Hezekiah, the second son, whose life is here 
briefly sketched, is a native of Stamford, having been 
born Feb. 20, 1805. When four years of age his 
parents made Middletown, Orange Co., their residence, 
jnd were accompanied by their son. He .spent his 



early years at school and in labor upon the estate of 
his father, and having, at a later date, decided upon 
the importance of a trade, acquired that of a mason. 
Mercantile pursuits having offered a larger field, he 
repaired to Bloomingburgh, Sullivan Co., N. Y., and 
embarked in business, remaining from 1834 to 1836. 
During the latter year he came to Warwick township, 
and continued his mercantile ventures at Amity. In 
1842 he purchased the farm which is his jjresent resi- 
dence, and which has been his home since that date. 
Mr. Hoyt was united in marriage, Oct. 12, 1837, to 
Miss Mary A., daughter of Joel Wheeler, whose wife, 
Catharine Finn, was the mother of three children, — 
John A., Catharine L., and Mrs. Hoyt. His second 
wife was Miss Dinah Finn, by whom he had children, 
—William F. and Robert F. 

Mr. Hoyt is an uncompromising Republican in his 
political views, and has ever manifested a lively in- 
terest in public affairs, though not an office-holder. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are active members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of New Milford, and 
liberal in the advancement of its aims. 



CHESTER. 



I.-SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE. 
Chester is an interior town of the county, lying 
southeast of the centre. It is bounded north by Go- 
shen and Blooming-Grove, east by Blooming-Grove 
iind Monroe, south by Warwick, and west by War- 
wick and Goshen. The area, as determined in the 
equalization table of the last board of supervisors, is 
10,047i acres. As often explained, the true area must 
exceed this somewhat in consequence of highways, 
village lots, and other parcels being excepted by the 
assessors in making up the average. The general 
•title is derived from the Wawavanda Patent. 



II.-NATURAL FEATURES. 
The town contains several rocky elevations unfit for 
cultivation, a.s Goose Pond Mountain, Lazy Hill, and 
Sugar-Loaf Mountain. The highest summits are from 
five to six hundred feet above the neighboring valleys. 
Thompson's Pond, on the line between Chester and 
Warwick, covers an area of about one hundred acres. 
It is a tributary of Quaker Creek. The pond is 
now named upon the maps of the county Glenmere 
Lake. The largest portion of it is in Warwick. 
Black Jleadow Brook, formed of several tributaries 
from different directions, drains a large portion of 
the western part of the town, and empties into the 
-Otterkill near West Chester. Trout Brook, in the 



south, is an inlet of Bull Pond, and flowing northward 
from this is Seeley Creek, the outlet. This unites 
with the Cromeline, eastward in Blooming-Grove. 
In this town are the Gray Court Meadows, which in- 
clude about seven hundred acres, now nearly all 
under cultivation, and are exceedingly fertile. 



III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The general story of early settlement upon the 
territory constituting the town will be found to a 
great extent in the chapters devoted to those towns 
from which Chester was formed. The fertile country 
around Chester village attracted the 'attention of im- 
migrants at an early day, and this was the point of 
earliest location, though the Sugar-Loaf district is 
spoken of in very early documents. 

The village was settled as early as 1751 by John 
Yelverton, but at what time it received the name is 
uncertain. 

John Beers owned about 120 acres, and in 1751 sold 
to James Ensign, who sold to Yelverton.* This land 

* There is uo doubt that upon the land purchased hy Yelverton and as- 
sociates there was l.iid out a plat under the name of the township of 
Chester. The precise date of the laying out of this plat we have not 
been able to ascertain, but it is entirely clear that such a plat was made. 
Yelverton was an active man in this mode of opening up the country to 
settlement, having been associated in the founding of Goshen, New- 
burgh, and New Windsor, as well as Chester. 



614 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



descended to his grandson, Abijah Yelverton, the 
father of Anthony Yelverton, who died a few years 
since. The present village is on this 120 acres. 

The family was originally from Wales. When John 
Yelverton came he was accompanied by a brother 
and a sister, and his children were John, Anthony, 
Thomas, James, and several daughters. One married 
Mr. Carpenter, of Goshen ; one Mr. Howell, of Go- 
shen ; one Mr. Marvin, of Oxford ; one Mr. Carman. 

John (2d) had but one child, Abijah. Abijah's chil- 
dren were John, Anthony, and Abijah. Thomas' chil- 
dren were James, William, and Elizabeth. 

The family came from England to Long Island, from 
there to Orange County, residing at difierent times at 
Goshen, Newburgh, Chester, and New Windsor. 

John Yelverton, the first settler, was a carpenter. 
He died in the village of New Windsor, and his 
grave and monument may now be seen in the Pres- 
byterian cemetery there. 

Wm. Yelverton, a son of Abijah, is still living at 
an advanced age at Gray Court Station. 

Capt. Nathaniel Roe located a mile and a half 
south, on a farm subsequently owned by his grand- 
son, Jesse Roe. Nathaniel had two sons, — -Nathaniel 
and William ; and Jesse was the son of Nathaniel (2d). 

Peter Townsend also settled here. His sons were 
William, Peter, and Isaac. His daughter Ann mar- 
ried Solomon Townsend, and Sarah, Dr. Anthony 
Davis. 

John Jackson located north of Yelverton, and 
Fletcher Woodhull married his only daughter. 

Joseph Drake was among the earliest in this vicin- 
ity ; he owned the farm of 200 acres where Joseph G. 
afterwards lived. 

Colvill Carpenter settled on the lands subsequently 
owned by his son Jesse. He had two sons,7-Daniel 
and Jesse. 

Hector St. John must not be forgotten. He came 
from France, and lived where Hezekiah Moffat, Esq., 
lived and died. During the war of the Revolution he 
returned to France, took one son with him, and after 
the war returned to this country, and was appointed 
consul for New York. The other son and daughter 
were left in the country, sent to the East, and edu- 
cated. Frances, the daughter, married a Frenchman 
by the name of Otto and went to France. There he 
was created Count Otto, and sent as minister to the 
court of Vienna. During the French Revolution they 
were reduced to poverty, and Frances suffered every 
possible privation. 

To further show the names of those residing in this 
section of country at the opening of the Revolution 
we give the assessment-roll of 1775 for district No. 4 
in the old precinct of Goshen. It includes other ter- 
ritory than the town of Chester. The district may be 
described somewhat in general terms as comprising 
East Chester, extending to Satterly Town, and inclu- 
ding the Gray Court neighborhood ; also West Ches- 
ter, the families along the Somerville road, including 



the Conklingtown neighborhood in Goshen, and ex- 
tending to Fort Hill. 

The assessor for this district was Capt. Nathaniel 
Roe. He resided a mile and a half south of Chester 
village, on the farm owned in later years by his grand- 
son, Jesse Roc. This assessment-roll is the best 
authority now extant to determine the families of a 
hundred years ago. 



Distrirt A'o. 4, Seplember, 1775 — Nathaniel Roe, Aisessor. 



Estimate 
of 

Property. 
d. 




8 
3 





Names. 



Thomas Morgan 2 

John King 4 

Aliraluiui Stagg, Jr 2 

Henry McElroy 2 

Andrew Baljcock 17 

Charles McElroy 13 

Solomon Finch 4 

Jacob BIcshar 2 

Isaac Odell 6 

Justus Oilell 2 

David Williams 4 

Samuel Conkliii 2 

James Babcock 2 

Joseph Patterson 4 

John Aruion 6 

Thomas Fitzgerald 2 

Gideon Mace 2 8 

George Crossen 1 2 

Peter Brass 2 9 

.Tohn Miller 18 

Andrew Debow 7 II 



John Clark 2 12 

Zephaniah Kalloy 15 8 

Jacob Swatliood 2 4 ;J 

Christopher Trickey 

George Davie 19 

Jonathan Archer 4 14 3 

Nathan Bailey 2 14 6 

Nathan Bailey, Jr 17 

William Helm 2 6 1 

David Mapes 4 8 11 

Matthew Dilling S 15 1 

Joseph Mapes 0. 2 6 

John Kinner, Jr 3 13 

JohuKinner 5 8 3 

James Kinner Oil 3 

Joshua Howell 3 7 11 

Samuel Bailey 5 12 4 

Kbenezer Holley 14 9 

Samuel Satterly 2 9 G 

Joseph Drake 8 11 7 

Oliver Smith 2 18 10 

Abijah Yelverton 2 17 5 

Peter Townsend 30 14 8 

Abel Noble 19 7 9 

William Drake 18 3 

John McDowell 14 9 

Isaac Coo ley 3 7 

Benjamin Jackson 3 10 

Joseph Carpenter, Jr 2 9 5 

Barnabas Horton, Jr 5 5 

Barnabas Hurton 9 3 

Birdseye Young 11 19 8 

George Thompson 5 17 2 

Silas Horton 4 2 3 

Jonathan Horton 2 9 6 

Phineas Rumsey 8 13 5 

John Chandler 8 1 

Joseph Carpenter 5 17 

Phineas Duun 4 13 7 



Robert Anderson 

Nathaniel Knapp 

Nathaniel Knapp, Jr 

James Hanochs 

Francis Dnffin 

Hope Rlioades 

Joseph Holley 

Isaac Rhoades 

Wm. Veal (Vail) 

Richard Jennings 

Thomas Denton 

Bowman Halsted 

Daniel Hall . 

Joseph Beckis 

Jonas Denton 

James Hamilton 

John Roe 

Wm. Hilington 

Ruth Carpenter 

David Bailey 

Benjamin Jennings 

Benjamin Drake 

Jeremiah Mullock 

Alexander Jackson 

Benjamin Meeker, Jr 

Matthias Jayne 

John Springsted 

Chas, Dnrli[ig (Durland). 

Joshua Whiteman 

Capt. John Jackson 

Caivin Carpenter 

Bezaliel Seeley 

Thomas Beech 

Uriah Toiler (Fuller) 

James Smith (tailor) 

Wm. Knapp 

Michael Jackson (judge). 
Henry Jayne (bl'ltsmitb) 

John Gardner 

Jasper Hart 

John Feagles 

Wm. Kinner 

Francis Giloe 

John Bradner, Esq 

John Bradner, Jr 

Gerard Kayner 

Solomon Tidd 

Andrew Cristey 

Benjamin Sayre 

Richard Clark 

Nathaniel Allison 

Abraham Chandler, Jr... 

Jacobus Tidd 

James Mosier 

Nomiah Carpenter 

Capt. Nathaniel Roe 

George Thompson, Jr 

Isaac Smith 

James Simpson 



Estimate 

of 

Property. 

£ s. d. 



1 
3 8 

3 8 

1 6 
14 
7 
10 

s 

4 2 
13 
7 

2 9 




9 11 
8 9 

9 

3 6 
2 1 

1 1 

4 

6 in 
13 
4 3 
4 l(i 
4 8 

2 

4 14 

5 18 

1 19 

4 7 

5 19 

7 15 11 
7 10 3 

2 3 

1 10 9 
9 



9 5 



2 
5 
110 

3 18 3 

2 3 

16 9 

5 13 2 

12 6 

9 9 

16 3 

3 6 6 
5 4 3 

4 6 8 

2 17 10 

1 16 9 

2 6 3 

3 6 10 
6 

10 16 1 

3 
10 6 
16 5 



*' The within is a list of the assessment of all the inhabitants within 
my district, taken September, 1775. By me, Nathaniel Roe." 

Through the aid of Mr. George Board, Mr. James 
Burt, president of the Chester Bank, and others, the 
following memorandum, with reference to a portion 
of these names, is given. 

John King settled near Bull's Mills, in what is now 
the town of Chester, some time previous to the Revo- 
lutionary war. His homestead was the place now 
owned by his grandson, John King. He had two 
sons, — James and E^zra. John King the pioneer had 
three brothers who also came into Orange County, — 



CHESTER. 



615 



Peter, Joseph, aud Charles. The latter went West at 
an early day. Peter and Joseph settled on farms ad- 
joining that of John King. Joseph afterwards re- 
moved to Monroe, near Little Round Pond. His sons 
were George, John, Gabriel. The sons of Peter were 
James G. and Abel. A son of James G., Mr. Wil- 
liam B. King, resides in Chester village. 

In the early settlement of the county there were 
three brothers by the name of Board, — James, Joseph, 
and Cornelius. Either they or their ancestors earlier 
are understood to have come over as book-keepers for 
the iron-works at Ringwood, N. J. Cornelius came to 
Sugar-Loaf Valley soon after the Revolution. He 
had one son, John Board, and several daughters, — 
Mrs. Gabriel Wisner, Mrs. John Wood, Mrs. Jesse 
Bull, Mrs. Mills Davis. Mr. Gabriel Wisner's first 
wife dying, he married another daughter of Corne- 
lius Board. 

Of George Board, a son of John, we have obtained 
several of these notes upon early families. Charles 
Durland settled where his descendant, James Durland, 
now lives about the year 1756. His wife was Jane 
Swartwout. His children were Garret, Joseph, John, 
Charles, Samuel, Mary, who married John Wood ; 
Elizabeth, who married Vincent Wood ; Rosanna, 
who married Peter Holbert. 

Daniel Cromeline settled on the well-known Gray 
Court farm in 171(3, aud built the old stone house 
which stood until 1832. It is not known that he was 
more than a temporary resident. (See notice of Wm. 
Bull, Hamptonburgh.) 

Phineas Rumsey settled in the East Division of 
Goshen, where the Widow Murray now lives. The 
place was owned by several Phineas Rumseys in 
succession. The original immigrants to this country 
were four brothers, one of whom settled on Long 
Island, two in the town of Monroe, and the one 
mentioned in- Goshen. The children of Nathan D. 
Rumsey, of Monroe, were four sons — Earl, Royal S., 
Charles, and Nathan D.- — and two daughters, one who 
became Mrs. Lamareux, and after his death Mrs. Hal- 
lock, and one who died unmarried. Royal S. Rumsey 
had fourteen children, who all grew up to mature 
years except one daughter, who died at the age of 
seventeen. 

Henry McElroy probably lived on Rye Hill, town 
of Monroe. Thomas Fitzgerald settled near the 
boundary line of Warwick. John Clark's homestead 
was in the vicinity of Wickham Pond. George Davis 
was located in Sugar- Loaf Valley. David Mapes was 
in the same neighborhood as Nathaniel Roe. John 
Kinner was probably living on the farm now owned 
by AVisner Wood. The Howells were at Sugar-Loaf. 
Edmund Satterly lived near Chester village, on what 
is now the farm of Thaddeus Durland. An orchard 
there is still known as Satterly's orchard. There was 
one daughter, who became the wife of John Board. 
Joseph Drake lived where the late Joseph G. Drake 
resided. Oliver Smith's homestead was where Henry 



W. Wood now lives. The frame of the present house, 
or a part of it, is very old. Abijah Yelverton kept a 
tavern for a long series of years at Chester village. 
Peter Townsend's homestead was at Chester village, 
where William Wood now owns, near the Yelverton 
place. Abel Noble lived between Sugar-Loaf and 
Warwick, in the Bellvale neighborhood. Isaac 
Cooley's place was on the back road, so called, be- 
tween Gray Court and Sugar-Loaf. An old Jackson 
homestead was where James Bull now lives. An 
early Carpenter homestead was the present Green 
farm, on the road from Chester to Craigville, for- 
merly the Moffatt place. 

Au early Horton place was on the road from 
Goshen to Cjaigville, now owned by the descendants, 
two great-grandchildren of the pioneer. Birdseye 
Young lived on a cross-road, the place still being in 
the hands of his descendants by the name of Thomp- 
son. George Thompson's homestead was probably 
the present Samuel Houston place. John Chandler, 
mentioned in the roll, was probably the Dr. Chand- 
ler of Blooming-Grove whose grandson, Benjamin C. 
Sears, now occupies the place. Nathaniel Knapp 
lived at Sugar-Loaf, on the place now owned by a de- 
scendant, John Knapp. The Holley homestead was 
where John W. Roe now lives. Richard Jennings' 
place was the present farm of Mr. Wells, formerly a 
part of the estate of Judge Samuel Seward. The 
Denton homestead was between Chester and Goshen, 
where William Lawrence now lives. Daniel Hall 
probably lived near the Dentons, on the road to 
Goshen. Matthias Jayne was over towards Florida. 
John Springsted lived near Conklingtown, in Goshen. 
He was one of the securities on Peter Townsend's 
contract with Congress to cast cannon. The Whit- 
man homestead was near Conklingtown, in Goshen. 

Thomas Beach lived on the road to Warwick, his 

homestead being where the brick house of David R. 

Seeley now stands. John Feagles lived over the line 

in what is now Warwick probably. An old Tidd 

homestead lies between Sugar-Loaf and Florida. 

I Not far from Gray Court Station the two pioneer 

1 brothers, Josiah Seeley and Bezaliel Seeley, settled at 

I an early day. They were descendants of Samuel 

Seeley, who came to this country about KJOO. They 

built their first dwelling, a log house, northeast of 

Gray Court, on the flats near the present Newburgh 

Branch of the Erie Railroad. The wife of Josiah 

Seeley was Abigail Smith. Their children were 

Joanna, who married Thaddeus Seeley; Josiah, Jr.; 

Ebenezer; Jonas (father of Jonas Seeley, formerly ot 

I Chester, but now residing with his daughter, Mrs. F. 

M. Cummins, at CJoshen, aged eighty-three) ; Henry; 

Susan, who married Robert Townsend ; Mercy, who 

married Joshua Brown, and after his death Abel B. 

Watkins ; Martha, who married James Strong ; and 

Abigail, who married Timothy Little. 

I Ebenezer, mentioned above, was a very active man 

' iu promoting the settlement of the county, and in 



616 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



opening up for settlement the township or village of 
New Windsor, and the township or village of 
Chester. (See New Windsor.) 

The William Vail homestead was near the academy 
at Chester. He had four sous, — Asa, William, Absa- 
lom, and Benjamin. The latter was the father of 
John H. Vail, now of Chester. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 
Chester is a specimen of " jiatchwork," in resjiect to 
its "make-up," a piece being taken from each of sev- 
eral towns and united to constitute a uew town. Once 
brought together, however, they made a symmetrical 
town very conveniently arranged for the transaction 
of public business. The name was, of course, derived 
from that of its principal village, which had been 
given to it at its first settlement. In consequence 
of the destruction of the town books by fire, we are 
unable to give the minutes of the first town-meeting, 
the names of the early officers, and many other mat- 
ters of public interest usually found in such records. 

SitpervisDrB. — 184 "», James Gray; 184G-47, Jesse Wund ; 1848, Jesse Hul- 
l.ert; 1849-51, llezekiah H. Moffat; 1852, S. M. Kniffln ; 1853-56, 
Charles B. Howell; 1S57, Daniel D. Hallock ; 1858-5!), Charles B. 
Howell; 1860, F. W. Dunning; 1861-66, James B. Stevens; 1867-68, 
Joseph Durland; 1869-74, John H. Vail; 1875, Samuel H. Hadden ; 
1876, D. Howell Roe; 1877, Nathaniel Roe; 1878-80, Joseph Board. 

Town Clerks from 1876.— 1875-77, John G. Kerner; 1878-79, A. J.Martin ; 
1880, W. H. Wood. 
The justices of the peace since 1872 are the following; 

1872, Abraham Wright; 1873, Andrew J. King; 1874, Benjamin R. 
Conklin; 1875, Tliomas Bailey; 1876, Abraham Wright; 1877, 
Charles H. Westervelt; 1878, Andrew J. King; 1870, James Stevens; 
1880, Abraham Wright. 



V.-VILLAGES, NEIGHBORHOODS. 

The group of villages near each other under the 
general name of Chester require a brief explanation 
as to location and name. 

CHESTER PROPER. 

Chester of the old times is the village that grew 
up on the Yelverton estate, at the corners where is 
now situated the store of Joseph Durland, about a 
mile from the Erie depot. The present business of 
the place includes the following : Charles Dix, hotel ; 
C. H. Westervelt, justice of the peace, branch post- 
office, insurance agency, etc.; Frederick Miles & Son, 
bakery ; W^. H. Wood, undertaker ; E. F. Kallinir, 
boots and shoes ; Allison's store, a place of trade for 
many years, now closed ; J. H. Cornelius, stoves and 
hardware ; R. H. Walker, confectionery ; George 
Riley, restaurant ; Dr. Carpenter, office ; Miss Betsy 
Edwards, groceries ; meat-market, John A. Wells ; 
drug-store, E. T. Jackson ; dry-goods, groceries, and 
general merchandise, Joseph Durland, formerly the 
old Yelverton place of trade ; Fred. Volmer, harness- 
shop ; Mrs. Osman, dress-making ; Miss Amelia 
Bailey, millinery; Jacob Schultz, carpenter; Wm. 
A. Vail, carpenter. 

At this village are located the Presbyterian church, 



the school building of the Union school district (for- 
merly the academy), and quite a number of dwellings. 

CHESTER, 

as known by railway men, and by the citizens as "the 
village at the depot," is a place of considerable busi- 
ness, and has grown up since the building of the Erie 
Railroad and the establishment of a station at that 
point. The present business of this place includes 
the station building and other structures of the rail- 
road; N. S. Thompson, drug-store; Hiram Tuthill, 
dry -goods, groceries, etc. ; M. E. Clark, groceries ; 
J. T. Thompson, hardware; King & Board, feed, 
lumber, etc. ; J. P. Bull, confectionery and tobacco, 
also postmaster; S. Haddan, carriage manufactory; 
Masterson Brothers, dry-goods, groceries, etc. ; T. H. 
Bryan, sash, blinds, and coal; the Howland House, 
built by Daniel Conklin about 1844, and now kept 
by J. C. Howland ; D. H. Rose, groceries, coal, feed ; 
S. Suffern, meat-market; J. G. Kerner, boots and 
shoes; Masten Brothers, restaurant; Samuels' cloth- 
ing-store ; Misses Snowden, millinery ; Mrs. Wilkin, 
millinery and dress-making; barber-rooms by Fisher, 
also by Hildebrandt; Charles M. Crissey, chair-fac- 
tory and dealing in furniture ; W. H. Conklin, tailor; 
Dr. Barcoe, dentist ; blacksmith-shops by Samuel 
Wilkin, Joseph Gavin, and Charles Crist; Payne's 
jewelry-store ; AVilliam C. Bodle, Timothy McGrath, 
Kinner & Wilkin, onion dealers. 

The Methodist church, the national bank, the 
school-house of the primary dejiartment of the Union 
School, Roe's Hall, and the new opera-house consti- 
tute the public buildings of the place. These, 
together with quite a number of fine private resi- 
dences, form a pleasant as well as a stirring business 
place. 

WEST CHESTER 

is situated about a mile from Chester. It is a small 
hamlet, distinct fi-om the other villages sufficient to 
have a separate name. There are located at this place 
the creamery and cheese-factory of W. A. Lawrence, 
and a tailor-shop, combined with something of a 
grocery-store, by Charles House. At this place Frank 
J. Murray resides, who does a large wholesale business 
in buying veal calves and slaughtering for the New 
York market. Near by, on the Otterkill, is the 
Seeley grist-mill. This was formerly known as the 
Daniel Denton mill. There is also a saw-mill in 
connection. 

EAST CHESTER 

is the name given to the station of the Warwick Val- 
ley Railway, a half-mile or more from Old Chester. 
A small station-building, a blacksmith-shop by B. 
DuBois, and a wagon-shop by Charles Olmstead are 
about all that can be mentioned at that place. 

GRAY COURT STATION. 
This is au important railway junction. The New- 
burgh Branch of the Erie Railway unites with the 



CHESTEE. 



G17 



main line at this point, and the Warwick Valley Rail- 
road also. The railroad business is naturally of con- 
siderable extent. A few residences have been erected 
near. There is a hotel and restaurant by John Proc- 
tor, and a store by Thomas Stevenson. 

THE SALEM NEI6HB0UH00D 
is a pleasant district on the east or southeast part of 
the town. The Protestant Methodist Church of Ches- 
ter is located there, and a school-house, but there is 
no trade or other business there except farming. 

SUGAR-LOAF VILLAGE 
takes its name from the mountain and the valley, both 
known by that name in the early settlement. At this 
place is the Craus' Hotel, and there are stores by J. 
Vanduzer and W. W. Elmer, and one or two shops 
or other business places. The Methodist church, 
a school-house, and a few residences complete the 
village. The post-office was established about 1825. 
The first postmaster was Josiah Howell. He was suc- 
ceeded, 1830 or 1831, by Edgar Wells. His succes- 
sors have been A. A. Ackley, William Hallock, N. 
W. Conklin, 1864 to 1873 ; W. W. Elmer, for about 
three months ; N. W. Conklin, reappointed, and re- 
taining the office at the present time. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

There is little or no information to be obtained in 
any authentic form about the early schools. Soon 
after the organization of the town the control of the 
.schools was taken from the towns and given to the 
district commissioners, so there are no town school 
officers to be named. 

CHESTER ACADEMY. 
This was founded in 1845. The old book of records 
was probably destroyed in one of the fires which have 
occurred in Chester, and we cannot give the names of 
the founders nor of the first board of trustees. A 
building was erected immediateh', being the one now 
occupied by the academic department of the Union 
School. The school had quite a flourishing existence 
for some years, being under the care of the regents of 
the university, and sharing in the distribution of the 
Literature Fund. William Bross and Stephen Bross 
were the first teachers, the former of whom after- 
wards became Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois. Rev. 
Phineas Robinson was principal from 1849 to 1857. 
He was succeeded for one year by H. Osburn. Ed- 
ward Orton taught here from 1859 to 1865, now a 
l)rofessor in the Ohio State University at Columbus. 
A. Phinney was in charge from 1865 to 1868, and 
J. H. Cunningham taught for a time just before the 
change to a union school. 

CHESTER UNION FREE SCHOOL, No. I, 
the successor of the academy, was organized in the 
fall of 1869. It was a consolidation of three former 
districts, including a portion of the town of Goshen, 

40 



The first meeting was held, pursuant to legal notice, 
Nov. 6, 1869. Of this meeting Robert W. Colfax was 
chairman, and Lewis Masterson secretary. At the 
next meeting, November 12th, the enterprise was ac- 
complished and the first Board of Education chosen, 
viz. : David R. Feagles, John B. Tuthill, Joseph 
Durland, Cornelius B. Wood, Charles P. Smith. The 
first president of the board was David R. Feagles; 
Joseph Durland was clerk, and William B. King 
treasurer. The latter had already served several 
years as treasurer of the academy, and he has been 
retained to the present time, making some twenty 
years' service as the custodian of the school moneys. 
The present board (October, 1880) consists of C. P. 
Smith, Alfred B. Roe, D. Howell Roe, Hiram Tuthill, 
and J. Hudson Board. The president is C. P. Smith, 
and the clerk Hiram Tuthill. The succession of 
principals has been H. P. Robinson, F. R. Ferris, N. 
H. Hart, William Simpson, for many years, and J. S. 
Eaton, the latter closing with the spring term of 
1880. 

The academic department is in the old academy at 
Chester village. The present teachers at that place 
are B. C. Nevins, Miss R. M. Everts, Miss A. M. 
Gaunt, and Miss M. B. Seeley. A primary depart- 
ment is maintained in the old school-house at the 
depot village. This is now taught by Miss C. S. 
Thompson. This union district includes the entire 
group of villages, — Chester, West Chester, East 
Chester, Chester at the Erie depot, and Gray Court 
Station. 



VII.-CHUBCHES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHESTER 
made a legal organization Dec. 26, 1826. The cer- 
tificate was signed by Joseph Sherwood and James 
Holbert as inspectors of the election, and the trustees 
chosen were David Roe, Henry Seeley, James Hol- 
bert, Elnathan Satterly, Joseph Sherwood, and Town- 
send Seeley. This church has a much older history 
than the above date shows, which is fully developed 
in the following paper, furnished by the pastor: 

"Previous to the Revolutionary war tlie families living in the village 
of Chester and vicinity were in the liaMt of huUling puhiic religious ser- 
vices iu the school-room and in private houses. It was in the year pre- 
vious to the declaration of independence that tlie first steps were taken 
towards erecting a meeting-house. Subsciiptions were made of money, 
material, and labor ; timber was felled and partly drawn, when the enter- 
prise was suspended by the call to arms, 

" Immediately at the close of the war the labor of erecting a house of 
worship was resumed. A building was raised and inclosed, and, though 
not coni]deted and rudely furnished, wjtsin use for several yoare. Its loca- 
tion was on the east side of the main street in the 'old' village of Chester, 
on or near the ground now occupied by the hotel. The cost of this un- 
finished building was $1390. 

" It was not until 1799 that a settled minister was obtained for the con- 
gregation, the services meanwhile of jireachers from abroad being 
secured as often as possible. In that year Rev. Simeon R. Jones was en- 
gaged to occupy the pulpit statedly at an annual salary of about S75, but 
this to be supplemented by a small stipend for services as teacher of the 
village school. Mr. Jones' ministry was a successful one. The congre- 
gation rapidly grew, his salary was soon increased, he was relieved from 
teaching, and the church building was completed and furnished. The 



618 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



log seats were removed and replaced by square pews. A round box- 
pulpit was introduced, galleries were erected on three sides of the room, 
and a steeple was raised. The cost of these additions and improvements 
was $1692, and therefore of the building entire S3n8J, Ity the sale of 
pews whic'li followed the sum of $3404 was obtained. The edifice was 
dedicated on Sabbath, Sept. 19, 1802. 

" Up to this period there was no church organization. The stated min- 
ister was a licentiate under the care of the Morris and Westchester As- 
sociate Presbytery, a seceding body from the Presbytery of New York, 
and it was probably by his influence that the Christian people of Chester 
were organized into a church by and under the care of this Associate 
Presbytery, which met at Chester for this purpose on Aug. 30, 1803. The 
persons constituting the organization were 21 in number, and the church 
being partly Congregational in order, Gen. Setb Marion and Jonathan 
Hallock were chosen deacons. 

" During the firet year that the church was organized 62 persons were 
added to the membership. Mr. Jones' ministry ended in 1805, and he 
was succeeded in tlie pastorate by Rev. Daniel Crane, who served the 
church but three years at this time, for be was a few years afterwards 
recalled. About this period the Associate Presbytery of Morris and West- 
chester dissolving, and the church at Chester being accoidingly left 
without ecclesiastical connection, it was in the year 1810 taken under the 
care of the Presbytery of Hudson. 

"On July o, 1811, the Presbytery of Hudson met at Chester, and or- 
dained and installed as piistor of the church Mr. Noah Coe. Mr. Coe 
was succeeded by Kev. James H, Thomas, who was installed Oct. 12, 1814. 
Mr. Thomas' pastorate continued for neat ly thirteen years, and was richly 
blessed in the growth and prosperity of the church. During the yeara 
of 1820-21, 140 were added to the membership, making a total of over 
200. 

"Mr. Thomas was followed by Kev. Daniel Crane, a former pastor. 
During liis second tt^rm of ministry a new church building was erected. 
Another site was chosen, and was where at present is situated the church 
cemetery. This second church building was dedicated Dec. 25, 1829. Mr, 
Crane's health failing, he was compelled to resign his ministry in Ches- 
ter, and was dismissed by Presbytei'y in the year 1830, Rev. John B. 
Fish succeeded hitn, who remained witli the church but three years, and ' 
was followed in turn by Rev. Isaac C. Beach, whose pastorate continued 
for ten years. Mr. Beach's ministry was signally crowned by God, to the . 
edification of the church and the large increase of its membership. 

" The Rev. James W. Wood (brother of the late Rev. Daniel Wood, of 
Middletown) began his ministry in 1845, though he was not instjilled until 
Jan. 27, 1840. Mr. Wood was born at Florida, this county, Oct. 25, 1813, 
graduated from Lafayette College in 1837, and three yeara later from the 
Union Theological Seminary at New York, and was licensed to preach 
by the Presbytery of Hudson in September, 1839. His first settlement 
was at Deckertown, N. J., and from that place he was called tg the 
church of Chester. During liis ministry, and mainly by his exertions, 
the congregation was moved to erect a third cliurcb edifice, the building 
at present in use. Again a new site was chosen, and ground was broken , 
April 9, 1853. The new building was dedicated Jnnuary 4th of the fol- 
lowing year. Dr, Wood's pastoi'ate continued for more than seventeen 
years. From this place he was called to the Presbyterian Church at 
Allentown, Pa., where he still labors. 

" Rev. Thomas Nichol was ordained and installed in April, 1SC2. He 
served the church with ability lor about eight years, and was followed 
by the present pastor. Rev. Theodore A. Leggett. Mr. Leggett Js the son 
of Rev. John U. Leggett, formerly pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church at Middletown, and previously to this, for twenty-two years, of the 
Hopewell Church, town of Crawford. He wa.s born in Crawford, Dec. 20, i 
1845, graduated at Princeton College in 18C5, and from the Princeton ' 
Theological Seminary in 1868. He was called from a settlement in New 
York to this church in 1871. During his ministry, which still continues, 
the church of Chester has reached its greatest strength in membei-ship 
and its highest general prosperity." 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH OF SALEM 

executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 17, 1868. 
It was signed by E. Stevens and Walter H. Benjamin. 
The trustees named therein were Elisha Stevens, ' 
Walter H. Benjamin, Abram Stewart, George Ste- 
vens, and David Stevens. This organization was not ' 
continued. By its date it appears to have been made 
the same day that the Protestant Methodist Church i 



was incorj)orated, given below. There was doubtless 
some diseussion as to which form of church order had 
better be adopted, and two organizations were tem- 
porarily made. 

THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH OF SALEM 
executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 7, 1868. 
It was signed by E. Miller and Charles Fitzgerald, 
and the trustees named therein were Edward Mills, 
Charles Fitzgerald, Chauneey S. Horton, A. E. Conk- 
lin, and John H. Green. This church exists at the 
present time, though services are not held, except 
occasionally. They have a pleasant rural chapel, 
which is a matter of considerable convenience to the 
neighborhood, and a very fiourishing Sabbath-school 
is maintained under the superintendence of Charles 
B. Roe. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SUGAR- 
LOAF, WARWICK, 

executed a certificate of incorporation Aug. 6, 1809, 
at the house of Thomas Weadons. The paper was 
signed by Thomas AVoolsey and Jesse Wood, Jr., as 
inspectors of election, and the trustees chosen were 
Henry Wisner, Jr., Joseph Beach, Andrew Cunning- 
ham, Benjamin Wells, Richard Wisner, Horace Ketch- 
um, Elijah Stevens, John D. Conkling, Benjamin 
Horton. This is an old point of Methodist work, as 
shown by the early date above given. No statistics 
have been sent In' the pastor in reply to our invita- 
tion. (See general chapter on religious societies.) 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CHESTER. 
The pastor of this church furnishes the following 
paper with reference to this society : 

"The Methodist Episcopal Church of Chester was organized in 1837, 
and the first service held in the house of Job Hall by the preacher in 
charge of the Sugar-Loaf Circuit. Among the first members were William 
L. Foster, Anna Masterson, Iier daughter Mary, and son William, who 
remained an active and influential member to the day of his death. Tlie 
society worshiped for some time in private houses, but finally secured 
the use of the academy, in which preaching services were held every two 
weeks. In 1850, under the plea that the renting of the academy for other 
than educational purposes was contrary to the charter, the small strug- 
gling society were refused its further use for religious worship. They 
then secured the ball-room of the old Yelvei ton house, in which they 
worshiped several montlis. In tlie mean time tlie trustees of the academy 
had revoked tlieir former decision, and the society again occupied it for 
worship. In 1851 lliey determined to build a churcli. The land was 
purchased, and on Jan. 26, 1852, at a meeting duly called and organized, 
seven trustees were elected, viz.: C. B. Wood, William L. Foster, Daniel 
Conklin, S. R. Banker, J. T. Johnson, William Masterson, and B. G. Mc- 
Cabe. The following summer the present church was built, with a seat- 
ing capacity of 400, and in October dedicated by Bishop E. S. Janea, the 
building and property costing 84500. 

" In 1807 the church was enlarged by the addition of a lecture-room, 
class-rooms, etc., at an expense of glOOO, and in 1872 the main audience- 
room was remodeled and beautified, costing S'iOOO more. At the Confer- 
ence of 1854, Chester, which up to this time had been connected with the 
Sugar Loaf Circuit, was made a station, and Rev. B. M. Gennng appointed 
pastor. In 1855 a parsonage was bought for $900, in which the preach- 
ers liveii until 1878, when the present parsonage, the late residence of 
Dr. Smith, was bought, and the old one sold. 

"The following pa.'itors have served the church: 1864-55, B. M. Ge- 
nnng; 1856, R. A. Chalker; 1857-58, C. 1>. Foss; 1859, J. P. Hermance ; 
1860-61, E. L. Prentice; 1862-03, William Ostrauder ; 1864-65, H. G. 
Browning; 1866-67, P. R. Hawxhurst; 1868-70, William E. Clarke; 



CHESTER. 



619 



1871-73, C.W. Millard; 1874-75, J. P. Hermance; 1876-78, Geo, Clarke; 
1S79, G. N. Pratt. Mr. Pratt was taken sick soou after Conference, and, 
after a brief and broken pastorate of seven months, died. The pulpit 
was supplied during the winter by P. P. Harrower. 1880, J. Rowe. 

"The present membership is lGl,and the valuation of property, in- 
cluding church and parsonage, SI^,5U0. 

" The officers of tlie church are: Trustees, C. B. Wood, J. T. Johnson, 
Wni. C. Bodle, D. H. Koe, Lewis Masterson, H. \V. Wood, John King, .1. 
R. Pitts, Francis Murray; Stewards, Abrani Wright, Wni. A. Lawi'ence, 
J. T. Thompson, Henry Masterson, C. Foss Wood, Charles Kerner, Elias 
Masten, Mortimer Crist, Roswell Chamberlain ; Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, .1. T. Thompson. C. B. Wood, J. T. Johnson, and H. W. Wood 
have each served as trustees, through successive re-elections, every year 
since their firet election, the first two in 18.^'2, and the last in 18.53, be- 
sides filling otiier important offices. 

"The Sunday-school, which was organized when the church was built, 
is iu a prosperous condition, numbering at present 116 scholar's and 18 
officers and teachers. The church has steadily progressed in numbers 
and influence since its organization, and hopes for greater prosperity in 
the future." 



VIII.-BUKIAL-PLACES. 
The remains of an old burial-place may be seen in 
the village of Chester. The newer grounds in the 
villages are in very good preservation. 

THE GRAY COURT CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 
was incorporated Nov. 19, 1856. The meeting was 
held at t)ie house of William Eoe, and William Roe ; 
was appointed chairman, Dewitt C. Thompson, secre- 
tary. The trustees appointed were William Roe, | 
Cortland S. Marvin, Henry C. Griggs, Dewitt C. i 
Thompson, Wicks Seeley, Seeley C. Roe. This ceme- 
tery is not far from the site of the Gray Court house 
of early times, north or northwest of the " meadows," 
and is rather handsomely laid out and well cared for. 



IX.-SOCIETIES, LIBRAKIES, BANKS, Etc. 
STANDARD LODGE, No. 711, F. AND A. M., 
was instituted July 27, 1871. Its first officers were 
John F. Mackie, W. Master; N. Demerest, S. War- 
den; T. H. Bryan, Junior Warden. Its charter mem- 
bers were John F. Mackie, of Warwick Lodge; N. 
Demerest, of Goshen ; T. H. Bryan, of Hoffman ; G. 
W. Clark, of Hoffman ; Samuel Marvin, of Goshen ; 
George Parsons, of Goshen ; C. 0. Van Vliet, of 
Goshen ; Nathan Bryan, of Goshen ; E. T. Jackson, 
of Goshen; N. K.Crotty, of Goshen; Josephs. Young, 
of Goshen ; Dr. H. P. Ferris, of Warwick. The lodge 
is located in East Chester, one mile from Erie Rail- j 
road depot. 

THE CHE.^TER LIBRARY 
was incorporated Nov. 17, 1797. The trustees named 
in the certificate were David Webb, James Bradner, ! 
Abijah Yelverton, Peter Townsend, Colville Carpen- 
ter, Joseph Wickham, and Nathan Jones. The cer- 
tificate was verified before Judge Wickham, and re- 
corded Nov. 18, 1797. 

This was located at Chester village, and Mr. George 
Board states that Abijah Yelverton was the librarian. 
He has heard his mother sjieak of obtaining books 
there. The library was probably never very large. 



It was discontinued after a few years and the books 

sCcittprGcl 

CHESTER NATIONAL BANK. 

This institution, originally founded as a State 
bank, was established by the following gentlemen, 
who signed articles of association Aug. 23, 1845. 
The subscription to the stock had been made during 
a few weeks preceding, beginning with June 30th : 
Alex. Wright, Wm. H. Houston, Francis Tuthill, 
Gabriel Seeley, Jesse Bull, Benjamin Sayer, Jr., Peter 
Townsend, Jr., James Wheeler, James Bradner, Henry 
W. Owen, Jesse Oldfleld, William W. Brook, Alsop 
V. Aspell, Josiah Seeley, Wm. Bross, Daniel Wood, 
James B.Wheeler, Hulb. Coleman, Gabriel Coleman, 
John Wood, Bradner Coleman, Jesse Wood, Chas. H. 
Thompson, Joel Coleman, John M. Bull, Charles C. 
Wheeler, James B. Wood, Jr., Gabriel Houston, Louis 
D. Parkhurst, .Tacob H. Feegles, Jonas Seeley, Charles 
Cumens, by J. Seeley, John H. Yelverton, Seeley C. 
Roe, James Burt, Jr., Samuel Wilson, James Burt, 
William Waterbury, John R. Wilson, Townsend & 
Brothers, Edniond Seeley, Benjamin Bradner, Henry 
Brewster, Nathan S. Vail, Cornelius C. Demerest, 
Frederick Demerest, Sarah Demerest, by F. Demerest, 
Ezra San ford, H. Weeden, Andrew J. Durland, John 
Sly, Fanny Benedict, R. M. Murray & Co., Joseph M. 
Brown, Isaac A. Storm, G. L. Dolsen, Johnes, Otis & 
Co., Abraham Forshee, Henry Wisner, Isaac T. Storm, 
Warren S. Rumsey, Wm. Coleman, D. Irwin, D. M. 
Wilson & Co., O. S. Jennings, John Romer, Oliver 
Clark, Marcus Sears, E. H. Pray, Fred. H. Brewster, 
Phineas R. Coleman. 

The first directors were Alexander Wright, Francis 
Tuthill, Gabriel Seeley, Jesse Bull, Peter Townsend, 
Jr., James Wheeler, Henry W. Owen, Alsop V. Aspell, 
James B. Wheeler, Gabriel Coleman, Jesse Wood, 
Jonas Seeley, James Burt, Jr., John R. Wilson, 
David Hynard. 

The association immediately contracted for the 
erection of the present building, and it was built 
during that fall and the ensuing winter. .lames 
Hazard was the builder. The bank was opened for 
business about the 21st of May, 1846. The first presi- 
dent of the bank was James Wheeler, who served 
until June, 1851. His successor was Edward L. 
Welling, who continued in the office until his death 
in the winter of 1855. In June of that year James 
Burt was chosen, and is still the president after a ser- 
vice of over twenty-five years. These throe presidents 
were all from the town of Warwick. The first cashier 
was Alexander Wright, who served until June, 1851. 
He was succeeded by Mr. John T. Johnson, who is 
still cashier, now in his thirtieth year of service. The 
capital stock was $100,400 at the organization. It 
was increased to $125,500 at a subsequent date. The 
institution became a national bank in 1865. 

The present board of directors (October, 1880) con- 
sists of James Burt (who has been a director from 
1845), James B. Wheeler, Ezra Sanford, Bradner 



620 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Coleman, Charles H. Thompson, Devvitt C. Jayne, 
Henry W. Owen, Nathan E. Feagles, Cornelius B. 
Wood, Nathaniel R. Bradner, John T. Johnson, 
Nathaniel Roe, Ira Bull. 

John T. Johnson. — His grandfather, James John- 
son, was of Welsh descent, and married, in New York 
City, a Miss Vantilburg, who was born in Holland, 
who bore him an only child, John, father of our sub- 
ject. John Johnson was born in Newark, N. J., in 
1763, married for his first wife a Miss Townsend, who 
bore him an only child, Sarah, who became the wife 
of Edward James, a lawyer in Goshen, where he died. 

For his second wife John Johnson married Orpha, 
widow of Timothy Little, and daughter of Col. John 
Tuthill, of Blooming-( Trove, Orange Co. She was 
born Nov. 11, 1781, and died June 15, 1855, leaving 
an only child, the subject of this sketch. 

While a young man John Johnson came to Goshen, 
where he established himself in the saddle and har- 
ness business, which he carried on until his death, 
which occurred June 25, 1821. He was a member of 
the Episcopal Church at that place, and his second 
wife a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

John T. Johnson was born in Goshen, Feb. 18, 1815, 
and was therefore only six years of age when his 
father died. He resided with his maternal grand- 
father, Col. Tuthill, who was one of the first settlers 
of Erin, Chemung Co., N. Y., until he was fifteen 
years old, when he came to Chester, and was a clerk 
in the store of his uncle, Francis Tuthill, of that 
place, for the following seven years. For one year 
following he was a clerk in the store of Townsend 
& Kinnej', at Peru, 111., and then took up 300 acres 
of land on Fox River, in that State, where, however, 
he remained only a short time. For three years fol- 
lowing he was the clerk of Harden Bigelow, con- 
tractor of the Illinois Central Railroad. He then 
engaged as clerk for Isaac Abram, of Peru, and in 
1843 again entered the service of Mr. Bigelow, and 
had charge of shipping the railroad iron for him. 

The same year he returned to Chester, and was a 
clerk until 1847 in the store of Tuthill & Seeley, 
when he became a partner in the business, under the 
firm-name of Tuthill, Seeley & Johnson, his uncle 
withdrawing and John B. Tuthill becoming a member 
of the concern. In this relation he continued until 
1851, when he was elected cashier of the Chester 
Bank, with Edward L. Welling as president. Mr. 
Welling served as president until 1855, and was 
superseded by James Burt, who held the office until 
Jan. 11, 1881, when Mr. Johnson, who had remained 
cashier from his first election, was chosen president, 
which position he holds at the present time, thus 
being for a period of thirty years identified with the 
history of that bank. Since his connection with the 
bank his financial ability has been recognized as safe, 
judicious, and honest. Prior to this he took some 
interest in local political matters, and for one term 
served as supervisor of Chester. His life has been 



devoted to business, and he is known as a man of 
strict integrity in all the relations of life, well in- 
formed upon the current topics of the times, sociable, 
frank in his manner, and a substantial citizen. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 
GKAV COURT 
is the old historic name bestowed by the first settler, 
Daniel Cromeline, upon his estate, in imitation of 
English custom, and it was applied to his dwelling, 
— which subsequently became a famous hostelry of 
ante-Revolutionary times, — to the hamlet that grew 
up around him, and to the meadows in this vicinity. 

The old Gray Court or Cromeline house stood on 
the north or northeast side of the meadows, some- 
what opposite to the present railroad station of the 
same name. It was taken down within the memory of 
many persons now living. Its site was very nearly 
the same as that of the dwelling now occupied by 
Widow Wisner. The present house was erected by 
Francis Woodhull, who owned the place for some 
years. The site must be considered a place of historic 
interest. 

In 1776, Chester was m.ide a point of rendezvous 
for the militia of Ulster and Orange, under command 
of Gen. George Clinton. They were there for some 
little time, giving rise to the tradition that a portion 
of the Continental army encamjjed there, which is not 
correct. The militia encamped upon the Townsend 
place, and the officers boarded at the house of Wm. 
Vail. Some detachments doubtless occupied other 
points. Mrs. Hoffman, of Goshen, has relics picked 
up from the camping-grouiid upon her ancestor's farm, 
a mile or so distant from the above place. 

SUGAR-LOAF MOUNTAIN 
rises majestically, in a conical form, several hundred 
feet above the level of the surrounding lands. The 
apex of the cone is covered with a woody top-knot or 
crest, which gives it a pleasant and gay appearance. 
"Eager's History" gives the following: 

" On a farm iu this vicinity, owned by Mr. Jonathan Archer,* Uiere 
was an Indian bnrying-gronnil at the early settlement of the country. 
Our informant, upwards of eighty-six years old, said elie saw it fre- 
quently before the Revolution, and once afterwards. She thought there 
were about thirty graves. Around each grave there were pieces of split 
wood, set in the ground so close as almost to touch each other, and higher 
than her head. There was no regularity in the position of the graves. 
These, doubtless, were the honored receptacles of chiefs and warriors; 
for, from all we have learned upon inquiry through the county, it ap- 
pears that such were not interred in a common yard with other Indians. 
While each tribe or settlement had a common receptacle for depositing 
the dead, several settlements, though many miles apart, buried their 
chiefs iu ground appropriated for the purpose ; so that while the lat- 
ter were few in number, the former were numerous. When a chief was 
buried the Indians attended from a great distance around." 



XI.-INDTJSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

Agriculture is the principal business of the people 
of Chester. There are many good farms in the town. 

* Probably the present Richard Bull farm was the one mentioned by 
Mr. Kager, as that agrees with the local tradition of the present time. 




\ 



CHESTER. 



621 



The culture of onions has received special attention 
upon the Gray Court meadows, and is a leading arti- 
cle of export. These lands are very productive, though 
farmers use fertilizers, notwithstanding the rich black 
soil is of great depth. The Gray Court meadows are 
worth from $400 to $700 per acre. They are owned 
in small parcels, containing from one or two acres to 
fifteen. This division is favorable to close cultiva- 
tion, and enables a large number to avail themselves 
of these famous lands. A thousand dollars' worth of 
onions is sometimes taken yearly from a single acre. 
The busine.ss is so extensive that there are no less than 
three parties engaged in buying and shipping onions 
at the market season of the year. These lands also 
yield abundant crops of corn, and vegetables in con- 
siderable quantities are raised. There is but little 
manufacturing in town. 



XII.-REBELLION KECOKD. 

Although the town sufl'ered the loss of its records 
by fire, fortunately, through the efforts of Mr. James 
B. Stevens, supervisor in 1864, assisted by Mr. J. G. 
Clark, a very complete statement of the part taken by 
the town in the war of the Rebellion was filed in the 
Bureau of Military Records. From this statement 
and from other reliable sources the following list has 
been comjiiled. Officers of towns who failed to 
perform a similar duty will perhaps see in Mr. Ste- 
vens' work the importance of attention to such mat- 
ters. The absence of similar records in other towns 
is a neglect which has no reasonable excuse. 

The town of Chester furnished at the outbreak of 
the war and prior to July, 1862, 34 men, viz. : 



Militia 2 

Eighteenth Regiment 7 

Fifty-sixth Regiment 7 

Forty-fourth Begiment 3 

Forty-eighth Regiment 7 

Seventieth Regiment 1 



Ninetieth Regiment .S 

Cavalry 2 

First Regiment 1 

Engineers 1 

Total 34 



The quota assigned to the town under the calls of 
July and August, 1862, was 57, and the town was 
credited by the senatorial committee with 65, a sur- 
plus of 8. The enlistments were : 

One Hundred and Twenty- Corcoran 's Brigade 2 

fourth Regiment 36 — 

One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Total 65 

Regiment 27 

The quota under the draft of July, 1863, was 34, 
which number, with fifty per cent, additional, was 
drawn. One (Edward L. Welling) sent substitute; 
one (John Amhurst, colored) entered service, 23 com- 
muted, and 26 were discharged. Total credits 25. 

The calls for October, 1863, and February and 
March, 1864, were merged calls, and also included the 
July draft. The number of men required was : 

To supply deficiencicB under draft of July '.H 

Under all other calls 17 

51 

The town received credit for 25 under the July 
draft, 29 enlistments in 1863, and 11 enlistments in 
February, 1864; total, 65. Under these calls 44 men 
were furnished. 



Under the call of July, 1864, 26 men were fur- 
nished. The quota under the December call was 4, 
and was filled by 4 substitutes. On settlement with 
the Paymaster-General the town was allowed an ex- 
cess of seventy-four years, $14,800, and for substitutes 
and volunteers, $2400 ; total, $17,200. 

By subscription in 1862, paid for bounties $1,600 

By bonds in 1864 15,350 

Bv county bounties, 1863 12,000 

By town bonds, 1864-66 5,233 

$34,383 
The Presbyterian Church of Chester contributed to San- 
itary Commission and for support of six families 925 

$35,308 
Less repaid by State (above) 17,200 

Total payments by town $28,108 

VOLUNTEERS PRIOR TO JULY, 1862. 
Diffely, Thomas, 18tb ; lion, discharged. 
Murphy, James, 18th ; killed at Gaines' Mill. 
Green, Samuel, 18th ; died of typhoid fever. 
Bryan, Nathan, 18th : disch. at end of service. 
Lawrence, Thomas, 18th; disch. at end of service. 
Bramer, James, 18th ; disch. at end of service. 
McCoy, Wm. B,, ISth ; disch. at end of service. 
Fowler, Charles H., 18th ; died of fever, 1863. 
Culver, Jesse, 44th. 
Culver, Edward A., 44th. 

Culver, Theodore, 44th ; hon. diach. Oct. 11,1864. 
Ronk, John, 48th. 
Robinson, Joseph, 48th. 
Ennnous, Dallas, 48th. 
Giddis, Charles J., 48th. 
Howell, Caleb H., 48th. 
French, Thomas, 56th ; died in service. 
Ford, George, 56th. 
Zindle, Rensselaer, 56th ; wounded. 
Sweezy, Richard, 56th. 

Coleman, Wm. H., 56th ; disch. for disability. 
Maxwell, James, .56th ; disch. for disability. 
Cox, Thomas, 56th ; died in service. 
Runisey, Dubois B., 48th ; wounded at Fort Wagner. 
Garrigan, James, 70th ; died of fever Nov. 6, 1861. 
Banker, Josiah H., 90th ; wounded at Port Hudson. 
Conkling, Alanson, 90th ; killed at Port Hudson, 1863. 
Nichols, John, 90th. 
Livingston, Jacob, cavalry. 
Higgins, Benjamin F., cavalry. 
Wood, Charles B., 71st M. ; disch. at end of service. 
Murston, Isaac, 19th M.; disch. at end of service. 
Cole, Charles M., 48th; sergt., Co. G. 
Stalter, Peter, Ist Eng. 
Cooper, Thomas, 56th. 
Eaton, Henry E., 50th. 

VOLUNTEERS, JULY AND AUGUST, 1862. 
Acularius, Henry, Co. A, 124th ; wounded at Chancellorsville ; missing 

in action May 12, 1864. 
Armstrong, Uriah, Co. D, 16Gth or 17Gth. 
Armstrong, Daniel, Co. D, 166tli. 
Brady, John T., Co. C, 124th ; not mustered. 
Bischeotr, Christian, Co. D, 166th. 
Brownson, Edward, Co. I>, 166th. 
Bodle, Charles W., Co. A, 124th ; wounded severely June 18, 1864 ; must 

out by Gen. Order 77. 
Benjamin, Elisha B., Co. D, 124th. 

Bei^amin, Wells, Co. D, 124th ; must, out with regiment. 
Babcock, George, Co. B, 124th ; disch. by court-martial Oct. I, 1863. 
Cromwell, William, Co. D, 166th. 
Curtis, John, Co. D, 166th. 

Conklin. John H., Co. A, 124th ; must, out with regt. 
Conklin, Isaac L., Co. A, 124th; wounded at Gettysburg; died at Sugap- 

Loaf, Oct. 12, 1864. 
Collister, William, Co. D, 124th; wounded at Gettysburg; trans, to 

V. B. C. 



I 



622 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Corwin, William R., Co. D, 166th-, died at New Orleans, Aug. 28, 1863. 

Culbert, George, Co. D, 166tli. 

Coleman, George W., Co. D, 166th; killed at Chancelloreville. 

Cnlver, George, Co. D, 166th. 

Cumuli OS, Francis M., 124th; lieut.-col., col. 

Cooper, John \V., Co, D, 16()th. 

Curry, David, Co. D, 124th ; must, out with regt. 

Decker, John, Co. D, 166th ; died in New York, March 5, 1864. 

Earl, Wni. S., Co. D, 166th. 

Garrison, John M., Co. D, 121th ; wounded May 3, 1863, and May 12, 

1864 ; must, out with regt. 
Gray, Benjamin W., Co. D, 124th ; wounded in neck Blay 6, 1864 ; must. 

out with regt. 
Hyatt, Ezra, Co. D, 124th; wounded July 3, 1863; wounded May 12, 

1 864 ; sergt. ; trans, to V. R. C. 
Haweter, Samuel, Co. D, 166th. 
Hall, Wm. H., Co. D, 166th ; died of wouuds received at Brashear City, 

1863. 
Johnson, Joseph L., Co. A, 124th ; must, out June 3, 1865. 
Kehr, Peter, capt., Co. D, 166th. 
Kane, Richard, Co. D, 166th. 
Liiidsley, Edward, Core, Brig. 
Miller, John, Co. D, 166th. 
Mulvehall, Martin, 124th ; not on roll. 
Messenge, John S., 124th. 
McCoy, John, Co. D, 166tli. 

McQuoid, William, Co. A, 124th ; disch. Fell. 8, 1864. 
Maxwell, James, Co. D, 166th. 
Morrison, James, 166th. 

Odell, Napoleou B., Co. G, 124th ; disch. Feb. 3, 1863. 
Odell, George W., Co. G, 124th ; wounded at Chaucellorsville. 
Pilgrim, John, Co. D, 166tli ; died in New Orleans of consumption. 
Quackenbush, Richard, Co, D, 124th; disch, Oct. 2, 1863. 
Redner, James E., 166th ; wounded at Brashear City. 
Ross, Moses P., Co. A, 124th ; trans, to non-com, staff as bugler, 
Rikar, Ralph R,, Co. O, 124th ; sent to hosp, Nov, 6, 1862 ; must, out by 

Gen, Order 77, 
Smith, Nelson A,, 166th; wounded at Brashear city. 
Shepherd, John, Co, A, 124th, 

Smith, John W,, Co, D, 124th; disch, Aug. 21, 1863. 
Simpson, James A., 124th. 
Stephens, Epliraim, 124th. 
Shultz, John M., 124th. 
Thurston, Isaac, Core, Brig. 

Taylor, John W., Co. A, 121th ; wounded at Chaucellorsville. 
Van Strander, Perry, Co. D, 166th. 

Valentine, Charles H., Co. A, 124th ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Van Houteu, Wm. B., Co, D, 124th ; trans, to non-com, stafl as sergt.- 

maj. ; subsequently Ist lieut. 
Vail, James H., 166th. 
Van Ranipff, Julius, Co. D, 166th. 

White, Gilbert, Co. D, 166th; died in 1862, before taking the field. 
Wood, Charles B., 1st lieut., Co. A, 124th ; capt., July, 1863; wounded 

May 12, 1864; disch. Sept. 21, 1864, 
Wood, Peter L,, Co, A, 124tli; died March 18, 1863, of fever; buried at 

Chester. 
Wood, Wm, B, Co, A, 124th. 
Wood, John C, 1st sergt., Co. A, 124th ; let lieut., Nov. 13, 1864; capt. 

Feb. 26, 1865; must, out June 3, 1866. 
Wood, Fred. F., Co. G, 124th; died at Falmouth, June 3, 1863, of wound 

received at Chaucellorsville ; buried at Chester. 



DRAFT OF 

Coi'Delius, Johu H., commuted. 

Showers, James H., " 

Westervelt. Clias. H , ** 

Rumsey, Thomas J., " 

King, Andrew, " 
Clark, John Q., 

King, Edmond, " 

Colwell, Wm. K., " 

Lawrence, John, " 

Knapp, Nathaniel, " 

Fitzgerald, John, " 

Vandoren, Ogden K., " 

Roe, David, *' 

Potter, Simeon L., ** 



JULY, 1863. 
Wisner, James T., commuted. 
Murray, Hugh E., *' 

Burney, Thomas, " 

Durland, Joseph, " 

Board, Joseph, " 

Vail, Alisalom V., " 

Benjamin, Walter II., *' 
Koe, Miles H., " 

Kelly, Barnard, " 

John Amhurst, Colored, entered 

service. 
Edward L. Welling, sent substi- 
tute. 



VOLUNTEERS FROM JULY, 18«2, TO JULY, 1864. 

Allen, Albert M., Colored, 2Uth Colored. 
Amherst, Maurice, Colored, 20th Colored. 
.Anderson, Alexander, Colored, 20th Colored. 
Bryan, Matthew, 15th Cavalry. 
Benjamin, Dunn V., 15th Cavalry. 
Barto, Genrge W., Colored, 20th Colored. 
Brown, Jacob, 15th Cavalry. 
Cable, William, Colored, 2Uth Colored. 
Cronk, Geo. H., 7th Art. 
Clark, John. 

DeGroot, George W., Colored, 20th Colored. 
DeGroot, Henry, Colored, 20th Colored. 
DeGroot, John H., Colored, 20th Colored. 
DeGroot, George, Colored, 20th Colored. 
DeGroot, Gilbert, Colored, 15th Art. 
Edwards, William, 15th Cavalry. 
French, Thomas, 56th. 
Ford, George, Jr., 56th. 
Foly, John. 

Goreham, James B., Colored, 20th Colored. 
Hyatt, William H., 15th Cavalry. 
Halsey, Absalom, Colored, 20tb Colored. 
Hays, John, 98th. 
Kelly, Edward. 
Keneday, Matthew. 

McGuiuiss, David, Colored, 20th Colored. 
McGuinisB, John, Colored, 20th Colored. 
McGuiniss, Elijah, Colored. 2nth Colored. 
Mapes, James, Colored, 20th Colored. 
Mann, Wm. 11 , Cidored, 20tb Colored. 
Marshall, John, loth Art. 
Ballot, David, 15th Cavalry. 
Powell, Theron K , Colored, 20th Colored. 
Peterson, William, Colored, 20th Colored. 
Randolph, Wm. J., Colored, 20th Colored. 
Smith, John W., 15th Cavalry. 
Sweezy, Wm., 56th. 
Sweezy, Richard, 56th. 
Sweezy, George, 56th ; vet. 
Sweezy, Morris B. 
Statler, Richard, I5tb Cavalry. 
Statler, Wm. G., 15th Cavalry. 
Soper, Henry. 
Williams, Isaac. 
Wood, David. 



VOLUNTEERS 



AND SUBSTITUTES, 
JANUARY, 1865. 



JULY'', 1864, TO 



Roe, John W., fur. sub. 
Wood, Cornelius B., fur. sub. 
Hoyt, Joseph C, '* 

Lane, John, '* 

Hadden, Samuel, ** 

Conkling, Walter J., " 
Beatty, Wm., *' 

Durland, Oscar, " 

Carpenter, S. G., ** 

Helms, Nathan E., " 

Mills, Edward, " 

Bodle, Wm. C, 
Finney, James, 1st Eng. 
Little, David, " 

Vanderburgh, Etlingham, 1st Eng. 
Thorn, Edward, " 

Smith, Isaac, " 

Fosdyke, David M., " 



Roe, Alfred A., fur. sub. 
Holbert, S. S., '* 

Roe, Charles B., " 
Banker, Thaddeus W., fur. eub. 
Ackerly, Daniel E., " 

Tuthill, John B., " 

Van Kleeck, *' 

Browning, Rev. W. G., " 
Garvin, Joseph, " 

Houston, Samuel B. " 

Burk, Patrick, " 

Stevens, Mills D., " 

Davis, John S., 1st Eng. 
Merritt, James M., let Eng. 
Hurd, William, '* 

Dusenberry, Henry D., Ist Eng. 
Giles, James H., " 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JESSE ROE. 
Jonas Koe came from Scotland with two of his 
brothers, and settled at Florida, Orange Co., N. Y., 
about the year 1730. A deed of the property owned 





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6 



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CHESTER. 



623 



by him is dated 1737 and written on parchment. He 
reared a family of seven sons and several daughters, 
of whom Nathaniel resided in Unionville, and has 
several descendants there ; William and Jonas have 
descendants also in Orange County. Benjamin and 
George married and reared femilies in Sussex Co., 
N. J., where they settled in 1798. 

Cajit. Nathaniel Roe, grandfather of our subject, 
and a descendant of one of the original settlers, owned 
and settled the property in the town of Chester now 
in possession of the heirs of Jesse Roe, upon which 
he settled in 1751. In 1762 he built a house on this 
farm, consisting of .500 acres, which remained the 
homestead domicile until 1845, when it was torn down 
and the present residence erected by Jesse Roe. Na- 
thaniel Roe died in 1813, aged eighty-one, and his 
wife, Susannah, died within forty-eight hours of the 
time of his death, aged eighty-three years. 

Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel Roe, born Aug. 11, 
1761, resided upon this home.stead his whole life, own- 
ing some 300 acres, which comprises its present size. 
He died May 23, 1833. Both he and his wife, Mary 
Satterly, whom he married April 4, 1782, were attend- 
ants of the Presbyterian Church at Chester, of which 
she was a member and one of its founders. She was 
born March 29, 1703, and died Oct. 8, 1840. Their 
children were Betsy, born April 24, 1787, the wife of 
Thaddeus Seeley, of Chester; Abigail, born May 12, 
1789, the wife of Garret Curry, and died in Chester ; 
Lewis H., born Dec. 2, 1790; Juliana, born Jan. 26, 
1793, the wife of John Green, of Chester ; Thomas W., 
born Feb. IS, 1795; Nathaniel S., born Feb. 13, 1799; 
William, born March 12, 1801 ; Genest M., born Aug. 
16, 1804 ; and Jesse, born July 2, 1806. All were mar- 
ried and reared families except Nathaniel, who died 
young. 

Jesse Roe succeeded to the homestead, and married, 
Feb. 1.5, 1832, Dolly Caroline, daughter of Jesse and 
Dolly (Watkins) Booth, of Hamptonburgh, who was 
born June 18, 1812, and survives in 1881. Mr. Roe, 
like his forefathers, devoted his life to agricultural 
pursuits. He was a thoroughgoing farmer, and a man 
of strict integrity and correct habits. 

At th(! age of sixteen he became a member of the 
Presbyterian Church at Chester, of which his wife 
was also a member, and which he ofhcially served as 
elder and trustee for many years. He was a director 
in the Chester Bank during the latter years of his life, 
and died Sept. 21, 1876, leaving his property, which 
he obtained partly by purchase and partly by inherit- 
ance, to his children. 

The children of Jesse Roe are George, born Nov. 
12, 1832, died June 27, 1850; Thomas H., a fUrmer 
of Blooming-Grove ; Harriet, wife of Chas. R. Bull, 
of the same town ; Alfred B., residing on the old 
homestead ; Virgil, born Nov. 19, 1843, died July 9, 
1863 ; Mary, wife of J. Erskine Mills, a druggist of 
Middletown, N. Y. ; and Matilda, born Oct. 27,' 1849, 
died May 1, 1867. 



JAMES DURLAND. 
His grandfather, Charles Durland, came from Long 
Island in 1756, and was engaged on the frontier in 
the French and Indian war. After its close he mar- 
ried Jane Swartwout and settled on a farm, a part of 
which is now owned by the subject of this sketch. 
In 1783 he built the residence now on the place, and 
which has been the homestead domicile since. He 
was exempted from service in the struggle of the 
colonies for independence, and died about 1800, aged 
sixty-seven. His children were Mary (wife of Mr. 
Wood, of Minisink), Garret, Joseph, John, Charles, 
Elizabeth (wife of Vincent Wood, of Goshen), Ro- 
sannah (wife of Peter Holbert, of Minisink), and 
Samuel. All of these children married and reared 
families in Orange County. 

Joseph, son of Charles, born March 31, 1762, was a 
scout during the close of the Revolutionary struggle. 
He married Martha Board, of Ringwood, N. J., who 
bore him children, — Charles, Elizabeth (wife of Jonas 
King), James, and Thomas, who were both drowned 
in a pond near the homestead while young. His 
second wife, Sally, daughter of Samuel Satterly, bore 
him the following children : Martha (widow of John 
M. Bull, of Blooming-Grove), Jonas, Samuel, Ke- 
ziah (died young), Susan (wife of George Mapes, of 
Goshen), James, Thomas, and Seeley. Joseph Dur- 
land, with his brother Samuel, inherited the home- 
stead, the former making for his homestead the place 
now owned by James Durland, of about 100 acres. 
Joseph Durland was an honorable and upright citi- 
zen, a man of correct habits, a sjupporter of church 
! interests, and assisted in building the first Presbyte- 
I rian church edifice erected at Chester, of which his 
' wife was a member. His second wife died in May, 
' 1838, aged sixty years. He died Aug. 28, 1828. 
Their children who survive in 1881 are Martha, 
Thomas, and James, subject of this notice. 

James Durland was born on the homestead, Sept. 
14, 1811. He succeeded to the homestead property 
by purchase in 1865, upon which he has resided his 
whole life. In 1833 he engaged in the mercantile 
business at Chester with his brother Samuel, who 
died the same year, and continued the business with 
a younger brother, Thomas, until 1837, when the 
business was sold to M. C. Denton. In 1843, in com- 
[lany with William Masterson, he bought the store 
stock again, which the firm carried on until 1847, 
when Mr. Durland disposed of his interest in the 
concern. This business he carried on in connection 
with farming, and since the latter date he has given 
his attention mostly to dairying. It is a fact worthy 
of note in connection with the great dairy interests of 
Orange County that in 1843 Mr. Durland shipped 
the first milk from Chester for sale in New York, it 
being sent in a common barrel-churn on the Erie 
i Railway. 

Mr. Durland has been identified with nearly all of 
the varied enterprises in his town during his active 



624 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



business life, and in tlie many cases in wliicli he has 
been selected as executor and administrator of estates, 
running through a term of nearly fifty years, his offi- 
cial relations have never been questioned, nor has hi.s 
integrity been in any way impaired. In 1842 he was 
one of the building committee of the Chester Acad- 
emy, and he was a member of the building committee 
of the Presbyterian Church at Chester in 1853. He 
has served as one of the trustees of the church for 
many years, and has been a member of the same 
since 1856. In 1835 he married Amelia, daughter of 
John Vernon, of Long Island. She was born Sept. 
23, 1806, w-as a devoted Christian woman, at member 
of the church at Chester, and died Dec. 19, 1876. 
Their children who grew to manhood and woman- 
hood are Jane (wife of John B. Tuthill, of Chester), 
died in 1867, aged thirty ; Samuel S., re.siding on the 
homestead with his father; Martha (wife of Alfred 
B. Roe, a farmer in Chester) ; and John J., a farmer 
and merchant of Rushford, Minn. 



JAMES J. BOARD. 

His grandfather, James Board, with his brothers 
David and Joseph, came from Wales, and settled in 
Ringwood, N. J., prior to the Revolutionary war, and 
were managers of the iron-works at that place. 
James' house was the welcome and hospitable stop- 
ping-place for oflicers and soldiers of the Continental 
army during the war. James, son of James Board, 
and father of our subject, died on the homestead at 
Ringwood in October, 1801, leaving a wife, Nancy, 
daughter of Capt. Phineas Heard, of Blooming-Grove, 
Orange Co., N. Y., and had six children, viz. : Polly, 
Ann, Hetty, John H., Eliza J., and James J. After 
her husband's death Mrs. Board married Isaac 
Kingsland, and resided at Boonton, N. J., where she 
died, leaving six children by her second marriage. 

Prior to his marriage James Board, with his brother 
Cornelius, came to Chester (then Goshen), Orange 
Co., N. Y., and purchased some 300 acres of land in 
Sugar-Loaf Valley, upon which Cornelius resided 
the remainder of his life and reared a family, whose 
descendants are scattered, but some of whom are set- 
tled now in Orange County. James found his wife 
here, returned to the homestead at Ringwood, where 
he died when James J. was yet unborn. 

Another brother of James was Philip, who settled 
in Kentucky. 

James J. Board, youngest son of James Board, was 
born at Ringwood, March 30, 1802, and was reared 
by his uncle Cornelius, in the town of Chester. At 
the age of sixteen he went to learn the tanning and 
currying business at Washingtonville, Orange Co., 
with Moses Ely, where he remained until he reached 
his majority, when he jjurchased 140 acres of land near 
his uncle's, upon which ho resided until 1850. He 
was a thoroughgoing farmer, and dealt considerably 
in cattle, and for fifteen years supplied West Point 



with meat. In 1849 he was selected to take charge of 
the Yelverton estate at Chester, and in 1850 removed 
to that village and engaged in mercantile business 
and freighting produce to New Y^ork, in which he 
continued until about 1874, when he retired from 
the more active duties of life. Mr. Board was one of 
the building committee of the Chester Academy in 
1842, and was one of the board of trustees as long as 
the building was used as an academy. He sold the 
ground for the Presbyterian church at Chester, it 
being a part of the Yelverton estate. He has been 
several times selected as administrator and executor 
of estates, and his integrity remains unimpaired in 
all his business transactions. U2)on the erection of 
the town of Chester he took an active part, and during 
its early history was officially connected with it. Mr. 
Board is a plain, unassuming man, who has preferred 
the quiet life of a business man and farmer to place 
in politics. 

His wife, Huldah, daughter of Capt. William 
Hudson and Susan Tuthill, of Blooming-Grove, 
whom he married in December, 1822, was born July 
25, 1801, and died March 30, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. 
Board were members of the Presbyterian Church at 
Che.ster. Their children are Mary, wife of John W. 
Roe, a farmer in Chester; Jonathan H., a farmer in 
Chester; Susan, wife of Samuel Gillette, of Le Roy, 
Genesee Co., N. Y. ; Emily, wife of Jesse Owen, of 
Chemung, N. Y. ; and Nancy K., wife of Joseph Dur- 
land, a merchant at Chester, who occupies the store 
where formerly Mr. Board did business. 



MINARD SUTTON. 
The early representatives of the Sutton family in 
America were of Scotch extraction. John Sutton, the 
grandfatherof Minard, was an early resident of Orange 
County, and the father of the following sons: Benja- 
min, Joseph, John, Abram, and William. Of this 
number, John, during his early life, was a resident of 
the paternal home, and married Miss Bitterage Cranse, 
of Orange County, to whom were born children, — 
Minard, William, John, Lewis J., Harriet, who be- 
came Mrs. S. S. Loud ; Sarah Jane, who married 
Thomas B. Sly ; and Elizabeth, who was united to 
T. J. Hasbrook. The death of John Sutton occurred 
Dec. 10, 1856, upon the homestead where his life was 
spent. His son Minard, a brief sketch of whose life 
is here given, was born in Warwick township, Oct. 17, 
1804, and at an early age left his father's home to 
engage in employments that were self-supporting. He 
acquired the trade of a saddle- and harness-maker, 
which vocation he followed for a brief period, after 
which he purchased a farm and devoted himself to 
agricultural pursuits. Sugar-Loaf became his resi- 
dence in 1846, and continued so to be during the re- 
mainder of his lifetime, the property he acquired being 
familiarly known as the Knapp homestead. To Mr. 
Sutton's enterprise the vicinity is indebted for its ex- 




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,i^ti-r>. 








T 



CHESTER. 



625 



tensive creamery interests. He established one at 
Sugar- Loaf in 185.5, and another at Warwick in 1868, 
these being the first in tlieir respective localities. Mr. 
.Sutton ma_v justly bo regarded as one of Chester's most 
enterprising citizens, and the leading spirit of the 
hamlet of Sugar-Loaf He encouraged labor, gave 
employment to the industrious, and assisted with both 
means and counsel the needy and deserving. He 
aided largely in the construction of the Warwick Val- 
ley Railroad, and was a jjromoter of other public en- 
terprises. Mr. Sutton was a Democrat in politics, and 
was for many years justice of the peace of his town- 
ship. In religion he was a Baptist, and a consi.stent 
member of the Old-School Baptist Church at War- 
wick, of which he was deacon. He was married in 
1831 to Sarah A., daughter of Nathaniel Knapp, of 
Sugar-Loaf, and had four sons, — Nathaniel K., John 
W., Cyrus J., and one who died in infancy. His two 
daughters are Ann M. (Mrs. William B. Knapp) and 
Sarah E. (Mrs. John M. Knapp). The grandchildren 
of the family are Nathaniel S., Mary E. (Mrs. Fred. 
B. La Rue), and Libbie Knapp. 

The death of Minard Sutton occurred June 20, 1868, 
his widow and two daughters having survived him. 
His life was full of activity and usefulness, and his 
death was, in a corresponding degree, a loss to the 
community. 

NATHANIEL ROE.« 

His grandfather, William Roe, inherited a part of 
the original purchase of his father, Capt. Nathaniel 
Roe, where the latter settled in 1751, in the town of 
Chester, and on which Capt. Roe built a house in 
1792, which has been the home of William Roe and 
his descendants since, and is now the property of John 
W. Roe. 

William Roe married Mary Winans, who bore him 
children as follows : David, succeeded to the home- 
stead, was born May 14, 1784, and died in 1856 ; Na- 
thaniel, died a young man; William, father of our 
subject; Hannah, became the wife of Henry Barney, 
and died in Warwick ; Susan, was the wife of Jacob 
Feagles, at Amity, where she died ; Mary, wife of Ga- 
briel Seeley, resided in Chester, and there died ; Eliza- 
beth, died unmarried. William Roe was a captain in 
the old State militia, and died in 1801. 

William, son of William Roe, and father of our sub- 
ject, was born in 1788, and died in 1841. His wife 
was Mittie, daughter of John Mapes, of Chester, who 
died in 1823, leaving the following children : Na- 
thaniel; John, died in 1881, aged sixty-three; David, 
died in 1878, aged fifty-five, leaving a wife and one 
son, George M. ; and Hannah, died at the age of 
seventeen. William Roe was a farmer by occupation, 
and a part of his life resided at the Black Meadows, 
in Chester. 

Nathaniel, his eldest son, was born Nov. 11, 1815, 

* For the ancestry of the Roe family in Orange County reference is 
made to the sketch of Jesse Roe, in the town history of Cheater, 



and at the age of eight years went to live with his 
maternal grandfather, Thaddeus Seeley, and after his 
death lived with his son, Gabriel Seeley, in Chester, 
where he remained until his marriage. On April 4, 
1843, he married Sarah, daughter of Gen. Charles 
Board and Joanna Seeley, of Ringwood, N. J., and 
granddaughter of Jo.seph Board, who, with his two 
brothers, James and David, emigrated from Whales 
and settled at that place, where they had charge of 
the iron-works and owned some 1500 acres of land in 
the Pompton Valley. His wife was born Jan. 7, 1815. 
Their children are Charles B., a farmer in Chester; 
Gabriel S., a farmer in Kendall Co., 111.; Thomas 
Beach, a farmer in Chester; Nathaniel, a farmer in 
Blooming-Grove ; Henry M. ; and Hannah E. After 
his marriage Mr. Roe rented a farm for ten years, and 
then purchased a farm, upon whicli he remained a 
few years. In 1855 he bouglit Ills present farm, con- 
sisting of 200 acres, upon which he built his present 
substantial farm residence in 1867. This property 
has been his homestead since, which shows to the 
passer-by the handiwork of a careful, thrifty, and 
intelligent farmer. He started out in life without 
pecuniary assistance, and by self-reliance, industry, 
and judicious raanagenent may safely be classed 
among the leading agriculturists of his town. The 
products of his dairy, in the form of milk, are marketed 
in New York. 

Mr. Roe served as assessor for three years, begin- 
ning in 1856, and represented it in the board of super- 
visors in 1877. He has been a director in the Chester 
Bank for the past three years. Both he and his wife 
are members of the Presbyterian Church at Chester, 
of which he has been an elder for many years. 



IRA BULL. 
Ira Bull was one of the great-grandsons of William 
Bull, the progenitor of the Bull family. A notice of 
his ancestry in Orange County is given in the sketch 
of his brother, Jesse Bull, of Blooming-Grove. 
Richard Bull, therein mentioned, the father of Ira, 
was born Oct. 25, 1762, on the homestead in Hampton- 
burgh, in the old stone house. He married Lena, 
daughter of Benjamin Harlow, of Phillipsburgh, 
April 12, 1800, and soon after settled on a partly 
cleared tract of land in Sugar-Loaf Valley, in the town 
of Chester, which he bought of Mr. Van Houten, now 
containing 320 acres, it being a part of the Wawa- 
yanda Patent, where he made his homestead. Upon 
this property he erected a frame house, which has 
been superseded by the present substantial farm resi- 
dence, erected by his son, and during his life made 
many improvements on the property. He built a 
grist-mill and saw-mill on the place, which he carried 
on during his life, and which have since been operated 
by his son. He died Jan. 5, 1846. His wife was born 
June 19, 1772, and died March 2, 18.54. She was one 
of the early members of the Presbyterian Church at 



626 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Chester. Their children are Hannah, wife of Joseph 
Roy, of Warwick, born FeViruary, 1801 ; Jesse, whose 
history is given on anotlier page ; James H., born 
Jan. 15, 1805, of Monroe : Daniel H., whose sketch is 
given in the history of Hamptonburgh ; Ira, born 
Dec. 27, 1809; and Charles W., who died Oct. 11, 
1865, aged fifty-three. 

Ira Bull spent his minority on the farm and in as- 
sisting his father in the mills, where he in early life 
became inured to labor and learned the necessity of 
industry and economy to a successful business life. 
He married, Dec. 10, 1846, Phebe, daughter of Ira 
Hawkins, and granddaughter of Moses Hawkins, who 
came from Long Island and settled in the East Divi- 
sion of the town of Goshen. 

Ira Hawkins' family consisted of three sons and 
three daughters. Her mother was Hannah, daughter 
of Gen. Abram Vail, also of the East Division. Mrs. 
Bull was born Nov. 28, 1825, and has the following 
children : Hannah Lena, wife of Erastus W. Haw- 
kins, of Brooklyn ; Mary Adaline ; Jesse James, born 
Aug. 21, 18.50, died in inftmcy; Phebe Ann; Sarah 
Wells, wife of Thomas W. Houston, of Goshen; Iretta 
Hawkins, born Dec. 2, 1857, died Oct. 16, 1871; 
Charles Ira; and Frank M., born Oct. 24, 1864, died 
Oct. 16, 1871. 

Mr. Bull succeeded to the homestead property, partly 
by purchase and partly by inheritance, upon which 
he has resided during his life. All the appointments 
of his well-cultivated farm show the care and manage- 
ment of a thrifty farmer. He has been a director in 
the Chester Bank for the past three years, and both 
he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church at Chester, of which he has served as trustee 
for many years. 



JOHN KINS. 

The paternal great-grandfather of John King 
served for six years in the French and Indian war in 
Canada, and after its close, in 1761, came to Orange 
County, and resided on the Gray Court meadows. 
His children were John, Joseph, Peter, and Susan, 
wife of Samuel Green, of Monroe. John, born Nov. 
4, 1757, was four years old when his parents left Can- 
ada. He married, Jan. 5, 1784, Margaret Gray, 
who was born May 10, 1760, and died Jan. 19, 18.34. 
He died Feb. 1.3, 1844. Soon after his marriage he 
settled on 200 acres of land, a part of the Wawa- 
yanda Patent, in Sugar-Loaf Valley, in the town of 
Chester (then Goshen). The deed is dated Sept. 12, 
1790. The land, then a wilderness tract, he began 
clearing of its original forest and preparing its virgin 
soil for crops from year to year, and during his life 
he added another parcel of 100 acres. This property 
has been the homestead since, and is now owned and 
occupied by the subject of this sketch, his grandson. 

John King, the original settler of this land, was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war in defense of the 
colonies. He was one of the early members of the 



Presbyterian Church at Chester. His children were 
James ; Abel ; Elizabeth, wife of John Woodruff, 
died at Bethlehem, Orange Co. ; Sarah, wife of 
Lewis H. Roe; Jonas, father of our subject; Ezra; 
and Juliana, wife of Anselm H. Denniston, — all mar- 
ried and settled in Orange County except James, 
Abel, and Ezra. 

Jonas King was born Sept. 13, 1793, and succeeded, 
partly by purchase and i)artly by inheritance, to the 
homestead property, upon which he resided all his 
life, except some two years spent in the town of Mon- 
roe after his marriage. He was a man of correct 
habits, and gave his active business life to agricultural 
pursuits. He served as town clerk for one year. He 
died Aug. 26, 1873. His wife, whom he married April 
6, 1815, was Elizabeth, daughter of .loseph Durland 
and Martha Board, and granddaughter of Charles 
Durland, who came from Long Island in 1756 and 
settled at Chester, on the farm now owned by James 
Durland. She was born in 1796, was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church at Chester, and died October, 
1843. Their children are Martha ; John; Lewis and 
■ Charles, of Illinois; Elizabeth, wife of William Mas- 
terson ; Sarah, wife of James W. Mapes, of Cayuga 
County; Edmuud ; Mary; Phoebe; Louisa, wife of 
Curtis Z. Winters; and Susan, — all living. 

John King, son of Jonas, was boro while his pa- 
rents lived in Monroe, Aug. 9, 1817, and succeeded to 
the homestead property, where he has spent his life in 
the occupation of his farm. He has made some ad- 
ditions to the house which his grandfather John 
built, which has been the homestead domicile for 
nearly one hundred years. Like his forefathers, Mr. 
King has not sought political place, and has never 
held ofBce, except to act as assessor of his town for 
two terms and commissioner of highways for three 
years, and, like them, he is a plain, unassuming, and 
judicious farmer. His wife, whom he married Sept. 
25, 1861, is Hannah M., daughter of Nicholas H. 
Cayvvood and Susan Mapes, of Weedsport, Cayuga 
Co., and granddaughter of John Caywood, who 
owned a tannery and made shoes for the army of the 
Revolution, in which war he served for a time as a 
soldier, and after its close settled at Ovid, Seneca Co., 
where he died. Her father died at her residence, 
Feb. 18, 1881, aged seventy-six, and her mother died 
July 11, 1872, aged fifty-eight. Mrs. King was born 
Sept. 17, 1832, and, with her husband, is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Chester, of which 
Mr. King ofliciates as steward and has served as trus- 
tee. Mrs. King has one brother, Chauncey C. Her 
sister, Elizabeth, died in 1860, at the age of twenty- 
three. 

ROBERT W. COLFAX. 
His grandfather, Robert Colfax, resided at Pomp- 
ton, Passaic Co., N. J., and, with his brother. Gen. 
William Colfax, who was one of Gen. Washington's 
body-guard, was engaged in the manufacture of iron 





>1 




I{lll 



i 



i£ 



i 



\ 







^- ^ </-^ 



CHESTER. 



627 



there and in farming. He was judge of the county, 

and a prominent and influential citizen. Ho died at 
Pompton, leaving a large family of children, of whom 
William R. was the father of Robert W. Colfax, a 
.sister of whom, Harriet, married Jacob M. Ryerson, 
.son of Judge Martin Ryerson, of New Jersey. A 
grandson of William Colfax, ex-Vice-Pre.sident Col- 
fax, is a cousin of the subject of this sketch. William 
R. Colfax, born in 1791, at Pompton, married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Joseph Hogan. She died at about the 
age of sixty-six, some five years prior to the death of 
her husband, which occurred in 1873. William R. 
Colfax resided at West Milford, N. J., where he was 
engaged in milling and farming. His children are 
Mary Jane, deceased ; Sarah, became the wife of 
Isaac Scofield, of Parsippauy, N. J. ; Harriet R., wife 
of Edmund S. Miller, of West Milford ; Deborah H., 
wife of Albert Baldwin, of Newark ; Eliza, wife of A. 
H. Lawrence, a farmer in the town of Blooming- 
Grove; Robert W. ; Ellen F., wife of (ieorge W. 
Colwell, of New York ; Sajihronia, wife of G. Van 
Emburgh, of Newark ; Joseph H., a merchant of 
Keokuk, Iowa; Hannah, wife of Henry Hanfield, a 
commission merchant in New York; Richard and 
William (twins), both merchants, the latter at Bloom- 
field, N. J., and the former at Ridgewood, N. J. ; and 
Maria L., who was the wife of James N. Cooley, of 
West Milford. 

Robert W. Colfax was born at West Milford, Dec. 
2.5, 182.5. He started out in life with no pecuniary 
assistance, save what he earned himself, and with 
only a limited education from books. At the age of 
seventeen he came to Chester, and was apprenticed to 
J. H. & G. W. Colwell, cabinet-makers, where he re- 
mained four years and became fully conversant with 
the business. Here he saved a little money, and at 
the end of his apprenticeship took a tour through 
some of the Western States, with a view to settlement 
in business. Returning in a few months, he became 
a partner with the Colwells, under the firm-name of 
Colwells & Colfax, and after five years bought out 
the business, which he successfully carried on until 
1855. In 1856 he established a stove and tinware 
store at Chester, and continued this business until 
1874, when he retired from the more active duties of 
life. 

In business and as a private citizen, Mr. Colfax has 
always been esteemed for his integrity and honesty 
of purpose. As executor, administrator, and com- 
mittee, positions which he has frequently filled, his 
qualifications have never been questioned. He served 
for many years as one of the trustees of the Chester 
Academy, and he has been a contributor to church 
and kindred interests in the vicinity where he resides, 
and a promoter of morality and religion in the com- 
munity. Both himself and his wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church at Chester, of which he has 
been elder for some twenty-five years. He married, 
Jan. 3, 1849, Almira, daughter of Maj. James and 



Susan (Drake) Holbert, of Chester. Mrs. Colfax was 

born !\Iarch 6, 1819. They have only one child, 
Emily H., wife of James S. Roe, a fanner in Chester. 



CHARLE.? B. SEELY. 

Thaddeus Seely, grandfather of Charles B. Seely, 
was one of the early settlers of the present town of 
Chester, and had his homestead about one mile south 
of the village, the farm being occupied in 1881 by 
Thaddeus Durland. By his first wife, who was a Miss 
Seely, he had three children, — Joanna, wife of Charles 
Board, of Ringwood, N. J. ; Thaddeus ; and Peter, 
who died young. His second wife bore him one son, 
Gabriel, who resided on the homestead and there died. 
By his third marriage he had no issue. Mr. Seely 
was a large farmer for his time, and among the early 
members of the Presbyterian Chuixh of Chester. 
His son Thaddeus, father of Charles B. Seely, was 
born on the homestead, Aug. 1.5, 1782, and died Nov. 
12, 1841. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Na- 
thaniel, and granddaughter of Nathaniel Roe, the 
first settler of the Roe family in the town of Chester 
in 1751, whom he married Dec. 15, 1805. She was 
born April 24, 1787, and died Sept. 20, 1874. Their 
children are Joanna, died young ; Edward, of Illinois ; 
Mary, wife of George S. Conkling, of Goshen ; George, 
died at the age of ten years ; Charles B., Gabriel, and 
Thaddeus, farmers, occupying the homestead of their 
father ; Elizabeth, died young. After his marriage 
Thaddeus Seely purchased 100 acres of land where 
his son Thaddeus now resides, and afterwards added 
to it some 300 acres. He was a thoroughgoing business 
man and a progressive farmer. He never sought the 
public places in his town, but led a quiet and unos- 
tentatious life. 

Charles B. Seely, son of Thaddeus, was born June 
19, 1817, and married, Oct. 19, 1842, Hannah Jane, 
daughter of Benjamin C. Coleman and Eleanor Vail, 
of Goshen. She was born Nov. 1, 1817. Her mother 
was a daughter of Gen. Abram Vail, of Goshen, and 
her paternal grandfather was Benjamin Coleman. 
The children of Mr. Seely are Ella; Fred B., who 
carries on the Chester flouring-mill ; Hannah C, 
died, at the age of fourteen, June 2, 1863 ; Mary 
Frank, died at the age of twenty, April 25, 1872; and 
Charles A. In 1845, Mr. Seely purchased a farm of 
125 acres near the Otterkill depot, to which he added 
other land, making 216 acres. This he carried on 
until 1864, when he sold it, and purchased a small 
place on the road from Goshen to Chester, where he 
remained for ten years. In 1874 he purchased a farm 
in the town of Chester, containing then 160 acres, in- 
cluding a part of the valuable Black Meadows, a part 
of which he has sold, retaining 127 acres, his present 
homestead. 

Mr. Seely, like his forefathers, has led an unevent- 
ful life, unbroken by the bickerings of ofince-seeking 
or public place. He may well be ranked with the 



628 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



representative agriculturists of his towu ; is a pro- 
moter of all worthy loral objects, and a man of prac- 
tical ideas. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

JOHN B.- TUTHILL. 

The ancestry of the Tuthill family will be found in 
connection with a sketch of Oliver B. Tuthill, of Go- 
shen, in this work. John Tuthill, therein mentioned, 
son of Nathaniel, was the grandfather of our subject. 
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a far- 
mer in the town of Blooming-Grove. His wife was 
a Miss Seeley, who bore him the following children : 
Orpha, wife of Timothy Little, and after his death 
the wife of Mr. Johnson ; E. Brewster, died in Che- 
mung County; John lived and died in Chemung 
County; Milecent, wife of Dr. Townsend Seeley, of 
Kendall, 111. ; Green M., lived in Chemung County, 
and died in Ottawa, 111., — was county clerk of Che- 
mung for three terms; Elizabeth, wife of John L. 
Smith, of Elmira; Hiram; Francis, a merchant of 
Chester for many years, and one of the founders of 
the village, and who died in Chemung County in 1850. 

In 1819, John Tuthill removed from Blooming- 
Grove and settled in the town of Erin, Chemung Co., 
where he purchased 900 acres of land, then a wilder- 
ness tract, and where he spent the remainder of his 
life. He died about 1845, aged eighty-four years. Of 
his children, Hiram, the father of our subject, was 
born on the homestead in Orange County, Nov. 30, 
1799, and married Azubah Seeley, who was born in 
May, 1804, and is now living where the family settled 
in Erin. Their children are Charles S., of Green 
Point, N. Y., a merchant ; John B. ; Francis G., a 
farmer of Elmira; William M., died at the age of 
twenty-eight in 1862; Hiram, a merchant at Chester; 
Sarah Milecent, died young ; and Stella Azubah, died 
at the age of seventeen in 1862, — all of whom were 
born in Chemung County. 

Hiram Tuthill removed with his parents to Erin, 
inherited 100 acres of the homestead there, and added 
200 acres more to it, upon which he resided the re- 
mainder of his life. He died Sept. 18, 1876. He was 
a well-preserved representative of the true men, dis- 



tinguished for the old-fashioned honesty and stern 
integrity of the past generation, and bore in his looks 
and tall, erect figure the impress of an honorable life, 
— one of integrity and true nobility. 

John B., son of Hiram Tuthill, was born Nov. 4, 
1828, and remained at home until he reached his ma- 
jority, when he came to Chester, and for two and one- 
half years was a clerk in the store of Tuthill, vSeeley 
& Johnson. In 1852 he bought Mr. Johnson's inter- 
est, and Mr. Seeley sold his interest to William C. 
Eager, and the new firm of Tuthills & Eager carried 
on a successful mercantile and forwarding business 
until 1864, when Mr. Eager sold out and settled 
in Warwick. The Tuthills continued the business 
until 1807, when John B. sold his interest in the con- 
cern to E. T. Jackson. He then purchased the 
Gregory farm, near Chester, and after two years sold 
it, and purchased his present farm of 133 acres, which, 
by additions, is now (1881) 145 acres, and one of the 
most desirable locations anywhere to be found in the 
town, and the land highly productive. In 1874 he 
built his present brick residence, commanding a view 
of the valley and the Erie Railway. All the appoint- 
ments of his well-arranged premises bespeak the work 
of a thrifty and intelligent farmer. The products of 
his dairy are marketed daily in New York in the 
form of milk. 

Mr. Tuthill has been interested in all that pertains 
to the locality where he resides, and is known as a 
thoroughgoing business man. For six years he was 
a member of the Board of Education at Chester, and 
is a promoter of church and kindred interests. His 
first wife, whom he married Dec. 10, 1856, was Martha 
S., daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Seeley) Tut- 
hill. She was born Oct. 30, 1835, and died Sept. 25, 
1857. For his second wife he married, Jan. 26, 1859, 
Jane, daughter of James Durland, of Chester, who 
was born May 6, 1837, and died Sept. 23, 1867, leaving 
no children. His present wife, whom he married Feb. 
4, 1869, was Susan, the daughter of John and Mary 
Ann (Pilgrim) Fowler, of Monroe, and granddaughter 
of John Fowler, who settled in Monroe from'Scotland. 
She was born Nov. 10, 1835. The children born of 
this union are Stella A. and Hiram B. Tuthill. 





/d. 





'4ii 



^:ji, 




In early life he wa.s tlirown upon liis own 
resources, and hy neeessity learned self-reliance, 
economy, and prudence. During iiis boyhood 
and early manhood he was esteemed for his 
correct habits, sociable and frank manners, and 
a kind and generous heart. His first wife was 
Mahala Hall, a devoted member of the Presby- 
terian Church, who died in 1840, aged thirty- 
six years, leaving the following children : Wil- 
liam T., was a farmer in Goshen, and died in 
January, 1879, aged forty-five years; Elizabeth, 
became the wife of David H. Roe, who was born 
in Warwick, was a merchant in Chester for many 
years, a member of the Metiiodist Episcopal 
Church at that place, and died Nov. 29, 1880, 
aged fifty-two years. For his second wife, Mr. 
Rysdyk married Elvira, daughter of Col. 
Sproull, of Warwick, who bore him several 
children, all of whom are dead. 

For many years after his marriage Mr. Rys- 



dyk was a farmer in the town of Warwick, near 
Florida. He subsequently .settled in the town 
of Chester, where he purchased a farm and 
erected fine buildings thereon, which he made 
his pleasant home the remainder of his life. 
The property is now owned by Dr. C. T. Smith. 
Few men were better known in Orange 
County and throughout the State than he, on 
account of his fondness for horses and his 
ownership of the celebrated horse " Hamble," 
which horse became the origin of all the 
stock by that name at present in this country. 
He gave little attention to horses outside of 
their common use until 1851, when he success- 
fully had an interest in " Long Island Black 
Hawk," and afterwards in the " New York 
Black Hawk," and finally became the sole owner 
of the original "Orange County Hambletonian," 
j which he raised from a colt. Mr. Rysdyk died 
' April 26, 1870, aged sixty-one years. 




iW^L ^c.,,f^yxy^J2.^y*'^<yt^i^c^ 



Tlie Dcmerests are of Huguenot extraction, and 
James, grandfather of Abram, settled in the town of 
Warwick, from New Jersey, where he purchased some 
five hundred acres of land on the road from Sugar Loaf 
to Warwick. This property he made his homestead the 
remainder of his life, and reared twelve children, of 
whom Nicholas, father of our subject, was born Feb. 26, 
17C2. He married Mary Bontan, who was born Jan. 3, 
1770, and died Aug. 15, 1836. He died June 10, 1845, 
leaving the following children : Catharine, born Sept. 
IG, 1788, died May 13, 1811; Elizabeth, born Feb. 4, 
1790, was the wife of Jesse Maybee, of Goshen ; James 
S., born March 1, 1792; Samuel, born Feb. 11, 1794; 
Nicholas, born Nov. 17, 1796; Margaret, born Sept. 27, 
1798; Abram, born Sept. 14, 1800; Mary, born Dec. 29, 
1802, became the wife of John Lawrence, of Warwick ; 
Hannah, born Sept. 17, 1804 ; Jane, born April 8, 1807, 
wife of Ezra Holbert, of Warwick ; Caroline, born Feb. 
3, 1809, wife of E. M. Bradner, of Warwick ; Catharine, 
born July 13, 1811, became the wife of William S. Bene- 
dict, of Warwick. 

Nicholas Demerest settled on a part of the homestead 
property, where he resided during his life, and reared 
this very large family of children, his farm consisting 
of some two hundred acres, besides owning other real 
estate. He was a well-to-do farmer of his daj', and de- 
voted his life to agricultural pursuits. 

Abram, son of Nicholas Demerest, spent his boy- 
hood at home. He married, Oct. 27, 1842, Eliza Jane, 



daughter of Isaac and Mehetabol (Wells) Smith, of 
Chester, who was born April 17, 1808. Her father came 
from Long Island in the year 1767, when twelve years of 
age, with his parents, and settled in the town of Chester, 
where he resided until his death ; was born at Jamaica, 
L. I., March 8, 1755, and died Oct. 14, 1830. Her 
mother was a daughter of Joshua Wells, a descendant 
of Hon. William Wells, who was born near Norwich, 
England, in 1608, came to America in 1635 on the ship 
"Free Love," was an educated law3'er in England, 
and became high sheriff of New York.shire, on Long 
Island. 

After his marriage Abram Demerest resided en a part 
of the homestead in Warwick, consisting of one hun- 
dred and twenty-five acres, for some seven years. In 
18-50 he removed to West Chester, where he only re- 
mained one year, and for some three years he resided on 
the " Black Meadows." In 1854 he purchased two hun- 
dred and sixteen acres adjoining the village of Chester, 
which has been his homestead since. 

Born with the century, he still enjoys to a remarkable 
degree the active faculties of both body and mind. His 
life has been devoted to farming, and he has always been 
esteemed for his honesty of purpose and his integrity in 
all the relations of life. 

His children were Nicholas, married Isabella B., 
daughter of Daniel McNeal, of Montgomery, and car- 
ries on the home farm; William, born Oct. 17, 1846, 
died May 18, 1856. 



BLOOMIISrG-GROVE. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDAEIES, AREA, TITLE. 

Blooming-Grove is one of the interior towns of 
tlie county, lying eiist of the centre. It is bounded 
north by Hamptonburgh and New Windsor, east by 
Oornwall and Jlonroe, south by Monroe and Chester, 
and west by Chester and Goshen. The area of this 
town may be stated, in the same way as that of other 
towns, from the supervisors' equalization table of 1879. 
The acreage is there stated at 21,826i acres, but the 
real area is greater than this in consequence of the 
exceptions made by the assessors of the several towns. 
The total valuation, as shown by the same table, was 
$1,481,740, and the tax levied upon that basis was 
$11,715.86. 

The following memorandum of the various patents 
conveying title to the territory now in the town of 
Blooming-Grove will be found of much value. It 
shows not only the basis from which every man's 
deed rests at the present time, but also furnishes many 
hints as to the names of those who made the first set- 
tlement and the dates when it took place. In the 
northeast corner of the town may first be named the 
patent to Richard Van Dam, dated June 30, 1720, 
and comprising 1000 acres. The northesist corner of 
this patent is the northeast corner of the town, and 
that point is also located on the old county line, making 
a permanent place of beginning for all modern sur- 
veys in that vicinity. This patent is not bounded by 
the north lineof the town, but lies somewhat diagonal 
to that line, and a portion of the tract is in New Wind- 
sor. Immediately on the south of this patent lies 
what is generally known as the Rip Van Dam Patent. 
The proprietors, in all, were Rip Van Dam, Adolph 
Phillips, David Provost, Jr., Lancaster Symes, Thomas 
Jones, each to have one-fifth of a tract of 3000 acres. 
This patent is described as beginning at a station 
bearing west twenty-four degrees north and eighty- 
five chains from the wigwam of the Indian Marin- 
gamus. Salisbury Mills village is on the east end of 
this patent, so tar as the village lies in Blooming- 
Grove, the eastern boundary of the patent being de- 
scribed in the original statute organizing the town as 
the eastern boundary of the town. This patent in- 
cluded 3000 acres, and was dated March 23, 1700. 
Southwestof theRip Van Dam Patent, and adjoining 
it, and westward of the Schunemunk Mountains, is 
the patent to Edward Blagg and Johannes Hey for 
2000 acres, granted March 28, 1726. This tract lies 



between Woodcock Hill and the Schunemunk range, 
and the valley has been known as Blagg's Clove from 
the earliest settlement to the present time. West of 
the Blagg Patent there was granted a tract of 2440 
acres, Jan. 11, 1727, to Nathaniel Hazard, a very ir- 
regular tract lying in the interior of the town south 
and southwest of Washingtouville. West of the 
Hazard Patent there was granted, July 7, 1736, a tract 
of 2000 acres to Joseph Sackett, Sr., and Joseph 
Sackett, Jr. Adjoining this last-named patent on the 
south is one of 222 acres to the same grantees, Sackett 
and Son, and of the same date. This adjoins the ter- 
ritory upon which Oxford village is located. 

Further west was a patent to Joseph Sackett of 149 
acres, granted Sept. 1, 1737. A little further to the 
southwest is a patent to Edward Blagg and Johannes 
Hey of 2000 acres, being a second grant, bearing the 
same date as the first, March 28, 1726. This was a 
very irregular tract. Adjoining this patent on the 
southeast, and lying between it and the 2000 acres 
granted to the two Sacketts, was a jiatent of 2000 
acres granted to Ann Hoagland, May 24, 1723. In 
her petition she claimed it as having been cut off from 
the Wawayanda Patent. West of the second patent 
to Edward Blagg and Johannes Hey is a tract of 
2600 acres, granted Aug. 10, 1723, to Richard Gerard 
and Wm. Bull. In the extreme northwest angle of 
the town (now in Hamptonburgh) is a patent granted 
Dec. 18, 1734, to Elizabeth Denne, of 1140 acres. In 
her petition she had also claimed the grant as having 
been cut ofi' from the Wawayanda Patent. Return- 
ing along the north boundary (the old county line), 
we have in the centre the patent to Roger Mom- 
pesson, and this is described as beginning at a cer- 
tain station on the southwest side of Murderer's 
Creek, bearing west twenty degrees north, and distant 
from the wigwam of Maringamus seventy-five chains, 
" being near eight miles from Hudson's River." The 
Mompesson Patent was granted March 4, 1709, and 
confirmed May 31, 1712. It embraced lOOO acres. 



H.-NATCrSAL FEATURES. 
The surface of this town is mountainous in the 
south and east, rolling and moderately hilly in the 
north and west. The Schunemunk Mountains, upon 
the line of Monroe, are a broken, rugged range, rising 
to the height of 1500 feet above tide-water. 

There are a number of elevations in town having 

629 



630 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



special names, as Woodcock Hill, Pound Hill, ^lus- 
ket Hill, Rainer Hill, Bull Mountain, Limestone 
Hills, Lazy Hill, Tom's Rocks, Peddler's Hill, Round 
Hill, Mosquito Hill, etc. Like many other sec- 
tions of Orange County, a large portion of the slope^s 
are capable of tillage, thus constituting a fine farm- 
ing section. The Otterkill is the most important 
stream. This flows from Hamptonburgh through 
the northwest part of Blooming-Grove into the town 
of Cornwall. A large portion of the west part of the 
town is drained by the Cromeline Creek, which unites 
with the Otterkill near the line of Hamptonburgh. 
From that point the Otterkill becomes known as 
Murderer's Creek through 'the rest of its course to the( 
Hudson. 

Schunemunk Creek rises in the mountains of that 
name, drains a large portion of the centre of the 
town, receives some tributary rivulets, and joins the 
Otterkill near Washingtonville. Another tributary 
farther east, also rising in the Schunemunk Mountains, 
joins the main stream below Washingtonville. This 
is sometimes called Satterly's Creek. 

The town has much fine scenery. The mountains 
upon the southeast are rugged. In the interior are 
pleasant valleys, and the uplands are diversified with 
hills and dales. In the vicinity of Craigville the 
Cromeline winds its way through a valley of con- 
siderable depth. 

At Salisbury, on the eastern border, there is a water- 
fall, attracting attention at an early day as a mill- 
privilege of considerable value, and one which has 
been imjiroved from the first settlement to the present 
time. The alluvial lands along the streams are fertile. 
An especially fine section lies around Washington- 
ville, along the bend of the Otterkill. 



III.-EAKLY SETTLEMENT. 

Vincent INIatthews purchased the Rip Y'dii Dam 
Patent, Aug. 22, 1721. He made an immediate settle- 
ment, it is supposed, and erected a grist-mill at the 
place now known as Salisbury. He was probably the 
first settler of Blooming-Grove. The names of his 
immediate associates are not given. He gave to his 
estate the name of Matthewsfield. 

The patent to Edward Blagg and Johannes Hey, 
south of Matthewsfield, soon became entirely the 
property of Edward Blagg, and he settled upon it. 
Blagg's Clove has been in use as a name for that 
neighborhood ever since. 

The Mompesson Patent was bought in 1731 by 
Thomas Goldsmith. He located there, building his 
house on the west bank of the Otterkill. The village 
of Washingtonville is partly upon this patent and 
partly upon the Van Dam Patent. 

The Richard Van Dam Patent in the northeast 
corner was bought by Jesse Woodhull, who settled in 
Blagg's Clove in 1753. It is not known that he occu- 
pied the Richard Van Dam Patent. The Moffatts 
were early settlers upon this tract. 



Vincent Matthews was active in promoting settle- 
ment. His name appears upon the roll of attorneys 
as early as 1741. He sold of his tract 1500 acres to 
Lewis DuBois, of New Paltz. On this property 
DuBois erected a tavern, and it was kept by Zach- 
arias DuBois before the Revolution and during that 
struggle. The mill which Matthews built he subse- 
quently sold to John J. Carpenter. In 1776, Mr. 
Carpenter, associated with Hon. Henry Wisner, made 
powder there under a contract with the State. Henry 
Wisner, Jr., with the Phillipses, had another powder- 
mill at Phillipsburgh, Wallkill. 

As Blooming-Grove was a part of Cornwall from 
1764 to 1799, we obtain the names of settlers prior to 
the Revolution mostly from the records of Cornwall, 
and from the list of signers to the Revolutionary 
Articles of Association. Prior to 1764 the territory of 
Blooming-Grove was a part of Goshen Precinct, the 
records of which are lost. It is believed the follow- 
ing memorandum includes the name of nearly every 
permanent settler before the Revolution. Others 
may, however, be found in the general list given in 
the chapter upon Cornwall, to which we refer. ' 

John Brewster, Sr., was the first town clerk in 
Cornwall, chosen in 1765. His son succeeded him 
four years later. It was at his house and that of his 
son (.same place, we suppose) that Cornwall town- 
meetings were held for more than thirty years. The 
names of Edward, Jesse, Francis, Isaac, and Nathan 
Brewster also appear in the early records. John 
Brewster, Jr., was chosen town clerk of Cornwall in 
1769, and the records were kept by him until 1794, 
when he was succeeded by Daniel Brewster. 

George Duryea. One of this name was chosen 
path-master at the first town-meeting, of 1799, in 
Blooming-Grove. Probably the same man, as the 
difterence of time, twenty-four years, is not too much. 

Richard Goldsmith, Sr. and Jr. One of them was 
chosen overseer of the highways in 1765, "from John 
Brewster's to Gilbert's" ; and path-master of District 
8, in 1775. Richard Goldsmith, probably the younger, 
was security for a constable at the first town-meeting 
of Blooming-Grove, 1799. 

Benjamin Gregory was chosen overseer of the high- 
ways in 1765 from his house to Oxford. He had a 
son, Benjamin Gregory, Jr. Probably their neigh- 
borhood was near the line of Monroe. 

John Hudson was chosen collector for Cornwall in 
1765. He lived at Blooming-Grove, and was also a 
constable. Henry Hudson, probably a son, was the 
first collector of Blooming-Grove, 1799. William 
Hudson is also mentioned in these early records. 

Archibald Little, Sr. and Jr. One of them was 
chosen in 1765 a fence-viewer for Oxford, showing 
his residence to have been in that neighborhood. He 
was soon after appointed justice of the peace, and 
was a member of the Committee of Safety in 1775. 
There are also mentioned in the early records Timo- ' 
thy James and Solomon Little. 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



631 



James Mapes lived near Peddler's Hill, in Bloom- 
ing-Grove. His sons were Wines, Jesse, Robert, James, 
Barney, David, William ; daughters, Mrs. Terry and 
Mrs. Turner. Thomas JIapes is also mentioned in 
the old records. He lived near Peddler's Hill. 

Elihu Marvin, Sr. and Jr. One of them was chosen 
an overseer of the poor in Cornwall in 1765, and also 
a fence- viewer for Oxford. Elihu Marvin wa.s a mem- 
ber of the Committee of Safety in 1775 ; one of the 
judges of the county in 1778 ; Seth Marvin, assessor, ^ 
1775 ; Nathan Marvin, path-master of District 16, 
1775; James Marvin, justice of the peace, 1777. John 
and Jesse Marvin are al.so named in the early records. 

Samuel Moffatt, Sr. and Jr. The father was chosen 
an overseer of the poor in Cornwall, 1765, and the son 
a path-master in Blooming-Grove, 1799. 

Col. Vincent Matthews was a well-known mili- 
tary officer of the Revolution, and a leading citizen of 
the county. He was county clerk from 1726 to 1763. 
James Matthews, highway commissioner in 1775, and 
Fletcher Matthews are mentioned also prior to 1775. 

Thomas Mofi'att was an early magistrate, a member 
of the Committee of Safety, and county clerk from 
1778 to 1794. 

Joseph Mapes lived on what has been known in 
later years as the Nathaniel Clark place. A daugh- 
ter married Thomas Galloway, and there were sons, — 
John, Nathan, David. 
, Josiah Reeder was chosen overseer of the highway 
' in 1765, for a district from the " Otterkill to Col. 
Matthews'." There are also mentioned in the early 
records Samuel, Jacob, Stephen, and Peter Reeder. 

Israel Seeley was a delegate to the first Provincial 
Convention, May 20, 1775. There are also found in 
the old records the names of Thaddeus Seeley, John 
Seeley, Samuel and Jesse Seeley. 

Josiah Seeley was path-master in Cornwall for Dis- 
trict 15 in 1775. Josiah, Jr., was chosen an overseer 
of the poor, Blooming-Grove, 1799. (See Chester.) 

Bezaliel Seeley, Sr. and Jr. One of them was 
"chosen for Oxford," in 1765, overseer of the road 
"from Israel Seeley's to Gregory's." In the Chester 
account of the Seeley family it is stated that Bezaliel 
Seeley, the pioneer, was a bachelor. These were 
doubtless of a later generation, or a different branch. 
Senior and junior are, however, occasionally used to 
distinguish two of the same name, whether they are 
father and son or of no relation. 

Selah Strong was a justice of the peace in 1765. 
Thirty-four years later Selah Strong was the first 
supervisor of Blooming-Grove. There are also men- 
tioned Samuel Strong, justice of the peace in 1777, 
and Nathan Strong, overseer of District 21, in 1775. 

Nathaniel Satterly was path-master for District No. 
42 in 1775, and justice of the peace in 1778. Sat- 
terly's mill was a very early affair, being mentioned 
in 1765. Satterly was a member of the Committee 
of Safety in 1775. There are also named in the early 
records John Satterly and Selah Satterly. 



James Sayre, Sr. and Jr. James Sayre was an at- 
torney in 1770. James Sayre, probably the younger, 
was mentioned at the first town-meeting, 1799, in 
Blooming-Grove. Nathaniel Sayre, Sr. and Jr., are 
also named before the Revolution, and John Sayre. 

Nathaniel Strong was supervisor of Cornwall in 
1775; a justice of the peace soon after; a member of 
the Committee of Safety in 1775 ; and was shot dead 
by Tories at the door of his own house Oct. 6, 1778. 

Capt. Jesse Woodhull settled at Blagg's Clove, about 
1753, upon a tract of 500 acres. He was a delegate 
to the first Provincial Convention, April 20, 1775, 
and a member of the State Convention that ratified 
the Federal Constitution • June 17, 1788. Ebenezer 
Woodhull is mentioned as a town officer in 1775. 

George Whitaker. The name of Benjamin Whita- 
ker appears as path-master of District 17 in Blooming- 
Grove, 1799. 

Silas Young, Sr. and Jr. ; one was chosen in 1765 
overseer of the highways from the end of Oxford Road 
to R. Youngs'. Reuben Young was asses.sor for Dis- 
trict No. 6, of Cornwall, in 1775. Birdseye Young 
was at Oxford, first lieutenant Oxford Company, 1775. 

Stephen Gilbert was chosen in 1765 overseer of the 
highways for a district extending " from the precinct 
line to the Otterkill." He was a member of the Com- 
mittee of Safety in 1775. Matthias Gilbert's name 
also appears. 

Zachariah DuBois was chosen commissioner of high- 
ways for Cornwall, 1765 ; in 1775 was one of the Com- 
mittee of Safety. John DuBois died at Fishkill 
Landing in 1869, aged ninety-nine years. Zachariah, 
above named, kept the tavern at Salisbury. He was 
taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery in 1777. 

Hezekiah Howell, Sr. and Jr. The father was the 
first supervisor of Cornwall, 1765; and one was over- 
seer of highways the same 3'ear " for Blagg's Clove." 
Hezekiah Howell was one of the Committee of Safety 
in 1775. Isaiah, Stephen, Isaac, Paul, Zephaniah, 
Charles, Aaron, Silas, and Jeremiah are also named 
prior to 1775. 

Daniel Mapes may have been the same man who 
was path-master of District 19, Blooming-Grove, in 
1799. 

Benjamin Goldsmith and Thomas Goldsmith are 
both mentioned before the Revolution. 

David Coleman was chosen a fence-viewer for 
Blooming-Grove in 1765. Others before the Revolu- 
tion were Caleb, Joab, Asahel, Micah, Silas, Richard. 
Jeremiah Coleman was an assessor in 1765. Daniel 
Coleman was a justice of the peace in 1777. Thomas 
Coleman and John Coleman are also mentioned in 
. the old records. Thomas Coleman, Jr., was path- 
master of No. 43 in 1775. 

Francis Drake was named as an overseer of high- 
ways in Cornwall, 1765, for a district' extending from 
" Henry Mapes' to Thomas Mapes'." This description 
! may identify his location. Richard Drake is also 
named. 



632 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Nathaniel Curtis settled in Blooming-Grove in 
1760. He had a mill as early as 1765. Coleman 
Curtis and Daniel Curtis are also mentioned before 
the Revolution. 

Henry Davenport. He was an early blacksmith, 
and is said to have had a son in the battle of Bunker 
Hill. He probably lived in what is now Chester. 
Oliver Davenport is also mentioned in the early 
records. 

John Carpenter was doubtless the man to whom 
Col. Vincent Matthews sold the early mill at Salis- 
bury. Benjamin, Timothy, Elijah, Noah, John, Jr., 
and William are also mentioned before the Revolu- 
tion. 

Wm. MofFatt was an assessor in 1775. John Mof- 
fatt and Isaac Moffatt are also mentioned. 

Timothy Owens and Wm. Owens are also men- 
tioned before the Revolution. 

Capt. Silas Piersou was chosen assessor for District 
No. 3, of »>ld Cornwall, in 1775. Silas Picrson, Jr., is 
also mentioned. 

Nathaniel Satterly. He was path-master of District 
No. 42 in 1775, and. justice of the peace in 1778. One 
of the name had a mill as early as 1765. Nathaniel 
Satterly was a member of the Cornwall Committee" 
of Safety in 1775. 

Benjamin Strong was chosen in 1765 an overseer of 
the highway '* from the meeting-house to Adam Col- 
lins' and to the new school-house." As the Blooming- 
Grove meeting-house was built in 1759, Benjamin 
Strong lived in that vicinity. 

Joel Tuthill was chosen in 1765 overseer of the 
highway " from Curtis Coleman's to Nathaniel Curtis' 
mill, and so along to the Round Hill." Jonathan 
Tuthill was path-master of District 20, of Cornwall, in 
1775. He, or one of the same name, was also named 
as path-master in Blooming-Grove in 1799. John W. 
Tuthill and Samuel Tuthiil are also mentioned, and 
Francis Daniel Benjamin ; also Capt. James Tuthill. 

John WooUey. He was chosen path-master in 1765 
for the road from "the new meeting-house to Martin 
Remelies." The Blooming-Grove meeting-house was 
built in 1759, and might properly be termed new. 

William Gregg, Hugh Gregg, and Robert Gregg 
are mentioned in the records prior to the Revolution. 

For additional names of families preceding the 
Revolution we refer to a list in the chapter upon 
Cornwall. Additional light is also thrown upon this 
subject by the very complete military rolls and other 
memoranda given in the genei'al chapter upon mili- 
tary matters. The names of the different companies 
there given indicate to quite an extent the residence 
of the men enrolled. We add from a former writer 
the following notes upon several families of this 
town : 

"William S. Woodhull was a descendant of Richard Woodluill, who 
appears to have first settled at Jamaica, on Long Island, about the year 
1648, and removed to Setauket, then called Cromwell Bay, in 1656. The 
Dame was originally written Wodhull,and pronounced Odel or Odhull, 



and even to the present time (1847) several branches of the family are so 
called, which was owing, it is believed, to giving the W a Welsh pronun- 
ciation, which is equivalent to 00. It is said that the family from which 
he descended is very ancient, and may be traced to an individual who 
came to England from Normandy with William the Cunquerer, in 1066. 

" He was born at Theuford, Northamptonshire, England, on Sept. 13, 
1620. His zeal in the cause of English liberty during the Protectorate 
is supposed to have been the cause of his emigrating, as his situation in 
England would have been an unluippy one on the restoration of the 
monarchy. 

" The name of his wife was Deborah. He died in October, 1690, leav- 
ing issue, — Richard, Nathaniel, and Deborah. Nathaniel died without 
issue, and Deborah married John Lawrence, of Newtown. 

" Richard, the eldest son of the emigraut, was born Oct. 9, 1649, and 
mairied Temperance, daughter of Rev. Jonah Fordham, of Southampton. 
He died Oct. 18, ltJ99. leaving issue,— Richard, Nathaniel, John, Josiah, 
Dorothy, and Temperance. Richard, the eldest, inherited the paternal 
estate at Setauket, and Nathaniel, from whom the family in this county 
descended, settled upon lands devised to him at Mastic. He married 
Sarah, daughter of Richard Smith (2), of Smithtown, by whom he had 
issue, — Hannah, Temperance, Nathaniel, Dorothy, Sarah, Richanl.Ruth, 
Jesse, Juliana, Deborah, and Ebenezer. He died March 9, 1760. Han- 
nah married Mr. Strong, of Blooming-Grove, and her descendants are 
numerous. Nathaniel, born Dec. 30, 1722, inherited the paternal estate 
at Mastic. He was known as Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull, took an active 
part in the early efforts to resist British oppression, but was viulently 
assaulted by a British officer near Jamaica, L. I., and died on Sept. 20, 
1776. Richard received a liberal education, settled, and died at New 
Haven, Conn. His family has become extinct. Ruth married Judge 
William Smith, of Mastic. Jesse, well known in Orange County as Col, 
Jesse Woodhull, was born at Mastic, Suffolk Co., L. I., on Feb. 10, 1735. 
He settled at Blagg's Clove, Orange Co., about 1753, being about eighteen 
years of age. He had about ooO acres, a part of which was subsequently 
owned by Wm. Woodimll, the residue by Wm. S. Woodhull. He manied 
Hester, daughter of Capt, Lewis Dubois, of Orange County, by whom he 
had issue, — Nathaniel, Richard, Sarah, Renelihe, Hannah, Jesse, and 
Ebenezer. He died Feb. 4, 1795, aged about sixty years. His widow 
died Nov. 29, 1808, aged seventy-four years and twenty-nine days. Col. 
WoiidhulTs son Nathaniel was born Nov. 1, 1758. Married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Leonard Nicoll,of New Windsor, and died, leaving no issue, 
April 12, 1799. 

" Richard, second son of Col. Woodhull, married Hannah, daughter of 
■Judge William Smith and Ruth Woodhull, befure mentioned, of Mas- 
tic, by whom ho had issue, — Jesse, William Smith, Nathaniel Dubois, 
and Ruth Hester. His widow, born Oct. 4, 1764, died Jan. 6, 1809, aged 
forty-four years, three months, and twelve days. 

"Jesse, eldest son of Richard and Hannah Woodhull, died Oct. 12, 
1800, aged five years, six months, and twelve days. William Smith, 
the subject of remark, was born Aug. 9, 1796, and now resides on a part 
of Col. WoodhuU's estate in Blagg's Clove. He married Fanny H., eldest 
daughter of Abraham Schultz, Esq., of New Windsor, Nov. 10, 1S25, by 
whom he had issue, — Abraham Schultz, born Nov. 21,1826; William 
Henry, Nov. 4, 1828 ; Sarah Jane, May 9, 1831; and Jesse, July 17, 1833. 
Sarah Jane died June 28, 1S43. 

"Nathaniel DuBois was born Nov. :iO, 1797, married Frances Maude- 
vill; left issue, — Richard William, Francis M., and Jacob. Ruth Hester 
was bora Nov. 30, 1800, and died unmarried Oct. 8, 1839. 

"Sarah, eldest daughter of Col. Woodhull, married Col. John Floyd, 
of Smithtown, Suffolk Co. Renelihe married Nathaniel Smith, of Smith- 
town, and Hannah, Oliver Smith, of Moriches. Jesse received an educa- 
tion, read medicine, made several voyages to the East Indies, and died at 
Pine Grove, Amite Co., Miss. 

" Ebenezer settled near Utica, Oneida Co., N. Y., and married there. 

"Juliana, daughter of Nathaniel Woodhull, of Mastic, married Heze- 
kiah Howell, of Blooming-Grove; was the mother of the present Heze- 
kiah Howell, of Blooming-Grove, and Judge Nathaniel W, Howell, of 
Canandaigua. Her descendants are numerous. Deborah married Isaac 
NicoU, of Ilackensack, N.J. Ebenezer settled in Blooming-Grove, mar- 
ried Abigail Howell, and was father to Fletcher Wuodhull and several 
other sons and daughters." 

On the maternal side they are descendants of Col. 
William Smith, whose descendants on Long Island are 
denominated the Tangier Smiths in contradistinction 
to Richard Smith's family, called Bull Smiths. He was 
born in England at Higham-Ferrers, Northampton- 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



633 



shire, Feb. 2, 1655. In 1675 he was appointed gov- 
ernor of Tangier by Charles II., which place, with 
Bombay, was given to him as a marriage portion by the 
king of Portugal. But the project of erecting an estab- 
lishment upon that coast did not succeed. Col. Smith 
therefore returned to England in 1683. He married 
Martha, daughter of Henry Tunstall, Esq., of Putney, 
in the county of Surrey, Nov. 26, 1675. He arrived 
at New York on the 6th of August, 1686, purchased 
a large tract of land in Brookhaven, which was erected 
into a manor called St. George's Manor. He was 
appointed a justice of the Supreme Court by Gov- 
ernor Slaughter in 1691, and chief justice by Col. 
Fletcher in 1692. He took an active part in the 
transpiring events of the colony, and died Feb. 18, 
1706. His surviving children were Henry, William 
Henry, Patty, Gloriana, and Charles Jeft'rey. Henry 
was born at Tangier, Jan. 19, 1679, and died 1767, 
aged eighty-eight years. 

William Henry Smith, second son of Chief Justice 
Smith, was born March 13, 1690. He settled upon a 
part of his father's purchase at Mastic on the south 
side of the island. His first wife was a Miss Merritt, 
of Boston, by whom he had a son, Merritt. His 
second wife was Hannah Cooper, by whom he had 
issue, — William, Caleb, Elizalieth, Sarah, Martha, 
Jane, and Hannah. 

William Smith, eldest son of William Henry, was 
born in 1720. He was absent from his family and 
estate during the whole of the Revolutionary war, 
and spent his time with his friends in Orang^^ounty. 
He was a judge of the county court and a member 
of the Provincial Congress. In 1777 he was elected 
a senator under the State constitution, which ofiice 
he held till 1783. He died March 17, 1799. His first 
wife was Mary, daughter of Daniel Smith, of Smith- 
town, by whom he had John (afterwards Senator John 
Smith, of Suftblk County) and Mary. 

His second wife was Ruth, sister of Gen. Woodhull, 
of Suftblk, and Col. Woodhull, of Orange County, 
by whom he had issue, — William, Caleb, Mary, Han- 
nah, Elizabeth, and Sarah. Hannah married Richard 
Woodhull, of Blooming-Grove, son of Col. Woodhull, 
and had issue, — Jesse, William Smith, Nathaniel Du- 
Bois, and Ruth Hester, as before noticed in the 
genealogy of the Woodhull family. 



IV.— OBGANIZATION. 
Blooming-Grove was organized as a town March 
23, 1799, and its territory was taken from that of 
Cornwall. April 5, 18.30, a part of Blooming-Grove 
was taken ofl" in the formation of Hamptonburgh, 
being so much of Hamptonburgh as now lies south 
of the old county line, and east of the former line 
between Goshen and Cornwall, of which the present 
east line of Goshen is believed to be a part. Fifteen 
years later, March 22, 1845, a portion of Blooming- 
Grove was set oft" towards the formation of the town 
of Chester. This was that small part of Chester 
41 



which lies southeast of the division line of the old 

precincts of Cornwall and Goshen, and northwest of 
the southeast line of Blooming-Grove, extended until 
it intersects the said precinct line. The name of 
Blooming-Grove had long been in use for a part of 
Cornwall, and appropriately became the name of the 
new civil division. The name, Blooming-Grove, was 
that of the old village, and was adoi>ted to distinguish 
it from Hunting-Grove, a well-known locality then in 
New Windsor. 

The first town-meeting of Blooming-Grove was 
held as shown in the following record: 

" A journal of theproceediugsof the freeholdere and inhabitants of the 
town of Blooming-Grove at their first annual town-meeting, held at the 
house of John Chandler, in said town, on the firet Tuesday in April, one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, agreeable to an act to divide 
the town of Cornwall into three towns, passed the twenty-third of March, 
1799. 

" Present, Anslem Helm, John McDowell, Justices of the Peace. 

" It was voted that the act to divide the town of Cornwall into three 
towns should be read. 

"It was voted: Daniel Brewster, town clerk; Selali Strong, super- 
visor; John McDowell, Samuel Strong, Richard Goldsmith, commis- 
sioners of highways; Job Sayre, John Tuthill, Samuel MofTatt, assesors; 
William Hudson, collector (Richard Goldsmith and Anslem his secu- 
rity) ; Josiah Seeley, Jr., Zephaniah Halsey, overseers of the poor. 

"It was voted that the constable chosen should give security ; Henry 
Daner, constable, James Thompson (James Sayre, his security). 

Overseers of Highways. — No. 1, Josiah Seeley, ,Tr. ; No. 2, Job Sayre ; 
No. 3, Isaac Bull; No. 4, David Rumsey; No. .5, Abimael Young; No. 6, 
Benjamin Gregory ; No. 7, Zopher Ketcham ; No. 8, Samuel Strong; No. 
9, Jonathan Tuthill; No. 10, Asahel Coleman; No. 11, John Kidd; No. 
12, John Chandler ; No. 13, Joshua Curtis ; No. U, Samuel Tuthill ; No. 
l.*), John Reader; No. 16, Benjamin Whitaker; No. 17, Nathan H.White; 
No. 18, Samuel Mofiatt; No. 19, Daniel Mapes; No. 20, Nathan Mofiatt ; 
No. 21, Zephaniah Halsey ; No. 22, David Hawkins ; No. 23, Phineas 
Heard; No. 24, Hector Craig; No. 25, Jotham Jayne ; No. 26, George 
Duryea." 

It was agreed to raise the sum of $200 for the use 
of the poor the ensuing year. It was voted to pay 
810 bounty on each wolf killed within the town. It 
was agreed to raise money for the payment of Richard 
Goldsmith and Josiah Seeley, late commi.ssioners. 
John Tuthill, Hezekiah Howell, John Chandler, 
Phineas Heard, Selah Strong, and Josiah Seeley were 
appointed fence-viewers. 

The meeting then adjourned to the first Tuesday in 
April, 1800, at the meeting-house in Blooming-Grove. 

GENERAL NOTES FROM THE RECORDS. 
The first road-survey recorded after the formation 
of Blooming-Grove appears to be the following : 

" Beginning between John B. Hortou's house and barn and running a 
slant westward down the hill, and then making a small bend eastward, 
then straight to the north corner of James Thompson's land, and so on 
Garret Duryea's land, so as to intercept the Goshen road west of Garret 
Duryea's house, said road to be two rods wide. Surveyed June 5, 1800; 
recorded Feb. 4, 1803." 

1800. — At the second annual town-meeting the fol- 
lowing additional names appear of those elected to 
office who were not chosen in the first year. Samuel 
Strong, Jr., Russell Bugbee, Benjamin Mapes, Joseph 
King, Joseph McLaughlin, David Wiley, Asa Steward, 
John ]\Iiller, Silas Pierson, Richard S. Hubbard, John 
I. Brooks, George Thompson, James Smith, Ebenezer 
Seeley, Joel Coleman. 



634 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



April 3, 1800. — Jonas Seeley records the birth of a 
slave child named Charles, born July 8, 1799. Under 
the same date John Marvin records the birth of a 
slave child named Dorcas, born Aug. 9, 1799. 

Sept. 26, 1800. — Anselni Helm certifies that a slave 
child, Chloe, was born June 21, 1800. 

Quite a number of similar notices appear in the 
books from 1800 to 1820, by Seth :\[arvin, Elihu 
Marvin, Charles Howell, John Marvin, Hezekiah 
Howell, Capt. Phineas Heard, James Denniston, 
Selah Strong, and many others. 

The manumission of a slave woman named Peg by 
John Chandler, with the consent of the overseers of 
the poor, is recorded under date of March 29, 180-1. 

July 15, 1819. — The highway commissioners certify 
that they have " viewed the bridge over the outlet 
of Gray Court meadows, on the road from Hezekiah 
Moffatt's to O.xford, and do agree that it is no longer 
a public benefit, and do annul the same and declare 
it to be no longer a town charge." 

1821. — A bounty of $25 was ofl'ered for each wolf 
killed in the town. It was also voted that year to 
petition the Legislature to confirm the survey made 
by Samuel McCown and David W. Brewster between 
the towns of Blooming-Grove and New Windsor. 

1822. — It was voted that no man in possession of 
fifty acres of land should suffer his cattle to run on 
the commons ; if taken up to pay a fine of fifty cents. 

1826. — It was voted to raise $700 for the support of 
the poor; also to raise $10 to pay Howell for killing 
a wolf. 

Dec. 27, 1827. — At a special town-meeting Joseph 
McLaughlin w'as chosen supervisor in place of Heze- 
kiah Moffatt, deceased. 

The principal town officers from 1799 to 1880 have 
been as follows : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1799-1801 Selah Strong. Daniel Brewster. 

1802-4 Ji>hn Tutliill. " " 

1805-10 Job Sayre. " " 

1811-17 Jeremiah Horton. " " 

1818-V:0.. Joseph McLaughlin. '* '* 

V1821 Jeremiah Ilurton. " " 

1822-24 Zeph:iiii;ili Ilalsey. " " 

1825-27 Hezekiah .^(.tlatt. " " 

1828-30 Josejih SIi l.aiif;lilin. " " 

1831-32 Wm.S. \V(.,,(lhiill. " 

1833-36 Joseph JIi l.aiinliliu. " " 

1837 Georg'' W. Tutliill. David H. Moffatt. 

1S38-41 James Duryea. '■ " 

■ 1842-43 Walter Halsey. " " 

1844 Thomas C. Brewster. " " 

184.5-46 David H. Moffatt, Jr. John Jaijues. 

1847 " " Albert G. Owen. 

1848-49 " " Alexander Moore, Jr. 

1850 George W. Tuthill. " 

1851 Jos. H. McLaughlin. " " 

1852 James G. Thompson. James R. Bell. 

1853 Jos. H. McLaughlin. Charles S. Pitt. 

1854 Andrew J. Heard. Jame^ R. Bell. 

1855 Charles E. Brooks. " " 

1856 George W. Tuthill. Albert G. Owen. 

1857 AUleii Goldsmith. Alexander Moore. 

1858 " " Philander Mix. 

1859 Jos. H. McLaughlin. " " 

1860-61 " " Nathan Benjamin. 

1862-63 Alden Goldsmith. " " 

1864r-65 " " John H. McLaughlin. 

1866 " " Wm.S. Howell. 

1867 Jos. H. McLaughlin. " " 

1868-71 Sam'l C. Van Vleet, Jr. " " 

1872 Nathan W. Howell. James M.Miller. 

1873 Albert G. Owen. " " 

1874 " " Sanford D. Hallock. 

1875 " " Charles W. Hull. 

1870-80 Selah E. Strong. " 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
The following are named in the records as having 
presided at the town-meetings during the period 1799 
to 1830, the years given being the dates when their 
respective names first appear: 1799, Anslem Helm, 
John McDowell ; 1803, Paul Howell ; 1804, Nathan 
H. White; 1809, George Thompson; 1811, Jeremiah 
Horton ; 1816, Henry Brewster; 1821, Joseph Mc- 
Laughlin, Moses Ely ; 1823, Wm. W. Brooks ; 1829, 
Robert Denniston. Among these Nathan H. White 
was in office nearly all the time, and was elected by 
the people for further services, as seen below. 

1830, Nathan H. White; 1831, Moses Ely; 1832, James Young; 1833, 
John Moffatt; 1834, Wm. W. Brooks; 1835, Moses Ely; 1830, Jede- 
diah H. Brewster, Jesse Bull; 1837, Wm. S. Wooclbull, Nicholas 
Dederer; 1838, Nicholas A. Dederer, Seely V. Roe; 1839, Andrew D. 
Caldwell, John H. Tuthill; 1840, Fred. H. Brewster, Nathan H. 
White; 1841, John II. Tuthill ; 1842, Charles S. Pitts; 1S4.3, Nathan 
H. While; 1S44, Grant B. Marvin; 1.845, Hiram Tuthill; 1846, Cbas. 
S. Pitts; 1S47, Benj. G. Horton; 1848, F. H. Brewster, H. J.Duryea; 

1849, Hiram Tuthill, Wright G. Kershaw ; 1860, Chas. S. Pitts; 1851, 
Walter C. Many, Robert Denniston; 1852, Peter B. Taylor, James 
Satlerly; 1853, Alpheus Duryea; 1854, Chas. S.Pitts; 1855, Hiram 
Tuthill; 1856, Peter B. Taylor; 1857, Richard Caldwell, Noah Math- 
ewson; 1868, Charles E. Brooks; 1859, Nathaniel W. Howell ; 1860, 
Valentine Seaman ; 1861, Richard Caldwell ; 1862, Noah Mathewson ; 
1863, Nathaniel W. Howell, Charles E. Brooks ; 1804, Samuel C. Van 
Vleet, Jr. ; 1865, Richard Caldwell ; 1806, Albert G. Owen ; 1807, Val- 
entine Seaman ; 1808. Jesse Bull ; 1869, Richard Caldwell, Nathaniel 
W. Howell; 1870, John C. Warner; 1871, Valentine Seaman, John 
B. Vroom ; 1872, Samuel B. Strong ; 1873, Richard Caldwell ; 1874, 
John F. Graham; 1875.Valentine Seaman ; 1870, Samuel R. Strong; 
1877, Richard Caldwell; 1878, J.Owen Moore ; 1879, John F. Graham; 

1850, Valentine Seaman. 



V.-VILLAGES, NEIGHBORHOOD NAMES. 
WASHINGTONVILLE 
is the |)rincipal village of the town, situated upon 
the old public road from Newburgh to Goshen, eleven 
miles from the former and nine miles from the latter. 
It is now a station upon the Newburgh Branch of the 
Erie Railroad. It is said to have been named in 
honor of Gen. Washington, and is situated in an 
open, pleasant country upon the Otterkill, or Mur- 
derer's Creek. The railroad crosses the stream twice, 
the station buildings being located between the cross- 
ings and the main portion of the village, lying upon 
the opposite side. It is a stirring business place, with 
shop, stores, manufactures, schools, and churches. It 
has already been mentioned that Thomas Goldsmith 
bought and probably settled here in 1731. It was un- 
doubtedly the second point of settlement in town, 
Sali-sbury being the first. The rich, fertile lands at- 
tracted immigration, and many, no doubt, soon after 
joined Mr. Goldsmith in this location. Long before 
the opening of any modern lines of travel this place 
was upon one of the oldest roads in the county. Its 
distance from Goshen and Newburgh was favorable 
to the growth of a village. Its modern development 
dates from the opening of the Erie Railroad. A 
post-office was established here at an early day. The 
present incumbent of the office is Selah Strong, and 
the office is kept at the store of W. S. Howell, who is 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



635 



deputy postmaster in charge. Mr. Strong was ap- 
pointed in July of the present year. His predecessor 
was Alexander Moore, who held the office about six 
years. Nathan H. ^McLaughlin was postmaster for 
about thirteen years from 1861-G2. Before him John 
C. Warner had the office for four years. Mr. Breed 
was postmaster, and after his death Jlrs. Breed held 
the position for one year. 

The present business indicates a thriving country 
village. Near the station is the grist-mill of Thomas 
Fulton, using both steam- and water-power as may 
be necessary. It is both a custom- and flouring-mill. 
Mr. Fulton took possession about five years ago. The 
mill was built by David Wright twenty-five years 
ago. It was located on the same site as a mill of 
earlier years. There is also the manufacturing estab- 
lishment of Taylor & Belknap, making cheese-boxes, 
wagon-felloes, spokes, hubs, etc. 

At Washington ville there is also located the cream- 
ery belonging to the Farmers' Association. This has 
been in successful operation for some years. Other 
business in Washingtonville at the present time may 
be summed up as follows : A hotel by James Angus ; 
store by John C. Warner, general merchandise ; also 
by S. H. Johnson, general merchandise, aud by W. 
S. Howell, general merchandise, and also coal ; hard- 
ware-store and tin-shop, C. W. Hull ; also a tin-shop by 
Charles McKinney ; groceries, boots and shoes by M. 
E. Deuniston ; groceries, Edward McLaughlin; fur- 
niture and undertaking, A. Moore & Co. ; feed, flour, 
lumber, coal, Charles G. Cooper; same line of busi- 
ness, Hector Mofifatt ; harness-shop and horse-goods. 
Brooks & Parsons ; wagon-shop, Daniel Giles; wagon- 
and paint-shop. Murphy & Ploughman ; blacksmith- 
ing, Henry Dusinberry ; blacksmithing, Charles 
Green; millinery, Mrs. Bull; meat-markets, one by 
I. J. Bull, and one by George Clark ; drug-store by 
Bond Bros. ; also one by M. B. Shafer; shoe-shop and 
store by Charles Boyle ; insurance agencies, one by W. 
J. Tuthill, and another by Wm. Westervelt, the latter 
of whom is also an auctioneer ; Dr. J. Motfatt and Dr. 
S. D. DuBois, physicians. 

The station buildings of the Erie Railway are con- 
veniently situated. Hallock's Hall supplies a place 
for lectures and public entertainments. A degree of 
literary taste exists here superior to that usually found 
in small rural villages. A course of lectures for the 
current season, 1880-81, J. Owen Moore, manager, 
comprises some of the best platform speakers in the 
country. 

Washingtonville is delightfully situated on the al- 
luvial lands bordering the winding channel of the 
Otterkill. In choosing it as a point of settlement 
the white people imitated the ruder sons of the for- 
est, who had probably dwelt for centuries in this vicin- 
ity, the wigwam of the chief Maringamus having 
been but a short distance east of the village. From 
Washingtonville the long, rugged Schunemunk range 
meets the eye, while nearer are the cultivated farms, 



the rich and well-tilled fields indicating homes of 
comfort, abundance, and wealth. 

SALISBURY MILLS VILLAGE 
is a hamlet on the public road leading southwest from 
Newburgh, distant from that place about eight miles, 
and from Washingtonville three miles. The growth 
of the place is due to the water-power supplied by 
the Otterkill, or, as known at this point. Murderer's 
Creek, or, in local parlance. Big Creek. The name 
was bestowed by early settlers, perhaps in consequence 
of certain associations with the places from which 
they may have emigrated. The place is a station 
upon the Erie Railroad (Newburgh Branch). Among 
the men especially active in building up this place 
and developing all of its varied interests may be 
named Andrew J. Caldwell, Isaac K. Oakley, and 
Peter Van Alen. 

Mr. Caldwell was for a long series of years an ex- 
tensive manufacturer of leather. A former wriler said 
of him, — 

"To skill ami lurpe exiieiiencc in cuoiluctiiig this Imsiness lie brings 
a minil cultivuteil « itli a varied literaturo, aud well stored with agriciil- 
tural knowledge and its kindred subjects Modest in temper and unob- 
trusive as a child, he pursues the silent and even tenor of his way, at 
peace with himself and the world around hiui. With his aged father 
and brother-^, John, Richard, aud William, compatriots of the lamented 
Emmet, after the outbreak in Ireland in 1798, he came to this country 
and cast his lot iu with the citizens of this county. Doubtless it is hard 
and trying to the best feelings of our nature to abandon the land of our 
birth, the playground of our boyhood, the associations of youth and 
ripening manhood. Around them linger and cling the tenderest and 
strongest recollections ; but to be compelled to flee from them by force 
of circumstances whicli we have neither made nor can control is akin 
to hopeless despair aud like unto deatli." 

The erection of the first mill about one hundred 
and sixty years ago by Gen. Vincent Matthews has 
been mentioned. In subsequent years the property 
passed to Mr. Oakley, father of Isaac K. Oakley, who 
remodeled the building into a paper-mill. Still later, 
it was taken down, either wholly or in part, and the 
grist-mill now run by Clark & Ketchum erected. It 
is said that a part of the foundation walls are the 
same as those of the early Matthews mill. Another 
important enterprise at Salisbury is the present paper- 
mill, situated a little below and near the line of Corn- 
wall. Henry P. Ramsdell is the proprietor. The 
buildings are of brick, large and commodious. A 
full complement of hands are employed, and the 
business is conducted with vigor and success. Print- 
ing-paper and wrapping-paper constitute the principal 
line of work. 

Other business at Salisbury may be stated as fol- 
lows : Post-office, kept by Richard Caldwell ; store, 
general merchandise, C. H. Stevenson ; store, general 
merchandise, Samuel M. Clemens ; wagon- and car- 
riage-shop, Thomas B. Giles ; blacksmithing by John 
Ewen, and also by William Hogan. Salisbury has 
railroad facilities by means of the Newburgh Branch 
of the Erie, there being several trains each way daily, 
rendering communication with Newburgh easy, or 
with New York by way of Gray Court. 



636 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Methodist Church have a comfortable house 
of worship. (See notice elsewhere.) The Presby- 
terian Church of Bethlehem have also built at this 
place Hope Chapel, in which Sunday evening ser- 
vice.s are maintained. The chapel is a neat and con- 
venient edifice, standing on high ground, and is not 
the least among the attractive features of the village. 
The cost was about $3000. 

Besides the business establishments and public 
buildings mentioned, there are many pleasantly-situ- 
ated private dwellings. 

BLOOMING-GROVE 

is a hamlet nearly central east and west, situated in 
the valley of a southern branch of the Otterkill, a 
branch usually known as the Schunemunk. The 
growth of AVashingtonville, two miles away, and the 
laying of the Erie Railroad so as to have stations at 
Craigville and "Washingtonville and none at Bloom- 
ing-Grove, stopped the tendency of business to cen- 
tralize at this point, and so the real Blooming- 
Grove of a hundred years ago, Blooming-Grove 
" proper," is now only a rural neighborliood with 
neither hotel nor stores. The regular successors of 
the church of the fathers are, liowever, here, and their 
children's children are leading the younger genera- 
tions to the same sacred spot cherished in the early 
days of settlement. The building of the meeting- 
house of 1759 at this point indicates that it was then 
central for at least the congregation that designed to 
worship there. The ancient name of the village was 
extended to the town on its organization. 

CRAIGVILLE 
was founded as a manufacturing village, and is some- 
what romantically situated on Gray Court Creek, 
better known as the Cromeline. It takes its name 
from the Craig family. At this place there was a 
forge, and, it is even said, a powder-mill during the 
Revolution. Soon after that the property passed into 
the hands of Mr. James Craig, and about 1790 he 
commenced the manufacture of paper, and this busi- 
ness was continued for many years after his death by 
his son, Hon. Hector Craig, to whose enterprise the 
growth of the village is mostly due. Mr. Craig also 
erected a cotton-mill that stood down to within a few 
years. 

In later years Craigville is a station on the railroad, 
tliough the station buildings are half a mile or more 
from the village. At the station W. Wesley Thorn is 
station-agent, nierchant, and postmaster. The firm 
of ^Marvin & Thorn are also dealing in flour, feed, 
and coal. Mr. Thorn has been postmaster about thir- 
teen years. Previously the office was at the village, 
and was kept by Mr. E. Duryea for several years, and 
W. B. Hunter had been his predecessor. At the vil- 
lage, distinct from the station, there is now the store 
of Henry Ward, general merchandise ; the store of 
Edwin Duryea, general merchandise ; blacksmithery, 



by G. W. Parker ; wagon-shop, by W. C. Smith. At 
this place is also located the modern and success- 
fill business of Alexander Hornby, manufacturing 
"steam-cooked cereals," supplying for market oaten 
grits, oat-meal, also various similar forms of other 
grains. The buildings used were formerly a grist-mill, 
run by T. J. Murphy, a part of the old Craig property. 
The cotton-factory of Hector Craig passed to sub- 
sequent proprietors. It was destroyed by fire a few 
years since and has not been rebuilt. It was then in 
operation and under tlie proprietorship of Joseph 
Greaves. There had also been a hul)-factory at 
Craigville, established by Frank Woodhull. It was 
also burned, Augustus Thompson being the proprie- 
tor, and the enterprise has not been renewed. The 
Methodist house of worship is still standing, but the 
society is virtually united to that of Chester, and ser- 
vices are not maintained here. The building is, how- 
ever, a convenience for neighborhood meetings, funer- 
als, etc. A school-house completes what may be 
called the village of Craigville. The water-power 
here is valuable, and capable of being utilized largely 
as it has been in the past. 

SATTERLY'S MILLS 
are about six miles south of Washingtonville. The 
creek upon which they are situated is the Schune- 
munk,* and the mills are so called from their founder 
— the pioneer Satterly. 

This neighborhood is a place of very early settle- 
ment. Nathaniel Satterly 's mill is mentioned in the 
town-meeting of 1765. Uriah Grossman is the present 
proprietor. There is no other special business at this 
point. A Methodist society existed here for a time, 
and a house of worship was erected. It is evident 
from the frequency with which some of these names 
in the interior of Blooming-Grove appear in the Corn- 
wall records that there was quite a population in this 
section — perhaps nearly as many as there are now 
living in these rural neighborhoods; the military 
rolls given elsewhere for 1776 indicate this fact 
clearly. 

OXFORD DEPOT 
is on the line of the Erie Railroad, in the southwest 
part of the town. It furnishes railroad facilities for 
freight and passengers to a section of this and neigh- 
boring towns. It has also a post-ofHce which was es- 
tablished in 1842. The first postmaster was John H. 
Tuthill, 1842-48 ; the second, Peter B. Taylor, 1848 
-59; the third, Gilbert H. Clark, 1859-()1 ; the fourth, 
S. C. Van Vliet, 1861-80. The Oxford neighborhood 
of early times must have been of wider extent than 
the present village. It evidently embraced quite a 
district in the extreme southern or southwestern part 



* The name of the creek seems to be somewhat uncertain on modern 
maps and among the people, the name Satterly"s appearing to be given 
at times to both Ibis stream and the one farther east. The explanation 
may be that the Satterly mills were on this stream, and a Satterly home- 
stead on the other. 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



637 



of Blooming-Grove. Since the opening of the rail- 
road the station is the point known as Oxford. The 
business of the present time consists of the freighting 
and passenger traffic of the Erie road ; a store of 
general merchandise, by S. C. Van Vliet, who is also 
postmaster, station-agent, and dealer in coal, flour, 
and feed ; blacksmithery and a wagon-shop, by W. J. 
Gaunt. The Friends' meeting-house is a mile or more 
south of the station, and there was once a Methodist 
church in that neighborhood, but the enterprise was 
abandoned. (See Churche.s.) 

Henry F. JIofTatt, Seeley Koe, William A. Halsey, 
John Bell, John S. Bull, Isaac K. Oakley, Joseph C. 
Piatt, William H. Arnold, Milton Hulse, Michael 
Walsh, Jesse Bull, Stephen Reed, James Dean, 
Charles Pitts, Charles E. Brown, Anselm Helm, 
James M. Young, J. W. N. Bull. 

After the method of supervision by town super- 
intendents was adopted, the following persons were 
elected to that office in this town : 

Chosen annually : 1844— i6, Andrew J. Caldwell ; 

1847, Philander Mix. Chosen once in two years : 

1848, Samuel H.Moffiitt; 1850, Charles S. Pitts; 1852 
-56, Philander Mix. 

Occasional mention of early school-bouses appears 
in describing road districts. At the present time 
good schools are maintained in the several districts 
of the town. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

In 1800, Seth Marvin, Daniel Brewster, and Phineas 
Heard were chosen school commissioners. This was 
under the early school law, which was repealed about 
that time or allowed to become inoperative. 

Under the new school act of 1812 the general school 
system of this town was organized in 1813. During 
the period 1813 to 1843 the following persons served 
one or more years each as commissioners of common 
schools, viz. : Jeremiah Horton, Daniel Brewster, 
Nathan H. White, Edward W. Brewster, Hezekiah 
Moflfatt, Andrew J. Caldwell, Wm. W. Brooks, Wm. 
S. Woodhull, George W. Tuthill, Henry F. Moffatt, 
Jesse Bull, Hector M. Craig, Seeley C. Roe, J. W. T. 
Howell. 

As there were three commissioners chosen annually 
in this period of thirty years, the few names above 
shows how continually the people trusted their school 
interests to nearly the same men. Mr. White was 
commissioner for nearly the whole period. During 
this same length of time the following school in- 
sjiectors served one or more years each : Selah Strong, 
Joseph McLaughlin, Zephaniah Halsey, Hezekiah 
Howell, Hezekiah Moftatt, John B. Horton, Samuel 
Warner, David Brewster, Nathaniel W. Helm, Samuel 
Strong, Andrew J. Caldwell, Robert C. Hunter, Wil- 
liam Horton, Jr., Edward W. Brewster, Robert Den- 
niston, Walter Halsey, Wm. W. Brooks, A. M. Brewster, 
Moses Ostrander, R. Bell, Moses Ely. 



VII.— CHURCHES. 

For a long period after its settlement there was but 
one church in the township. Some eight or nine 
buildings for worship have within sixty years been 
erected within the bounds of the original Blooming- 
Grove [jarish. This town is to a marked degree both 
moral and religious. The strong character of its 
early settlei's, their reverence for Christian institu- 
tions, their practical piety, their belief in faith and 
works, have left an abiding influence for good upon 
their children and successors. 

"The first house for worship in Blooming-Grove 
was built in 1759 by immigrants chiefly from Suffislk 
Co., L. I.," who, on their arrival here, organized them- 
selves into a religious congregation, calling the Rev, 
Enos Ayres to be their pastor. He ministered to the 
people in holy things until his death in 1762. 

In 1764 the parish called as his successor the Rev. 
Abner Reeve, father of the celebrated Judge Reeve 
who founded the law school at Litchfield, Conn. Mr. 
Reeve served the people some four years, when resign- 
ing, the Rev. Amaziah Lewis supplied the pulpit for 
twelve months. Then, as supplies, we find that the 
Rev. Mr. Case, Mr. Greene, and Rev. Silas Constant 
occupied the pulpit for several years. 

In 1768 the Rev. Samuel Parkhurst came to preach 
for the people, sickened and died, and was buried by 
the side of the first pastor, their graves being to this 
day underneath the church edifice, as is also the mor- 
tal remains of Rev. Benoni Bradner, who became 
pastor in June, 1786, and died 1804, in the seventy- 
first year of his age. 

The Rev. Joel T. Benedict preached a short time, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Noah Crane, who was 
pastor until 1811. In November of this year Rev. 
William Rafferty was called to occupy the pulpit. 
Mr. Rafferty was pastor until 1815, when he resigned, 
having been elected president of St. John's College, 
Annapolis, Md. In 1830, being on a visit to Bloom- 
ing-Grove, he suddenly died, and was buried near the 
church, in the family cemetery now the property of 
Mr. B. C. Sears. 

The Rev. Luther Halsey, Jr., was called to the 
pastorate of the church in 1815, and remained until 
1824. During his ministry there occurred in the 
parish great revivals of religion. As the fruits of one 
of these spiritual awakenings, more than a hundred 
members were added to the church. Dr. Halsey left 
Blooming-Grove to accept a professorship in Nassau 
Hall. Subsequently he became professor of theology 
at Allegheny Seminary, and also during his long life 
he was a teacher in Auburn and in Union Theological 
Seminaries. He died at Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 2, 1880, 
being nearly eighty-seven years of age. In 1823, 
during Mr. Halsey's pastorate, the church edifice that 
had served the congregation for more than sixty years 
was replaced by the present large, plain, substantial 
I building. 
' The Rev. James Arbuckle, pastor of the Eighth 



638 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Presbyterian Church of Pliiladelphia, was called to 
the vacant pulpit, and entered upon his labors here in 
October, 1824. By his rare ability as a preacher, his 
.sterling qualities as a man, and his fearless search 
after truth, Mr. Arbuckle soon took a strong hold upon 
the community. He wielded a wide influence, serving 
the people as a most popular and acceptable religious 
teacher until his sudden death in July, 1847. During 
the ministry of Mr. Arbuckle the society purchased 
about six acres of land adjoining the church lot, upon 
which, in 1838, suital)le buildings were erected, thus 
furnishing a convenient and pleasant home for the 
pastor. It wa.s also during the ministry of Mr. Ar- 
buckle that the church which had been nominalhj 
Presbyterian became Independent. Indeed, there is 
little room to doubt, from its records and traditions, 
that this society, notwithstanding its corporate name, 
had always been strictly Congregational in all its re- 
ligious and temporal aflairs ; " never having formally 
connected itself with any Presbytery, or witli any 
other ecclesia-stical body." But from various causes 
the church now ceased to be even nominally Presby- 
terian ; and openly, boldly assumed a position of in- 
dependence, that, though now quite common, being 
held b}' some of our most widely-known churches and 
ministers, was then almost witliout precedent. 

It should be added that when the society became 
incorporated in 1806, under the law of 1801, the cor- 
porate name was " The First Presbyterian Congrega- 
tion of Blooming-Grove." Under this title its records 
were kept, and its property was held until November, 
1870, when the congregation unanimously voted to 
change this, so that name and polity might corres- 
pond ; and also voted that the name should be here- 
after " The Congregational Church of Blooming- 
Grove." 

In 1847 the church called Rev. Ebenezer Mason, 
youngest son of the celebrated John Mitchell Mason, 
D.D., of New York. Mr. Mason, after editing his 
father's works, had been preaching in Paris, and he 
hesitated for a time between this rural, quiet field of 
labor, and returning to mission work in that great 
social metropolis. He decided in favor of the country 
parish. But his labors soon ended — all too soon as it 
would seem to us, for after serving the people for one 
year he died and was gathered to his fathers. 

For some time after the death of Mr. Mason the 
church depended upon supplies. But in April, 1851, 
the congregation called Rev. Austin Craig, of Pea- 
pack, N. J. Mr. Craig was a young man of rare gifts 
and powers, of studious habits, and most loving and 
reverent spirit. He served the parisli with its entire 
approbation for fourteen years, when he resigned to 
accept the presidency of Antioch College, Ohio. It 
is a little remarkable that so many of the pastors of 
Blooming-Grove have been called from its pulpit to 
occupy important positions in institutions of learn- 
ing, and have filled these stations so usefully and 
honorably. Dr. Craig is now president of a theo- 



logical or Biblical school in Stanfordville, Duchess 
Co., N. Y. 

In April, 1866, the Rev. Warren Hathaway entered 
upon his labors, which have been continued until the 
present time. 

This old church is one of the moral landmarks of 
the county. Its complete history is to a great extent 
the history of this town ; and in some respects it is a 
representative parish, showing the changes and the 
progress that mark American life and development 
during the last one hundred and fifty years. 

The Blooming-Grove congregation is independent, 
yet evangelical, and in cordial sympathy with all 
neighboring churches ; and is still, as for a hundred 
years, earnestly laboring for the practical and the 
vital in the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The congregation have neither church debt nor 
church fund. All expenses for maintaining public 
worship are met by contributions freely and gener- 
ously made by the people, who are strongly attached 
to the church of their fatliers, and who feel that the 
parent church of Blooming-Grove is still their reli- 
gious home. 

THE PRESliYTEKIAN CHURCH OF BLOOMING-GROVE 
made a legal organization at the meeting-house, April 
19, 1806. The trustees chosen were Job Sayre, John 
Tuthill, John B. Horton, Richard Goldsmith, Nathan 
H. White, Samuel Strong, Phineas Tuthill, Anselm 
Helm, and Hezekiah Howell, Jr. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WASHINGTON- 

VILLE, 

at a meeting held in the academy Aug. 21, 1851, exe- 
cuted a certificate of incorporation. The proceedings 
were signed by Henry Belden, moderator, and the 
trustees chosen were Asahel Coleman, James Curtis, 
Charles Gregg, DeWitt C. Thompson, and Samuel C. 
Marvin. By this organization a house of worship 
was erected at Washingtonville, and afterwards sold 
to the Methodists. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WASHINGTON- 
VILLE 

eflfected a legal organization April 5, 1848. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by John Jaques, Charles A. 
Hulse. The trustees chosen were David H. Moffatt, 
Sr., John Jaques, Charles A. Hulse, Walter Halsey, 
Edmund S. Howell, James Thorp, Charles S. Pitts. 
This church was constituted earlier than the above 
date of incorporation, as shown in the following ac- 
count, furnished by Orrin C. Jaques, one of the 
elders of the church : 

The First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville 
was organized Aug. 10, 1841, by a committee of the 
Hudson Presbytery (New School), consisting of Revs. 
William Timlow, chairman, Isaac C. Beach, min- 
ister, and Elders Samuel T. Scott and Moses Saw- 
yer. At the organization 21 persons became members 
by letter and one by profession of faith, viz. : David 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



639 



H. MofFatt, Sr., Charles Gregg, James White, Charles 
A. Hulse, Sarah F. Hulse, Warren Halsey, William 
H. Rumsey, Obadiah Rumsey, Mrs. Julia Ann Parker, 
Mrs. Esther Reeve, Miss Ann Reeve, Miss Almira L. 
Many, ^Mrs. Huldah C. Satterly, Mrs. Lydia Breed, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Halsey, Miss Abigail Curtis, Mrs. 
Chloe Howser, Mrs. Rachel Rumsey, Mrs. Louisa 
Moflatt, Solon Halsey, James Curtis, and William H. 
Forbes. David H. Moflatt, Sr., Charles Gregg, Charles 
A. Hulse, and Warren Halsey were elected elders. 
The last three were ordained by the chairman, D. H. 
Moffatt having been a ruling elder at the church at 
Bethlehem, N. Y. All were regularly installed. The 
Rev. William Timlow i)reached the sermon of the 
occasion, and Rev. William Beach gave the charge to 
the church and elders. The Rev. Henry Belden 
having been engaged in ministerial labor since May 
1st la.st, preparatory to an organization, was continued 
as stated supply. In (Jctober, assisted by Rev. Wil- 
liam Hull, a protracted meeting was held, resulting 
in an addition of 18 members. At the following com- 
munion season, November 14th, and during the next 
year to Nov. 13, 1842, 18 more members were added. 
At the communion season, Feb. 12,184.3, as the result 
of a second revival effort, assisted bj' the Rev. Almon 
Underwood and his elder, Mr. Gregory, 61 persons 
united by profession and 2 by letter. The fruit of 
this revival subsequently furnished four elders from 
one family. The membership at this time numbered 
121. June 25, 1843, Nathan Strong and John Jaques, 
Sr., were elected and installed ruling elders. In April, 
1844, after a service of three years, the Rev. Henry 
Belden closed liis labors with the church by his 
request. 

The following November, 1844, supplies having 
been furnished by the Presbytery of Hudson, the Rev. 
Phineas Robinson, of the same Presbytery, was called 
as stated supply. In January, 1847, the membership 
was 124. At this time 36 members were dismissed to 
organize a Congregational Church in Washington- 
ville, under the ministry of Rev. Henry Belden, the 
house of which was afterwards burned and the society 
disbanded. The ministerial labors of Rev. P. Robin- 
son were closed, after a period of three years, in No- 
vember, 1847, by his retirement. Up to this time the 
congregation had statedly worshiped in the district 
academy. In 1847 the present church edifice, size 
36 by 60 feet, having a tower and bell, was erected at a 
cost of about .S5250, under a board of seven trustees, 
viz. : David H. Moffatt, Sr., John Jaques, Sr., Charles 
A. Hulse, Walter Halsey, Edmund S. Howell, James 
Thorp, and Charles S. Pitts. The first three named 
were also the three ruling elders. A building com- 
mittee of seven was also constituted, — David H. Mof- 
fatt, Sr., John Jaques, Sr., Charles A. Hulse, James 
Thorp, John Nicoll, Frederick H. Brewster, and 
Charles E. Brooks, to which John I. Brooks was after- 
wards added. Tlie first three named were made a sub- 
committee. The carpenter and builder was John Mo- 



bray, and the mason James White. The building lot, 
containing one-half an acre, was presented by Charles 
E. and F. B. Brooks. The dedication service was held 
by a committee of the Hudson Presbytery (New 
School) August, 1848, Rev. Daniel T. Wood giving 
the sermon. 

In January, 1848, Rev. Luther Halsey, D.D., of the 
Presbytery of Elizabeth (O. S.), and then Professor of 
Biblical Hi.story in Union Theological Seminary, New 
York, became stated supply. June 20, 1854, the trus- 
tees and congregation purchased a parsonage, with 
seven acres of land attached, costing $2000, five acres 
of which were ai)propriated for cemetery purposes. 
Oct. 5, I860, Dr. Halsey declared the pulpit vacant, 
and retired from his ministerial charge of nearly eight 
years. The second division of the congregation, now 
numbering about 85 communicants, occurred on the 
question of New and Old School relationship. From 
this division resulted the organization and building 
of the present Second Presbyterian church at Wash- 
ingtonville, for Rev. Dr. Halsey. Church supplies 
were again furnished by the Hudson Presbytery for 
the following six months. Feb. 7, 1857, three ruling 
elders were elected, — Robert Denniston, a former elder 
of the church at Bethlehem, N. Y., and James Thorp 
and John Jaques, Jr., from the membership, — and 
were duly installed. On July 27, 1858, the Rev. Daniel 
Higbie, of the Rockaway Presbytery, New Jersey, 
having for a time supplied the pulpit, was called to 
the pastorate, and was duly installed on August 24th 
following, sermon by Rev. James Wood, charge to the 
pastor by Rev. E. R. Fairchild, D.D., to the people 
by Rev. O. M. Johnson, all of the Presbytery of Hud- 
son. During this pastorate, in November, 1864, the 
trustees and congregation purchased about seven acres 
of land adjoining and additional to the former ceme- 
tery, costing $2293, the whole now containing about 
12 acres, and numbering about 334 plots. Oct. 20, 
1867. the pastoral relation of Rev. D. Higbie, extend- 
ing over a period of nine years, closed by his decease. 
The number of communicants was about 60. 

March 13, 1868, the Rev. John V. Griswold, from 
Union Theological Seminary of New York, was 
called to the vacant pastorate, and duly ordained and 
installed July 16tli following by a committee from 
Hudson Presbytery; sermon by Rev. Thomas Nicolls, 
charge to the pastor by Rev. George Pierson, to the 
people by Rev. Augustus Seward, D.D., all of Pres- 
bytery of Hudson. September 23d following three 
additional ruling elders were elected from the mem- 
bership and duly installed, — John C. Warner, Owen C. 
Jaques, and Augustus Denniston. The third revival 
took place in the winter of 1868-69, — the pastor was 
aided by the evangelist. Rev. O. Parker, — resulting in 
an addition of 37 members. This pastorate continued 
about three years, and was dissolved in May, 1871, by 
mutual consent. The whole number of communicants 
was about 86. 

July 1, 1871, the Rev. James B. Beaumont, of the 



640 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Presbytery of Chemung, having been invited to sup- 
ply the pulpit, was called July 27th to the pastoral 
office, and November 9th following was duly installed 
pastor b)' a committee of the United Presbytery of 
Hudson. The sermon of installation was given by 
Rev. William D. Snodgrass, D.D., charge to the 
pastor by Rev. Augustus Seward, D.D., to the people 
by Rev. George Pierson. In the summer of 1872 the 
congregation, through their committee, built a new 
and neat parsonage dwelling — size of main building 
30 by 30 feet, with extension 24 by 16 feet — at a cost 
of about $3fi00, adjoining the former one owned by 
them, and afterwards sold. 

Aug. 30, 1878, three additional ruling elders were 
elected from the membership, viz. : Hector Moftatt, 
Charles Jaques, and Charles G. Cooper, and duly 
ordained and installed. 

At this writing, Nov. 1, 1880, the church is united 
and prosperous, under'the pastorate of the pa,st nine 
years. The present number of communicants is 
119. A flourishing Sabbath-school, with 125 en- 
rolled members under the care of the Session, with 
an elder for superintendent, is held through the whole 
year; gives monthly collections for missions. The 
stated weekly prayer-meeting is well sustained, also 
the annual week of prayer service is observed, as 
recommended by the Evangelical Alliance. 

The eldership consists of five members, — Oren C. 
Jaques, Augustus Denniston, Hector Moffatt, Charles 
Jaques, and Charles G. Cooper. The board of nine 
trustees, divided in three classes, are elected for three 
years, — Augustus Denniston, Hector Moffatt, Charles 
G. Cooper, Morris G. Conklin, David Belknap, Frank- 
lin Mulliner, William R. Brooks, James B. Howell, 
and Charles M. Hulse. The congregation owns a 
good church edifice and parsonage property com- 
bined, worth $10,000 free from indebtedness ; it also 
own the Washingtonville Cemetery, incorporated, and 
under control of the board of trustees. A collection for 
missions is taken on the first Sabbath of each month, 
aggregating the last year $353, and divided pro rata 
among the eight mission boards, as recommended by 
the General Assembly. The ladies of the congrega- 
tion have sustained a missionary society for the last 
eleven years. 

Of the original members there are three living, — 
Charles A. Hulse, Sarah F. Hulse, and Alraira L. 
(Many) Reed ; of the board of trustees two, — C. A. 
Hulse and E. S. Howell ; of the building committee 
one. 

THE AVASHINGTONVILLE OLD-SCHOOL PRESBYTE- 
RIAN CHURCH, 

now known as "The Second Presbyterian Church," 
was incorporated Feb. 15, 1858. The certificate was 
signed by John Wise and Alexander McCann. The 
trustees named therein were John Nicoll, Charles H. 
Thompson, Elliot Strong, Edmund S. Howell, Joshua 
R. Smith, Henry L. Genung, Albert Denniston. The 



church had been constituted during the previous year, 
1857, Rev. Luther Halsey acting as pastor. The house 
of worship was built in 1858. Its dimensions are 50 
by 36. It has a vestibule, a tower, and a bell, the 
whole costing about $3500. 

A parsonage was built in 1871 at a cost of $500n. 
Ministers: Rev. Luther Halsey, 1857-63; Rev. Ar- 
thur Harlow, 1863-71; Rev. B. G. Benedict, 1872-75; 
Rev. N. W. Sherwood, 1875 to the present time. The 
elders at the organization were John Wise, Dr. Mar- 
cus Sears, Alexander McCann, Elliot Strong, John 
Smith, Edmund S. Howell. The Sunday-school num- 
bers 98; communicants, 118. The present elders are 
Edmund S. Howell, Benjamin C. Sears, Henry L. 
Genung, J. Wilson Brown. 

THE OXFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
effected a legal organization April 8, 18.35. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by Hiram Tuthill and Benjamin 
T. Tuthill. The trustees chosen were David Bull, Hi- 
ram Tuthill, Benjamin T. Tuthill, David Smith, and 
William Sikerly. A house of worship was built about 
that time a mile south of what is now Oxford Station. 
Meetings were held for some years, but the enterprise 
was abandoned. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT GRAN- 
VILLE 

made a legal organization at their regular place of 
worship Feb. 26, 1838. The proceedings were signed 
by Rev. Seymour Landon, pastor, and the trustees 
chosen were Nathaniel Clark, Townsend Mapes, 
Wines Mapes, Samuel Cooley, James Hawley. We 
have no account of this organization. If it is cor- 
rectly placed in this chapter, it relates to some one of 
the numerous neighborhood organizations made by 
the Methodist Church, and whose work in later years 
was concentrated at the larger villages. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CRAIG- 
VILLE 

executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 14, 1849. 
The proceedings were signed by A. C. Fields and 
Hiram Tuthill. The trustees chosen were James P. 
Howell, James W. Wyatt, Hiram Tuthill, Samuel 
Cooley, Peter B. Taylor, Wm. Montgomery, Nathan 
H. Strong. This society built a house of worship. 
Considerable Methodist work was done in this neigh- 
borhood in early tiir\es. In the abandonment of the 
factories and the scattering of the population which 
was once gathered there the society diminished in 
numbers. No regular society exists there at the 
present time. The effort was continued some years, 
an<l it appears that the society executed another cer- 
tificate Dec. 7, 1857. It was signed by Valentine 
Seaman and William H. Hughes. The trustees 
chosen were Valentine Seaman, William H. Hughes, 
Lucas L. Shaffer, James P. Howell, Wm. Oldfield. 
The society was virtually united with Chester in 1879. 
Valentine Seaman was the last class-leader at this 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



641 



point. Jlethodist work thus ceased at a point where 
they had kindled their altar-fires sixty j'ears ago. 
(See Methodist Church of Goshen.) 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SALIS- 
BURY MILLS 

executed a certificate of incorporation Feb. 24, 1854. 
The proceedings were signed by Isaac K. Oakley and 
Andrew C. Fields. The trustees chosen were .Tames 
S. Shapter, Isaac K. Oakley, Kichard Caldwell, Peter 
D. Calyer, and Wm. H. Taylor. This is connected 
with the Washingtonville Methodist Church under 
the same pastor, Kev. Pascal P. Harrower. The fol- 
lowing article is furnished by the pastor: 

" It was long felt I>y tlie inhabitants of the village of Salisbury Mills 
that a moie convenient place of woreliip should be provided than the one 
that h.id been used, and at different times it was proposed to build a nioie 
suitable place of worship, and some action was taken to carry it into 
eflect at different periods, but the respoTisibility of the undertaking was 
declined when it was offered. After eighteen years or more after the 
first drawings and subscriptions were presented by one of the oldest 
inhabitants of the village, John Caldwell, Esq., the Rev. Audrus Field, 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the New Windsor Circuit, called a 
meeting to form a society in the village, Jan. 26, 1854, when a church 
was organized by the following members : Isaac K. Oakley, Christina 
Oakley, Peter D. Calyer, Jane Calyer, Wm. H.Taylor, and Sarah Taylor, 
when steps were taken to organize and incorporate the Methodist Epis- 
copal Cburcli of Salisbury Mills, after which the present edifice was 
erected and dedicated, March 20, 1S55 to the worship of Almighty God 
by the Rev. Dr. Wakeley, of the Newburgh district. Since then services 
have been regnlarly held. The charge has sometimes been in connection 
witli that of Vail's Gate, sometimes with that of Mountainviile, aDd at 
present with the charge at Washiugtouville. 

'* The present officers are : Pastor, Rev. Pascal P. Harrower ; Trustees, 
Isaac K. Oakley, W. Taylor, A. W. Taylor, Johu F. Clanser, and Eugene 
Smith ; Stewards, A. W. Taylor, John F. Clauser, and Eugene Smith ; 
Sunday-school Superintendent, A.W.Taylor; communicants, — ; Sun- 
day-school attendance, 48. 

"There is a fair library for the use of the school." 



THE 



BLOOMING-GROVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH 



executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 3, 1855. 
The proceedings were signed by .Teremiah Millard 
and Jesse T. Hotchkiss. The trustees chosen were 
Henry Still, Lemuel Pembleton, Thomas Cloyd, 
Henry F. Breed, and Dr. Jesse T. Hotchkiss. This 
is the Washingtonville Church. Rev. Pascal Har- 
rower is the present pastor, preaching for both this 
church and the one at Salisbury Mills. The following 
article is furnished by the pastor : 

"The church edifice was built originally by a Congregational society, 
un<Ier the pastorate of Wm. Belden. He had a great revival, from which 
there went to the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal societies a large 
number of converts. Owing to the anti-slavery excitement and other 
causes Mr. Belden left, and was succeeded for a short time by Mr. Hem- 
ming, a Wesleyan Methodist of England. He was lost by shipwreck on 
a visit to England. After his death the church was closed until pur- 
chased, in January, 1855, by the Methodists, wlh) had worshiped for 
yeaiT* in the school-house. 

" The fil'st pastor was Jeremiah Millard, who superintended the pur- 
chase of the property. He was followed by D. B. Turner, under whom, 
in the winter of 185IJ-57, a large revival occurred. The circuit included 
Monroe, O.xford, Craigville, Highland Dlills, and Washingtonville. 

"Among tlie first members of the society in the new church were 
Esther B. Howell, Henry Still, William L. Miller, Lucy Miller, Daniel 
Giles, Hannah Giles, Lemuel Pembleton, Mary Pembleton, Thomaa Cloyd, 
William Cloyd, Benj. Stevens, Peter Bernier, Louisa Mix. 

" The Rev. Nathan Rice, a retired clergyman, with his wife and fam- 



ily, moved into AVasbingtonville the year before the purchase of the 
church, and after his death the daughter established a school, which was 
successful for many years. 

" The original trustees were Henry Still, Lemuel Pembleton, Thomaa 
Cloyd, Henry F. Breed, Jesse T. Hotchkiss. 

"In 18G7, under -Mr. Hand, Washingtonville and Craigville were united 
in a separate circuit. Before the expiration of the Conference year Mr. 
Hand died, and B. N. Lewis followed him as pastor in charge. 

" After this Washingtonville was a separate charge with resident pas- 
toi-s, among whom were D. B. Turner. David Heroy, R. L. Shorter, Joel 
Craft, J. T. Hargrave. In 1878, under Wm. Golden, Salisbury Mills 
was taken from the old New Windsor Cij-cuit and united with Wiishing- 
tonville. He was succeeded in 1880 by Piiscal P. Harrower. 

" The present officers are : Trustees. Springsted Owen, Robert Wright,* 
W. B. Westervelt, Wm. Smith, John Brooks; Stewards, R. L. Talbot, 
H.Nelson Green, Marvin Denniston. Number of communicants, 70 ; 
Sunday-school, 75; Sunday-school Superintendent, R. L. Talbot." 

THE SATTERLY-TOAVN METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH 
effected a legal organization Dec. 4, 1855. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by Nathan Strong and Jeremiah 
Millard. The trustees chosen were Xathan Strong, 
Nathaniel Clark, John Campbell, Isaac Still, Franklin 
Bull. This society built a house of worship, and ser- 
vices were held for some years, but the appointment 
was afterwards discontinued. 

^ FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE. 

This is situated in the extreme south corner of the 
town, near the Monroe line, and in school district 
No. 7. For interesting items of Friends' meetings 
in this county see General History, also chapters 
upon Cornwall. 



VIII.— BURIAL-PLACES. 

Gray Court Cemetery not only has an old name, 
but is an old burial-place. It is mentioned in the ar- 
ticle upon Chester, but it is within the limits of 
Blooming-Grove. Northeast of Craigville is a cem- 
etery near the Mrs. Heard place. North from the 
old Blooming-Grove church, in the Stewart neighbor- 
hood, is a burial-place. At Washingtonville is a 
large modern cemetery, placed under good manage- 
ment. There are also various other burial-places in 
the town. Little historical data can, however, be 
gleaned from them, as burials in the early years were 
so seldom designated by stones with inscriptions. 



IX.— TOWIXr SOCIETIES, LIBKABIES, INCOH- 
POEATIONS, Etc. 

THE FARMERS' CREAMERY ASSOCIATION OP 
BLOOMING-GROVE 

was organized about five years since. The present 
board of trustees, January, 1881, consists of Hon. 
Augustus Denniston, i)resident and treasurer; Morris 
C. Tuthill, secretary ; Daniel R. Hudson, general 
superintendent; W. H. Hallock, S. L. Moftatt, R. 
A. Goldsmith, Thomas W. Brooks. 

Those who are either Masons or Odd-Fellows in 
Blooming-Grove belong to lodges at Chester or New- 
burgh. Several temperance organizations have from 

* Preiident of the board; died October, 1880. 



642 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



time to time contributed their efforts to develop a 
healthy ]iublic sentiment on this question. In con- 
nection with the churches are also the usual mission- 
ary or charitable associations.* 

THE LIBRARY SOCIETY OF BLOOMIXG-GROVE 
effected a legal organization Jan. 16, 1806. Tlie trus- 
tees named in the certificate were Noah Crane, Heze- 
kiah Howell, Jr., Nathan H. White, Daniel Brewster, 
Job Sayre, Samuel Strong, Jr., and Phineas Tuthill. 
The paper was verified by Daniel Steward before 
Judge John Leonard, January 2-5th. This is one of 
those early efforts made in different parts of the county 
to provide good reading. Tlie books selected for those 
early libraries were usually works of a solid historical 
character, instead of the innumerable "stories" which 
in these modern times are so popular. 

THE SALISBURY MILLS MANUFACTURING COMPANY 

of Blooming-Grove executed a certificate of incorpora- 
tion April 12, 18(57. The object stated was to manu- 
facture and sell writing-paper and other materials con- 
nected therewith. The capital invested was $250,000, 
divided into 500 shares. The trustees named in 
the certificate were Francis B. O'Connor, Edward C. 
Brooks, Cliarles A. Coe, Charles H. O'Connor, Charles 
W. Bangs. This certificate, from the records in the 
office of the county clerk, shows the names and the 
date connected with the founding of the paper-mill, 
mentioned elsewhere. 



X.-PLACES OP HISTOBIC INTEREST OR OF 
SPECIAL NOTE. 

TOWN-MEETINGS OF THE PERIOD 176.i TO 1797 
were at the house of John Brewster, Sr., and John 
Brewster, Jr., and the records were kept by them 
during that long period. The site of John Brewster's 
house may therefore with great propriety be con- 
sidered a place of considerable interest. At that 
place there must liave been earnest discussions in 
those town-meetings of the Revolution. If there 
were not long speeches there were many " talks," 
short, sharp, and decisive. 

Committees of Safety were appointed there. The 
machinery of local government was steadily kept in 
running order at Jolm Brewster's, despite the fact that 
national allegiance was becoming an uncertain affair. 
Constables elected at John Brewster's, executed writs 
with but little authority for a time save the voice of 
the people of Cornwall assembled in annual town- 
meeting at John Brewster's. So strong and steady is 
tlie American system of local government by towns 
that the records of the Cornwall meetings show no 
trace of passing under three difterent forms of national 
government, — the colonial, the Confederation, the 
Constitution. 

* Washington Lodge, No. 220, F. & A. M., was located here in 1813. 
(Ante, p. 140.) 



WIGWAM OF MARJNGAMUS. 
Of the location of this important landmark Mr. 
George W. Tuthill, of Blooming-drove, wrote, June 
29, 1858, as follows : 

"The Olterkill stream, after passing tlie eastern line of Mompesson's 
Patent at the village of Washingtonvillc. assumes the name of or is 
called Murderer's Creek. On the northwesterly bank of said creek, 
about half a mile below Washingtonville, stands the dwelling-house of 
Henry Page (a colored man), said to be the Bite of Maringamus' wigwam. 
Tlie southwesterly corner of the Kip Van Dam Pajent is in a southwest- 
erly direction from said Page's house, and the beginning of said patent 
is described as being on a certain coui-se and at a certain distance from 
Maringamus' wigwam. The corner of tlie Van Dam Patent has never 
been in dispute, and I have never had occasion to iiscertain whether the 
reputed location of Maringamus' wigwam will correspond with the de- 
scription, but suppose it to be true. Henry Page bought of John I. 
Brooks, and the whole was formerly owned by Vincent Matthews. No 
patent ever cornered at the Maringamus wigwam. It was on the patent 
of 3000 acres granted to Rip Van Dam." 

The writer of the above was for a long time a prac- 
tical surveyor in the town of Blooming-Grove, and 
his conclasions may be regarded as of unquestioned 
authority. At the present time (January, 1881) 
Henry Page still resides at the same point, and the 
matter is susceptible of easy inve.stigation by means 
of Mr. Tuthill's letter and the statements already 
made respecting the patents of Blooming-Grove. 

There is but little account of this Indian chief. He 
was, however, one of the original grantors of this ter- 
ritory to the whites. He lived, it appears, on the 
rich alluvial plain around the bend of the Otterkill. 
Maringamus Castle is to be distinguished from his 
wigwam. His castle was on the northern extremity 
of the Schunemunk Mountains, and near the present 
boundary line between Cornwall and Blooming- 
Grove. From that elevated position he could over- 
look the valley where his wigwam was built, the 
Cloves south and southwest, the Highlands near the 
river, and all the surrounding country. In times of 
peace he lived beside the winding stream ; in times 
of war he could gather with his braves on the fortified 
mountain-height and bid defiance to his enemies.t 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
This town having valuable water-power within its 
limits, several manufacturing establishments have 
existed from time to time, and several are yet in oper- 
ation, as already mentioned in connection with the 
villages. Two or three not in the villages may still be 
added. Nathaniel Woodhull had a creamery for 
many years, and it is still carried on by his widow. 
He was a noted milk-dealer, and transacted a large 
business. William Jackson has a mill on the creek 
sometimes called Satterly's. The latter name arises 
not from the Satterly mills, which are on another 
stream, but from an early Satterly homestead near 
the Jackson mill. The mill was originally the Cole- 
man property, and the neighborhood was known as 
Colemantown. L. M. Wilcox has a saw-mill and a 
grist-mill half a mile below Craigville. Blooming- 

t Ante, p. 34, 




t 



'"•■=< fo.,"«,„,u,; S: 




C-, 



-^l^, 



i 




BLOOMING-GROVE. 



643 



Grove has many excellent farms. The direct ship- 
ment of milk has changed the style of farming very 
much in late years. Farmers have the opportunity 
of shipment at Salisbury, Washingtonville, Craigville, 
and at the milk-station between the last two. 



XII.-MILITARY. 

The chapters of the General History will be found 
very complete upon early military matters in this sec- 
tion, and reference is made to them ibr the names of 
officers and men serving in the war of the Revolution 
liom this town, and for intere.sting incidents relating 
to that struggle. 

OFFICIAL ACTION, WAR OF 1861-05. 

At a special meeting duly called to consider the 
i|uestion of paying bounties to soldiers, and hold Aug. 
t), 18fi4, it was presided over by two justices of the 
peace, and in the absence of the town clerk, Henry 
S. Brewster was chosen clerk pro tern. The Committee 
on Resolutions consisted of Robert Denniston, Dr. 
Marcus Sears, Jesse Bull, F. W. Stewart, Jesse Wood- 
hull. The resolutions reported were adopted unani- 
mously. They provided for raising the sura of 
$30,500. The bounty to each volunteer was fixed at 
$500 for three years' men, the sum of $50 in addition 
to be paid to any person securing a recruit. The 
town board was appointed a committee and placed in 
full charge, with ample authority to carry out the 
objects of the meeting. At another special meeting 
held September 2d of the same year an additional 
sum of $10,000 was authorized to be raised, and the 
bounty was increased to $850, and allowed to men 
enlisting for one year. 

John Black, Co. C, ITeth; enl. Sept. 15, 1862. 

Cornelius Brewster, Co. C, 17Gth ; enl. Oct. 21, 1862. 

Win. II. Benjuniin, sergt., Co. G, 124tli-, enl. Aug. 4, 1S62; pro.2d Hent.; 

trans, to Co. E ; wounded June 16, 1864, slight. 
Walter Barton, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed at Gettyslmrg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Grant B. Benjamin, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1KI12; killed on picket 

duty Oct. 7, 1864, 
Peter F. Bernier, Co. G, 124th ; e[il. Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans, to V. It. G. 

July :«), 18l>:i. 
Henry Brooks, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
John J. Bradley, Co. C, 6Gth ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Wm. H. Biafflt, Co. C, .IBth ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
John C<dden, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 10, 1862. 
Janiea Coleman, Co. C, 17Gth ; enl. Oct. 18, 1862. 
Wm. K. CannoEi, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; wounded at Clnincel- 

lorsville ; trans, to V. R. C. 
Jlichael Crouin, Co. M, 16tli Art; enl. Jan. 18, 1801. 
Thomas I.ovett, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; killed at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Abraham Denny, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802. 
Il.-nry Dill, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802. 
James 0. Denniston, 1st lient, Co. G, 124th; enl. August, 1862; twice 

wouniied at Gettysburg; must, out Oct. 7, 1863. 
Wm. D. Dawkiiis, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. l.'l, 1862; missing at Gettysburg. 
Isaac Decker, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg ; 

die<l in hospital, Aug. 7, 1864, of typhoid fever. 
Lemuel Eokerly, Co. C, 66th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1861. 
Ephraiui Kakerly, Co. C, 66th; enl. Aug, 16, 1861. 
Klijah Fenton, (,'o. G, 124th ; eul. Aug. Ill, 1862 ; disch. April 20, 1863. 
William Fosburgh, Co. G, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at Cban- 

cellorsville; trans, to 03d. 



Robert Fairchild, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; disch. for disability 
Sept. 3, 1863. 

Cyrenus Giles, Co. G, 124th ; eul. Aug. 4, 1862. 

William llawkshurst, Co. G, 124th; onl. Aug. 12, 1862; killed at Chan- 
cellorsville. 

Peter Higgins, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862: killed at Chancellors- 
ville. 

Cornelius Hughes, Co. G, 124th : onl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg. 

Eli Hughes, Co. G, 124th ; eul. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Chancellorsyille. 

David Lowers, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; iliscli. for disability re- 
sulting from wounds received at Beverly Ford. 

James L. Morrison, Co. C, 170tli ; enl. Oct. 7, 1802. 

Thomas Murphy, Co. C, 170th ; enl. Oct. 13, 1862. 

James M. Mapes, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 17, 1862. 

Andrew H. Merritt, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug, 22, 1862 ; must, out with regt. 

Francis E. Merritt, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug, 22, 1862 ; disch, for disability 
Dec. 10, 1862, 

Joseph Miller, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville ; disch. March 20, 1804. 

Owen Miller, Co. O, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; taken prisoner in action 
at Beverly Ford, and never returned to regiment. 

JohTi Munhall, Co. G, 121th ; enl. Aug. 11. 1S62, 

Chauncey W, .Merritt, Co. G, 124th; eul. Aug. 22, 1862; disch, for dis- 
ability March 8, 1863. 

John M. Merritt, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1S62; disch. for disability 
Jan. 31, 1863. 

William L. Miller, Co, G ; enl. Aug. 28, 1802 ; disch, Aug, 30, 1863, 

Isaac NicoU, capt., Co, G, 124tb ; enl. 1802; killed at Gettysburg, July 
2, 1863. 

Albert W. Parker, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 

Isaac W. Parker, Co. G, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802; missing at Auburn 
Hill, Oct. 12, 1863; died in Andeisonville prison July 3, 1864, grave 
No, 2814, 

Gilbert Peet, Co, G, 124th ; enl, Aug, 12, 1812; wounded at Gettysburg; 
trans, to V, U, C, 

John Koe, Co. C, 176th ; enl, Oct. 15, 1802. 

Abraham Kapalye, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. ij, 1802; disch. April 10, 1864. 

Daniel liider, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug, 6, 1862 ; wounded at Jones' Cross- 
road ; trans, to V. R, C. 

Jomes B.)ak, Co. G, 124th; eul. Aug. 13, 1862; killed at Gettysburg. 

James Smith, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 17, 1862. 

James Sullivan, Co. G, 124tb ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862. 

Lewis T.Sbultz, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; wounded May 12, 1864. 
and Aug, 10, 1864; pro. 2d lieut., March 1,'65; must, out June 3, '05, 

John H, Tuthill, Jr,, Co, C, 17Cth ; enl, Oct, 6, 1.H62, 

Martin Tliorne, Co, C, 176th ; eul, Oct, 23, 1862, 

Alexander Trainer, Co, G, 124th; eul. Aug, 0,1862; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville; trans, to V, R, C. 

John Trainer, Co, G, 124th ; enl, Aug. 12, 1862 ; wouri.led in arm May 6, 
1864. 

Win. H. Trainer, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 11,1862; wounded May .5,1864.* 

Patrick Toohey, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville ; disch. Dec, 26, 1803, 

John J, Taylor, Co, G, 124th; enl, Aug. 4, 1862; wounded at Jones' Cross- 
roads, Nov. 27, 1863; wounded in leg, severe, Aug. 5, 1864. 

Andrew J, Van Zile, Co, G, 124th; enl, Aug, 11, 1802; detached as 
Btretclier-liearer for Ambulance Corps, 

Charles H, Van Gordon, musician, Co, G, 124th ; enl, Aug, 10,1862; must, 
out with regiment, 

Andrew J, Weeks, Co, G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

Charles H. Wright, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; trans, to V. R. C, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

I.SAAC K. OAKLEY, 

John Oakley, the jiatcrnal ancestor of Isaac K, ( )ak- 

ley, came from England, settled as a fanner in Suftblk 

Co., L. I., when it was under the Dutch rule, and 

continued his residence there until his death. His 

* The three Trainers are credited on roll to Cornwall, 



644 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



name is recorded in the " History of Long Island" as 
acting, with others, on March 24, 1702, in defending 
the Quakers from persecution, and later, in opjiosing 
the same persecution, in defiance of the threats of the 
ruling officers of the government. He married into a 
Knickerbocker family of Brooklyn, and became the 
father of a numerous family. Some of his children 
settled in Huntington, L. I., others in New York, 
Richmond, Duchess, and Orange Cos., N. Y. Many 
of the present families of Suffolk County can trace 
their ancestry back to John Oakley. 

Among his grandchildren was Samuel, of whom it 
is recorded that during the Revolutionary war he was 
pressed into the British service, with his team and 
cattle, and robbed of the products of his farm, leav- 
ing his family in e.xtreme poverty and want. He mar- 
ried Sally Wood, of Huntington, by whom he had 
four sons, — Richard, Timothy, Jacob, and Solomon — 
and four daughters. 

Timothy, the second son, and the father of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born in Huntington, Jan. 28, 
1772. He first married Polly Brush, daughter of 
Zophar Brush, of Huntington. After her death he 
married Sally, daughter of Isaac Ketcham, also of 
Huntington. She died at Salisbury Mills, N. Y., 
April 10, 1833. Later, he again married, selecting 
for the third time a wife in Huntington, — Prudence 
Mather. Her decease occurred in 1864. His chil- 
dren were Zophar B., merchant, of Huntington ; Sam- 
uel, merchant, of New York; Lewis, physician, of 
Owego, N. Y. ; Isaac K. ; Timothy, merchant, of St. 
Louis, Mo. ; Jesse, manufacturer, of New York ; Mary, 
who married Reuben Van Alen, of Chatham, Colum- 
bia Co., N. Y. ; and Sally W., who married Dr. John 
Vanderpoel, of Kinderhook, N. Y. 

Timothy Oakley moved to New Windsor, Orange 
Co., in 1795, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
While there he purchased a farm, mill, and store at 
New Vernon, on the Shawangunk Kill. In 1801 he 
disposed of his business interests in Orange County, 
and in 1802 removed to Chatham, Columbia County, 
N. Y., where he purchased a farm and established a 
mercantile business. In 1813, in company with a 
young man from England, he erected at Kinderhook 
one of the earliest cotton-mills built in the State. As 
anticiiiated, they met with and had to overcome the 
usual difficulties connected with a new enterprise. As 
a business undertaking it succeeded, and demonstrated 
the utility of American cotton-cloth manufactures. 
This success influenced others to build more extensive 
mills throughout the county, aud helped to educate 
the American people in that practical knowledge so 
essential to national prosperity. He continued the 
business of manufacturing for some years, and then, 
disposing of it, gave his whole attention to agricul- 
ture, both theoretical and practical. In 1823 he pur- 
chased the mills at Salisbury Mills, and formed a part- 
nersliip with his two sons, Samuel and Isaac K., and 
carried on a mercantile and milling business. 



After some years Samuel returned to New York 
City, where he became a partner in an extensive busi- 
ness ; Isaac K. engaged in the tanning business at 
Highland Mills, but later purchased the Salisbury 
Mills property ; and Timothy, the fatlier, retired 
from active business, making his residence at Corn- 
wall-on-the-Hudson, where he died Dec. 26, 1844. 

Timothy Oakley was supervisor of the town in 
which he lived for thirteen consecutive years; a. 
member of the Assembly at the beginning of the war 
of 1812 ; a firm friend of internal improvements, and 
the warm friend of the Eric Canal in the early dis- 
cussions of that measure; a man of recognized integ- 
rity and good executive ability ; notably jiersistent in 
working out the success of his plans ; and by jiro- 
fession and practice a Christian. Prudence and fit- 
ness were leading traits in his character. His own 
experience and knowledge of political life led him 
to regard it with disfavor, and to express a wish to 
his sons that they would not enter it. 

Isaac K. Oakley was born in Chatham, Columbia 
Co., N. Y., May 27, 1802. He attended school at 
Chatham, Kinderhook, and Farmers' Hall Academy, 
at Goshen, this county. At the age of seventeen 
years, having a desire for a business rather than an 
agricultural life, he went to Nassau, Rensselaer Co., 
where he learned the leather and tanning trade. 
He was afterwards associated with his father and 
brother, as heretofore stated, in mercantile and mill- 
ing business. He remained there two years, and then 
built a tannery at Highland Mills, which he carried 
on successfully. After the death of his mother, in 
1833, he purchased the Salisbury Mills property of 
his father, and continued the business at that place. 
In 1834 he built a flouring- and plaster-mill at 
Salisbury Mills, and soon after a paper-mill. In 1835 
he disposed of the tannery at Higliland !Mills to 
Joshua T. Cromwell. In 1853, to extend his pajier 
business, he built the paper-mill on the Quassaick 
Creek, operated it until 1866, and then sold it to 
Prince & Adams. He also sold the Salisbury Mills 
property the same year, excepting the farming lands 
or homestead portion, which he retained for his future 
residence. In 1872 he became a special partner with 
his brother Jesse in the Oakley Soap- Works at New- 
burgh. He was chosen a director of the Quassaick 
Bank, of Newburgh, in 1854, has ever since been 
officially connected with that institution, and since 
1876 has been its president. 

He married Christina, daughter of Lucas I. and 
Maria (Pruyn) Van Alen, of Kinderhook, on Feb. 1, 
1827, and their children are Lucas, died in infancy ; 
Timothy, died young ; Lucas and John, both of whom 
are now connected with the Oakley Soap- Works at 
Newburgh ; and Sarah Maria, who died young. His 
wife Christina died at Salisbury Mills, Fel). 15, 1866, 
beloved by all who knew her. On the 'Jth of Septem- 
ber, 1873, he married Sarah E., daughter of Thomas 
and Catherine (Jones) Oakley, of Minisink. The 





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( 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



f.45 



])resent Mrs. Oakley Is a granddaughter of John 
Oakley, who was connected with the American army 
under Washington at the time of its encampment near 
Newburgh, and who, after the army was disbanded, 
married and settled at Minisink. 

Jlr. (jakley has been an active business man for 
more than half a century, — a period reaching back to 
a time when the country was more thinly settled, 
business modes ditierent, communication slow and 
often difficult. During this period the nation has 
passed through two wars and several financial panics 
of serious character and disastrous results. Through 
it all his business ventures have been uniformly suc- 
cessful, showing that his ability is of the best order, 
justifying the confidence so generally reposed in him 
in that respect. 

As a citizen his voice and influence are always 
found on the right side of virtue and good govern- 
ment. Practicing industry, he commends it to others, 
regarding it an important source of health and happi- 
ness, a safeguard from vice, and in its providence for 
the future elevating men to a higher conception of 
their duty to themselves, their families, and fellow- 
men. His abilities, combined with a long and event- 
ful life, make him a good judge of men. He respects 
sincere convictions, especially those relating to reli- 
gion, and esteems those whose lives run parallel 
thereto. Few men in the county are better known or 
more respected. 

CAPT. THOMAS N. HTILSE. 

His paternal grandfather, Gilbert, was born on 
Long Island, and settled in Wallkill, Orange Co., 
N. Y., about the year 1800. James W. and Sarah, 
who married Hugh Scofield, were his children. 

James W., the father of Capt. Hulse, was born on 
Long Island, Aug. 17, 1770. When a young man he 
came to Orange County, and settled in Blooming- 
Grove, on the farm which has since been the Hulse 
liomestead. By trade he was a tanner and currier, and 
owned a tannery on the homestead, and for his day did 
a large business in his line. He married Rachel 
Nicholson, of Orange County, whose father was an 
officer in the Revolutionary war, and was under 
Arnold at Quebec and at the battle of Saratoga. 

Their children were William, deceased ; Maria, 
deceased ; Gilbert W., who was a surgeon in the In- 
dian war under Gen. Scott, and after the war settled 
in practice at the Grand Gulf, Miss. He subse- 
(|uently purchased the Lake Land plantation, for- 
merly owned by Col. Taylor, in Louisiana, upon 
which he remained until the late civil war, when he 
came North ; Thomas N. ; and Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried Benjamin Moffiit and resides in Illinois. James 
W. Hulse died in Blooming-Grove, Feb. 18, 1813. 

Capt. Thomas N. Hulse was born on the home- 
stead in Blooming-Grove, Oct. .31, 1810. His father 
dying when he was but a mere boy, he was early 
tlirown upon his own resources. At the age of eight 



he commenced work, and his " school of experience" 
was severe and varied from his youth upward. In 
1835, having a taste for navigation, he commenced 
life on the Hudson River as a clerk on the steamboat 
" Telegraph," running from Sing Sing to New York. 
This was the commencement of an active and suc- 
cessful business life on the Hudson which continued 
for twenty-five successive years. In 1840 he went on 
the " People's Line" between Albany and New York, 
and soon afterwards became captain of such well- 
known boats as the " South America," " Hendrick 
Hudson," " Francis Skiddy," and " North America." 
The passengers on the Hudson River boats in those 
days well remember the face and figure of Capt. 
Thomas N. Hulse. From 18-19 until 1860, Capt. 
Hulse had charge of the entire floating property of 
the Erie Railroad, consisting of steamboats, barges, 
etc. He was also interested in and managed the 
boat " Thomas Powell" for a time. The last line 
boat of which he acted as captain was the " Francis 
Skiddy." There are but few men living in Orange 
County who so successfully represent the business 
life of a Hudson River steamboat as Capt. Thomas 
N. Hulse. During this period his home was in New 
York City, but in 1862, having resigned his position, 
he removed to the homestead in Blooming-Grove, 
where he has since resided. He has paid .some atten- 
tion to farming, but of late years has led a retired 
life. Capt. Hulse has never courted or wished for 
public favor, and with the exception of being the 
candidate of his party for member of Assembly, a 
few years since, his name has never been placed be- 
fore the people for their suffrages. He married Eme- 
line Houton, of Vermont, in 1849. She died in 1870. 
Afterwards Capt. Hulse married Ann Eliza, widow of 
Edwin Hulse, and sister of Alden Goldsmith, Esq., 
of Blooming-Grove. 



NATHANIEL D. WOODHULL. 

Nathaniel D. Woodhull is a lineal descendant of 
Col. Je.sse Woodhull, who was born at Mastic, Suf- 
folk Co., L. I., Feb. 10, 173r), and settled at Blagg's 
Clove, Orange Co., about 17.53, upon 500 acres of land. 
He married Hester, daughter of Capt. Lewis DuBois, 
of Orange County, by whom he had issue, — Nathaniel, 
Richard, Sarah, Renelihe, Hannah, Jesse, and Eben- 
ezer. He died Feb. 4, 1795. Richard, second son 
of Col. Jesse Woodhull, married Hannah, daughter 
of Judge William Smith, and their children were 
Jesse, William Smith, Nathaniel DuBois, and Ruth 
Hester Woodhull. 

Nathaniel DuBois, grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, was born Nov. 30, 1797. He married Frances 
Mandevill, and their children were Richard Wil- 
liam, Francis M., and Jacob, who died a young man. 
He lived and died on the Woodhull homestead in 
Blooming-Grove. Richard William was born Aug. 
4, 1815. He married Ruth A. Strong, Dec. 14, 1837, 



646 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and their children are Nathaniel D. ; Adis E., a com- 
mission merchant of Chicago ; Joseph Y., deceased ; 
Jacob M. ; Richard S., deceased ; Ruth E., married 
Robert Beattie, of Little Falls, N. J. ; Isabel L., died 
young ; and Laura F., who died in infancy. Richard 
W., a farmer of Blooming-Grove for many years, was 
afterwards engaged in the milk business in New 
York, and resides now in Iowa. 

Nathaniel D. Woodhull was born on the homestead, 
Sept. 27, 1838. At the age of fifteen he went to New 
York City with his father, who established a general 
milk business there about 1848. In 1860 he, with 
Mr. George Gouge, of Campbell Hall, Orange Co., 
as partner, bought out the milk business of his father, 
which had become established at the corner of White 
and Church Streets. This partnership continued 
until 1870, Mr. Woodhull supervising the city trade, 
when they dissolved partnership, Mr. Gouge retiring 
from the firm. In 1872 he associated with him as 
partner Mr. J. W. Taintor, of New York, and from 
this date the firm-name has been N. D. Woodhull & 
Co. In 1865 ho bought property on North Moore 
Street, and established his business name there, where 
it has since continued. Afterwards be opened a retail 
milk business on Thirty-second Street, with Pierson 
Sanford, of Warwick, and continued this until his 
death, in addition to his wholesale trade. In 1864 he 
bought the Woodhull homestead of 423 acres, and made 
it his summer residence. Mr. Woodhull was an emi- 
nently successful business man. He was known as the 
New York City " Milk-King," and was president of the 
Milk Dealers' Union of New York for many years. 
The Goihen RepubUain said at his death, — 

"It is with feelings of regret tliat we are compelled to chronicle the 
death of Mr. N. D. Woodhull, late of Blooming-Grove, who died in New 
York City, April 19, 1879. He was widely and favorably known among 
the farming community of this and the adjoining counties. Few men 
there are who possess the business shrewdness and sagacity displayed by 
him, by means of which he was in early life enabled to accumulate a 
large property " 

He married Martha V., daughter of John and Betsy 
Andrews, of Saratoga Co., N. Y'., April 16, 1862, 
and the fruit of this union was Edward D., George 
G., Jennie V., Mary L., died young; Nathaniel D., 
Jr., died young; AValter A., Kate C, and Charles R. 



HON. NATHAN HERRICK WHITE. 
His great-grandfather Ebenezer was among the 
earliest settlers of Long Island. Sylvanus, his son, 
who married Phcebe Howell and lived and died on 
Long Island, was a well-known Presbyterian divine 
of his time. He was the father of Sylvanus, Jr., who 
was born at Southampton, L. I., July 19, 1730, mar- 
ried Eunice Herrick, Oct. 10, 1754, and soon after- 
wards settled upon 300 acres of land at Blagg's Clove, 
in Orange County. This property has since been the 
White homestead. The children by this marriage 
were Phoebe, married Anselm Helme; Euphemia, 
died in infancy ; Sylvanus, died, unmarried, at the 



age of thirty-three ; Eunice, married Daniel Pop- 
pino ; and Nathan H., the subject of this sketch. 
Sylvanus White, Jr., was a farmer by occupation. 
He died March 2, 1881, in the eighty-eighth year of 
his age. His wife died Feb. 24, 1818, in her eighty- 

i fifth year. They had lived together sixty-four years. 

1 Hon. Nathan Herrick White was born on the home- 
stead at Blagg's Clove, June 14, 1770. His prepara- 
tory course of education was obtained at the schools 
in Goshen. At the age of eighteen he entered Co- 
lumbia College, from which institution he was gradu- 
ated in the same class with John Randolph, in the 
year 1791. Soon afterwards he took charge of a 
classical school at Montgomery, N. Y^., for six years, 
there being then hut five in the whole State. Follow- 
ing this he was principal of the Newburgh Academy 
for two years. During his teaching he cultivated his 
literary taste and perfected his knowledge of the an- 
cient languages, which continued so remarkable to 
the close of his life. He then returned to his paternal 
home, but was soon called by the public voice to a 
seat on the bench, and for twenty years from 1802 
was first judge of Orange County, the friend and as- 
sociate of Kent, Van Ness, Piatt, and others. In 
1806 he received a commission from Governor Morgan 
Lewis as captain of an Orange County regiment of 
militia. For many years he was school commissioner 
of his town and a justice of the peace. 

Judge White was eminently a representative man. 
During the recess of court his kindness of heart and 
knowledge of the law made him a public benefactor, 
and he was always ready to assist his neighbors in 
settling their disputes amicably. Though retiring, 
his conversation was singularly cheerful and brilliant. 
His sight was much impaired in his later years, but 
he retained his mental faculties perfectly until his 
death. 

Judge White was an industrious man, and ever en- 
joyed himself in agricultural pursuits. He added 
200 acres of land to the homestead, and there died 
April 10, 1855. On Dec. 8, 1802, Judge Wliite mar- 
ried Frances, daughter of Hezekiah and Juliana 
(Woodhull) Howell, and their children are Albert 
S., born Oct. 24, 1803, on the homestead, and went 
to Indiana about 1825. He married a Mi.ss Randolph, 
of Virginia. Hon. Albert Smith White was a mem- 
ber of Congress from Indiana for two terms, and was 
also United States senator for Indiana, cotemporary 
with Clay, Calhoun, and Webster. In 1863 he was 
appointed district judge of Indiana by President 
Lincoln, which position he held at his death, which 
occurred in August, 1864. The second child was 
Nathaniel, who died in infancy ; then Morgan L., 
born March 17, 1806, who until within a few years 
has resided on the homestead owned by him ; Eliza- 
beth Howell, born Jan. 8, 1808, married Harvey 
Denniston, and of this marriage was born H. A. 
Denniston, who lives in Blooming-Grove ; afterwards 
married John Nicoll, of New York, and died Dec. 




(2^'<2^-r^^ ,fl. ,jf^' TT~,:>^a-C-.^ 




^xX^;%^t^ 



BLOOMING-GROVE. 



647 



21, 1855; Eunice Herrick, born Dec. 10, 1810, died 
June 25, 1874; Juliana W., married Van Rensselaer 
Marvin, of Blooming-Grove ; Abram A., who resides 
in Indiana; and Isaac S., who resides in Illinois. 



EDMUND S. HOWELL. 

His grandfather, Hezekiah Howell, came from 
Long Island, and settled in Orange County, at Blagg's 
Clove, in 1727. He there married Susanna, daughter 
of Job Sayre, and their children were Phebe, Jane, 
Hezekiah, and Charles. He died in 1785. Charles, 
father of Edmund S. Howell, was born at Blagg's 
Clove, Nov. 20, 1752. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and an active man. He assisted in the build- 
ing of Fort Putnam, at West Point, as a member of 
the independent corps under Gen. George Clinton, 
and was also stationed with his corps on guard after 
the burning of Kingston. In 1785 lie married a 
daughter of Maj. Strong, who was murdered by 
Claudius Smith, and the same year settled upon 150 
acres of land, which is the Howell homestead in 
Blooming-Grove. By this marriage were Selah 
Strong, born March 6, 1788; and Clarissa, born July 
28, 1791, who married William Strong, of Blooming- 
Grove. After the death of his fu'st wife Charles 
Howell married, in 1802, Elizabeth, daughter of Jo- 
seph Board, and their children were Charles Board, 
born Sept. 7, 1803, a successful practicing physician 
of Chester, who died April 3, 18C5; Edmund Sayre, 
the subject of this sketch ; and Joseph Henry, born 
Dec. 3, 1805, died Dec. 13, 1878. Charles Howell 
died in January, 1843, at the old homestead. 

Edmund S. Howell was born in Blooming-Grove, 
Sept. 5, 1804, and, with the exception of fourteen 
years spent in New Jersey, has always lived on the 
homestead. His educational advantages were limited 
to the common schools, and his father's farm gave 
him employment in his youth. 

On Feb. 16, 1836, he married Nancy C, daughter 
of James Bell, of Warwick, and their children are 
Mary E., married Edward Fitzgerald, and resides in 
Binghamton ; Clarissa A., married Rev. Arthur Har- 
low, of Orange County; Phebe E., wife of Benjamin 
C. Sears; Charles H., a farmer, on the homestead; 
James B. ; Caroline A., married Dr. George H. Sears ; 
Harriet A. ; Joseph E. ; Susan E. ; and Effie, de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Howell is a member and elder of the Second 
Presbyterian Church at Washingtonville, and was one 
of the original movers and contributors in the build- 
ing of the same. He is also one of the managers of 
the Orange County Bible Society for the town of 
Blooming-Grove. Mr. Howell is naturally of a re- 
tiring disposition, and, although interested in all that 
pertains to the welfare of his town and county, has 
never sought publicity in any way. He retains his 
faculties to a remarkable degree for his age, and be- 
longs to that class of men that not only think but 



act. He is the last connecting-link between his gen- 
eration and the one preceding him of his line of the 
Howell family, and is greatly respected by all who 
know him. 

HEZEKIAH HOWELL (?,). 

Hezekiah Howell (3) is a lineal descendant of Ed- 
ward Howell, who came from England to Massachu- • 
setts, and was made a freeman at Boston, March 4, 1639. 
He was one of the eight " original undertakers" who 
settled at Southampton in 1640, and the progenitor 
of the Howell family in that locality. Lieut. Heze- 
kiah Howell was a descendant in the direct line. He 
married Phebe, daughter of Thomas Halsey, Sept. 10, 
1702, and their children were Hezekiah, Phebe, Ex- 
perience, and Jedediah. 

Hezekiah (1), the grandfather of our subject, was 
born May 6, 1709, came to Orange County about 
1734, and settled at Blagg's Clove, where, with Syl- 
vanus White and others, he took up 2000 acres of 
land, a portion of which has since been the Howell 
homestead. He married Susanna, daughter of Job 
Sayre, of Orange County, in 1735, and had children, 
— Phebe, Jane, Hezekiah, Stephen, and Charles. 

Hezekiah (2) was born on the homestead, Sept. 3, 
1741. He married Juliana, daughter of Nathaniel 
and Sarah (Smith) WoodhuU, of Mastic, L. I., and 
their children were Hezekiah (3), the subject of this 
sketch ; Nathaniel W., who resided at Canandaigua, 
N. Y., and was a prominent lawyer and circuit judge ; 
Susan, married Benjamin Strong, of Goshen, N. Y. ; 
Sarah, married Abraham Shultz, of New Windsor, 
N. Y.; Fanny, married Judge Nathan H. White; 
Jane, married Judge Augustus Porter, of Niagara, 
who was a member of Congress in 1812, and a finan- 
cial sufferer during the war of that date ; and Eliza- 
beth, married Rev. Andrew Thomjjson, of Rockland 
County, and a preacher at Nyack. Hezekiah Howell 
(2) was a prominent man of his time, was the iirst 
supervisor of the precinct of Cornwall, and was 
sheriff of Orange Co. during the Revolutionary war. 

Hezekiah (3j was born on the homestead in Bloom- 
ing-Grove, Aug. 21, 1768. His boyhood was spent on 
the farm, and he attended school at the old brick 
school-house in Goshen. Noah Webster, the lexicog- 
rapher, chose him, while a pupil there, on account of 
his good voice, to give him the sound of the different 
vowels while compiling his dictionary. Mr. Howell 
was a farmer by occupation, paid some attention to 
stock-raising, and was an active business man. He 
interested himself in whatever pertained to the public 
good, and was one of the main men in contributing 
towards and building the Blooming-Grove church. 
In disposition he was genial, enjoyed society, and, 
although dignified in his bearing, was courteous to 
all whom he met. On Dec. 6, 1796, he married 
Frances, daughter of Maj. Tuthill, of Orange County, 
and their children were Juliana WoodhuU, married 
Judge Robert Denniston, and died in 1825 ; Hezekiah, 



648 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



who lived on the homestead, known for his good quali- 
ties of hand and heart, died unmarried at the age of 
seventy-four years; Nathaniel Woodhull, who died 
in middle life at Columbus, Ga. ; Matthew Henry; 
John W. T., born Oct. 24, 1806, and died in 1870 ; 
Mary Brewster, married Henry F. Moffat, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove; Andrew, died young; Gabriel, Simeon, 
and Andrew. Hczekiah Howell (3) added 200 acres 
of land to the homestead, and there died June 20, 
1856. His wife died Dec. 14, 1830. 

Matthew Henry was born Jan. 16, 1805, lives on 
part of the homestead, and follows agricultural pur- 
suits. He married Julia S., daughter of Daniel 
Brewster, of Blooming-Grove, and of this union was 
born Nathaniel W. ; Charles, deceased ; Sarah, mar- 
ried William Clark, and resides in New York; and 
Joanna B.,-who died young. 

Nathaniel W. Howell, grandson of Hezekiah (3), 
lives on 300 acres of the homestead, being the fifth 
generation. He married Mary, daughter of AValter 
Halsey, an old family of Blooming-Grove, and has 
two children, — Joanna B. and Hezekiah. Mr. Howell 
is an active man in his township, has represented it 
in the board of supervisors, and was member of As- 
sembly from the First District of Orange County in 
the years 1863-64. 



ALDEN GOLDSMITH. 

His great-grandfather Thomas was one of five 
brothers who came from England and settled on Long 
Island early in the eighteenth century. He after- 
wards came to Orange County, and in 1735 bought a 
patent of land of 1000 acres for £200, the title coming 
from Queen Anne. Washingtonville is situaied upon 
this patent, and a portion of the land has since passed 
to his lineal descendants, and been the homestead. 
His children were Elisha, Joshua, and Richard. 
Elisha married Sarah Dunning, of Orange County, 
and their children were Henry, father of our subject; 
John ; Elisha ; Charles; Matilda, married Peter Earle ; 
Sally Ann, married Peter Larary ; and Dicia, married 
James Kelso. 

Henry Goldsmith was born in Blooming-Grove, on 
July 18, 1788. By inheritance and by purchase he 
came into possession of 200 acres of the homestead, 
and lived upon the same during his lifetime, follow- 
ing agricultural pursuits, and giving some attention 
to stock-raising. As a farmer he was successful, and 
as a man was highly respected and esteemed for his 
good social qualities. He married Fayetta, daughter 
of Peter Moore, of Blooming-Grove, in 1815, and of 
this union was born, Adaline, who lives on the home- 
stead ; Ann Eliza, who married Edwin Hulse, and 
after his decease, Capt. Thomas N. Hulse, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove ; Alden ; Henry M., resides in the West; 
Walter, who resides in Iowa; Mary L., died young; 
and Charles H., who died at the age of forty. Henry 
Goldsmith died April 10, 1875, in his eighty-seventh 



year. His wife Fayetta died Dec. 2, 1835. After 
her decease he married Sarah Pelton. 

Alden Goldsmith was born Dec. 4, 1820, on the 
homestead, and has always lived there, being the 
fourth generation. His education was obtained at the 
common schools. Having a natural love for stock, 
he early in life gave his attention to .stock-raising. 
At first he was associated with his father in the raising 
of horses, sheep, and cattle, and afterwards confined 
himself more especially to the raising and develop- 
ment of blooded horses. The " Maid," trained and 
developed by him, has linked the name of its owner 
forever with the horse interests of the United States; 
afterwards the bringing out of such horses as " Glos- 
ter," "Huntress," "Powers," "Driver," and "Alley" 
have tended to make the name of Alden Goldsmith 
still more widely known. Indeed, the interest taken 
in the breeding of good horses, and the rei)utation 
which Orange County people sustain throughout the 
country as producers of good stock, is due more to 
Alden Goldsmith than any other man. For nineteen 
years he has owned the stallion " Volunteer," which 
is now acknowledged as the raost prominent stock- 
horse in America. Mr. Goldsmith's dealings in horses 
have made his name indissolubly connected with the 
stock-growing interests of this country, and the " Wal- 
nut Grove Farm" of 200 acres is devoted by him 
exclusively to the raising of finely-bred horses. 

While he has thus been interested in stock-raising, 
he has still kept up his interest in public matters. In 
1858 he represented his town in the board of super- 
visors, as did he also from 1862 to 1868. He was a 
member of the finance committee of the county in the 
late war. For twenty years Mr. Goldsmith has been 
a director in the Quassaick Bank of Newburgh, and 
many times has been president of the Orange County 
Agricultural Society. In politics he was formerly a 
Whig, but has been identified with the Republican 
party from its formation, and was a delegate from 
Orange County to the memorable New York State 
Convention of 1855, held at Saratoga. He has since 
represented his j^arty in her State conventions at dif- 
ferent times. On Oct. 29, 1846, he married Catherine 
Cornell, daughter of James and Anna Townsend, of 
Hamptonburgh, and their children are James H., 
Annie S., and John Alden. 



JESSE BULL. 
Jesse Bull is a descendant in the fourth generation 
of William Bull, who was born in England in Feb- 
ruary, 1689, and sailed from Dublin, Ireland, to this 
country, and here died in 1755. He married Sarah 
Wells, who was the first white woman in (ioshen 
township, and they were the first couple of white 
people that were married in Goshen. William Bull 
built the old stone house in Hamptonburgh often 
mentioned by historians as the scene of many noted 
events. In 1868 an appropriate monument was 







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Silas K. Horton is a linefil descendant in tlieseventli 
generaticiM of Harniibas Horton, wlio was born in 
Mousely, Lcicostersliire, England, July 13,11100. He 
emigrated to America, in the ship "Swallow," in 1035, 
and landed at Hampton, Mass. In October, 1040, he 
settled at Sontliold, L. I., and there died, in July, 1080. 
His children were Joso|;li, Henjarnin, Caleb, Joshua, 
Jonathan, Hannah, Sarali, Mary, Mercy, and Abigail. 
The old Horton homestead, erected by Barnabas Horton 
in 1660, at Southold, L. 1., still remains standing, in a 
good state of preservation, and is, in all probability, the 
oldest wood house in America. Six generations bearing 
the Horton name have lived and died in this venerable 
building. James, the youngest son of Jonathan Horton, 
and one of eleven children, was the father of Silas, who 
settled on the old Horton homestead, in Goshen town- 
shi]) (formerly), in the year 1750. Since that date the 
property has been owned by his lineal descendants. 
Silas Horton married Margaret Bull, and the children 
of this imion were James, Silas, James (:2), William, 
Anna, Margaret, and Sarah, all of whom died young 
except Sarah, who married David Hawkins, and Wil- 
liam, the grandfather of our subject. He was born on 
the homestead, July 2, 1771, and followed agricultural 
pursuits during his life. On Dec. 23, 1793, he married 
Phebe, daughter of Phineas Kumsey, of Goshen, and 
their children were Sarah, died young ; William ; Mar- 
garet, born Oct. 4, 1797, died Jan. 15, 1817; and Cliar- 
lotte, married Dr. Jerome Welles, and lives in Goshen, 
N. Y. 

William Horton, M.D., was born in Goshen, N. Y., 
on the homestead. May 16, 1796. His early education 
was obtained at the schools in Goshen. At the age of 
eighteen he entered the junior class at Union College, 
from which institution be was graduated. After his 
collegiate course he studied medicine and attended med- 
ical lectures at the University of New York, during the 
palmy days of Mitchell and Hosack. He commenced 
the practice of his profession at the residence of his 



father, but soon afterwards moved to Goshon, where ho 
continued the practice of medicine. He died on the 
homfstead, Dec. 1, 1844, at the untimely ago of forty- 
seven. In an obituary notice of Dr. William Horton, 
taken from the Goshen True W/iig, we find the follow- 
ing : " He was a surgeon, but was still more <'elebrate(l 
as a physician. By his skill and honorable bearing he 
early secured the confidence of his medical brethren, 
and was frequently called in consultation wiih the agi-d 
and experienced physicians of his daj-. He was remark- 
ably successful in the treatment of fevers, and jirepared 
a work relative to them, which, however, was never 
published. His pamphlet on dysentery and his geolog- 
ical reports are his only published works, and these are 
sufficient to establish his reputation as a profound thinker 
and a clear and powerful writer. In the midst of his 
career of usefulness as a physician he turned his atten- 
tion to the stud}' of botanj-, mineralogy, and geology, 
and soon became one of the most noted men of his day 
in these sciences. His great delight in these studies led 
him, at the age of thirty-seven, to relinquish the practice 
of medicine and devote himself wholly to these sciences, 
and had he lived a few days longer he would have pub- 
lished a large work on these subjects. Dr Horton was 
always rigidly moral, and never sacrificed principle to 
expediency'. " He married, April 9, 1817, Maria Kyneck, 
of Schenectady, and their children are Silas Kyneck, 
who married Sarah Jane, daughter of Jacob J. Decker, 
of Ulster County, N. Y. He inherits something of his 
father's taste for geology and mineralogy, and a few 
years since discovered a new and rare mineral, wliich 
has since been named by Prof. George J. Brush, of Yale 
College, " Hortonalite ;" Eugene, who married Anna 
T. Haley, and follows agricultural ])ursuits on the old 
homestead, being the fifth generation ; William, a phy- 
sican, at Craigville, N. Y. ; Egbert, died young ; Emily, 
married J. J. Dolson ; Margaret, married S. W. Leddel ; 
Charlotte, married Jesse E. Mofl'at ; and Gertrude, 
married Brewer G. Ward. 




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His grandfather, Anselm, was born on l^ong 
Island, July 8, 1750. In early life he was a 
sailor, but left the sea at the commencement of 
the llevolutionary war, and landing at New- 
port, R. I., came overland to Orange County, 
where, in 1776, he settled upon two hundred 
acres of land in Blooming-Grove, tiie farm now 
owned I)y Joel Coleman. He married Plia'be, 
daughter of Sylvanus White, of Blooming- 
Grove, Feb. 3, 1778. Their children were 
Ruth, married Samuel Denuiston ; Eunice, 
married Samuel Strong ; Brewster ; Phoebe, 
married Joseph Decker; Mary, married Apollos 
Halsey ; Deborah, married Thomas Moflat ; 
Nathan W. ; and Joseph W. 

Anselm Helme died Dec. 9, 1824. His wife 
died in 1833. Soon after his marriage he sold 
his original purchase, and Iwught about two 
hundred acres of land in Blooming-Grove, which 
has since been the homestead of his descendants. 

He was considered a man of good judgment, 
and was appointed by the Legislature of New 
York State as a member of a committee to ap- 
praise the damages done by squatters to the 
government land at West Point. He was also 
a justice of the peace for many years. 

Brewster Helme, the father of our subject. 



was boru April 14, 1782. He married Ex- 
perience, daughter of Samuel Strong, of Bloom- 
ing-Grove, in the year 1807. He was a fiirmer 
by occupation, and always lived on the home- 
stead. By his marriage he had two children, — 
Elizabeth (deceased, married Wm. H. Thomp- 
son, of Blooming-Grove) and Anselm. His 
death occurred Feb. 11, 1861. 

Anselm Helme was born on the homestead, 
Jan. 6, 1817. His early life was spent on the 
fiirm and in the common school. He obtainetl 
the homestead by inheritance, and has always 
lived upon it as a farmer. Mr. Helme is not 
a man who courts public favor, but has always 
led an honest, quiet life. He is the last of his 
generation, and is esteemed by his neighbors as 
a good citizen. He and his fixmily are attend- 
ants of the Congregational Church at Blooming- 
Grove. 

On the 29th of March, 1849, he married 
Jane B., daughter of Dr. Samuel Warner, of 
Blooming-Grove, and their children are Ara- 
bella S., who lives at home; Anselm Winfield, 
who married Anna, daughter of Levi Benedict, 
of Cornwall, and lives adjoining the homestead ; 
Mary Ann, died young; Irving, died young; 
and Mary E., who lives at home. 




,.^ 



^:i/MyT/^i^ — 



Cortland S. Marvin is a lineal descendant in 
the sixth generation of Matthew Marvin, who came 
from England in 1635, and was among the original 
settlers of Hartford, Conn. 

His son Matthew, who was born in England in 
1627, and came to this country with his parents, was 
the father of John Marvin, who was born in Con- 
necticut, Sept. 2, 1678. 

Elihu was the son of John, and was born Oct. 10, 
1719. About the year 1743 he settled in Orange 
County upon two hundred acres of land, which has 
since been the Marvin homestead, being the place 
where C. S. Marvin now resides in Blooming-Grove. 
He married Abigail, daughter of John Yelverton, of 
Chester, and their children were Seth, Abigail (mar- 
ried Sheriff Jackson), Elihu, John Yelverton, Eliza- 
beth (married John McDowell), Hannah (married 
John Hall), John (father of our subject), James, 
Kezia, and Anthony. Elihu Marvin died on the 
homestead, Aug. 11, 1803. He was a farmer by 
occupation, served in the Revolutionary war, and was ; 
one of the associate justices on the trial of Claudius 
Smith for the murder of Maj. Strong. John Marvin 
was born in Blooming-Grove, April 8, 1757. He 
married Fanny, daughter of Ebenezer Woodhull, 
May 1, 1797. Their children were John F., born 
Jan. 19, 1800, married Amelia, daughter of Stephen 
Jayne, of Florida, N. Y., died March 16, 1868 ; Caro- 
line, born May 20, 1803, married Walter Halsey, of 



Blooming-Grove, and died Feb. 7, 1879; Van Rens- 
selaer W., born March 9, 1805, married Juliana W., 
daughter of Judge Nathan White, and died Feb. 11, 
1856; and Cortland S. 

John Marvin lived on the homestead during his 
life, and there died June 23, 1809. His wife died 
April 7, 1857. 

Cortland S. Marvin was born Dec. 11, 1807, at the 
home of his ancestors. He has always followed agri- 
cultural pursuits, and is a member of the Orange 
County Agricultural Society. Mr. iMarvin has always 
led a quiet, unassuming life, and has never figured 
in public matters, with the exception of being com- 
missioner of highways and assessor of his township. 

As a farmer he has been successful, and as a man 
has borne a good reputation among his neighbors. In 
disposition he is genial and pleasant, and retains his 
faculties to quite a remarkable degree. In stature he 
is tall and well-proportioned, and is the last survivor 
of his generation. He and his family are attendants 
at the Blooming-Grove Congregational Church. 

On Jan. 3, 1839, Mr. Marvin married Melissa, 
daughter of James and Mary (Heard) Duryea, of 
Blooming-Grove, and of this union was born one .?on, 
William H., who is a farmer on the homestead, bein"' 
the fourth generation. He married Anna M., daughter 
of Josiah and Harriet (Tuttle) Seely, of Blooming- 
Grove. Mrs. C. S. Marvin died Feb. 25, 1871, in 
the sixty-third year of her age. 






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HAMPTONBURGH. 



649 



erected over the remaius of 'Winiam Bull and his 
wife, near Haniptonburgh church, by his lineal de- 
scendants. Jesse's children were Jolui ; William; 
Sarah, married Charles Booth ; Thomas ; Isaac ; Es- 
ther, married John Miller ; Mary, married Benjanun 
Booth; Margaret, married Silas Horton ; Catharine, 
became the wife of James Falkner; Ann, became the 
wife of William Eager; Richard; and Eleanor, who 
became the wife of Henry Weller. 

John Bull was born May 3, 1721, on the Bull home- 
stead in Hamptonburgh. He married Hannah Holly, 
of Goshen, N. Y., and lived and died at the place of 
his birth. His children were Ebenezer ; Sarah, mar- 
ried Richard Earl ; Elizabeth, married Peter Earl ; 
Mary, married John Tuthill ; William; Samuel; 
John ; Richard ; Daniel ; Esther, married William 
Brush ; and Crisse. 

Richard was the father of Jesse Bull, and was born 
on the homestead Oct. 25, 1762. He married Lena, 
daughter of Benjamin Harlow, April 12, 1800, and 
soon afterwards settled in the Sugar-Loaf Valley, in 
Chester township. By occupation he was a farmer 
and miller. He died Jan. 5, 1846. Their children 
were Hannah (now deceased), married Joseph Ray; 
Jesse ; James ; Harvey ; Daniel ; Ira, who lives on 
the old homestead in Chester ; and Charles W., de- 
ceased. 

Jesse Bull was born in Chester, on the homestead, 
Dec. 27, 1802. His early life was spent at school, on 
his father's farm, and in his father's grist-mill. On 
Feb. 1-5, 1827, he married Caroline, daughter of Cor- 
nelius and Annas Board, of Chester, a school-mate 
and early friend. Of this union were born Susan, 
died young; Phebe Ann, married Isaac V. Wheeler, 
of Warwick ; John J., died young ; Hannah, born 
Aug. 1, 1832, died May 4, 1851 ; Mary Elizabeth, 
born July 18, 1834, died Nov. 26, 1849 ; Susan Caro- 
line, who lives on the homestead in Blooming-Grove; 



Charles Richard, married Harriet N., daughter of 
.Jesse and Caroline Roe, of Chester, and resides on 
the homestead, an active and successful man ; and 
Emma Lena, married Nathaniel B. Zabriskie, of 
Hackensack, N. J. 

The year of his marriage Mr. Bull purchased 92 
acres of land of Thaddeus Seeley in Blooming-Grove, 
upon which he settled. He afterwards bought 118 
acres of land adjoining his original purchase, and in 
1836 he purchased 198 acres in Bloonung-Grove. On 
his original purchase was an iron ore mine which, in 
1864, he sold to Peter P. Parrot, of Greenwood, N. Y. 
Mr. Bull followed agricultural pursuits during his 
life, and was a successful farmer, and an officer of the 
Orange County Agricultural Society. He was one of 
the original incorporators and stockholders of the 
Chester Bank, acted as its president for a short time, 
and was a director in its board from its founding until 
his death. He was a man of good judgment, and his 
financial abilities were acknowledged by business men. 
Mr. Bull was interested in all that pertained to the 
welfare of his town, county, and State, and was looked 
upon as a leading citizen. He became a member of 
the Presbyterian Church of Chester in 1837, and his 
wife is one of the oldest living members of that body. 
For forty-two years he was a manager of the Orange 
County Bible Society for the town of Blooming- 
Grove. In politics he was a Republican, and was a 
delegate to the State conventions of his party at dif- 
ferent times. He was for many years a justice of the 
peace, and was also commissioner of deeds of his 
town. At the time of his death the Goshen Democrat 
said, " He was a good citizen and a leading man, was 
highly respected, and would be greatly missed by the 
community in which he lived." On Feb. 15, 1877, 
Mr. Bull and his wife celebrated their golden wed- 
ding, about 200 guests being present. He died Jan. 
5, 1878. 



HAMPTONBURGH. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDABIES, AREA, TITLE. 

Hamptonburgh is one of the interior towns of the 
county, lying somewhat northeast of the centre. Its 
outline is that of an irregular pentagon, rendering it 
difficult to state its boundaries by the four cardinal 
points of the compa,ss. It is approximately accurate 
to give them as follows : North by Montgomery, east 
by New Windsor and Blooming-Grove, south by 
Blooming-Grove and Goshen, west by Goshen and 
Wallkill. The area of Hamptonburgh may be ap- 
proximately stated at 16,621 acres, as determined by 
42 



the last supervisors' report. The assessed valuation 
of the town was $1,010,850, and the total tax paid 
upon that basis was $9792.53. The title to the soil 
of Hamptonburgh must be traced back to the several 
patents mentioned elsewhere. The town is made up 
of territory taken from earlier towns and from both 
sides of the " old county line." 



II.— NATUHAL FEATURES. 
This small territory is abundantly watered. The 
Wallkill River separates it from the town of Wallkill 



650 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



on the northwest ; the Otterkill describes in its course 
an irregular curve of more than half a circle, flowing 
out of the town of Goshen, sweeping northward be- 
yond Campbell Hall, eastward to Burnside, and south- 
ward to the line of Blooming-Grove ; the Beaver Dam 
flowing south from the town of Montgomery unites 
with the Otterkill a short distance northeast of 
Campbell Hall ; and several small rivulets complete 
the drainage of the town. Lying mostly in the val- 
leys of these streams, its surface is rolling or mod- 
erately hilly. 



III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

It is the uniform testimony of previous writers that 
the first settlement on the territory now embraced by 
Hamptonburgh was made by Christopher Denne. 

The date of the Wawayanda Patent was April 29, 
1703. It was necessary that a beginning should be 
made somewhere in order to open up the lands, get 
them into the market, and secure purchasers. After 
several eflibrts to induce settlers to enter upon the 
patent had failed, the patentees seem to have deter- 
mined to make the settlement themselves. Among 
the patentees was Christopher Denne. 

Denne was a resident of New York in 1701, and one 
of the signers of the Protestant petition to William 
III. in that year. In 1702 his name appears appended 
to the congratulatory address to Lord Cornbury as 
one " of the chiefest inhabitants of the city and county 
of New York," and in 1705 he was one of the signers 
to a petition by the merchants of that city. He was 
still a resident of New York in 1708 and 1714, and 
died there in 1722-23. His wife, Elizabeth, died there, ' 
and by her will, dated Dec. 29, 1730, gave her property 
to Sarah Jones, spinster, and Vincent Matthews, of 
Matthewstield. Sarah Jones afterwards married 
Thomas Brown. It is questionable whether Denne 
ever resided on the Wawayanda Patent for anything 
more than a temporary period. 

Mr. Eager, in his history of the county, modernized 
the statement of the boundaries of the tract taken up 
by Denne so a.s to be understood at the time he wrote, 
1846. They are probably yet sufiiciently clear for 
popular reading, as follows : 

•* Beginning at a stake and stones about east of and ten chains fiom 
the dwelling-liunse of Gen. Abraiiam Vail in East Division; thence 
northwesterly along tlie noitlieastei'ly lonnds of tlie Goshen town lots, 
and until it meets with a line supposed to divide the old counties of Ul- 
ster and Orungo ; thence east along the same to a stake and stones known 
to be standing near the top of the highland or mountain above Charles 
Heard's, in Hamptonburgh ; thence on u course south about thirty-six 
degrees west to the place of beginning." 

Upon this lot on the west bank of the Otterkill, and 
from six to eight chains westerly from Tusten's bridge, 
Christopher Denne in 1714 located a residence for him- 
self and family. It is understood that Denne made 
quite an extensive visit through the territory and ex- 
plored it before undertaking the enterprise ; that he 
made the acquaintance of the Indians in this locality 
and secured their good will. He is also reported to 



have had the aid of three of the natives to assist him 
in his removal, and that for this purpose they accom- 
panied him to New York. There was in the family 
of Mr. Denne an orphan girl brought up by them, they 
having no children of their own. Mr. Denne, so runs 
the tradition, induced this young woman, then sixteen 
years of age, to accompany a party sent out by him 
to begin this settlement. Her name was Sarah Wells, 
and as Mr. Eager's account of her wa.s derived from 
her immediate descendants, and as he himself had 
seen her in her old age while he was a boy, we can do 
no better than quote his description : 

"In person Sarah Wells was smaller than the majority of her sex ; yet 
though light and fragile she was active, and capable <tf remarkable exer- 
cise and endurance. This, ic part, may have resulted from the fact that 
while young she had beeu in the habit of crossing the ferry in an open 
boat from Slaten Island to New York, attending to the market business 
of her patrons. This exposure while it imparted health by the exer- 
cise, not only hardened and compacted a constitution otherwise delicate, 
but deepened the sanguine cidor of her complexion. Her eyes were 
neither large nor prominent, but dark, playful, and sparkling. Though 
not a tlippant talker, she was free and convereed with fluency, and when 
excited to reply to some rude remarks or impertinent inquiry her eyes 
would flash like file, and the presumptuous intruder was sure to he 
wounded in the conflict and carry the scar home with him for reflec- 
tion." 

The full story of this expedition of Sarah Wells 
from the New York home to the depths of this inte- 
rior wilderness reads like a romance, and may well 
for a thousandth time prove that " truth is stranger 
than fiction." The party consisted of the three young 
Indians, several carpenters sent forward by Mr. Denne, 
"and Sarah Wells." On board the sloop by which 
they came up the Hudson were the few necessary 
utensils to commence house-keeping with, the tools of 
the carpenters, and other luggage. The evening of 
the second day saw them at New Windsor. They 
spent the night on board the boat, and the next morn- 
ing, with goods loaded upon the animals and a gen- 
eral order of procession fully observed, they took up 
their line of travel for the banks of the Otterkill. 
The pen of the American novelist should revel in 
this forest march. The cows, the dogs, the horses, 
the Indians, the white men, and Sarah Wells to- 
gether made up as unique a procession as ever set 
forward to settle a province or found a state. What- 
ever thoughts occupied the mind of Sarah Wells we 
cannot say. Tradition tells us that the Indians were 
kind and full of gentle ways towards this unprotected 
girl. And here we desire to add that no instance is 
recorded of violence by the Indians of the Wawayanda 
Patent towards the white men after the Esopus jieace 
of 1063. The Indians who remained on the patent 
obeyed the provisions of that treaty, and respected 
scrumilously the rights conveyed to their successors. 
Thus the day's march was successfully made, and 
a wigwam, hastily constructed, that evening received 
the weary party on the east bank of the Otterkill. 
It was in the month of May when this entry upon the 
patent was made. The stream was swollen, and rafts 
were built by which the crossing was effected the next 



HAMPTONBURGH. 



651 



day. A log house was hastily erected by the white 
men with the aid of the Indians, and thus the settle- 
ment was Ijegun. 

It appears, however, that Sarah Wells was left as 
the solitary white woman of the party, but Mr. 
Eager's account states that Christopher Denne and 
wife came to this new home on the evening of the 
first day after the arrival of the advance party, so 
that the young girl had passed but three nights away 
from their care, — one on the Hudson River coming 
up, one at New Windsor landing, and one in the 
wigwam on the east bank of the Otterkill. In the 
midst of the unpacking of the " coffee, sugar, sacks 
of flour, and hams," the driving up and milking of 
the cows, and the getting ready for the first night's 
rest in the new log cabin, the " old folks" suddenly 
appeared on the scene. The strain of danger on the 
part of Sarah Wells was over with. She fainted, as 
a first-class heroine ought to, at the very feet of her 
foster-mother. She " came to" without help. All 
hands had a right royal supper, and no doubt slept 
well in their new home. It hardly seems necessary 
to enter upon a labored defense of Christopher Denne, 
as a previous writer has done, for his apparent in- 
humanity in sending Sarah Wells forward with the 
advance expedition. On the whole, it seems to have I 
been judiciously planned and successfully executed. 
His forethought had provided for every question, ar- 
ranged for every emergency, and himself and wife i 
followed immediately. They came overland from j 
what is now Jersey City, stopping one night at the 
falls of the Ramapo, and reaching the Otterkill 
thirty-six hours later than Sarah Wells and party. 
The tradition is usually summed up as follows : 
"Sarah Wells was the first civilized white woman, 
and Madam Denne the second, who placed a foot upon 
that part of the patent of Wawayanda which laid in 
the town of Goshen." 

The second settlerof whom special mention should be 
made is William Bull. He was born at Wolverhampton, 
England, February, 1689. In an account of this early 
settler we rely upon tradition and the statements of 
Sarah Wells, his wife, which were generally known 
among his immediate descendants. When he was 
young, his father left England and located at Dublin, 
Ireland, where he was apprenticed to learn the trade of 
a mason and stone-cutter. When his apprenticeship 
ended, he, with a young friend and fellow-mason, con- 
tracted to build the arch of a large bridge, which was 
then in progress of erection in the vicinity of the city, 
and had they succeeded, it might have established their 
credit as good workmen and talented young men ; but 
just as they were closing the arch and finishing the 
job, down it tumbled, and with it the young and bright 
prosjiects of the venturesome builders. Bull was 
overwhelmed by the unexjjected calamity, and feeling 
that future success there was hopeless, he at once de- 
termined to emigrate and build his fortune in Amer- 
ica. His money amounted to five guineas, and he 



went down to the dock and inquired of the officer on 
board if five guineas was sufficient to pay his passage. 
The reply was in the affirmative, and he forthwith 
completed his arrangements to leave. When the 
time came, he embarked, having nothing to encumber 
him but his clothes, five guineas, and a few books. 
When the ship arrived in port, Bull presented him- 
self to the captain to pay his five guineas and go 
ashore; but was told that it was not enough, and 
being informed it was all he had, replied that he must 
then be sold for the balance. Bull was very much in- 
censed at the trick put on him by false information in 
Ireland, and at the indignity so coolly about to be in- 
flicted upon him, promptly told the officer that " he 
would not be sold, that he would abide by the ship 
and return to Ireland, and that if he had to be a ser- 
vant it should be there and not in a strange land." 

Misfortune had compelled him to leave his country, 
and now when about to realize his cherished hopes 
and anxious expectations, it was threatening to drive 
him back again, and he was in great doubt what 
course to adopt. But in this case " his necessity was 
God's opportunity." Just at this time Daniel Crome- 
line, wild had an interest in the Wawaj'anda Patent, 
and was about to make a settlement thereon, finding 
an Irish passenger ship in port and thinking that he 
might procure some laborers and artisans there, went 
on board and made his wants known to the captain. 
Proclamation was made throughout the ship that there 
was a gentleman on board who wanted to employ 
some workmen and mechanics to settle a new country, 
and if there were any on board who were willing to 
engage, to come forward. William Bull spoke and 
said that he was an artisan and laborer, and had left 
Ireland for America thinking he had money to pay 
his passage; but that falling short and for the defi- 
ciency was about to be sold, which he had refused to 
be, he thought of returning, but if any gentleman 
would advance the money, he would undertake, should 
his health and life be spared, he should have no cause 
to regret the kindness. Cronieline, pleased with his 
appearance, prompt and manly bearing, advanced the 
money and they left the ship together. 

Bull, in company with other workmen, soon went 
with Cromeline upon the patent, to prepare to erect a 
dwelling and make a settlement. Bull executed the 
mason and others the carpenter work, and he cut the 
year of erection, 1716, in the stones of the chimney. 
The boards of the house were sawed by a whip in a 
sawpit, and the whole wood-work fastened by wood 
pins in place of nails. This at the time, and for years 
afterwards, was the largest and best house from New 
Windsor to New Jersey. As it was on the traveled 
route leading into New Jersey it soon became of great 
notoriety, and being a public inn was a place of resort 
for the country round. This house was known as the 
"Old Gray Court House," and was in the present town 
of Chester, about five miles southeast from the man- 
sion of Christopher Denne, in Hamptonburgh. The 



652 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



structure was honestly built, having stood as a tene- 
ment till 1832, about one hundred and sixteen years, 
which cannot be affirmed of any other in the county, 
except the Bull stone house at Hamptonburgh.* At 
that early day, and for years afterwards, the popula- 
tion was very sparse in that part of the county, and 
all living within a dozen miles of each other were near 
neighbors, and kept up an intimate and friendly in- 
tercourse. As Christopher Denne was a patentee and 
Daniel Cromeline interested in the patent, both having 
made settlements and living within six miles of each 
other, it was natural and expected that these families 
would often meet on the most friendly terms. Thus 
William Bull, who continued to live at the Cromeliue 
house, became acquainted with Sarah Wells, which 
eventuated in matrimony in the year 1718. The 
young people of that day had a great deal of business 
to do, and their offers were sincerely and promptly 
made on the one side, and promptly and honestly ac- 
cepted or rejected on the other. What they did was 
done quickly, as they had no time to spare, and conse- 
quently there were no courtships of seven years' stand- 
ing. Inclination and the demands of a new country 
forbade all tampering and procrastination. 

Previous to this time courts of justice had been es- 
tablished and a magistrate resided in the neighbor- 
hood, who was called upon to perform the marriage 
ceremony, there being no priest to do it. Bull was an 
Episcopalian, and wished to be married according to 
the forms of that church, but how were the bans to 
be published three times to make the contract valid? 
After long deliberation they concluded that circuni; 
stances altered cases, and that three proclamations 
made in one day were as eflectual for all purposes as 
if they were made during three successive weeks. To 
test the principle and carry it out in practice, the guests 
being assembled and the bride and groom anxiously 
waiting to know how it was to be performed, the 
magistrate with a solemnity demanded by the occa- 
sion took up the book of common prayer and pro- 
ceeded to the front door of the house, and there pro- 
claimed the bans to the trees of the forest, then he 
walked through the hall to the back door and made a 
second proclamation to the cattle and outbuildings, 
and then again at the front door made a third to the 
wilderness at large, whereupon the marriage ceremony 
was immediately performed. Tradition affirms this 
to have been the first marriage within the limits of 
the old town of Goshen. 

As Christopher Denne had promised Sarah Wells 
100 acres of land, she, now being of age and married, 
requested a fulfillment of the promise. Without dis- 
closing his object, Christopher Denne advised her "not 
to be in a hurry about it, that she had married a young 

* There ia no doubt that the Cromeline house was the first that was 
erected on the Waw.-xyauda Patent. Its date "1716," indicates tlie time 
of ita completion, ratlier tlian that of its commencement. The employes 
of Cromeline, Denne and Aske, came at about the same time. (See 
General History, p. 17. J 



! . 
Irishman who might play her some trick, and finally 

leave her, and the title might as well be left where it 
was for the present." She replied that " Bull was 
born in England, and though brought up in Ireland, 
she did not know that that made him an Irishman; 
and that he was as good an Englishman as himself" 
Denne manifested no resentment at what she said, and 
smiling pleasantly put her otf. He told her, however, 
to go and select 100 acres of his unimproved land where 
she pleased, and locate it, and it should be secured to 
her. This was done and possession taken. But Wil- 
liam Bull, however, desired to possess land that he 
could call his own, and in place of settling on the 100 
acres, he located on the southeasterly side of Chris- 
topher Denne's lot, then considered wild and unappro- 
priated, and since designated by the " old Bull stone 
house at Hamptonburgh." On this he erected his 
log cabin in 1719 or 1720. The location was a favor- 
able one. The land was of a fine quality and well 
watered, and on settling he called the place " Hamp- 
tonburgh," in honor of Wolverhampton, the place of 
his birth. It is proper to say that the title to the 100 
acres was made in fee-simple to John Bull, the eldest 
son, which was a compliment too frequently paid by 
the partiality of the English law. 

When Denne settled, he supposed he had located on 
the patent of Wawayanda, but as that patent was 
bounded there, by the northwest line, when the new 
northwest line came to be run it cut Denne's settle- 
ment ofl" of the patent. His improvement was secured 
in this way. By the English law, at this time, a 
bona fide settler was entitled to a patent of 600 acres, 
and this he determined to procure, but dying before 
he accomplished it, the patent was issued to his 
widow, Madam Denne. 

Bull and Gerard, in 1723, procured a patent of 
2600 acres just east of the 100 acres, and on this 
William Bull erected the stone house in 1727, which 
is still standing. This building is literally founded 
on a rock, and has a spring in the cellar. The house 
is two stories of eleven feet each, with a sharp roof, 
and for a dwelling of that number of stories is the 
highest in the county, measuring from the first floor 
to the peak. It is wonderful that the building is in 
so good preservation, for it has once been riven by a 
thunder-bolt, and while building was rocked by the 
vibrations of an earthquake. 

The family tradition is, that before the stone house 
was erected Bull lived in a log hut in the vicinity, 
and that while the stone house was building and 
nearly completed, about twelve o'clock at night he 
and Mrs. Bull were waked up by a rumbling noise 
and a shaking of the bed and house, which they 
thought an earthquake, and Mrs. Bull remarked to 
him, "William, we have lost our new house." On 
inspecting the building in the morning they found a 
crack, beginning in the lower part of the first .story, 
at the east end, which extended up through the 
second story. This was plastered up and the house 





t<3C-C^>tH^ 



His paternal grandfather was Jonalluin, who settled 
in Orange Coiinly at an early day, and married Hannah 
Brooks. Their children were John I., Lewis, Oliver, 
Jane (married Charles Monell, of Goshen, N. Y.), and 
Benjamin F. 

Oliver was the father of our subject, and was born in 
October, 1787. Ho married Surah Mathers, daughter of 
one of the early llevolutionary families of Orange 
County, and their issue were Alfred, deceased ; Charles 
M. ; Cornelia A., deceased, wlio became the wife of 
George W. Stevens, of Susquehanna County, Pa. ; Mary 
E., wife of George Pierson, of Hamptonburgh ; John 
I., deceased ; Oliver B. ; Catharine A., widow of Charles 
W. Post, of Hamptonburgh; Sarah, deceased, became 
the wife of George W. Beardsley, of Brooklyn, L. I.; 
David H., a farmer of Hamptonburgh ; Emily F., mar- 
ried Wm. Brett, a shipping merchant of New York; 
Hannah, married A. Ferd. Cross, of New York ; and 
Carrie, married Augustus Brett, a shi]iping merchant 
of New York. 

Oliver Thompson was a large and successful farmer 
of Hamptonburgh for many years, and owned several 
hundred acres of land. He was energetic in his business 
affairs, and was a man of temperate habits, giving his 
time almost wholly to his agricultural pursuits and 
having no desire for official position, though he always 
performed the full duties of the citizen in town and 
county matters. He died March 12, 1863. His wife 
died May 6, 18ijl, at the age of sixty-five years. 

Charles M. Thompson was born in Wallkill (now 
Hamptonburgh), Dec. 17, 1810. His early life was one 



of labor upon his father's farm, and his education Avas 
confined to the common schools. For four 3'ears, from 
1840, ho was connected with the fiouring-niill, plaster- 
ing-mill, and saw-mill at Brooks' Mills, Hamptonburgh. 
In 1844 he became a partner with Jennings & Thomp- 
son, of Goshfn, in a general mercantile and freighting 
business, which continued until 1846 when he withdrew 
from the firm, and in 1848 bought the James Strong 
farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres in Hamp- 
tonburgh. The following year he moved upon this, 
where he has since resided. Mr. Thompson has been a 
farmer by occupation, and is a fitting representative of 
the agricultural interests of Orange County. 

In 1854 he represented the Second District of Orange 
County in the New York State Legislature ; and in 
1855 and 1856, and for fourteen con.secutive years, from 
1860, represented the town of Hamptonburgh in the 
board of supervisors, and was chairman of that body in 
1865, 186'J, and 1873. He is one of the trustees of the 
Goshen Savings-Bank, and has been a member and 
one of the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Hamptonburgh for many years. 

Mr. Thompson is a man of active mind, and still re- 
tains an interest in the matters of the town and county 
of which he has formed a ])art. He niarried Lorinda, 
daughter of Kobert D. Hunter, of Crawford, May 14, 
1851, and of this union was born Kobert O. Thompson. 
She died June 5, 1853. On Feb. 20, 1861, he married 
Mary A., daughter of John A. Wilbur, of Wallkill, 

I and their children are Charles M., William M., and 

i Marv Jennie. 



HAMPTONBURGH. 



653 



finished, and the seam is very observable at this time. 
Indeed, there has been no time since built when it 
was not there. This is corroborated by reference to 
an old work entitled "The Life and Travels of 
Samuel Bownes, in 1726 and '27." Bownes was an 
English Quaker and came out to travel and visit his 
friends in the colonies, and while here attended the 
yearly meetings through New England. In Septem- 
ber, 1727, he was attending the yearly meeting in 
Rhode Island. Speaking of the conclusion of the 
meeting he says, "This evening as I was going to 
bed, about ten o'clock at night, there was an exceed- 
ing great earthquake, that made a noise like driving 
carts or wagons on an uneven causeway; it continued 
about two minutes, to the great surprise of the peo;jle. 
It was felt about fifteen hundred miles as was after- 
wards computed, and as was thought, by calculation, 
was not quite three hours going that space." 

William Bull died February, 1755, aged sixty- 
six. Sarah Wells, his wife, was born April 6, 1694, 
and died April 21, 1796, aged one hundred and two 
years and fifteen days. They were buried in the fam- 
ily yard at Hamptonburgh, in the grounds he gave 
for the purpose, and known as " Burying Hill." Her 
children by William Bull were John, born May 3, 
1721, married Miss Holly, of Goshen ; William, born 
March 13, 1723, married Miss Booth, of Hampton- 
burgh ; Sarah, born Sept. 1, 1725, married Charles 
Booth, of Hamptonburgh ; Thomas, born Dec. 27, 
1727, married Miss Kerr, of Florida ; Isaac, born Nov. 
17, 1729, married Miss Mulliner, of Little Britain; 
Esther, born May 29, 1731, married John Miller, of 
Montgomery; Mary, born Feb. 3, 1733, married Ben- 
jamin Booth, of Hamptonburgh ; Margaret, born 
May 1, 1736, married Horton, of Goshen ; Cath- 
arine, born May 24, 1738, married James Faulkner, 
of Wallkill ; Ann, born Nov. 4, 1740, married Wm. 
Eager, of Neelytown ; Richard, born May 29, 1743, 
married Miss Budd, of Goshen ; Elinor, born March 
4, 1745, married Henry Weller, of Montgomery. 

The remarkable longevity of Mrs. Bull served to 
bring the events of the early settlements clearly to 
the knowledge of a comparatively late generation. 
She married, after the death of Wm. Bull, Johannes 
Miller, one of the earliest settlers of Montgomery. 
He died in 1782, and she survived him fourteen years. 
Truly a venerable relic of a former age, surviving in 
the midst of a wide circle of descendants and mar- 
riage connections. An orphan girl, — a foster-child, — ■ 
in her history is exemplified the language of the 
Bible, " Thou settest the solitary in families." 

The early settlement of this town is further shown 
in the full and valuable records given in the chapters 
upon those towns from which it was formed. To these 
reference must be made for additional names. The 
early papers in the General History and in the town 
chapters of Montgcmiery, Wallkill, Cornwall, Bloom- 
ing-Grove, New Windsor, and Goshen, all throw more 
or Iciis light upon the settlement of this territory. 



The Christopher Denne place (identical with the 
Tusten place) is frequently alluded to in these pages. 
It is occupied by Mrs. G. W. Price. Mrs. Price is 
a daughter of Ezra Sanford, now living at the age of 
eighty-seven in Warwick. Her husband (now de- 
ceased) was from Warwick also, and they settled here 
on the Tusten farm about 1838. Through her grand- 
parents, one or both from this neighborhood, she is 
well informed on the early traditions, and can relate 
many interesting incidents of those times. 



IV.— ORGANIZATION. 

This town was formed from Goshen, Blooming- 
Grove, Montgomery, New Windsor, and Wallkill in 
1830. The following proceedings took place at the 
first town -meeting, held April 5, 1831 : 

"At the annual town-meeting for ttie town of Hamptonburgh, held at 
Charles Heards', pursuant to the act erecting said town, April 5, 1831, 
James D. Bull was appointed clerk of said meeting, pro tent. Hezekiab 
Watkins and Benjamin Brown were appointed to associate with Morri- 
son Taylor, Esq., inspectors of said town-meeting, and to conduct the 
business. The following resolutions were adopted : 

" Resolved, That the next annual towu-meeting be held on the first 
Tuesday of April next, and that said towu-meeting be held at the house 
of James Mapes. 

" Hesoh'ed, That there be three assessors for the ensuing year. 

" Reaohcd, That there be three constables for the ensuing year. 

" Remlved, That fence-viewers have one dollar per day. 

" Resolved, That commissioners and inspectors of common schools have 
one dollar per day for their services. 

" Resolved, That the collector have tliree per cent, for collecting the 
taxes. 

'* Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to draft by-laws, and 
that Stephen Ingersoll, Hezekiab Watkins, Jr., John McBride, Henry P. 
Hopkins be said committee. 

" Resolved, That the sum of S2.'iO be raised for the support of bridges. 

'* Resolved, That every man's yard shall be bis pound. 

"The following persons were elected town officers: 

"Supervisor, Stephen lugeisoll; Town Clerk, Ebenezer Bull; Asses- 
sors, Capt. William Jackson, John McBride, John Barker; Commission- 
ers of Highways, Stephen Ingersoll, Hezekiah Watkins, William Jack- 
son ; Commissioners of Common Schools, Ebeuezer Bull, Robert C. 
Hunter, Vincent Booth ; Inspectors of Common Schools, James D. Bull, 
Barto Wright, John McCord; Overseers of the Poor, William Conning, 
John B. Horton; Collector, Andrew L. McCord ; Justices of the Peace, 
Henry Pierson, Morrison Taylor, Stephen Ingersoll, Benjamin Brown 
Constables, Samuel R. Laroe, Edward Drake, Blilton Robertson." 

The road districts were thirty-one in number, and 
the following overseers were appointed ; and the days' 
work assessed upon each district are shown by the 
numbers attached to the names : 



XT Days' 

"°- Work. 

1. Gilbert P. Hopkins 42 

2. Philip Crist liO 

3. Horace Seward 37 

4. William Barker 2:1 

5. Andrew L. McCord 50 

6. Giles Goodrich 13 

7. John B. Horton 29 

.'<. William Heard 19 

'J. Uunisey Coleman 8 

10. Garret Thew 10 

11. Moses T.Hulse 26 

12. Fletcher M. Brooks G2 

13. James Townsend 21 

14. Alexander Scott 17 

l.'H. Samuel Brewster 12 

IT). Benjamin Brown 58 



XI Days* 

^"^ Wo?k. 

17. Stephen Ingersoll 61 

18. James Strong 80 

19. Henry Pierson 76 

20. Oliver Tliompsou 27 

21. Joshua Thompson 23 

22. Benjamin Mitchell 60 

23. Benjamin llnlse 31 

•24. Vincent Booth 71 

25. John Barker 67 

26. Valentine Hill 2S 

27. Samuel Birdsall 46 

28. Capt. Wm. Jackson 47 

29. Wm. Conning 40 

30. John McCord 30 

31. Dewitt Decker 26 



The following have been the principal town officers 
from 1830 to 1880 : 



65-1 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1S31-33 Stephen Ingereoll. Ebenezer Bull. 

1834 Benjamiu Brown. Benjamin F. Brvoks. 

I83&-3£ James Strung. " " 

1839-40 Robert C. Hunter. " " , 

1811-43 Hudson Webb. William L. Webb. 

1844 '* " James M. Brown. 

1846-46 Elijah C. Watson. Robert Eobertson. 

1847 ^^■m. Jackson. *' '* 

1848.... John MiBride. •' " 

1849-50 \Vm. Jackson. " " 

1851 Roswell Benedict. Henry F. Brown. 

1852-53 Vincent Booth. . " " 

1854 Hudson Webb. Cromloin Brown. 

185.V-66 Charles M. Thompson. " " 

1857-69 Moses B. Wilkin. " " 

1860-67 Charles M. Thompson. " 

1868-73 " " Benjamin D. Brown. 

1874-75 George Gouge. David H. Booth. 

1876 Henry Seacord. Emmet Helms. 

1877-79 Samuel B. Hill. Frank D. Case. 

1880 David H. Thompson. " 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1831, Morrison Taylor, Henry Pierson, Stephen Ingersoll, Beiljamin 
Brown ; 1832, Morrison Taylor; 1833, Henry Pierson; 1S34, Stephen 
Ingersoll ; lS3.i, Vincent Booth ; 1836, David W. Corwin ; 18:J7, 
Henry Pierson; 1838, Alexander Scott; 1839, Hudson Webb; 1840, 
Charles B. Tutbill ; 1841, Joseph Case; 1842, Alexander Scott, Oliver 
Thompson ; lts43, Hudson Webb ; 1844, Wm. Jackson ; 1845, Benja- 
min Brown, Abel B. Watkins, Jr.; 1846, Oliver Thompson; 1847, 
Hudson Webb; 1S4S, Abel B. Watkins, Jr. ; 1849, Edward Dekay ; 
1850, Wm. Monell: 1851, Hudson Webb: 1852, Abel B. Watkins; 
1853, Halstead Gurnee; 1854, Wm. Monell, Moses B. Wilkin; 18.i5, 
Thomas W. Watkins, Moses B. Wilkin ; 1856, Vincent Booth, Albert 
G. Watkins; 1?;.57, Hudson Webb, Moses B.Wilkin, John M. Monell; 
1858, John M. Monell, John C. Carpenter; 1859, Daniel T.Brown; 
1860, Moses B. Wilkin ; 1861, Hudson Webb ; 1802, John M. Monell ; 
1863, Daniel T. Brown ; 1864, Joseph C. Eager ; 1865, Hudson Webb ; 
1866, John M. Monell; 1867, Daniel T. Brown; 1868, John Brown ; 
1869, George Pieraon, Samuel B. Hill ; 1870, S,amuel B. Hill ; 1871, 
Daniel T.Brown; 1872, John Brown; 1873, George Piei-son ; 1874, 
Samuel B. Hill, Joseph C. Eager; 1875, Daniel T. Brown, Joseph C. 
Eager; 1871), Joseph C. Eager; 1877, John M. Monell; 1878, David 
H. Booth, George Pierson ; 1879, George Pierson, Daniel T. Brown ; 
1880, Joseph C. Eager, Stephen I. Webb. 



V.-VIIiLAGES. 

CAMPBELL HALL 

is situated very nearly in the centre of tlie town, and 

is a station on the Wallkill Valley Railroad. Mr. 

Eager says of this place, — 

"It was formerly the residence of Col. Campbell, and received its name 
in true English style. Col. Campbell was a Scotchman. His daughter, 
Mrs. Margaret Eustace, wife of Dr. Eustace, is mentioned by Mr. Eager 
as the lady who had few equals in dignity of manner, good sense, and 
lady-like deportment. Gen. Eustace, of the Revolutionary army of 
France, was a son of Dr. Eustace. B<»th he and his mother are said to 
have died in the vicinity of Newburgh sixty to seventy years ago." 

In this connection we give the following paper: 
The story of Campbell Hall is well worthy of pres- 
ervation. " Capt. Lachlin Campbell, of the isle of 
Islay, in North Britain," says Judge Jones, in his re- 
cently published " History of New York during the 
Revolutionary War," " encouraged by a proclamation 
issued by George Clark, Esq., then (1737) Lieutenant- 
Governor of New York, with the advice of His 
Majesty's Council promising 30,000 acres of land ad- 
joining Lake George to any person who would under- 
take the immediate settlement of it, came to New 
York, viewed the land, and liked it much. He was 
begged by the Indians to settle there ; they were 
struck and delighted with his Highland dress. The 
grant was promised in a public advertisement signed 



by the Lieutenant-Governor himself. It was to be 
free of all charges, the king's quit-rents and the fees 
of surveying excepted. The faith of the government 
thus pledged, Campbell thought himself safe, re- 
turned to Scotland, sold his estate there, and at liis 
own expense transported to New York 83 Protestant 
families, consisting of 483 men, besides women and 
children.* Private faith and public honor demanded 
the performance of a promise so solemnly made, to 
an undertaking so expensive to himself and so benefi- 
cent to the colony. It, however, failed." 

The Lieutenant-Governor, notwithstanding his 
promise, together with Cadwallader Colden, James 
Alexander, and Philip Livingston, Esq., three of the 
Council, insisted each upon a share in the grant. 
Campbell, who was a man of spirit, would by no 
means consent. The letters patent were refused. 
Campbell applied to the General Assembly. They 
had no jurisdiction or power in matters of this kind. 
He then applied to the Board of Trade. This he 
found too expensive. He therefore left his immi- 
grants to themselvest (one of whom, John McDou- 
gal, was the father of Gen. Alexander McDougal of 
the American Revolution), and with the small re- 
mains of his fortune purchased a farm in Ulster (now 
(.Grange) County, built a house, and gave it the name 
of Campbell Hall. 

He was active, loyal, and spirited. When he heard 
of the rebellion in 1745 he took up his broadsword, 
went to New York, embarked for England, went to 
Scotland, served as a volunteer under the Duke of 
Cumberland, signalized himself in the battle of Cul- 
loden, saw the rebellion at an end and bis native 
country at peace. He then returned to New York, 
went to Campbell Hall, and shortly after died. In 
regard to the descendants of Capt. Campbell very 
little is known to the writer of this article. He ap- 
pears to have had sons Donald, George, James, and 
daughters Rose, Lily, and Margaret (Mrs. Eustace). 
The latter had one son. Gen. J. J. Eustace, referred 
to by Mr. Eager. 

Of the oldest, Donald, Judge Jones writes : " Donald 
was born at the Hall. He was a youth when his father 
died. There were several children, the estate not 
large. Donald was therefore apprenticed to a mer- 
chant in New York. When his time was out he 
went several voyages as a supercargo to the West 
Indies. By this means he made some money. When 
the war of 1755 broke out he was living in New York, 
and doing some little business in a mercantile way. 
In 1756, Lord John Murray's Highland Regiment ar- 
rived. Among the officers Donald found several re- 
lations. He was young, active, and sprightly. He 



* By a petitioQ on file at Albany, it appears the immigrants came in 
three ships in 1738-40. — Land Papers, xvi., page 142. 

t So far as this relates to Capt. Campbell it is correct. After his death, 
however, a grant of 47,450 acres was made to eighty-three of the families 
who accompanied him. This grant was made May 21, 1764, and consti- 
tuted the town of Argyle, Washington Co. 




j) i^f^t^u^^^U^^^T^^lvU^ 



Daniel H. Bull is a lineal dcsceiKlant of 
William Bull, who was born iu England in 
1689, and came to this country when a young 
man. By trade he was a mason, and built the 
old stone house in liamptonburgh known as the 
"Bidl Homestead" about 1720. Sarah Wells, 
the first white \voman who came to Goshen 
township, was his wife, and it is from this an- 
cestry tliat most of the people in the United 
States who bear the name of Bull are descended. 

Their descendants in the first generation were 
John, William, Sandi, Thomas, Isaac, Esther, 
Mary, INlargaret, C-atheriue, Ann, Richard, and 
Eleanor. These children married and reared 
large families, and John, who was l)orn in 1721 
on the homestead, was the grandfather of the 
subject of tiiis sketch. 

His wife was Haiuiah Holly, of Goshen, and 
they had children, — Ebenezer, Sarah, Elizabeth, 
Mary, William, Samuel, John, Richard, Daniel, 
Esther, and Crisse. 

Richard, who was born in 1 762, was the father 
of Daniel H. Bull. On April 12, 1800, he 
married Lena Harlow, and settled in Chester, 
at the Sugar Loaf Valley. He lived there as a 
fai-mer and miller until his death, on Jan. 5, 
1846. Here also his children were born, — 
Hannah (deceased), Jesse (whose l)iographical 
sketch appears under the history of the town 
of Blooming-Grove), James, Harvey, Daniel H., 
Ira, and Charles W. (deceased). 



) Daniel H. Bidl was born at tlie homestead, 
Dec. 11, 1806. He was early taught by his 
father habits of industry on the farm and in 
the mill, and his educational advantages were 
confined to the .schools of his native town. 

On Jau. 8, 1840, he married Mary Ann, 
daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Kingsland) 

' Board, of New Jersey, and of this union were 
born Harriet, who died Aug. 27, 1865, at the 
age of twenty-four years; Mary B., married 

; John W. Harlow, a farmer of Wallkili; Sarah, 
died Aug. 6, 1865, at the age of twenty-cue 

I years; Anna L., who lives at home; Charles 
W., who died Aug. 23, 1865, in the nineteenth 
year of his age; and Richard, who lives at 
home. 

The year after his marriage ^Ir. Bull left the 
homestead, and purchasing two hundred acres 
of land of James D. Bull, in the townsliip of 
Hamptonburgh, moved upon it. There he has 
since resided, giving his attention and energies 
to his farm and fireside. He can see the result 
of his industry; and his life, though unassum- 
ing, has been active and honest. Mr. Bull is 
a member of the Orange County Agricultural 
Society, and pays some attention to stock-raising. 
He and his wife are members of the Hamp- 
tonburgh Presbyterian Church, and there the 
family attend. He is a fitting representative of 
a successful agriculturist in the fourth generation 
of his paternal ancestor, William Bull. 



HAMPTONBUKGH. 



655 



quitted tlie business of a merchant, entered as a vol- 
unteer in tliis regiment, and served in a campaign or 
two. Wliether he was ever promoted in this regi- 
ment I know not, but we find liim a lieutenant in the 
Royal Americans at Quebec after its reduction in 
1759. Upon the conclusion of the peace of 1763 
Donald was reduced to half-pay, went to England, 
and presented a memorial to the crown, setting forth 
his father's sufterings, loyalty, and ill-usage, and 
praying a compensation for himself and family. The i 
memorial was referred and recommended to the Gov- , 
ernor of New York. Gen. Monkton, then Governor, 
laid it before his Council, who advised a grant of land. 
Letters patent were therefore issued, granting to 
Donald, as the eldest son, 20,000 acres of land, and 
to his mother, sisters, and brothers 20,000 acres more.* 
His business completed be returned to England, and, 
jiretending a relationship to the Duke of Argyle, 
Lord Loudon, and other heads of the Campbell 
family, he lived high, kept good company, and fre- 
quented all places of diversion. The result was that 
he was obliged to return to New York, where he 
mortgaged his estates to pay liis debts. 

" He was in New York when the rebellion (1775) 
broke out, and having little or nothing to lose, and 
much perhaps to gain, he entered heartily into the 
American cause. He was appointed deputy quarter- 
master in the American army, went with Montgomery 
into Canada, was at the siege of St. John's, at Mon- 
treal when it surrendered, and at Quebec. It is not 
known that he was otherwise actively engaged in the 
war. His half-pay from Great Britain was of course 
taken from him. He retired into the country, where 
he lived until his death. George, his brother, was a 
lieutenant in an old English regiment in America dur- 
ing the war of 1755. He afterwards went to India in 
a military station. When the rebellion broke out he 
returned to New York and became a lieutenant-colo- 
nel in Fanning's corps. Upon the reduction of Geor- 
gia by the British he went there, raised a regiment of 
horse, served during the war, and retired from the 
English army on half-pay of a lieutenant-colonel." 

From this statement it will be seen that Campbell 
Hall is directly connected with some of the most im- 
portant periods in European and American history. 
It was a fighting family literally, and for three gener- 
ations at least maintained its reputation. 

* Judge Jones says that at the time of the graDtiDg of this land 
Ponald Campbell had a brotlier, George, two sisters, and a mother 
living. The petition on file at Albany (Jan. 5, 1763) contains the names 
of Donald, George, and James, while the grant recites the names of 
Donald Campbell, George Campbell, James Campbell, Rose Graham, 
Margaret Kuetace, Lily Murray, and Allen Campbell, Jr., who together 
received 10,000 acres of Saratoga lands. An order of the king in coun- 
cil, May 13, 1764, gave Donald Campbell 30,000 acres additional, and Oct. 
18, 1765, he received 2000 acres for his services as lieutenant in the Sev- 
enty-seventh Regiment. The grant of 1763 was extended (1772) to Don- 
ald Campbell, George Campbell, James Campbell, Rose Graham, Margaret 
Bustace, and Lily Murray, for 30,000 acres. In 1790, Donald, with the 
rank of colonel, claimed bounty-lands from New York for his services in 
the Revolution, and receive I oU<x) acres, now part of Peru, Clinton Co, 



A post-office was established at Campbell Hall Jan. 
30, 1869, and B. F. Decker was appointed postmas- 
ter. He has been the only incumbent of the office. 
Other business at this point maybe mentioned, as the 
store of B. F. Decker ; tin-shop of F. D. Case ; black- 
smith- and wagon-shop of F. Case; the creamery of 
David H. Thompson ; the new creamery now being 
erected by the Farmers' Association ; the railroad 
business, E. Helms, station agent. It is understood 
that the extension of the New York, Ontario and 
Western Railroad from Cornwall to Middletown is to 
pass near Campbell Hall, thus securing increased rail- 
road facilities for this town. 

HAMPTONBUKGH 
is directly south of Campbell's Hall, and is the site 
of the settlement made by William Bull, as already 
stated. It is only four miles from Goshen, leaving 
but little trade or business to develop a village at that 
point. The one church of the town is located here, 
and with its parsonage constitutes the most important 
feature. There is a hotel by A. E. Hulse ; a black- 
smith-shop by the Rose Brothers, and a creamery 
owned by D. H. Thompson. There was formerly a 
store here, but there is none at the present time. 

The old stone house where William Bull lived is a 
short distance from the village, and also the beautiful 
rounded hill where is located the early graveyard. 
A fine farming country lies round about this point. 

NEELYTOWN 
is the old and well-known neighborhood on both sides 
of the town line, — Montgomery and Hamptonburgh. 

BURNSIDE 

is a hamlet on the Otterkill, in the east part of the 

town, near the line of New Windsor. The place has 

been known as Otterville, but the name of Burnside 

beiug given to the post-office will gradually supersede 

the older name. There is at this place the grist-mill 

of Charles Rose, also a saw-mill owned by him, and 

a distillery by O. P. Hinckley. Charles Rose also has 

a store. 

KIPP'S 

is on the line of Goshen, and is a milk station upon 
the railroad. It also affords an opportunity for pas- 
sengers to leave or take the cars in that neighborhood. 

PURGATORY 
is about one mile east of the Heard farm. In early 
times there was a dismal swamp of considerable ex- 
tent, through which ran a small sluggish stream. Over 
this there was a log bridge with a causeway on each 
side. The name is said to have been bestowed by 
Peter Bull a.s a proper descriptive term of this dubi- 
ous locality. Older residents who remember what a 
difficult road this was to travel, how easy it was to 
get into this place but how difficult to emerge in 
safety, appreciated the force of the name better than 
the present generation can. 



656 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



PARADISE 

was the sunny slope wliere Peter Bull above men- 
tioned lived. In hi.s mind it was so pleasant a home, 
and the seat of so much enjoyment, that he denomi- ! 
nated it Paradise, as in the strongest possible con- 
trast with the dismal region beyond. 

LAGRANGE 
is the pleasant name bestowed upon the place which 
formerly bore the unpoetical designation of Goose- 
town. This old name originated in the fact that a 
large number of geese were raised in that neighbor- 
hood, and it clung to the place long after the geese 
had mostly disappeared. It was only removed by 
holding a formal town-meeting and deliberately se- 
lecting the new name in honor of General Lafayette. 
This did the work effectually, and the older name 
now lives only in the chronicles of the p.ast, or on the 
irreverent lips of some scoffer. There is a hotel at 
the present time, J. P. Monell, proprietor. 

The greatest celebrity of Lagrange results from the 
location there of the stock farm of Charles Backman. 
Here are kept some of the best horses in Orange 
County, or in the United States. The number of 
horses at this splendid establishment often rises to 
three hundred. The place is much visited by lovers 
of the turf. Not far away, near the banks of the 
Wallkill, is a race-course. 

DECKER'S 
is a small settlement in a beautiful part of the country 
on the road from Washingtonville to Goshen. Here 
the Messrs. Decker erected their manufactory, and 
from them the name is given to the locality. Settle- 
ment began in this vicinity as early perhaps as 1730, 
for soon after this, in 1744, it was a missionary station 
under the care of the London Missionary Society, with 
New Windsor and St. Andrew's. At that time it was 
called St. David's Corners, that being the name of 
the church located there. The building was put up 
after 1770, but never finished, and during the Revo- 
lutionary war was used as a hospital by the American 
forces. Shortly after that it was partly blown over, 
never rebuilt, and allowed to go to decay. Vincent 
Matthews was an early patron of this church, and 
after him Jonathan Brooks greatly aided it. John 
I. Brooks, of Blooming-Grove, in later years, and 
Fletcher M. Brooks, of Hamptonburgh, were de- 
scendants of the last-named gentleman. This place 
is now acquiring the name of Lincolndale. There is 
not, however, much to constitute a village'. 



VI.— SCHOOLS. 

The following persons served as school commis- 
sioners one or more years each during the period from 
the organization of the town to 1844 : Ebenezer Bull, 
Robert C. Hunter, Vincent Booth, Capt. William 
Jackson, Hudson Webb, Bartow Wright, Elijah C. 
Watson, David W.Corwin, William L. Webb. During 



the same period the following persons served as in- 
spectors of schools one or more years each : James 
D. Bull, Bartow Wright, John McCord, Hezekiah 
Watkins, John Payne, Hudson Webb, Benjamin 
Brown, Elijah C. Watson, Oliver B. Tuthill, William 
L. Webb, J.ames S. Tuthill, Robert C. Hunter. 

The system of supervision by town superintend-euts 
commenced in 1844, and continued until town super- 
vision ceased and all ofiicial control of the schools 
passed to the district commissioners. The town 
superintendents of Hamptonburgh were as follows : 
1844-1(3, Bartow Wright; 1847-50, A. B. Watkins, 
Jr. ; 18.51-5.'i, Daniel T. Brown. 

School districts in the town at the time of the or- 
ganization : No. 1, Hamptonburgh ; No. 2, Otterkill ; 
No. 3, Bushkirks ; No. 4, Bloomingdale; No. 5, Neely- 
towu ; No. 6, Lagrange. 

Two or three yeare later: No. 1, Hamptonburgh; 
No. 2, Otterkill; No. 3, Little Britain; No. 4, 
Bloomingdale; No. 5, Neelytown ; No. 6, Lagrange; 
No. 7, Poverty Hollow. 



VII.— CHURCHES. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAMPTON- 
BURGH.* 

The Presbyterian Church of Hamptonburgh is the 
legal successorof the late "Associate Reformed Church 
of Hamptonburgh," and through it of the old "Asso- 
ciate Church of Neelytown." It is impossible now to 
ascertain the exact date of the organization of the 
church of Neelytown. The nearest approach we can 
make to it is, that about the year 1765 or '67 a number 
of families left the Presbyterian Church of Goodwill 
and made application to the Associate Presbytery of 
Pennsylvania to be taken under its care and organized 
into a church. 

The following names represent some of the earliest 
families connected with this church : William Eager, 
Thomas Beatty, James Wilkin, William Young, James 
McCobb, John Douglass, William Bull, James Bull, 
Samuel McCord, James Morrison, John ^1. Williams, 
David Miller, Andrew Wilson, John Hall, David El- 
liot, David Crawford, John Monell, Wm. Jackson, 
John McBride, Wm. Booth, Charles Booth, Wm. 
Conning, Samuel Wood. 

April 15, 1767, a call was made out for the pastoral 
services of the Rev. Robert Annan, and on Oct. 2, 
1772, he was installed pastor of the united congre- 
gation of Little Britain and Wallkill, or Neelytown. 
Mr. Annan continued to be the pastor of the Neely- 
town Church until 1783, when he removed to Boston. 

In 1769 half an acre of ground was purchased of 
William Eager for "five pounds lawful currency of 
the Province of New York," and on it was erected 
the first house of worship occupied by the congrega- 
tion. That building was described by one who 
often worshiped in it as "a wooden structure just in- 



* By the pastor. 



y 



iBW *ate<^ '"Wi'^ 




VINCENT BOOTH. 



His great-grandfather, George Booth, came 
fVoni SoiitlioUl, L. I., and settled in Orange 
County in 1741. Benjamin Bootii was tiie son 
of George, and lie married Sarah Bull, daugiiter 
of William Bull and Sarah Wells, and was 
among the early tillers of the soil in the county. 
Thomas, who was a farmer by occupation, was 
one of their children. He married Jane Barker, 
of South Carolina, and their issue were Jesse, 
John (who was a prominent lawyer of Goshen, 
surrogate of Orange County, and died in Iowa), 
Vincent, Nancy (who married Washington 
Wood, of Newburgh), Amelia (who married 
Joseph Slaughter), and Louisa (deceased). 

Thomas Booth died on the homestead, in 
Haraptonburgh, Oct. 3, 1824. 

Vincent Booth, our subject, was born on the 
homestead in 1794 ; spent his early life at home, 
and attended the schools of his native place. 
Following the inclinations of his ancestors, he 
engaged in farming, and also managed a milling 
business. On Feb. 9, 1826, he married Mary 
A., daughter of William and Sarah (Booth) 
Conning, a descendant of one of the early 



families of the county, and spent his life on the 
homestead of one hundred and forty acres, 
located in Hamptonburgh (forinerly a part ot' 
Goshen). 

Mr. Booth took an active interest in the pub- 
lic matters of his town, represented it in the 
board of supervisors in 1852 and 18o."5, and 
was a justice of the peace of his township for 
two terms. Agricultural and stock matters 
always found in him a friend, and he was a 
stockholder of the Erie and of the Montgomery 
and Erie Railways. 

He was a man of strong convictions and 
houesty of purpose. The Goshen Independent 
Republican, in its obituary notice of him, said: 
" That he was a man of sterling principles, strict 
integrity, and had left a name which calumny 
could neither dishonor or tarnish. Social and 
hospitable, his door was ever open to the calls 
of his friends and neighbors, and that few men 
in his community would be more missed from 
the walks of private life." 

He died Nov. 1, 1871, his wife surviving 
him. 



HAMPTONBURGH. 



657 



closed, or weather-boarded, tlie floors not plowed and 
grooved, and, in the course of years, much shrunken. 
The cold in winter was intolerable. Some of the 
females had foot-stoves; but there was no other arti- 
ficial heat in the house." The house in which the 
first pastor lived was pleasantly situated on the banks 
of the Wallkill. It is still occupied and in a good state 
of preservation. 

After Mr. Annan left, the church continued vacant 
for thirteen years, receiving occasional supplies from 
the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, 
with which it had become connected. 

In December, 1796, the Rev. John McJimsey was 
installed pastor of the church. Mr. McJimsey was 
born in York Co., Pa., Aug. 18, 1772. He continued 
to be the pastor of the church until the year 1809, 
when he removed to Albany, having accepted a call 
from the Associate Reformed Church of that city. 

Again, for a period of ten years, the church was 
vacant, during which time it received only occasional 
supplies of preaching from the New York Presbytery. 
At the close of that period, Dr. McJimsey, at the call 
of the church, resumed his pastoral labors among 
them, and continued until 1832, when he resigned his 
charge. In 1830 the congregation thought it expedi- 
ent to change the site of their church building from 
Neelytown to Campbell Hall, about two miles to the 
southwest. A beautiful grove was selected crowning 
the top of a gentle hill on the banks of the Otter- 
kill, and there a large and commodious house was 
erected, which, in February, 1832, was dedicated to 
the worship of God. At the same time the name of 
the church was changed from the " Associate Re- 
formed Church of Neelytown" to the " Associate Re- 
formed Church of Hainptonburgh." 

The next pastor of the church was the Rev. Mal- 
colm N. McLaren, who was installed at the church in 
Campbell Hall on Oct. 1, 1833. He resigned his office 
Aug. 15, 1843. 

After the retirement of Mr. McLaren the church 
determined to change its ecclesiastical connection, 
and on application was received, at the close of the 
year 1843, under the care of the Presbytery of Hud- 
son, in connection with the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church (Old School). The Rev. James 
R. Johnston, of the Presbytery of Hudson, was in- 
stalled pastor of the church on Nov. 19, 1844. A 
minority of the church desiring to continue in con- 
nection with the Associate Reformed body, were left in 
possession of the church building at Campbell Hall, 
and of the parsonage, which had been erected a few 
years previous, at the rear of the church, on a plot of 
ground containing about two acres, the gift of Mr. 
Vincent Booth. Two pastors, tlie Rev. Mr. Kimball, 
and, after his retirement, the Rev. Mr. Gillespie, min- 
istered to the few families who composed the church. 
But the numbers gradually diminished until, in the 
course of a few years, the church dissolved, and the 
building itself was removed. Its former site is now 



occupied by the district school-house. In the course 
of the summer of 1846 the majority of the congrega- 
tion erected a new church and parsonage in Hamp- 
tonhurgh, about a mile to the south of Campbell Hall. 
In this church the congregation still worships. Thus 
in the course of seventy-five years the congregation 
erected three houses of worship and two parsonages. 

The Rev. Mr. Johnston resigned his pastoral office 
in the autumn of 1849. After a vacancy of a few 
mouths the church made out a call for the pastoral 
services of the Rev. S. C. Hepburn, of the Presbytery 
of Northumberland, Pa. Pie accepted the call, and 
was installed pastor July 2, 1850. This pastorate 
still continues. 

It is impossible for us now to ascertain the names 
of the first elders of this church, as no records have 
come down to us of an earlier date than 1808. The 
following were ruling elders during the pastorate of 
Dr. McJimsey, viz. : James Morrison, William Bull, 
Andrew McCord, Samuel Wood, James Bull, Abra- 
ham Wilkin, William Bull, Jr., Capt. Andrew Wil- 
son, James D. Bull, and Thomas D. Wilkin. Alexan- 
der Boyd, John B. Horton, John C. Wilber, and Spen- 
cer Horton were elected under the pastorate of Mr. 
McLaren, Mr. Charles Young under that of Mr. 
Johnston, and Ahiel Decker, William B. Vail, James 
Hawkins, and George W. Ackerly under that of Mr. 
Hepburn. 

A Sabbath-school was established in connection 
with this church in the year 1828, and has continued 
until this day with unabated interest and efficiency. 
The various benevolent enterprises in which the 
Presbyterian Church is engaged have for many years 
past received the stated contributions of this church. 
A " Woman's Missionary Association" was organized 
in March, 1880, and the large attendance at its monthly 
meetings, and its liberal contributions to the cause of 
home and foreign missions, aflbrd gratifying evidence 
of the interest felt in these great causes by the ladies 
of the church. 

The present officers of the church are : Pastor, Rev. 
S. C. Hepburn ; ruling elders, Charles Young, William 
B. Vail, James Hawkins, and George W. Ackerly ; 
trustees, Charles M. Thompson, Joseph C. Eager, 
James Hawkins, Emmet Harlow, Micah Hawkins, 
George Pierson, Stephen I. Webb, Benj. F. Decker, 
and James Clark ; number of church members, 135 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 50; Sunday-school oflicers 
and teachers, 8. 

ST. DAVID'S CHURCH OF HAMPTONBURGH (EPIS- 
COPAL) 

executed a certificate of incorporation April, 1832. 
The meeting was held at the school-house near 
Decker's Corners; Rev. Nathan Kingsbury, rector of 
the church, presided, and the following officers were 
chosen : Peter W. Welling and Walter Halsey, war- 
dens; Hezekiah Watkins, Abel B. Watkins, Henry 
Pierson, Je.«se Hulse, John Decker, Samuel Brewster, 



658 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Midiis T. Hulse, Peter AVellinjr, vestrymen. This wius 
loeiited at wliiit is kown as Lincolnilalc, mid was an 
attempt ti) eontiniio the organization of early times. 
The new movement was not a snccess. 

Witliin tiie past few mouths (1880) services by an 
Episcopal clergyman have been held in the school- 
house, which occupies the site of old St. David'^ 
church, and those interested in Episcopal services 
liope to restore the woi-ship of the earlier times on 
the same site or near there. For a full and valuable 
paper upon t^t. David's Uhureh, see chapter upon the 
general religious history of the county. 

THE METIIOIU.-^T EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF OTTER- 
VlI-l.E 

eftected a legal organization Jan. 1, 1S.57. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by Thomas Giles and James 
Laughlin. The trustees chosen were Thomas Giles, 
James Laughlin, and Stephen P. Flunkley. This re- 
lates to the work of the Methodist Church along, the 
eastern border of Hamptonburgh, but was not con- 
tinued so as to be the foundation of any church in 
this town. 



VIII.-BURIAIiPLACES. 
The principal cemetery is near the old family man- 
sion of the pioneer William Bull. It contains tlie 
remains of the earliest pioneers in this vicinity. It has 
been kept in very good preservation and is still in 
use. In Neclytown, three miles north, is another old 
burial-phue, and also one of later years. At Lincoln- 
dale ^better known as Decker's Cornersi is an old 
cemetery, dating back like the others to the early 
years of settlement, the remnants of old St. David's 
Cemetery. The Tuthill family lot wasnear the present 
residence of Horace Tuthill. Some of the remains 
have been removed, and a portion of the ground has 
been reduced to cultivation. A few graves, however, 
remain. The old stone for the pioneer Freegitl Tut- 
hill is still to be seen, bearing the initials F. T. and 
the date of death. 



IX.-SOCIETIES. 
At Campbell Hall there lias been maiutained for 
some years a grange of the order of Patrons of Hus- 
bandry. The new creamery now being built near 
Campbell Hall is owned by a " Farmers' Associa- 
tion." Other societies are the ordinary benevolent, 
social, and religious associations which usually e.\ist 
in connection with church-work or for charitable ob- 
jects. The town is in such close connection with 
Goshen that members of Masonic or other similar 
bodies doubtless belong to organizations in that place. 



they celebrate in an appropriat<> manner the settle- 
ment of their ancestoi-s and recount the romantic 
story of the wilderness, — the march, the settlement, 
the marriage. 

TIIK r.ri.L HO.MESTE.\D. 

The t)tterkill at "Tusten's Bridge"' is the one spot 
around which clusters the romance of the early settle- 
ment by Christopher Denne. Standing upon this 
bridge one may let imagination wander back "at its 
own sweet will" to the pioneer settlers. 

The (^tterkill, now a comparatively small stream, 
was then of larger volume, like other streams before 
the primeval forest was cut away, and being swollen 
by a freshet was of considerable breadth. In the pres- 
ent young orchard on the Ryersou farm we must sup- 
pose the party to have lialted for the night, and that 
there was the hastily built wigwam in which they 
slept. 

Crossing the stream the next morning, a log house 
was jiartially constructed so as to be occupied that 
night. Tradition points to the spring, now covered 
with a snuiU rough shed, and a heap of stones near, as 
the site of this first house. It is in the field opposite 
the present Price residence and near to the Otterkill. 
There is the place where the arrival of Christopher 
Denne and wife met with such a grand reception the 
same afternoon, where the supplies were unpacked 
and the country taken possession of in the name of 
the proprietors of the Wawayanda Patent. 

Well may the bridge, marking all this scene so 
definitely, and bearing also the name of Denne's suc- 
cessors, the Tustens, father and son. be a historic 
landmark in Hamptonburgh. The subsequent more 
permanent residence was erected where Mrs. Price 
now resides, and that is the homestead where Dr. Tus- 
ten letl his family to obey the call to arms, and to 
perish on the field of Minisink. 

THE STONE HOU.<E, 
already described at Hamptonburgh, is the other 
prominent historic memorial of the early times. It 
is in good preservation. The solid walls, the new 
slate roof, the old strong doors, the general outline, 
all give it an interesting appearance. 



X.— PLACES OP HISTORIC INTEREST. 
These are tully brought out in the story of Chris- 
topher Denne's settlement and that of William Bull. 
To the numerous descendants of Sarah Wells, Hamp- 
tonburgh is a place of annual pilgrimage. There 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
.\griculture is the chief business of the people of 
Hamptonburgh, and the town has a succession of fine 
farms, constituting a beautiful country, rich and pro- 
ductive. All the grains common to this -section can 
be produced in abundance, yet the milk business 
takes precedence of all others. In the town there 
are four creameries, two, already mentioned in con- 
nection with the villages, by D. W. Thompson (Camp- 
bell Hall and Hamptonburgh i : Harlow's, about two 
miles from Hamptonburgh; and one by A. Tower, a 
mile and a half east of Campbell Hall. The facili- 
ties for shipment are convenient, and this quiet rural 
town, through the complete railroad system of the 




\J-^!>cpf't^u^t-^ Q_y tJa^t^i^C^^ 



Dkiiuick Smith, tlu- i;'r(Mt-gri\nilfiit1icr of tlii! subject 
of this skutoli, C'liiiH! froiM Uliisijow, Scotlund, Hiiil settled 
in Orange Cmiiity about 1 750. llo liero miii-ried lliinnah 
Gale, and Daniel, wlio was born Nov. 1, 1703, was their 
son. He married Tabitha, daughter of Solomon and 
Tabithn (Watkins) Tuttlc, and they had children, — 
Grunt, Derrick, Harriot, Nathan, Martha, Hilia Ann, 
Ale.Minder, lehabod Ij., and Daniel, all of whom arc 
dead e.\cept Martha, who lives in Western New York, 
and Alexander, who was born April 10, 1803, and lives 
in Ilamptonburgh. Daniel Smith settled upon one 
hundred and seventy acres of land in wliat was then 
Wallkill (now llamptonburgh) in 180.'!i, and there spent 
the remainder of his life following agricultural pursuits. 
This property has since been tho Smith homestead, 
passing from Daniel to Grant Smith, who was born 
Dec. 21, 1788. His wife was Miriam, daughter of Jesse 
Smith, whom he man ied Jan. 30, 1811. Jesse Smith 
was born Oct. 17, 1758, married Klizabeth Ansely, and 
rearc^d a family "I eleven (hillren, of whom Miriam 
was tlic fourth. Ho was a soldier in the Kovolutionary 
war, and lived the life of a farmer in Orange County, 
where ho died. Grant Smith, tlie father of Solomon 
T., lived on the lioniestcad, served in the war of 1812, 
and was a loading business man and farmer inliistown. 
Of this union were boi'u Sarah Jane, married John M. 
Miller, of Wallkill, and resides in Indiana ; Solomon T. ; 
William A., a farmer of Wisconsin, who married 
Martha Watkins, of Orange County; Elizabeth, mar- 
ried Kicliard S. Denton, of Vernon, N. J. ; and Harriot, 
who became llio wife of Henry B. Smith, and, after his 
decease, of his brother, Nathaniel D. (Jrant Smith 



ilicd Sept. 20, 182'.). Miriam, his wife, was u woman 
of more than ordinary ability and energy. Loft by the 
death of hor husband with the sole caro and control of 
five children, she retained pesscssion of tho homestead, 
and instilled into their minds when young tho impor- 
tant lessons of industry and self-reliance which enabled 
them to become useful men and women. Until within 
a few years of her death, which occurred Nov. 17, 
1878, at the ago of oiglily-eight years, she had been 
unusmilly active, and retained hor mental faculties to 
a remarkable degree. 

Solomon T. Smith was born on tho homestead, Jan. 
10, 1S15. The common schools gave him his educa- 
tion, and to his mother he owes the early discipline 
of mind and muscle which developed into tho useful 
citixen and tho good farmer. By inlieritanco and pur- 
chase lie obtained tho homestead, and there his life was 
spent. 

Mr. Smith was a man of good morals, temperate 
habits, and successful in his business alVairs. Oftentimes 
his judgment was desired in the valuation of real estate, 
and his counsels wore always judicious. Ho was in- 
ditTcrent to official position, and was more content with 
the duties of private life, always meeting his engage- 
ments with promptitude. For nniny years hu was a 
member of the (ioshon Presbyterian Church, and thern 
his family attended. 

His wife was Mary, dunghter of Wiekham and Cath- 
arine Tutlle, whom he married Nov. 20, 18.'j0, and their 
children wore Wiekham T., who is tho fourth generation 
on tho homestead, and Martha, deceased. Ho died Nov. 
27, 187»;. His wife (lied April 7, 1870. 



MINISINK. 



659 



county, is in close connection with the New York 
markets. 



XII.-MILITAKY. 

In its separate cajtacity the town has no military 
liistory prior to the war of the Rebellion. As a small 
town, and near to a recruiting-camp, many of the 
early enlistments from Hamptonburgh were probably 
entered under the name of Goshen in the printed 
muster-in rolls of the State. Tlie credits by the 
Senatorial Committee of 1862 corrected this to some 
extent, but even where quotas were regularly assigned 
the credits do not in many cases correctly represent 
residence. As no record is found in the town clerk's 
office under the law of 1865, it is difficult to prepare 
any complete list for the town. The quotas of the 
tciwn were: 

July and .August, 1862 40— credits, 40 

Draft of Oct. 7, IseS-^rawu 34 

Call of Oct. n, 1863../ 211 

Consolidated calls 33 

Under all calls, from July, 1863, to July, 1864 37 " 30 

Call of July. 1864 33 " 33 

Call of December, 1864 1(1 " 10 

In its final settlement with the State, in 1865, the 
town received — 

For excess of twenty-seven years, ur nine men, three years $5,410 

For substitutes 2,400 

For volunteei-a 3,000 



Total ?10,800 

We add the following names, obtained by inquiry 
and from regimental rolls : 

Joseph Anderson, I5th Art. 
Hiram Anderson, 15th Art. 
John Adams, 124th. 

John T. Bolton, Co. K, 16Sth ; enl. Sept. 29, 1862. 
Oscar Brunell, 12tb U. S. 

Archibald Millspaugh, Co. H, 168th ; enl. Oct. 8, 18G2. 
Harvey Chandler, 4th Art. 
Charles Rose, Co. H, lC8th ; enl. Oct. 16, 1862. 
David H. Corwin, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Charles Anderson. 

Cyrneus Giles, Co. G, 1 24th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Chan- 
cellorsville; must, out by G. O. 77. 



Johu T. Laroe, Co. 1, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded in shoulder 

July 2, 1863 ; disch. by G. 0. 77 ; he was credited to Newburgh. 
Jason R. Conning, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. IG, 1862; pro. Corp. and 

sergt.: must, out June 3, 1865. 
Robert Rose, Co. I, 124th ; enl. Aug. 17, 1862 ; taken prisoner Dec. 16, 

1863; must, out with regt. ; credited to Newburgh, but resident of 

Hamptonburgh. 
Wm. Sutherland, Co. I, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; wounded in wrist 

April 1,1865; credited to Newburgh. 
Enos Downs, colored. 
Amos M. Kager, Co. I, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6,1862; wounded at Gettysburg; 

credited to Newburgh as a resident there. 
James Denniston, 91st. 

Newton B. Pierson, Co. I, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; credited to New- 
burgh; disch. by G. 0. 77. 
Howard Laiker, 5th Art. 
James A. Smith, r24th ; enl. August, 1SH2. 

Arch. D. Millspangh, 124th ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; unassigned recruit. 
Nelson Foot, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; credited to Newburgh ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps. 
John McKinney, 01st. 
Wm. Jackson, Co. K, 124th; enl. August, 1862; capt. ; killed in action, 

June 18, 1864. 
Thomas Mountain, 1st Eng. 
Alonzo Price, Co. K, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; wounded at Chancellors- 

ville. 
Edward T. Mapes, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; credited to Goshen ; 

must out by G. 0. 77. 
S. P. Rockafellow. 

Charles E. Owen, 124th ; eul. Jan. 1, 1864; unjissigned recruit. 
Johu Rockafellow. 
John H. Conkling, Co. G, 124th ; died July 24, 1863, at Frederick, Md., 

of typhoid fever. 
William Jackson, Co. G, 124th. 

Michael Mooney, Co. B, 124th; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Reuben Rynders, Co. B, 124th. 
Charles O'Neil, 1st Eng. 

Charles Shandor, 15th Art.; enl. Feb. 15, 1864. 
Robert M. Stevens, 7tli Bat. 
Benjamin M. Little, Co. B, I24th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; must, out June, 

1865. 
Eli Hughes, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Chaucellorsville, 

May 3, 1863. 
Henry J. Powell. Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; disch. Nov, 17, 1862. 
Andrew A. fliillspaugh, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862 ; must, out June, 

1865. 
John Adams, enl. May 7, 1864; unassigned recruit. 
Abraham Anderson, 15th Art.; enl. Feb. 15, 1864. 
Charles Knapp, E, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. II, 1862; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville ; disch. Dec. 9, 1864, for disability resulting from wounds. 
Henry Dill, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; wounded in action May 5, 

1864 ; disch. at hospital May 17, 1866. 



M I K I S I N K. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE. 
MiNlsiNK is situated in the southwestern part of the 
county. It is bounded north and northeast by Wawa- 
yanda, southeast by Warwick, southwest by the State 
of New Jersey, west and northwest by Greenville. 
The area of Minisink, as determined by the last su- 
pervisors' report, is 13,877 acres. The assessed valua- 
tion was $69,375, and the tax collected upon that 
basis was $10,611.48. The title to the soil is derived 



partly from the Wawayanda Patent and partly from 
the Minisink, the boundary line between the patents 
passing through the town. 



II.-NATURAIi FEATURES. 
The surface is rolling and hilly. The slopes are 
mostly gradual, quite free from rocks, and hence 
are susceptible of cultivation to their very sum- 
mits. Tlie Wallkill River forms the southeast 



660 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



boundary, dividing the town from AVarwick. Rut- ' 
ger's Creek forms the northeast boundary, and the 
extreme eastern angle of tlie town is at the junction 
of tliis stream witli the AVallkill. The southwestern 
branch of Rutger's Creek rises in the town of Green- 
ville and flows into this town near Waterloo Mills, 
then northeast, and unites with the other branch on 
the northeast boundary. This stream drains a large 
portion of the town, receiving several tributaries from 
each direction, and along its valley the New Jersey 
^Midland Railroad finds its way from Middletown, 
southward. A large tract of the Drowned Lands ex- 
tends along the Wallkill in the southeast. The valley 
of Rutger's Creek is known as Rutger's Valley, a 
name quite largely in use through the suggestion of 
Mr. H. B. Allen, the correspondent of several news- 
papers, residing at Westtown. 



III.— EAHLY SETTLEMENT. 

There were undoubtedly a few very early locations 
made in this portion of Orange County, particularly 
along the disputed tract near the present line of New 
Jersey. To actually name the first settler cannot 
now be done with certainty after the lapse of a cen- 
tury and a half. Peter Kimber, Esq., now living at 
Unionville, and from whom much valuable informa- 
tion has been derived in the preparation of this chap- 
ter, states, from documents in his possession, that 
his great-grandfather, George Kimber, purchased the 
old homestead near Unionville in 1728, and settled 
there either then or very soon after. He had two 
sons, Peter and Samuel. Peter succeeded to the 
homestead, and Samuel, after living in this neighbor- 
hood for a time, went West and settled in Ohio. 

The sons of Peter were George and James. George 
became the owner of the homestead, while James had 
a part of the farm. The present owner of this ven- 
erable residence is Peter Kimber, a son of George. 
He was born Aug. 14, 1806, and at the age of seventy- 
four still represents in the fourth generation the early 
pioneer upon the same farm. He has been elected 
justice of the peace for seven successive terms of four 
years each. 

Among the records of " cattle-marks" in the clerk's 
oflSce is the name of William Stenard, 1749. As- 
suming that this is not an error of the town clerk, 
his settlement must have been not many years later 
than that of Mr. Kimber. It is not easy to deter- 
mine his location. It is the opinion of Peter Kimber 
and others that the Stenards were originally residents 
upon the New Jersey side of the line not far from 
Unionville ; but that afterwards they removed further 
north into Minisink. This is sustained by the prob- 
ability that when the town books of Minisink were 
opened in 1789, settlers recorded the marks which 
they had had in use for some years before, and had 
the date of their selection attached to the town rec- 
ords. Other names of the same family appear at a 
later date. In a similar way the name of Benjamin 



Smith appears with the date of cattle-mark, 1769. 
He was vert- probably the first settler in the vicinity 
of the present Johnston Station, which for many 
years was known as Smith's village. Jonathan Shep- 
herd's name appears under date of 1776. His location 
is mentioned below. Christian Schultz is mentioned 
as recording his cattle-mark 1773. He had mills in 
the north part of what is now ihe town of Wawa- 
yanda. 

To more fully show early settlement we are fortunate 
in possessing the a.ssessment-roll of 1775. It appears 
as assessment district No. 6, in the Goshen Precinct. 
AVe hare no official description of its boundaries, as 
the books of Goshen Precinct were destroyed by fire. 
Joshua Davis was the assessor, and he resided a 
mile or more south of Slate Hill, on the well-known 
homestead; but the name of Mr. Davis is included in 
another assessment-roil, showing that he did not re- 
side in the district which he appraised. It is evident 
that district 6, which we give below, began somewhat 
south of Mr. Davis' residence, and included a small 
portion of Wawayanda, with most or all of the terri- 
tory of the present town of Minisink. Possibly there 
may be names then belonging to what is now the vi- 
cinity of Centre Point, in the southeastern portion of 
the town of Greenville. This assessment-roll has a 
very important advantage over other early documents, 
as it gives a full list of all the residents at a date 
more than a hundred years ago, including even men 
with neither families nor homesteads, and assessed for 
only a trifling amount of personal property. 



JosHCA Davis, Assessor. 

Estimate 

ut Names. 

Property. 
£ ». (J. 



Estimate 

of 

Property. 

£ «. d. 



Klins OMfleld 4 5 

Mitliael Crossnian 1 17 4 

Giulfrey Lutes 1 12 7 

Peter MiddagL „ 2 IS 8 

Jiicob Cole 4 18 10 

I>aiiiel Rusecraus 4 6 5 

Eheiiezer Beers 4 

lienjamin Cole 3 7 6 

James Tayler 6 2 

James Stewart 2 10 7 

Anthony Westbrook 2 2 2 

Henry Hynes 6 

Samuel Westbrook 4 14 S 

Bryant HamWe 3 8 8 

aiartin Myers 4 2 

Cliristoplier Slyers 1 10 

Alexander Campbell 110 

William H,itkins 2 8 8 

Zepbauiah Drake 3 14 3 

Joiin Ferguson 1,5 18 6 

Christopber Hynes 11 

Jonathao Cooley 8 10 

Abraham Joliustun 1 2 

James Haniley 1 3 

James Masters 1 12 

William Lane 4 3 

luman Walling 6 2 



Hezekiab Lowrey 3 2 

Uriah Ferguson 2 

luerease Mathers 1 9 

Benjamin Ferguson 2 

Elijah Inuian 3 6 

John Morrison h 12 

Moses Whitehead 4 

Crispas Strowbl'idge 1 7 

Wm. Morris 12 

George Kimball (Kioi* 

ber?) 4 8 

John Sweet 2 16 

Jonathan Tracy 1 9 

James Clark 6 14 

Jacob Ferguson 3 10 

John Kennedy 1 10 

John Robertson 14 

Nathaniel Pemberton 17 

Nathaniel Mathers 19 

John Robertson 1 8 

Amos Wilcox 4 11 

John Whittaker 3 13 

John Davis 10 

Samuel Cole 2 

Jared Davenport 1 

Peter Walling 1 

Samuel Uariug 1 



9 
1 
6 

6 

3 
2 

2 
3 
7 
4 
8 

3 
3 
9 

4 
9 
9 2 

6 11 
11 

7 
3 9 



*' The above is a true list of the assessment taken in my District, Sept. 
1775. JosHVA Da^ts." 

The following additional facts, ba-sed upon the 
" cattle-marks" recorded in town clerk's office from 
1795 to 1797, are given upon the authority of Peter 
Kimber, Charles E. Stickuey, Oliver E. Wood, H. B. 
Allen, and others : 



MINISINK. 



661 



Capt. John Wisner resided about ii mile and a half 
east of Unionville, on the present Ketcham place. 

John Whittaker and Reuben Whittaker were early 
residents of Unionville, and a part of their estate is 
now owned by Samuel Pearson. 

Hezekiah Wilcox and Amos Wilcox lived near 
Waterloo Mills. 

John Kimball resided at Drowned Lands, Lower 
Road. 

Cornelius Van Vliet lived on the present place of 
Matthew Decker. He had two sons, Samuel and 
John. 

Philip Lee located about two miles northwest of 
Westtown. Smith Lee, a son, is still living in that 
vicinity, and Alexander, a grandson of Philip, resides 
on the old homestead. 

Sylvanus Loree and Eda Loree (probably Lowrey) 
resided about two miles east of Unionville. They or 
their ancestors owned a large tract of land, most of 
which is now the Halstead property. 

William Lane owned a large estate in the east part 
of Minisink. He came in there before the Revolu- 
tion. A portion of the same property is still in the 
hands of his descendants. The stone house, formerly 
the old homestead, was built in 1785. 

Paul Lee resided near Philip Lee mentioned above, 
and a grandson, Lewis, now owns the same place. 

Cotton Matlier and Increase Mather, whose stanch 
old Massachusetts names indicate their native place, 
resided, the first near Westtown, the other east of 
Unionville a mile and a half. 

David Christie located on the present place of 
Andrew Yerks, not far from Unionville. He was a 
captain in the war of 1812. 

John Dunkin lived west of Westtown. He owned 
a tannery. 

Aaron Ferguson settled near Westtown. 

James Ferguson lived near Gardnerville. 

Jonathan Shepherd lived on the Drowned Lauds, 
where the Roberts Sons now own. 

Jonathan Sayre resided on the road from Union- 
ville to Westtown. Decatur Sayre, a son, is living 
iu that neighborhood at the present time. 

Noah Terry located near Gardnerville, on the 
present Osburn place. 

Henry Tucker settled at Unionville, on the place 
where Lanson Dunn resides at the present time. 

.lonathan Tuthill, a well-known citizen of peculiar 
characteristics, resided on the jilace now owned by 
H. R. Horton. 

William Masters settled about one mile east of 
Unionville. 

William McMullen located in the old Dr. Kearns 
neighborhood, west of Westtown. 

Daniel Myers and John Myers lived northwest of 
Unionville, on the property now owned by David P. 
Clark. Daniel was the noted Indian fighter, who 
was in the Minisink battle. 

John Ralphsnider resided on the " Lower Road." 



John Rosecrans locate<l where John E. Dubois now 
resides. 

Samuel Schoonover settled near Westtown. 

Samuel Ferguson lived on property now owned by 
David P. Clark. 

Wilhelmus Cole is supposed by Peter Kimber to 
have lived on the New Jersey side of the line. He 
was a surveyor of the early times. 

William Horton resided near Westtown. 

David Allen, well known as a cancer doctor, owned 
the place which is now the property of the heirs of 
Green Clark. His children were James, Samuel, 
Lathrop, Anna, Maria, Gabriel, Irena, William, 
Joseph, Phebe, Henry B. The last named is the 
well-known newspa|)er correspondent of Westtown. 

John Beers located near L^nionville. 

Jonathan Casterline settled on the place now owned 
by Charles Goldsmith, about a mile northwest of 
Unionville. 

James Clark's homestead was the present place of 
Eliakim Everett, near .Unionville. 

Benjamin Cole resided near Westtown. 

Abram Clark was an early resident of Minisink, 
settling near Westtown. 

Josiah Cole lived near Westtown. 

Ezra Corwin settled not far from the same village. 

John Neely was located in Minisink not long after 
the Revolution, and his descendants occupy to some 
extent the same property at the present time. 

Jonathan Cooley was the first town clerk in 1789, 
and served two years. He was also chosen supervisor 
in 1793, and served four years consecutively. A de- 
scendant, Freegift Cooley, formerly owned the farm 
belonging in modern times to William H. Carpenter, 
in Wawayanda. The town clerk lived at Millsburgh. 

Freegift Tuthill is a prominent name in the annals 
of the county. He was a member of the Goshen and 
Westtown Turnpike Company of 1812. Richard M. 
Tuthill was a member of the New York Legislature 
in 1845, and was subsequently deputy sheriff at New- 
burgh. His son, Charles H. Tuthill, served as town 
clerk in 18G2 and 186.3. Robert C. Tuthill had also 
served as town clerk in 1856 and 1857. 

Hulet Clark is mentioned in the records as town 
clerk in 1819; supervisor in 1851, 1852, and 1853. 
His family was locally quite noted by reason of so 
many falling victims to the dysentery in 1825, six 
dying within sixteen days. Wm. H. Clark, member 
of Assembly, 1880-81, is a son of Hulet Clark. 

Isaac Decker settled near Ridgebury in the year 
1800. Dewitt Decker (of another family) was super- 
visor of Minisink in 1860 and 1861. His son, Henry 
D. Decker, served three years as town clerk, 1864-66. 

Joshua Sayr^ was an early settler and a citizen of 
considerable prominence. He was a member of the 
New York Legislature in 1814, and supervisor of the 
town in 1820. His homestead was three-fourths of a 
mile south of Westtown, now owned by Dr. Topping, 
of New York. Daniel Dunning, grandson of Michael 



662 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dunning, of Goshen, removed to this town soon after 
the Revolution. His uncle, Benjamin Dunning, was 
killed at the battle of Minisink. Benjamin Dunning, 
a descendant of Daniel Dunning, was elected .super- 
visorof the town forsix consecutive years, beginning in 
] 814. He was also a member of the New York Legis- 
lature in 1824. John Bradner was a prominent citizen 
of early times. He was the first supervisor of the 
town, in 1788, and served four years consecutively. 

FAMILIES IN TOWN, 1810 T<l 1815. 

Coming down to a later period, we iind the means 
of giving an accurate list of the families residing on 
the present territory of Minisink sixty-seven years 
ago. The formation of the school districts in 1813 
under the law of the previous year is recorded by 
giving the families included in each instead of by de- 
fining the boundaries. In the subsequent division 
into three towns some of these districts were inter- 
sected by the new lines, hence in giving them below 
some names may occur of persons who lived beyond 
what is now the boundary of Minisink, but the list 
must approximate very nearly to an accurate cata- 
logue. 

District No. (3 was evidently on the territory of 
both Minisink and Wawayanda, but the people of 
the present time will no doubt be able to locate the 
families correctly, oq whichever side of the line they 
may belong. The district included the families of 
Widow Milicent Shepherd, Isaac Conkling, William 
.fackson, Benjamin Chapman, Benjamin Doty, Abra- 
ham Shepherd, Cleorge Everett, Joseph Van Cleft, 
Michael A. Jones, Benjamin Ayres, Noah Terry, Jas- 
per Terry, Parshall Howell, Wm. Lane, David Lane, 
Wm. Horton, Thos. Ferguson, Joseph Stewart, James 
Lane, Jonathan Wood, Henry Taylor, William Lud- 
lum, John Stewart, Jonathan Tuthill, Phineas Terry. 

District No. 7 included the following families, viz. : 
those of John Neely, Jr., John Barrett, Jeremiah 
Holly, John Jackson, Benjamin Smith, James Hulse, 
Paul Stark, John Roberts, Silas Hemingway, Reu- 
ben Cash and three tenants. Widow Jane Stewart, 
Widow Sarah Howell and sons, Silas Stewart, Luther 
Stewart, John S. Terry, Jonathan Seely, Widow 
Knapp and sons, Widow Davis, Joshua Davis, David 
Murray and one tenant, David Mulford, Garret Wood, 
John Neely, William Stewart. This is the Smith 
village district of modern times, with perhaps some 
changes of territory, now known as No. 6, of Mini- 
sink. 

Old District No. 10 included the following famil- 
ies, viz. : those of Jonathan Sayre, Joshua Sayre, 
Thomas Grier, Aaron Ferguson and one tenant, Timo- 
thy Doty, Joseph True, Adonijah Hatfield, William 
Montgomery, Paul Lee, James Walling, Howell 
Reeve, Levi Decker, Jonah Van Auken, Joseph 
Clark, Widow J. Walling, David H. Slauson, Daniel 
Lee, Wm. Monell, Cotton Mather, Hezekiah Loree 
and one tenant, Daniel Brown, Richard Whitaker, 



Jr., James Ferguson, Jacob Cole, John Mather, Sam- 
uel B. Cole, John D. Cole, Benjamin Stead, Edward 
Price, Israel Lee, Samuel Wright, Peter Bernard, 
Jonathan Mather, Widow C. Oakley, Philip Lee and 
one tenant, Henry Horton, David Allen, Anthony 
Clark, John Tine, Lewis Elston, Widow Aber, John 
Rosecrance, Jacob W. Cole. This is practically the 
Westtown District of old times, and, with some 
changes, the present Westtown District, now known 
as No. 4. 

District No. 11, as formed in 1813, included the fol- 
lowing families, namely : those of Daniel Corwin, 
Silas Corwin, Morris Polly, Garret Birney, Josias 
Schoonover, William Oakley, Selah Corwin, Jona- 
than BroNvn, Widow James Neely, James Armstrong, 
Wilmot Halstead, Widow Sarah Knapp, Amos Stark, 
George Cook, Widow Hoyt, Peter Corwin, Freegift 
Cooley, Nathaniel Mather, Cyrus Skinner, John L. 
Mackey, John Short, David Norris, Moses Reed, 
George Goble, Samuel Carter, Charles Durland, Jr., 
James D. Wadsworth, George W. Goble. This is 
known as the " old Rome " District, and some of the 
above names doubtless belong in Wawayanda. 

District No. 14, as formed in 1813, included the fol- 
lowing families, viz. : those of Widow Elizabeth Wis- 
ner, Increase Mather, Samuel Kimber, Abraham 
Clark, George Kimber, Joseph Hildreth, Nathaniel 
Chandler, Theodore H. Pierson, Heman Allen, Squire 
Lee, Sylvester Austin, Richard Whittaker, Peter 
Ayres, David Wright, Isaac Popino, Levi Moore, 
Martin Mires, John Hammct, Ephraim Ferguson, 
Widow Mary Bennet, Henry Brown, Joshua Case, 
Widow Esther Case, Jonathan Clark, James Clark, 
James Clark, Jr., Leonard Middaugh, James Gland, 
Jonathan Casterlin, David Christie, Widow Sarah 
Wilson, Widow Eunice Beers, Isaac Van Houston, 
Widow Catherine Clark, James Kimber, Widow Sarah 
Clark. This is the Unionville District, now No. 8, of 
Minisink. 

District No. 15, as organized in 1813, included the 
following families, viz. : those of Caleb Jones, Amos 
Wilcox, Ebenezer Mead, John Case, Josephine West- 
fall, Daniel Myres, Samuel Ferguson, John Myrea, 
John Myres, Jr., Jacob Myres, Charles Baird, Asa 
Wilcox, Hezekiah Wilcox, Nathan Wilcox, Benjamin 
Wilcox, Samuel Slauson, Daniel W. Myres, Nathan 
Spinner, Isaac Overton, John Garner, Jesse Carpen- 
ter, George W. Pelton, John Tuthill, Aaron Slauson, 
Benjamin Drake, William Buckbee, Elias Clausen, 
Victor Baird, Widow Doty, John Vail. This is the 
Waterloo District, now- known as No. ]. 

District No. 25 included the following families, viz. : 
those of Joseph Smith, David Allen, David Brown, 
Richard Whittaker, Jr., Hezekiah Loree, William 
Brown, John Tuthill, Anthony Clark, Ephraim Fer- 
guson, Richard M. Tuthill, .John Brundage, Cotton 
Mather, Phebe Bennet, Benjamin Kimber, Increase 
Mather, Nathan Wilcox, Peter Walker, Samuel 
Collins, Benjamin Ferguson, Widow Julia Brown, 



MINISINK. 



663 



Martin My res, James Ferguson, Thomas Ferguson, 
James Thompson, Widow Elizabeth Wisner, Samuel 
Kimber. This is the present Brown District, on the 
Lower Road, now numbered 5. 

SLAVERY. 
Records showing the birth of slaves are found in 
the town clerk's office. We give the first: 

" A female mulatto cliiUl, named Charlotte, was born in this town by 
the mother, Mary, at the dwelling of t1ie subscriber, on the2oth of March, 
1809 J also a male child, mulatto, named James, of the same, born on the 
11th day of January, 1811, at the same place and town of Minisink. 

"April 2, 1811." "Georqe Phillips. 

Similar notices are entered for record by Noah 
Terry, Uriah Hulse, James Dolson, Elizabeth Wis- 
ner, Joshua Davis, Esther Hornbeck, Josiah Rose- 
crance, Benjamin Sawyer, Silas Hulse, Nathan Hulse, 
Joseph Smith, Hezekiah Taylor, Jacob Cuddeback, 
Daniel Myres, Heman Allen, Jonathan Brown, Susan 
Carpenter, and several others. 

EARLY PHYSICIANS. 
Dr. Austin was an early doctor, about 1800 and 
later; he lived at Unionville. Dr. William Newkirk 
lived at Unionville ; properly the successor of Austin. 
Dr. Horton practiced for many years ; resided at 
Westtown. Dr. John W. Rafferty lived at Westtown ; 
was somewhat eccentric, but a very skillful physician. 
Dr. Rosecrance was an early physician, of whom but 
little seems to be known. He died May 12, 1782, 
aged forty-five years. 



IV.-OEGANIZATION. 

The town of Minisink was formed by authority of 
the general act of March 7, 1788, and its territory was 
a part of the Goshen Precinct of earlier times. As 
has been explained in another place (see Deer- 
park), there was an early precinct under the name of 
Minisink which perhaps covered some part of the 
present town, but which is dropped from the records 
after the settlement of the New Jersey boundary line. 

The town, as formed in 1788, included the present 
towns of Minisink, Greenville, Wawayanda, and that 
portion of the present town of Deerpark which lies 
south of the old county line. This large town took 
its name appropriately from the small triangle at its 
western extremity, tliough there was historical sig- 
nificance in the name derived from a greater ex- 
tent of territory, and worthy to be perpetuated by 
one of the civil divisions of the county. In the sub- 
sequent erection of the towns of Deerpark, Wawa- 
yanda, and Greenville, the southeasterly portion of 
the ancient territory clung to the old name, as it had 
an undoubted right to, and the present town of Mini- 
sink perpetuates that name, though it is now entirely 
separated from "Old Minisink." 

There are valuable books in the office of the town 
clerk : the record of estrays, the record of cattle- 
marks, and the birth of slaves. From these the 
names of the early inhabitants have been largely 



secured. Indeed these, added to the general assess- 
ment-roll of 1775, make the list so perfect that there 
can scarcely be a person omitted who was living on 
this territory at the time of the Revolution, though 
they may not be accurately located in every instance, 
either with reference to town boundaries or to neigh- 
borhoods in the town. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS. 

The importance of the following records will be 
seen at a glance by remembering that they date from 
1789, that the names therein contained are in many 
cases those of settlers who had already been located 
on their respective farms for many years, and that 
the town of Minisink as then organized included the 
territory of the three present towns of Minisink, 
Greenville, Wawayanda, and for thirty -six years (1789 
to 1825) a portion of Deerpark also. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETING. 
"At an annual town-meeting held in and for the town of Minisink at 
the house of John Van Tuyl, on the tirst Tuesday in April, in the year 
of our Lord 1789, the following town-oflRcei-s were chosen under the in- 
spection of John Bradner and Solomon Coykendall, Esquires, Justices,viz. : 
Jonathan Cooley, town clerk; John Bradner, supervisor; James DolseUj 
Levi Van Etten, John Whittaker, assessors ; Moses Cortright, Amos Wil- 
cox, collectors; James Reeve, John Davis, Jr., poor-masters; James Del- 
sen, John Van Tuyl, John Whitaker, Amos Wilcox, Moses Cortright, 
Michael Dunning, constables ; Elisha Eldred, Joseph Halstead, Joseph 
Manning, Solomon Coykendall, fence-viewers. 
" The following were highway-masters; 
" James Hulse, No. 1. Daniel "Ward, No. 17. 

Eusebius Austin, No. 2. Freegift Cooley, No. 18. 

John Bradner, No. 3. John Knapp, No. 19. 

John Kemble, No. 4. "William Fullerton, No. 20. 

Increase Mathers, No. 5, Isaac Finch, No. 21. 

■William Lain, No 6. Abraham Harding, No. 22. 

Thomas Bennett, No. 7. Stephen Armstrong, No. 23. 

Isaiah Decker, No. 8. Sylvester Cortright, No. 24. 

John Davis, Jr., No. 9. Peter Coykendall, No. 25. 

Cotton Mathers, No. 10. Jonatlian Wood, No. 26. 

Israel Halleck, No. 11. Amos Wilcox, No. 27. 

John Neely, No. 12. Benjamin Cole, No. 28. 

Jonathan Buily, No. 13. Isaac Kenney, No. 29. 

Samuel Benjamin, No. 14. Christian Schultz, No. 30. 

James Hulse, Jr., No. 15. Zephaniah Drake, No. 31." 

Asa Dolsen, No. 10. 

SECOND TOWN-MEETING. 

" At an annual town-meeting held in and for the town of Minisink at 
the house of James Dolsen, Esquire, on the tirst Tuesday in April, in the 
year of our Lord 1790, under the direction and inspection of John Brad- 
ner, James Dolsen, and John Davis, Esquires, Justices, who were all 
present, the following town officers were chosen : Jonathan Cooley, town 
clerk ; Jolin Bradner, supervisor; James Dolsen, John Whittaker, Levi 
Van Etten, assessors ; William Lain, collector; James Reeve, William 
Lain, poor-masters; James Dolsen, Amos Wilcox, John Van Tuyl, com- 
Ditssiooers of highways; Nathan Hallock, Michael Dunning, Richard 
Decker, Amos Wilcox, constables; Jonathan Cooley, Capt. Harding, 
Joseph Manning, Levi Van Etten. Martiiius Coykendall, James Clark, 
John Ferguson, James Brown, fence-viewers. 

"The following are highway-masters: 

"George Little, No. 1. Cotton Mathers, No. 10. 

Eusebius Austin, No. 2. James Stewart, No. 11. 

Michael Dunning, No. 3. John Neely, No. 12. 

Jonathan Shepherd, No. 4. ' Elijah Wells, No. 13. 

Increase Mathers, No. 5. William Kimber. No. 14. 

William Lain, No. 6. Samuel Moore, No. 15. 

Thomas Bennett, No. 7. Nathaniel Cooley, No. 16. 

Isaiah Decker, No. 8. Isaac Decker, No. 17. 

John Davis, Esq., No. 9. Freegift Cooley, No. 18. 



664 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Joshua Davis, No. 19. 
William Fullertou, No. 20. 
James Dolseii, No. 21. 
Isaac Doiseii, No. i.2. 
Stephen Armstrong, No. 23. 
Moses Cortriglit, No. 24. 
Shimer Chambers, No. 26. 
John Ferguson, Jr., Nd. 26. 
Araos Wilcox, No. 27. 
Alexander Campl'ell, No. 28. 

John Ftutou, 



Silas Hiilse, No. 29. 
Christian SchuUz, No. 30. 
Zephaiiiah Drake, No. 31. 
Nathan Arni>ut, No. 32. ,. 
John Van Tuyl, No. 33. 
Benjamin C-ole, No. 34. 
Jacob Cole, No, 35, 
Daniel Myres, No. 3G. 
Elias Oldfield, No. 37. 
Benjamin Carpenter, No. 38. 
No. 39." 



A law for raising a certain sum of money for the 
support of the i)Oor of the town and for other pur- 
poses therein mentioned, passed on the first Tuesday 
in April, 1790, reads as follows : 

" Be it ordered and ordiiint-d by the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
town of Minisink in annual town-meeting assembled, and it is hereby 
ordered, ordained, and established by the anthoriiy aforesaid, That one 
hundred pounds be raised tiie present year for the support and main^ 
tenance of the poor of the said town. And be it ordered by the authority 
aforesaid, tlial Juhn Bradner, Esij., and Doct. Eusebins Austin do settle 
the poor aecnunt, and make a division of the poor with the otlier towns 
therein concerned." 

THE THIRD TOWN-MEETING, 
"At an annual town-meeting held in and for the town of Minisink at 
the house of Auius Wilcox, on the first Tuesday of April, 1791, under the 
direction and inspection of John Bradner, James Dolsen, and John Davis, 
Esquires, who were all present, the following officers were chosen, viz. : 
Henry Tucker, town clerk; Jonathan Cooley, Amos Wilco.\, Levi Van 
Etten, assessors; Elijah Van Auken, Amos Wilcox, John Van Tuyl, com- 
missioners of highways; Jonathan Cooley, Amos Wilcox, poor-masters; 
James Brown, collector; James Arnistrong, Natlianiel Van Auken, 
Michael Dunning, constables ; Jonathan Cooley, Capt. Harding, Joseph 
Manning, Levi Van Etteu, Slartiuus Coykendall, James Clark, Jolin For- 
goo, James Brown, fence-viewere, 

lioiul-MasU-rs. 



'* Thomas Gale, No. 1. 
Dr. Austin, No. 2. 
Michael Dunning, No. 3. 
John Ferguson, No. 4. 
Increase Mathers, Jr., No. 5. 
William Horton, No. 6. 
James Clark, No. 7. 
James Brown, No. 8. 
John Davis, Jr., No. 9. 
Silvanus Low, No. 10, 
Joseph Halstead, No. 11. 
John Neely, No. 12. 
Nathaniel Bailey, No. 13. 
Wm. Kimber, No. 14. 
Samuel Moore. No. 15. 
Asa Dolsen, No. 16. 
Daniel Cooley, No. 17. 
James Reeves, Jr., No. 18. 
Joshua Davis, No. 19. 



William FuUerton, No, 20. 
Isaac rincli. No. 21. 
Isaac Dula.M. No. 22. 
Ebenezer H^illy. No. 23. 
Moses Cortriglit, N.>. 24. 
Nathaniel Vai> Aiikfii, No. 25. 
John Manning, No. 2l> 
Amos Wilcox. No. 27. 
Andrew Christie, No. 28. 
Elisba Hulse, No. 29. 
Christian Schultz, No. 30. 
James Green, No. 31. 
Richard Hulse, No. 32. 
John Van Tuyl, No. 33. 
Aaron Everett, No. 34. 
Godfrey Lutes, No. 35. 
Daniel Myres, No. 36. 
Augustus Oakley, No. 37. 
Simon Westfall. No. 38. 



Denton (District 2), Hezekiah Lowrey (District 5), 
Noah Terry. Abner Grossman, Richard Wood (Dis- 
trict 18), Joseph Reed (District 20), James Jackson 
(District 22), Everid Hardenbeck (District 24), Hugh 
McConnelly (District 31), Aaron Clark (District 32), 
Abraham Elston (District 34), George Lutes (Dis- 
trict 35), Ashbell Cadwell, Richard Allison, Nathan 
Van Auken, Benjamin Gale (District 1 ), Charles 
Brenuing (District 3), Elisha Smith (District 4), 
Philetus Howell (District 7), John Ralphsnider 
(District 9), Reuben Cash (District 11), Peter Caverna 
(District 13), Daniel Albertson, Michael Halstead, 
William Graham, Uriah Chapman, Jacob Shimers. 
We give a list of the officers elected in 1842 : 

John C. Wisner, supervisor; Henry H. Stewart, town clerk; Richard 
M, Tuthill, Jr., Simeon M. Stoddard, justices of the peace; James M. 
Reeve, Hugh McC^unell, overseers of the poor; Daniel T. Durland, 
Jacoh M. Johnson, Samuel Jones, assessors ; Peter Kimber. Erastus 
Stickney, John C. Buckbee, commissioners of highways ; William 
Dickerson, Henry Clark, John C. Owens, commissioners of common 
schools; Lewis Armstrong, Horace K. Stewart, inspectors of schools; 
Timothy W. Kelly, collector; Isaac M. Lee, Lf wis Howell, Daniel 
T. Hulse, Timothy W. Kelly, Oliver E Wood, uonstahles; Lewis C. 
Wuod. town sealer. 

The following were the principal town officers from 
1789 to 1880: 



John Finton,No. 39." 

The following additional names are mentioned in 
the town records from 1792 to 1793: Benjamin Hal- 
sey, Peter Whittaker, Phineas Parshall, Jacob Coy- 
kendall, Thomas Gale, Elisha Eldred (Road District 
2), Uriah Ferguson (Districts), William Lain (Dis- 
trict 6), Israel Lee (District 8), Sylvanus Lowrey (Dis- 
trict 10), William Knapp (District 14), Absalom 
Stillwell (District 15), John V. Cleve (District 16), 
Ebenezer Holly (District 23), Daniel Van Fleet (Dis- 
trict 13), Nathan Arnout (District 32), Daniel Ham- 
mel (District 34), James Steward, Jr., Paul Lee, Wm. 
Tucker, Thomas T. CoUard (Road District 1), Jacob 



;>u per visors. 

789-90 John Bradner. 

791-92 " 

793-96 Jonathan Cooley. 

797 Levi Van Etten. 

798 Nathan Arnout. 

99-1800 Henrv Tucker. 

801-7 *• " 

808 David Christie. 



810 " 

811-12 Joseph Smith. 

813 Peter Holbert. 

814-16 Benjamin Dunning. 

817-18 

819 " 

820 Joshua Sayre. 

821 David Christie. 

822 Benjamin Dunning. 

823 

824 Increase B. Stoddard. 

825 David Christie. 

82G-27 " " 

828 " " 

829 James Hulse. 

830 " 

831 Hulet Clark. 

832-33 Merritt H. Cash. 

834 Joseph Davis. 

835-36 Isaac Cook. 

838 Gideon W. Cock, Sr. 

g;jg ,,...., *' " 

840-41 Roswell Mead. 

842^3 John C. Wisner. 

844 Joseph Davis. 

845 Gabriel Horton. 

846 " 

847 Stewart T. Durland. 

848 

849 Daniel Fullerton. 

850 Timothy Wood. 

851 Hulet Clark. 

852 " 

853 " " 

854-55 Albert A. Seymour. 

,856-57 Joseph M. Case. 

858-'i9 John C. Wisner. 

860-61 DeWitt Decker. 

862-63 Joseph M. Case. 

864-66 *' " 

867-68 " 

869-70 

871 

872 John R. Halstead. 

873 " 

874 " 

876-76 William H. Clark. 

877-78 " '* 

879-80 " " 



Town Clerks. 
Jonathan Cooley. 
Henry Tucker. 
James Steward. 
Martiness Coykendall. 
James Steward. 

James Steward, Jr. 

Increase B. Stoddard. 
Peter Holbert. 
Hezekiah Taylor. 
John Hallock, Jr. 

Jonathan Carpenter. 
Hulet Clark. 

James Hulse. 
William Evans. 
Martin L. Mapes. 

Jonathan Bailey. 
Peter Holbert. 
James llulse. 

Joseph Davis 
Merritt H. Cash. 
David H. Slauson. 
John C. Owen. 
Koswell Mead. 
KicliJird M. Tuthill. 
Bicliard M. Tuthill, Jr. 
DeWiti C. Hallock. 
Erastus Stickney. 
Henry H. Stewart. 
Daviii Clark. 
Joseph M. Case. 
Stewart T. Durland. 
Stephen Harding. 
Lewis Armstrong. 
William Hatch, Jr. 

Henry C. Halsey. 
Samuel B. Elston. 
Isaac Winters. 
Simeon M. Coykendall. 
Robert C. Tuthill. 
Jacob P. Snook. 
John R. Halstead. 
Charles H. Tuthill. 
Henry D. Decker. 
Eliakini Elston. 
Charles JIcMorrow. 
Lauson Dunn. 

N. E. Mapes. 
James W. Potter. 
Lauson Dunn. 
Enmiett Tuthill. 
Lauson Duun. 



MINISINK. 



665 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, 

mentioned as presiding at town-meetings in the ear- 
lier years when they were not elected by the people, 
but were appointed by the Governor and Council. 
The dates given are the years when their names first 
appear : 

178'J, Jolin Braduer, Solomon Co.vkcndall ; 1700, James Dolseo, John 
Davis ; 1793, Levi Van Etten ; 17aj, Jonathan Cooley ; 1790, Henry 
Tooker, Jonathan Wood ; 1802, Increase B. Stoddard, Peter Holbert ; 
1806, Josliua Saj-re; ISOS, Alexander Bodle, John Jackson; 1812, 
Nathan Arnunt, Benjamin Sawyer ; 1813, Joseph Smith ; 1810, John 
Durland, Jonatlian Carpenter, Jolin Hallock, Jr. ; ISlVt, David Chris- 
tie; 1821, William Graham ; 1S23,* Caleb Howell and Hulet Clark ; 
1828, Stephen W. Fnllerton, James Hnlse; 1829, Joseph Hallock; 
1831,tSteplien W. Fullerton; 1832, Joseph Hallock, Gideon W. Cock; 
1833, Gideon W. Cock ; 1834, George Hill ; 1835, Stephen W. Fuller- 
ton, John C. Owen; 1830, John C. Owen; 1837, Gideon W. Cock; 
1838, George Hill, James F. Clark ; 1839, Gabriel Horlon, Richard 51. 
Tuthill; 1840, James F. Clark ; 1841, Gideon W, Cock ; 1842, Hichard 
M. Tuthill, Jr.; 184;), Gabriel Horton ; 1844, Edward Shute (also the 
same to till vacancy); 1845, William B. Hunt; 1840, Richard M Tut- 
hill, Jr. ; 1847, Erastus Stickney ; 1848, John P. Shinning ; 1849, 
Wm. B. Hunt ; 1850, Joseph M. Case, Steward T. Durland, John C 
Wisuer, Sidney Mulford ; 1851, Sidney Mnlford ; 1852, Samuel .«lau- 
son; 1853, John C. Wisner; 1854, Peter C. Hanford, Wm. H. Hart; 
1855, Wm. H. Hart; 1850, Peter Kimber; 1867, Richard M. Tuthill, 
Jr. ; 1858, Joseph M. Case ; 1859, Wm. Hortou ; 18GU, Peter Kimber; 
1861, George D. Wilson (also the same to fill vacancy) ; 1802, Joseph 
M. Case, John C. Wisner; 1803, Wm. Horton; 1804, Peter Kimber; 
18G5, John C. Wisuer; 1806, Joseph M. Case; 1807, John B. Halsey; 
1808, Peter Kimber, Robert C. Tutliill; 1869, John C. Wisner; 1S70, 
Joseph M. Case ; 1871, Robert C. Tuthill ; 1872, Peter Kimber; 1873, 
S. T. Durland; 1874, Joseph M. Case ; 1875, Robert C. Tuthill, J. P. 
Snook ; 1870, Peter Kimber; 1877, Thomas S. Hulse (also to fill va- 
cancy, Thomas S. Hnlse) ; 1878, J. P. Snook: 1879, Jesse O. Martin, 
C. W. Horton ; 1880, Peter Kimber, Jonathan Shepherd, Nathan C. 
Hanford. 

THE BONDING OF THE TOWN OF MINISINK. 
This was effected by papers recorded in the office of 
the county clerk, and bearing date July 15, 181)9. The 
bonds were to be issued in aid of the Oswego and Mid- 
land Railroad Company, to the amount of .•J75,000. 
The bonds were issued in pursuance of the above 
action. The interest has been annually paid, but the 
principal remains a debt against the town. 



v.— VILLAGES. 
UNIONVILLE 
is said to be a reminiscence of the old dispute between 
New York and New Jersey as to the boundary line. 
This was in 1740, and the village, then consisting 
of only two or three houses, stood on the disputed 
territory. After the line was settled the village was 
still .so near to New Jersey that it was called Union- 
ville, in commemoration of the uniting of the two 
States in friendly relations. At the present time 
(November, 1880) it is a thriving village, having con- 
siderable trade and extensive railroad business. There 
are stores kept by Halstead & Bro., by Elston & Bro., 
by Mr. Van Fleet ; hotels by Mr. Conkling, by Mr. 
Tuthill, and by Mr. Casterlin. Other business places 
are Hanford's carriage-shop and blacksmithing, Cas- 

* After 1821 and prior to 1830 they were appointed by the courts in 
.connection with the board of supervisors. 
-f Mter this date chosen at town-meetings. 
43 



terlin's harness-shop. Van Fleet's coal- and lumber- 
yard. Dr. Haines' creamery, Swezey's grocery-store, 
Caldwell's hardware-store and tin-shop, Tuthill's 
drug-store (late Whittaker's), etc. The station agent 
is Enoch Greenleaf. 

■ INCORPORATION. 
This was effected by filing the necessary petition 
and procuring the action of the court thereupon. 
The election for determining whether to incorporate 
or not was held Aug. 22, 1871. Joseph M. Case and 
Lanson Dunn presided, and the question was decided 
in favor of incorporation, fifty-eight to seven; and it 
was also determined to spend S150 the first year under 
the head of ordinary expenditures. The first officers 
were as follows, chosen Sept. 20, 1871 : Isaac Swift, 
president; Lanson Dunn, Henry Tuthill, J. Harvey 
Hanford, trustees ; S. D. Cadmus, treasurer ; A. J. 
Tuthill, collector; C. M. C. Morrow, clerk. Subse- 
quent years, elections in March : 

1872. — Isaac Swift, president; Lanson Dunn, Dennis Clark, James H. 

Hanlbrd, trustees ; Charles M. C. Morrow, treasurer ; Joseph D. Swift, 

collector; C. M. C. Morrow, clerk. 
1873. — Peter C. Hanford, president; Lanson Dunn, J. Harvey Hanford, 

Charles D. Van Fleet, trustees; Richard Casterlin, collector; CM. 

C. Morrow, treasurer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1874. — Peter C. Hanford, president; Lanson Dunn, Charles Tan Fleet, 

Chlistopher Haggerty, trustees ; Bradner P. Doty, collector ; William 

Culverwell, treasurer; N. C. Ilahford, clerk. 
1875. — Dennis Clark, president; Christopher Haggerty, A. W. Van Fleet, 

Wm.W. Tuthill, trustees; Asa D. Elston, collector; Wm. Culverwell, 

treasurer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1876. — Dennis Clark, president; Andrew Van Fleet, Wm. W. Tuthill, J. 

Harvey Hanford, trustees; David Owen, collector ; Wm. Culverwell, 

treasurer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1S77.— Dennis Clark, president ; A. W. Van Fleet, W. W. Tuthill, J. H. 

Hanford, trustees; Bradner P. Doty, collector; William Culverwell, 

treasurer ; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1878. — M. S. Hayne, president ; Wm. W. Tuthill, E. Swezy, Jesse Rosen- 

crans, trustees; T. J. Casterlin, collector; Wm. Culverwell, treas- 
urer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1879.— M.S. Hayne, president ; Wm. W. Tuthill, J. Harvey Hanford, A. W. 

Van Fleet, trustees ; Joseph P . Swift, collector ; William, Culverwell, 

treasurer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 
1880.— M. S. Hayne, president; J. H. Hanford, A. W. Van Fleet, Wm. W. 

Tuthill, trustees; N. C. Hanford, collector; Wm. Culverwell, treas- 
urer; N. C. Hanford, clerk. 

Other oflBcers for the first year were: 1871-72, B. 
P. Doty, street commissioner ; William Green, police 
constable. 

For the present j^ear, 1880-81, Lanson Dunn, street 
commissioner ; Richard Casterlin, pound-master ; Jos- 
eph D. Kimber, police constable. 

WESTTOWN 
was the only village in the western part of the town 
at the time of its settlement, and undoubtedly de- 
rives its name from this circumstance. It is an old- 
time place, beautifully situated on elevated ground, 
commanding a fine view of the pleasant Rutger's 
Valley. Its present business may be summarily stated 
as follows : post-office, kept by Jonathan Sayre ; 
store, general merchandise, by Edwin Hartwell ; 
hardware-store and tin-shop, by F. and V. Linke ; 
I grocery-store, by Oscar Terwilliger ; harness-shop, by 



666 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



J. DuBois, who has worked at the business fifty years 
consecutively ; blacksmithing and wagon-shops, by 
Ira Parsons and by Samuel Sinsabaugh ; creamery, 
by Squire Hill ; Terwilliger's creamery, two miles or 
more away on the Lower Road; hotel, by Jlrs. S. J. 
Fisk ; shoemaker, Malcolm McPhei:son ; coal, lum- 
ber, and feed, by J. V. Halsey ; surveying, Alva Sey- 
bolt ; and station-agent, John H. Sholl. The 
churches, the large school-house, and quite a number 
of fine private residences together make up a rural 
village that fairly challenges comparison with any 
other in this section of the county. 

GARDNERVILLE 
was a small hamlet on the east boundary of the town, 
and grew up around the mills located there. Like 
so many other villages in this county, it was named 
in honor of an early settler. Ira Gardner was a mill- 
owner and merchant at this point. (See Wawayanda.) 

MILLSBURGH 
is on the north line of the town, the dwellings and 
the business places being mostly on the other side of 
Rutger's Creek, and hence in the town of Wawayanda. 
This place was formerly known as Racine, from Mr. 
John Racine, who was a prominent citizen residing 
there. The place is situated on the outlet of Bin- 
nenwater Lake. (See Wawayanda.) 

JOHNSON POST-OFFICE 
is located on the southern branch of Rutger's Creek, 
in the north part of the town. It is a station on the 
New Jersey Midland Railroad, O. Harden, agent. 
Cudney's store, a blacksuiith-shop, and blacksmith- 
ing with wagon business by Wm. Elston, are about 
the only business enterprises to be mentioned. 

SMITH VILLAGE, 
so called, is a rural neighborhood a short distance 
north of Gardnerville. Formerly it was a smart busi- 
ness place. There were stores, hotels, and shops. 
The change of traveled routes and other reasons 
gradually led to the discontinuance of these. There 
is now little business worthy of note, and Smith vil- 
lage has become simply Smith neighborhood. 

WATERLOO MILLS 
are in the southwest part of the town, and the power 
is supplied by the southern branch of Rutger's Creek. 
The place is not far from the New Jersey Midland 
Railroad at its western bend in this town. The 
mills are now owned by Daniel Myers, lately by Mr. 
Kittell, who still runs a store. This is a point of 
early settlement, and there were doubtless mills here 
before 1800. As noticed elsewhere, the Willcoxes 
were early settlers and business men at this point. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

Under the earlier school law, the provisions of which 
seem to have been inoperative and quickly abandoned. 



school commissioners were chosen at the annual town- 
meeting of 1796 as follows : Henry Tooker, Jonathan 
Cooley, Jonathan Wood. In 1797 the same persons 
were chosen, except that John Bradner took the place 
of Jonathan Cooley, and those of 1797 were re-elected 
in 1798. This appears to have been the end of that 
earlier system. 

During the years that followed, in which there was 
no oflicial action recorded, schools were maintained by 
individual effort, — by subscription, — by charging each 
scholar one dollar a term. Mr. Oliver Wood, of Wa- 
wayanda, states that in his earlier years he taught by 
the scholar, — so that that practice was continued some- 
what after the establishment of the general school sys- 
tem in 1812. 

In the year 1813 the town comiilied with the pro- 
visions of the new school law, — voted to raise by tax- 
ation a sum for the support of schools equal to the 
amount offered by the State, and chose commissioners 
and inspectors, the former having authority to form, 
alter, or dissolve districts and distribute the public 
money ; the latter examining teachers, certifying to 
their qualifications, and inspecting the schools. This 
system continued until 1843, and during that period 
the following persons served one or more years each 
as commissioners, the number annually chosen being 
three: George Phillips, Joshua Sayre, James Van 
Fleet, Jr., James Eldred, Jonathan Brown, Daniel 
Dunning, Joshua Van Auken, John D. Wood, Isaac 
Cook, David Robertson, Francis Kelly, Hulet Clark, 
Stephen W. Fullerton, Benjamin L. Manning, Squire 
Lee, Samuel Knapp, Charles Monell, David H. Slau- 
son, Abijali Wells, Increase B. Stoddard, John Jack- 
son, Wiimot Moore, Daniel W. Gedney, James Little, 
Benjamin Moore, Allen Irwin, Roswell Mead, Doras- 
tus Brown, Increase Mather, Hugh McConnell, John 
Roberts, Frederick Dolsen, William Graham, Calvin 
Hallock, Wakeman B. Oakley, John C. Owen, Charles 
Mills, John Whiting, Charles S. Lee, Alfred Reed, 
Edward Shute, Richard M. Tuthill, James M. Reeve, 
Charles S. Lee, John L. Knapp, James F. Clark, 
Samuel Slauson, Jacob M. Johnson, Henry C. Halsey, 
Braddock R. Dunning, Daniel T. Howell, Jesse Green, 
Wallace Clark, William Diekerson, Henry Clark, 
James A. Smith. 

During the same period the following persons 
served one or more years each as inspector of schools : 
Rev. Thomas Grier, Dr. John T. Jansen, Jr., John 
Peckham, Henry Ball, Jonathan Brown, Francis 
Kelly, James Scribner, Samuel Holbert, George 
Phillips, John S. Swezey, Alexander T. Bodle, Francis 
Kelly, Roswell Mead, Thomas P. Youngs, John Hal- 
lock, Jr., Jeremiah Van Auken, Stephen W. Fullerton, 
Isaac Cook, Phineas Terry, Marcus Stickney, Apollos 
Jessup, Gabriel Sayres, Solomon Van Fleet, James 
Hulse, Alexander Boyd, Simon M. Stoddard, Bryan 
Garrihan, Thomas Royce, Jonathan Carpenter, Wil- 
liam H. Newkirk, James Hulse, Joseph Halsted, 
Jonathan Bailey, Harvey Horton, Merritt H. Cash,. 



MINISINK. 



667 



Harvey Hallock, Dorastus Brown, Horace Armstrong, 
George N. Wood, Roswell Mead, James F. Clark, 
Henry Clark, Seth Tompkins, Charles A. Dolsen, 
Richard M. Tuthill, William Mouell, Erastus Stick- 
ney, Richard Hallock, Alexander I. Johnson, Increase 
Mathers, DewittC. Hallock, James M. Reeve, Horace 
H. Stewart, John C. McConnell, Lewis Armstrong. 

The commissioners first chosen in 1813 divided the 
old town of Minisink into twenty-six school districts, 
under date of June 21st of that year. These are re- 
corded in full, and we have included them in the 
chapters upon Deerpark, Minisink, Greenville, and 
Wawayanda, as the most concise and yet comprehen- 
sive method of determining the names of the families 
then residing upon this large territory. 

Under date of Oct. 17, 1823, the commissioners 
erected district No. 28 out of the part soon after set 
off to Deerpark, with the following boundaries : " Be- 
ginning at the Delaware River, where the line of the 
lands of Stephen St. John and Samuel Caskey inter- 
sects said river ; from thence running with said line 
between them northeasterly to the mountain ; thence 
a northeast course to the line of the town of Deer- 
park, all northwesterly of said line to be a school dis- 
trict by itself." The next year, however, they united 
Districts 28 and 21, with the following boundaries: 
" Which district begins at the house owned by Nathan 
Van Auken, on the west side of the Neversink River, 
and including all the inhabitants on the west side of 
said river until it meets the Delaware River, and up 
said Delaware River to the house commonly called 
the old Lambert House, near where mills were for- 
merly, and from said Lambert's House on a straight 
line to the place first mentioned." This is interesting 
as describing the territory of Port Jervis and vicinity 
iust fifty -six years ago, when it was necessary to unite 
two school districts to have population enough to sus- 
tain a good school. The next year (1825) this tri- 
angular portion of old Minisink west of the Shawan- 
gunk Mountains was annexed to Deerpark. 

After the change from commissioners and inspec- 
tors to supervision by town superintendents, the fol- 
lowing were the incumbents of that office : 1844, 
James M. Reeve; 1845, Henry Clark; 1846, Erastus 
Stickney ; 1847-48, Joshua Case. Elected once in 
two years : 1850, Charles B. Halstead ; 1852, not re- 
corded ; 1854, Gabriel Post; 1855, Norris L. Bennett. 

The law was then repealed and district commis- 
sioners appointed. At that time all control of the 
schools by town authority ceased. 

At Unionville, near the New Jersey line, there is a 
flourishing private seminary conducted by Professor 
Hartwell. He had previously managed a similar in- 
stitution in Cornwall. 



VII.-CHUBCHES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY AT WESTTOWN 

met for legal organization at the house of Sylvanus 

Losee, Jan. 26, 1790. The certificate then executed 



was signed by John Hazen and James Brown, deacons, 
and the trustees named were James Brown, Frederic 
Delano, Henry Tooker, Amos Willcox, John Davis, 
Jr., and John Whittaker. This church is rather 
noted for the number of times it has deemed it neces- 
sary to effect a re-incorporation. March 10, 1803, a 
second certificate was recorded, including the names 
of Paul Lee, Jacob Cole, Ezra Corwin, Richard Whit- 
taker, Joshua Sayre, and Cotton Mather. A third 
certifica'te, under date of Aug. 19, 1805, contains the 
names of Sylvanus Losee, Cotton Mather, David 
Christie, Ezra Corwin, Joshua Sayre, Israel Lee, 
Henry Tooker. A fourth certificate, under date of 
Sept. 14, 1807, contains the names of John Neely, 
Benjamin Cole, Cotton Mather, Ezra Corwin, Israel 
Lee, David Christie, Joshua Sayre, and Henry Tooker. 
A fifth certificate, dated March 28, 1842, contains the 
names of John Dunkin, Silas C. Brown, David W. 
Clark, Isaac M. Decker, Daniel Lee, Dorastus Brown, 
Virgil M. Dunning, Joel J. Bishop. 

The earliest certiticate above shows the original 
fact that, the church was Presbyterian in 1790. The 
changes indicated by the above various papers are to 
some extent shown in the following valuable article 
by the pastor. Rev. L. T. Shuler : 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WESTTOWN. 

As far back as 1794 there was a Reformed Church 
at this place, for in that year letters were received by 
I the Particular Synod of that body, from the " Con- 
gregations of Clove and Westtown, containing com- 
plaints that the licentiates had not visited them." 
Corwin's Manual gives the date of organization as 
1791. In 1797 the Rev. Ellas Van Benschoteu ac- 
cepted a call from the united congregations of Clove 
and Westtown. Some time before 1812 these con- 
gregations separated, as the following record shows: 

" Mliereas, Westtown congregation a few years past have separated 
themselves to another denomination, tlieiefore we, the elders and deacons 
of the Reformed Dutch Congregation of the Clove, being convened in 
the house of the Rev. Elias Van BenBchoteu, in the township of Wan- 
tage, in the county of Sussex, and State of New Jersey, do hereby re- 
quest the clerk of the peace for the county of Sussex to record us by 
the name of The Trustees of the Reformed Dutch Congregation of the 
Clove. Given under our hands and seals the second day of January, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve, 1812. 
* " Peter Beamer, 

" Michael Decker, 

*' MiCAOAH Deen, 

" Peter Van Sickel, 

" Joel Cboel, 

" Benjamin Van Sickel, 

" Levi Avers, Jb., 

" ISAACK Van Ocken." 

The "other denomination" to which reference is 
made was undoubtedly the Presbyterian, for on March 
10, 1803, the people of Westtown met at the house of 
Paul Lee, fifteen days' notice having been given, to 
incorporate themselves as a religious society accord- 
ing to the act passed Alarch 27, 1801. Jacob Cole 
and Ezra Corwin were elected inspecting officers; 
Richard Whittaker, Joshua Sayre, and Cotton Mather 



668 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



were elected trustees to take charge of the estate and 
proijerty, and to be known by the title of The Trus- 
tees of the First Presbyterian Church of Westtown. 
July 19, 1805, subscriptions -were made towards the 
erection of a church edifice, to the amount of $1733.50. 
Just a month from that time the congregation met at 
the house of Sylvanus Losee, and elected Ezra Cor- 
win, Joshua Sayre, Israel Lee, and Henry Tooker 
trustees. These trustees held a meeting on September 
3d, and decided that the church building should be 
50 by 40 feet, and that the floors should be laid with 
white-oak boards an inch and a quarter thick. Feb. 
14, 1806, the contract was awarded to Daniel Gale, 
who was to frame and inclose the building, to build a 
pulpit and deacons' seat with stairs into the pulpit, 
and a canopy overhead, for the sum of $450, the ma- 
terials being all furnished by the trustees, the work 
to be done by Nov. 1, 1806. The remainder of the 
work was done by Richard Whittaker and Paul Lee, 
for $900. The seats were sold the last day of Novem- 
ber, 1807, but the church remained without a pastor 
until Sept. 5, 1808, when Rev. Thomas Grier accepted 
a call and began his labor. In December of that 
year Nathaniel Chandler, John Neely, Philip Lee, 
and Hezekiah Taylor were chosen elders. This num- 
ber was increased in less than a year by the ordination 
of Garret Brink and Phineas Terry. The congrega- 
tion at this time covered the territory now occupied 
by the churches of Westtown, Centreville, and Union- 
ville, and extending along theShawangunk Mountain 
from the borders of the town of Mount Hope into the 
State of New Jersey. The pastoral labors of Rev. Mr. 
Grier were wonderfully blessed. In the year 1815, 
103 persons were received into the church, and 57 in 
1816, all upon profession of their faith. In 1820 
another revival resulted in the addition to the church 
of 194 members. In 181G the eldership was increased 
by the election of Robert Carr, Samuel Van Fleet, 
David Christie, David H. Slauson, and Alexander 
Boyd. The Session then consisted of nine members, 
but the number was diminished by the death of one 
elder and the removal of three others. In 1823, .Tames 
Van Bomel, James Arnot, Martin L. Mapes, Dorastus 
Brown, David Osmun, and Isaac Bodle were added to 
the Session. 

The prosperous pastorate of Rev. Thomas Grier 
closed on Sept. 12, 1827. Shortly after this the 
church building was taken down, reframed, and reset. 
The new building was 38 by 48 feet, with a gallery on 
three sides. 

Rev. Christopher Cory, of the Presbytery of New- 
ark, took charge of the church Oct. 30, 1828, and on 
Dec. 27, 1829, 101 persons were received into the 
communion. Mr. Cory severed his connection with 
the church Sept. 13, 1832. Rev. Theron C. Depew 
was called in April of the next year to serve the 
Westtown Church, together with its offspring at 
Uniouville, which had been formed in 1831. During 
this pastorate Jeremiah Reeves, Lewis Stewart, John 



Duncan, and Morris W. Lee were elected elders of 
the Westtown congregation. Mr. Depew closed his 
labors here April 17, 1838, and Rev. T. C. Holliday 
supplied the puljiit for a short time. At a meeting 
of the church and congregation held on Dec. 29, 
1838, a portion of the members withdrew, with the 
moderator and clerk. Those who remained reorgan- 
ized, and authorized the Session to supply the pulpit. 

At a congregational meeting held Sept. 5, 1839, at 
which William Johnson was appointed moderator, 
and John E. DuBois secretary, it was decided to ad- 
here to the General Assembly, Old School. Novem- 
ber 11th, David Christie, William Evans, and George 
Corwin were elected elders of the Old-School Church, 
and were ordained by the Rev. Thomas Holliday. 
The elders of this church were then Jeremiah 
Reeves, William Evans, Morris W. Lee, David 
Christie, George Corwin, and Roswell Mead. In 
November, 1840, Rev. Ralph Bull began preaching 
at Westtown, and in January of the next year he 
was installed jiastor of the church. June 11, 1843, 
John E. DuBois and Henry C. Halsey were ordained 
elders, and AVilliani H. Newkirk, M,D., having been 
ordained as a ruling elder at Unionville, was declared 
to be one of the members of the Session. Owing to 
the number of deaths and removals the Session was 
reduced to one elder, and on May 25, 1865, the con- 
gregation met and elected Benjamin S. Dolson a 
ruling elder, and on the following Sabbath he was 
ordained to that office. During Mr. Bull's pastorate, 
which closed in September, 1866, 65 persons were re- 
ceived into the church upon profession of their faith, 
and 43 by certificate from other cluirches. 

Rev. Duncan C. Niven was installed pastor of the 
church May 21, 1867. During his connection with 
the church 90 persons were added upon profession of 
their faith. The church edifice was also rebuilt and 
enlarged at a total cost of $10,600. Mr. Niven's 
resignation was accepted Oct. 1, 1875. 

The present pastor. Rev. L. T. Shuler, began his 
labor here Oct. 1, 1876. Since that time 46 have 
united with the church upon profession, and 13 by 
certificate. The total number of communicants is 
164; the Sabbath-school membership, 95. 

The officers are as follows: Elders, John E. Du- 
Bois, John Rutan, George S. Sayer, Albert A. 
Seymour, M.D. ; Superintendent of Sunday-school, 
Thomas S. Hulse ; Assistant Superintendent of Sun- 
day-school, Jonathan Sayer ; Librarian, Charles Lain ; 
Secretary, William H. Halsey. 

■ There is a Ladies' Home and Foreign Missionary 
Society connected with the church, of which Mrs. 
M. L. Evans is president, and Miss Mary Louise 
King, secretary. Its meetings are held monthly. 
The regular church prayer-meeting, a young men's 
meeting, and a ladies' prayer-meeting constitute the 
regular week-day services. The parsonage and lot, 
which was donated in 1866 by the fiiraily of the late 
William Evans, is now valued at $1200. 



MINISINK. 



669 



THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF UNION- 
VILLE 

effected a legal organization March 20, 1803. The 
proceedings were signed by Thomas Grier and Her- 
man Herrick. The meeting was held at " the common 
school-room of Unionville," and the trustees chosen 
were Richard Whitaker, Samuel Van Fleet, and 
James Clark. The sketch given below from the pas- 
tor of the church dates the organization from 1831, 
but the above record shows that in a legal .sense 
movements for a separate organization from that of 
Westtown were much earlier. In 1853 there is also 
recorded a certificate under the title of the New-School 
Presbyterian Church of Unionville, containing the 
names of Benjamin Van Fleet, Peter C. Hanford, 
Henry D. Elmer, Marcus S. Hayne, and Asa Smith. 

" A petition signed by sixty-seven members of the 
Presbyterian Church in Westtown, N. Y., requesting 
to be set off from said church with a view of being 
organized into a Presbyterian Cliurch at Unionville, 
N. Y., was presented to the Presbytery of Hudson by 
Joseph A. Bunnell, Sept. 14, 1831. Whereupon Pres- 
bytery granted said petition, and appointed a com- 
mittee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Timlow, Cummins, 
and Wood, who organized a church at Unionville 
Sept. 20. 1831, composed of the following persons: 
Samuel Van Fleet, Sarah Van Fleet, Richard Whit- 
aker, Jane Van Fleet, James Van Fleet, Mary Van 
Fleet, Hannah Pierson, BernyMiddaugh, Sarah Mid- 
daugh, Leonard Middaugh, Moses D. Rogers, Mary 
Clark, Susan Whitaker, Deborah Smith, Phebe M. 
Smith, Jacob Whitaker, Martha Whitaker, Samuel 
V. Myers, Stephen G. Smith, Daniel Myers, Julia 
Myers, Hannah Myers, Catherine Myers, VV^illiam O. 
Smith, Isaiah Clark, Samuel Van Fleet, Jr., Belinda 
Van Fleet, Jane V. Pierson, Elizabeth M. Pierson, 
Elizabeth Pierson, Joseph A. Bonnell, Joanna Bon- 
nell, Timothy Scidmore, Alfred Bullock, Hannah 
Bullock, Theophilus H. Pierson, Mary Austin, Elijah 
Middaugh, Anna Scidmore, Nancy Watkins, Eliza- 
beth Kimber, Caty Kimber, Jane Shepherd, Eliza 
Jane Shepherd, Lewis Whitaker, Phebe Whitaker, 
John Whitaker, Samuel Clark, James Clark, Catha- 
rine Clark, Abraham Clark. P^ranees D. Clark, Jane 
Miller, John C. Wisner, Sally Conger, Jane R. Clark, 
Joanna Smith, Harminda Smith, James W. Dekay, 
Thomas Miller, Abigail Miller, Mary Carr, Lydia 
Fuller, Hannah Clark, Jonathan Clark, Abraham 
Irwin, Mary Irwin, Caty Middaugh. 

"The Presbyterian church was built in 1825, at a 
cost of $2500; size, 40 by 36 feet. The building was 
subseipiently remodeled and enl^irged, and, more re- 
cently, a lecture-room was added. A parsonage was 
purchased in 1850. The pastors and stated supplies 
have been Rev. Theron C. Depew, supply, from 
November, 1832, until October, 1834; Rev. Peter 
Hanouse, supply, from June, 1837, until November, 
1839 ; Rev. A. O. Peloubet, pastor, from September, 
1840, until January, 1845; Rev. T. S. Ward, stated 



supply, from April, 1846, to September, 184G ; Rev. 
Augustus Seward, pastor, from April, 1847, until 
September, 1849 ; Rev. Nathaniel Pierson, pastor, 
from October, 1850, until November, 1857 ; Rev. H. 
F. Wadsworth, pastor, from December, 1868, and still 
continued in charge, 1880. 

"The following is the list of elders : Samuel Van 
Fleet, Moses D. Rogers, Samuel Van Fleet, Jr., Alfred 
Bullock, Lewis Whitaker, .Joseph Chandler, Ben- 
jamin Moffat, Benjamin Newkirk, Peter C. Hanford, 
Benjamin Haynes, John Smith, Benjamin Van Fleet, 
Marcus S. Haynes, Levi Truex, Jesse Owen, Gamaliel 
Russell, Isaac Swift, Asa Smith, Samuel Hartwell, 
Jonathan L. Whitaker, James H. Hanford. 

"The Sabbath-school has been in successful opera- 
tion since the organization of the church, and is now 
in a prosperous condition. The present officers of the 
church are H. F. Wadsworth, pastor ; Isaac Swift, 
Marcus S. Haynes, Asa Smith, Samuel S. Hartwell, 
Jonathan L. Whitaker, James H. Hanford, elders; 
Asa Smith, Dennis Clark, Jonathan L. Whitaker, 
James H. Hanford, Ezra Smith, trustees." 

THE ORANliE BAPTIST CHURCH OF UNIONVILLE 

effected a legal organization Feb. 21, 1855. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by William Tuthill and Richard 
A. Lain. The pastor of the church was Rev. J. T. 
Grimley. The trustees chosen were David Lain, Wil- 
liam Tuthill, and Elijah Bennett. This legal paper 
represents a church of much older date, as shown in 
the following sketch furnished by the pastor: 

" The Orange Baptist Church of Unionville was or- 
ganized in the fall of 1822. It was composed of 125 
members, all of whom brought letters of dismission 
from churches in the vicinity round about. One hun- 

' dred came from the Second Baptist Church of Wan- 

1 tage, N. J., 7 from the First Baptist Church of Wan- 
tage, and 18 from the Baptist Church of Brookfield 
(now Slate Hill), N. Y. 

" Its first and only house of worship put up for its 
own use was built in the spring and summer of 1822, 
and was ready for occupancy when the church was 
organized. It stood about a mile and a half southeast 
of what is now the village of Unionville. About thirty 
years after it was built it was removed to Unionville 
and remodeled. It was a plain wooden structure, 52 
by 34. Subsequently a lecture-room, 30 by 26, was 
joined to it at the rear end, which cost about $1800. 

"The church also built a house of worship in 1827, 
at Mount Salem, Wantage township, N. J., for the better 
accommodation of some of its members who resided 
in that place. Those members, to the number of 100, 

1 afterwards took letters of dismission and organized 
themselves into a separate church. 

" The names of the first deacons of the Orange Bap- 
tist Church were David Lain, Joseph Smith, James 
Rosecrance, and Peter Roloson. Mr. Lain was a well- 
to-do, thriving farmer, who lived on what is generally 

' known as the Lower Road. For a time he was the 



670 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



largest tax-payer in the town. He was a pillar of the 
church, botli financially and spiritually. He reared 
a large family of children, who became prominent and 
worthy members of society. Seven of them, at this 
date, are residing in their native town. 

"At an early period of its history the church or- 
ganized a Sunday-school, and has kept it up with 
varying degrees of interest and success during the 
summer months until now. 

" Recently a parsonage has been purchased in the 
village. The house is a two-story Gothic building, 38 
by 82, with a one-story attachment in the rear, 20 by 
16, for kitchen and wood-house. The property with 
some necessary improvements cost $1300. 

" Ten men have served the church as regular settled 
pastors. Their names and terms of service were as 
follows : Zelotes Grenell, eleven years ; Samuel 
White, one and a half years ; Samuel Grenell, five 
years; Samuel L. Barrett, five years; C. Cox, two 
years ; David Bennett, two years ; Josejjh I. Grimley, 
twelve years ; Wm. H. Runyon, seven years ; Levi 
Morse, four years; J. N. Adams (present pastor), five 
years, and the sixth begun. 

" The present board of deacons is composed of R. A. 
Lain, George McBride, and E. Inman Case. A va- 
cancy has lately been caused in the board by the 
death of Jeremiah Sergeant, who had served the 
church faithfully for seven years. Mr. J. Anson 
McBride is the clerk of the church and the superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school. The present trustees 
(1880) are Messrs. Wm. Elston, Edward Wilson, 
Walter Van Sickle, J. A. McBride, and Justus Clark. 

" The church has always been in comparatively easy 
circumstances financially ; never much in debt ; never 
much weakened by intestine troubles; has always 
sustained missionary and other benevolent causes, 
and has been frequently favored with religious re- 
vivals, which have resulted in the conversion of many 
to Christ, and in its own encouragement and j^rosper- 
ity. It has a present membership of 175, and is es- 
pecially associated with that denomination of Ameri- 
can Christians commonly called Strict Communion 
Baptists." 

"OLD ROME CHURCH."* 

Theoldchurch was sold, according to previous notice, 
on Wednesday, Feb. 2.^, 1874, to Jehial Gregory, for 
the sum of $20.5, who purchased it in the interest of 
the inhabitants of Johnson's Station. This old church 
has its history, and few have a better record. Located 
in the town of Minisink, on the cross-roads leading 
from Westtown to Middletown, and from Johnson's 
to Millsburgh, it has kept company with the district 
school-house since 1835. From the old deeds I copy 
the following facts concerning its early history. 

On April 18, 1835, Nathaniel Knapp and Sophia, 
his wife, executed to John Edwards, Daniel Brown, 
Isaac Denton, Hulet Clark, Lewis Finch, and John 

* Written by Mr. W. H. Clark in 1874. 



G. DeBow, trustees, in trust, the land on which to 
erect a house of religious worship under the auspices 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The deed was 
drawn, and acknowledgment taken by Roswell Mead, 
the commissioner of deeds for the old town of Mini- 
sink, and recorded May 30, 1835, by L. L. Vail, clerk 
of Orange County. Of the persons whose names 
appear on this old document, either as trustees or 
clerical, all have passed away save one, John G. De 
Bow, now residing in Newark. Work was com- 
menced on the building early in the season of 1835, 
and in November the house was dedicated to the wor- 
ship of God. Manning Force, one of the pioneers of 
Methodism in Northern New Jersey, was presiding 
elder, and Rev. Joseph C4iattle was preacher in 
charge. The entire cost when finished and ready for 
worship was $1000, and paid for at completion ; so 
no official record stains its modest reputation with 
the modern mortgage embellishment. At the time of 
its completion there was no Methodist church nearer 
than the Wantage church near Deckertown, none at 
Port Jervis, Otisville, Middletown, or Goshen. After 
having been in service up to the year 1S70, an attempt 
was made to remove it to Centreville by a portion of 
the congregation, and being resisted by the balance, 
it became the subject of litigation. 

In the mean time a church having been built at 
Centreville, and the litigating parties mutually agree- 
ing among themselves upon terms of settlement, 
which were that the old church should be sold at 
public auction, and the proceeds given to the Church 
Extension Society; the sale just made is for the pur- 
pose of carrying into effect those terms of settlement. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT WESTTOWN. 

This church was organized in 1863 from a portion 
of the membership of the church near Millsburgh, 
known as the " Old Rome church," which had been 
the chief centre of Methodism in this part of the 
county since 1835. The building in which the society 
worships was originally built as a house of worship 
by the New-School Presbyterians. And upon the 
reunion of the New- and Old-School Presbyterians, 
the building was purchased by the Methodists, and 
has since been used by the denomination as a place 
of worship. The present membership is 1.50. Ser- 
vices held Sabbath mornings and evenings. The 
following is a list of the pastors and supj)lies who 
have served the church since its organization: 1863- 
64, James H. Runyan ; 1865-66, C. E. Wambaugh ; 
1867, W. W. Vorhees ; 1868-69, S. H. Switzer ; 1870, 
H. C. McBride; 1871-72, C. E. Walton; 1873-74, T. 
R. Stratton; 1875, A. J. Fritz (supply) ; 1876-78, J. 
A. Gutteridge ; 1879-80, E. V. King. 

The church has a flourishing Sabbath-school, and 
an out-appointment at Gardnerville. The present 
oflicial record (1880) is as follows: Pastor, Rev. E. V. 
King ; Trustees, Jeremiah Bennett, Dallas Clark, 
George C. Lee, W. H. Clark, J. L. Davis, H. B. Allen, 



MINISINK. 



671 



Caleb Clark, Benjamin Durland, Ira L. Decker; 
Stewards, J. Bennett, George C. Lee, William H. Lee, 
Lewis Halstead ; Sabbath-scliool Superintendent, 
Rev. E. V. King. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF DROWNED 
LANDS, PRECINCT OF GOSHEN, 

was incorporated by a certificate executed Oct. 2, 1787. 
The meeting was held at the house of Benjamin Smith. 
Joshua Davis and John Bradner were the inspectors 
of election, and the trustees named iu the instrument 
were Joshua Davis, Benjamin Smith, and John Monell. 
The same society it appears made a re-incorporation 
in 1799, under the name of " The Presbyterian Con- 
gregation west of Drowned Lands in the town of 
Minisink." The names contained in the instrument 
were James Steward, Sr., and James Steward, Jr., 
Israel Hallock, Jr., John Neely, Silas Steward, and 
John Knapp. The two sets of names are, however, 
entirely different, as perhaps they naturally would be 
at a distance of thirteen years. These are evidently 
some of the preliminary movements which led to the 
establishment of the Presbyterian Church at Ridge- 
berry,* though from a comparison of the names it may 
be inferred there was an intention at first to locate 
the church farther south. 

THE UNIONVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
executed a certificate of incorporation July 21, 1868. 
The paper was signed by James Buchanan and Wil- 
liam H. Foster. The trustees chosen were Bowdewine 
Van Sickle, Jacob Wilson, James A. Bulkley, James 
Buchanan, Eber L. Brown, Jeremiah Bennett, and 
Isaac E. Foland. The same society made a re-incorpo- 
ration two years later by a certificate bearing date Oct. 
17, 1870, which contained the names of Thomas J. 
Ritch, W. H. McBride, Bowdewine Van Sickle, James 
Buckley, Sanford Hough, Jacob Wilson, S. D. Cad- 
mus, G. C. Hutchison, David P. Clark, Isaac E. 
Foland, Thomas W. Benjamin. With the numerous 
organizations of the Methodist Church at points com- 
paratively near to Unionville, it has been difficult to 
sustain the enterprise at Unionville. Services have 
been somewhat irregularly maintained, but are now 
(August, 1880) at least temporarily suspended. 

MEADVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 
made a legal organization at the house of Ebenezer 
Mead Dec. 30, 1815. The proceedings were signed by 
John Myers and Jacob Bockoven, deacons. The trus- 
tees chosen "to" superintend the building of a meet- 
ing-house on the lands of Ebenezer Mead" were Israel 
Lee, John Myers, Sr., John Myers, .Jr., Samuel Master- 
son, and Ebenezer Mead. This was the foundation 
of a church now located at Mount Salem, N. J. 
The building at Meadville was never finished. 

UNION MEETING-HOUSE. 
There is standing, about a quarter of a mile south 
of Waterloo Mills, a dilapidated building, ixow a mere 

* See Wawavaiida. 



wreck, that was originally built for a union house of 
worship. It was occupied by the Christian or Unita- 
rian denomination for a time ; by the Primitive or 
Old-School Baptists ; by the ^lethodists ; by the Pres- 
byterians,— each and all claiming it by virtue of their 
original aid in building the same, or by reason of its 
avowed union character. When first built it was a 
neat rural chapel, and was dedicated some years pre- 
vious to 1840. It has now been unoccupied for a 
long time. 



VIII.— BUBIAL-PLACES. 
THE MINISINK CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 
was incorporated Sept. 27, 18(52. The meeting for 
organization was held at the burying-grouud, and 
Ralph Bull was called to the chair, J. P. Snook 
chosen secretary. The trustees named in the cer- 
tificate were Joseph Davis, Samuel Christie, George 
D. Wilson, Jonathan D. Sayre, Jonathan S. Christie, 
William A. Sayre. This association was formed to 
care for and enlarge the old Minisink graveyard, 
south of Westtown, that dates back to the earliest 
settlement. The ground is surrounded by a substan- 
tial wall and is in neat preservation. It is a specimen 
of what some reasonable care with no very heavy ex- 
pense will do for even an old cemetery. The citizens 
may well take pride in their attempt to preserve in- 
stead of destroying (as in too many other places) the 
graves of their ancestors. In the absence of all early 
dates, but little history can be gleaned from this in- 
closure. Mr. H. B. Allen speaks of having seen one 
date of 1765, or about that, but the initials were illegi- 
ble. That of Dr. Rosecrans, as reported by Mr. Han- 
ford, is mentioned elsewhere. 

Other burial-places may be catalogued as follows : 
one in the Brown school district, mostly a family lot, 
of considerable age; a cemetery at Unionville fitted 
up with modern taste ; an old one beyond Waterloo 
Mills, near the line of Greenville; old Rome Ceme- 
tery, on the road south of the Rome neighborhood; 
another one at old Rome, mostly the Halstead family; 
and there are doubtless still others. 



IX.-LODGES,t SOCIETIES, LIBEAEIES, Etc. 
THE WESTTOWN LIBRARY 
was founded by an association formed Feb. 14, 1826. 
The trustees named in the papers were David Slau- 
son, Daniel Mead, William H. Newkirk, Charles 
Monell, Caleb Howell, Howell Reeve, and Enos G. 
Gridley. This institution existed for some years. 
There was a valuable collection of books, and the in- 
fluence upon the community was of an excellent char- 
acter. Many who are now in middle life or in ad- 
vanced age acquired much valuable education from 



t There was a Masonic lodge in town in old times, chartered Dec. 7, 
18(13. It was located at Westtown. One of the latest members was the 
well-known Isaac Decker. The lodge met in what is now known as the 
Westtown Academy. (See General History, Benevolent Societies.) 



672 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



this early library. More who then studied the history 
of their own county and of other counties through the 
substantial books placed within their reach may well 
sigh over the present age, when so many young men 
can be found who have never read even a history of 
the United States, but are perfectly familiar with the 
latest "dime novel." The library was finally scat- 
tered, the books being divided among the stockholders. 

THE WESTTOWN CIRCULATING LIBRARY ASSOCIA- 
TION 

executed a certificate of incorporation May 2, 1877. 
The meeting to organize was held at the academy, and 
Thomas S. Hulse appointed chairman, A. J. Jessup, 
secretary. The trustees chosen were Thomas S. Hulse, 
Lawrence T. Shuler, Charles W. Horton, Andrew J. 
Jessup, Jonathan Sayre, Miss Mary J. Sayre, and 
Miss Belle Lee. 

The shares were made five dollars each, to be paid 
doW'U, and one dollar to be paid annually upon each 
share. This library, recently established, is now in 
circulation, and an excellent class of books have been 
purchased. 

THE WESTTOWN LITERARY SOCIETY, 
Rev. E. V. King, president, is an association for liter- 
ary improvement, and well maintained. 

This with the library above named and other im- 
provements indicate a degree of culture and a taste 
for the higher and nobler pursuits of life which reflect 
much credit upon the people of this pleasant rural 
village and upon the surrounding community. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTOEIC INTEBEST. 

A very old homestead in Minisink is a part of the 
present hotel at Westtown, now kept by Mrs. Sarah J. 
Fiske. It is supposed to have been built more than 
one hundred years ago. 

A very noted affair of early times was the spurious 
" Chechung Bank," for the manufacture of counter- 
feit coin. Its theatre of operations was near West- 
town. "Chechung" is said to mean "I-chuck-you-in," 
and was first apjilied to a small creek where an Indian 
was said to have drowned a man. The place where 
the counterfeiters operated is still pointed out in a 
retired swamp on the farm now owned by Harry 
McBride. The end of the affair was State's prison 
for some, flight for others. 

In the Revolution there stood on the banks of Rut- 
ger's Creek, near the present residence of Archibald 
McBride, an early dwelling of the Horton family. In 
one of the frequent alarms (perhaps it was at the 
battle of Minisink) Mr. Horton went away to assist 
in the defense of his neighbors. The family were left 
alone. Evidences of attack or a vivid imagination 
alarmed them. They sufiered untold horrors. One 
daughter was taken with fits through fright. The 
water rose around the house, and after two days they 
fled, — a daughter-in-law and two children on horse- 
back, the mother walking by the side of the horse. 



XI.— INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

The present farming of the town is an active and 
prosperous business. Its character has been consid- 
erably changed, as in other sections, by the opening 
of the railroads, and the opportunity of selling milk 
direct to New York. There are some who believe 
that the process is not, on the whole, likely to de- 
velop more wealth than when dairy products were 
manufactured at home. It is a proverb somewhat in 
use, "He who sells milk has nothing else to sell." 



XII.-MILITARY. 
The early Indian wars, the struggles of the Revo- 
lutionary period, all involved the entire Minisink re- 
gion in the dangers and horrors of border warfare. 
With reference to the people then living upon the ter- 
ritory now constituting the town of Minisink we have 
only the traditions, the anecdotes, the wild tales of 
blood and danger which have floated down the line of 
the generations. The main facts connected with 
those stormy periods are recounted in this volume in 
the chapters devoted to the general Revolutionary an- 
nals of Orange County, or in the special story of the 
battle of Minisink. As everywhere else, there are 
prevalent many stories of that bloody affair. Mr. H. 
B. Allen, of Westtown, is a very good witness for de- 
termining the truth of some of these stories of border 
warfare. Three of the survivors of the Minisink bat- 
tle lived to within his time, viz. : Mr. Harding, Daniel 
Myers, and Moses DeWitt ; and Mr. Allen conversed 
with them upon the subject. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 
This town furnished volunteers as follows : 

At tlie LmtbreKk of tlie war 3 

Prior to July, 1862 U 

Under cull of July, 186.2 43 

From July, 1863, to July, 1864 28 

Under the enrollment in 1863 the town had 1.31 in 
the first class and 63 in the second ; of this number 
31 were drawn, 15 of whom were held to service and 
paid commutation. Enlisted after the draft, one, — - 
Charles Colden, colored. 

By voluntary subscriptions in 1862 the sum of 
$1083 was raised to promote enlistments. The Pres- 
byterian Church at Westtown sent stores to hospitals 
valued at $70. 

At a special town-meeting held Feb. 2-5, 1864, it 
was voted to authorize the payment of a town bounty 
of $100. 

Another special meeting was held March 31, 1804, 
at which the above offer of $100 was again adopted, 
but by a singularly small vote, — 18 for and 2 against. 

Aug. 11, 1804, a tax of $2.5,000 for the payment of 
bounties was approved, and the amount of bounty to 
each left to the discretion of the town board. Bonds 
were directed to be issued payable in eight equal 
annual installments, on the 1st of February, 1865, 
and each year to 1872 inclusive. Of the sum author- 
ized, $22,500 was expended. 



MINISINK. 



673 



Jan. 18, 1865, a tax of $15,000 was authorized for 
bounty jiurposes, to be disbursed by the town board 
at the rate of $200 to each volunteer for one year, 
$300 for two years, and $400 for three years. Under 
settlement of this call (Dec. 19, 1864) the town was 
allowed an excess of thirty-one years, $6200, and for 
volunteers, $6308; total, $12,500. 

The following list of those who served from or for 
Minisink in the war of 1861-65 has been corrected 
and revised by Mr. J. H. Hanford, of Unionville : 

Job H. Lateer, 5th Art. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 

Levi Martin, 179th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 

James H. Peacock, 124th Inf. : enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 

Isaiah Jaycox, Co. K, 124th Inf. ; enl. A>ig. 18, 1864 ; 1 year. 

Edward Meyer, Co. K, 121th luf ; enl. Aug. 18, 1864; 1 year. 

James H. Brush, Go. li, I24th Inf.: enl. Aug. 19,1864; died of fever at 

Point Lookout, March 22, 1863. 
Eugene Carroll, enl. Aug. 19, 1864; unassigned. 
Josiah Conkliu, 6th Art. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
William Miller, 124th Inf.; eul. Aug. 19, 1864. 
William Norton, 5th Art. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
Thomas Molony, 5th Art. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
Simon West, Colored Troops; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. 
John Hughes, 20th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 
John Dowley, 2llth Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864. 
Wni. U. West, Colored Troops; enl. Feh. 10, 1864. 
Johu Mailes, 15th Art ; enl. Feb. 10, 1804. 
Seth M. Davy, Co. K, 124th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
William Middaugh, 5th Art. ; eul. .\ug. 17, 1864. 
James H. Rodiueei-, 6th Art.; eul. Aug. 17, 1864. 
Benjamin F. Clark, 5th Art.; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 

Sidney S. Jervis, Colored Troops; enl. Aug. 17, 1864; died on the march. 
Charles Dunn, 10th Art.; eul. Aug. 17,1864. 
Patrick Ryan, 10th Art, ; eul. Aug. 17, 1864. 
James Evans, lUth Art. ; eul. Aug. 17, 1864. 
John Meredith, loth Art.; eul. Aug. 17, 1864. 
William Schoonover, 5tli Art.; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. 
Samuel E. Cortright, 5th Art. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864 j supposed to be killed 

in battle. 
Joseph Bears, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded in the Wilderness. 
Peter Ten Eyck, 7th Art.; enl. Dec. 18, 1863, 
Samuel Santica, eul. Dec. 24, 1863. 
George W. Vail, 9th Art.; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
George W. Hoyt, 7lh Art. ; enl. Feb. 8, 1864. 
Samuel C. Myers, 7th Art. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
James O'Brien, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 21. 1864. 
James V. Elston, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 25, 1864. 
Moses J. Clark, 7th Art. ; eul. Jan. 25, 1864. 
Stephen A. Smith, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
John W. Dunning, 7th Art. ; enl. Jan. 28, 1864. 
James W. Downey, 7th Art.; enl. Jan. 28, 1864. 
Charles S. Middaugh, 7th Ait. ; enl. Jan. 28, 1864 ; had both feet frozen, 

and lost both great toes. 
William Lamorau.\, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg; buried in National Cemetery; was iu the battle of Chancel- 

lorsviile. 
Austin W. Lamorau.x, corp , Co. E, 124th ; eul. Aug. 16, 1862; wounded 

in the Wilderness and at Petersburg, and died in Douglass Hospital. 
Edward M. Carpenter, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 16, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg and Wilderness; was at the surrender of Gen. Lee. 
Simon Bellis, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; pro. to Corp.; wounded 

at Wilderness. 
John E. Baird, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Stephen E. Baird, Co. B, 124th ; cnl. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Thomas U. Baird, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Charles H. Cock. 

George W. Diramick, Co. D, 124tli, fifer in drum corps. 
Nathan Everett, Jr. 
Daniel W. Fredericks. 
John C. Fredericks. 
Matthias T. E. Holbert, Co. B, 124th ; wounded iu elbow at Chancellors- 

ville; also iu action Oct. 27, 1804; disch. April 11, 1865, at Conv. 

Cnmp. 
Samuel House. 



Robert Williams, 143d ; enl. Feb. 9, 1866. 

George Euhlen, loth Eng.; enl. Feb, 6, 1865. 

Henry Dooley, ,56th; enl. Feb. 6, 1865. 

Alfred Mordecai, 8th Cavalry ; enl. Fob. 7, 1865. 

James Williams, 143d ; enl. Feb, 8, 1865. 

James Brady, Sth Cavalry ; enl. Feb. 8, 1865. 

Henry Scott, 143d; enl. Feb, 10, 1805. 

Henry Binger, 8ntli ; enl. Feb. 14, 1805. 

I>unuin Mosher, oOtli ; enl. Feb. 15, 1865. 

William Leeper, 80th ; enl. Feb. 15, 1865. 

Nathan C. Hanford, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; while on the march 
was injured by hernia, and disch. Oct. 4, 1862. 

William Titus, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to V. R. C. April 
20, 1864. 

Hezekiah J. Harmon, 19th. 

Aaron Lincli, Bat. A. 

James H. Merritt, Co. B, 124th ; wounded in front of Petersburg. 

Wm. McCorniack, Bat. A. 

Stephen E. Ostrom, Co. E, 124tli ; disch. previous to May 1, 1863, on ac- 
count of disability. 

Benjamin F. Reed, Bat. A. 

Oscar Terwilliger, corp., Co. C, I24th ; ticins. to V. B. C. 

Gabriel S. Tuthill, ord.-ser^t., Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1802; pro. to 
2d lieut. Feb. 8, 181.3: disch. Feb 21, 1864. 

Ira Wilcox, Co. F, 124th ; eul. Aug. 13, 18ii2; died May 5, 1863, of wounds 
received May 3, 1803. 

Albert Young. Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. ,5, 1862; disch. Dec. 6, 1803, at 
Conv. Camp, Alexandria, Va. 

Lewis Rotttuan, enl. June 15, 1864. 

William Riley, eul. July 2, 1864. 

Jnmes A. Ward, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863. 

Sanniel Peavy, Co. M, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 29, 1864. 

Timothy McSweeney. enl. Aug. 16, 1804. 

Charles Taylor, enl. Nov. 26, 1864. 

Dauiel Campbell, enl. Dec. 6, 1864. 

Thomas Work, enl. Dec. 0, 1864. 

Alexander White, enl. Dec. 9, 1864. 

Edward Walter, enl. Dec, 9, 1864, 

Robert McPherson, enl. Dec. 9, 1864. 

Wm. C, Ottaway, eul. Dec. 7, 1S64, 

Raymond Calana, enl. July 23, 1864. 

Edward Gamun, enl. July 25, 1864. 

William Ludwig, enl. Aug. 12, 1864. 

John Smith, enl. Dec. 2.'i, 1864. 

Samuel Edward, enl. Dec. 30, 1804. 

Clos Steer, enl. Jan. 2, 1805. 

George Youmaus, 7th Art. 

Johu Everitt. 

Bowdawine C. Lee, Co. B, 124th ; enl. 1802; was disch. on account of 
rheumatism March 18, 1803. 

Lee Nutting, Co. H, 01st ; enl. 1861 ; enl. as sergt. ; pro. to capt. 

Wm. H. Hunt, Co. F, 124th ; enl. 1862; died April 12, 1803. 

Joe Bross, Co. B, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; wounded at Wilderness, May 12, 1864, 
in head, slight. 

Ransom Wilcox, Co. F, 124th ; enl. 1862 ; disch. previous to March 25, 1865. 

Wm. H. Merritt, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; pro. to 1st sergt. 

Samuel Titus, Co. H, 61st N. Y. V. ; enl. Oct. 1, 1861. 

Lewis L. Carr, Co. H, 6Ist N. Y. V. ; enl. Oct. 1, 1861 ; trans, to V. R. C. 

Jeremiah Post, Co. H, 01st N. Y. V.; enl. Oct. 1, 1861. 

Wm. Myers. 

Charles Colden, Colored; enl. 1803. 

Beverly Post, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April, 1801, for two years ; was disch. at 
expiration of term, and re-enl. Jan. 19, 1804 (aa a veteran) in 7th 
Art. for three years. 

Edward M. Hanford, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April, 1861, for two years ; at ex- 
piration of term was discharged; re-enl. (as a veteran) Jan. 19, 
1804, in 7tli Art. for three years; was detailed as member of post 
band at Hart Island, New York Iiarbor, and honorably disch. at 
close of war. 

J. Harvey Hanford, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, as private; pro. to 
2d sergt.; was in b,attles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville; and 
wounded three times at Gettysburg; July 22, 1863, was detailed on 
recruiting service, and sent to Riker'a Island, New York harbor ; 
in winter of 1863 wan sent to Albany rendezvous; June, 1864, 
sent to Hart Island, New Y'ork harbor, and detailed as qr.mr.-sergt., 
and honorably disch. from there at close of war. 



674 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. HULET CLAKK. 

His grandfather David was of English descent, 
and lived and died in Westchester Co., N. Y. Caleb, 
father of Judge Hulet Clark, was born in Westchester 
County in 1760. He married Jemima KnifFen, and 
their children were Hulet, of whom this sketch is 
written ; Wallace, married Sarah Smith ; Jerusha, 
married Moses Durland, and lives in Greenville ; 
David, married Nancy Slauson, and after her death 
Betsy Manning; Phebe, married Lewis Seybolt; Jas. 
F., married Abbie Hallock, and lives in Greenville. 

Caleb Clark moved to Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., 
about 17%, and a few years afterwards into Minisink 
township, where he died in 1840. Judge Hulet Clark 
was born in Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., March 
26, 1790. His childhood was spent at home, and the 
common schools were his only educational advan- 
tages. In 1812 he married Mary, daughter of Zebu- 
Ion Hallock, of Greenville, and their children were 
Chauncey H., who married Angeline Slauson, and 
afterwards Mary Corwin, and lives in Wawayanda; 
Alfred, Bertha, Samuel J., James Monroe, Henry 
Hallock, and Zebulon H., all of whom died in August, 
1825. His wife Mary died Sept. 2, 1825. Soon 
after his marriage Judge Chirk commenced farming 
on the iarm now owned by Hulet Manning, of Green- 
ville. April 1, 1828, he bought 420 acres of land 
in Minisink, which still remains in the family, and 
there lived, following agricultural pursuits the re- 
mainder of his life. In 1814 he received a commission 
as captain of a company in the One Hundred and 
Forty-eighth New York Regiment of militia from 
Governor Tompkins, which he held six years. He was 
afterwards commissioned major, and served until 1826, 
when he was again commissioned as colonel of the 
same regiment by Governor DeWitt Clinton, and 
served for eight consecutive years. He was town clerk 
in 1819-20 ; justice of the peace from 1821 to 1834 ; and 
judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1834 to 1840. 
Politically he was a Democrat, represented his town 
in the board of supervisors, and was chairman of that 
body in 1851. Judge Clark was an active, energetic 
business man. He kept his engagements with scrupu- 
lous integrity, and was regarded as a man of sterling 
worth and a representative man of his time. He was a 
director of the Highland Bank of Newburgh for many 
years. He was a man of positive character, and al- 
though dignified in his bearing, was Democratic in his 
principles in a large degree. He died March 31, 1857. 

Nov. 30, 1826, Judge Clark married Emeline, 
widow of John Greenleaf, and daughter of Ephraim 
and Amy Forbes, of New London, Conn., and of 
this union were born Bertha, who lives on the old 
homestead ; William H., who married Emily, daugh- 
ter of Robert Robertson, of Wawayanda, and lives 
in Minisink ; Caleb, who married Phebe A., daughter 



of Henry Decker, of Minisink ; Elizabeth C, who 
married Gilbert W. Roe, and lives in Oshkosh, Wis. ; 
and George Dallas, who lives on the old homestead. 
Emeline Clark died June 2, 1876. William Harvey 
Clark represents the • Second District of Orange 
County in the New York Legislature, is supervisor 
of his township, and was chairman of the board of 
supervisors in 1876. He was one of the incorporators 
of the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap Rail- 
road, and has been its treasurer since 1874, and a 
director in its board since 1866. Caleb Clark studied 
medicine with Dr. Seymour, of Westtown, N. Y., 
was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 
1862, and was assistant surgeon in the Ninety-second 
New York Regiment in the late war. He now 
carries on a farm of 200 acres of land in Minisink. 
George Dallas Clark is a successful farmer and a 
man of good judgment in his business affairs. 



COL. JOHN C. WISNER. 

His father, Capt. John Wisner, Jr., was the son of 
Gen. Henry Wisner, of Warwick, N. Y., and lived on 
the Wisner homestead in Minisink, which has been in 
the family name since 1766. He was a farmer by oc- 
cupation, and an active man in his town. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Maj. Peter Butholp, May 16, 
1790, and their children were Susan, married David 
Lee; Mary, died young; Elizabeth, married Richard 
Whitaker ; Agnes, married Nathaniel Chandler ; 
Anna, died young; Tira Maria, died young; Henry, 
deceased ; John C, the subject of this sketch ; Tem- 
perance Ann, married John Slauson ; and Harriet, 
married Daniel Sayre. Capt. John Wisner, Jr., died 
April 23, 1811. His wife died Sept. 16, 1843. 

Col. John C. Wisner was born on the homestead 
April 6, 1803. His father dying when he was a boy, 
he was somewhat early in life taught what it was to 
depend on himself. After getting a common-school 
education, at the age of nineteen he married Mary, 
daughter of Peter and Hannah (Fancher) Weed, of 
Fairfield Co., Conn., and commenced life as a farmer 
on the homestead. Here we find Col. Wisner attend- 
ing to the duties of his fireside and farm during his 
lifetime. His children were Peter, born June 19, 1823, 
died in New York, July 6, 1852 ; William H., born 
Sept. 7, 1825, died in November, 1876; Andrew J., 
born Feb. 13, 1827, died in Australia, April 24, 1853; 
Gabriel, born Nov. 11, 1828, died March 7, 1866 ; Har- 
riet, married Isaac E. Toland, and lives in Unionville, 
N. Y. ; Lyman F., who went to Iowa when a young 
man, and is a banker at Eldora, Hardin Co., in that 
State ; Elizabeth, married William E. Taylor, of War- 
wick ; John, died a young man ; Mary, born Sept. 19, 
1840, married Isaac E. Toland, and died in 1867; and 
Sarah, who died in infancy. Col. John C. Wisner 
died Feb. 11, 1878. His wife died Feb. 10, 1870. 

The following obituary notice is taken from the 
Middletown Argus: 




/./..^ 



^/^^L.^.^---^- 




I 



^ 



PETER WERRY. 



His father, Peter, was bdrn, lived, and died in the 
county of Cornwall, Kngliind, and fullowed agrieultural 
pursuits during liis life. He married Susan Ead, and 
their children were Susan, deceased ; Mary, who married 
Edward Hill, and lives in Devonshire Co., England ; 
Rebecca, who married William Smitbem, and after his 
death, in 1856, came to America with her two children, 
William and Rebecca, and died in Wawayandn, Oct. 10, 
1874 ; Betsey, deceased, who married Richard Gilbert, 
and whose children were Susan, Elizabeth, and Mary; 
Peter, subject of this biography; and John, who came 
to America with his wife in 18-10, and settled in Sullivan 
County, N. Y., where he now lives. His children are 
Susan, Sarah Jane, and Wm. Henry. Peter Werry, the 
subject of this sketch, was born in the county of Cornwall, 
England, March 5, 1811. His father died when ho was 
seven years old, and his mother when he was sixteen. 
The family, being largo and in moderate circumstances, 
were thus left upon their own resources. At the age of 
eight Peter Werrj* commenced work. He had no school 
advantages, and his business knowledge was obtained 
entirely by experience. In 1834 he came to the United 
States. 

For the first few years he was engaged in the con- 
struction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal at Port 
Jervis, and as a farm hand for Joseph Davis, Esq., 
and others. On Jan 5, 1839, he married Drusilla, 
daughter of William H. and Sarah (Gibson) Clark, of 
Warwick, and their children were Mary, married Robert 
Osborn, and resides in the town of Minisiuk ; Harriet 
Adelia, married George Kerwick, of Sussex County, 
and died in W^awayanda, June 1, 1876, at the age of 
thirty-three; Drusilla, who resides at home; Margaret, 



married Floyd Baird, of Greenville, and died June 11, 
J878, at the age of thirty; Charles P., died Sept. 5, 
1872, at the age of twenty-three; Sarah Elizabeth, re- 
sides at home; and John J., who married Georgianna 
L., daughter of R. A. Lane, of Minisink, and resides on 
the old homestead. William H. Clark died April 21, 
1867, aged seventy-seven years; his wife, Sarah, died 
March 1, 1877, aged eighty-seven years. They had ten 
daughters and two sons; eleven of them married and 
reared families, and six of them now live in the vicinity 
of their birth. From his marriage until 18-16, Peter 
Werry resided at Big Island, in Goshen township. In 
the spring of 1846 he rented a farm of three hundred 
and sixty acres of land of Dewitt Howell, in the town 
of Minisink, and moved upon it. In 1819 he bought 
this land of the Howell heirs, and lived there until his 
death, June 14, 1879. Upon the homestead he built a 
house and commodious farm buildings and brought the 
land to a high state of cultivation. In 1862 he bought 
one hundred and thirty-two acres of land of Virgil 
Dunning, and in 1865 two hundred and forty-nine acres 
of L. L. Lane. At his death he owned seven hundred and 
forty-one acres of land in Minisink in one body. Peter 
Werry is an example of what a man can accomplish by 
his own personal industry. He was a farmer through 
life, and a frugal, hard-working man. In politics he 
was a Democrat, and held some of the minor offices of 
his town. He was prompt in meeting his engagements, 
and attended strictly to bis own aftairs. He was an at- 
tendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church at West- 
town and contributed towards purchasing its jiarsonage. 
Mrs. Werrj' now lives on the farm adjoining the home- 
stead, where she moved in April, 1880. 







c^.^ /^^^^^^.^^A 



Peter Kimbbr was born Ang. 29, 1806, at Union- 
ville. Orange Co., N. Y. He is a lineal descemlant in 
the fiftli generation of Casper Kimber, who came from 
England with his wife about 1728, and settled in tlie old 
MinisinU Patent, at a place called Pullet's Ishind. Ho 
immediately bought about eight hundred acres of land, 
and lived there until his death. His children were 
George, Nathaniel, Ephraim, Isaac, Josejih, John, 
James, Zuby, and Elizabeth. George, great-grand- 
father of our subject, soon after his marriage purchased 
seventy-five acres of land in Wantage, N. J. Ho 
lived tlierc but a few years when he bought two hundred 
and twenty-five acres in the Minisink Patent, and moved 
upon it about the year 1750. Since that time this land 
has been owned by his descendants, and is one of the 
oldest titles remaining in the same family name in 
Orange County. The stone wing of Peter Kimber's 
house was built by him prior to the Revolutionary war, 
and at the time of the Minisink massacre was used as a 
fort by himself and neighbors. George Kimber served 
in the war of the Revolution, and died a few years after- 
wards. His children were Sarah, Peter, Margaret, and 
Samuel. Peter, grandfather of our subject, was born 
on the homestead ; was in the Minisink massacre, and 
served during the war of the Revolution. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of James Clark, of Minisink, and 
their children were Sarah, George, Catharine, Jane, 
and James. He inherited the old homestead, and lived 
upon it until he died, March 14, 1817. George, father 
of Peter Kimber, Esq., was born Aug. 29, 1781. He 
married Sarah Elston, and by her had the following 
children; Elizabeth, born April 29, 1800, married 
Leonard "Wintermute, a farmer of Wantage, and died 
in Ohio, July 28, 1834 ; Hannah, born March 14, 1802, 
married Josiah Bennett, a farmer of iNIinisink, and died 
March 4, 1858; Peter, subject of this sketch ; and Sally 
Maria, born Sept. 18, 181C, and married Jacob D. Miers, 



a farmer of Wantage, N. J. He lived upon the home- 
stead, which he obtained by purchase and inheritance, 
during his lifetime, and there died Nov. 3, 18C0. Peter 
Kimber, Esq., has always lived upon the Kimber home- 
stead near Unionville. His boyhood was spent on his 
father's farm, in his father's grist-mill, and in obtain- 
ing an education which the common schools I'f tliat 
day afforded. Ho married Maria Litteer, Jan. 17, 
1829, and their children are Joseph E., who married 
Jane Shorter, and lives at Unionville, N. Y. ; Phebe 
Elizabeth, wlio married George W. Rhides, a farmer of 
Vernon, Sussex Co ,N. J.; John M., who lives at home ; 
Merilda, who lives at home; Sarah, who married John 
L. Van Gorder, a farmer of Minisink ; Mary Ann, who 
lives at home; and George Merrit, who lives at home. 
His wife died April 3, 1869. 

Mr. Kimber worked his father's farm on shares until 
1850, when he bought twenty-five acres of land near by, 
and built a saw-mill and cider-mill. These he carriea 
on with his farming until 1800, when his father died 
and he came into possession of the homestead by inher- 
itance and purchase. Ho has been an active, industri- 
ous, and successful business man. 

Politically, he is a Jefl'ersonian Democrat, and has 
been honored by his townsmen with the office of justice 
of the peace from 1854 until 1881. He has also acted 
as overseer of highways, and constable and collector of 
his township. 

He is a man of good judgment and temperate habits, 
and his counsel has been often sought by his neighbors. 
He now resides on the homestead, in a house recently 
built by him, and carries on his farm and mills. Mr. 
Kimber was an original stockholder in the Middletown, 
Unionville and Water-Gap Railroad, and is interested in 
the welfare of his town. He and his family are attend- 
ants at the Baptist Church of Unionville, towards which 
he contributed at the time of its erection. 





^^^, 



y>^j^^^ 



) 



MINISINK. 



675 



"Col. John 0. Wisner, one of tbe oldest, most prominent, ami widely- 
known citizens of the town of Minisink, died at his home, altont a qnar- 
ter of a mile from the village of Unionville, last Monday niglit. During 
his long and nsefnl life deceased had occupied many impoi tant offices in 
the gift of the people, having served in the Assembly, in the board of 
supervisors, discharged the duties of justice of the peace of bis native 
town, and was one of tbe bonding commissioners and directors of the 
Middletowu and Unionville Railroad, in all of which positions he dis- 
cliarged the duties conscientiously auil for tbe best interests of his con- 
stituents. Col. Wisner was a man of sterling worth, nnbleniisbed repu- 
tation, and of rare business sagacity, respected far and wide, and 
acknowledged to be one uf the most enterprising and useful citizens of 
the town of Minisink. He was a Democrat by birth and education, and 
occupied a high position in his party, frequently presiding at its conven- 
tions. He was colonel of the old State militia of the town of Minisink 
at the time it was under the conmiand of Maj.-Gen. Gilbert O. Fowler, of 
Newburgh." 



M. S. HAYNE, M.D. 

His great-grandfather, Frederick Hayne, came from 
Germany when young, and settled in Wantage, N. J., 
about mh, upon a farm afterwards owned by James 
Coe. He married a daughter of Peter Decker, of 
Wantage, and there lived until his death. Peter 
Hayne, son of Frederick, was born in Wantage, May 
28, 1760, and followed agricultural pursuits during 
his life. He married Martha Lewis, of Baskinridge, 
N. J., Aug. 5, 1784, and died on his farm adjoining 
the homestead. Their children were Frederick; 
Huldah, married James Evans ; Benjamin, father of 
our subject; Lydia, married Jacob Wilson and after- 
wards Manuel Coykendall ; Alva; Lewis; and Eliza, 
who married Evi Martin, a farmer of Minisink. 

Benjamin Hayne was born Oct. 29, 1791, and spent 
his boyhood at home. At the age of seventeen he 
went to Morristown, N. J., and there learned the 
saddlery and harness-making trade, which he followed 
most of his life. Li 1814 he established himself in 
business at Unionville, N. Y. In 1815 he married 
Milly, daughter of Richard Whitaker, and their chil-__gince, 
dred were Marcus S., subject of the sketch ; Peter, 
who lives at GoshAi, N. Y. ; and Milly, who married 
Henry B. Lee, and lives in Chemung Co., N. Y. His 
wife Milly died Aug. 30, 1820, at the age of twenty- 
five. Benjamin Hayne afterwards married Charlotte 
Whitaker, sister of his former wife, and their children 
were Frances, wife of A. W. Van Fleet, of L^nionville, 
N. Y. ; Lewis, deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Caroline, 
wife of O. W. Cooke, of Pas.saic, X. J. ; Jacob ; and 
Martha, wife of J. B. Hendershot, of Hamburgh, N. J. 
With the exception of the year 1816, which he spent in 
Sussex County, Mr. Hayne carried on his business at 
Unionville until 1831, when he bought a farm of 170 
acres in Wantage, N. J., and there moved with his 
family. Three years afterwards he sold this, and 
after traveling in the West for a few years, returned, 
and in 1838 purchased another farm in Wantage of 
166 acres. He lived there until his death, Nov. 12, 
1843. His wife Charlotte died Dec. 7, 1869, aged 
sixty-five years. From 1814 until 1831 Benjamin 
Hayne carried on a large business in his line at 
Unionville, N. Y., and was regarded as a reliable busi- 



ness man and a good neighbor. He was a member 
and elder of the Presbyterian Church at Unionville, 
and one of its firmest supporters. 

Dr. M. S. Hayne was born at Bloomervillc, Sussex 
Co., N. J., Jan. 23, 1816. He spent his early life at 
home. At first he attended common school, and 
afterwards the Rankin School at Deckertown, N. J., 
where he became an assistant teacher, carrying on his 
studies at tlie same time. In 1838 he entered the 
oflice of Dr. Lynn, of Deckertown, and began the 
study of medicine. After remaining there one year 
he went to Ontario Co., N. Y., and continued his med- 
ical studies in the office of Sylvester Austin, M.D. 
Soon afterwards he entered the "Geneva Medical 
College," from which he was graduated in the class 
of January, 1841. The year of his graduation Dr. 
Hayne settled at Westtown, N. Y., and commenced to 
practice his profession. In 1843 he married Amelia, 
daughter of Samuel and Belinda (Dada) Van Fleet, 
of Westtown, and by her had two children, both of 
whom died in infancy. She died Jan. 30, 1848. In 
1844 he moved to Mount Salem, Sussex Co., N. J., 
where he practiced medicine until 1846, when he 
located at Unionville, N. Y., where he has since re- 
sided. In 1849 he married Jane, daughter of Josiah 
and Hannah (Adams) Decker, and by this marriage 
were born Albert B., who died Oct. 12, 1876, at the 
age of twenty-six ; Anna M., deceased ; and Marcus 
P., a lawyer and city attorney of Tombstone, Arizona. 
She died July 16, 1856. Until 1870 Dr. Hayne fol- 
lowed his profession, and enjoyed a large practice in 
this section of Orange County. Since that time he 
has practiced only as a consulting physician. He has 
been a member of the Orange County Medical Society 
since 1841. In 1868 he built the Unionville Cemetery, 
as a private enterprise, and has carried on the same 
He is a director in the Farmers' National 
Bank of Deckertown, N. J., and also in the Middle- 
town, Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, and was 
one of the original stockholders and main promoters 
of the enterprise. 

Dr. Hayne was formerly a Whig, but has been 
identified with the Republican party from its forma- 
tion, and is the present postmaster at Unionville, 
receiving his appointment in April, 1879. He is a 
member and elder of the Presbyterian Church, and 
contributed liberally towards the same at its erection. 
In 1865 he became interested in the " Unionville 
Creamery," with Samuel Christie, and since the death 
of the latter, in 1875, has owned and managed the 
same himself. He also operates a creamery in 
Wantage, and does a large business, buying most of 
the milk in that section. Dr. Hayne is esteemed by 
his neighbors as an honest, generous, liberal-minded 
man. On Jan. 12, 1858, he married Eliza A., daughter 
of Samuel and Jayne (Elston) Christie, one of the 
old and respected families of Wantage, N. J., and of 
this union was born one son, S. Christie, who lives at 
home and is in business with his father. 



W A W A Y A N D A. 



I. -SITUATION. UOIIMJAKIES. AUEA, TITLE. 
W.WVAYAMiA^is ivn intofioitown.lyinji; in tluMVO.st- 
oni i>iii( nl' tlio ooiinly, ll.s outlino is smuotliitii!: of 
;ni inognl;!!' triiinglc, ami, liko that oC olhor towns in 
llio vicinily. ilitiioult to he aoouratcly stutoii liy tlio 
Oiinlii\iil point-s ol' tl(o conipass*. It is lioundod iiortli 
by Monnt lloi>p ami Wallkill, east by (ioshon, sotith 
l>y Warwick ami Minisink, west by Minisink and 
(irceiivillo. The area of tlie town, as statoil in the 
last sni>('rvis(n-s' ropoil, is 1;',;VS'2 acres. The total as- 
sessed valuation of the town was #S14,().")0, and tlie 
tax eoUeoted on that basis $(!4()t5."(>. The territory 
of the town is a part of the Wawayanda I'aleiit, and 
individual titles should be oapable of being- traced 
back to the original grant. 



ir. NATUUAl, FEATUHES. 

The town is an irrciiular triangle, witli llic north 
line constitutin)t the base. The Wallkill forms the 
southeast boundary, and Uutger's Creek the south- 
west, except for the nortliwest part, where the terri- 
tory of the town extends beyond the creek. The sur- 
face of the town is i\>llinii', and it is mostly drained 
by streams (lowing south and southwesterly to Kut- 
ger's Creek, or oast and .southeast to the Wallkill. 
Various excellent water-privileges exist upon these 
stivams. son\e of which were brought into use at an 
early day. as well as in later years. 

In the southeast there is a range of hills nearly 
l)arallel to tl\e Wallkill Uiver, and there are other 
high lands in the northwest. The highwt hill is in 
the n<>rthwest part, and bears the name of .logxv, from 
.Toghem, who is said to have been the last Indian in 
this section of the country, one of the grantors of the 
lands, ai\d whose cabin stood on the south side of the 
hill. The Drowned Lands occupy quite a portion of 
the southeast i>art of the town, on the angle between 
the Wallkill and Rntger's Creek. A large portion of 
tbem have been reclaimed. 

Round Pond is a beantil'nl sheet of water situated 
in tlie south part of the town. Its name is emphat- 
ically cornvt. It is about one mile in circumference, 
very clear and deep. It has no visible outlet. 



III.-EARIiY SETTLEMENT. 
It is not perhaps easy to determine the tirst settler 
within the limit-s of this town. 



• Tor ftn oxplntmtfon of tt»e moAnfng of the nfun«, w* g«n«ml chnpter 
on G<H»gmi>hf»''«t Nomenclfttnn^. 
6T6 



As early as I73S the population of (Soshcii I'recinct 
was 1(117. This would probably eipial only about 
Itill ,tr 17(1 tamilics. This was t'or the whole territory 
from the Hudson to the Shawangnnk Mountains, and 
beyond in the lower neighborhood of Deerpark, IhU 
there is a statement of the population of Minisink of 
the .same date, giving the total as 3;t!), or about (>(> 
families, so that )>crhaps the "lower neighborhood"' 
was not included in the statcnu'ut for (?oshen. 

It is probable that at the date above mentioned 
(17.S.'<) the population was in the vicinity of Tort .Ter- 
vis, (ttwhen, along the Hudson, and a few near the 
New Jersey line, in the vicinity of what is now known 
as T'nionville. 

It is safe to date the general setlh'mcnl of Wawa- 
yanda as diiring the Kevolution or at its close, though 
a few families were on this territory earlier. 

The following notices of various families comprise 
about all ihc material respecting early settlement 
which can now- be obtained from books or tmm the 
n>colleclion of the older people now living as to the 
traditions related to them by their fathers. The 
generation that opened up these forests for culti- 
vation has passed away, and the historian i-an no 
longer obtain his fiicts from " tirst hands," but must 
cull then\ from other sources, either of record or of 
tradition. 

In t'urther showing the names of tlic tamilics re- 
siding in what is now the town of Wawayanda Just 
before the Revolutionary war, we are fortunately able 
to give the assessu\ent-roll of this section, n»ade out 
for district No. 10 in the old precinct of Ctwhen, — the 
last one, probably, made under provincial authority, — 
September, 177A. Pistrict No. 1(>, with James Little 
assessor, undoubtedly comprised most of the town of 
Wawayanda, perhaps extending e.•^stwa^l across the 
Wallkill, and including a portion of the present ter- 
ritory of (ioshen, also extending westwani to include 
any settlers in the north or northeast portions of 
Oreenville. It is true there was another district (No. 
(i), of which Joshua Pavis was the assessor, but it is 
evident that the assessor did not reside in his own 
district in every instance. The nan\e of Joshua Davis 
is tound in the roll of No, 10, A comparison of the 
names with those of other records shows that Joshua 
Davis" district was mostly the present town of Mini- 
sink, and there we have given No. ti. District No, 1(> 
was the rich Dolsentown neighborlxHvl, with con- 
siderable territorv added, as shown above. 



WAW WANDA. 



(177 



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t a. .1. 

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Niiinon. 



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Klimtliniil'iiivy H 12 10 

" TIip iiliovo Ii » truo lint of tlipiUMipiiiiinptil IhUpii In lll,v DUtvlfl, 8p|l- 

tiMiilipr, 177r». .l,\Mi<» l.lTTl.n." 

.loliii IIiilliH'k, jiiii'o.xtor III" fHiiiilics nl'lliiU iiiiiiu' in 
llii'.i «(M'li()ii o( roiiiiliv, I'liiiic iViiiii l')ii);l!iii<l licrnrc 
llu' Ki'voliiliiiM.'irv will' mill scllli'il iil ^lulliiliiclv, 1>. 1. 
\i llii' ciiMniii'iu'cMii'iil 111' Ihi' will' 111' WHS ilninj; iiiili- 
Inrv iliily cm llu' Uhiml. ami Irl'l il when il wiis nip- 
liiicil liy llu- ICiifilisJi. Ill' llirii irimivril to Oxford, 
ill Oi'Hiino (joiiiily, mill wiis in llir miiiliiry service 
soiiii' tiiiio in I ho llij;liliiiiils. His luollicr Dmiiol wii.h 
ivi'liiip us his siili.stiluli' 111 (ho ciiptlliv 111' l'"iiii Monl- 
jtoiiiory ill 1777, niiil iiiirrowly i'si'n|ii'il hoiii^r (iikoii 
prisoiior. In \~X'\ lio |iiin'hiisoil 2IHI iioios ol' liiinl 
jll8t soutli of the |Mosi'nl villiiffo dl' Ridjfoluiry, Tho 
liind oxtoiiiloil wosl, mill inohnloil (ho silo nl' wliivl 
has boon known us Uiookru'lil. Ilo giivolho lot ii|iiin 
whioli tlio Ohl-Sohiiiil Itiiplisl cluinli nl' Ihiil |iliioo 
WHS orooU'il. It is sail! thai wlion ho hiiill liis lumso, 
lilulin^ hiinsoir short of nails ho Irinloil nit' a now hat 
for Olio ol'io.ss viiliio, and with Iho dill'oroiico was ulilo 
111 luiy tho nails iioodod, 

.lohii Hallook, .Ir,. son ol' .lohii (I), was a man of 
aliilily. and voiy iiniok-willod, willi a I'liiid ol' por|iol- 
ual good hiiinor, 'Phoso iiiialitios liroiifrhl him liol'oro 
tho piililio, and ho wits olootod to ollioos ol' various 
gnidos in till' old town of iMiiiisiiik hoforo tho division, 
— juslii-o of Iho poaoo, town olork, supervisor, twioe 
a nioinlior of Iho Lojjislatliro, and also a nioniher of 
tho Ninoteendi mid 'rwonliolh ('oiijjirosses. His forinor 
rosideiioo is the plaoe in lalo years of Kiindall Slovens, 
of liidireliury. 

His son, Dr, PewiH ('. Ilallork, iiilnrilcd ii lar^e 
share of his father's talents, lie was town elerk of 



I\liiiisink lor two or three yours, and after the foriiia- 
tion of Wawiiyunda was suporvisor of this town for 
1852 and IHri.'t. Jle was ii jjood surveyor, and had an 
extensive inodieal praelieo. He was also noloil for 
extruordinaiy powers as a violinist, exeoedinn, il was 
elaiinod, any player in the State. 

liev, liiiliard Deiidin was horn in ^'orkshire, I'-ng- 
laiid, in l.'i.Sii; (fiailualed at CuniliriilKo, liiL':i, mid set- 
tled as minister of (loloy (!hnpol, in Halifax, Kniilmid ; 
1ml ill eiiiisei|iioiiee of llie restrielions plaood upon tlie 
ilidopeiidenls mid non-eonforiiiiiuls, oiiii;r|-,iiiMl to Ilos- 
ton with ( iovernor VViiilhidp ill Ki.'in. He prouolu'il 
ill Walertown, Mass., and snlisoipii'iilly al Wclhois- 
Hold ami Slaniford, (!imii. In liill In' I'lnin'iiili'il willi 
a porlion of his eongro)j;iilioii .'iml iimnni'mi'd the sot- 
tleiiient of Hempstead, I,. I.; irlninnl In l'',n^jlaiid, 
mid died in lli(!"_', lined seventy-six years. His sons 
were Kiehard, Sainnel, Haiiiel, Natlimiiel. and ,lohii. 
Nntlianiol and Daniel roinovod to ,lmniiioa in llinli, 
and were instniniontiil in sotllinn' the plaoe. Dmiiol 
ill 1670 pnlilishod tho lirst history of (he eolony of 
New A'ork. .lolin romovi'd to Ormijro ( 'oniily, mid 
is the iinmodiale mioestor of (hoso of Unit nmno 
Ih'io. , lames, his son, had four sons, — Amos, .Inlin, 
W'illiaiii, and 'i'hoiniis. VVillimn mid .lohn Hetllod in 
Orange Coiinly, liut W'illimii rolniind in l.oiig Island, 
near Heaver Pond, and died there, .lohn loeated on 
thu old Cnrpentor furin in the village of (ioslion. Ho 
had three wives and foiirleoii oliildreii. His first wife 
was.Imio Fisher, of l,iiiig Island; Ihoseoond, l'',liza- 
liolli Wisner, daughter of Henry Wisnor, l';si|. ; the 
third, i\Iiiiv (lalo, dmigliter of Hezokiah Oale, wdio 
livod iii'iir what ii iinw oallcd Ijagrange. 

One of the daughlers of Thomas married .lasoii 
Wilkin, wdio resided at the plaoe last nmind. Cntli- 
arine, a diinghter of Samuel, of l,ong Island, married 
.laeoh Mills, IOsi|., of VVallkill, and had twelve eliil- 
ilrcn. niii' nl' wlinm. W'illimii Wiokliam Mills, married 
the nnly diuightor (A' \\'ii-kli:iin Denton, of I^ong 
Island. 

Mr. Kielimd Car|ieiitor was an early settler at this 
looation, and owned 100 iieres. He lived in a log 
eiiliin on the hill, made potash, and farmed il a lillle. 
.Viler him the farm was owned liy f'dislia l'",ldridge, 
from Now ICnglaml. wlm was ihi' liisl man who kept 
a store mid set up a tavern al the place. This was 
iibout the eoniniencemont of the Revolution. 

nefore the Freiieh mid Indian war, in I7.'"i(), Isaiio 
Dolsen eamo from l''islikill, Dueho.ss (\i., and sclllod 
there, at what has long lieoii known as Dolsenlowii, 
Ilo ]iuroliaseil 700 acres, which was iifterwards owned 
hy Thoophiliis Dolsen, James Post, James Aldridgo, 
and Mr. Swo/.oy. Dolsen was a millwright, and mar- 
ried Tolly Huzzy, of an ICnglish family in >'ew •lei'sov, 
and died in 1705. His children wore .liimos and Isaac 
James married riio'lio Meeker. Their ohildreii wero 
James, .\.sa, Samuel, I'oUy, and .Vlihy, — all of whom 
are dead hut Samuel, wdio is eighly-two years of ago. 
Isaac never married. This family is Dutch, and very 



678 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



old in the State. There is a family tradition that the 
first male child born in New Amsterdam (New York) 
was a Dolsen. 

On the farm of Asa Dolsen, the grandfather of Sam- 
uel, there was a block-house, erected as a jjrotection 
against the Indians in the French war of 1756. Dol- 
sen lived first in a log house, loop-holed for musketry, 
and afterwards and before the war built a stoue house, 
into which the inhabitants used to flee for safety as 
well as into the block-house. 

Daniel Cooley settled on 100 acres adjoining Isaac 
Dolsen at about the same time Dolsen located. 

David Cooley also located on 200 acres in the vicin- 
ity about the same time. During the French war the 
Indians came and killed a man in Dolsen's meadow 
by the name of Owens, and he then removed to Go- 
shen, where he stayed till the war was over. The 
Indians did not come in great numbers to this settle- 
ment, but only a few at a time, who secreted them- 
selves in the woods of the neighborhood, and as 
opportunity served sallied out to rob and to murder. 
On one occasion three of them chased a man, who 
ran and crept under the weeds and brush at the root 
of a tree which had been blown down ; the Indians 
came, stood upon the tree, looked all around, yelling 
most savagely, but fortunately did not find him. In 
old times it was customary to build ovens to bake in 
in the vicinity of the house, and at the time we speak 
of a woman in the family of Mr. Cooley was engaged 
in baking, when some Indians passing at the time 
shot her while going from the oven to the house. On 
the farm of Mr. Samuel Dolsen there was an Indian 
settlement in the meadow near his residence, and 
their burying-ground was on the dry land in the 
vicinity. The graves were shallow : a plow passing 
over them would tear up their bones. At the settle- 
ment of the place the Indians had an apple-orchard, 
one of the trees of which is still standing, and bears a 
large sour apple. 

Isaac Finch located 100 acres in this vicinity. 
Monhagan Creek ran through it, and he built the 
first flour- and saw-mill that were erected at the set- 
tlement. Corwin's factory is on this stream, and it 
enters the Wallkill below George Phillips'. 

Just before the Revolution, about 1773, Gilbert 
Walsworth located a tract of land at Grahamsville 
when there was not a log house from Shawangunk 
Mountain to Dolsentown. Abraham Harden. Richard 
Jones, and Henry Devoe were also early settlers. 
Harden married a Dolsen. The Grahams, from 
whom the place takes its name, came in afterwards. 
The family is Irish, and the individuals of the name 
residing there industrious men and capital farmers. 

Stephen W. Fullerton was the son of William Ful- 
)ert<m and ^lary Whittaker. The father of William 
was also William, who was the first settler of the 
name in the town. He came from Dublin, Ireland, 
and died in 1786. He married Sarah Cooley, and 
their children were William, born March 3, 1765 ; 



Daniel, born March 21, 1767; Samuel, born June 2, 
1769; Phineas, born July 5, 1771 ; Sarah, born April 
11, 1778; Jane, born Dec. 28, 1775. 

William Fullerton, Jr., died Feb. 21, 1817, aged 
fifty-one years. His children were William, Daniel, 
Stephen W., and Elizabeth. Stephen W. Fullerton 
married Esther Stephens, daughter of Holloway 
Stephens. Their children were Daniel, Elizabeth, 
William, Mary, Holloway S., Stephen W., Peter P., 
Benjamin S., John H., Elsay T., Estl;er I., and Francis 
E. William and Stephen W. are lawyers in New York. 

Mary Whittaker, the wife of William Fullerton, 
Jr., as previously remarked, was born April 20, 1766, 
and died about 1844 at an advanced age. She was 
the daughter of B«wjmivi» Whittaker, who lived on >^^ 
the farm subsequently owned by Roswell Jlead, Esq. 
He removed to Susquehanna two or three years be- 
fore Wyoming was taken Ijy the Indians in 1778. 
At that time Mary was about twelve years old. Be- 
fore the attack, the settlers went into the fort which 
had been erected there. The occupants could not 
hold it against the assault, and agreed to surrender 
under the promise of being protected and saved. No 
sooner had the Indians entered than they commenced 
a general massacre, and very few escaped. Mary and 
her father were in the fort, and both were saved. 
Brant took her by the hair of the head and held her 
up by one hand and painted her face with red paint 
with the other, and then let her go, telling her " that 
was the mark of safety." When the fort wiis sur- 
rendered the Indians flocked in, the settlers laid 
down their arms, and the women and children fled 
and huddled themselves into one corner in expecta- 
tion of instant death. John Finch, a little boy, the 
son of John Finch, of stouter heart than some others, 
laughed at the odd and grotesque appearance of the 
Indians, and one raised his tomahawk to strike him 
down. Brant saw the motion of the Indian, seized 
and ordered him not to injure the boy. Mr. Whit- 
taker returned back to Minisink, and settled on the 
farm afterwards owned by Abraham Bennett, but 
after peace was established removed and located at 
the Cookhouse, on the Delaware. Mary in the mean 
time married Mr. Fullerton and remained in the 
town. 

It would seem that some escaped the Indian mas- 
sacre at Wyoming to encounter the same danger from 
the same quarter at Minisink the ensuing year. When 
the Indians invaded Minisink in 1779 under Brant 
they scoured the settlement, destroyed all the property 
of a movable character, burnt the houses, and mur- 
dered all who came in their way. Among othere they 
visited the premises of Mr. Whittaker, and the in- 
mates fled elsewhere for safety. Mary hid herself in 
an old potato-hole in which there was some straw 
covered with boards. The Indians searching around 
came and stood on tlie boards and so near her that 
she could have touched their feet with her hand, but 
they did not suspect her or any one to be hid there,. 



WAWAYANDA. 



679 



and she escaped. Mary at all times in after-life en- ' 
tertained the most cordial hatred for the Indians, and 
could not, down to her death, converse about them 
without being greatly excited. She had seen what j 
they achieved at Wyoming and Minisink, and the 1 
horrid spectacles were deeply engraven upon her j 
young and sensitive mind, so that no lapse of time 
could efface them. 

Benjamin Dunning came to Ridgebury in 1809 
from Wallkill, where he was born. He is the son of 
John Dunning, and the grandson of Jacob, one of the 
first settlers in the town of Goshen, in west division. 
The family is English. Early settlers at and near 
this locality were Benjamin Howell, James Hulse, 
John Dunken, Benjamin Smith, Isaac Decker, Jona- 
than Bailey, Richard Hulse, John Hallock, Sr., Na- \ 
thaniel Bailey, Israel Hallock, Moses Overton, Noyes j 
Wickham, Richard Ellison, and Charles Durling. 
John Dunken was killed at the battle of Minisink. 

William Stickney was the earliest known ancestor 
of the family in this country. He settled at Rowley, 
Mass., about 1639. 

One of the name held a colonel's commission in 
the army of the Revolution, and was at the. battle of 
Bennington, under Gen. Stark. 

A descendant, Eliphalet Stickney (sou of Dr. James 
Stickney, of Newburgh), was an early resident of i 
Wawayanda. He married a daughter of John How- 
ell, Sr. They had eight children, — Erastus, Charles, i 
John, Benjamin, William, Julia, Harriet, and Char- 
lotte. Rrastus married a daughter of Prentice Allyn, 
of Sullivan County. He served in various civil offices 
in the town of Minisink before its division, and was 
a member of the Assembly of 1857. He resides at 
Slate Hill. One brother, B. M. Stickney, resides in 
Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y. 

Charles E. Stickney, of Slate Hill, author of a his- 
tory of the Minisink region, is a son of Erastus. To i 
him we are indebted for many valuable suggestions 
in the preparation of the chapters upon several of the 
towns of the county, and considerable material has 
been drawn from his interesting work. 

Daniel Dunning wiis living near Ridgebury about 
1790, — a descendant, it is presumed, of Benjamin 
Dunning. Richard Ellison lived on the place now 
owned by William D. Hunt. 

Rosvvell Mead removed to this town from New 
England. He purchased the Festus A. Webb farm, 
of which Richard Wood had been an earlier owner. 
Mr. Mead married a daughter of Reuben Cash, and 
left six children. He held the office of supervisor 
and various other town offices in the old town of 
Minisink, and was a member of the New York Legis- 
lature in 1842. 

Two sons are well-known citizens of later times, — 
William H. and Reuben C. 

Charles Durland emigrated to this town some time 
previous to 1800. He first settled near Bushville, in 
the present town of Greenville, when the whole 



vicinity was a dense forest, and the only road from 
there to Ridgebury was a narrow path among the 
brush. He removed to near Ridgebury, and for a 
time kept a public-house on the premises owned in 
late years by Gilbert H. Budd. In 1800 he resided 
on the farm that descended to his son, Thomas T. 
Durland. Other sons were Daniel Durland and 
Stewart T. Durland, of Greenville, and Addison Dur- 
land, of Minisink. 

Phineas Howell came from Suffolk Co., L. I., and 
settled at Brookfield in 1778. He died in 1814, and 
was buried in the old Baptist graveyard adjoining his 
farm. 

Richard Wood having settled rn the neighborhood 
about the same time, both built saw-mills upon the 
stream from which the village takes its name. 

Peter Holbert, Sr., is mentioned as a prominent 
citizen in early records. He was a member of the 
New York Legislature in 1812. His son, Peter Hol- 
bert, Jr., married a daughter of William Robertson. 

Jonathan Bailey, who was born June 28, 1745, at 
Southold, L. I., came to Orange County during the 
Revolutionary war. He had been a soldier during 
the earlier years of the war. He was with Gen. 
Washington at the battle of Long Island, retreated 
with him across the river, and was probably at the 
battle of White Plains. 

When his time was out he came to Goshen and set- 
tled there temporarily. The deed to the farm which 
he bought at Ridgebury bears date March 4, 1777. 
It was undoubtedly about that date that he settled 
there. His wife was Keturah Dunning, a widow. 
Her maiden name is supposed to have been Jackson. 
The old homestead has remained in the family from 
that time to the present, and is now the residence of 
Benjamin F. Bailey, a grandson of the pioneer. It is 
a beautiful situation, overlooking a wide extent of 
cultivated fields, hill-slopes and valleys, with the vil- 
lage of Middletown in the distance, — a far difterent 
view from that which met the pioneer when he first 
settled here, and when there was only one house on 
the road between Denton and Ridgebury. 

The children of Jonathan Bailey were an only son, 
Jonathan Bailey, Jr., born Aug. 29, 1784, and three 
daughters, — Mrs. Braddock Decker, Mrs. Samuel Par- 
rott, and Mrs. Nathan Parrott. 

Jonathan Bailey, Jr., was a man of prominence, a 
major in the militia during the war of 1812-15, sta- 
tioned for a time under Gen. Belknap, of Newburgh, 
at Harlem Heights, and one of the committee who 
gathered up the remains upon the battle-field of Min- 
isink and brought them to Goshen for interment. 
The children of Jonathan Bailey, Jr., were Benjamin 
F. Bailey, now residing upon the old homestead, and 
three daughters, — Mrs. Gilbert F. Mondeu, Mrs. 
Richard A. Elmer, and Mrs. James T. W. Coulter. 

Jonathan Bailey, the pioneer, had one brother, Na- 
thaniel, who also came to Orange County about the 
' same time, and also settled in what is now Wawa- 



680 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



yanda. His homestead was the place now owned by 
Nathaniel Bailey. Among his children, well known 
to the elder citizens of this neighborhood, were Na- 
thaniel, Benjamin, Columbus, Barcas, and Wick- 
ham W. 

Benjamin F. Bailey had excellent opportunities of 
knowing the particulars of the battle of Minisink. 
His father was thirty years of age at the death of the 
grandfather (Feb. 17, 1814), and of course had heard 
the matter repeatedly talked over. Benjamin F. 
Bailey himself was born March 15, 1814, and remem- 
bers clearly the family traditions of his boyhood. 

Samuel Tooker was an early surveyor in this section 
of country. He married a daughter of James Finch, 
Sr., of Mount Hope. He died in 1811. His son, 
Charles Tooker, settled near Brookfield, and left two 
sons, .James H. Tooker and Samuel S. Tooker. A 
daughter of Samuel Tooker married James F. Vail. 
Mr. Tooker was not only a surveyor, but a teacher, 
and taught for several years in New Windsor, Go- 
shen, and elsewhere. His homestead in Wawayanda 
was the present SIcBride place, upon which he located 
about 1790. 

Samuel Reed, Sr., was in the town at an early date. 
His widow lived to an advanced age, dying about 
1867. She distinctly remembered seeing the people 
go to the Minisink battle in 1779. Three of her 
neighbors met under an apple-tree for that purpose, 
and though very small she recalled the parting scene 
very plainly. Two of the three perished in the 
battle. 

Joshua Davis, Sr., was an early settler, having 
located some time previous to 1775 on tlie farm owned 
in later years bv Col. William C. Carpcii'.er, about a 
mile and a half south of Brookfield. T.ic stone 
dwelling-house on this place was built about 1787. 
Mr. Davis was the driver of the lirst vehicle on 
wheels that ever passed over the road from Goshen 
through Ridgebury. This was a rude two-wheeled 
ox-cart, and was no doubt considered a great innova- 
tion by the few settlers in these parts, the road then 
being a mere path. He left four daughters and two 
sons, Joshua and James. One of the daughters mar- 
ried Richard Ferguson, whose father was an early 
settler of this section, and built the mills at Gardner- 
ville subsequently owned by C. W. Fowler. The old 
homestead with its venerable stone house is now 
owned by James Smith. The mason- work upon the 
house was done by Charles Durland, father of Thos. 
T. Durland of the present time. 

Noyes Wickham was an early settler near Ridge- 
bury, at least he was residing there in 1800. He was 
probably connected to the Wickham families farther 
east in this county. 

Reuben Cash was an early pioneer in tliis section, 
and frequently mentioned in the old annals. He was 
a survivor of the Wyoming massacre of 1778. He 
escaped with his mother, she leading him by the hand 
through the wilderness to Minisink. He married a 



daughter of John Howell, Sr., and had nine children. 
One of his daughters married Roswell Mead ; another, 
Samuel Vail, Sr. ; a third, John E. S. Gardner; a 
fourth, Parmenas Horton. The old homestead de- 
scended to the son, Meritt H. Cash. He was a noted 
physician, and held many civil offices in the old town 
of Minisink. (Ante, p. 170.) 

Samuel Reed located near Slate Hill, on the place 
owned by his grandson, about 1790. He had three 
sons, — Silas, Lewis, Alfred. 

Peter Holbert came into this section soon after the 
Revolution, and settled where his grandson now lives. 

John Howell must have moved to this town about 
1778. He had been an old sailor, had been on one or 
two whaling-voyages to the Arctic regions, besides 
numerous trips to other shores before the mast of a 
merchantman. He also served as a soldier in the 
Continental army during the war of the Revolution. 
He was in the battle of Minisink, and one of the few 
who escaped to tell the story. Before coming to this 
town he had resided at Sugar-Loaf. He died about 
1790, and was buried at the Corners, about two miles 
below Ridgebury. One of his daughters married 
Reuben Cash, another .John Roberts, another Elipha- 
let Stickney, and one, Hephzibah, remained unmar- 
ried. The old homestead descended to two sons, — 
John Howell and Jeffrey Howell. 

Benjamin Howell was also an early settler at 
Ridgebury. Indeed, one of the Howells is said to 
have been the actual first settler of the place.* He 
was a Revolutionary soldier, and is understood by his 
d&scendants to have been living at Ridgebury before 
the war. He had a brother, Ezra, of Blooming- 
Grove, who was also a Revolutionary soldier, and 
noted for having refused to receive a pension from 
the government. 

The children of Benjamin Howell were James, who 
removed to Steuben County ; George W., who settled 
in Goshen village ; John, who also located at Goshen, 
aud was the father of John Edward Howell ; Daniel, 
who removed to New York City ; Preston, who went 
to Iowa ; Chauncey, who removed to Erie, Pa. ; 
Henry, who settled in Illinois; and Benjamin, who 
removed to New York City. 

Elijah Caniield was in Wawayanda as early as 
1 1793, and probably some years before. His home- 
stead was the^)lace now owned by Fowler Smith. 

James Stewart was an early settler at the present 
Thompson place. His children were Silas, Luther, 
John, William (shot at Peenpack by the Indians), 
Mrs. Nathan Arnout, and Mrs. Wm. Stewart. Lewis 
Stewart, now of Ridgebury, is a son of John. 

Jonathan Cooley lived in Dolsentown. His home- 
stead was the present place of Oliver Carpenter. 

John Bradner, the first supervisor of Minisink, lived 
at Dolsentown on the well-known Stoddard place of 



* The settlement of Richard Ualstead being shown in the chapter upon 
Goshen to have been made in Wawayanda, 1748, it is not probable either 
of the Howells antedate that. 




WAWAYANDA. 



681 



later years. He settled subsequently to the year 
1775, and at some period before the organization of 
the town in 1789. 

James Reeve, of Long Island, was among the early 
settlers. His wife was Mary, the daughter of David 
Moore, whose great-grandfather came from England 
in KJS-") and settled at Salem, Mass. (1) James Reeve 
and wife had four children, — James, Jr., Hephzibah, 
Polly, and one who died young. James Reeve, Jr., 
was wounded in the battle of Minisink. On the 22d 
of July, 1778, he settled upon land near Slate Hill, ! 
where his grandson, the Hon. John H. Reeve, now 
resides. Hephzibah married Jonas Hulse, and Polly 
married Elijah Canfield. In 1770, James Reeve, Sr., 
was married the second time. His wife was Mary 
Corwin, by whom he had fourteen children, viz. : 
David, Daniel, Joshua, Lydia, Annie, Keturah, Deb- 
orah, Isaac, Sarah, Mary, Amutal, Jerusha, Elijah, 
Dorothy, and Julia. The last named is the only one 
living, being about eighty-five years of age, and re- 
sides at Bloomingburgh, Sullivan Co., N. Y., in the 
same building in which she commenced housekeeping 
more than sixty years ago. 

The above-named eighteen children of James 
Reeve, Sr., all lived to mature years except one. 
Elijah died a young man, and Sarah never married. ■ 
The others have left descendants by the names of 
Hulse, Canfield, Shultz, McVish, Ludlum, Drake, 
Carpenter, Mapes, Crawford, and Reeve, who now 
resicfe in this vicinity, and many others residing else- 
where. There are living at this time (December, 1880) 
within one hour's ride of Middletown five generations 
as descendants of James Reeve, Sr., viz. : Julia, his 
daughter; grandchildren by the name of Reeve, 
Hulse, McVish, and others ; great-grandchildren by 
the name of Shaw, Hulse, Mapes, etc. ; great-great- 
grandchildren by the name of Mapes; great-great- 
great-graudchildren by the name of McBride and 
Beakes. 

The original homestead of (1) James Reeve, pur- 
chased iu 1768, still remains in the family, being now 
occupied by his grandson, Wickham C. Reeve, one 
of the sons of Isaac. This land originally cost James 
Reeve, Sr., about $1.25 per acre. It is now valued 
with its improvements at about $100 per acre. 

O. P. Reeve, of Middletown, is a grandson of James 
Reeve, Sr., and son of David, the first of the second 
family of fourteen. 

Joseph Halsted located very early at Slate Hill. 
(See Goshen.) 

John Knapp, a settler about the time of the Revo- 
lution, probably lived on the present place of David 
Slauson. 

Christian Schultz had early mills at Dolsentown. 

Phineas Howell settled soon after the Revolution, 
and probably on the present place of Thomas Dur- 
land. He had three sons, — Jason, .lames, and David. 

Timothy Wood located on property now owned by 
Holbert & Robinson. His sons were Jonas, Timothy, 
44 



Garret, Thomas, Tillet. The old homestead was near 
Slate Hill. 

Benjamin Smith settled very early where Silas Hulse 
now lives. He made potash, and the building stood 
below the hill. A store was also kept there soon after 
the Revolution, about a mile east of Slate Hill. The 
date of Benjamin Smith's cattle-mark is 1769. (See 
Minisink.) 

Isaac Decker lived in the same neighborhood, and 
the property is still in the hands of his descendants. 

Daniel Fullerton kept an early tavern on the 
present place of Daniel H. Eaton. The old Fuller- 
ton residence was near the present tenant-house of 
Mr. Eaton. 

William Burns, an early settler of 1780, or about 
that date, lived on the farm now owned by Charles 
E. Stiekney, near Slate Hill, having a tenant residing 
upon it. 

Asa Stewart settled soon after the Revolution 
where John L. Cummings now resides. It is remem- 
bered as a sad incident of early times that Mr. Stew- 
art's only son died suddenly while the house was 
being built, having taken cold by lying upon the 
ground. 

The Isaac Dolsen homestead, where stood the old 
house with loop-holes for defense in 1756, was the 
present John Bradley place. 

To the old homestead James, one of the two sons 
mentioned, succeeded. He had three sons, — Asa, Sam- 
uel, James. The last named came into possession of 
the same homestead. From him it jiassed to his son 
Frederick, then to Theophilus, son of Frederick, who 
sold it to the Bradleys. 

As Samuel and Asa are often meutioned in the early 
town records, we identify their homesteads as follows, 
— Asa lived on the present Redfield place, near the 
earlier farm of his grandfather; Samuel, on the well- 
known farm now the Judge Low property, and occu- 
pied by Mr. Green. It was on this farm that tradition 
locates the Indian graveyard, as already mentioned, 
and where Owens was killed by the Indians. This last 
event occurred on the low land southeast from the 
dwelling-house and near a barn now standing there. 
The frame of this barn is said to be very old, dating 
back to the early settlement. 

The early Isaac Dolsen house was a stone building, 
and stood about on the site of the present dwelling of 
Mr. Bradley. The block-house or fort is said to have 
stood on the present garden near. A stone in the 
present wall of the dwelling-house is marked 1760, 
and is said to have been taken from the fort of 1756. 
It very probably indicates, however, the date when 
Isaac Dolsen built his stone house, having lived for 
some years in a log house. Isaac Dolsen must have 
been already in middle life when he penetrated this 
wilderness and established himself in this beautiful 
location. His son James was in the Revolutionary 
army at West Point. Being taken sick, his own son 
James was old enough to take his father's place. The 




682 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



father died of the sickness. The barn mentioned 
above near where Owens was killed is also noted as 
a place of the earliest meetings, long before any house 
of worship was erected in that section of country. 

The Dolsen family are now all gone from this im- 
mediate locality. Mrs. Emmet Moore, of Middletown, 
is a daughter of Samuel Dolsen. Other descendants 
reside at Howell's Station. The neighborhood in its 
present beauty and richness of soil amply justifies the 
choice originally made by Isaac Dolsen. 

The Dolsen name was originally Van Dolsen, and 
it is a tradition in the family that the first child born 
on Manhattan Island was a Van Dolsen. The origi- 
nal Dolsen tract comprised 700 acres. It was pur- 
chased in 1735 at one dollar per acre. Betty, one of 
the slaves of the early period, lived down to within a 
few years, and could tell many stories of the Dolsen 
family and neighborhood. 

Richard Wood, I)()ni in Uoshen, settled about the 
opening of the Revolution, 1773 to 1775, on the farm 
now owned by William Wood near Slate Hill. His 
.sons were Henry, Aaron C, Oliver E., Lewis C, and 
Horace B. Oliver and Horace are still living, the 
latter in Erie Co., N. Y., Oliver at Slate Hill, and to 
him we are indebted for many of these items. 

Samuel Benjamin also located at Ridgebury. 

Richard ^\'ood, another early settler, located just 
after the Revolution at Brookfield, on the place now 
owned by William H. Wood. Meetings were held at 
his house before the erection of the Baptist meeting- 
house, which was built in 1792. His children were 
Harry, Aaron C, Oliver (now living at Slate Hill), 
Lewis C, Horace, Mrs. William Greening, Mrs. 
Henry Durland, and Mrs. Robert Hunt. 

Asa Dolsen's homestead was the present James 
Murray place, at Dolsentown. 

Daniel Ward is mentioned in the early town records 
of Minisink. His place is in the present neighborhood 
of Daniel H. Eaton. 

Freegift Cooley, who held freijuent town offices be- 
fore 1800, lived at Millsburgh. 

John Short was an early settler at Millsburgh. He 
had one son, known as Si Short. A daughter became 
the wife of John Eaton. 

Toshow what families were residing in Wawayanda 
at a later date. 1813, we have the records of the school 
districts as formed that year in accordance with the 
new law of 1812. They are found in the first volume 
of Minisink records, and are described, fortunately 
for historical purposes, by naming the families in- 
cluded in each. In some cases the formation of the 
new towns of course intersected the districts, and in 
giving entire districts in Wawayanda they may in- 
clude a few who, in 1813, lived beyond the line of the 
present town. The citizens of the present time will 
easily understand this, and from so valuable a record 
will no doubt be able to locate all these families of 
1813. 

District No. 1 comprised the following families, viz. : 



those of Thomas Gale, John Gale and one tenant, 
George Phillips and two tenants, Robert Boak, Henry 
W. Denton and one tenant, Gale & Phillips and two 
tenants, James Eldred and one tenant, James Coyles, 
David Mills, Martha Cavanagh and sons. Widow 
Wilson and sons, James Little and one tenant, Deb- 
orah Case and one tenant, Nicholas Van Tassel, David 
Lathrop's tenant, Theodore Dolsen and one tenant, 
John Braner's two tenants, Abraham Canfield, James 
Dolseu, Jr., Asa Dolsen, Nathan Arnout, Benjamin 
Wood and one tenant, Nathaniel Bailey (3). This dis- 
trict was in the northeast part of the town, and shows 
the families of 1813 who resided in that section. 

District No. 2 comprised the following names : Wil- 
liam Murray and one tenant, Isaac Reeves, Nathan 
Hulse, William Little, Silas Hulse, Wilmot Moore, 
Christian Schultz, Samuel Dolsen and one tenant, 
Benjamin Wood and two tenants, James Dolsen, 
Frederick Dolsen, John Bradner, David Lathrop's 
mother, Archibald Little, Nathaniel Cooley, Henry 
Stewart, David Anderson, Isaac Carpenter and one 
tenant. This was the Dolsentown District, along the 
north part of the town. 

District No. 3 was composed of the following fami- 
lies, as formed in 1813, viz.: those of Asa Stewart, 
Daniel FuUerton and two tenants, David Moore, Jr., 
Daniel Cooley, Samuel Reed, Michael Halstcad, Jr., 
Braddock Decker, William Fullerton, Widow Tucker, 
Homes Ketcham, Thomas Sigler, Michael Halstead, 
Benjamin Smith, Jr., John Moore, Elijah Canfield, 
Joseph Ellis, Joseph Smith, .Tason Howell, James 
Howell, Widow William Halstead, Isaac L. Peck, 
James Denn, Moses Vail, James Higby, George Mc- 
Nish, Abner Cary, Richard Wood, Joseph Reed, Wil- 
liam Burns, William Peppard, James Allison. This 

I was in part the territory of the present Mead District, 
northeast of Slate Hill. 

District No. 4, as formed in 1813, comprised the fol- 
lowing families, viz. : those of David Seely, Moses 
Delany and one tenant, Nathaniel Bailey, Nathan 

j Arnout, Jr., Rachel and James Van Seoy, James 

I Thompson, Richard Hulse, Daniel Dunning, Abner 
Miller, Jonathan Bailey, Jr.,Barcus Bailey, Columbia 

' Bailey, Benjamin Howell, Jacob Dunning, Isaac 
Decker, Morris Overton, Nancy Overton, Thomas 

I Brown, Benjamin Dunning, John Halloek, John Hal- 

I lock, Jr., Elisha Halloek, Israel Halloek, Horace 
Elmer, John T. Jansen, Jr., James Howell, William 
Peppard, Jr., Charles Durland, James Canfield, Elijah 
Wells, Elijah Wells, Jr., Jonathan Bailey, Israel W. 
Bailey, Noyes Wickham, Barnabas Wickham, Phile- 

, tus Finch. This is the Ridgebury District. 

District No. 5 comprised the following families, 
viz. : those of Obadiah Pellet, heirs of Wm. Pellet, 
Widow Mary Pellet, Daniel Payne, James Wood, 
Increase Carpenter, Daniel Sloan, Daniel Wickham 
and one tenant, Joseph Brown, Joseph Brown, Jr., 

i Widow Julia Ferguson, Widow Ann Allison, Samuel 
Hazen, Sarah Grinder, Jesse Parshall, Daniel Mapes, 



WAWAYANDA. 



683 



John Carr, Joseph Smith, Horace Ehner, George 
Jackson, James Van Bumel. This was the territory 
known as the Lower Road District. The name of 
Pellet's Bridge arose from this family name, several 
of whom were included in the district as above 
noticed. 

For the Wawayanda portion of the old Gardner- 
ville District, as formed in 181M, see town of Mini- 
sink, where the district is given in full. 

District No. 8, as organized in 1818, included the 
following families, viz. : those of Peter Holbert, Tim- 
othy Wood, Samuel Holbert, James Reeve and son, 
John Lane, Jacob Hulse, David Robertson, Robert 
Robertson, William Robertson, Amy Abbott, Asa 
Cobb, Samuel Hoyt, Daniel St. John, Jeremiah Oak- 
ley, James Mulford, Martin L. Mapes, Uriah Hulse, 
Nathan Wells, Barnabas Horton, David Moore, 
Henry Ball, James V. Hulse, Benjamin Hulse, Joseph 
Brundage, James Owen, Samuel Sclioonover, William 
Wells, Jr., Samuel Mather, Thomas Wood. This was 
the old Centreville District, perhaps including some 
names from the town of Minisink at Millsburgh. 

District No. 9, as organized in 1818, comprised the 
following families, viz. : those of Abraham Bennett, 
Peter Mills, Benjamin Bennett, Samuel Carpenter, 
John Carpenter, Edward How, Holloway Stephens, 
James C. Gray, Daniel Albertson, Ebenezer Stephens, 
Elihu Cary, Thomas Thorn, Jacob Thorn, Richard 
Van Tassel, Peter Van Sickel, Moses Cox, James 
Rumph, Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Boyd, Noah 
Cobb, James Weed, Abraham Cary, Daniel Williams. 
This was the Slate Hill District, or near there. 

For names of several Wawayanda citizens of 1813 
reference should probably be made to the " Rome 
District," found in the chapter upon Minisink. 

For some Wawayanda names it may be necessary 
to consult district No. 19, as given in the chapter upon 
Greenville, known as the Mount Orange District or 
as the Graham District. 

District No. 23, as formed in 1813, comprised the 
following names : Jacob A. Tryon and three tenants, 
Benjamin Smith, Jr., Oliver Smith, David Moore, 
Daniel Fullerton, Joseph Ellis, Asa Stewart, Wni. 
Peppard, Apollos Jessup, Wm. McMeryon, Isaac Car- 
penter, Nathaniel Cooley, Jr., James Howell, Wm. 
Peppard, Jr., John T. Jameson, Jr., Nathan Arnout, 
Asa Dolsen, Absalom Cary, Daniel Williams. 

District No. 2G, as formed in 1813, included the 
following families, viz. : those of Nathan Wells, 
Holmes Ketcham, Jacob Thorn, Peter A. Van Sudd, 
Aaron Halstead, Michael Halstead, Richard Weiant, 
Alexander Boyd, Stephen Jones, Robert L. Hunter, 
Richard Van Tasscll, Uriah Hulse, Martha Brun- 
dage, Jonas Rumsey, Thomas Sigler, Henry Jaquish. 

Old district No. 27 seems to be entirely omitted 
from the records of 1813. It comprised the territory 
.south of the Slate Hill District, and now known as 
the Stewarttown District. The district was formed 
at a later date than 1813 probably, as we find the 



organization of 28 given under date of 1823, while 26 
closes the list as formed in 1813. Citizens acquainted 
with names and localities may find, on examination of 
the other districts given, that the territory afterwards 
constituting 27 was already covered by one or more 
of them. 

An early grist-mill was the present place of the 
Littles' feed-mill. This was the Cliristian Schultz 
mill of old times. Another early grist-mill was at 
Gardnerville, where John R. Manning has a grist- 
mill at the present time, known for many years as the 
Jones' Mill. At Millspaugh was also an early grist- 
mill known as Skinner's. One by Michael Halstead 
was a mile north of Slate Hill, on the place where 
Augustus Sergeant now owns. This was a hundred 
years ago or more. 

Daniel Fullerton kept a public-liouse for many 
years where Daniel H. Eaton now lives. There was 
a noted tavern near Denton, where Theodore Denton 
now lives. There were nine distilleries in town in 
1832, five in the neighborhood of Slate Hill. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 

The general act authorizing boards of supervisors 
to erect new towns was passed not long after the adop- 
tion of the constitution of 1846. The Board of Super- 
visors of Orange County were very soon called upon 
to act under the provisions of the new statute. At 
the town-meeting of Minisink in the spring of 1849 
the following formal action was taken : 

" Notice i8 hereby given tliat the undersigned, freeholders of the town 
of Minisink. Orange Co., will make application to the board of super- 
visol-s, at their next annual meeting, for the division of said town, to 
form a new town out of that part of the town comprising the first election 
district. 

(Signed) "Jacob Harding, David Carr, P. W. Sloat, J. S. Slauson, The- 
nphilus Dolsen, S. Stewart, Jonathan Bailey, Gabriel Little, S. F. Gardi- 
ner, R. A. Elmer, Usher H. Case, Martin L. Mapes, Isaac Denton, George 
W. Murray. S. Sergeant, T. B. Denton, Alfred Wood, D T. Hulse, B. F. 
Bailey, Hiram Phillips." 

The subject came before the Ixiard on the 27th of 
November following. The maps and survey of the 
proposed new town were made by Dr. D. C. Hallock, 
and the motion for a division was made by Daniel 
It'ullerton, supervisor of Minisink. As the movement 
was thus favored by the ofticial representative of the 
town of Minisink, who was in accord with the political 
majority of the board, the proposition was easily car- 
ried, though by a strictly party vote, the ten Whigs 
voting for, and the five Democrats against, the erection 
of the new town. The name adopted was Wawa- 
yanda, being that of the early patent. 

To preside at the first town-meeting there were ap- 
pointed by the act of incorporaton David Clark, Mar- 
tin L. Mapes, and Henry Decker. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETING. 

At the first town-meeting, 1850, the following were 

the oflicers chosen : Daniel Fullerton, supervisor ; 

Holloway W. Stephens, town clerk ; Jacob D. Mas- 

terson, Gideon W. Cock, justices of the peace ; Lewis 



684 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



W. Mullock, town superintendent of schools ; James 
M. Reeve, John Cuniings, assessors ; William C. Car- 
penter, Nathaniel W. Talmage, commissioners of 
highways; Curtis MeNish, collector ; Usher H. Case, 
William Canfield, overseers of the poor ; Robert S. 
Robbing, Curtis McNish, Daniel L. Hulse, Samuel 
A'^ail, constables; Oliver Lewis, James H. Tooker, 
John C. Owen, Nelson McBride, James F. Robertson, 
Matthew H. Bailey, inspectors of election ; Henry D. 
Howell, town sealer ; overseers of the highway were 
appointed for sixty-five road districts, and $200 was 
voted for roads and bridges. 

The following have been the principal town officers 
from 1850 to 1880 : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1850 Dauiel Fullerton. Holloway W. Stephens. 

1851 " " Oliver Lewis. 

1852-5a Dcwitt C. Hallocl;. 

1854 Joseph Davis. " '* 

1855 " " James F. RobertsoD. 

1866 Gideon W. Cock. Wilmot C. Terry. 

1857 Joseph Davis. '* " 

1858 " " Matthew H. Bailey. 

1859-60 " " John M. Howell. 

1861 John H. Keeve. James L. Mills. 

1862 " " John M. Howell. 

1863 , " 

1864 " " Oliver Lewis. 

1865 " " Wm. H. Wood. 

1866-68 " " Charles E. Stickney. 

1869-70 " '• John A. Wood. 

1871 .\mo8 M. Rverson. Joseph H. Wickham. 

1872 David W. Keeve. " " 

1873-74 Amos M. Ryerson. " " 

1875-77 Hudson E. Hulse. John A. Wood. 

1878-80 Wm. H. Wood. " 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1850, Jacob D. Masterson, Gideon W. Cock ; 1851, Holloway W. Stephens ; 
1852, Gideon W. Cock ; 1S53, Nathaniel W. Talmadge ; 1854, Jacob 
D. Masterson, Jacob M. Johnson ; 1855, Wm. C. Carpenter (same to 
fill vacancy) j 1856, Gideon W. Cock ; 1867, Jacob M. Johnson ; 1858, 
John H. Reeve ; 1859, Wm. C. Carpenter ; 1860, Gideon W. Cock ; 1861, 
Jacob M. Johnson ; 1862, Jonathan R. Lutes, El^ah Smith ; 1863, 
Wm. C Carpenter; 1864, Gideon W. Cock ; 1865 (record fails to 
show who was elected) ; 1806, John B. Case, Erastus Stickney; 1867, 
Wm. C Carpenter; 1868, John D. Wood, Wm. H. Wood ; 1869, Eras- 
tus Stickney, Thomas H. Norris ; 1870, Charles E. Stickney (same to 
fill vacancy) ; 1871, James M. Reeve ; 1872, Gabriel Howell; 1873, 
Henry S. Pound ; 1874, Charles E. Stickney ; 1875, John D. Wood ; 
1876, Dillon Wallace ; 1877, John H. Reeve; 1878, George S. Cock; 
1879, J. A. Mills, Wm. G. Stanton ; ISSO, Charles H. Fullerton. 



V.-VILLAGES. 
HAMPTON 
is a small hamlet, owing its growth to the fact that 
it is a railroad station on the New York, Erie and 
Western Railway, furnishing railroad accommoda- 
tions to a portion of Wawayauda, also to portions of 
Goshen and Wallkill. It is only a short distance 

from Denton. 

MILLSBURGH 

is an early point of settlement, giving to it consider- 
able importance. There is one store there at the 
present time, by Wm. Armstrong ; Mather's black- 
smith and wagon-shop ; Mead's grist-mill and Drake's 
grist-mill, each with a saw-mill ; also a cider-mill. 
Tliere was an important woolen-factory here in former 
times, now abandoned, and the property owned by 

Mr. Manning. 

RIDGEBURV 

is an old-established place. The site of the village 
was owned in 1800 by Benjamin Dunning, Jonathan 



Bailey, Benjamin Howell, Isaac Decker, and others. 
It was in this vicinity that several of the earliest 
settlers of the town located, as John Hallock, Sr., 
James Hulse, Benjamin Smith, Moses Overton, Noyes 
Wickham, Richard Allison, and Charles Durland. 
The name of the village is said to arise from 
"Whortleberry Hill," a neighboring ridge still bear- 
ing that designation. It was flr.st applied to the 
Presbyterian house of worship, which was known as 
the Ridgeberry church. According to this origin, the 
name should be Ridge6er;-y, but usage is determining 
the other form of the word. The present business of 
the place consists of one store, by Wm. S. Osburn ; a 
blacksmith-shop, by Samuel Latimer ; a wagon-shop, 
by George Newton ; steam-mills, cider, grist, and 
feed, by H. P. Hall. Two physicians are located 
here. Dr. Terry and Dr. Webb, homwopathic. Frank 
Ellis is the present postmaster of Ridgebury. 

CENTREVILLE 
is near Millsburgh, on the same outlet. (See Mini- 
sink.) The two places together constitute what is 
called Wells' Corners. The po.st-office for this section 
of the town is at Centreville. The present business 
comprises a store, by James Conner, and one by 
George W. Murray ; blacksmith-shops, by Martin 
Bennett and by Gilbert E. Robbins ; a distillery, by 
J. & P. Cummings. 

GARDNERVILLE 

has one store, by J. M. Everett; a grist-mill, by John 

R. Manning; a wagon- and blacksmith-shop, by 

Charles Gardner. 

BROOKFIELD 

is undoubtedly named from its proximity to a brook, 
which, in fact, nearly surrounds it. It was settled at 
an early date, and before the construction of the Erie 
Railway was a place of considerable notoriety, having 
a printing-office, grist-mill, plaster-mill, saw-mill, 
tanning, etc. It is better known at the present time 
as Slate Hill, the post-office and the station upon 
the railroad both bearing that designation. The 
present business places comprise the railroad build- 
ings ; the shoe-shop and saloon of W. H. Green ; W. 
A. Castle, flour and feed ; William Breeme, black- 
smith ; and the store of Charles E. Stickney, general 

merchandise. 

WAWAYANDA 

is a milk-station on the New Jersey Midland Rail- 
road, just north of Rutger's Creek, the boundary line 

of Minisink. 

DENTOX. 

This place, originally known as "The Outlet," takes 
its name from the Dentons, — Thaddeus B. and Henry 
W., descendants of Richard Denton, mentioned else- 
where. Elisha Eldridge, from New England, built a 
store and tavern there about the time of the Revolu- 
tion. Earlier than that it had been owned by Richard 
Carpenter. In later years the property has been 
owned by Theodore J. Denton and Reuben C. Mead. 



WAWAYANDA. 



685 



At the present time Harrison's store and one or more 
shops constitute about all the business of the village. 
The growth of Hampton, upon the Erie Railroad, a 
short distance away, has naturally tended to draw 
business to that jioint. John Straight has a black- 
smith-shop, and D. Probest a wagon-shop. 



VI.— SCHOOLS. 

At the organization of the town the system of super- 
vision by town superintendents prevailed, and the in- 
cumbents of that office until the repeal of the law in 
1856 were the following: 1849, Lewis W. Mulock; 
1851, Lewis H. Tyler; 1853, Gideon W. Cock, Jr. ; 
1855, Moses D. Stivers. 

There are now ten school districts in town, and 
they are carefully recorded in the minutes of 1875, 
with the names of all the heads of families in each 
district, forming an invaluable record for the future 
historians of another century, to show the names and 
locations of the people of to-day. 

Early teachers in Wawayanda are mentioned by 
Oliver Wood as Dr. Harvey Horton, John Hick, 
Samuel Tooker, Mr. Clark, Stephen W. Fullerton, 
Aldridge Wood, Erastus Stickney, and Horatio Bates. 
Oliver Wood himself also taught. 



VII.— CHURCHES. 
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BROOKFIELD, 
in the town of Minisink, executed a certificate of in- 
corporation pursuant to statute at a meeting held at 
the house of Lebbeus Lathrop, Dec. 15, 1791. The 
paper was signed by Isaac Finch and John Fenton. 
The trustees named therein were Isaac Finch, John 
Fenton, and Benjamin Smith. Further particulars 
are furnished by Mr. C. D. Wood, clerk of the church. 
The Brookfield Church, once a branch of the War- 
wick Baptist Church, was constituted Aug. 28, 178.3. 
How many members, or who they were at the time 
the church was constituted, cannot be ascertained, as 
those facts were not recorded. In the old record it is 
mentioned that an application was made to the War- 
wick Church in July, 1783, by the members living 
west of the Wallkill to be set apart in a body by 
themselves ; and in August following the church 
sent their pastor, Elder William Benedict, and the 
brethren Deacon Silsbee and Enos Silsbee, who made 
some inquiry, baptized seven candidates, and consti- 
tuted the church. On the following day they or- 
dained one of their brethren, by the name of Clark, 
to preach. 

Among the early members we find the following 
names, which undoubtedly were of the original num- 
ber: Lebbeus Lathrop, James Finch, John Hallock, 
Asa Cobb, William Fullerton, James Clark, Betsey 
Clark, John Finton, Elizabeth Finton, Elizabeth 
Prouty, Stephen Prouty, Melietable Hallock, Mary 
Howell, Amy Cooley, Daniel Cash, William Kirby, 
Mary Kirby. 



The first deacons of the church were Isaac Finch 
and Asa Cobb, ordained Feb. 23, 1785. The first 
regular pastor ordained by the church was Elder Leb- 
beus Lathrop, on the second Thursday in February, 
1785. 

For about nine years after the church was consti- 
tuted they held their meetings at the houses of various 
members, or in summer-time they met in barns or in 
groves. At that period the country was but little 
more than a wilderness. The inhabitants were with- 
out the means to build a house of worship. But as 
they increased in numbers and became more able 
they decided to erect a meeting-house, and accord- 
ingly procured a piece of land of Deacon John Hal- 
lock, in the village of Brookfield, in December, 1791. 
The following year, 1792, the meeting-house was 
built. In 1828 the steeple was added, and the house 
painted and reroofed. 

At this period in the history of the church it was 
in a prosperous condition. But four or five years 
after, the division took place in the Baptist denomina- 
tion, and the Brookfield Church went with the Old- 
School or Primitive order. After that time the church 
decreased for many years, but afterwards was more 
prosperous again. The meeting-house is a plain 
building, built for service, as time has told for near a 
century. It will accommodate about 500 people. 
Constructed on the old English plan, with family 
pews on the sides and slips in the centre of the 
building. The pulpit represents the candlestick of 
olden time. 

In 1876 the church and congregation raised money 
to repair the meeting-house, and chose the late Ed- 
mond B. Murray, of Goshen, and Charles D. Wood 
a building committee, who conducted the work with- 
out altering the original plan. On the 28th and 29th 
August, 1877, the house was rededicated for public 
worship, since which time the church has been sup- 
plied by Elder William L. Benedict, who preaches 
for it. The church owns about an acre of land, on 
which the meeting-house stands, in the village of 
Brookfield. 

The pastors have been as follows : Lebbeus Lathrop, 
1789-97 ; John Caton, 1797-1808 ; Henry Ball, 1808- 
32; Gabriel Conklin, 1832-47; Benjamin Pitcher, 

1847-49 ; Daniel Harding, 1849-51 ; Slater, 1851- 

67; W. L. Benedict, 1867. The intervening time 
when the church had no pastor it had to depend on 
supplies for the preaching of the word. The present 
officers (1880) are John B. Carey, C. D. Wood, John 
W. Ellis, trustees; C. D. Wood, clerk. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT RIDGEBURY, 
WEST SIDE OF THE WALLKILL, 

effected a legal organization at the house of Jonathan 
Bailey, Nov. 27, 1805. The paper was signed by 
Jonathan Bailey and James Reeve, inspectors of the 
election, and the trustees named therein were Elijah 
Wells, Jonathan Bailey, James Reeve, Nathan Ar- 



686 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



iiout, Nathaniel Bailey, Luther Steward, Samuel 
Tooker. 

This church* has two organizations in its past : 
the first in 1792, and the second a reorganization in 
1817. Its form of government under the first organ- 
ization was a commingling of the Presbyterian and 
the Congregational ; the reorganization was strictly 
Presbyterian. The record of the original organiza- 
tion is carefully preserved, and is as follows : 

'* An account of the proceedings of the church of Eidgebury, 1792. 

" July 10, 1792. — At a meeting held this day at tlie liouse of Richard 
Benjamin by the Cliristian professors of this place for the purpose of 
constituting a cliurcli, — present, Mr. Benoni Bradner and Sir. Isaac 
Sergeant, ministers, who were called to attend and to assist in this mat- 
ter, flir. Bradner was chosen moderator. Opened with prayer. Deacon 
Richard Clark and wife, Richard Benjamin and wife, Widow Hannah 
Benjamin. Mi-s. Eunice Knapp, wife of John Knapp, members of Mid- 
dletown Church ; Capt. John Bailey and Nathaniel Bailey, of Goshen 
Church; and Elizabeth Reeve, wife of James Reeve, Jr., member of 
a church in Southold, Long Island, agreed unanimously to form a 
church." 

To these nine others were added on examination, 
making its membership at its founding IS. Mr. 
Benoni Bradner was then pastor of the Goshen Pres- 
byterian Church. Mr. Isaac Sergeant was the first 
minister of this church, his ministry there beginning 
with its beginning. 

The reorganization, July .i, 1817, is recorded in 
the following manner : 

** At a meeting of the Congregational Church of RIdgeberry, held July 
5, 1817, the following resolutions were passed : 

"1st. liesohed, That we adopt the Confession of Faith and the form of 
government of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of 
America. 

"2d. That we put ourselves under the care and connect ourselves with 
the Presbytery of Hudson." 

In accordance with this action, the church con- 
vened at the meeting-house, July 19, 1817, and chose 
as ruling elders Benjamin Howell, Jonathan Bailey, 
and Benjamin Dunning, who were ordained, Aug. 
31, 1817, by Rev. William Blain. The church was 
received under the care of Hudson Presbytery in 
September, 1817, and on Sept. 20, 1817, Rev. William 
Blain was installed its pastor. Its ministry has been 
as follows: 1792, Mr. Isaac Sergeant ; 1804^6, Rev. 
Mr. Bull; 1807-14, Rev. Allan Blain; 1817, Rev. 
William Blain ; 1823-33, Rev. William Timlow, who 
preached alternate Sabbaths at Ridgebury and Am- 
ity ; 1833-37, Rev. Sylvester Sweezy, whose pastorate 
was terminated by his death, March 5, 1837, at the 
age of thirty-four; preaching every Sabbath began 
with him; 1838-48, Rev. William Y. Miller; one in 
place of the two consecutive sermons began under 
him ; 1849, first six months. Rev. Mr. Kinmon was 
stated supply ; 1S49-.'J1, Rev. Augustus Seward was 
stated supply ; 1851-63, Rev. Cliflbrd S. Arms, the 
largest pastorate in the history of the church, and 
was ended by his death ; 1863-69, Rev. Nathaniel E. 
Piers6||; .1869-70, Rev. J. R. Campbell; 1872-73, 
Rev. Charles H. Park ; 1873-75, Rev. Brown H. Em- 

* By the pastor. Rev. Theron Brittain. 



erson, stated .supply ; 1875-80, Rev. Theron Brittain, 
stated supply, which relation continues at this date, 
November, 1880. 

The deacons of the period before the reorganization 
of 1817 were Richard Clark, Johathan Bailey, chosen 
1792; Elijah Wells, James Reeve, chosen 1804. The 
eldershi]> has been as follows : Benjamin Howell, 
chosen at the reorganization ; Jonathan Bailey, chosen 
1817 ; Benjamin Dunning, James Reeve, Elijah 
Wells, Joseph Decker, Apollos Jessup, chosen 1822 ; 
Alexander Boyd, Roswell Mead, chosen 1826 ; Jesse 
C. Stewart, James Von Bomel, chosen 1836; Lewis 
Stewart, J. Mortimer Reeve, Henry Decker, chosen 
1845; B. F. Bailey, H. G. Wickham, G. W. Cock, 
chosen 1864. Of these, but four are now living. One 
of them, J. Mortimer Reeve, has moved from the 
bounds of the congregation ; and Lewis Stewart, B. 
F. Bailey, and G. W. Cock constitute the present 
eldership. 

The trustees at this date (1880) are Lewis Stewart, 
Hon. John H. Reeve, Jonas Hawkins, Gideon W. 
Cock, Jonathan Decker, A. J. Harrison, William W. 
Wickham. During the period preceding the re- 
organization 92 were enrolled. Of these, about 50 
survived in 1817 and passed into the reorganized 
church. From the date of reorganization, 1817, to 
the present (1880) 554 members have been enrolled. 
The present membership numbers 100. 

The first edifice was first preached in Sept. 19, 1806. 
The church building of the present was dedicated 
New Year's day, Jan. 1, 1842, Rev. George Pierson, 
of Florida, preaching the sermon. Its original cost 
was about $5000. The interior was remodeled in 
1877, at an expenditure of about $1000, and at this 
time it continues to be a neat and comfortable house 
of worship. Attached is a parsonage with ample 
grounds. The whole properly is free from debt. 

CENTREVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
executed a certificate of incorporation at the meeting- 
house April 5, 1827. The proceedings were signed 
by Martin L. Mapes, moderator, and the trustees 
named in the instrument were Peter Holbert, Doras- 
tus Brown, William Robertson, Martin L. Mapes, 
James Mulford, John Rune, Silas C. Brown. Ad- 
ditional particulars are furnished by a committee 
of the church, as follows : 

The church was organized April 30, 1829, by a 
committee of the Presbytery of Hudson, consisting 
of Rev. William Timlow, Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D., and 
the Rev. Daniel Crane, Mr. Timlow preaching the 
sermon, Ps. xlvi. 1— 1. 

The persons who were constituted this church were 
members of the Western Presbyterian Church, and 
were set off for this purpose by Presbytery at its 
spring meeting in April, 1829, and their names are 
as follows: David Osmun, Martin L. Mapes, Do- 
rastus' Brown, Lydia Osmun, Nelly Mapes, Esther 
Brown, William Robertson, Keziah Robertson, Mary 



WAWAYANDA. 



687 



Robertson, Sarah Wells, Sarah Ann Canfield, Mary 
Brundage, Hila Goldsmith, Peter Corwin, David 
Carr, Azubah Carr, Benjamin Halstead, Anna Hal- 
stead, Deborah Halstead, Jemima Corwin, Julia Arm- 
strong, Wihiiot Armstrong, John Little, Elizabeth 
Little, Silas C. Brown, Mary Brown. 

The church edifice was begun and mostly finished 
in 1828 {before the organization), and was dedicated 
in April, 1829. In size it is 40 feet by 50 feet, and it 
cost about S3000. It will seat 500 persons. It is the 
same in capacity at present as at the beginning, and 
has never been much repaired. It is a very strong 
and substantial building. The parsonage was built 
about thirty-five years ago, and cost $1000, together 
with free work by the congregation. It has been re- 
paired from time to time, and is at present a com- 
modious and pleasanti house. 

The pastors and stated supplies have been Rev. 
Thomas Grier, Nov. 26, 1S29, to Sept. 29, 1832, sup- 
ply ; Rev. Thomas Holliday, 1833-35, supply ; Rev. 
William Townley, 1835-37, pastor; Rev. Thomas 
Holliday again supplied the church for a few months 
in thelatter half of the year 1837 ; Rev. Benjamin Van 
Keuren, 1837—15, pastor; various supplies from 1845 
to 1848, furnished mostly by Presbytery ; Rev. Thad- 
deus Wilson, 1848-52, pastor; Rev. Oscar Harris, 
1854-63, pastor ; Rev. HoUoway W. Hunt, 1865-70, 
supply; Rev. William A. Wescott, 1871, died Feb- 
ruary, 1876, pastor ; Rev. Charles W. Cooper com- 
menced his labors May, 1877, and is still serving. 

Elders: 1829, David Osmun, Martin L. Mapes, 
Dorastus Brown ; 1831, Isaac Bodle, Israel Y. Cor- 
win, Silas C. Brown ; 1832, Peter Holbert, Sr. ; 1838, 
William Graham ; 1843, William W. Robertson, Peter 
Holbert, Jr. ; 1850, James Johnson, Linden Mulford, 
John Robertson; 1872, Daniel C. Brown, John R. 
Tryon, Benjamin Hull. Deacons: 1843, John H. 
Robertson, Linden Mulford. 

The church was dedicated April 19, 1829; the ser- 
mon was preached by the Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D. 
C. W. Cooper, John R. Tryon, and Linden Mulford 
were appointed a committee to prepare this notice. 

The church has always sustained a Sabbath-school. 
At present the one held in the church has about 80 
scholars. There is one district Sabbath-school, with 
a membership of 25. The pastor preaches at an out- 
station once a month. 

The ladies have an organization for general church 
work ; also an organization for missionarj- work. 

The present organization is as follows : Rev. Charles 
W. Cooper, minister; Peter Holbert, Linden Mulford, 
Benjamin Hull, John R. Tryon, elders; Linden Mul- 
ford, deacon. Present number of communicants is 
84. The trustees are Martin L. Robertson, Floyd 
F. Tryon, William L. Brown, James Edson Campbell. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DENTON 
made a legal organization March 26, 1839. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by George Phillips and Moses 



Sawyer. The trustees chosen were Henry W. Den- 
ton, James Gale, Hiram Phillips, Calvin G. Sawyer, 
and Horace E. Denton. 

This church, situated on the west bank of the Wall- 
kill River, at the point formerly known as "the 

I Outlet" of the Drowned Lands, may be said to have 

I had its origin, in part, in the neighborhood prayer- 
meeting, held for years in the district school-house, 
in occasional religious services conducted by the 

, pastors of the church of Goshen and other ministers, 
and in a Sabbath-school, commenced by Mrs. Lina 

' Dolsen in 1815, and carried on with the help of some 
like-minded Christian women. No decisive steps 
were taken towards the erection of a building or the 
gathering of a congregation until the winter of 1838. 
During a period of severe sickness Henry W. Den- 
ton, one of the wealthiest residents at the Outlet, was 
led to devote a larger share of his wealth to the Lord's 
service than before, and took measures, in concert 
with his son-in-law, Theodore B. Denton, to build a 
church in their own neighborhood. They first pro- 
posed that Isaac Denton, a prominent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and then living not far 
from the Outlet, should undertake the enterprise, as- 
sisted by the members of his own denomination, 
promising help in the undertaking. Mr. I. Denton, 
after conference with his own people, reported that 
they could not undertake to build. " Then," said the 
original projectors, " we will have a Presbyterian 
Church." 

A paper, having for its object " the building of a 
Presbyterian meeting-house iu the neighborhood of 
the Outlet Bridge, in the town of Minisink," was pre- 
pared, and H. W. Denton signed $500, and T. B. 
Denton $200, with a lot for the site of the building. 
Others in the vicinity made liberal subscriptions. 
When about $160<i had been pledged, a contract was 
made for the erection of the house. It was a framed 

j structure, 40 by 52 feet, with a tower rising about 50 

' feet above the foundation, surmounted -by four pin- 
nacles, one on each corner. This building was finished 
in the spring of 1839. A contribution of $500, by 
Gabriel Wisner Denton, of New Orleans, deserves 
special mention. While on a visit to his friends, he 
offered $500 towards their enterprise on condition that 

j previous subscribers would increase the amount 
pledged until the sum of $2600, required by the con- 
tract, was provided for. This condition was met. The 
cost of the building was about $3000. 

It had been previously determined that a new name 
should be given to the village, and that of the largest 

I contributors to the building of the church was chosen. 

' In consequence of this action the name adopted for 
the new organization was The First Presbyterian 
Church of Denton. 

The church was dedicated on the 27th of June, 
1839, and at the same time the church was org'anized. 
Only eight members were prepared to unite in the 
organization. Their names were George Phillips, 



688 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Calvin G. Sawyer, Harriet Sawyer, Moses Sawyer, , 
Elizabeth Sawyer, John B. Gale, Mary McDowell 
Gale, and Maria Denton. 

In September the Eev. O. M. Johnson, then sup- 
plying the church of Boonton, X. J., was called to 
thechurch of Denton. He was installed October 29th, 
having commenced his ministry here on the first Sab- 
bath of that month. There were then about 30 fam- 
ilies that might properly be regarded as belonging to 
the congregation. The church consisted of 11 mem- 
bers, three having been received at the first com- 
munion season in September. i 

Both church and congregation grew under the reg- 
ular preaching of the word. The communicants in 
18.51 numbered 160, and the families more than 60. 

In addition to the stated services at the church on ' 
the Sabbath, services were held in different neighbor- 
hoods, in adjacent school-houses on Sabbath after- 
noons, and for many years an alternate Sabbath even- 
ing service at Hampton and Denton ; also about 
once each month at the Orange County Farm. In 
consequence of failing health Mr. Johnson asked the j 
congregation to release him from the pastoral ofiice. 
The relation was dissolved October, 1873. The pul- 
pit had been occupied by temporary supplies most of 
the time during the preceding five months. It con- 
tinued to be so supplied until Mr. McBeth was en- 
gaged for six months. After Mr. McBeth's departure 
an interval of nearly a year followed, when the Kev. 
Geo. H. Hick was engaged. He remained for four 
years, at t\\e end of which he accepted a call to the 
western part of this State. 

The Rev. David McLeod is the present pastor- 
elect, and is now supplying the pulpit. 

The Sabbath-school was reorganized very soon after 
the commencement of Mr. Johnson's ministry, and 
has been continued with varying prosperity. During 
a part of this time Sabbath-schools were in operation 
in Hampton and in the neighborhood known as 
" The Gate," and were held at times in other neigh- 
borhoods. 

The church-register shows that during the thirty- 
four years of Mr. Johnson's ministry more than 300 
members were received to church fellowship. 

The parsonage property was purchased in the au- 
tumn of 1842, with a tract of seventeen acres, at a 
cost of about $830. Additions to the house, the erec- 
tion of needed outbuildings, and improvements of 
the land raised the value to about $3000. 

The first church building was burned early in the 
morning of Feb. 1, 18.58. Measures were taken to re- 
build, and the present structure of brick was erected 
on the same site in the course of the year. It cost, 
with its furniture, about $4500. A bell was purchased 
in 1871. Its weight is 1040 pounds. 

The church received a valuable legacy from the 
estate of Mr. H. W. Denton, which was used in re- 
building the edifice after the fire. Mr. T. B. Denton 
has also endowed the church with the sum of $5000, 



the interest of which is used annually towards the 
payment of the pastor's salary. 



THE CENTREVri.LE METHODIST 
CHURCH 



EPISCOPAL. 



executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 8, 1873. 
It was signed by John B. Hadden and Albert S. 
Brundage. The trustees named were Albert S. Brun- 
dage, George R. Miller, Charles S. Miller, O. C. 
Brundage, John B. Hadden, James Mulford, and 
Bradford Davey. 

THE SOCIETV OF UNITED CHRISTIAX FRIENDS, 

professing the faith of universal salvation, was incor- 
porated Sept. 20, 1813. The trustees named were 
Samuel Wells, Cyrus Skinner, Daniel St. John ; and 
those certifying to the record were Daniel Green and 
William Wells, Jr. It is understood this enterprise 
was at Centreville. 



VIII. -BURIAL-PLACES. 
PINE HILL CEMETERY 
was incorporated by a certificate bearing date Oct. 8, 
1861, and recorded in the office of the county clerk 
on the 9th. The chairman of the meeting for organ- 
ization was Simon Bradley, and the secretary Samuel 
S. Wickham. The trustees named were James F. 
Dolsen, Benjamin W. Bradley, Alva Bennett, Daniel 
Reeve, Theophilus Dolsen, William M. Dolsen. The 
grounds placed in charge of this incorporation are 
those of the old Dolsentown burial-place. The name 
is appropriately chosen. The summit is a beautiful, 
symmetrically-shaped elevation, commanding an ex- 
tensive view of the surrounding country. Twelve 
pine-trees lift their dark-green foliage above the rest- 
ing-place of the dead, memorials of the ancient forest 
that crowned the height. Stretching away in every 
direction is a magnificent rolling landscape of un- 
surpas.sed beauty, comprising rich, fertile farms, sub- 
stantial, elegant dwellings, all indicating homes of 
wealth and abundant resources. This ground has 
evidently been used for burial from the earliest settle- 
ment. Here are the common field-stones that mark 
the earliest attempt at preserving the place of burial, 
but with neither name nor date. Then follow the old 
red stone, sometimes with quite elaborate carving, 
and with well-preserved inscriptions. Next are found 
the early plain slabs of marble, while to represent the 
later years there are the costly monuments which 
wealth delights to erect over the remains of the loved 
and the lost. 

Next to Dolsentown, the old burying-ground on 
Slauson's Hill, near Stewarttown, is the oldest in Wa- 
wayanda. The hill is literally covered with graves, 
but very few of them are marked with stones. The 
first buried there, before and in the time of the Revo- 
lution, had no head-stones to tell in what year they died. 
But a little below the crest of the hill there are several 



WAWAYANDA. 



689 



stones with inscriptions dating back to near tlie Revo- 
lution. Three of them read as follows : 

" Dr. Henry White deceas'i Aug. II, 1T84, in the 35'ii year of liis age." 
' " Tempe, wife of Dr. Wljite, clecea8<' .\ug. 13, 1784, M. 25 yrs." 
" W» Halalcad died May 19, 1811. ,Et. 41 yrs." 

Ne-xt to tlie town burying-ground comes the old 
Smith family burying-ground, lying between Brook- 
field and Ridgebury, containing 31 graves. Some of 
the inscriptions are as follows: 

" Jonathan Smith, Senior, son of Benj. Smith, died May 10, 1797. A.E. 
28 yre." 

" David Howell. Died Jan. 12, 1798. Age 26 yr«." 

" Annie, Wife of Benj. Smitli, Jr., and daughter of Capt. John Duncan. 
BornNov. 3, 1760. Died April II, 1811. 31. 44 yrs." 

" Benj. Sniitli, Junior, Sept. 18, 1825. Age, 5.5 yrs." 

"Mary, Wife of Benj. Smith, and Daughter of Capt. Jouatlian Cooley. 
Born Dec. 25, 1848. Died Sept. 20, 180:i. Age, 54 yrs." 

"Benj. Smith, Born July 11, 1745. Died Dec. 11, 1816. Age, 71 yre." 

Then follow Isaiah, Elizabeth, and Jesse Smith, in 
succession, together with others of later date down to 
1832, when the family were nearly all gone. 

There is also one in connection with the Baptist 
Church at Slate Hill. This is only a small plot, has 
but few stones erected and no early dates. The ground 
indicates, however, burials in considerable numbers. 
There is a burial-place in the Reeve neighborhood, 
midway between Slate Hill and Centreville. Of the 
old Smith burial-place a local writer says, — 

" A few days ago, as I was going across the fields from Slate Hill to 
Ridgehury, and about midway between the two places, I came across a 
neglected burying-ground. No fences protected it from the encroach- 
ments of animals, and it was only distinguished from tlie adjacent fields 
by clumps of unsightly saplings, brush, and briers, which grew thickly 
upon and among the graves. An examination of the slabs showed that 
no one had been buried there for forty years. It may be interesting to 
some, as a scrap of local history, to know who the occupants of the graves 
are. By examining the inscriptions on the freestone slabs, I noticed that 
among those buried there were three or four of the first settlers in the 
vicinity of Slate Hill, and who once owned a large tract of land here, 
including the farms now owned by Thomas T. Durland, Silas Ilulse, and 
a few others." 

Southwest of Ridgebury is a burial-place dating 
back to early times, but there are no very early dates 
to be obtained there. 

The cemetery in the Stewarttown district is located 
near the school-house and tlie Four Corners. 



IX.-SOCIETIES. 
In connection with the various churches there are 
the usual benevolent charitable and missionary or- 
ganizations. Temperance societies have existed from 
time to time, but have left few or no memoranda for 
the historian to gather up. Ma.sons or Odd-Fellows 
residing in Wawayanda belong to lodges in Middle- 
town. 



and sandy, and tlie locality bears evidence of having 
been covered by water at an early day, as previously 
intimated. A family of Indians resided south of and 
in the vicinity of this hill. Since these lands have 
been cultivated, abundance of Indian arrow-heads 
have been found. At the early settlement small 
images of various kinds were also found at this lo- 
cality. Within a few days a field south of and ad- 
joining the hill was plowed up, and many arrow- 
heads were found; and what is remarkable, the 
Indians must have manufactured them there, as some 
were found partly finished, and the flakes or chips 
slivered off in the operation were also found. The 
flint out of which the heads were made is not found in 
this town, nor at any locality in the State, as far as 
we know. Indeed, we are not informed where this 
flint is found in any large or small masses. The in- 
strument with which the heads were made is conjec- 
tural. Stone would not answer the purpose, and they 
had no iron, and we are forced to conjecture that they 
used flint to manufacture articles out of flint.* 

After this family had broken up and had left the 
town, two Indians, the last of the race, as it were, in 
this locality, remained. One lived at the hill just 
mentioned, and one upon the west bank of the Wall- 
kill, several miles distant. Shortly before the war of 
the Revolution some Indians visited them from a 
distance, and when they returned the two solitary In- 
dians left with them. These were the two last resi- 
dents seen in the town. In remembrance of the one 
whose wigwam was at the hill, the citizens, to perpet- 
uate the name of its last native occupant, called it 
Jogee, after the name of the Indian. 

An Indian iron tomaliawk, either found or obtained 
from an Indian in this locality, was presented to the 
Historical Association of Newburgh by Mrs. Stephen 
W. Fullerton, the whole of which is a pipe, the pole 
being the bowl, and the handle the stem. The toma- 
hawk is now at Headquarters, Newburgh. 



X.— PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST. 
JOGEE HILL. 
This elevation is in the vicinity of the residence of 
Mr. Stephen W. Fullerton. The hill in some parts is 
quite steep, but not rocky, and is susceptible of culti- 
vation. The base and the lands around it are light 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
Some of the finest land in Orange County for 
farming purposes is found in this town. Along the 
northern portion particularly there is a handsome 
rolling country divided into rich and productive 
farms. The Dolsentown neighborhood is scarcely 
surpassed by any in the State. At the present time 
there is little or no manufacturing in the town. Vari- 
ous mills have been already mentioned. Very choice 
stock is raised in Wawayanda, and the Dolsentown 
neighborhood has become famous for its fast horses. Of 
one of the mo.st noted favorites of the turf the news- 
papers of the present year give the following item : 

" St. Julian was sired by Goldsmith's Volunteer, and was raised by Mr. 
Joseph S. Dunning, of Dolsentown, who sold him to James Galway, of 
Goshen, for S600. Mr. Sargent, of Goshen, made S20,000 for St. Julian's 

* Jogee also bore the name of Keghgekapowell. He was one of the 
grantors to Governor Dongan in 1684 of the lands embraced in the Evans 
Patent. (Ante, p. 12.) 



690 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



owner in the firet season. His dam was raised by the late Wm. H. Mead, 
of Wawayanda. Mr. Dunning also raised St. Reno, a foil brotlier of St. 
Julian, now owned by Dr. H. A. Pooler, of Goshen." 



XII.— MILITARY. 

No rolls for the war of 1812 are to be obtained 
here, but some names are remembered of those who 
were called out at that time, viz. : Benjamin Dunning, 
Jonathan Bailey, Jr., John Hallock, Jonathan Dun- 
ning. As a modern town, there is no military history 
to be treated of separate from other towns until the 
civil war of 1861-65. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

This town furnished at the outbreak of the war 7 
men; from June, 1861, to July, 1862, 5; July and 
August, 1862, 53; under draft of 1863, personally, 2, 
by substitute, 1, by commutation, 25; under call of 
October, 1863, and March and July, 1864, 90 ; total 
(including commutants), 183, or (less commutants) 
158. Of the number stated, 17 entered the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, 2 the navy, 11 the 
Fifty-sixth Regiment; 3 the Eighteenth Regiment, 6 
the Third Regiment; 10 in New York City regiments; 
balance not known. Under call of December, 1864, 
the town furnished 9 two-years' men to navy, 1 three- 
years' and 3 one-year men to volunteers. 

By private subscription in 1863 $700 was raised and 
paid to drafted men. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Ridgebury sent 
$140 to the Sanitary Commission. 

At a special town-meeting duly called, held at the 
house of William H. Wood, Brookfield, Aug. 18, 
1864, resolutions were adopted authorizing a tax of 
$.36,000 for the payment of bounties to volunteers. 

The amount of bounty to be paid to each was left 
to the discretion of a commiitee consisting of the 
town board and the following other citizens: John 
Cummings, Lewis Armstrong, Peter G. Flanagan, 
Reuben N. C. Mead, Henry C. Wiekham, John B. 
Thompson, Benjamin P. Bailey, Thomas T. Durland, 
Joseph K. VanBomel. 

It was voted to pay .$300 to any citizen who might 
furnish a substitute in anticipation of a draft. The 
town board was authorized to issue the necessary 
bonds for the purpose of raising the money, payable 
in eight annual installments, Feb. 1, 1868, to Feb. 
1, 1875, inclusive. 

The resolutions were adopted by a vote of 118 in 
favor and 71 against. Of the sum voted, $26,800 was 
expended. 

Under the call of December, 1864, $11,350 was ex- 
pended. Under the settlement of that call an excess 
of thirty-nine years was allowed, and the paymaster- 
general paid the town $12,500. 

The following list of men furnished for the sup- 
pression of the rebellion are mainly from otficial 



credits and information furnished by Supervisor 
(1864) John H. Reeve. 

Barbour, Sidney, 18lh ; credited, ISGU, to town.* 

Barbour, Theodore, ISlh ; credited, ISG.*, to town. • 

Barbour, Stephen, 18th ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Bahan, .James, not known ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Brown, James V., Anthon's battalion : credited, 1S02, to town. 

Brown, John F., 124th ; credited, lS(i2, to town. 

Brundage, John S., 18th ; credited, 18G2, to town. 

Bird.sall, James H., 124th ; credited, 1862. to town. 

Birdsall, Price, 124th; credited, 1862, to town. 

Brown, Shadrack W., Co. D, 166th ; enl. Oct. 2,1862. 

Barker, John, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 21, 1863 ; died in the service. 

Burns. James, Co. L, lOth Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863. 

Ba.\ter, BejijaDiiu W., Co. E, 124th-, enl. August, 1862; not on roll by 
that name ; perhaps Lewis W. Baxter; wounded May 12, 1864 ; died 
May 14, 1864. 

Bailey, Wni. W., Co. K, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; wounded at Clmncel- 
lorsville, left ou the field, taketi prisoner, ten days after paroled; 
disch. March 28, 1864. 

Bly, Patrick, 5th Art. ; credited, 186J-64, to town. 

Crist, Sloses, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 'J, 18G2 ; wounded in knee May 3, 
1863; wounded in arm April 6, 1865, and sent to Emory Hospital ; 
must, out by 0. 77. 

Cannon, John, Co. K, 124th ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Cavanaugh, John, N. Y. Cavalry ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Carr, George W., not known ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Carrigan, Hugh, N. Y. Cavalry ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Clark, Moses, N. Y. Cavalry ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Conkling, Wm., N. Y. Cavalry ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Case, Meiritt C. 15th Cavalry; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Cooper, Isaac C.,5th Art. ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Caffery, James, 5th Art. ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Decker, Isaac, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 31, 18G2 ; pro. corp., Jan. 1, 1863; 
killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

Denton, Jacob, Co. K, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; pro. 2d lieut., March 7, 
1863, but not mustered ; killed at Chancellorsville. 

Drake, Jereuiiab, artillery; credited, 1862, to town. 

Dowidy, Wm., artillery ; credited, 18G2, to town. 

Dunning, Benjamin, artillery; credited, 1862, to town. 

Everett, Charles M., Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded in hip 
May 3, 1863 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps ; resided in Wallkill, but 
credited to Wawayanda. 

Eller, Peter. Anthon's battalion ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Fowler, Charles W., .\nthon's battalion ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Harris, Oscar, Jr., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. at Washing- 
ton, Oct. 23, 1863. 

Hornbeck, Charles, not known ; ciedited, 1862, to town. 

Halstead, Thomas, artillery ; credited, 1S62, to town. 

Ilaiily, John, arttillery ; credited, 1862, to town. 

House, Calvin, artillery ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Haywood, Williani, credited, 1862, to town. 

Hatfleld, Lemuel 0., 48th ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Jackson, Lucas, Colored ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Kelly, Albert, 168th; credited, 1862, to town. 

Kelly, John, 5th Art.; credited, 18G3-64, to town. 

Martin, Jacob, shot on picket. 

Mullen, Nathan B.. Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died iu Armory 
Square Hospital, July 22, 1863, of wounds received at Chancellors- 
ville; buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C. 

MrCarter, Morvalden, 15th Cavalry; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

MiU^, Horace, Alb. Regt. ; credited, 18G2, to town. 

Newton, John, credited, 1862, to town. 

Norris. Thomas R,, 166th ; credited, 1862, to town. 

Norris, Joseph, 5th Art. ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

Osborn, Charles, N. Y. cavalry; credited, 1862, to town. 

Puff, John VV., Co. L, 16th Cavalry; enl. Dec. 21, 1863. 

Parrott, Horace D., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; credited to Wall- 
kill; detached, Sept. 20, 1863, to Ambulance Corps. 

Parks, John W., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8. 1862 ; taken prisoner May 3, 
1863; pro. Corp., Oct. 1, 1864 ; mustered out with regiment. 

Polhamns, James E., Colored; credited, 1863-64, to town. 

guick, David U., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; private to March 5, 
1864; Corp. to Oct. 1, 1864; sergt. to Nov. 16, 1864; trans, to Co. B 



* In all cases where so entered the credit is official, not muster-roll. 





. >f^. 



c^y/irr^ 






WAWAYANDA. 



691 



for pro. Nov. 15,1854; 2(i limit., Feb. 22, 1866; iBt lieut, Feb. 26, 

1865 ; woumled at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863 ; returned to duty 
Sept. 1, 1863 ; wounded in face and slioulder Aug. 16, 1864 ; wounded 

Oct. 27,1864. 
Riiliinson, Seth R., IStli ; credited, 1862, to town ; 15th Cavalry ; credited, 

1863-64, to town, 
yuinn, JolMi, 7th Art. ; credited, 1863-64, to town. 
Smith, L. B., 124tli; died in service. 
Steward, Alfred, died in service. 
Seeley, Samuel, artillery ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Shannon, Hugh, artillery ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Turner, Thomas J., Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Talluiau, George G., 56th ; credited, 1862, to town. 
\Vel Is, George, seth; died in the service on Governor's Island ; body 

brought home for burial. 
Webb, Daniel E., Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; sergt., Jan. 1, 1863 ; 

died Aug. 24, 1863, of wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 3, 

1863; body embalmed and taken to Kidgobury and buried. 
Watkins, James,artillery ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Williams, Allen, not known ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Wood, Jolin D., 168th ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Welsh, John, I24th ; credited, 1862, to town. 
Wells, Wni. L., ."i6th ; enl 1861; re-eul.l864. 
Williams, Nathaniel H., 15th Cavalry; credited on call 1863-64. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE W. IIORTON. 

The Hortons are of English stock. The father of 
George W., Gilbert, was born in Goshen, Aug. 23, 
1782. Here he followed the occupation of a farmer 
until hi.s death, Feb. 3, 1854. He was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Sarah White, whose birth occurred Oct. 
18, 1784, and to whom were born children, — Caroline, 
Eliza, Ocran, Susan, Chauncey, Mary Jane, Thomas 
A., George W., and Egbert J., of whom but four sur- 
vive. 

George W., the subject of this biographical sketch, 
was born March 8, 1824, in Goshen township, where 
his boyhood was spent. The advantages of education 
were at this time limited, and the labors of the farm 
were more imperative than an)' demands made by 
the di-strict school-master. At the age of twenty-five 
Mr. Horton purchased the estate, embracing 200 
acres, which is his present residence, and where he 
has since continued farming occupations, being ex- 
tensively engaged in dairying. Jan. 22, 1851, Mr. 
Horton was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta, 
daughter of Geoi'ge and Melicent Ferguson Jackson, 
of Minisink, now Wawayanda township, whose birth 
occurred Dec. 28, 1825. They have had children, — 
Sarah E., deceased ; Lawrence F., who is married to 
Harriet, daughter of Vincent Robinson ; Chauncey, 
deceased ; John B. ; Florence W., deceased ; and 
Emma J., who became Mrs. Y. A. Clark, and died, 
leaving children, — Henrietta and William. Mr. Hor- 
ton is a Republican in politics, and manifests a laud- 
able interest in public aflairs, though debarred by his 
extensive business enterprises from active participa- 
tion in political strife. In his religious professions he 
affiliates with the Presbvterians. 



OLIVER R. CARPENTER. 

The great-grandfather of the subject of this biog- 
raphy was Jesse C. Carpenter, who was of English 
parentage, and first settled upon Long Island. In 
1732 he came to Goshen, Orange Co., and was 
soon after married to a daughter of John and Susan 
Colville Bradner, the former of whom was, during his 
early life, a resident of Edinburgh, Scotland, and 
chose Goshen as a home in 1721. Here he labored as 
a preacher of the gospel until his death, in 1732, and 
was the first expounder of the word of God in the 
hamlet of Goshen. Among the children of Jesse C. 
was Benjamin, whose birth occurred in 1754, and 
who served with credit in the war of the Revolution 
as one of the garrison of Fort Montgomery. He was 
married to Miss Chandler, of Craigville, Orange 
Co., to whom, were born children, — Nathaniel, James, 
Samuel, and a daughter, Hannah. The death of 
Benjamin Carpenter occurred Sept. 28, 1828. The 
birth of his son Nathaniel, the father of Oliver C, 
occurred May 2, 1777, in the East Division of the 
town of Goshen. His boyhood was devoted to labor, 
varied by attendance at the public school of the dis- 
trict, after which he acquired the trade of a mason at 
Washingtonville, but later removed to Hampton- 
burgh, where he followed farming pursuits. He was 
married on the 10th of February, 1809, to Philotta, 
daughter of Joel Coleman, the latter of whom was a 
soldier at the battle of White Plains, during the 
Revolutionary war, and died Oct. 20, 1840. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nathaniel Carpenter had children, — John 
C, born in 1810 ; Oliver R., whose birth occurred in 
1813; Julia Ann, born in 1817; Mary C, born in 
1819; and William H., born in 1824. The death of 
Nathaniel Carpenter occurred July 3, 1846. His son 
Oliver C, whose birth occurred June 30, 1813, in the 
East Division of the town of Goshen, passed the early 
portion of his life in Hamptonburgh as a farmer. In 
1851, having a desire to extend his business relations, 
he purchased the farm in Wawayanda township, 
which is his present home, and where his time is still 
spent in the superintendence of his landed interests. 
Mr. Carpenter was on the 14th of November, 1850, 
united in marriage to Miss Phebe Jane, daughter of 
Joshua McNish, of Middlctown. Their children are 
George W.^born in 1852; John W., in 1853; Charles 
Oliver, in 1858; Mary Ida (deceased), in 1860 ; Lillie 
Dale, in 1863; Maggie Jane (deceased), in 1865; and 
Nathaniel Braduer (deceased), in 1868. Mr. Carpen- 
ter has always followed farming pursuits, and is now 
extensively engaged in dairying. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. Andrew- 
Jackson. Though always manifesting a deep interest 
in public affairs, he rarely participates in the politi- 
cal conflicts of the day. Mr. Carpenter became a 
member of the Congregational Church of Middletown 
in 1850, and both he and Mrs. Carpenter are still 
among its active supporters. 



GREENVILLE. 



I— SITUATION, BOtTNDAKIES, AREA, TITLE. 

Greenville is in the southwest part of the county. 
Its boundaries may be stated with approximate accu- 
racy as north by Mount Hope, east by Wawayanda 
and Minisinlv, south by the State of New Jersey, and 
west by Deerpark. The area of the town, as stated in 
the supervisors' report of 1879-80, is 17,665 acres ; 
the assessed valuation, $459,120 ; and the tax collected 
upon that basis, $3561.35. This town was a part of 
the Minisink Patent. 



laud, and arable to their summits. The geological 
and mineralogical features of the town are interest- 
ing. The mining enterprises are alluded to elsewhere. 



II. -NATURAL FEATURES. 

The distinguishing outlines in the topography of 
the town are the Shawangunk Mountains, whose sum- 
mits form the western boundary, aud the Boudinot 
Creek, which Hows northward a little east of the cen- 
tre, and approximately parallel to the mountains. 
This stream is a tributary of Rutger's Creek, and it 
flows northward to the line of ]\Iount Hope, then ab- 
ruptly reverses its course and flows south to unite with 
Rutger's Creek on the town line between Minisink and 
Wawayanda. The other branch of Rutger's Creek 
also rises on the slopes of the Siiawangunk range in 
Greenville, flows southeasterly to Waterloo Mills in 
Minisink, thence northward, and by a nearly direct 
line effects a junction with the other branch, on the 
south line of Wawayanda. 

Binnenwater covers about fifty acres. Its outlet 
is a tributary of Rutger's Creek. The pond lies about 
two miles south of the village of Jlouut Hope, one 
and a half miles southeast of Finchville, and about 
one mile south from the boundary line between Mount 
Hope and Greenville. It was originally a very 
important landmark, as constituting the southwest 
corner of the Evans Patent. In the old deed the pond 
was called " Maretange." After the vacating of the 
Evans iPatent, and the making of other changes in 
lines, the pond lost its early importance in determin- 
ing boundary lines and land titles. The Pakadasink 
Swamp, north and northeast of Smith's Corners, is a 
tract of considerable extent, and in this the Shawan- 
gunk kill has its source, the kill itself having been 
known by the name of the swamp formerly. (See 
General History, p. 37.) 

The Shawangunk Mountains, on the west border, 
are from two hundred to four hundred feet above the 
neighboring valleys, and from fourteen hundred to 
sixteen hundred above tide-water. The eastern slopes 
of the mountains are gradual, with little or no rocky 
092 



III.-EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The town is modern in its civil organization, and 
its early settlement is blended with that of Minisink, 
from which its territory was taken. Like the other 
portions of Minisink it was a part of the old precinct 
of Goshen. The settlers who were upon its territory 
prior to the Revolution are found in the general as- 
sessment-roll given in the chapters upon Minisink and 
Wawayanda, and in the list of signers to the Revolu- 
tionary Articles of Association. For the period im- 
mediately succeeding the Revolution we are depend- 
ent mostly upon names obtained in the records of 
the town of Minisink, supplemented by the informa- 
tion derived from some of the older citizens. 

It is stated in " Hough's Gazetteer of New York," 
that Greenville was probably settled from 1720 to 
1730, but no authority is adduced in support of the 
statement, while the dates obtained from Minisink 
town-books and from other authority do not extend 
back of the Revolution more than ten or fifteen 
years. 

The following may be mentioned as among the 
earliest families who settled in Greenville : 

Abraham Elston located soon after the Revolution- 
ary war on the jilace now owned by Rev. Mr. 
Frazier. 

Garrett Durland and John Durland were located in 
Greenville at an early day. 

Oliver Blizard resided in Greenville before 1800. 

Godfrey Lutes was living on this territory before 
the Revolution. In the general assessment-roll of 
1775 his name appears in District No. 6, Joshua 
Davis, assessor. 

Jonathan Van Tuyl, whose name appears in the 
cattle-records of Minisink soon after the Revolution, 
was an early settler of Greenville. He was the father 
of Arthur Van Tuyl. There is a stone house now 
standing in Clark's district, and owned by Ira Hal- 
lock, which is supposed to have been built before the 
Revolution, and known !is the Van Tuyl homestead. 

James Simon located in Greenville at an early day. 

Elijah Smith lived in Greenville soon after the 
Revolution. 

John Planning and Joseph Manning were early 
settlers. The homestead of Joseph Manning was the 



GREENVILLE. 



693 



place now owned by Joseph Manning of the present 
generation. The children of the pioneer, Joseph, 
were Jo.seph, Jr., John, Isaac, Richard, Walter, 
Benjamin, and Mrs. Judge James Finch, Mrs. Elea- 
zer Hulbert, Mrs. John Fogger. John Manning, a 
son of Benjamin, is now residing near the village of 
Greenville. The original Manning farm was a large 
tract bought at five shillings per acre. It is the opin- 
ion of John Manning that the brf>thers, John and 
Joseph, were settled here before the Revolution. 

Joseph Reed, whose name appears in the cattle- 
mark records of Minisink soon after the Revolution, 
was settled within the limits of what is now Green- 
ville. 

Israel Hallock was in Greenville at an early day. 

Isaac Finch is mentioned in several of the early 
papers we have quoted. He was located before the 
Revolution in the well-known Finch neighborhood, 
north jiart of Greenville or south part of Mount 
Hope. 

Abraham Harding, Stephen Amesbury, Sylvester 
Cortright, Jonathan Wood, Benjamin Cole, Moses 
Cortright, and Eusebius Austin were also early set- 
tlers in Greenville. 

Robert Eaton settled, soon after the Revolution, at 
what has since been known as Eatontown. His sons 
were John, William, Robert, Samuel. Daniel H. 
Eaton, son of John, resides a mile from Slate Hill, 
Wawayanda, at the old Fullerton tavern stand. 
Alexander Eaton was also a pioneer in Greenville 
at the same time with Robert. He had one son, 
Thomas. A grandson, James Eaton, is a resident of 
Port Jervis. 

Coming down to a later period, 1813, it is easy to 
show what families were then living on the territory 
of the present town of Greenville. In that year the 
school districts of the old town of Minisink were or- 
ganized under the school law of 1812, and were re- 
corded by naming the families in each. These are 
preserved in the first volume of the town-records of 
Minisink. While some districts may cross the modern 
boundary lines of the towns, and while it may be 
difficult to be sure after the lapse of sixty-seven years 
that all the families named were in Greenville, yet a 
majority must have been, and any others included 
must have resided very near. 

School District No. 12, as numbered in 1813, in- 
cluded the families of the following persons : David 
Slauson, Caleb Green, Zadoc Mead, James Simon, 
Joseph Elston, Abraham Elston, Samuel Elston, 
Ciiarles McCluskey, Wm. P. Lee, Sanford Allen, 
Bodewine Cortright, Jonathan Wood, Elias Clark, 
Gilbert Vail, James Green, Garret Brink, Jeremiah 
Hazeu, David Hance, Benjamin Wells, Lewis Stiles, 
Thomas Tuthill, John Owen, Asa Carpenter, Jloses 
Slauson, Abraham Ilazen, Samuel Brink. 

District No. 13, as formed in 1813, included the 
families of the following persons: Barnabas Mid- 
<laugh. Widow Mary Terry, William Brink, Charles 



Wood, Isaac Becket, Philip Millspaugh & Son, Levi 
Lutes, Daniel Woodward, William McMuUin, Jr., 
Philip Lee, Barnabas Lynch, Oliver Hulse, John 
Milligan, Thomas T. Collard, Jesse Canfield, Joseph 
Drake, Widow Martlia Sullivan, Robert Jaquish, Syl- 
venus Quarters, Isaac Harrison, William Graham, 
Garret Durland, Hugh JlcConly, William Polly, John 
Cromwell. In 1826, John Holly was attached to this 
district. This is the old Bushville district, and is 
number " four," as now designated in Greenville. 

District No. 16, as formed in 1813, included the 
following families : William Osband, Widow Catha- 
rine Davenport, Martin Davenport, Abel G. Smith, 
Jonathan Owen, John Whitmore, Noyes Wickham, 
Jr., Samuel Bodle, Increase B. Stoddard, Oliver 
Lewis, William Patterson, John Story, Alanson H. 
Story, James Scribuer, Shaw Young, John Peckham, 
Washington Hutchins, Joshua Peckham, John Fer- 
guson, Joel Rundle, John Bodle, Jr., Daniel Bodle. 

District No. 17, as originally formed, comprised 
the following fiimilies : Jonathan Rundle, John Wood, 
John Durland, Benjamin Manning, Dennis Kelly, 
Caleb Clark, Joshua Baker, Widow Ann Smith, Wil- 
liam McBride, Daniel Green, Alexander Bodle, John 
Van Tuyl, Richard Drake, Jonathan Van Tuyl, Wal- 
ter Van Tuyl, Dennis Sullivan, Luther Hallock, Hu- 
let Clark, Jesse Edsall, Timothy Collard, Isaac Peter- 
son, Joseph Green, John Gordon, Walter Manning, 
Abraham Ketcham, Asa Hutchins, Samuel Van Seay, 
Aaron Howell. 

District No. 18 was the old Eatontown district, and 

in 1813 included the following families: William 

Moore, Usher Moore, Isaiah Hazen, Peter Quick, 

I John Jervis, James Mulford, John Remy, Robert 

! Eaton, Jr., Samuel Wells, Jones Wood, John Sigler, 

Benjamin Holly, Zebulon Hallock, Oliver Blizard, 

j Charles Green, John Blizard, Thomas W. Hallock, 

Jos. Hallock, Levi Winter, Abner Skinner, Ebenezer 

Weller, James Eaton, Robert Eaton, John Beshdon, 

Jesse Benjamin, John Polly, Alexander Eaton. 

Old District No. 19, of 1813. included a portion of 
both of the present towns of Minisink and Green- 
ville, and perhaps of Mount Hope, and is given for 
convenience at this place : William Wells, Jesse 
Muloek, William Graham, Jesse Smith, John Tot- 
ten, George Wood, Charles Buchanan, Stephen Arms- 
bury, John Reynolds, Nathan Chapman, Widow 
Bond, Widow Daniel Stewart, Samuel Schoonover, 
William Goble. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dewitt C. Hallock, born in Ridgebury, Wawayanda, 
graduated in New York, practiced in Denton and 
Wawayanda, and for the last five or six years of his 
life in Greenville. He died in 1864. 

Dr. Farries practiced here about two years. Dr. 
Monell also practiced a short time, and until his 
death. There is now no resident physician. The 
one old physician of the town for a long series of 
years was Dr. Church. 



C94 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



IV.-OEGANIZATION. 

After Wawayanda was formed from the old town 
of Minisink, the remaining portion was in very in- 
convenient form for the transaction of town business, 
and a short time only sufficed to develop and bring to 
success a project for a new town. It was organized 
in 1853, and the first town-meeting held in the spring 
of 1854. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETINC. 

At an annual town-meeting held in the town of 
Greenville on the 28th of March, 1854, at the house 
of Jonathan Woods, in Bushville, in said town, the 
following resolutions were adopted: 

" Resolred, That the next annual town-meeting be held at Greenville, 
in said town. 

" Eesolved, That the sum of fifty dollars he raised for the support of 
roads and bridges. 

" Itesotved, That there be only two constaldes elected in this town. 

'* Renolved, That there be only one commissioner of highways elected 
in said town." 

Presiding officers, Wallace Clark, Zephaniah Brink, 
Zophcr Finch. Entry of March 29, 1854. Town 
Clerk, Isaac Winter. 

The officers elected were Timothy Wood, super- 
visor; Isaac Winter, town clerk; Jesse V. Myers, 
Charles Smith, justices of the peace; George T. Dur- 
land, town superintendent of schools; John C. Buck- 
bee, Nathaniel Coleman, Richard Hallock, assessors ; 
Wallace Clark, commissioner of highways ; Robert 
Robertson, Jr., Samuel Y. Clark, overseers of the 
poor; Samuel Baird, collector; George R. Graham, 
Samuel Baird, constables ; David W. Jenks, Abra- 
ham Wiggins, inspectors of election ; Jesse N. Brown, 



town sealer. 

The overseers of the h 


ighway were as follows : 


No. 


No. 


1. Asahel S. Clark. 


31. J. B. Lee. 


2. Daniel Green. 


32. James Baird. 


3. Jesse Green. 


33. Joel Baird. 


4. Samuel Jones. 


34. Zephaniah Brink. 


5. David Elstou. 


36. Nathaniel J. Church. 


6. S. Y.Clark. 


36. David A. Reed. 


7. Victor K. Baird. 


37. Dauiel C. Myers. 


8. S. T. Durland. 


3S. Lewis B. Smith. 


'.t. Nathaniel Coleman. 


39. Wm. Graham. 


10. Merritt Remy. 


40. C. Van Buskirk. 


11. Parker Hallock. 


41. D. C. Davis. 


12. Joseph Manning. 


42, John Clary. 


13. Benjamin Green. 


43. Coe Manning. 


14. Isaac Shute. 


44. Jesse Hallock. 


1.1. G. R. Graham. 


45. Joshua Mulock. 


16. John Hobard. 


46, Henry Clark. 


17. Robert Robertson. 


47. Abraham Elston. 


18. Charles Smith. 


48. Richard Hallock. 


19. G. A. Durland. 


49, A, Chapman. 


20. Thaddeus Seeley. 


50. Benjamin Cory. 


21, James Ferguson. 


51. D. W. Jenks. 


22. James V. Norris. 


52. Lawrence Milligan. 


23. John M. Wickham. 


53. L. H. Slausun. 


24. Levi Clark. 


54. 0. L. Carpenter. 


25. James R. Shultz. 


J6. Seth Racket. 


26. Jacob H.Todd. 


56. Moses D. Martin. 


27. John Milligan. 


57. G. R. Taylor. 


28. John R. Tompkins. 


58. Isaac Cooper. 


29. Isaac Winter. 


59. Moses Davis. 


30. Daniel Canfield. 


6U. Solomon Waring. 



The principal town officers from 1854 to 1880 have 
been as follows : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1854 Timothy Wood. Isaac Winter. 

1865 •' " Harvey H. Clark, 

1866 Isaac M. Seybolt, W, L, Clark. 

1S57 " " Alfred L, Clark, 

1858 " " Leonard Bell, Jr, 

1859 lesse V, Myers, Harvey H, Clark, 

1860 Isaac M, Seybolt, " 

1861 Jesse V. Myers, Stoddard W, Slauson, 

18G2-63 Stewart T, Durland, Albert Shute, 

1864 Is.aac M, Seybolt, Ezra T, Durland 

1865 Harvey 11, Clark, William B, Jenks, 

1866 " " Samuel W, Reed, 

1867-68 " " Wm, L, Clark, 

1869 George A, Durland. Wm, W, Clark, 

1870-71 Harvey H. Clark. Wm. J. Quick. 

1872 " " Adiey W. Ferguson. 

1873-74 George A. Durland. Stephen N. Carpenter. 

187.6-76 Isaac M. Seybolt. " •' 

1877, Wm. L, Clark, George W, Alward. 

1878-80 " " N.S. Hallock. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1854, Jesse V. Myers, Charles Smith ; 1855, Wm. Graham, Zephaniah 
Brink; 1856, Dorastus Brown; 1857, Samuel Slauson; 185S, Jesse 
y. Myers; 1859, Alpheus Chapman, Stewart T, Durland; 1,S60, 
George A, Durland ; 18G1, Stewart T, Durland; 1862, Jesse V, Myers; 
1863, Wm, Smith, John M, Wickham; 1864, George A, Durland; 
186.6, Stewart T, Durland; I86C, John M, Wickham, Abraham D. 
Baird; 1867, Wm. Smith; 1868, Abraham D. Baird, George R. 
Graham, George A. Durland, Nathaniel R. Quick ; 1869, Nathaniel 
R. Quick; 1870, George A. Durland; 1871, Samuel S, Graham; 1872, 
Abraham T, Baird ; 1873, Nathaniel R, Quick ; 1874, George A, Dur- 
land; 187.5, D. Terry Graham; 1876, Ira H, Baird; 1877, Samuel V, 
Jones; 1878, George A, Durland; 1879, D, Terry Graham; 1880, 
Chauncey Carpenter, 



V.-VILLAGES. 
(iREENVILLE, 
bearing the same name as the town, is centrally situ- 
ated on the road leading from Goshen to Carpenter's 
Point. This was known in early years as Minisink 
village, a name liable to confusion since the division 
of the town, which left the village Minisink in the 
town of Greenville. The post-office at Greenville is 
still known as Minisink. The postmaster at the 
present time is J. Wallace Brown. The present busi- 
ness at Greenville is the store of Hallock «& Forger- 
son; hotel, by James Elston ; blacksmith-shop, James 
A. Straight ; wagon-shop, Henry Simpson ; drug 
manufacturing, by D. C. Hallock ; butcher, Robert 

C. Burns, delivering to the Port Jervis market. The 
Baptist church is located here, and the school-house 
of District No. 5. The present teacher is Mary Reed. 

CENTRE POINT 
is a hamlet in the south part of the town and near 
the line of Minisink, popularly known as Log Town 
or Jackson's Corners. A blacksmith-shop, by George 
Dickson, and D. V. Myers is also engaged in butcher- 
ing and delivering regularly to Port Jervis. 

SMITH'S CORNERS 
is a short distance north of the village of Greenville, 
and is situated on the direct road that runs along the 
eastern base of the Shawangunk Mountains. There 
is a creamery located here, f>wned and carried on by 

D. M. Clark ; a blacksmith -shop, by Richard Ireland. 
This was formerly a thriving place, with hotels and 



GREENVILLE. 



695 



store, being situated on the main road from Otisville 
to Coleville, N. J. 

BTISHVILLE 

is situated nearly central from north to south. This 
is a well-known point in town and somewhat central, 
the first town-meeting having been held there. A 
blacksmith-shop, by Ira Baird ; S. R. Decker is en- 
gaged in butchering and delivering three times a week 
to Port Jervis. 



VI.— SCHOOLS. 

At the time Greenville was incorporated only three 
years remained of the old system of town supervision, 
all the control of the schools being transferred to the 
Assembly district commissioners by the law of 1856. 
The town superintendent of schools elected in 1854 
was George T. Durland. In 1856, Samuel S. Gra- 
ham was chosen to that office, but was " legislated 
out" before he was sworn in by the new law appoint- 
ing district commissioners in June of that year. The 
early school districts are shown under the head of 
early settlements, as taken from the town books of 
Minisink. 

At the last apportionment of the public money 
(March, 1880), District No. 1 included 35 children, 
and received $108.33; District No. 2, -15 children, and 
.'S104.55; District No. 3, 42 children, and $113.97; 
District No. 4, 64 children, and $135.01 ; District No. 
5, 83 children, and $148.40 ; District No. 6, 40 chil- 
dren, and $105.87 ; District No. 7, 32 children, and 
$86.37. The whole number of children being 341, 
and the whole amount of money disbursed $803.50. 



VII.-CHURCHES. 
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY OF (iREENVILLE 
effected a legal organization Jan. 27, 1816. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by James Finch, Jr., deacon, 
and by David Slauson. The meeting was held at the 
house of Jonathan Wood, and the trustees chosen 
were James Finch, Jr., Joseph Elston, Hulet Clark, 
Thomas P. Young, Benjamin Manning, and Benja- 
min Drake. We are indebted to the church clerk, 
Mr. George A. Durland, for the following ])aper: 

The Greenville Baptist house of worship was built 
in the year 1816, being a branch or an out-station of 
the Brookfield Church until July 31, 1822, when a 
council was called consisting of the following-named 
persons and churches the> represented in such council, 
at the meeting-house in Greenville, viz. : (Warwick) 
Elder Philander Gillett, Deacon James Burt, Jeffrey 
Wisner, (Second Wantage) Elder Zelotus Grenell, 
Deacon Peter Wintermute, Ebcnezer Mead, (Middle- 
town) Elder Thomas P. Terry, Elihu Cary, (Brook- 
field) Henry Ball, Deacon John Hallock, James Lain, 
for the purjjose of constituting a Baptist Church of 
Christ in that place. Elder Henry Ball was chosen 
moderator, and Jonathan Wood clerk ; prayer by T. 
P. Terry ; the articles of faith were read and agreed to 



by all present ; prayer by Elder Hadley; adjourned 
to two o'clock P.M. 

Met agreeable to adjournment. Elder Z. Grenell 
preached the constitution sermon ; Elder H. Ball gave 
the church their charge ; J. P. Terry gave the right 
hand of fellowship ; prayer by Elder Hadley. The 
following-named persons were dismissed from the 
Brookfield Baptist Church, July 6, 1822, for the pur- 
pose of forming themselves into a separate organiza- 
tion at Greenville, being the constituent members of 
the cliurch, viz. : James Finch, Jr., David Slauson, 
Aaron W. Rundle, Joseph Elston, Daniel Durand, 
LTsher Moore, Aaron Howell, Joel Rundle, Jacob 
Elston, Jonathan Wood, Holmes Elliott, David Els- 
ton, Phebe Moore, Sarah Howell, Wealthy Harrison, 
Eleanor Philips, Mary Van Tyle, Nancy Durand, 
Rebecca Rundle, Nancy Rundle, Sarah Ketchum, 
Elsie Rundle, Fanny Wood, Elizabeth Elston, Myra 
Anna Durland, Asenath Durland, Lydia Elston, Elsie 
Slauson, Louisa Slauson, Prudence Slauson, and 
Sarah Young. 

Aug. 3, 1822, the following-named persons were 
dismissed from the Brookfield Church to unite with 
the church at Greenville: Jesse Howell, Clarissa 
Polly, Jonathan Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Dennis 
Sullivan, Charity Sullivan, Fanny Stone, Phebe Har- 
rison, Phebe Seybolt, Priscilla Hazen, Nancy Man- 
ning, Rosilla Durland, Rebecca Spencer, Mary Grey, 
Amy Norris, Mary Caskey, Ruth Patterson, Lucretia 
McCane, Sarah Wood, Martha Rogers, Benjamin 
Elston, and Mary Howell. 

Nov. 3, 1838, the following-named persons, mem- 
bers of the Greenville Baptist Church, were dismissed 
to form a separate organization at Port Jervis, viz. : 
Gilbert F. Mondon, Nehemiah L. Mondon, Samuel 
Barrett, David Decker, Joseph Gibson, Catharine 
S. Mondon, Nancy J. Pierson, Parmelia Birdsall, 
Catharine Malcom, Mary E. Mondon, Lydia Guraaer, 
Jane Rhodes, Elizabeth Thompson, and Jane Gumaer. 

At the regular meeting of the church, held Aug. 
31, 1822, James Finch, Jr., David Slauson, Aaron 
Rundle, and Jonathan Wood were elected deacons, 
and Jacob Elston church clerk ; these were the first 
officers of the church. 

Elder Henry Ball was pastor of the church from 
the time of its organization until about the year 1833. 
It was afterward supplied by Rev. D. Bennett, at that 
time residing near LTnionville, Orange Co., until 1837. 
At that time the church settled as their pastor Rev. 
William H. Jurton, from Philadelphia, who is still 
living, having charge of a church in Iowa. In the 
year 1840 Rev. D. Bennett became pastorof the church 
and continued as such until 1843, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. C. Brinkerhoof, who continued pas- 
toral relations with the church two years. The church 
then called the Rev. Joseph Haughwout, of Middle- 
town, as their pastor ; he continued in charge of the 
church until 1848, when he died. The church then ex- 
tended a call to the Rev. Stephen Case, who took charge 



fi96 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the church in May, 1848, and has continued as pastor 
up to the present time. Owing to the imperfection 
of the records but little is known of the history of 
the above-named pastors excepting the last mentioned 
(Rev. S. Case) ; he was born in the town of Minisink, 
near Westtown, in the year 1818, of parents who 
were among the earlier inhabitants of the place where 
they lived. His grandfather, Ebenezer Mead, was 
prominently identified with the interests of the Baptist 
denomination throughout this region of country. Mr. 
Case united with the Mount Salem Baptist Church 
in 1837, was educated for the ministry at the Madison 
University, New York, and ordained as a minister of 
the gospel at Beemerville, N. J. (being pastor of that 
church at the time), in 184(i, and continued pastoral 
relations with that church until he settled at Green- 
ville. 

The present officers of the church are as follows, i 
viz. : Deacons, Coe Manning, Jonathan Stanton, S. V. 
Jones, A. T. Baird, G. A. Durland ; Church Clerk, G. 
A. Durland. Number of communicants, 116. 

From the records in the office of the county clerk 
it appears that this church executed a new certificate 
of incorporation under date of Dec. 29, 1866, the 
paper being signed by Stephen Case and Lemuel H. 
Slauson ; and the trustees named were Samuel H. 
Slauson, George McBride, Evan G. Carpenter, Col. 
Manning, Alexander T. Baird, and Geo. A. Durland. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF GREEN- ' 
VILLE 

executed a certificate of incorporation Dec. 23, 1850. j 
The proceedings were signed by Henry Clark and 
John Manning. The trustees chosen were Isaac P. 
King, John Manning, Henry Clark, Joseph Clark, i 
Horace P. Shultz. 

The house of worship is said to have been built 
about fifty years ago, and a church was doubtless 
formed mucli earlier than the above date of incorpo- 
ration indicates. Mr. John Manning states that he 
liimself joined the church in 1836. Other early Meth- 
odists were Increase B. Stoddard, Sr. and Jr., Simon 
M. Stoddard, Abel J. Smith and wife, Samuel Smith, 
and Henry Clark. 

Early ministers were Rev. Sedgwick Rusling, Rev. 
Mr. Grace, and Rev. Bromwell Andrews, the latter 
about 1836. 

The present organization consists of Rev. Henry 
Litis, pastor ; Leader, John Manning; Stewards, John 
Manning, Joseph E. Moore, Robert C. Burns ; Trustees, 
William L. Clark, David Clark, William F. Bodle, 
William Maloy, Joseph P. Van Ness, Robert C. 
Burns, James C. Debevoys, Peter Shandaberg; Super- 
intendent of Sunday-school, Joseph E. Moore. 



VIIL-BURIAL-PLACES. 

There are several burial-places in town, none of 
them, however, showing dates early enough to assist 
much in determining the time of settlement. 



They are as follows: the Manning yard, north part 
of the town ; an old ground near the above, mostly of 
the Seybolt family, in which there is said to be one 
stone bearing the name of Sullivan and nearly one 
hundred years old ; the Seeley ground in the western 
part of the town ; an old family lot on theBoudewine 
Cortright farm ; a dilapidated family lot on the old 
Isaac King farm ; a small family lot on the Cornelius 
Van Buskirk farm ; a private lot, well kept, on the 
Mulock farm ; a family lot on the Lather Hallock 
farm in fair condition ; a small family lot on the old 
Remv farm, and one on the Webb Jenks' farm. 



IX.-SOCIETIES, INCORPOKATIONS, Etc. 

THE MINERAL SPRING MINING COMPANY 
executed a certificate of incorporation on Sept. 26, 
1864. The object was declared to be the " mining 
and vending of lead and other minerals." The capi- 
tal stock was fixed at $500,000, to be divided into 
100,000 shares. The trustees named were Marvin 
Beenian, Benjamin E. Brennan, John Eager, Am- 
brose W. Green, Lewis Beach, F. V. Booth, and John 
T. Willis. 

THE GREENVILLE MINERAL AND MINING COM- 
PANY 

filed a legal certificate Aug. 6, 1864, increasing the 
number of trustees to eight, and naming the follow- 
ing : John Eager, of Batavia, N. Y. ; F. V. Booth, of 
New York City ; Albert H. Hager, of Brooklyn ; 
Thomas C. Robbins, of Windham, Conn. ; and Rus- 
sell H. Hoadley as the additional members of the 
board. The instrument was signed by Russell H. 
Hoadley, M. Brennan, A. W. Green. 



X.— INDUSTKIAL PUESUITS. 

The town is emphatically a rural farming district. 
There are no villages of any large growth and no 
manufactories of prominence. Most of the crops 
common to this section of country are cultivated. 
Considerable wheat is produced. At the present time 
(November, 1880) there are several fields green and 
luxuriant as those of Western New York. Still, the 
town is mostly a grazing district, dairying being a 
large business. Besides the items of business men- 
tioned in connection with the villages, there are also 
establishments for butchering by B. A. Conkling and 
John Burns. There is a creamery by J. L. Van Fleet 
in the south part of the town, and another in the east- 
ern part by Samuel Van Fleet. 

Moore & Van Ness is a firm engaged somewhat ex- 
tensively in buying live stock and hides. There is a 
saw-mill and also a cider-mill bv Levi Decker. 



XI.— MIIilTABY. 

The quotas assigned to the town under official calls 
during the Rebellion were as follows : ■ 



GREENVILLE. 



697 



Quota. Credit. 

July and Auguat, 1802 37 Xi 

.luly, 186:1, to Julv, I8(i* (consolidated) 33 23 

July, 1804 29 30 

December, 1864 4 4 

103 92 

In settlement with the State, under the bounty act 
of 1865, the town was allowed an excess of forty-two 
years, $8400, and for volunteers, $3000 ; total, $11,400. 

In regard to bonds issued by the town (of which 
there is no record in the office of the town clerk), 
Wm. L. Clark, the present supervisor, writes : 

"Bonds issued August, 1864 $25,169.00 

" " Feb. 11, 1805 6,000.00 

Total S31,159.0O 

" The last bond was paid Feb. 11, 1871. Our quota 
of men under eacli call was furnished, and in addition 
thereto a number of volunteers were recruited prior 
to first call (July, 1862). Only a partial list of vol- 
unteers has been preserved." 

The following list has been prepared from^inquiry 
and from muster-rolls : 

Theodore Anderson. 

Robert K. Bennett, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1862. 
Horatio A. Badgley, Co. H, 156th ; enl. Sept. 25, 1862. 
Martin Burt, Co. H, 150tb ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
Ira Baird, 56th. 
Edward Buyran, 28th Bat. 
Lewis Babcock, 5tli Art. ; enl. August, 1862. 
Wm. W. Cortright, 10th Art. ; enl. Jan. 11, 1864. 
Thomas Cortright, 124th ; enl. Jan. 16, 1864. 
Jonas Counor, Jesse Connor. 
Chauncey C. Clark, 28th Bat., N. T. V. A. 
Nelson G. Campbell, Co. 1, 156th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1862. 
John Cortright, 6th Cavalry; lost his life in the service. 
Samuel Cortright, Art.; lost his life iu the service. 
Charles Daley, Co. 1, 156th; enl. Aug, 20, 1862. 
Charles L. Doty, 28th Bat., N. T. V. A. 
Charles L. Decker, 124th ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Stephen Dickson, 124th. 
George Decker, lOtb Art.; enl. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Chauncey Elston, Co. F, 124th. 
Thomas J. Elston, Co. F, 124th. 
Gilbert C. Ferris, Co. I, 46th; eul. Oct. 2, 1862. 
Fritz Fisher, Co. I, 156th ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862. 
John Fitzgerald, 18th. 

Harvey Griffin, Co. I, 156tb ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
45 



Munson Green, 168th. 

Gideon Hassell, Co. I, ISCtli ; eul. Aug. 28, 1862. 

Dewitt C. Hallock, Jr., 28th Bat., N. Y. V. A. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 

Wm. H. n. Hunt, Co. F, 124th ; cnl. Aug. 15, 1802 ; credited to Deerpark ; 

died April 4, 1863, of tyboid fever. 
Peter A. F. Kanaka, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died in division 

hospital, of wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 16, 1803. 
Kansom J. Hartford,'5th Art. 

Benjamin Hull, Co. E, .124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; pro. Corp., and 2d sergt. 
Zebulon Hallock, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; died of fever at Fal- 
mouth, Jan. 7, 1863. 
Wm. H. Hozier, Met. Guard. 
Foster Jump. 

Lorenzo Leipold, Co. 1, 156th ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862. 
George W. Lanfare, Co. I, 166tli; enl. Aug. 21, 1862. 
Job H. Lateer, Co. A, 168th ; enl. Nov. 22, 1862. 
Samuel Lateer, 5th Art. 
Horace Lateer, 5th Art. 
ISowdoine C. Lee, Co. B, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. March 18, 

1863. 
Nathan B. Mullen, Co. K, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; credited to Wawa- 
yanda ; died July 22, 1863, of wounds received at Chancellorsville ; 
buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, Washington, D. C. 
Amasa Quick, to. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; killed in battle at Get- 
tysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Abraham McGill, 5th Art. 
ChoB. Newell, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1802 ; killed tn battle at Chan- 

celloreville, May 3, 186.3. 
Joseph Morris. 
Anizi W. Quick, Co. F, 124th. 
Jonathan W. Rackett,6tb Cavalry ; re-eul.,serving3year8andl0months; 

injured in a stampede of cavalry. 
J. C. Bundle, 28th Bat., N. Y. V. A. 
Jacob Rolsson, New Jersey. 
Samuel Read, 5th Art. 

Stephen R. Simpkins, Co. I, ISOtb ; enl. Sept. 30, 1802. 
Leman N. Simons. 

Samuel Seeley, 28tb Bat., N. Y. V. A.; enl. Sept. 30, 1802. 
Ira Seeley, 28th Bat. ; lost his life In the service. 
Harlan Seeley, lost his life in the service. 
Josiah Seeley, 28th Bat. 
William H. Shaw, Co. E, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, out June 3, 

1805. 
Calvin Shaw, William Stolbert. 
Michael Shay, New Jersey, 
Henry H. Scott, 15th Cavalry. 
Floyd Taylor, 5th Art. 
Lewis Trimble, 5th Art. 
Demmon Van Tuyl, 20th Bat. 
Merritt C. Van Tuyl, 124th; enl. Jan. 9, 1864; wounded iu hand May 19, 

1864. 
Levi 8. Wood, Co. 1, 150th ; enl. Oct. 7, 1802. 
Philetus B. Welch, Co. 1, 15eth; enl. Sept. 6, 1802. 
Daniel Wells. 



DEERPARK. 



I.-SITUATION, BOUNDAHIES, AREA, TITLE. 
Deerpark is situated at the extreme western 
angle of the county, and is triangular in outline. Its 
boundaries may be stated as follows: North by Sul- 
livan County, southeast by Mount Hope and Green- 
ville, and southwest by the States of New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania and by the county of Sullivan. The 
area of this town is 38,034 acres, as given in the last 
supervisors' report, but, as often explained, this is only 
an approximation to the true area. The assessed 
valuation of the town, 1879-80, was $2,431,680, and the 
total taxes collected upon that basis were $37,374.27. 
The title to the soil of this town is derived through the 
Minisink Patent, with the exception of certain small 
tracts,— the Arent Schuyler Patent, the Tietsort 
Patent, and the Cuddeback Patent. The Tietsort 
Patent was for 400 acres. The deed from the Indians 
to Tiets9rt in 1700 is of record in I'lster County 
clerk's office. His patent is also preserved. 

Perhaps there is no place more appropriate than 
this for a brief statement concerning the dispute over 
the line between the States of New York and New 
Jersey, which lasted for many years and involved 
territory which is now in the town of Deerpark. For 
a long period the owners of the 1200-acre patent and 
of the Minisink Patent were troubled by a tedious 
conflict with the inhabitants of New Jersey, growino- 
out of the uncertain . location of the line between 
New York and New Jersey, one side claiming it to be 
further south to a certain point on the Delaware River, 
and the other farther north to a certain point on the 
same river. It so happened that the line claimed by 
New Jersey ran through the 1200-acre patent in this 
county, and certain persons in that State procured a 
Jersey colony title for a tract of land extending north 
to this claimed line, and covering a large portion of 
the 1200 acres. As the line remained unsettled, no 
action at law could be maintained by either party, 
and consequently many hard personal struggles took 
place to maintain or get possession of the lands in 
question. 

The whole difficulty grew out of determining what 
and where "the northwardmost branch of the Dela- 
ware River" was. Both parties starting at the same 
point on the Hudson River, in latitude 40°, New York 
contended for a line which would strike the Delaware 
698 



at the southern extremity of Big Minisink Island,* 
while the line insisted upon by New Jersey would 
strike the Delaware just south of Cochecton, making 
a triangular gore of land between them, growing 
wider as it ran to the west, where it was several miles 
wide. In the final settlement this gore was about 
equally divided between the parties, after being a bone 
of contention for nearly seventy-five years. Some of 
the patentees having sold out to others of their num- 
ber and removed, the party in possession was weak- 
ened ; in consequence of which, and to regain their 
strength, they gave some of their lands to Harraanus 
Van Inwegen, a bold and strong man, and who had 
married a daughter of one of the Swartwouts. The 
following incident may serve to prove his intrepidity: 
Maj. Swartwout resided on the lands in dispute, 
and some two miles from the settlement on the un- 
disputed part. Some of the Jersey claimants were 
watching foi: an opportunity to enter his house and 
get possession before he could procure help from his 
neighbors. He was aware of it, and to counteract 
the attempt and repel the invaders kept a number 
of guns ready loaded in his house, with scmie addi- 
tional men to work his farm, and lend assistance in a 
case of emergency. He was major in the militia of 
the then county of Orange, about the years 1730 or 
1740. Notwithstanding the major's precautions to 
defend his possessions, it appears that at a certain 
time, about the year 1730, his family were expelled 
and his goods removed out of the house, and posses- 
sion taken by the intruders. Assistance was procured 
from Goshen, which, with the inhabitants of this 
neighborhood, expelled the inmates and reinstated 
the major. Afterwards they were informed that the 
Jerseymen had collected a strong party, with which 
on a certain day they intended to dispossess the oc- 
cupants generally on the disputed lands. When the 
day came the occupants, fathers and sons, all assem- 
bled at the house of Harmanus Van Inwegen armed 
with guns and fully equipped. When the Jersey 
company came in view, the occupants went out into 



* It is difficult to Bee any basis for this New York claim iu the words 
of the grant. The New Jersey claim line had the certain merit of run- 
ning to the mouth of some branch, if not to the true one, but the New 
York claim line does not seem to liave been run to the mouth of any 
branch of the Delaware at all. 



DEERPARK. 



699 



the road and formed themi-elves in line for battle. 
The Jerseymen unexpectedly finding these men col- 
lected and armed for mortal combat, became suddenly 
daunted in their military courage and hastily retreated 
to the nearest woods. This occurred when Gerardus 
Swartwout was a young man, and about 1740. 

The last struggle between the i)arties was to cap- 
ture and imprison the major and .Johannes West- 
brook, both of whom lived on the battle-ground. 
Any open effort to capture the major was known to 
be environed with great difficulty, and the Jerseymen 
undertook to ettect it on the Sabbath, at the door of 
the church. This was between the years 1764-67, 
and when the Rev. Thomas Komeyn was pastor, he 
being settled at Flatbush, L. I., till 1764. To accom- 
plish it they collected a strong party, who came 
armed with clubs on the day appointed, and when 
the minister preached in the church of Maghaghkemek 
surrounded it. After the services were ended, and 
the major and Capt. Westbrook had gone out, they 
were made prisoners after a harsh struggle. The 
major was taken and confined in the Jersey colony 
prison, from which he was soon released. Not long 
after this, Vjy the establishment of a new line between 
the colonies, as previously remarked, all the border 
disputes and personal frays ended.* 

A careful statement of this whole controversy is 
given in the annual report of the State geologist of 
New Jersey for the year 1874. The narrative has 



• The followiDg aflldavit (for which and for several other papers of 
interest the publishers are indebted to Wm. U. Nearpass, editor of the 
PortJervis Giizelte), though made after the disputed boundary question 
had been settled, would seem to favor the claims of New Jersey that the 
intersection of the State line with the Delaware was at Shoacan (Han- 
cock) : 

" Obange COINTY. 8« ; 

•' Johannis Decker being Duly sworn, deposeth and Saith That he was 
tjoru at Rochester, is now Seventy-one or Seventy-two years of age Lived 
since be was a Sucking Child at Blohaghcamake,— he was well acquaiJited 
with tbe Indians and their Language from a Child,— That he was well 
acquainted with the fishkill so called by the Dutch people, and by tbe 
English people Delaware, by the Indians Lamasepose That is lisbkill. 
That he has always understood from the Indians, young and Old that the 
left hand or West Branch at Shohacan carried up the name of the Lam- 
aeejKise to the head of it, and the Reason why they gave the Deponent 
was because there was great numbers of Maskunamack (that is Bass) 
and Guwam (that is shad) went up that Branch, A but few or non went up 
the East Branch. That he has also heard from Daniel Cole that he had 
been up the fishkill so far that he could jump over with a walking stick 
and that he the Deponent had understood that this was the West Branch. 
That this Transaction was befor the former Tryal at New York, and that 
Daniel Cole is now dead. That this Deponent was well acquainted with 
the Indians, Anibehoes, Mastewap, Yamatabenties, Echkaniare and a 
number of others that lived at Coshecton, Shohacan H Cookhouse, But 
not much ai:quainted with the papekunk Indians because they wore 
Eaopus Indians,— that the Mongap comes into the fishkill alwut Eight 
miles above Neversink and further saith not. 

His 
"Johannis x Decker. 
mark. 
" Sworn this 23'' day of 

Dec 178.') before me 

Soloman Cuykendal, J. P. 
" A True Copy from the Original 

Cockburn.'' 



already been brought down to 1762. t It required, 
however, several years longer to complete the adjust- 
ment. Commissioners were appointed by each State, 
but no satisfactory agreement was reached until a 
royal act was obtained, passed " at the court of St. 
James the 1st day of September, 1773." This act 
determined the points for running the line substan- 
tially as it now exists. It remained for commissioners 
appointed by the States of New York and New Jersey 
to actually run the line. The New Jersey commis- 
sioners — John Stevens and Walter Rutherford — made 
their report April 15, 1775, and it was approved by 
the Legislature of New Jersey. The New York Com- 
missioners were William Wickham and Samuel Gale. 
The joint report had been previously made, Nov. 30, 
1774, and that was based upon the certificate of the 
actual surveyors, — James Clinton, of Ulster Co., N. Y., 
and Anthony Dennis, of Monmouth Co., N. J., dated. 
Nov. 26, 1774. These papers closed a controversy 
which had existed for more than sixty years. 

One iiundred years later (1874) a survey of this 
line was made by commissioners appointed by the 
respective State Legislatures. A careful verification 
of the initial points was made by the aid of the 
officers of the United States Coast Survey, and a rec- 
tification of the intermediate points. Those desiring 
a detailed account of this resurvey, and a full state- 
ment resjjecting all the intermediate milestones, will 
find it in the report quoted above.J 

AN EARLY TRIP TO THE MINISINK REGION. 

The name Minisink, in nearly its present form, has 
evidently been in use two hundred years or more. 
Its correct original orthography is Minnisink. The 
earliest maps of the New Netherlands sent to Europe 
described this section of country as occupied by a 
tribe of Indians known as the Minquas. In docu- 
ments drawn up during the early years of the subse- 
quent English rule they were called the Minsies. It 
is something of an abrupt and perhaps tame con- 
clusion to which previous historians have arrived, 
that the word Minsies, or Minquas, became, by a pro- 
cess of growth or corruption, Minisinks.? 

Whether this is the correct origin or not, the latter 
name appears in 1694 in the journal of Capt. Arent 
Schuyler, who visited this region for the purpose of 
ascertaining whether the influence of the French had 
penetrated to the Indians living here. The slaughter 
at Schenectady and the destruction of that town had 
occurred only a few years before, and a state of almost 

t A map drawn in 1765 shows the present line, and was probably the 
first map upon which it appeared. 

I We refer also to a recent valuable pamphlet with the following title; 
" Notes and Memoranda relating to the West New Jersey Society of West 
New Jersey. By John Clement, of Haddonfield. S. Chew, Printer, Cam- 
den, N. J." It is there shown that the controversy was largely one in- 
volving title to the soil, and not entirely a ques^tion of State jurisdiction. 
It is also stated that the society still mnintaiuB an organization in Lon- 
don, has an annual meeting, appoints its ancient committees, and disposes 
of a solid English dinner, all in due form. 

'i See General History. 



700 



HISTORY OF OEANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



perpetual war existed. Capt. Schuyler's visit is sup- 
posed to have been the first entry of a white man into 
this immediate section, and his report has therefore 
special interest. We give it below :* 

** May it plkase Tour Kxcellency 

" In pursuance to y» Excell; comniamis I have beeu in the Minissink 
Country, of which I liave liept tlie following journal: viz 

" 1694 y« 3'' of Feb. — I departed from New Torke for East New Jersey 

and came that night att Bergentown where I hired two men and a guide. 

" Y" 4*** Sunday morning. — I went from Beigen and travilled about 

ten English miles beyond Ilaghkengsack to an Indian place called 

Peckwes. 

" Y« 501 Monday. — From Peckwes North and be West I went about 
thirty two miles snowing and rainy weather. 

" T" G^i' Tuesday. — I continued my journey to Magaglikamieck [the 
Indian name of the Neversink] and from thence to within half a days 
journey to the Menissinck. 

" Ye 7"> Wednesday. — About eleven oclock I arrived att the Minissinck 
and there I met with two of their sachems and severall other Indians 
of whonie I enquired after some news, if the French or their In(Uans 
had sent for them or been in y" Menissinck Country. 

" Upon w^'' they answere<i tiiat noe French nor any of the French In- 
dians were nor had been in tlie Menissinck Country nor there abouts 
and did promise y* if y French should happen to come or y* they heard 
of it that they will forthwith send a mesenger and give y' Excellency 
notice thereof, 

"Inquireiug further after news they told me that six days a goe three 
Christians and two Sbanwans Indians who went about fifteen months a 
goe with Arnout Vielle into the Sbanwans Country were passed by the 
Menissinck going for Albany to fetch powder for Arnout and his com- 
pany: and further told them that s^ Arnout intended to be there w'"" 
aeaven hundred of y* said Sbanwans Indians loaden wtl" beavor and pel- 
tries att y time ye Indian corn is about one foot high (which may be in 
the month of June). 

"The Menissinck Sachems further s"* that one of their Sachems and 
other of their Indians were gone to fetch beavor and peltries wliich they 
had hunted ; and having no news of them are afraid yt ye Sinneques have 
killed them for ye lucar of the beavor or because ye Minissinck Indians 
have not been with ye Sinneques as usual to pay their Dutty, and there- 
fore desier y* your excellency will be pleased to order y* the Sinneques 
may be told not to molest or hurt ye Minissinck they be willing to con- 
tinue in amity with them. 

"In the afternoon I departed from ye Menissincks; the gtl", 9'ti and 
loi** of Feb I travilled an<l came att Bergen in y*' morning and about 
noone arrived att New Yorke. 

" This may it please your Excell : the humble reporte of your Excel- 
lency's most humble serv^ Arent Schuyler." 



II.-NATUKAL FEATUEES. 

The topography of this town is marked and pecu- 
liar. In the eastern portion is the broad valley of the 
Neversink, extending almost in a straight course from 
northeast to southwest. Along this valley the early 
settlers, attracted by the fertility of the soil, made 
their first openings in the forest. Not far from the Nev- 
ersink River, and nearly parallel to it, the hand of art 
has supplemented nature by that great enterprise, the 
Delaware and Hudson Canal. 

The only tributaries of the Neversink from the east, 
with one exception, are unimportant rivulets flowing 
down from the slopes of the Shawangunk Mountains. 

Several similar rivulets also unite at various points 
from the west. One of greater importance, the Old 
Dam Kill, flows into the Neversink at Huguenot. This 
is formed of two branches, which drain a large portion 

* It is not certain that he was in the Noveraink Valley above Carpen- 
ter's Point. His route "Northwest" makes it, however, probable that 
he went through the pass at Otisville or further south, near Carpenter's 
Point. 



of the centre of this town and afford valuable water- 
power. Basha's Kill, the largest trilnitary from the 
east, skirts the base of a high range of hills in the 
northea.st part of the town, and unites with the Nev- 
ersink east of Cuddebackville. 

On the southwest the Delaware River divides the 
town from the State of Pennsylvania, and on the 
west the Mongaup, a branch of the Delaware, forms 
the boundary line between Doerpark and Sullivan 
County. One tributary of the Mongaup drains the 
Quarry Hill district; upon this are the Bushkill Falls. 
A branch of the Delaware, uniting at Bolton Basin, 
drains a large portion of the higher central part of 
the town. Through the Honesville district there is 
another small tributary of the Delaware which rises 
in the Highlands near Huguenot. Big Pond is about 
one mile long and half a mile wide. Its outlet is 
known as Shingle Kill. Little Pond is about one- 
fourth of a mile in diameter. Its outlet is Old Dam 
Brook, so called from an ancient dam. The Grassy 
Swamp is an exten.sive tract in the western angle of 
the town, lying between Sullivan County and the 
Mongaup River. It is low and wet, overgrown with 
long, coarse grass. The stream passing through it is 
known as Grassy Swamp Brook. 

The surface of the town may be described in general 
terms as a mountainous upland, broken by the nu- 
merous streams, many of which flow through deep, 
rocky ravines. The higher lauds of the central and 
w'est portions end with steep declivities along the 
Delaware River. Near Port Jervis, Mount William 
and Point Peter form attractive features of the land- 
scape. 

The name Basha's Kill is said to be derived from 
an Indian squaw-sachem (a specimen of woman's 
rights) who lived on the banks of the stream near 
Westbrookville. Her name is reported in tradition 
as Basha Bashiba, and she is said to have been very 
friendly to the whites, all of which may be accepted 
as a safe explanation until a better one appears.! The 
valleys are distinguished as follows : the Mamakating 
Valley lies along Basha's Kill ; the Neversink flows 
through the Suckapack Valley to its junction with 
Basha's Kill ; below the junction is the Neversink 
Valley proper, generally called Peenpack in the early 
annals, and extends from the junction to the mouth 
of the Neversink at Carpenter's Point. 



III.-EABLY SETTLEMENT. 
It has already been shown in the (Jeneral History 
that Wm. Tietsort (said to be the same name as the 
one now written Titsworth) fled from Schenectady at 
the capture of that town in 1689 by the Indians; that 
he barely escaped with his life and came to Esopus; 
that very soon he went to the Minisink country, where, 
after residing several years upon a tract of land, he ob- 
tained in 1698 the right to purchase ; that he did so 

t Ante, p. 40. 



DEEKPARK. 



701 



purchase ; that his title, afterwards disputed, was con- 
firmed, and was one of the exceptions to the Minisink 
Patent. He afterwards sold to John Decker, and it 
is believed that further investigation will show that 
his location was the present Benjamin Van Vleet 
place, near Port Jervis. 

Early settlements within the present limits of this 
town were also made at Peenpack, and on the south- 
erly portion of that long and narrow valley of par- 
tially alluvial land known as Mamakating Hollow. 

Some of the original settlers came from the settle- 
ments of the Dutch on the Hudson, at Kingston and 
its vicinity. Following the flat lands on the banks of 
the streams to the southward, they wandered along 
the valley just mentioned to the Delaware River. 
These tenants of the valley took possession, and occu- 
pied such portions of the country as suited their tastes, 
regardless of the real ownership. 

In the year 1697 a patent was granted to Arent 
Schuyler for "A certain tract of land in the Minisink 
country, in the province of New York, called by the 
native Indians Sankhekeneck, otherwise May hawaem ; 
also another tract, called Warinsayskmeck, situated 
upon a river called Mennessincks, before a certain 
island called Menagnock, which tract is adjacent or 
near to a tract of land called Maghaghkemek, con- 
taining the quantity of one thousand acres and no 
more." 

In the same year another patent was granted to 
Jacob Codebec, Thomas Swartwout, Anthony Swart- 
wout, Bernardus Swartwout, Jan Tys, Peter Giraar, 
and David Jamison, and included " a certain quantity 
of land at a place called Maghaghkemek, being the 
quantity of one thousand two hundred acres; begin- 
ning at the western bounds of the lands called Nepe- 
neck, to a small run of water called by the Indian 
name Assawaghkemeck, and so along said run of 
water and the lands of Mansjoor the Indian." 

The lands included in the two patents are situated 
in the valley of the Peenpack. It will be perceived 
that they are described in such a loose and imperfect 
manner as to make it IrapossiLle to fix any particular 
location for either of them, and the patentees seem to 
have considered them as " floating" patents, under 
which they were authorized to take possession of any 
unappropriated lands in any part of the valley. In- 
deed, in after-years, when it was necessary to make a 
partition of the Minisink Patent, — within the general 
bounds of which these two patents were included, but 
in which they were expressly excepted, — the commis- 
sioners appointed to make the partition found great 
difficulty in making a location of them. With respect 
to the patent to Codebec and others, they remark 
that " it contains no particular boundaries, but ap- 
pears rather to be a description of a certain tract of 
country in which the 1200 acres were to be taken up 
at the election of the parties, which election having 
been made many years ago, and being evidenced by 
the actual possession of the parties, consists of five 



distinct small tracts." These five tracts lie along the 
Neversink River and the Basha's Kill, from near the 
Delaware River to within the bounds of the county 
of Sullivan, about the distance of eleven miles. 

Of the seven patentees above named, Codebec and 
Gimar were Frenchmen, and according to a certifi- 
cate then in the' possession of Gimar, in the French 
language, they were in that country in the year 168-'), 
in April, being about twenty years old. On leaving 
France they proceeded to England or Holland, where 
they remained a short time, and were to be .supplied 
with funds within a certain period by their friends at 
home, and in the receipt of which they were disap- 
pointed. They then embarked for America, and landed 
somewhere in the State of Maryland. By this time their 
money was spent, and they were compelled to support 
themselves by manual labor, — a condition of things 
to which they had not been accustomed ; yet with that 
sprightliness of character and spirit of accommoda- 
tion which cheerfully bends to every condition of 
things, these individuals yielded with their usual 
grace to the necessity of the case. Their stay in 
Maryland was short, and they then emigrated to the 
State of New York, and either in the city, or in one 
of the counties on the east side of the Hudson, both 
connected themselves in marriage with the Swartwout 
family. These marriages doubtless led to the after- 
intimacy and association of these persons, and was 
the reason of their co-settlement in the county. 

The Swartwouts were large men, of great bodily 
strength and courage, and well calculated to be pio- 
neers in the settlement of a new country densely 
covered with woods and infested by the natives and 
ferocious wild animals. 

These seven men are said to have come to this town 
in 1690,* but did not procure the patent of 1200 acres 
previously mentioned till the 14th of October, 1697. 
Tys and Jamison must have died soon after the loca- 
tion of the patent or emigrated elsewhere, for in the 
future history of this settlement we neither find them 
mentioned, nor any others of that name till long after 
the period we are speaking, of. Within a few years 
after the settlement the patent fell into the hands of 
Peter Gumaer, Jacob Cuddeback, one of the Swart- 
wouts, and Hermanus Van Inwegen, as the names 
are now written and as they will hereafter be given in 
the history of the town. 

The land covered by the patent laid along the 
Neversink River and Basha's Kill, at and below their 
junction, and was very fertile. The grass which grew 
u])on these river flats was coarse, and from four to six 
feet high, and called in Dutch reel grass. The flats 
are now much altered from what they were, being cut 
up by channels by the action of the river, and grown 
over with woods. 

At this time the nearest settlement was in Mama- 
kating Hollow, some twenty-five or thirty miles north, 

* On the authority of the Gumaer manuscript ; but Arent Schuyler 
makes no mention of white people in 1694. 



•702 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and about half-way to Esopus. Soon after these in- , 
dividuals settled on the patent others came in and 
located in the town, among whom were Peter Cuyken- 
dall, John Decker, William Cole, Solomon Davis, 
and a few others. In the nature of things, it is a 
laborious business to settle a new country, and this 
count}' was eminently so because it was wholly covered i 
with large timber. The difficulties encountered by 
our Western immigrants at this day, owing to the 
nature of soil and timber, are not to be compared 
with those encountered in the settlement of this 
State. Here everything had to be done, — there was 
nothing ready or partially fitted to the hands of the 
settlers. Unless they brought implements with them i 
from Europe they had to manufacture them, for they I 
could not be purchased everywhere as now. 

The plows of that day and those used at this 
locality were complicated in structure: they were 
nearl}' out of use in 1775, and may be thus described: , 
the forward end of the beam rested on an axle-tree i 
between a large and small wheel.* The large wheel 
ran in the furrow, and the small one on the unbroken 
sod, which made the axle horizontal. 

Wheat and rye were cut by means of a knife or 
cutter about two feet long, fastened to a wooden 
handle, and similar to a hemp-hook, and then gath- , 
ered up into sheaves with a small hook fastened also ] 
to a wood handle. With these two instruments, one 
man at the same time cut down and gathered it up. 
This was the universal practice at this settlement, and 
it continued till about 1760, when scythes and cradles ' 
began to be used. Cattle were housed as well as 
horses, and all fed on grain and straw, during the 
winter. Though threshing was done with the flail, 
much of it was trampled out by horses. The grain 
was cleaned by a large hand-fan made of willow rods. 
The first fanning-mill was brought into this part of 
the country by Peter Gumaer about 1750 or 1760. 

The first wagons used here were made principally 
of wood. The wheels were not hooped with iron ; the 
felloes were thick, and drove full of wood pins to 
make them durable. Sleds were shod with wood. 
The harness was manufactured of flax and tow, the 
collars and neck-straps wove of rope yarn, doubled 
and twisted, which the men of the family manufac- 
tured during the long winter evenings. The women 
were pleasantly employed around the large family 
hearth in spinning and reeling yarn. 

The first settlers carried their wheat to Esopus to 
sell — a distance of fifty or sixty miles — over a road 
a great part of which must have been in very bad 
order, only about twenty miles of which were worked 
by the inhabitants of this settlement.t Such was one 
of the disadvantages under which these early settlers 
labored ; but by industriously working their produc- 
tive lands they surmounted them all, lived as well 
and grew as wealthy as the farmers of this day. For 

* This has been reproduced in some of the new plows of recent years. 
t Ante, p. 110. 



the first half-century the coarse grains were not cash 
articles, being used principally to feed cattle and 
fatten the hogs. Corn, prepared in various ways, was 
used with milk for the morning and evening meal 
before tea and coflee came into general use, which was 
little before 1800 in that locality. Tea was first intro- 
duced here about 1760 or 1770, probably soon after 
the French war, for when the Revolution cut ofi" the 
supply the inhabitants thought it very hard to be de- 
prived of its use. Wheat was the great crop, and the 
first attempt to grind it was made by Jacob Codebeck 
with a very small mill. One of the stones with which 
the experiment was made — about two feet in diameter 
and three inches thick — is still to be seen in the cellar 
of Peter E. Gumaer, of this town, near where the 
ancient mill stood. It was erected on a spring brook 
near his house, but how it answered the purpose is 
not now known. Though uninformed of the date of 
this erection, it must have been the first of the kind 
in this county. There were two other grist-mills 
erected in this vicinity, on what was called " Old Dam 
Brook," one at and the other below the outlet of a 
swamp and bog meadow, — so long since that no one 
of the last generation saw their remains, except the 
ground and stones which composed a part of the dam 
of one of them. One of them was at the northwest 
side of the road, three-fourths of a mile northeast of 
Port Jervis; the other lower down on the brook. 
Jacob R. DeWitt built a mill about the year 1770 on 
the Neversink River, near Cuddebackville, which 
continued to grind till sold to the Canal Company. 

There was also an old mill erected by Solomon 
Davis, — the site in later years was occupied by one 
owned by Mr. Thomas Van Etten, — and another by 
Simon Westfall, the .site of which was subsequently 
occupied by Mr. Rennet's mill. There was still an- 
other old mill near Butler's Falls. 

Judging from the sawed materials in old buildings, 
saw-mills must have been in very early use in this 
neighborhood. One is known to have been erected 
about 1760 or 1770. 

The first grist-mills performed the operation of 
grinding only. The bolting was performed by hand- 
sifting, before the flour was converted into bread. 
This process took out the coarse bran, and every 
family kept a sieve for the purpose. This flour made 
the real healthy Graham brown bread. 

It is proper to mention at this point that there are 
, traditions of still earlier settlement which deserve 
notice, and which seem to rest mostly upon letters 
written by Samuel Preston, of Stockport, Pa., in 1828. 
i Mr. Preston had been employed in his youth as a sur- 
veyor, and soon after the close of the Revolution ex- 
ecuted an engagement in Northampton Co., Pa. In 
his account of the work and the region of country, 
he states that he received from John Lukens, sur- 
veyor-general of Pennsylvania, an account of the 
I early settlement. The recollections of Lukens ex- 
' tended back to 1730, when, as an apprentice, he had 



DEERPARK. 



703 



carried chain and learned surveying of Nicholas 
Scull, the famous surveyor of early times. In ex- 
ploring the Minisink country they found a fine or- 
chard larger than any near Philadelphia. This was 
owned by Samuel Depuis. Depuis drew his wheat 
and cider to Kingston, about a hundred miles, over 
the "Mine road," and brought back salt and other 
necessaries. 

Nearly sixty years later, as the tradition asserts, at 
the Preston expedition of 1787, they met Nicholas 
Dupuis, the son of Samuel, living in a spacious stone 
house in great plenty and affluence, who confirmed 
the previous traditions. These are the authorities 
which are claimed to indicate early settlement, while 
the country was still in possession of the Dutch, 
prior, therefore, to 1664. Mines are said to have been 
opened at two points, — " one on the Delaware, where 
the mountain nearly approaches the lower point of 
Pahaquarry Flat ; the other at the north foot of the 
same mountain, near half-way from the Delaware to 
Esopus." The tradition implies that the mining and 
the settlement were abandoned in 1664 at the Eng- 
lish conquest. 

It is evident that these traditions relate to territory 
beyond the present limits of Orange County, and 
that they prove little or nothing with reference to 
the towns to which this present history is devoted. 
The " mines" loere opened at some very early date, as 
compared with the time of general settlement. The 
" Mine road" was an early work, but there is no 
proof that either were in existence before the Dutch 
surrender in 1664. Even the interview of Lukens 
with Samuel Depuis* in 1730, afibrds no indication of a 
settlement having existed for seventy or eighty years 
previously. Thirty years or forty years, carrying the 
date of settlement back even to 1690, would have 
afforded ample time for the growth of an excellent 
orchard, the production of considerable cider, and 
the growth of abundant crops of wheat. 

The address of Benjamin B. Edsall, Esq., at the 
first Sussex centenary, Oct. 6, 1853, presses definitely 
this claim of early settlement in behalf of the lower 
Minisink, twelve miles from Carpenter's Point. 

As this is now beyond the bounds of New York, it 
is not perhaps a necessary part of our work to throw 
doubt upon this claim ; but as the same claim is made 
for the Peenpack Valley (as above shown), we can 
hardly avoid again remarking that there is no basis 
for either. It is true the Dutch built a fort at Rond- 
out in 1614, but the settlement of Kingston (Old 
Wiltwyck) was not made until 1657. It was in the 
.second Esopus war, 1663, that the New Paltz region 
east of theShawangunk Mountains was "discovered," 
and later than that before a settlement was made 
there. True, this would not exclude the idea of set- 
tlements on the west side of the mountains through 

* Samuel Bepnis lived on the PeuusyWania side of tiie Delaware River, 
about thirty-eight miles below Port Jervis, and three miles north of the 
Water Gap. (See ante, p. 15.) 



the Rondout Valley, and so farther south to the 
Mamakating. But it was not until 1669 that a few 
emigrants ventured out upon this line as far as Marble- 
town, and ten or fifteen years later before any located 
at Rochester. 

The paper of Capt. Arent Schuyler, already quoted, 
giving account of his visit to this country in 1694, 
makes no allusion to any white settlers whatever. 
The Preston letters, containing the account of inter- 
views with Samuel Depuy in 1630 and Nicholas Depuy 
in 1687, seem to have been the only evidence which 
previous writers had in favor of this early settlement 
of the Minisink region. The suggestions above given 
prove this story of settlement in 1650 to 1660 wholly 
a myth. Whether Cuddeback, Gumacr, and their as- 
sociates were in the Peenpack Valley in 1790 is not 
settled by Arent Schuyler's letters of 1794, for he 
might not have penetrated as far north ; yet it may 
be presumed Schuyler would have heard of them 
and mentioned them if there had been a settlement. 
Inquiry among the descendants fails to find any one 
positive as to the date of this settlement, yet Dr. 
C. E. Cuddeback, of Port Jervis, has in his possession 
certain memoranda in the shape of petitions to the 
colonial government to be protected in their title, 
one dated in 1797 the other in 1799. The graves in 
the old Gumaer burial-place are very old, one bear- 
ing date 1713. The evidence, then, entirely disproves 
any claim to settlement in 1650. That the Minisink 
region was settled in 1650 (even the New Jersey part 
of it) is impossible from any documents now existing. 

To a certain extent the settlement of Deerpark 
must be considered a portion of the history of all the 
Minisink region, especially all that part of it which 
relates to the controversies between the settlers on the 
Minisink and Wawayanda Patents with the people in 
New Jersey about the possession of the lands along 
the disputed line. The settlement must have been 
very early, and to some extent before 1700, for settle- 
ments were made by inhabitants of New Jersey north 
of that, and complaints against them brought before 
the Colonial Assembly for their direction as early as 
that period. 

This border warfare was long and tedious, as already 
shown. In 1755 a bill was passed " to impower cer- 
tain trustees to dispose of any quantity of unappro- 
priated lands within the patents of Minisink and 
Wawayanda to rai.se a sum, not exceeding £1000 on 
each, to defend the title and possessions of the pro- 
prietors of the patents against the encroachments of 
the people of East New Jersey, and to defray the ex- 
pense already accrued thereon." 

From records elsewhere given (ante, p. 20), it ap- 
pears that in 1714 the following were the only free- 
holders in Maghaghkemek, viz., Thomas Swartwout, 
Harmon Barentsen, Jacob Cuddeback, Peter Gumaer, 
and Jacobus Swartwout. In 1728 they are recorded 
as Harmon Barentsen Van Inwegen, Peter Gumaer, 
John Van Vliet, Jr., Samuel Swartwout, Bernardus 



704 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Swartwout, Jr., and Jacob Cuddeback. If the settle- 
ment by Cuddeback and Gumaer commenced in 1690, 
this record sliows a very small increase in the number 
of freeholders in thirty-eight years. 

ASSESSMENT-ROLL of 1775. 

As showing the names of families residing in the 
" lower neighborhood" at the opening of the Rev- 
olution, we are fortunately able to give the fol- 
lowing assessment-roll for district No. S in the old 
precinct of Goshen. The general records of Goshen 
having been destroyed (in some respects an irre- 
trievable loss), this roll is the best authority extant. 

District No. 3 evidently consisted of the triangle 
bounded north by the " old county line," easterly 
by the Shawangunk Mountains, and southwesterly by 
the Delaware River, — in other words, the southern 
portion of Deerpark, comprising the present territory 
of Port Jervis and its vicinity. An assessment-roll 
is better or more complete authority than many other 
lists of names. Taxes are not supposed to omit any 
property-holder, and an examination of this assess- 
ment shows that men without families or homesteads 
must have been assessed, for in one instance the 
appraisal is less than two shillings, and others are 
named at very small amounts. The assessor was 
Abraham "Van Auken, an old and well-known name 
in this section. 



Ditiricl No. 3, — Abrabam Van Ai'KEN, Assessor. 
Eetimate 

of 
Property. 



£ ». d. 

NeUemiah Patterson 8 16 

Joseph Randall 1 18 6 

James Davis 10 5 

Johannes Deckfir 17 8 7 

John Wood 15 3 

Peter Cole 1 12 7 

Wilhelmus Cole 5 7 

Peter Cuykendall 9 4 6 

Marlines Decker, Sr 6 17 16 

Solomon Cuykendall 4 8 

George Nanny 16 



^Simon Westfall 8 

Martines Decker, Jr 

Daniel Cole 

Isaac Van Tuyl 1 

Philip Swartwood.. 



P. Gominorrah (Gumaer} 10 



:i 6 
7 3 
4 3 
1 
6 
6 

Jacob Schoonover .^1 12 11 

Tunis Sluter OUT 

Isaac Middagh 1 I.t 8 

Abraham Van Auken 11 6 

Daniel Van Auken 5 12 5 

Aldert Osterh.mt 3 6 

Christian Middagh 2 



George Quick 

James Van Vleet 

Anthony Van Etten, £sq. 

Joliannes Decker, Jr 

Capt. John Westbrook..r? 
Abraham C- Van Auken. 

Moses Cortright 

Peters Decker 

Allen McDonald 

Samuel Davis 

Abraham Middagh 

Daniel St. John 

Jacob Cuykendall 

Ephraim Middagh 

William Ci"ane 

Ilezekiah Rosecrans 

Daniel Cortright 

Benjamin Couser 

John Van Tuyl 

John Wells 

James Carpenter 

Joseph Manning 

John Van Tuyl, Jr 

John Westblook....^, 



Estimate 

of 
Property. 
£ 9. d. 
19 
7 9 5 
14 13 1 
10 18 
■ 6 17 6 
5 11 7 
7 5 
14 

9 
2 11 
2 11 
4 9 
2 8 

2 3 

1 12 
4 
4 

1 16 
4 II 11 

12 4 

3 8 6 

4 

5 17 10 

2 19 



" The above is a list of my assessment of all the inhabitants in my 
said district. 

*' Given under my hand, September, 1775. 

" Abraham C. Van Auken, Assessor." 

The names attached to the Revolutionary Articles 
of Association for the Minisink region must be pre- 
sumed to apply to the same territory as the assess- 
ment-roll, — south of the old county line in Deerpark, 
— and at the same date. (See list in General His- 
tory.) 

The list for Mamakating, given in the General His- 
tory, shows the names of those living north of the old 
county line, and includes a part of what is now Sullivan 



County. We add brief notes upon the location of 
a few of the early settlers mentioned in the above 
papers, and upon various names and places. 

Penhau.sex'.s Landt, or Penhauses's Land. — 
This was the name of an Indian chief who in former 
times resided near the present residence of Levi Van 
Etten, Esq., on the rich bottom-lands in that neigh- 
borhood. In old times, when speaking of a good 
piece of laud, it was common to compare it with Pen- 
hausen's Land. 

Seneyaughqtjax was an Indian nameof the place 
where Maj. Swartwout in his time resided, — the res- 
idence in later years of Col. Peter Swartwout. 

SoKAPACK. — This is also an Indian name of a 
place in this town, which is understood to be signifi- 
cant of a spring of water. 

Lower NEitiUBORHOOD. — In respect to the first 
settlers of the " lower neighborhood," it may be said 
generally that they were contemporary with the chil- 
dren of the first .settlers at Peenpack, and three of 
them had married daughters of those first settlers. 
The children of Peter Gumaer, the great-grandfather 
of Peter E. Gumaer, were six in number, and born 
between the years 1693 and 1708 ; from which it ap- 
pears the lower neighborhood must have been settled 
between the years 1710 and 1725. 

DeWitt Family.— The DeWitt family of Deer- 
park were descendants of Tjerck Claessen DeWitt, 
who was born in Grootholt, in Sunderlant, Holland, 
and who after his immigration settled at Wiltwyck, 
now Kingston, in 1672. His children were: 1, An- 
dries ; 2, Tjerck ; 3, Jan ; 4, Jacob : 5, Lucas ; 6, Peek ; 
7, Tjaatje; 8, Janetje ; 9, Gertrung ; 10, Rachel ; 11, 
•~*Iarietje ; 12, Anglie. Egbert, son of Andries (1), 
and grandson of Tjerck (1), had nine sons and one 
daughter, viz.: 1, Dr. Andries, who lived and died at 
New Paltz ; 2, Jacob Rutzen, who settled in the 
Peenpack neighborhood, and whose daughter Rachel 
married Robert Burnet, of New Windsor ; 3, William ; 
4, John ; 5, Stephen; 6, Mary (Polly), who married 
Capt. (afterwards Gen.) James Clinton, of New 
Windsor, and became the mother of DeWitt Clinton ; 
7, Egbert ; 8, Thomas ; 9, Benjamin ; 10, Reuben. 
Simon DeWitt, for many years surveyor-general of 
the State, was the son of Dr. Andries of New Paltz. 

Jacob R. De Witt's oldest son was Moses DeWitt; 
in person large and well favored, very social and agree- 
able in his manner and conversation. The Indians 
esteemed him highly, and when he died deeply la- 
mented his death. This speaks a thousand facts in 
his favor, for one man like this in a new settlement, 
surrounded by Indians liable to be excited and pro- 
voked to revenge and murder by the least and unin- 
tended injury, was like a garment to the settlement 
which covered up a multitude of their offenses against 
them. This young man obtained his education from 
an individual by the name of Thomtis White, an Eng- 
lishman, who came to the neighborhood about the be- 
ginning of the war. A mutual attachment grew up 



DEERPARK. 



705 



between him and the people, and during the period 
of hostilities he took shelter, with his wife, in Fort 
Gumaer to abide the result. As the condition of things 
in the settlement and state of the country justified it, 
he kept school in a small house built for the purpose 
near the fort. What DeWitt failed to learn here 
he afterwards accomplished in the family of Gen. 
Clinton. 

Peter E. Gumaer, Esq., in the winter of 1787 studied 
surveying with Mr. DeWitt, who during the pre- 
vious summer had been out on the line then being 
run to divide the States of New York and Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Of the early settlers the following statement with 
respect to their location is upon the authority of the 
" Gumaer manuscript,"* written by Peter E. Gumaer, 
father of Peter L. Gumaer. Peter Gumaer located at 
the southwest end of the hill, on the well-known Peter 
E. Gumaer farm, near Cuddebackville. 

Jan Tyse located between that and the Spring 
Brook. It may be proper to remark, however, that 
it is not probable that he ever occupied this place. It 
is supposed that his claim was very early sold to 
others. 

Barnardus Swartwout settled on the east side of 
the hill, a few rods west of this spring, and the cavity 
of the cellar was visible in late years. 

Jacob Cuddeback's homestead was a few rods north- 
east of the northeast end of the hill, on the low ground, 
and the site of his dwelling could be determined by 
the cavity of the old cellar within a few years, if not 
at the present time. 

Anthony Swartwout located a few rods northeast of 
Cuddeback's, " where the house formerly of Cornelius 
Van Inwegen stood." 



* *' The Gumaer Dianuscript" was written evidently at various periods 
of his life, bruuglit down, however, to about the year 1861. It consists of 
aljout three hundred pages of foolscap. It is verj- largely a history of fami- 
lies, and families whose names are frequent in all this section to-day. One 
might suppose they would promptly subscribe any necessary amount to 
secure its publication. Mr. Gumaer was a teacher, a surveyor, a farmer, 
and an author. He published a small work upon astronomy. He sur- 
veyed and mapped at one time or another nearly all of the lands in the 
town, and did most of the legal writing for many years. It is said that 
no legal paper written by him was ever broken in a court of law. 

No man was more competent tlian he to Judge of early traditions, so 
far as the evidence was before him. He was familiar with both the 
Dutch and English languages, and it is said that in his youth he under- 
stood the sermon so well that on returning from church he could some- 
times scarcely remember which language the preacher had used. 

He had four sous, — Peter L,, Ezekiel, .\ndrew Jackson, and Jacob. A 
current baptismal story is worth repeating. He had preferred to name 
the third son, above mentioned, Henry Clay, but his wife desired a solid 
Democratic name. It is not supposed there w as any very serious dispute : 
she consented to his view. At the altar, when the minister asked for the 
name, he hesitated a moment, in his usual habit of speaking with care- 
ful deliberation, when his wife opportunely said " Andrew Jackson," 
and the minister (joining in tliis Democratic conspiracy) quickly bapti7.ed 
with that name. 

Mr. Gumaer, in his manuscriiit, speaking of the Cuddeback settle- 
ment, uses this language ; " In the year 1690, as near as can now be deter- 
mined," etc. .\g<ain, " After these early settlers had resided here a few 
years they sent Jacob Cuddeback, one of their number, to the Governor 
of the New York colony to ask for a patent, which was granted Oct. 14, 
1797." 



David Jameson's place was also somewhere near 
the others, in the same group, though it must also be 
said of him tliat it is uncertain whether he actually 
settled; neither his name nor that of Tyse appear in 
subsequent annals. 

Jacob Cuddeback was a French Huguenot. His 
name was originally spelled Caudeback, and there is 
a city of that name in France from which he came. 
It was a place of 90t)0 inhabitants in 1685. His wife 
was Margaret Provost, whom he married at Esopus 
or elsewhere along the Hudson. The pioneer lived to 
be nearly one hundred years old. His children were : 

1, Benjamin, who never married. He lived to be 
eighty years of age, spending his life in this town. 

2, William, who married Jemima Elting and settled 
on the old homestead. A majority of the Cuddeback 
families of the present time in this vicinity are his 
descendants. His children were James, Abrara, Ben- 
jamin, Roolif, Sarah. 3, James, who married Neelje 
Decker. He lived near Deckertown, N. J. He died 
at the age of thirty, but left children, whose descend- 
ants are quite numerous in Niagara Co., N. Y. 4, 
Abraham, who lived to be about eighty. His wife 
was Esther Swartwout. He spent most of his life in 
this town, but in old age moved to Skaneateles, where 
his children had previously settled. 5, Dinah, who 
married Abraham Lovis, of Rochester, and settled in 
New Jersey. 6, Eleanor, who married Evert Horn- 
beck, of Rochester, and lived where Mrs. Joseph Cud- 
deback now resides. 7, Elsie, who married Har- 
manus Van Gordon, and lived at the Flat Rocks, in 
New Jersey. 8, Morice, who married George West- 
fall, and lived in New Jersey. 9, Naomi, who married 
Lodewyck Hornbeck, of Rochester. 

Peter Gumaer, the pioneer, married Esther Has- 
brouck, of Kingston. His children were Hannah, 
who married James Swartwout ; Esther, who married 
Samuel Swartwout; another who married a DuBois, 
and there was a fourth daughter, Rachel. He had 
only one son, Peter, who married Charity DeWitt, and 
left two sons, — Peter and Ezekiel. Peter E. Gumaer, 
the author of the manuscript history alluded to, was 
a son of Ezekiel. 

Harmanus Van Inwegen, whose location does not 
seem to be definitely known by his descendants, mar- 
ried a Swartwout. There was at least one son, Ger- 
ardus Van Inwegen, and one daughter, Hannah, 
who married Thomas Decker. 

It is understood that the Swartwout pioneers were 
three brothers, — Anthony, Barnardus, and Samuel. 
The children of Anthony were Samuel, who married 
Esther Gumaer; James, who married Anna Gumaer; 
and Anna, who married John Van Vleet. 

These early settlers located on and around the hill 
as described above, for mutual protection and defense, 
and because of the valuable spring of water near. 

Soon after the settlement of the seven, or more 
properly the five, the patent passed into the po.sse.ssion 
of three, — Anthony Swartwout, Peter Gumaer, Jacob 



706 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cuddeback. Their more permanent homesteads after 
that were as follows : 

Swartwout built near the Spring Brook, where 
Peter P. Swartwout now resides. Gumaer built where 
the old stone house now stands, on the (rodfroy prop- 
erty ; Cuddeback where an old stone house now stands 
on the main road south of Port Clinton. 

Simon Westfall lived in the old stone house, now 
the Hazen property, at Carpenter's Point. His chil- 
dren were Wilhelmus, John D., Reuben, Simon. 
Most of the families of that name in this vicinity are 
understood to be descendants of the last named. 

The limits of this work prevent giving these family 
notes beyond this small group of actual pioneers. In 
the several papers given in this chapter — the assess- 
ment-rolls, and other documents — nearly every settler 
preceding the Revolution is included. 

The amount of the tax in one of the two districts 
of Mamakating precinct for 1792 wa.s fifteen pounds 
and sixpence, equal to $37.56. Peter E. Gumaer, the 
collector, traveled on foot over his district, comprising 
an immense territory now in Deerpark, Mount Hope, 
Mamakating, Forestburgh, Highland, Lumberland, 
and Cochecton. 

FAMILIES IN SOUTHERN DEERPARK, 1810 TO 1815. 

From the Minisink record of school districts we 
find district No. 20 as it was formed in 181.3. It in- 
cluded the families of James Sawyer, Benjamin Car- 
penter, Reuben Westfall, John Corwin, Isaac Van 
Strander, Samuel Lambert, James Van Fleet, Jr., 
Nathan Van Auken, Jeremiah Van Auken, Joshua 
Van Auken, Daniel Van Auken, James Van Fleet, 
Levi Van Etten, Levi Van Etten, Jr., Jacob W. Van 
Etten, Henry Van Etten, Jacob Westbrook, Jr., 
Widow Sarah Decker. This was in the southern part 
of the present town of Deerpark, as that remained a 
portion of Minisink until 1825. 

District 22, " added to Deerpark," included the fol- 
lowing families, viz. : those of Joel Whitlock, Peter 
Swartwout, Widow Esther Hombert, Martin Car- 
penter, John Van Fleet, Solomon Decker. These 
families must have been just south of the old county 
line to be added to a district in Deerpark, as Deer- 
park then only extended south to that line. 

School district No. 21 of Minisink, as organized in 
1813, included the following families, viz.: those of 
Cornelius W. Cole, Wilhelmus Cole, Josias Cole, 
Thomas Chattle, Hezekiah Fredenburgh, Elias Coy- 
keadall, Daniel Roberts, Richard Decker, Samuel 
Caskey, Martin Caskey, William Little, Simon West- 
fall, Benjamin Westfall, Benjamin Van Inwegen, 
Lewis Lambert, William Lambert, John Caskey, Rob- 
ert Caskey, John Wood, Samuel Caskey, Jr., Joseph 
Patterson, Martin Decker, John Skinner, Roman El- 
mendorph, George Quick, Peter Howey, Benjamin 
Cuddeback, Isaac Decker, Nathan Van Auken, Jr. 
The above was evidently the school district at the 
present place of Port Jervis and vicinity. 



EARLY PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician here of which any trace can be 
found was Dr. Chattle, who lived about half a mile 
north of Carpenter's Point ; practiced here many 
years ; died here ; must have been here soon after 
1800. After his death there was no physician in the 
valley until the time of the building of the canal. 
Drs. Van Dusen and Hornbeck, from Montague, N. J., 
Dr. Newkirk, of Mount Hope, Dr. Loomis, of Otis- 
ville, all practiced through the valley. Dr. Charles 
Hardenberg came here about 1826. For a long time he 
was the only physician here; occasionally one would 
come, but their stay was short generally. Among 
these were Dr. Hart, a young man, who practiced 
with Dr. Hardenberg a few months. Dr. Rafferty, 
a school-teacher, also practiced some in the neighbor- 
hood. Dr. Ira Dales came here in 1848, remained 
about five years, when he removed to Joliet, 111. Dr. 
C. M. Lawrence (homa>opath) came here in 1850; 
is still practicing here. Dr. Thomas Walsh came 
here in 1851 ; is still practicing here. Dr. Dufrene, 
a Frenchman, well educated, came here in 1851, and 
died here. After these came Dr. Jerow and Dr. 
David Robertson. In 1854, Dr. Benjamin W. Car- 
penter located here ; practiced till he died in 1863. 
Dr. Sol. Van Etten located here in 1855 ; still here. 
Dr. H. Hardenberg in 1860; still here. Dr. D. W. 
Cooper in 1863 ; remained till about 1870. Dr. Marsh 
came here in 1863; died in 1867. Dr. I. S. Hunt 
came in 1865; died in 1875. Dr. Lamb came here in 
1866 ; remained about one year. Dr. M. E. Jones 
came here in 1867 ; remained a few years. 

There is now a medical society here. Physicians 
from surrounding places meet with the resident phy- 
sicians on the second Wednesday of January, April, 
July, and October of each year for discussion of med- 
ical subjects and to promote the best interests of the 
profession. Officers at present are: President, Dr. J. 
L. Whittaker, of Unionville, N. J. ; Vice-President, 
Dr. T. D. AVills, of Port Jervis ; Treasurer, Dr. H. 
Hardenberg, of Port Jervis ; Secretary, Dr. W. S. 
Cuddeback, of Port Jervis. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 

The earliest civil relation of the territory of the 
present town of Deerpark is intimated, but not very 
clearly defined, in an act of the Legislature, passed 
Oct. 18, 1701, in which it was provided that the people 
" of Wagachemeck and Great and Little Minisink" 
were emiwwered to give their votes in the county of 
Ulster. This would imply that they were beyond the 
border of Ulster County, for if they had been within 
no enabling act would have been necessary. This 
" Wagachemeck" was the territory now known as 
Cuddeback ville and vicinity, but with just what 
limits is not stated in the old documents. 

The act of Nov. 12, 1709, fixed more closely the 



DEERPARK. 



707 



boundaries of the counties, and definitely declared 
Wagachemeck a part of Ulster County. The "old 
county line" extended beyond the Shawangunk 
Mountains, crossed Deerpark, just south of Hugue- 
not, and intersected the Delaware at Sparrowbusb. 
This would appear to have bounded the old district 
of Wagachemeck on the south. 

Not far from the same time there was by order of 
court, it is supposed, a more formal organization of 
this same territory under a difl'erent name, — Magh- 
aghkemek. Under this name and organization the 
territory remained until 1743, when the precinct of 
Maniakiiting was erected, which became the successor 
of Machackemeck. 

The precinct of Mamakating continued until 1798, 
when the town of Deerpark was erected. To recapit- 
ulate, we have three preceding organizations : 1st. [ 
The indefinite district of Wagachemeck alluded to in' 
the statute of 1701. 2d. The more formally organ- 
ized precinct of Machackemeck of 17O9-10. 3d. 
The precinct of Mamakating, organized in 1743. At 
the formation of this, the first precinct-meeting was 
directed to be held at tlie house of Samuel Swartwout. 
Its territory was declared to consist of " all the land 
to the southward of the town of Rochester as far as 
the county of Ulster extends, and to the westward of 
the precincts of Wallkill and Shawangunk." 

Some doubt has arisen over the term " precinct of 
Minisink," as it has been thought to cover, in part at 
least, the same territory as the precinct organizations 
just mentioned. The name Minisink was applied in 
the early documents to the settlements of Maghagh- 
emek and to those of Big and Little Minisink ;* 
but there are clear evidences that besides the indefi- 
nite region, Minisink, there was also a "precinct Min- 
isink," with collectors, assessors, and other officers. 
This is rendered certain by a document recently dis- 
covered among the papers of Benjamin 'Van Vleet, 
being a warrant for the collection of a tax in the pre- 
cinct of Minisink. In 1737 an act of Assembly was 
passed authorizing the erection of a " court-house and 
goal at Goshen," and the warrant quoted was for the 
portion levied on the Minisink people. The follow- 
ing is a verbatim copv of the warrant : 

" Orange county as. 

Pursuant to an Act of the General Assembly of this Collony of New 
York entitled an Act to Enable the Justices of the Peace iu that part of 
Orange County lying to the Northward of the Highlands to build a 
Court House 4 Goal forthe Said Couuty at Goshan. 

" Wee the Justices of the peace for that part of Orange County Lying 
to the Northwards of the Highlands: Require and Command you the 
Assessors for the precinck of Minisinck on Receipt of this our Warrent 
You assess np<.ni the Estates Real and personall of all and Every the In- 
habitants Resedenta Sojourners and Freeholders of your presinck the 
sum of Twenty Nine pounds being your proportiou of the money to he 
Raised for Building the said Court House & Goale att Goshan ; and the 
said assessment so made by you and Signed under your Hands you are to 
Deliver unto the Collector of your precinck annexed unto this Warrent 
on or before the first Day of May next Ensuing which Said Collector is 



* The settlement of Great Minisink was near the Great Minisink Is- 
land, twelve miles below Carpenter's Point, anii little Minisink near 
the Little Island between Carpenter's Point and the Great Island. 



hereby authorised and Commanded to Receive A Collect and Levy the 
same and in Case any person or persons shall Deny Refuse or Neglect to 
pay their Tax so assessed as aforesaid : you are to Distrain him her or 
them by his her or their goods & chatties and the Distress to keep at the 
chargeof the Owner or Owners for the space of fou re Days and not being 
Redeemed in that time you are to make sale thereof at publick Vandue 
to the Highist bider & out of the produce of such Sail you are to Deduct 
the said Tax & charges of sail and Return the overplush (if any be) 
Eniediately to the owner or owners: which moneys so by you Levyed & 
Collected as aforesaid you are to pay to John Holly Esqr or to such per- 
son as shall be appointed by the majority of the Justices Liveing to the 
Northward of the Highlands in Orange County on or before the first 
Day of June now next Ensuingfirst Retaining in Your Hands nine pence 
in the pound for your troble of Collecting and paying the same for Y'our 
Doing whereof this shall be to you and Each of you a sutficient warrent 
Given under our hands & seals att Goshan in the County of Orange this 
fourteenth day of April in the Twelfth year of the Reign of our Sover- 
eign Lord King George the Second &c : Anno Doni 1739. 
"To the assessors Jc collectors of the presinck of Minisinck. 

" Vin't Mathews 
"John IIoixv 
"John Carpenter 
" Sam a. Jayn 
" Ja. Swartwoudt. 
" Antom X Westbboek 
" W'lLLEM Provost" 
Six seals; tigure, deer head, in sealing wax, 

(Jn the back of the warrant is the following return: 

"Received of John Decker Collector of Minnicinck the full contents 
of this within tax warrant I say Reed pr. me Collector fees first being 
deducted that is ninepence pr. £. " John Holly, Com. 

"June ye 30, 1739." 

The question arises, then. Where was the precinct 
of Minisink'? The date is very early— 1739. The 
precinct organizations of Wagachameck, 1701, Mach- 
ackameck, 1709, and Mamakating, 1743, extended 
south to the old county line ; but none of them 
south of that line. The precinct of Goshen had for 
its north boundary the same "old county line," ex- 
tending from Plum Point, on the Hudson, to what 
is now Sparrowbush, on the Delaware. We know 
from the assessment-roll of 1775 that the triangular 
j portions of the present town of Deerpark, south of 
I the old county line, was in Goshen Precinct. Now 
the claim of New York extended south to the lower 
end of Great Minisink Island. The limits of Goshen 
Precinct were not stretched southward to include 
this disputed territory, but there was erected the 
Minisink Precinct along the Delaware, be/ow what 
was afterwards known as Carpenter's Point. The 
signatures to the warrant given above do not prove 
that " Minisink Precinct" included any part of the 
present territory of Deerpark. The signatures are 
simply those of the county officials directing the 
collecting of the tax in the precinct of Minisink. t 

The town of Deerpark was organized in 1798. The 
three early organizations given above were north of the 
old county line, at least nominally. The territory now 

t Perhaps this conclusion must not be considered settled without fur- 
ther investigation. When the statute of 17111 enumerates " Mackhacka- 
meck" Great and Little Minisink, it seems i\t the Bret view to have left 
out the " lower neighborhood" between Huguenot and Carpenter's Point, 
but the term Mackhackameck then applied to all the settlement in the 
valley above Carpenter's Point. When a few years later the old county 
line was run, and its location definitely known, Mjickhackameck was 
limited by that line on the south, and the Goshen Precinct covereil the 
territory south of that line to Carpenter's Point. 



708 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in Deerpark, south of the old county line, comprising 
Port Jervis and its vicinity, was a part of the town of 
Minisink from 1789 to 1825, and much interesting 
material relating to this section may be found in the 
chapter upon that town. 

It is not known that any records of the early pre- 
cincts remain. At least none such have come down 
to the clerk's office of the present town of Deerpark. 
From other sources we have the following : 

At the town-meeting of Mamakating Precinct for 
April 5, 1774, the following officers were chosen : 
. Supervisor, Benjamin Dupuy ; Clerk, Thomas Kyte ; 
Constable and Collector, Jacob Stanton ; Assessors, 
Harmanus Van Inwegen, Abraham Cuddeback, Jr. 
Overseers of the Highways : First District, Benjamin 
Cuddeback ; Second District, Dick V. K. Westbrook ; 
Third District, Jacob Devins ; Fourth District, Robert 
Cook; Fifth District, Ezekiel Travis; Sixth District, 
Abraham Smedis. Overseers of the Poor, Philip 
Swartwout, Robert Cook ; Fence-keepers, Benja- 
min Depuy, Jacob Stanton ; Stallion-viewers, Vail 
Wheeler, Abraham Cuddeback ; Pound-keepers, Vail 
Wheeler, Benjamin Depuy. 

Philip Swartwout was supervisor in 1776 ; Benja- 
min Depuy in 1778 and 1782 ; Jacob R. DeWitt in 
1873 ; Benjamin Depuy again in 1784 and 1787 ; Peter 
Cuddeback, 1788. 

The town of Deerpark having been erected in 1798, 
we have the following record of the first town-meet- 
ing: 

"Record of the proceedings of the freeholders in the town of Deerpark 
at the tirst town-meeting held in said town, at the lioiise of Elislia Reeve, 
Esq., on the 3d day of April, 1708. 

*' List of town officers : William Denn, town clerk ; James Finch, Jr., 

supervisor; Seybolt, Rose, Joseph Smith, assessors; Peler 

Gumaer, Jr., collector ; Benjamin Dupny, Etisha Reeve, overseers of the 

poor ; Reeve, James Finch, Sr., Wm. Cuddeback, Sr., commissioners 

of highways ; Win. Young, Jr., Ahratiam Van Inwegen, constables; 
David R. Arnell, Abel Woodhnll, James Finch, Jr., William Rose, com- 
missioners of schools. 



'Overseers of Uighways 



No. 

1. James Finch, Sr. 

2. James Ketchum. 

3. Wm. Mulock. 

4. Samuel Satterly. 

5. Wm. Young, Sr. 

6. James Finch, .Jr. 

9. Alexander . ■ 

10. David Norris. 



No. 

11. John Ward. 

12. Reuben Baker. 

13. Joseph Smith. 

14. Elias Gumaer. 

15. Benjamin Depuy. 

16. Richard . 

17. Samuel Farnnm. 

18. Abner Sheldon. 

19. Samuel ." 



GENERAL NOTES FROM THE RECORDS.* 
Road districts of 1799 as determined by the com- 
missioners March 12th : 

No. 1. — Beginning at Thomas Hulse's, and running 
from thence to the crotch of the road on the top of 
the mountain to the old Orange County line, and 
from James Finch's barn to said county line near 
Wells' [Plantation], and from Rufus Stanton's to the 
Shawangunk Kill bridge. James Finch, road-master. 

* A few illegible and doubtful words are inclosed in brackets. 



No. 2. — From the east side of Shawangunk Kill 
bridge, at Ketchum's mill, to Thomas Hulse's. Wil- 
liam Davis, road-master. 

No. 3. — Beginning at the main road near William 
Davis', and from thence to Samuel Watkins'. Wil- 
liam McDowell, road-master. 

No. 4. — Beginning at the forks of the road near 
James Ketchum's, and running from thence by Wil- 
liam Penny's to Elisha Comstock's, and from the 
crotch of the road by the old school-house near where 
Oliver Owen formerly lived, [and from] William Mu- 
lock's to the mountain road near Capt. [Farnum's]. 
William Penny, road-master. 

No. .5. — From David Corwin's bridge to the brook 
on the east side of the mountain running into Skin- 
ner's meadow. William Young, road-master. 

No. 6. — Beginning against Andrew Davis' old house 
on the mountain road, and running from thence to 
James Finch's [bridge], and from the crotch of the 
road near Jasper Writer's to the main road near 
Thomas Hulse's. Enos Brown, road-master. 

No. 7. — Beginning at John Seybolt's, and run- 
ning from thence along the mountain road against 
Andrew Davis' old house. Jacob Wiggens, road- 
master. 

No. 8. — Beginning at the crotch of the road near 
Abner Skinner's, and running from thence to the top 
of the hill. Noah_Tuthill, road-master. 

No. 9. — From the east side of the Shawangunk 
Kill bridge, [near] Elijah Reeve's, to the east side of 
the bridge near Hanchet's. Alexander Car, road- 
master. 

No. 10. — From the crotch of the road near William 
[Gillet's], along the mountain road to the [ ] said 
road near Ezekiel Newman's, and from Elijah 
[Reeve's] to Silas Gildersleeve's. Eli Roberts, road- 
master. 

No. 11.— ^From the county line near John King's to 
Elijah [Reeve's]. Charles Gillet, road-master. 

No. 12. — From the county line a small distance 
north of [ ] Wood's to Timothy Oakley's, and 
from thence to the cross road near Elijah Reeve's 
mill. Timothy Oakley, road-master. 

No. 13. — Beginning at the old county line near 
Giles', and running north to Capt. William Rose's; 
from thence over [ ] by Jonathan Stanton's to the 
ea.st side of the [mountains], to the brook running 
into Skinner's meadow. Benjamin Gumaer, road- 
master. 

No. 14. — Beginning at the county line near .Abra- 
ham [ ] ; running from thence south to the 
crotch of the road [ ] the mountain. Jacob 
Van Etten, road-master. 

No. 15. — Beginning at the county line near Joseph 
Tice's ; from thence to the Esopus road near Capt. 
William [ ]. Jonathan Campbell, road-master. 

No. 16. — From the Deerpark road across the moun- 
tain to the [ ] at Westbrook's, and thence to 
the countv line. Silas Clark, road-master. 



DEERPARK. 



ro9 



'So. 17. — From Mongaup bridge to the Five-mile 
Tree. Joliu Wood, roiid-msister. 

No. 18. — From the east side of Sticliney's bridge 
[ ] line north of Jacob Newkirk's; [ ]. 

Abraham Stickney, road-master. 

No. 19. — (Description not given). Cornelius Swart- 
wout, road-master.* 

The first election returns are the following : 

" We, the subscribers, inspectors of election fur tlie town of Deerparl;, 
iu the county of Orange, and State of Xe\%' York, for tlie year 1799, do 
hereby certify that the following statement is the result of the canvass 
and estimate of the ballots taken at an election held in this town on the 
30th day of April, 1st and 2d days of May, in said year, for Senators to 
represent the middle district of said State. Dated 2d day of May, 1799. 
"John Hatliorn, 52 votes; .John Suffern, 51 votes; Isaac Bloom, o2 
votes. 

"James Finch, Jr., 

"William Denx, 

" William Young, 

"Joseph Tutbill, 

" Elias Gumaee, Inspectors." 

■ SLAVES. 

As in other towns there are a few entries, required 
by law, recording the birth of slaves, — somewhat of 
an interesting fact to the youth of the present gener- 
ation who may scarcely have read that New York 
was once a slaveholding State. 

We give several of the earliest : 

"This may certify that Flora, daughter of Elizabeth, servant of the 
subscriber, was born Slst of July, 1800. 

" Haemanus Van Inwegen, Kirmer. 
" Deeepark, 7th April, 1800." 

"This may certify that Harry, son of Jin, servant of the subscriber, 
was l-orn the fifth day of November, in the year 180O. 

"Ezekiel Gdsiaer, Former. 
" Deerpabk, April 7, 1801." 

" This may certify that Simon, son of Suffi, servant of the subscriber, 
was born the twenty-third day of July, in the year 1800. 

" Benjamin Depuy, Fai-nier. 
" Deerpark, April 7, 1801." 

" This may certify that Cate, daughter of Jin, slave of the subscriber, 
was born the titli day of July, in the year 1802. 

"James Ketciujm, Kirmer. 
" Deerpark, March 30, 1803." 

To manumit a slave required the certificate of the 
overseers of the poor. 

Under date of Jan. 22, 1803, Jacobus Swartwout 
and David Corwin, overseers of the poor, certify that 
" Susanna, a negro woman slave of Mary Rose, widow 
of the late Capt. William Rose, appears to be under 
the age of fifty years, and of sufficient ability to pro- 
vide for herself" 

The latest birth of a slave child recorded seems to 
be the following : 

" Josiah Van Inwegen, of the town of Deerpark, in th^ County of 
Orange, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that to the best of his 
knowledge and belief, Sam the son of Mary, slave to the said Josiah Van 
Inwegen, was Itora the 29th day of July, in the year 1817. 

" Josiah Van Inwegen. 

"Subscribed & sworn the 24th day of August, 1819." 



ASSESSMENT-ROLL OF 1825. 

This is the earliest now preserved in the town 
clerk's office, and was made by Benjamin Cuddeback, 
Philip Swartwout, and William Cuddeback, assessors. 
This is the first roll made after the division of the 
towns, and the erection of Deerpark with its present 
territory. Persons assessed for $2000 or over were 
William Cuddeback, $5050 ; Henry Cuddeback, 
$2323; Cornelius Cuddeback, .$4033; Jacob Cudde- 
back, $3824; Benjamin Cuddeback, $2000; Cornelius 
Cole, $2549 ; Isaac Decker, Jr., $2341 ; Peter Gumaer, 
Jr., $3114; Peter E. Gumaer, $6330; Gerardus Gu- 
maer, $3153; Francis Kelly, $2038; James D. 
Swartwout, $3650; Stephen St. John, $2131; Ja- 
cobus Swartwout, $3352; Levi Van Etten, $5859; 
Margaret Van Fleet, $2243. The total assessed val- 
uation was $114,820, and the tax levied upon that, 
$227.63. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The princiijal town officers from 1798 to 1880 have 
been as follows : 



Supervisors. 

798-99 James Finch, Jr. 

800 " " 

801 : " " 

802 " 

SO:i " " 

804 " 

80&-8 " " 

809 " " 

810-13 Peter E. Gumaer. 

814-16 James Finch. Jr. 

817 Abraham Cuddeback. 

818-19 James Finch, Jr. 

820 Abraham Cuddeback. 

821 

822 Stepben Farnum. 

823 James Finch, Jr. 

824 David G. Finch. 

825-26 Peter E. Gumaer. 

827-28 Philip Swartwout, 

829 Benjamin Cuddeback. 

830-31 Levi Van Etten, Jr. 

832 Peter E. Gumaer. 

833 Daniel Hilferty. 

834 " 



835-36 Lewis Cuddeback. 

837 George Burns. 

838 " 

839-40 Levi Van Etten. 

841-42 Lewis Van Inwegen. 

S4:i-44 Wm. Cuddeback. 

84.">-46 Charles Hardenbergh. 

847-48 Abraham J. Cuddeback. 

849 David Swartwout. 

850 Nelson Birdsall. 

851 Samuel Fowler. 

852 Peter P. Swartwout. 

,853 Edward L. Norris. 

854 James Bennett. 

855 Eli Van Inwegen. 

856 

857 Peter Cuddeback. 

858-69 John Van Etten. 

860 Solomon Van Etten, Jr. 

861 " " 

862 Orville J. Brown. 

863 Franklin R. Brodhead. 

864 " " 

865 " " 

866-69 

870 B. W. Palmer. 

871 Peter P. Swartwout. 

872-73 Charles St, John, Jr. 

874 Wm. H, Nearpass, 

875 " 

876-78 " 

879 Franklin R, Brodhe.ad. 

880 Luke S. Kosencrance. 



Town Clerks. 
William Denn. 
Sulnmiin Finch, 
Eniicb Tnthill, 
Peter K, Gumaer, 
Solomon Finch. 
Eli Koberts, 
Peter E. Gumaer. 
Stephen FarnuDi. 

Charles Murray. 

Stephen Farnum. 

Jonathan Smith. 
Ira Seybolt, 
Isaac Gillet. 
Joseph Conklin. 
Benjamin Van Inwegen. 



Peter E, Gumaer. 
Benjamin Van Inwegen. 
Charac A Van Inwegen. 
John S. Van Inwegen. 



Peter E. Cuddebeck. 

John S. Van Inwegen. 
Charac A. Van Inwegen. 

Peter G, Van Inwegen. 
John B. Crawford. 
Peter G. Van Inwegen. 

Wm. H. Bennet. 
Francis W. Lockwood. 

Andrew Conger. 
Joseph H. Knowlton. 
Dayton T. Cox. 
George Brodhead. 

Cliarles W. Douglass, 
Edgar A. Wells. 
Dayton T. Cox. 
Francis E, Fossard. 
George Clausen. 
William E. Haggarty. 
Jacob Dewitt. 
Lewis L. Adams. 



Charles Hardenbergh, Jr. 

Cornelius E, Cuddeback. 



* The road-masters' names attached above are for the year 1800, and 
the districts as described must be north of the " old county line," as the 
territory south of that belonged to Minisink until 1825, 



The following are the justices of the peace who pre- 
sided at town-meetings, with the dates at which their 
names first appear in the records as so presiding: 



710 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1812, Wm. Young, Jr.; 1813, James Finch, Jr.; 1824, Ricbarci Penny, 
Isaac Otis ; 182.5, Joseph Chattle, Richarci I'enny (presided at the 
organization of tlie town of Calhoun, afterwards Mount Hope), 
Abraliam Cuddeljack, Thomas Van Etten; 1828, Abraham Cudde- 
back, Benjamin Cuddeback, James D. Swartwout; 1829, Levi Van 
Etten. 

The justices of the peace elected at the annual town- 
meetings were as follows : 

1830, Solomon Van Etten; 1831 (no election of justice recorded); 183-^, 
David Decker. .Abraham Cuddeback ; 1833, Cornelius Gray ; 1834, 
Charles C. Boyd ; 1835, Jeremiah Gumaer; 1836, David Decker, Wni. 
Cuddeback; 1837, Cornelius Gray: 1838, Abraham J. Cuddeback; 
1839, William Cuddeback; 1840, David Decker; 1841, Cornelius 
Gray, Charles C. Boyd ; 1842, Abraham J. Cuddeback ; 1843, James 
H. Taylor, Abraham J. Cuddeback ;* 1844, Samuel W. Jackson ; 
1845, Eli Van luwegen; 1846, Abraham J. Cuddeback ; 1847, Alex- 
ander Gordon; 1848, John Caskey ; 1849, James Bennett; 18S(l, 
Abrabam J. Cuddeback ; 1851, James Cuddeback, Jr.; 1852, Francis 
Marvin; 1S53, John Caskey; 1854, Wilhelmus Westbrook ; 1855, 
John M. Helter, Jobn J. Bross ; 1866, Wm. H. Newkirk; 1867, 
Lucas F. Hougb, Henry H. Stewart; 1858, Peter P. Swartwout; 
1859, Henry H. Stewart, James N. Penny; 18(i0, Wm. H. Newkirk; 
1861, Jobn J. Bross; 18G2, James N. Penny; 1S63, Lucas F. Hough, 
William Westfall; 1864, William Bankin ; 1865, Daniel C. Hazen ; 
1866, James N. Penny ; 1867, George Clauson (also to fill vacancy); 
1868, Benaiah Khodes; 1869, Joseph L. Potter; 1870, Henry Butcher; 
1871, Daniel Holbrook; 1872, John Van Etten, Jr., Norman W. 
Mulley (also to fill vacancy) ; 1873, Norman \V. Mulley, Moses L. 
Cole; 1874, William E. McCormick; 1875, Dayton T. Cox; 1876 
Moses L. Cole ; 1877, Daniel C. Hazen ; 1878, Daniel Holbrook, Wm. 
Norris; 1879, Dayton T. Cox, Moses L. Cole ;+ 188i:i, Moses L. Cole. 

BONDING OF THE TOWN OF DEERPARK. 
This was efiected by papers recorded in the office of 
the county clerk, and bearing date May 16, 1868. The 
consent of the tax-i)ayers, as expressed in the instru- 
ment, was verified by the affidavit of Aaron Decker 
and others. The bonds were to be issued in aid of the 
Monticello Branch Railroad, to extend from Port 
Jervis to Monticello, in Sullivan County, through the 
towns of Deerpark, Thompson, and Forestburgh. 
The amount of bonds was to be $200,(K)(t. These 
bonds were issued to run thirty years. 



v.— VILLAGES. 
PORT JERA'IS. 

This village dates from 1826, when the Delaware 
and Hudson Canal became a certainty. It is named 
in honor of the engineer who superintended the con- 
struction of the canal. As late as 1846, a writer said 
of Port Jervis, "A small village on the canal, where 
it first approaches the Delaware. It is just above 
Carpenter's Point and the junction of the Neversink 
and the Delaware." 

He added, however, andther paragraph, in which 
he said, — 

"The small flourisiiitig village of Port Jervis through which this 
canal passes had its origin at the commencement of the navigation 
thereat, and owes its population to that work. There are now five stores 
and groceries in this village; three taverns, in spacious buildings; one 
three-story grist-mill, built by Dr. Ball, of Brooklyn, being a stone build- 

• The latter must have failed to qualify, in 1842. 

f He had failed to riualify under his election of 1876, and had served 
by appointment. 



ing, and has four run of stone in it ; three churches, — a Dutch Reformed, 
a Baptist, and a Methodist church, and one large school-house. The dif- 
ferent branches of mechanical country business are also carried on. A 
considerable amount of lumber is brought in and Bold. Coal is deposited 
and sold. A mail route from Kingston, in Ulster County, to Milford, in 
Pennsylvania, and thence to the city of Philadelphia, passes through 
this village and crosses the Delaware at about half a mile distant. The 
Nevei-sink bridge place is about one mile southerly of Port Jervis; Hu- 
guenot about four, and Cuddebackville about eight miles northeast. 
These are small places, the two latter on the canal and mail route.'' 

The " little village" of 1846, with its five stores, has 
grown rapidly to its present proportions. The " stores" 
are over 100 in number. Other business places are 
correspondingly increased, until a " Directory" must 
be consulted instead of a history to obtain an idea of 
the development of thirty-four years. 

PORT JERVIS POST-OFFICE. 

Previous to the opening of the Delaware and Hud- 
son Canal, in 1828, the post-office for this section was 
at Carpenter's Point. The last postmaster at that 
place was Frank Kelly. About 1829 the office was 
removed to Port Jervis, and John Slauson (father of 
Erastus Slauson) was the first postmaster. He kept 
it at his hotel, at what is now the corner of Main Street 
and the Huguenot road. This was under Jackson's first 
administration. The second postma-ster was Dr. John 
Conkling, who was appointed in 1833, under Gen. 
Jackson in his second term, Amos Kendall, Postmas- 
ter-Cieneral. The office was removed to the store- 
bouse of Dodge, St. John & Co., near the canal on 
Main Street. Dr. Conkling held the office from 1833 
to 1845, and served under the administrations of Jack- 
son, Van Buren, Harrison, and Tyler. In 1845, un- 
der the administration of President Polk, Dr. Charles 
Hardenburgh was appointed postmaster, and kept the 
office in his drug-store, on the site of the present par- 
sonage of the Reformed Church. During this same 
administration Dr. Hardenburgh was removed, and 
Mr. Lyon appointed. June 21, 1849, Dr. John Conk- 
ling again received the appointment, and removed the 
office in a wheelbarrow to the building on Main Street 
recently used as a glove-factory. In May, 1851, Dr. 
Conkling resigned in favor of Francis Marvin, who 
held the office until the inauguration of President 
Pierce's administration. In 1853, Mr. Marvin was 
succeeded by Thomas J. Lyon, and he in turn was 
followed, in February, 1855, by James Van Fleet. 
Under him the office was removed " down town," 
corner of Pike Street and Jersey Avenue. In 1857, 
George Broadhead was appointed postmaster under 
Buchanan's administration. The office was kept cor- 
ner of Pike and Ball Streets. In 1861, under Presi- 
dent Lincoln, Augu-stus B. Goodale was named as the 
incumbent, and the office was moved " up town" to its 
present location. Mr. Goodale held the office until 
1879, when Charles St. John, Jr., editor of the Port 
Jervxi Union, was appointed, and is the present post- 
master. During Mr. Goodale's term the present brick 
building was erected, and the portion used for the 
post-office rented to the government for ten years. 



DEERPARK. 



rii 



INCORPORATION. 

Under date of July 20, 1853, application for incor- 
poration was made to the Court of Sessions by a 
petrition signed by C. N. Lawrence, Nathaniel Van 
Tuyl, Orville J. Brown, Samuel H. Mills, and J. A. 
Jennings. The application was accompanied by the 
necessary survey and certificates of election. The 
publication of the requisite notice was verified by 
John Dow and A. G. Tucker. The inspectors of elec- 
tion were Thomas Van Ellen, James Van Fleet, and 
Abram Swartwout. 

The order of the court bears date May 13, 1853. 
The first election was held Aug. 9, 1853. The char- 
ter was revised in 1866, and again in 1867. The first 
resolutions submitted to the vote of the people, in ac- 
cordance with law, soon after the incorporation, were 
for the following purposes : 

For building a pound Sl'H) 

For streets and sidewalks '200 

For surveying and other expenses 350 

For printing and incidentals 30ti 

Total $1350 

The resolutions were adopted. 

The sums for 1880-81, placed in contrast, tell some- 
thing of the progress in improvements as well as in 
expenses : 

For general expenses 83025 

For the pay of officials - 35W 

For the water fund 1860 

For ga^lamps '.^200 

For naphtha-lamps 2425 

Total 813,000 

Streets and other expenses carry the sum up to 
$17,000 or $18,000, 

The following list shows the full board of trustees 
each year, also the president, clerk, and treasurer. 
The election of the first president does not appear 
in the minutes, but it is believed to be correctly 
given : 

Aug. '.», lSo3. — Samuel Fowler, president; Charles St. John, Daniel Ro- 

maine, W. H. Powers, 0. J. Brown. S. M. Godfrey, clerk ; C. T. King, 

treasurer. 
May 9,1854.— W. H, Powers, prt'sident ; Charles St. John, Samuel Fowler, 

0. J. Brown, Daniel Romaine. W.H.Stewart, clerk; C. T. King, 

treasurer. 
March 7, 1855.— Orville J.Brown, president; John M. Heller, Eli Van 

Inwegen, Benjamin S. Hall, John M. Rowley. Dayton T. Cox, clerk ; 

Rufufl Ferguson, treasurer. 
March 4, 1856.— H. H. Farnum, president; A. P. Thompson, Henry H. 

Stewart, Horace Bristol!, Henry Foster. F. W. Lockwood, clerk ; 

Bufus Ferguson, treasurer. 
March 3, 1857.— H. H. Farnum, president; A. P. Thompson, H. H. Stew- 
art, H. Foster, Jacob May. Peter Wells, clerk; Horace St. John, 

treasurer. 
March 2, 1858.— H. H. Farnum, president ; Joseph Morse, John McAllister, 

G. W. Bard, Peter Wells. F. R. Fossard, clerk; Horace St. John, 

treasurer. 
March 1, 1859.— Jacob May, president; John M. Corey, John I. West- 
brook, Joseph Morse, Joseph Van Inwegen. Francis W. Lockwood, 

clerk ; Horace St. John, treasurer. 
March 0, IftOii.— Henry H. Farnum, president; Jacob May, Joseph Van 

Inwegen, John I. Westbraok, Benjamin Quick. Peter Wells, clerk ; 

Horace St. Juhn, treasurer. 
March 5, 1861.— Wni. H. Stewart, president; Erastus Slauson, Lewis M. 

Newman, Charles M. Laurence, Hosea Hammond, Sr. Charles B. 

Gray, clerk ; Horace St. John, treasurer. 



March 4, 1862. — Lewis M. Newman, president ; Henry H. Farnum, Como- 
ges Kerr, Samuel J. Wood, Peter Whitaker. Charles B. Gray, 
clerk; Horace St. John, treasurer. 
March 3, 1863. — Samuel J. Wood, president ; James Creegan, Martin V. 
Heller, Dayton T. Cox, William Wilkin. Charles B. Gray, clerk ; 
Horace St. John, treasurer. 
March 1,1864 — Oliver Young, pre.sident; E.Perry Masterson, George 
Mulvin, Charles S. Burrell, Henry Dutcher. Charles B. Gray, clerk; 
Horace St. John, treasurer. 
March 7, 1865.— Samuel J.Wood, president; Philip Lee, George Mul- 
vin, J. H. Fountain, John Strader. Charles B. Gray, clerk ; Horace 
St. John, treasurer. 
May 1, 1866, — Samuel J. Wood, president; Ruel II. Chamberlain, John 
Strader, Alexander Campbell, Peter Whitaker. Wm. E. Haggerty, 
clerk ; Frank Kunkle, treasurer. 
March 5,1867.— Francis Marvin, president; Charles W. Douglass, George 
Brodhead, John Strader, Samuel J. Wood. L. L. Adams, clerk ; 
John I. Westbrook, treasurer. 
March 3, 1868. — George Brodhead, president; Orville J, Brown, Frank 
Caskey, Jacob Brandt, Charles W. Douglass, Isaac Johnson, clerk ; 
John I. Westbrook, treasurer, 
March 2, 1869.— George Brodhead, president; Thomas Holt, Jacob 
Brandt, Orville J. Brown, Frank Caskey. Isaac Johnson, clerk; 
Luke S, Bosencrance, treasurer, 
March 1, 1870.— George Brodhead, president; Moses Depuy, Sylvander 
Merritt, Isaac Penney, Thomas Holt, Isaac Johnson, clerk ; Luke 
S. Rosencrance, treasurer. 
March 7,1871.— Isaac Penney, president; Frank Abbott, Fred Wehinger, 
Moses Depuy, Sylvander Merritt. Oscar P. Johnston, clerk ; Frank 
Kunkle, treasurer. 
March 5,_1S72.— Sylvander Merritt, president; Charles Marvin, Jesse M. 
Connor, Frank Abbott, Fred Wehinger. Oscar P. Johnston, clerk; 
Frank Kunkle, treasurer. 
March 4, 1873. — Sylvander Merritt, president; F. R. Brodhead, Solomon 
Van Etten, Charles Marvin, Jesse M. Conner. Oscar P. Johnston, 
clerk ; Charles Lee, treasurer. 
May 13, 1873.— Frank Abbot,* president; W. H, Nearpass, A. T. Brown, 
L. 0. Rose, F, R. Brodhead, Charles B. Gray, Garret Iseman. 0. P, 
Johnston, clerk ; Charies W, Lee, treasurer. 
April 6, 1874.— Frnnk Abbott, president; Sylvander Merritt, Charles B. 
Gray, Christian Wiegand, Lyman 0. Rose, Wm. H. Nearpass, A. T. 
Brown. 0. P. Johnston, clerk; Charles W, Lee, treasurer. 
April 6, 1875.— Frank Abbott, president ; Lyman O. Rose, Charles M, Law- 
rence, Wade Buckley, Christian Weigand, Charles B. Gray, Sylvander 
Merritt. 0. P. Johnston, clerk ; Charles W, Lee, treasurer. 
April 3, 1876.— Frank Abbott, president; Wm. J. Murphy, Jacob B. 
Hornbeck, Charles B. Gray, Lyman O. Rose, Charles M. Lawrence, 
Wade Buckley. George B. Olney, clerk; William E. McC-ormick, 
treasurer. 
April 3, 1877.— Sylvander Merritt, president; Martin C. Everitt, John 
Kirk, Eli Van Inwegen, William J. Murphy, Jacob B. Hornbeck, 
Charles B. Gray. Amos Van Etten, Jr., clerk ; Ellis Harring, treas- 
urer. 
April 1, 1878. — Sylvander Merritt, president ; Charles B. Gray, William 
J, Murphy, Thaddeus Mead, Martin C, Everitt, John Kirk, Eli Van 
Inwegen. Amos Van Etten, Jr., clerk ; J. Irving Cole, treasurer. 
April 1, 1879.— William E. McCormick, president; William A. Halsey, 
Charles Brox, Henry Munich, Charles B. Gray, William J. Murphy, 
Thaddeus Mead. Amos Van Etten, Jr., clerk; William H. Nearpass, 
treasurer. 
April 6, 1880.— William E. McCormick, president; Thaddeus Mead, 
James C. Martin, Moses Depuy, William A. Halsey. Charles Brox, 
Henry Munich. W. Ed. White, clerk ; William II. Nearpass, treas- 
urer. 

Other elective officers for the current year (1880-81) 
are Elias Rhodes, Aaron Decker, Peter Whitaker, 
assessors ; Patrick Burns, collector. Appointed officers 
for the current year, 1880-81 : Dayton T. Cox, police 
justice; Samuel J. Walley, chief of police; Philip 
Gorr, James L, Westervelt, James McLaughlin, 



* Under the amended charter a new election took place the same year. 

The president chosen by the people for two years, and three trustees each 
year to hold office two years. 



712 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



special night policemeu ; Patrick Lyons, street com- 
missioner ; C. E. Cuddeback, corporation attorney ; 
Dr. John F. Higgins, health physician ; John Kirk, 
W. J. Muri)hy, L. S. Rosencrance, board of healtli ; 
J. P. Knox, pound-master. 

The police justices for fourteen years past have 
been John Dutton, 1866 ; James M. Penny, 1868 ; 
Henry Dutcher, 1870-72. Appointed under the new 
charter by the board : Henry Dutcher, 1873 ; D. T. 
Co.x, 1874-80. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Port Jervis has been unusually free from fires. 
There is an excellent organization of companies, under 
the direction of a chief engineer and two assistants. 
Fortunately their services have not often been called 
into requisition, but in competitive drills, on parades, 
and in such actual service as has sometimes been re- 
quired the department has shown that it compares 
favorably with those of any other village. 

The present officers (November, 1880) are H. G. 
Lee, chief engineer and member of Delaware Hose 
Company, No. 2 ; Ira B. Cole, first assistant engineer 
and member of Neversink Hose Company, No. 1 ; 
George W. Bailey, second assistant engineer and mem- 
ber of Hook-and-Ladder Company No. 1 ; L. C. San- 
ger, treasurer and member of Everitt Hose Company, 
No. 4 ; Stephen St. John, Jr., secretary and member 
of Neversink Hose Company, No. 1. 

There are no engine companies now in existence. 
There is one hook-and-ladder company, and there are 
four hose companies. The introduction of the system 
of water-works has furnished pressure sufficient to 
force water through hose to any required height. 

Tlie following are the names of the companies, their 
location, and the names of the foreman of each : 

Maghogomock Hook-and-Ladder Company ; having 
about 35 members, and located on Railroad Avenue 
near Pike Street. Henry McCoy is the foreman. This 
company was organized soon after the incorporation 
of the village, and has maintained a vigorous organi- 
zation for nearly twenty-five years. 

Neversink Hose Company, No. 1 ; having 30 mem- 
bers, and located on Orange Street between Canal 
and Ulster Streets. Lyman Lockwood is the present 
foreman. This company was formerly the Excelsior 
Engine Company. 

Delaware Hose Company, No. 2 ; having 40 mem- 
bers, and located on Sussex Street between Ball and 
Front Streets. C. I. Terwilliger is the foreman. This 
was the first engine company, and was organized Jan. 
17, 1857. 

McDougall Hose Company, No. 3; having 25 mem- 
bers, and located on Railroad Avenue near Pike 
Street. Thomas Beirne is the present foreman. This 
company was also organized about 1857, and was then 
known as the Fowler Engine Company. 

Everitt Hose Company, No. 4; having 25 members, 
and located at the corner of Ball and Owen Streets. 



L. C. Sanger is the foreman. This is a new company, 
organized about three years since. 

Excelsior Hose Company, No. 5 ; having about 15 
members, and located in Germantown, so called, 
western part of the village. The present foreman is 
J. Harding. This was organized as an engine com- 
pany, but became a hose company soon after. 

WESTBROOKVILLE 
is a small village northeast from Cuddebackville, and 
also on the canal. The name perpetuates the memory 
of the early landlord, John Westbrook, who kept a 
tavern at this place before the Revolution, and whose 
descendants resided for a long time in this vicinity. 
It is one of the series of villages and " ports" that 
have grown up along the canal. All of the village 
except a few dwelling-houses lies over the county line 
in Sullivan County. 

PORT ORANGE 
is situated on the canal a short distance south of 
Westbrook villa, and is really a part of the same neigh- 
borhood. There is little or no business at this point 
except some small canal traffic. 

CUDDEBACKVILLE 
is in the northeastern part of the town, on the line 
of the canal. It is named in honor of the old settler, 
Jacob Cuddeback, one of the original owners of the 
patent granted in 1697. One of his descendants. Col. 
William Cuddeback, owned the site of the village at 
the time the canal was built, and hence the name is 
doubly appropriate. William Cuddeback died Jan. 
27, 1846, aged eighty-seven. 

The Cuddeback Hotel, now kept by Levi Cudde- 
back, was built and kept for many years by Peter 
Cuddeback. It was known in the old times as the 
Jef}i?rsonian House, and was a favorite stopping-place 
i on the old stage-road from Go.shen toCochecton. The 
house has always remained in the Cuddeback family, 
though it was kept for a time by Thomas Gumaer. It 
is a large and convenient hotel, and connected with 
it is one of the finest picnic-grounds in the county. 
The other business at this village comprises the store 
of the Norris Brothers, where the post-office is kept, 
Alfred Norris postmaster. His brother was the pre- 
vious incumbent for twenty years, and before him 
Peter Cuddeback was postmaster for a long time. 
There is also a blacksmith-shop, by Thomas Rumsey ; 
a wagon-shop, by Samuel Pine; a brickyard, by Mr. 
Ridgeway; a grocery-store and canal stabling, by 
Harmanus Cuddeback. 

There is still living at this village one of the older 
members of the family, Mr. James Cuddeback. He 
is eighty-two years of age, and the son of William A. 
Cuddeback. He resides on his father's homestead, 
where he was born, and where he has spent his whole 
life. His grandfather was Abraham Cuddeback, who 
lived below Gumaer's. He recalls the names of some 



DEEllPARK. 



713 



early teachers, as White, Brooks, Peter E. Gumaer, 
and Berry. 

The wife of James Cuddeback is a daughter of 
Benjamin Cuddeback, who died a few years since at 
the age of uinety-one. 

William C. Rose, for about forty years superin- 
tendent of one of the divisions of the Delaware and 
Hudson Canal, was a resident of Cuddebackville until 
1866, when he removed to Port Jervis, where he died, 
at the age of sixty-six years, eight months, and four 
days. He was born in Sherburne, Chenango Co., 
N. Y., April 22, 1807. His parents were from Massa- 
chusetts, although his Christian as well as his given 
name suggests the inference that he was of the family 
of Capt. William Rose, of Revolutionary memory, 
whose remains were interred in the " Plains" cem- 
etery in Mount Hope. His father was Rufus Rose, 
of whom he was the second son. At the age of twenty- 
one years Mr. Rose left the home of his parents and 
sought employment in the neighborhood of Honesdale, 
Pa. The Delaware and Hudson Canal was then being 
built, and he was soon under engagement with a con- 
tractor on the Pennsylvania section. When the canal 
was completed he was given charge of the section 
which he had aided to construct. From this position 
he was removed, in 1832, to Cuddebackville, as super- 
intendent, as already stated. The long years of ser- 
vice in the employ of the company here are the best 
possible testimony to his capacity and to his integrity. 
Resigning his post on account of failing health, he 
removed to Port Jervis, where he accepted the agency 
of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, which he re- 
tained until a short time before his death, when his 
health obliged its transfer. Mr. Ro.se was married in 
1832. His children were William C, Jr., of Phillips- 
port, Sullivan Co. ; Lyman O., who succeeded his 
father as canal superintendent at Cuddebackville; 
Charles C. ; and two daughters, one of whom is the 
wife of Dr. George H. Fossard. He was a zealous 
laborer in the field of Christian faith, and at the time 
of his death a member of the Reformed Dutch 
Church of Port Jervis. His death was the result of a 
cerebral disorder. 

ROSE POINT 

is the poetical name given to the " port" at locks No. 
54 and 55, south of Cuddebackville about one mile. 
It is also a station upon the Monticello Railroad, and 
very near to the Jesse Tillotson place, where stood 
the old fort of Jacob Rutsen DeWitt. 

PORT CLINTON, 
in a similar way, has been bestowed upon the point, a 
short distance below, where is located Lock No. 56. 

At this place there is a store by William L. Norris. 
Here is also the " lodge" of the " Neversink Farm," 
the special name given by ulr. Godfroy to the large 
estate owned by him, and comprising the table-land, 
the old spring, and the burial-place of the early Cud- 
deback colony of 1690-95. 
46 



GUMAER'S 
is a small hamlet situated on the canal, a short dis- 
tance north of Huguenot. Its name is derived from 
the Gumaer families, whose ancestor was one of the 
original patentees of the Peenpack Valley in 1697. 

HUGUENOT 
is situated on the canal between Port Jervis and Gu- 
maer's. It derives its name from the fact that many 
of the early settlers were of the Huguenot emigration 
which came to Kingston very early, and whose chil- 
dren settled in this valley. Near Huguenot are the 
valuable mineral springs discovered about twenty 
years since. 

There is a store here by C. J. Van Inwegen, Sr., 
one by C. J. Van Inwegen, Jr., and another by Mrs. 
Bidwell, a boat-yard by John Thorp, and there is 
a blacksmith-shop. The Mineral Springs House is 
owned by Peter Cuddeback. A new enterprise is now 
(November, 1880) creating a large demand for labor 
at this place, viz. : the building of the " Pipe Line" for 
the transmission of oil. Stationary engines will force 
the oil at this point through the pipes over the moun- 
tains. 

CARPENTER'S POINT 
derived its name from an early settler, who established 
the ferry and owned the land at the junction of the 
Neversink and Delaware Rivers. It is a short dis- 
tance south of Port Jervis, and has been long and ex- 
tensively known by its present name. It is an old 
point of ferriage across the Delaware. The " Tri- 
States-Rock" is situated just at the extremity of the 
Point, and marks the junction of the lines of three 
States, — New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 
The hamlet of early times was on the east side of 
the Neversink, and half a mile or more below what 
is now the village of Carpenter's Point. The Car- 
penter family are buried at the southernmost point of 
Laurel Grove Cemetery, and within a short distance 
of the " Tri-States Rock." The inscriptions are as 
follows : 

" Benjamin Carpenter, died Feb. 26, 1820; aged 64." 
" Margaret, ilia wife, ilied 1853, aged 84." 
"Solomon Carpenter, died 1828, aged 28." 

There are several stores and other business places ; 
the old grist-mill and a number of private dwellings 
constitute the present village. There is a bridge 
over the Neversink, built July, 1868, by F. Caskey, 
J. H. Patterson, H. Cuddeback, committee; D. S. 
Rhule, architect; and D. S. Rhule, O. J. Brown, 
builders. 

SPARROWBUSII 
is a hamlet near Bolton Basin, west of Honesville, on 
the canal, and has a post-office. A post-office was 
established there in 1827 under the name of Hones- 
ville, Dr. Dickinson, postmaster; about 1830, David 
Decker was appointed ; succeeded in 1840 by Jona- 
than West, who resigned in 1844, and the office was 



714 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



closed. It was re-established in 1850 under the pres- 
ent name, L. F. Hough, postmaster. His successors 
have been N. R. Higby, M. M. Shultz, Charles 
Cooper, Wni. Goodenough, J. C. West, and the 
present incumbent, H. F. West. 

BUSHKILL 

is in the west part of the town, in the neighborhood of 
the Baptist church, as marked upon the recent maps. 
This church was something of an ofi-shoot from the 
Baptist Church of Port Jervis. It was, however, con- 
tinued for only a few years. 

QUARRY HILL 
is the local name of the school district in the extreme 
western angle of the town and the county. It derives 
its name from the business of quarrying carried on 
to some extent in that section. 

SHIN HOLLOW 
is the euphonious and suggestive name applied to a 
neighborhood on the slopes of the Shawangunk Moun- 
tains where the Erie Railway crosses the town line 
into Mount Hope. 

GERMANTOWN 
is the name ajiplied to the western extension of Port 
Jervis along the Delaware River, situated between 
that and the canal. An extensive glass manufactory 
is located here, and a population of 1000 or more has 
settled here. One of the public schools is located in 
this division of the village. 

HONESVILLE 
is a small hamlet on the canal west of Port Jervis, 
the former name of the post-office now known as Spar- 
rowbush, and not far from the same locality. 

BOLTON 
is situated on the canal in the southwestern part of 
the town, and is named after John Bolton, one of the 
original members of the canal company. 

PARADISE 
is situated on the border of Sullivan County north- 
west of Cuddebackville. It is not clear what gave to 
it its delightful name, as it is in close proximity to 
some other names suggestive of a far different locality. 
Paradise is a station on the Monticello road, and Silas 
T. L. Norris is postmaster, station-agent, and hotel- 
keeper. There is a brick-yard by Roys & Cady, and 
a mile below is the flag-stone business of John F. 
Kilgore. 

BROOKLYN 

is an extension of Port Jervis beyond the canal bridge, 
a cosy neighborhood at the base of the hills. 

MATAMORAS 
is across the Delaware in Pennsylvania, but .so closely 
united with Port Jervis in business that it is proper to 
be mentioned in connection with the latter. It is 
united by what is technically known as a "Roebling 



suspension" bridge. It is a very elegant structure, con- 
sisting of two spans of 325 feet each. The bridge was 
erected in 1870-71, but swept away in the ice gorge of 
1874. It was rebuilt immediately. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

There are but few notes upon the early schools in 
any records now available. Jeremiah Van Auken, 
killed by the Indians, was an early teacher. Peter 
E. Gumaer, the surveyor, was also a teacher for many 
years. Mr. Cornelius Westfall, of Pike Co., Pa. (as 
related by a local correspondent of the Port Jervis 
Gazette), stated tliat in his boyhood he attended school 
in a small log building situated upon the hill just 
above the present canal bridge at Germantown. 

At the first town-meeting in 1798 school commis- 
sioners were chosen, viz. : David R. Arnell, Abel 
Woodhull, James Finch, Jr., and William Rose. In 
1799 commissioners were also chosen, but the names 
are so much obliterated in the records that they cannot 
be given. These proceedings were under an early 
school law of 1795, but no further official action by 
the town with reference to schools took place until 
the passage of the act of 1812, which was the real 
foundation of the general school system of the State. 

At the town-meeting of 1813 the provisions of the 
new law were complied with by the appointment of 
commissioners and inspectors, and by the voting of 
a tax for school purposes equal to the sum which 
should be received from the State. Under date of 
June 19, 1813, the commissioners divided the town 
into six districts, all of which were nortli of the "old 
county line," as at that time the lower portion of the 
present town (Port Jervis and vicinity) was a part of 
Minisink. 

The commissioners who served one or more years 
each during the period 1813 to 1843 were the follow- 
ing, viz. : Abraham Taylor, David G. Finch, Abra- 
ham Cuddeback, Jacob Murray, John King, Peter E. 
Gumaer, Gideon Tuthill, Elisha S. Cadwell, William 
Mulock, Jr., Silas Loomis, William A. Cuddeback, 
Joseph Ketchum, Jr., Eleazer Harding, George F. 
Seybolt, Zophar Finch, Silas Loomis, Isaac Willet, 
Peter E. Gumaer, Abijah Norris, James Finch, Jr., 
Philip Ketcham, John Osborn, Benjamin Van In- 
wegen, David G. Finch, Joshua Penny, William S. 
Little, Elisha Reeve, Jr., Joel Whitlock, Stephen St. 
John, Daniel Mapes, Gilbert F. Mondon, David 
Swartwout, Abraham B. Bross, William Lockwood, 
Samuel Swartwout, Cornelius Gray, Benjamin White- 
head, Peter Cuddeback, John W. Sweezy, Jeremiah 
Gumaer, Charles Hardenburgh, Matthias Piersou, 
Benjamin Carpenter, Solomon Westbrook, Elijah 
Gordon, James V. Hulse, John S. Van Inwegen, 
Daniel Hilferty, Henry Woolsey, Jonathan G. Storey, 
John D. Westfall, John Van Etten, Jr., Elting Cud- 
deback, Eli Van Inwegen, John Lambert, Edward 
L. Norris. 

During the same period the following persons 



DEERPAKK. 



ns 



served as inspectors of schools one or more years 
each, viz. : Benjamin Prime, Peter E. Gumaer, Stephen 
Farnum, Jacob IMurray, James Finch, Jr., Silas 
Loomis, William Mulock, James H. Prime, Abraham 
Cuddeback, David G. Finch, William S. Little, Ben- 
jamin Van Inwegen, Joseph Reed, William Cudde- 
back, James Harding, Peter Cuddeback, Joseph 
Chattle, John Whiting, Asa Smith, Cornelius C. 
Biting, Charles Hardenburgh, Cornelius Dickinson, 
John Van Etten, Charac A. Van Inwegen, Nathan 
Felch, Andrew Crawford, Lewis Van Inwegen, Daniel 
Cornwall, James H. Taylor. 

Under the method of supervision by town super- 
intendents the following were the incumbents of that 
office in Deerpark : 

Elected annually: 1844, James H. Taylor; 1845-47, 
Thomas Cuddeback. Elected once in two years : 
1848, Alexander T. Johnson ; 1850, Horace K. Stew- 
art; 1852, Alexander T. Johnson; 1854, Stephen C. 
Merteenas; 185G, Henry O. Fowler. 

Town superintendents were superseded in June, 
1856, by district commissioners. All supervision of 
the schools by the town was abolished at that time. 

The distribution of school money for the year end- 
ing March 28, 1820, was as follows: 

To school district No. 1, .$21.56; to school district 
No. 2, $34.43 ; to No. 3, $28 ; to No. 4, $21.56 ; to No. 
5, $18.92; to joint district No. 1 (Wallkill), $1.13; to 
joint district No. 17 (Wallkill), $2.65; to joint dis- 
trict No. 10 (Mamakating), $6.81; to joint district 
No. 13 (Mamakating), $10.21; total award, $145.28. 
The report for the next year (1821) shows that there 
were five districts and four parts of districts. The 
number of children between the ages of five and fif- 
teen in district No. 1 was 53 ; in district No. 2, 91 ; in 
district No. 3, 62 ; in district No. 4, 53 ; in district 
No. 5, 48; in joint No. 1 (Wallkill), 5 ; in joint No. 
17 (Wallkill), 3; in joint No. 10 (Mamakating), 18; 
in joint No. 13 (Mamakating), 29; total number of 
children in town, 360; of these 324 had attended 
school during the year. 

From the commissioners' certificate of apportion- 
ment for March, 1880, we take the following statistics, 
showing certain interesting facts concerning the 
schools of the present time : 

District No. 1 (Port Jervis) has 2120 children be- 
tween five and twenty-one years of age, and received 
$5183.74 public money ; district No. 2, 28 children 
and $30.95 public money ; district No. 3, 104 children 
and $189.13 public money ; district No. 4, 8 children 
and $8.68 public money; district No. 5, 8 children 
and $10.69 public money; district No. 6, 30 children 
and $79.49 public money; district No. 7, 73 children 
and $122.92 public money ; district No. 8 (Carpenter's 
Point), 218 children and $352.80 public money; dis- 
trict No. 9, 74 children and $128.16 public money; 
district No. 10, 72 children and $140.41 public money ; 
district No. 11, 77 children and $135.24 public money ; 
district No. 12, 115 children and $178.82 public 



money; district No. 13, 100 children and $185.53 
public money; district No. 14, 180 children (Sparrow- 
bush) and $345.46 public money; total number of 
children 3707, and total amount of money disbursed 
$7092.02. The contrast between this report and that 
sixty years ago is very marked. 

HIGH SCHOOL IN THE FOWLER HOUSE. 
This building was leased in 1862 by Rev. J. H. 
Northrup, of Monticello, for the purpose of opening 
a school the middle of April. The enterprise was 
continued for a few years and abandoned. 

ST. MARY'S ORPHAN ASYLUM 
was founded in 1871 by the Rev. Father Nilan, and by 
him placed under the Sisters of Charity. Its object 
was to provide for orphan children a home, and to 
train and instruct them for a proper place in society. 
In 1875 a law was passed by the Legislature of the 
State having for its object the same ideas as led to the 
founding of this institution. St. Mary's Asylum has 
also the orphan Catholic children from the county 
almshouse under its charge. The institution is located 
ui)on Ball Street, between Sussex and Fowler Streets. 
The building is of brick, commodious, and well ar- 
ranged. The Sisters receive children generally for 
instruction not only in the common English branches, 
but in higher studies, and in music, both vocal and in- 
strumental. Instruction is also given in plain and 
ornamental needle-work. The asylum is a branch of 
the academy and convent located at Mount St. Vin- 
cent, on the Hudson, a short distance from New York. 
The Port Jervis institution has been in charge of 
Sister Matilda from the first. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF PORT .lERVlS 
consist of five union free schools and a central acad- 
emy or high school. 

The records of the public schools of Port Jervis 
were destroyed by fire June 13, 1866. There is con- 
sequently no documentary evidence of the manage- 
ment and condition of the schools previous to that 
time, except such as appears in one or two acts of the 
Legislature. The evidence, however, of persons yet 
living establishes the fact that in January, 1862, the 
inhabitants of the village, dissatisfied with the working 
of their schools under the old rate-bill system, reor- 
ganized them under the general free school law. A 
Board of Education, consisting of Dr. Charles W. Law- 
rence, Samuel B. Farnum, Elting Cuddeback, Peter 
Wells, Amos Van Etten, Wm. K. Bartlett, and John 
Strader, was elected. The board organized by making 
Dr. Lawrence president and Mr. Van Etten secre- 
tary. The building known as the Main Street school- 
house was the only one owned by the district, and was 

j too small to afford the requisite accommodations. 

I The basement of the Presbyterian churcli was hired 
and used for school purposes. The demands for space 
having been thus temporarily met, attention was 
given to the improvement of the schools in methods 



716 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of discipline, instruction, and general management. 
Edward W. Manning was appointed principal. He 
held the position until his death, which occurred two 
or three years later, and was a zealous and successftil 
teacher. His successor was David Beattie, now super- 
intendent of public schools in Troy. After a short 
but efficient administration Mr. Beattie was succeeded 
by Isaac M. Wellington, to whose well-directed energy 
and untiring industry the schools are still indebted for 
much of their prosperity. Early in 1866 the Catholic 
schools, hitherto conducted as a part of the public 
schools, were withdrawn from the control of the Board 
of Education, and their management and expense were 
assumed by St. Mary's Church. The causes which 
led to this separation are not on record. 

In April, 1866, the Legislature authorized the rais- 
ing of SlOjOOO to build another school-house, the sale 
of the existing site, and the purchase of a new one. 
The bonds of the district were issued to the amount 
of $5000 during the year by the Board of Education, 
of which the members were Dr. C. M. Lawrence, 
president ; Peter Wells, secretary ; Samuel B. Far- 
num, Elting Cuddebaek, Wm. K. Bartlett, Amos 
Van Etten, and John Strader. 

The first steps towards forming an academical de- 
partment, subject to the visitation and direction of 
the regents, were taken by making application to 
them for a charter, which was ultimately granted. 

The report to the annual school-meeting stated that 
there were in the district 1816 children legally en- 
titled to attend school. Of these, 564 were, on an 
average, in daily attendance, and 1220 were enrolled 
during some part of the year. 

Thomas Holt and Aaron Van Akin were elected in 
place of Samuel B. Farnum and Wm. K. Bartlett, 
otherwise the Board of Education remained the same. 
Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence was again chosen president, 
and Amos Van Etten secretary. A site was obtained 
on the corner of Church and Hammond Streets, and 
a contract made for the erection of a new school- 
house. 

In 1867 legislative action was secured to enlarge 
the district by annexing parts of two adjoining dis- 
tricts. The new school-house was completed at a 
cost of $9992 and occupied. 

The expiration of the term of service and in some 
cases resignation of office created several vacancies, 
which were filled by the election of John McAllister, 
Thos. Holt, Horace K. Stewart, Henry Dutcher, and 
Dr. Thomas Cuddebaek, who, with John Strader and 
Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, constituted the new board. 
The latter was chosen its president, and H. K. Stewart 
its secretary. The first preliminary academic exam- 
ination was held in November. The clergymen of 
the village constituted a committee, of which Rev. A. 
P. Botsford was chairman. 

In 1868 further accommodations were demanded, 
and furnished by the erection of another school- 
house at an expense of $3635. 



The Board of Education, after the annual election, 
consisted of Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, i)resident; 
Horace K. Stewart, secretary ; Lewis E. Carr, John 
McAllister, Thomas Holt, Henry Dutcher, and Dr. 
Thomas Cuddebaek. The parochial schools of the 
Catholic Church were again received as a part of the 
public schools, but were soon disbanded in conse- 
quence of the burning of the church, and the pupils 
were distrilnited among the other schools. In De- 
cember the superintendent, I. M. Wellington, resigned, 
and soon after Edward A. Kingsley was appointed 
his successor. In October, 1869, Thomas J. Bonnell 
was elected in place of Dr. Cuddebaek, otherwise the 
board remained the same and retained the same offi- 
cers. After the annual election in October, 1870, the 
members of the board were Dr. 0. M. Lawrence, 
president; Lewis E. Carr, secretary; Amos Van 
Etten, Chas. W. Buckley, N. H. Chandler, Henry 
Dutcher, and Thomas J. Bonnell. E. A. Kingsley 
having resigned in December, A. B. Wilbur was ap- 
pointed superintendent, and still holds the position. 

In July, 1871, Comeges Kerr was appointed a mem- 
ber of the board in place of N. H. Chandler, removed 
to another State. After the annual election of this 
year Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; Lewis E. Carr, 
secretary ; Amos Van Etten, Chas. W. Buckley, 
Henry Dutcher, Thomas J. Bonnell, and Lemuel E. 
Elston were the board. In consequence of increasing 
demands for accommodation a large building, known 
as the Mountain House, capable of accommodating 
six hundred pupils, was purchased near the close of 
the year at an expense of $9000, and prepared in part 
for immediate use. In 1872 no change occurred either 
in the membership or presidency of the board. L. E. 
Elston was appointed secretary. 

After the annual meeting in 1873 the board con- 
sisted of Dr. C. M. Lawrence, president ; A. .1. Sny- 
der, secretary ; Lewis E. Carr, John W. Decker, 
Hamilton W. Quick, Daniel Eomaine, and Alfred H. 
Corwin. 

Since that time the successive boards have been 
constituted as follows : from October, 1874, to Octo- 
ber, 1875, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president; Lewis 
E. Carr, secretary ; A. J. Snyder, Hamilton W. 
Quick, Alf. H. Corwin, John W. Decker, Daniel Ro- 
maine. From October, 1875, to October, 1876, Dr. 
Chas. M. Lawrence, president ; A. J. Snyder, secre- 
tary ; Hamilton W. Quick, Alf. H. Corwin, John W. 
Decker, Daniel Romaine, Elting Cuddebaek. From 
October, 1876, to October, 1877, Dr. Chas. M. Law- 
rence, president ; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; Daniel Ro- 
maine, Hamilton W. Quick, Alf. H. Corwin, Elting 
Cuddebaek, Wm. E. McCormick. From October, 
1877, to October, 1878, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, presi- 
dent; A. J. Snyder, secretary; Alf. H. Corwin, Dan- 
iel Romaine, Hamilton W. Quick, Wm. E. McCor- 
mick, O. P. Howell. From October, 1878, to Octo- 
ber, 1879, Dr. Chas. M. Lawrence, president ; A. J. 
Snyder, secretary ; Hamilton W. Quick, Lewis E. 



\ 



DEEKPARK. 



717 



Carr, Wm. E. McCormick, O. P. Howell, Frank Mar- 
vin. From October, 1879, to October, 1880, Dr. Chas. 
M. Lawrence, president; A. J. Snyder, secretary; 
0. P. Howell, Lewis E. Carr, Frank Marvin, Peter 
Whitaker, Thus. J. Bonnell, Luke S. Eosencrance. 
From October, 1880, to October, 1S81, Dr. Chas. M. 
Lawrence, president; A. J. Snyder, secretary ; Lewis 
E. Carr, O. P. Howell, Thos. J. Bonnell, Frank Mar- 
vin, Peter Whitaker, Horace Hammond. 

The schools are graded and in excellent condition. 
Nearly 1300 of the 2452 entitled to free school privi- 
leges are daily in attendance, and 1975 spend some 
part of the year in school. Five buildings, four of 
which are owned by the district, are used for school 
purposes. Twenty-nine teachers are employed, of 
whom two are graduates of college, six of normal 
schools, and nineteen of the local academical depart- 
ment. In this department there are fifty-six students 
engaged in all the various studies usually pursued in 
academies and seminaries, and fitting themselves, ac- 
cording to their own inclinations, either for business 
or college. It is located in the Mountain House, and 
the superintendent is the principal. His assistants 
are Fred W. Best, of the Potsdam Normal School, and 
Miss Minnie Botsford, of Vassar College. The teach- 
ers in the other grades, in the same building, are Mrs. 
Celestia Ernsberger, and Misses Emma L. Stoutenberg, 
Ella M. Welch, Anna B. Ruddick, Ella J. Olmstead, 
Fannie M. Hull, Florence Mondon, Maggie F. Galla- 
gher, and Belle Barnum. 

Miss Tilla White is the principal of the Main 
Street School. Her assistants are Misses Jennie Holt, 
Leah Pflaum, and Jennie Gaylord. 

The principal of the Church Street School is Miss 
Ella Margison. Her assistants are Mrs. Joanna An- 
derson, Misses Ella Campbell, Lizzie Coyle, Ada I. 
DeKay, Janette Sherring, Mary Coyle, and Edith 
Palmer. 

The principal of the Riverside School is Miss Lizzie 
Price, and her assistant is Miss Phwbe Gordon. 

Miss Emma Goodspeed is the principal of the Ger- 
mantown School, and her assistants are Misses Ida 
Dutcher and Jessie Bross. 

The people of this village have always manifested 
their deep interest in education by making liberal 
provision for their schools, and the result is schools 
of which they are justly proud. 



vii.-churches. 

the reformed prote.'^tant dutch church of 
ma(;aghkemeck 

was incorporated by a certificate executed March 14, 
1789. The minister named in the instrument was 
Rev. Elias Van Bunschooten, V.D.M. The board of 
elders and deacons comprised the following persons : 
Solomon Coykendall, Benjamin Depuy, Wilhelmus 
Cole, Samuel Depuy, Wilhelmus Vredenhurgh, Ja- 
cobus Swartwout, Simeon Westfall, Johannes Decker. 



Of this church, organized many years earlier than 
the above date of incorporation, we have the follow- 
ing account, condensed from a historical discourse 
prepared for the dedication of the new chapel, by 
Rev. S. W. Mills, Oct. 22, 1878 : 

The date of its organization was probably Aug. 23, 
1737, when we find the first recorded act of the Con- 
sistory signed by Mancius in their name. It was 
known as the Reformed Dutch Church of Machack- 
emech. Atthe same time the churches of Menissinck, 
Walpeck, and Smithfield were organized, since they 
all bear tlie same date. These four churches were all 
located upon the " Old Mine Road," leading from 
Kingston to the copper-mines in Pahaquarry. 

Johannes Casparus Fryenmoet was the first settled 
pastor over these four churches. He proved to be a 
man acceptable not only to his own people, but whose 
fame spread abroad far and wide. Soon after his 
settlement occurs the following record : 

"Joh. Casparus Fryenmuth, young man, born in 
Switzerland, and Lena Van Etten, young maiden, 
born in Nytsfield, married with a license from Gov- 
erneur Morris, in Jersey, by Justice Abram van 
Camp, 2.3d day of July, 1742." 

The salary paid to Mr. Fryenmoet by the four 
churches was subsequently fixed (Feb. 4, 1745) at 
£17 10s. from each of the three churches, Machacke- 
mech, Menissinck, and Walpeck, in " New York cur- 
rent money," and a like amount from Smithfield in 
" proclamation money," being £70 in all, or $175, and 
in addition to this twenty-five schepels* of oats from 
each church, and his firewood. The amount seems 
to us amazingly small, but it was probably in keep- 
ing with the times and circumstances of the people. 
A parsonage was procured in 1745, each of the four 
churches to bear a fourth part of the expense, with 
an agreement subsequently made (April 16, 1750) 
that if any of them had " lawful and ecclesiastical 
reasons to separate from the other churches the Con- 
sistory shall purchase the fourth part of the house 
and lot of the retiring church, provided they wished 
to retain the same, and if not, then the house and lot 
shall be sold to the highest bidder." The parsonage 
was located three or four miles below Montague, on 
the farm lately occupied by Eli Fuller, deceased, at 
what was called Nominack, opposite Nominack Island 
and near the old Nominack Fort, erected here during 
the French and Indian war. This spot was central 
to the four churches. The four Consistories often 
met here in joint session, and the record of their pro- 
ceedings irequently closes with the expression, "Done 
in Consistory at Nominack." Hence the church 
of Minisink was sometimes called the " Nominack 
Church." 

The only thing bearing upon the early erection of 
a house of worship in any of the church records or 
papers is in the following minute of March 7, 1742 : 

* A scbepel is three pecks. 



ri8 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



*' The Reverend Consistories of the two churciies met together and 
executed tlie fullowing. Having approved of the object by collection to 
aid and biiiltl up the how Dutch Churches in the States of New York 
and New Jersey, and that for this object suitable persons sliould be 
chosen by Consistories and justices in these churches; The Reverend 
Consistory chose Jan Van Vliet, William Cool, Hannes Westbroeck, 
Hendrick Kortreclit. Besides his Majesty's justices chose Salomon 
Davids, Peter Keuikendal, William Kortrecht. The following persons 
were appointed collectors, viz.: Jacobus Swartwood, Jan Van Vleit, 
Hendrick Kortreclit, and Derrick Westbroeck." In August following 
{21st) " the collectors reported that they had collected £13 9s. OtL Their 
expenses were £.2 Ox. id. Jan. 7, 1743, The Reverend Consistory resolved 
that of the money collected each church should retain half. That the 
money should be appropriated for the upbuilding of one church should 
they agree to build together, and if not, then each church shoijld retain 
the amount collected in their bounds. And if it should occur that they 
should both build and any money should remain over, it should be used 
for the benefit of both churches, and if more money should be collected, 
it would be subject to the above conditions." 

Tlie probability is that the churcli wa.s erected in 
consequence of this action during the year 1743. 
AVliether two buildings were reared, or but one, it is 
not likel)' from the above amount, a trifle over twenty- 
eight dollars, that much surplus was left after com- 
pleting the work. But as it may have been built of 
logs, and jierhaps not more than thirty feet square 
upon the ground, and much of the material used may 
have been given by the people and not a little of the 
work done by them gratuitously, the probability is 
that they fell but little short of the amount needed. 

The site of this building was opposite the old bury- 
ing-yard, and not far from the present dwelling-house 
of Eli Van Inwegen. In this the people of this con- 
gregation and of this whole valley worshiped until 
July, 1779, when it was burned by the Indians under 
Brant, a day or two before the memorable battle of 
Minisink. 

Mr. Fryenmoet continued his labors here for fifteen 
years, until Aug. 12, 175G, when he was driven out by 
the Indian massacres in this .section in connection 
with the French and Indian war. He seems to have 
left here in great haste, for in the minutes of Synod 
it is said, " Fleeing before the public enemy he came 
to North Branch (N. J.), and was several times asked 
by the Consistory there to officiate, which he did with 
so much acceptance that many members of the four 
united congregations requested that he might preach 
in all the churches." A large majority of the people 
desired to have him called, but the Consistory oppos- 
ing it, no little dispute arose, and as the result no call 
was given him. He received a call soon after from 
Kinderhook, Claverack, and Livingston Manor, which 
was accepted, and where he labored with very great 
acceptance and success for twenty-one years. He died 
about 1778, and his remains were interred under the 
Kinderhook church. 

Rev. Thomas Romeyn, the second jjastor, preached 
here in April, 1760, and on Sept. 6th of the same year 
accepted a call from them. He was born in Pompton, 
N. J., March 20, 1729. He pursued his collegiate 
studies at Nassau Hall, and his theological studies 
under Goetchius and T. Frelinghuysen. He sailed 
from New York for Europe April 11, 17.52, to receive 



ordination, and was ordained by the Classis of Am- 
sterdam September 3d of the same year, and accepted 
a call from Success, Newtown, Oyster Bay, and Ja- 
maica (L. I.), Nov. 10, 1752, where he remained eight 
years, until coming here. During his ministry here 
he commenced religious services in the Clove, on the 
opposite side of the mountain, in the town of Wantage, 
near Deckertown, which resulted in the organization 
of a church there in the time of his successor. Dur- 
ing his settlement here Mr. Romeyn was married to 
Susan Van Campen (his second wife), daughter of 
Col. Abraham Van Campen, of Pahaquarry, an elder 
in the church of Walpack. Her family name was 
perpetuated in one of their sons, James Van Campen 
Romeyn, a minister of great excellence and influence 
for over fifty years, dying in 1840. Of his seven sons, 
four devoted themselves to the ministry, one of whom 
died soon after his licensure. Another (Theodore) 
was settled at Somerville, N. J., where he died at the 
age of twenty-nine. A third (James) was pastor of 
the Reformed Dutch Church at Hackensack, N. J., 
for about thirty-three years, when he was disabled by 
paralysis, and after lingering for several years died in 
1840. The fourth (Thomas) was for several years 
settled at Niskayuna and Amity, and died in 1857. 
A grandson (James, son of James V. C.) was for 
many years an able and learned minister, and died in 
1859. A great-grandson. Rev. Theodore B. Romeyn, 
D.D., is at the pre.sent time pastor of the First Re- 
formed Church in Hackensack, N. J. 

After twelve years of faithful service in these 
churches, Mr. Romeyn accepted a call from the Re- 
formed Dutch Church of Caughnawaga, Montgomery 
Co., N. Y., in 1772, and remained pastor thereof for 
twenty-one years, until compelled by feeble health to 
relinquish his charge, and where he also died, Oct. 
22, 1794. After the departure of Mr. Romeyn the 
churches here were without a pastor during a period 
of thirteen years. This period embraced the struggle 
of the Revolutionary war. They were visited from 
time to time during this period by ministers from 
abroad, who preached to them and administered the 
ordinances. In each year after Mr. Romeyn left 
them, until the settlement of his successor, we find a 
record of baptisms, the whole number being 441. 

Rev. Elias Van Bunschooten was the third pastor 
of these churches. The name is commonly called 
Van Benschoten, but as written by himself was in- 
variably Van Bunschooten. This minister, so exten- 
sively known by name in the denomination, was the 
son of Teunis Van Bunschooten, and was born at 
New Hackensack, Duchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1738. 
He was graduated at Princeton College in 1768, and 
studied theology with Dr. Hermanns Meyer, of Kings- 
ton. He was licensed to preach in 1773, and was 
settled at Schaghticoke, Albany Co., N. Y., the same 
year, where he remained for twelve years. On May 
12, 1785, a call was given him by these three churches, 
which wa.s accepted July 9th, and he was installed 



DEERPAKK. 



•19 



August 28tli by Rev. Dr. Jacob K. Hardeubergh, of 
Marbletown. His labors bere were devoted at first 
to tbe three churches, — JMacbackemech, Menissinck, 
and Walpack, — and in addition to these, preaching 
at the Clove, near Deckertown. About two years 
after his settlement here application was made to the 
Claasis of New Brunswick, with which these churches 
were then connected, for the organization of a church 
at the Clove. The organization was eftected April 
16, 1788. His services were divided subsequently be- 
tween that church and those in the valley here, and 
at length, in 1792, he removed to the Clove, where he 
bought a farm and mill. His pastoral connection 
with the three churches here continued until 1799. 
While at the Clove he preached for some length of 
time at Westtown,* but for several of the last years of 
his ministry his labors were confined to the former 
place. Here he exercised his ministry, to the general 
acceptance of his people, until 1812, when, on ac- 
count of advanced age, he resigned his charge. Three 
years later, after a long and painful illness, his earthly 
life closed, on Jan. 10, 1815, in his seventy-seventh 
year. 

That for which Mr. Van Bunschooten is chiefly re- 
membered in the church is his generous donation for 
the purposes of theological education. In 1814, only a 
few months previous to his death, he gave to the trus- 
tees of Queen's ^novv Rutgers) College $14,640, in- 
creased by his will to $17,000, the income of which 
was to be applied to the education of " pious youth 
who hope they have a call of God to preach the gos- 
pel of Jesus Christ;" those receiving the benefits 
thereof to be recommended by the General Synod. 
This fund at the i)resent time exceeds $20,000, and 
has educated a large number of faithful and devoted 
ministers in the denomination. Probably about 150 
have entered the ministry who have been educated by 
it, not a few of whom have become missionaries and 
are now preaching the gospel to the heathen. Hav- 
ing been wisely invested so as to answer the purpose 
designed by the donor, not a dollar has been lost, not- 
withstanding all the financial reverses in the country 
from time to time since its bestowment. 

During the ministry of Mr. Van Bunschooten the 
church edifice that had been burned by Brant was 
rebuilt. The probability is that the work was com- 
menced in 1786, as we find a paper with the names of 
persons in various sums, of the dates of Jan. 24, 
March 13, May 4, May 29, May 31, June 1, and June 
2, 1786. From this and from the following item, 
found in an inventory of church property dated 
March 29, 1793, "One acre of ground with the 
church on it without any annual income from the 
seats," showing that the edifice was then built and in 
use, we are safe in saying that it was probably erected 
in 1786. Jan. 1, 1796, one pound, eighteen shillings, 

* It would seem that a church was organized at Westtown under Van 
Bunschooten. since it appears in the minutes of General Synod (180O) 
with Machackemech, Minisiiik, and Walpack. 



■ and fourpence was paid to James Van Auken (in a 
settlement), "which was due said Van Auken for 
building the meeting-house." This was probably a 
balance due him for work done some years before. 
The building was erected upon the site occupied by 
I the one which had been burned, and standing near it 
j were majestic oak-trees, whose towering height and 
wide-spreading branches presented a grand spectacle. 
It was forty feet square, two stories high, covered with 
a low roof coming to a point in the centre, sided with 
planed pine boards and seated inside with the same, 
I and was unjjainted both within and without. On the 
t east side of the church was a low gallery, which was 
; reached by stairs running up on the outside of the 
building. These becoming dilapidated during the 
latter years of the edifice, were taken down. A 
single door in front, next to the road, aftbrded en- 
trance to the building. The pulpit stood on the side 
opposite to the entrance, and was from six to eight 
feet high, standing on a single post, inclosed, sexagon 
in form, and over it a large "sounding-board." The 
elders and deacons occupied seats specially designated 
for them, nearest the pulpit, and were uniformly 
greeted by the minister upon descending from it. 
There was in it, as well as in the first church edifice> 
the " Magistrate's Seat," differing from the other seats 
in having a roof or cover over it, resting upon two 
posts. This was occupied by the justice of the peace 
during the time of service. 

Collections were taken in small black bags, fastened 
on the end of a rod about six feet long, with a little 
bell at the bottom of the bag, which served to an- 
nounce the approach of the worthy dignitary caiTying 
this indispensable article of church furniture. The 
contents of the bag were not always " current money 
with the merchant," as occasional horse-nails, gravel- 
stones, and other articles, deposited by mischievous 
ones, sometimes indicated. A tin horn served the 
purpose of a bell to summon the worshipers to the 
sanctuary. Two services were held, morning and 
afternoon, with an hour's intermission, when the 
refreshments brought by those coming from a dis- 
tance were partaken of. There was no organ or in- 
strument of any kind, nor even a choir. A simple 
chorister or leader, called in Dutch voorzanger, led, 
but not monopolized, the singing, standing in front of 
the pulpit, the entire congregation joining therein. 

After Mr. Van Bunschooten's labors as pastor in 
the churches here ceased, the parsonage owned by 
the three churches was sold and the proceeds divided 
among them. The portion coming to this church 
was $442.20, and was paid to them May 1, 1800. This 
was called the "Parsonage Fund," and by the accu- 
mulation of interest had increased by Sept. 22, 1827, 
to $997.80. It was used from time to time in repairs 
upon the church and other ways, but chiefly in the 
erection of the new church edifice in 1833, $849.47 
having been appropriated to this purpose at different 
times. 



720 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



After the labors of Mr. Van Bunschooten as pastor 
here ceased, the church remained vacant until in the 
winter of 1803 and 1804, when the Rev. John Dema- 
rest became their fourth pastor. In the interim tliey 
had occasional supplies. He was the first minister 
here whose services were wholly in the English lan- 
guage. He was born at New Bridge, N. J., three 
miles from Hackensack, in 1763. He received his 
literary education at Hackensack Academy, under 
the rectorship of Dr. Wilson, studied theology with 
Dr. Solomon Froeligh at Schraalenberg, and was li- 
censed to preach in 1789. His first settlement was 
over the united churches of Boght and Niskayuna, 
from 1790 to 1803. He died in New York City in 
1837. He had two sons, both of whom entered the 
ministry. One (William) united with the True Re- 
formed Dutch Church and was for many years settled 
in New York City, where he died about three years 
ago. The other, Rev. James Demarest, was connected 
with the Classis of Orange as pastor of the church at 
Napanoch from 1841 to 1848, and is still connected 
with the denomination, residing at Newark, N. J., 
without charge. A grandson. Rev. James Demarest, 
Jr., D.D. (son of Rev. Jas. Demarest), is the present 
pastor of the Second Reformed Church in Kingston. 

Upon Mr. Demarest's departure the church was 
left without a pastor for ten years. During the va- 
cancy reading meetings were held, Jacobus Swartwout 
conducting the service. 

Rev. Cornelius C. Elting was the fifth pastor of this 
church, he having accepted a call from it in connec- 
tion witli Minisink, dated Nov. 16, 1816, and being 
ordained and installed Jan. 25, 1817. Mr. Elting was 
of Huguenot descent, and was born at Hurley, Ulster 
Co., N. Y., March 25, 1793, and studied with his 
brother, Rev. Wilhelmus Elting, before entering 
Queen's College at New Brunswick, where he was 
graduated in October, 1812. His theological course 
was {pursued in the seminary at New Brunswick, and 
he was licensed by the Classis of New Brunswick 
May 30, 1816. He preached a short time after his 
licensure at Pleasant Plains, Duchess Co., previous to 
bis coming here. Mr. Elting continued to preach at 
Minisink, in connection with this church, for twenty- 
one years, until Jan. 30, 1838, when his labors were 
confined to this church and congregation, which since 
then have enjoyed the exclusive services of their own 
minister. 

The ministry of Mr. Elting proved highly benefi- 
cial to the church. He entered upon his labors under 
most favorable circumstances. A revival had been in 
progress for some time, and uumerous conversions had 
taken place. The work continued some months after 
his settlement. At the first communion, only one 
month after his installation, 37 persons united with 
this church upon confession, and at the next one, 
three months later, 50 were admitted in the same 
manner, the largest number ever received at a single 
communion during its whole history. The entire 



number received in this first year of his ministry 
was 117, and all upon profession of their faith. He 
continued his useful labors here for twenty-six years 
and ten months, when, with an eye not dimmed nor 
his natural force abated, he entered into his rest Oct. 
24, 1843, aged fifty years and seven months. 

One or two events took place during the ministry of 
Mr. Elting having no little bearing upon the interests 
of the church, and hence demanding notice. One was 
the erection of a new church edifice and the removal 
of its site to that now occupied by it. For nearly one 
hundred years it had been upon the same site. Car- 
penter's Point, near which it stood, had been the place 
of business for the surrounding country. There was 
the mill, store, hotel, and a few dwellings, making it 
the only hamlet in all this section. There was the 
ferry, upon the stage-route leading from Newburgh 
to Milford, and thence to Carbondale, Owego, and 
Central New York, the great West of the day. All 
this was to undergo an entire change. The Delaware 
and Hudson Canal had been constructed, and Port 
Jervis began to show its head. It was evident to dis- 
cerning ones that this was henceforth to be the centre 
of business, and Carpenter's Point must modestly re- 
tire. The pastor of the church was far-seeing enough 
to perceive that a change of location would promote 
its prosperity, and he became a warm advocate of the 
measure and its largest contributor. The project met 
with no little opposition from some east of the Never- 
sink and in New Jersey, but not enough to defeat it. 
A site was given by the Delaware and Hudson Canal 
Company, who have acted with much generosity in 
such matters along their line. 

At the time of the erection of this building there 
were not more than a dozen and a half dwellings 
within the present limits of Port Jervis, with a popu- 
lation scarcely reaching one hundred. There was 
but one organized church, one small school-house, 
one physician, two stores, no lawyers, no newspapers 
or printing-presses, not a single bank, railway, or any 
of the numerous places of business now found. A 
trip to the city was a fatiguing, wearisome journey by 
stage and steamboat, occupying in going and return- 
ing three or four days and made only at long intervals. 

A few years after the erection of the new church, 
its corporate name was changed from the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Mahackamech to the Reformed 
Protestant Dutch Church of Deerpark, by applica- 
tion to the Legislature. This was done in 1838. 

During the ministry of Mr. Elting Sabbath-schools 
were introduced in the church, which are now re- 
garded as indispensable to its prosperity. From its 
first organization, the religious instruction of the 
children and youth had been attended to by the 
parent or head of the family, who, upon Sabbath 
evening usually, gathered the household together and 
catechised them, or by the pastor in Bible and cate- 
chetical classes, held generally on the afternoon of 
some week-day in the school-house, when the teacher 



DEERPARK. 



721 



would give place for an hour or two to exercises of 
this nature. The American Sunday-School Union 
had been organized in 1824, and its agents were em- 
ployed in organizing schools wherever an opening 
was found. In 1829 the first school was formed here 
by Mr. Wood, an agent of the American Sunday- 
School Union, the Rev. Mr. Elting being chosen as 
its superintendent.* Having the charge of two con- 
gregations, he was necessarily ab.sent half of the time, 
and hence unable to discharge its duties, and soon 
resigned, his successor being Solomon Van Auken. 
For twenty years the school was in operation only 
during the summer season, but in 1849 it was re.solved 
to keep it open during the entire year. 

Thomas White deserves a notice in this history be- 
cause of a bequest made by him to the church, which 
brings him before it (when its provisions are complied 
with) once in each year. Mr. White was a native of 
England, to which country he was strongly attached. 
He was well educated, not only in English, but in 
Latin and Greek, with some knowledge of French. 
He had likewise learned the trade of making ropes, 
since in that day every young man in his country, 
even the king's son, was obliged to learn some trade. 
He was exceedingly studious and industrious, and 
when not engaged in teaching would be occupied 
either in study or with his trade. He came to Peen- 
pack from the cast side of the mountain in the 
autumn of 1776 as a school-teacher, and lived in the 
house with the father of Peter E. Gumaer, Esq., and 
taught school therein during the greater part of the 
Revolutionary war, — the first well-educated teacher in 
the valley. After closing his services in the valley as 
school-teacher (which in the estimation of Esquire 
Gumaer were of immense value) he removed to the 
neighborhood of his former residence near Mount 
Hope, where he died in 1807. Mr. White was a firm 
believer in the Christian religion and in its funda- 
mental doctrines, and by his will directed that ten 
dollars should be paid yearly to each of four churches 
for a sermon to be preached upon one of four specified 
subjects in each church on a certain designated Sab- 
bath in every year forever. The money for this pur- 
pose was to be in the hands of the supervisors of the 
towns of Wallkill and Deerpark, who were to see that 
the requirements of the will were complied with, and 
to pay the amount yearly to each church. In May, 
1827, the supervisor of the town of Deerpark, Peter 
E. Gumaer, instead of the yearly payment of ten 
dollars to the church, according to the strict letter of 
the will, paid over to the Consistory f 150, the interest 
of which has been approjjriated to this object. A 
like sum was paid to each of the other three churches, 
thus relieving the supervisors from further responsi- 
bility and care in the matter. 

The sixth pastor was Rev. George P. Van Wyck, 



* The first Sabbatli-sclioul library was given to it at this tioie, by Jolin 
B. Jervis, Esq. 



who was settled four months after the death of Mr. 
Elting. He was born in Bloomingburgh, N. Y., pur- 
sued his academical studies at Bloomingburgh and 
Montgomery, was graduated from Rutgers College in 
1840, studied theology at New Brunswick, and was 
licensed by the Classis of Orange Aug. 1, 1843. He 
was ordained in the ministry and installed pastor of 
this church Feb. 29, 1844, the ordination sermon being 
preached by Rev. R. Pitts. He remained in charge 
here until May 19, 1852, when he was dismissed to 
take charge of a Presbyterian congregation in Berlin, 
Md., and was subsequently settled at Gettysburg and 
at Chester, Pa. Upon the breaking out of the late war 
he entered the army as chaplain, and at its close was 
appointed chaplain in the United States army, having 
been stationed for the last few years at Atlanta, Ga. 

Rev. Hiram Slauson became the seventh pastor, 
and was installed Feb. 22, 1853, the Rev. Dr. M. N. 
McLaren preaching at his installation. Mr. Slauson 
was graduated at Union College in 1837, and previous 
to his coming here was settled at Northumberland, 
Saratoga Co., N. Y., from 1844 to 1852. He continued 
in charge of the church here until October, 1857, 
when his connection with it was dissolved, he having 
accepted the call from the Congregational Church 
at Unionville, Conn. During Mr. Slauson's ministry 
a parsonage was purchased by the congregation at a 
cost of $2000, the first one owned by them exclusively. 
In the second year of his pastorate the church edifice 
was enlarged and greatly improved, the interior re- 
modeled, the pulpit, which had stood by the door, 
placed at the opposite end of the building and the 
seats reversed, the whole costing about $2500. 

After Mr. Slauson left the church was vacant four 
months, when the eighth pastor. Rev. Samuel W. 
Mills, was settled. His call was dated Dec. 16, 1857, 
and his installation took place Feb. 22, 1858, the in- 
stallation sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. M. N. 
McLaren. His academical studies were prosecuted 
at Bloomingburgh and Montgomery, graduating from 
Rutgers College in 1838, and from the theological 
seminary at New Brunswick in 1842. He was li- 
censed by the Classis of New Brunswick July 25th of 
the same year, and in October commenced preach- 
ing in the Reformed Dutch church at Blooming- 
burgh, where he was ordained and installed May 30, 
1843, remaining there as pastor for fifteen years, until 
accepting the call here. His services as pastor of this 
church closed on the second Sabbath in November, 
1871, but were continued in supply of the pulpit until 
the settlement of his successor. 

In the winter and spring of 1868 an extensive work 
of grace was wrought in the church and congregation 
as well as in the place generally. In point of num- 
bers received into the church, in the genuineness of 
the work, and in the character and influence of the 
converts, it was the most extensive revival in the 
church since 1833. The number received upon con- 
fession at a single communion as the result of this 



722 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



work was 38. The entire number received during 
this pastorate was 249. 

The increase of the congregation had been such for 
a few years, owing to the continuous gro^vth of the 
village, that the church edifice was too small for the 
worshipers. It was found, too, that any enlargement 



Rutgers College. The building was erected under 
the superintendence of that .skillful architect I. G. 
Perry, of Binghamton, N. Y., and was dedicated 
Jan. 19, 1870, the Rev. Dr. DeWitt, of the theological 
seminary at Xew Brunswick, preaching the dedica- 
tion sermon. The cost of the building proper was 




of the Iniilding then in use would be either impracti- ' 
cable or attended with so much expense a.s to be un- 
advisable. The result was the erection of the present 
commodious and attractive edifice in 1868 and 1869. 
The corner-stone was laid Aug. 18, 1868, when ad- 
dresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Van Zandt, of 
Montgomery, and Rev. Dr. Campbell, president of ^ 



DEERrAr.K. 



$38,287.45, and of the furnishing, including furnaces, 
gas-fixtures, carpets, uisholstering, etc., $5383.65, 
making in all $43,668.10. This entire sum was pro- 
vided for before the day of dedication. At the same 
time an organ was presented to the church by Mr. H. 
H. Farnum. 
Jan. 11, 1872, the Consistory made a call upon Rev. 



DEERPARK. 



723 



Samuel J. Rogers, who became the ninth pastor, and 
entered upon his pastoral services Feb. 16, 1872, and 
was installed on April 2d, the Rev. S. W. Mills 
preaching at his installation. Mr. Rogers was edu- 
cated at New Brunswick, graduating from Rutgers 
College in 1859, and from the theological seminary in 
1862. He remained the pastor of this church until the 
second Sabbath in May, 1876. Upon leaving here he 
accepted a call from the Reformed Church in Fort 
Plain, N. Y. During his ministry here an extensive 
religious interest existed in the congregation, in the 
winter of 1875 and 1876, when 39 persons were added 
to the church upon confession at one communion. 
The number received during his pastorate was 93. 

After the departure of Mr. Rogers the pulpit was 
supplied by various ministers, liut chiefly by the Rev. 
Abraham Thompson, who, during a period of over 
three months, preached to the congregation to their 
general acceptance and profit. Nov. 17, 1876, the 
Consistory extended a call to Rev. Henry M. Voor- 
hees, the tenth pastor, who commenced his pastoral 
services in March, 1877, and was installed May 10th 
of the same year, the Rev. L. L. Comfort preaching 
the installation sermon. 

During this pastorate a debt of $10,000 (incurred 
chiefly by exchange of parsonage at the time of erect- 
ing the new church and by improvements connected 
therewith, and in putting an iron fence in front of the 
church) was reduced to S2000, and a beautiful chapel 
added, supplying a want long felt. 

During the past twenty years the contributions of 
this church to objects of benevolence, as reported to 
General Synod, have amounted to $20,671.66, or an 
average of a little over $1000 per year.* 

Rev. Mr. Voorhees resigned his charge by reason 
of ill health on December, 1878, and the eleventh 
pastor. Rev. Goyn Talmage, was installed June 17, 
1879. 

There appears to be no record of the names of the 
constituent members who formed the church in 1737, 
as they are not given either in the above historical 
address, nor in the translation of the records made a 
few years since by Rev. J. B. Ten Eyck, and pub- 
lished by W. H. Nearpass.t The present Consistory 
(1880) comprises four elders, J. P. Muir, Thomas J. 
Bonnell, William H. Nearpass, and D. L. Mapes; 
and deacons, Darius Rhodes, C. F. Van Inwegen, E. 
M. Gardon. The present clerk is D. S. Mapes. Two 
Sunday-schools are maintained, — the main one in the 
chapel, the other at Carpenter's Point. 



* During this same period 89:J,348 Iiuve been given for congregational 
purposes, viz.: minister's salary, incidental expenses, erection of aud 
repairs to church edifices, etc. Of tlie amount contributed previously 
for either benevolent or congregational purposes little is Itnowu, as no 
account of tliem has been Itept by church officers and no report made to 
General Synod. Reports of collections for benevolen t objects by churches 
were first made in 1853, and for congregational purposes in 1858, but 
only by a part of the cliurches for some years. 

t Mr. Nearpass, besides being the publisher, translated a portion of 
the old records himself. 



THE FLRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP PORT 
JERVIS 
executed a certificate of incorporation July 15, 1851. 
The proceedings were signed by E. A. Beckwith and 
Henry Caskey. The trustees chosen were Samuel B. 
Farnum, Francis I. Marvin, Theodore Barculo, Mor- 
timer S. Brown, John M. Rowley, and Henry Cox. 
The following additional particulars are furnished by 
the pastor: 

The First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis was 
organized by the Presbytery of Hudson, June 2, 1851. 
There were 31 memliers enrolled as charter members 
of the church. A goodly number at this time. At 
this date, 1880, one of the original elders remains, 
Mr. William S. Cort, and one private member, Mrs. 
Susan Beckwith. Rev. Augustus Seward was the first 
pastor, who was largely instrumental in making the 
enterprise a success, and who served tlie church about 
eight years. Of the original board of trustees one still 
survives, and still has his place in the church, Mr. S. 
B. Farnum. A building was erected within a year, cost- 
ing then about 15000, and was dedicated to Almighty 
God during the holidays of 1852-53, Rev. Asa D. 
Smith, D.D., of New York City, preaching the sermon. 

The original Session were Ephraim A. Beckwith, 
Henry Caskey, William S. Cook, Ira Dales, M.D. 
The board of trustees were John M. Rowley, Francis 
I. Marvin, Samuel B. Farnum, Henry A. Cox, Theo- 
dore Barculo, Mortimer S. Brown. 

The pastors have been Augustus Seward, about 
eight years ; James T. Mathews, a supply, six months ; 
Livingston Willard, installed in August, 1860, — serv- 
ing about a year. In 1862, Rev. E. R. Fairchild, of 
the Presbytery of Hudson, took charge of the church, 
and served it as supply nearly five years. In March, 
1867, Rev. A. P. Botsford, of the Presbytery of New 
York, was called, and installed in June following. He 
remains the pastor at this time, — September, 1880. 

The present Bench of Elders consists of William 
S. Cook, Charles Marvin, Charles Buckley, T. F. Cor- 
win, James Mitchell. The present pastor is Rev. A. 
Botsford ; Superintendent of Sabbath-school, R. W. 
Ware; Board of Trustees, Robert Frampton, presi- 
dent; (ieorge Hoagland, secretary; R. W. Ware, 
treasurer; James Robertson, collector; William Mc- 
Cormack, O. P. Johnson, Albert Stoll, John Caskey, 
Robert Hickok. 

The members added to the church during the first 
pastorate — that of Rev. Augustus Seward — were 109. 
Those dismissed were 42 ; those deceased, 7 ; leaving 
a membership of about 100. The roll remained the 
same until 1862, when, under the labors of Rev. E. N. 
Fairchild, D.D., 127 were added to the church. During 
the present ]>a.storate, running over a period of thir- 
teen years, that of Rev. A. P. Botsford, the church 
building has been enlarged and remodeled, and re- 
furnished, a fine $3000 organ provided, a parsonage 
bought, at an expense of about $15,000. Besides this, 
the church has contributed for benevolence in the last 



724 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ten years $6000, and for congregational purposes 
about §40,000. During this pastorate there liavebeen 
hirge ing.atherings of members on three different occa- 
sions, — March 1st there were added 50 persons; in 
December, 1875, and March, 1876, 72 new members 
were enrolled. In the thirteen years closing April, 
1880, .328 new members have been added. The pres- 
ent number on the roll, 325; Sabbath-school scholars, 
200. The church has no debt upon it, and its income 
fiiUy meets its expenses. 

THE SEPARATE AMERICAN METHODIST CHURCH 
OF PORT JERVIS 

executed a certificate of incorporation May 9, 1870, 
and the following board of trustees were sivorn to exe- 
cute their office to the licst of their abi/it;/, viz. : Jloses 
O. Brierson, Henry Wills, Francis Lawrence, Francis 
James, and Edwin Van Horn. This church, now 
called the Little Wesley chapel, was founded in 1852 
by a preacher belonging to the Separate Methodist 
Congregational Church, which had its origin in the 
city of Philadelphia, by the name of G. W. Harden. 
Mr. Harden began to preach among the colored peo- 
ple of Port Jervis in tlie beginning of 1852, and con- 
tinued his labors there until the spring of 1853, when 
a society was organized consisting of nine or ten 
members, and most of them resided in log houses 
quite remote from the village. The meetings were 
mostly held in private houses for some time, but as 
the number of the members continued to increase, 
and as the colored population in the place became 
more numerous every year, the worship in private 
houses became more impracticable, and therefore ef- 
forts began to be made in the year 1857 or 1858 to 
purchase a lot on which a house of worship might be 
erected, but nothing was accomplished in the matter 
until the year 1868, when a small plot of ground was 
purchased of Mrs. Scott, near the Delaware and Hud- 
son Canal, where the church now stands, on which a 
building was partially erected in the fell and winter 
of that year. 

THE SPARROWBUSH UNION FREE CHURCH, TOWN 
OF DEERPARK, 

effected a legal organization May 31, 1871. The as- 
sociated incorporators signing the certificate were 
Jonathan West, John R. Patterson, Robert Lewis, 
John J. Bross, J. C. West, William J. Darragh, and 
William Lewis. Religious services have been held in 
the house erected usually every Sunday from the in- 
corporation to the present time. At the present time 
the meetings are under the management of the Meth- 
odist Church. 

GRACE CHURCH OF PORT JERVIS (EPISCOPAL) 

executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 5, 1853. 
The proceedings were signed by Samuel Fowler 
and Win. Mills. The wardens chosen were Uriah 
Mills and Samuel Fowler; the vestrymen were Thomas 



J. Lyon, L. Tooker, John P. Fowler, A. Hoffman, A. 
Turner, B. S. Hall, Elias Lafarge, T. N. Coleman. 

The meeting was held at the Presbyterian church, 
where the Episcopalians were then worshiping. 

The next spring, April 27, 1854, the society deemed 
it best to record a new article of incorporation, in which 
appear the names of Thomas J. Lyon, Elias Lafarge, 
Charles B. Hornby, Samuel Fowler, Uri Mills, Alex- 
ander Turner, Thomas J. Lye, Thomas Walsh, John 
P. Fowler, Benjamin Hall, Thomas X. Coleman, A. 
Kophman. 

The following article, furnished by the officers of 
the church, gives additional particulars: 

The parish of Grace Church has little of historical 
incident to interest the public. The missionary effort 
which was made at this place some twenty years ago, 
after a series of reverses, w.as wholly abandoned, and 
of the communicants all but some half a dozen were 
scattered or removed to other places. In the year 1867 
the clergy of the several parishes of the Episcopal 
Church in the county formed a missionary association 
under the name of " The Convention of Orange 
County." Several mendiers of the convention soon 
after visited Port Jervis, and after consultation with 
two or three of the communicants still resident in the 
village, determined to employ a clergyman and to 
begin the missionary work afresh in this beautiful and 
growing village. The few remaining communicants 
and friends of the church cordially welcomed the pro- 
ject of renewing tlie missionary work. The Rev. .lohn 
Appleton was invited to the post, and in the autumn 
of 1867 entered upon his duties as missionary. West- 
brook Hall was rented, and services were held in it for 
some four years. In the mean time the members of 
the parish bought of Mr. Henry Farnum a lot on 
which to erect a church, and for which they agreed to 
pay $2,500. In the .spring of 1871 the Rev. Mr. Ap- 
pleton was compelled, by the loss of his health, to 
resign his charge of the mission. 

The Rev. F. N. Luson was then called, and entered 
soon after upon the work. Mr. Luson succeeded at 
once in enlisting the hearty co-operation of both the 
ladies and gentlemen of the parish in the endeavor to 
build a church, and by dint of the most untiring and 
persistent eftbrt on the part of the rector and his zeal- 
ous helpers, both male and female, in the face of many 
difliculties and discouragements, in about four years 
the present church edifice was completed, at a cost of 
some $16,000. At the close of the year 1874 the Rev. 
Mr. Luson resigned his charge of the parish and 
removed to the diocese of Illinois, and on the 1st of 
February, 1875, the Rev. J. G. Rosencrantz, an assist- 
ant minister of St. James' Church, Brooklyn, L. I., 
was called, and entered upon the rectorship of the 
parish. With unabated zeal the little company of 
faithful workers entered afresh with their new rector 
upon their task, and during his residence of five years 
Mr. Rosencrantz was not only enabled to present about 
one hundred candidates for confirmation, and to report 



DEERPARK. 



nearly a hundred persons added to the list of commu- 
nicants, but during the time he was also permitted to 
see the floating debt of the parish paid off and can- 
celed. In January, 1880, Mr. Rosenerantz resigned 
his charge and removed to Port Chester, Westchester 
Co., N. Y., and the Rev. Alex. Capron entered on the 
1st of February upon the rectorship. 

On its roll of nearly one hundred families at the 
present time the parish embraces some of the most 
prominent and influential people of the village, and 
reports between 140 and 150 communicants, and the 
parish is therefore in the very dew and vigor of its youth, 
and on the part of both rector and people, looking for- 
ward hopefully and confidently to gathering many 
souls into the fold of the Good Shepherd. 

DREAV CENTENNIAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH OF PORT JERVIS. 

Of the founding of this society and its early his- 
tory the accounts are gathered from several of the 
oldest residents of the valley yet living; and as no 
record was kept, so far as we now know, the facts are 
related from memory, and therefore definite dates 
cannot always be stated. The chronological order 
of the history may not be entirely accurate, still the 
facts are placed in the best possible order from mem- 
ory. During the war of 1812-14 a Mr. Hunt worked 
at the glass-factory, situated in Pennsylvania, just 
across the Delaware River from " Boydville" (now 
known as "Honesville" and "Sparrowbush"), and 
whicli was then in full operation. Mr. Hunt was a 
Methodist preacher, and preached every Sabbath, — 
sometimes in a grove, or at the house of John Patter- 
son at Boydville, at Carpenter's Point, and at the 
house of Leo Gegce, at " Gegce's Mill" (now called 
Huguenot). Mr. Hunt was a very earnest and withal 
an acceptable preacher, and did much good, though 
by some considered very singular, because, while his 
fellow-workmen in the glass-factory worked Sabbath- 
days when the glass was at full heat for blowing, he 
would not work on Sabbath, but spent his time in 
preaching and otber religious duties, thereby losing 
the pay he would have received had he worked with 
the rest. The Methodists living in the vicinity at 
that time were few. Among them were Joseph 
Chattle and a Mr. Carpenter, at Carpenter's Point, 
Leo Gegce, Polly Bingham, and Sally Hornbeck, at 
or near Gegce's Mill, and other members of each 
family named ; also a few others whose names are not 
now known lived in the neighborhood. After the close 
of the war work at the glass-house ceased. Mr. Hunt 
removed, and we lose sight of him. Soon after he 
left the late Rev. Bartholomew Weed moved to Mil- 
ford to work at his trade as a blacksmith. He had 
been licensed by the society as an exhorter in 1812. 
He preached at Milford, Pa., and at Carpenter's 
Point. About 1816-17 four Methodist families — 
Heman Benedict, Timothy Bouton, Mr. Bridges, and 
Mr. Reed — moved from Connecticut and settled near 



Cahoongie. All these families were prominent and 
earnest workers in the society. Some time about 1818 
Mr. Cummings, the third Methodist preacher, moved 
into the valley. He had six preaching-places, — at 
the school-house at Gegce's Mill ; in the red school- 
house on the Peenpack road (now known as Kingston 
Avenue, Port Jervis i ; at the house of Martin Decker, 
then situate near where Mr. Penny's hotel now stands, 
or near the junction of Main and Pike Streets, Port 
Jervis; at "Stoddard's," near Greenville; at the house 
of Mr. Bridges, at Cahoongie ; and at the house of 
John Patterson, at Boydville. 

Mr. Cummings was very much liked by the people; 
they came from all around the thinly-settled country 
to hear him preach at his various appointments, and 
especially when about to remove, he preached his 
farewell sermon in a large barn belonging to Martin 
Decker, and which then stood near where the resi- 
dence of Mr. G. Malvin is now located, on Delaware 
Street, Port Jervis. About 1820 a Mr. Hevender 
preached in the valley, at, probably, the same places 
as his predecessors. From that time until about 1826 
we have very slight information of the society or its 
workings in the valley, though they continued to 
have preachers and held meetings, and we learn that 
prior to 1826 they held camp-meetings at the " Camp- 
Ground" (now known as " the Coal-Switch"), between 
Port Jervis and Sparrowbush. In 1826, Lee & Col- 
lins had a contract for building a section of the Dela- 
! ware and Hudson Canal, at the " Pine woods," near 
I the present village, which had about that time been 
I named "Port Jervis" in honor of J. B. Jervis, .Esq., 
j the civil engineer on the canal. Lee and Collins were 
both Methodist preachers, and preached at various 
places in the valley (regularly in a large boarding- 
' house situated near where Mr. Charles Buckley now 
resides). The following Methodist preachers were 
1 stationed at or near Port Jervis between 1820 and 
I 1838, though the order in which they are placed here 
may not be strictly accurate : Wm. M. Bloomer, with 
John McDougall, assistant ; Wm. Baker, aiul Vincent 
Sheperd, assistant; Oliver Bagley, and Jonah Bis- 
sey, assistant ; Bromwell Andrew, J. M. Tuttle and 
Wesley C. Hudson, assistants ; Washington Thomas, 
and Peter D. Day, John Bagley, Wm. Baker (second 
time), Isaac Truit, Henry Maines, John W. Pierson. 
In 1828, Stephen Best, a very earnest Christian and a 
Methodist, had a regularly organized class under his 
charge, with the following as some of the members : 
Joseph Chattle and some members of his family, a 
colored woman known as " Aunt Fillisie," and her 
daughter ; there were several others whose names we 
cannot learn. In 1832 a revival occurred, and John D. 
Carpenter, with several members of his family, were 
converted and joined the society. Mr. Carpenter at 
once became a very active worker. He organized a 
Sabbath-school, acting as superintendent himself, and 
furnishing books, etc., for the school, which met first 
at the house of his father, Benjamin Carpenter, near 



726 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



where Mr. C. Buckley now resides ; afterwards in a 
building near the "Jersey line," at "the Point." 
Mr. Carpenter soon purchased tlie tavern at " The 
Ferry," near where the present " Suspension Bridge" 
now stands, at Carpenter's Point, and rented it to 
Samuel Harris, a member of the society, for a dwell- 
ing, but reserved the bar-room, which he cleared out 
and arranged for a place to hold meetings in, and 
which for some time was the headquarters of the 
society in the neighborhood. 

Some time in 1832, Mr. Best removed to Butler's 
Lock, near Mongaup, and Mr. Carpenter took charge 
of the class. We And the numbers had largely in- 
creased, and we find among them James Lupton and 
his wife, Mary Mapes, Mrs. Huntsman and a sister, 
George Rosecranse and wife, Samuel Harris and his 
wife, Charlotte (yet living in 1880). The society 
continued to meet in the "tavern room," in the red 
school-house on the Peenpack road, and at various 
dwellings until about 1888, when it had, grown so 
large that a regular organization was made l)y the ap- 
pointment of Stephen St. John, Simeon M. Stoddard, 
John D. Carpenter, James Lupton, and Gilbert F. 
Mondon as trustees for the society, then styled " The 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Jervis, 
N. Y.," and on the 22d day of October, 1838, the 
Delaware and Hudson Canal Company donated a lot 
near the canal for church purposes. The society soon 
completed a neat frame church on the lot. The late 
John Bonker, a member of the society, worked on the 
building, and when completed he built the first fire 
and lighted the first candle in the new church. 

At the dedication, which took place in 1838 or 1839, 
the Rev. Mr. Kennedy, then stationed at Newburgh, 
ofiiciated, assisted by Manning Force, Peter D. Day, 
and a Mr. Dunning. The following ministers preached 
for the society between 1838 and 1850 : T. J. Lyon, 
a Mr. Smith, Wm. Burroughs, Wm. Wiggins, John 
D. Blain, Henry Beagle, Edward P. Cook, Fletcher 
Lummis, and Charles S. Coit. In 1850, Port Jervis 
Methodist Episcopal Church had grown largely, and 
was the centi'al church of the circuit, with Huguenot, 
Honesville, Cahoongie, Mongaup, and several outside 
appointments, where the " Port Jervis preacher held 
meetings." 

The following ministers were stationed at Port Jer- 
vis between 1850 and 1864: Thomas H. Smith, Martin 
Herr, Joseph R. Adams, George B. Day, T. H. Lan- 
don, John Faull, David Walters, and John Coit. 
Prior to 1864 the congregation had grown so large 
that the first church would not accommodate them, 
and a new and more convenient site was desired, as 
the new and rapid growth of the village had left the 
church out on one side. After several years of effort 
the present site was purchased, and a new brick 
church, 55 by 95 feet, with slate roof, and spire 162 feet 
high, was projected. In 1866, when the new structure 
was commenced, the following were the officers of the 
church: Rev. George F. Dickinson, preacher; Trus- 



tees, L. E. Elston, president; Wm. Hammond, secre- 
tary; James R. Harrison, treasurer; Moses Macomber, 
and Gabriel D. Corwin ; Building Committee, George 
F. Dickinson, Henry Dutcher, Aaron Decker, Daniel 
Romaine, and L. E. Elston ; Stewards, Lemuel E. 
Elston, D. Romaine, John T. Burkard, (Jabriel D. 
Corwin, Andrew J. Snyder, John Badger, and Charles 
S. Goodale ; Recording and District Steward, L. E. 
Elston ; Superintendent of the Sunday-school, L. E. 
Elston. 

The corner-stone for the new church was laid Nov. 
11, 1866, with appropriate ceremonies, and the build- 
ing was completed and dedicated March 7 and 8, 
1868, Bishop E. S. Janes officiating, assisted by Dr. 
L. Dashiel and other prominent ministers and lay- 
men. The church has a fine audience-room, with 
large Sunday-school and class-rooms. A special act 
was passed by the Legislature March 23, 1867, chang- 
ing the title of the society from " The First Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Port .Jervis" to " The Drew 
Centennial Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Jer- 
vis, N. Y." The following preachers have been sta- 
tioned at Port Jervis since 1866 : George F. Dickin- 
son, C. S. Van Cleve, John I. Morrow, Benjamin 
Kelly, A. R. Shaw, John A. Munroe, Dr. J. T. Crane, 
and William E. Blakeslee, the present preacher, ap- 
pointed April, 1880. Rev. B. Kelly died at Port Jer- 
vis in 1874, while pastor of the church; and Rev. Dr. 
J. T. Crane died February, 1880, while pastor. The 
church now has over 600 members, a Sabbath-school 
of 414 scholars and 42 officers and teachers. The 
present officers are as follows : Stewards, L. E. Elston 
(district and recording steward), James L. Crawford, 
Stephen S. Starr, H. W. Palmer, William Dexter 
Stuart, Daniel Romaine, Isaac B. Smith, Job M. Snell, 
and Jonathan Corey ; Superintendent of Sabbath- 
school, L. E. Elston ; Trustees, George E. Cook, presi- 
dent; A. J. Snyder, secretary; Horace Hammond, 
treasurer; James L. Crawford, Charles Wells, A. P. 
Macdonald, Moses W. Perry, L. D. Mathews, and 
George H. Langton. 

The church stands on the corner of Broom and 
Sussex Streets, on Orange Square, in a position to be 
seen from nearly all parts of the village, affording an 
excellent location for the town clock in the tower, 
and which was presented to the village by Mrs. Mary 
Shorter ou her seventieth birthday, April 13, 1878. 

It will be seen by the above brief sketch that, in 
about sixty-eight years, the society has grown from 
perhajis not over a half-dozen members in 1812 to 
over 600 in 1880, and from the hospitable shelter of 
some grove or dwelling to a large church property 
worth about $50,000, and which will accommodate 
nearly 1000 persons. 

THE REFORMED CHURCH OF Cl'DDEBACKVILLE, 

at a meeting held in the school-house, Nov. 26, 1853, 
executed a certificate of incorporation. The proceed- 
ings were signed by Hiram Slauson, Lewis Cudde- 



DEERPARK. 



727 



back, and Samuel Gordon. The trustees chosen were 
Moses Van Inwegen, William Cuddeback, William 
C. Roe, Ezekiel K. Gumaer, Lewis Cuddeback, Wil- 
liam Littell, and Alexander Gordon. The petition to 
Classis for organization was dated Jan. 31, 1854, 
and signed by forty-three persons. A committee of 
Classis, consisting of Rev. H. Slauson, Rev.S. Searle, 
Eev. C. D. Elting, and Elders Philip Swartwout and 
John N. Taylor, constituted the church on the second 
Sabbath in March, 1854. The first members were 
William C. Rose and wife. Garret D. Sullivan and 
wife, Adam Stickle and wife, Solomon Van Etten and 
wife, Mrs. Esther Van Inwegen, Mrs. Margaret Hop- 
son, :Mrs. Mary Case, Miss Margaret Cuddeback, and 
William Littell. The first elders were William C. Rose 
and William Littell ; Deacons, Garrett D. Sullivan, 
Adam Stickle ; Chairman of Consistory, William C. 
Kose ; and Clerk, William Littell. C. L. Norris has 
been clerk and treasurer of' the congregation from the 
formation of the church to the present time. The 
successive ministers have been Rev. Henry Morris, 
March 22, 1855, to Oct. 12, 1862; Rev. Egbert Winter, 
May 11, 18tj3, to Jan. 9, 1866 ; Rev. Jeremiah L. Za- 
briskie, March 27, 1866, to June 7, 1870 ; Rev. W. E. 
Bogardus, Aug. 16, 1870, to March 23, 1874 ; Rev. 
John DuBois, May 22, 1874, commenced his labors 
June 1, and is the present pastor, November, 1880. 
The present Consistory is composed of Stoddard Van 
Inwegen, George W. Rhodes, Charles H. Norris, Isaac 
Van Inwegen, elders ; F. A. Quick, William Taylor, 
deacons. Stoddard Van Inwegen is superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. An out-appointment is regularly 
filled at Huguenot, and occasionally at other points. 
The house of worship was erected at an expense of 
in 1853, before the church was organized. 



THE GERMAN LUTHERAN PROTESTANT CHURCH 
OF PORT JERVIvS 

was incorporated Jan. 1, 1861. The certificate was 
signed by Jacob Goeby and Matthew Heoyman. The 
trustees chosen were Michael Seegar, Matthew Heis- 
man, John Bosh, Henry Stadermayer. The present 
pastor furnishes the following additional particulars: 
The First German Evangelical Lutheran (St. Peter's) 
congregation was organized by Rev. August Schubert, 
Sept. 18, 1859. He labored till May 26, 1860, preach- 
ing in Brown's Hall. Members who constituted the 
first assemblage and are yet connected with it are 
Fred Ehrenfeuthter, M. Seeger, F. Seeger, F. Lang, 
M. Heitzmann, J. Pfitzner, C. Wiegand. 

Under the pastorate of P. J. Goetz, a church build- 
ing was erected of frame in 1863. It is yet in a good 
condition. On the 1st of April, 1869, P. Goetz re- 
signed, and P. J. Bockstahler was called. In 1872 
the present parsonage was built. 

Nov. 1, 1873, P. Kuhu was called, and is still to- 
day officiating. Every Sunday afternoon the Sun- 
day-school is held, with an attendance of about 100 
scholars. 



Pastor, Hugo B. Kuhn ; 7 elders and trustees ; 65 
members in good standing, and 200 communicants. 

The house of worship was dedicated Oct. 12, 1862. 
It is a plain, neat, substantial structure, standing near 
the Delaware River. The lot was the gift of Mr. H. 
H. Farnuni. The edifice cost $1700. 

THE PORT JERVIS BAPTIST CHURCH 

executed a certificate of incorporation April 28, 1862. 
The certificate was signed by Thomas Cuddeback and 
John W. Decker. The trustees named were Peter 
Mulhearn, John W. Decker, Thomas Montanye, 
Charles B. Gray, and Thomas Cuddeback. The 
church dates back many years earlier than the date 
above given. It was organized November, 1838, by 
a Council convened in the Dutch Reformed church. 
The following is a list of the constituent members : 
Gilbert F. Mondon, Nehemiah L. Mondon, Samuel 
Patterson, David Decker, Joseph Gibson, Catharine 
S. Mondon, Nancy I. Pierson, Pamelia Birdsall, 
Catharine Malcolm, Mary Ellen Mondon, Lydia 
Gumaer, Jane Rhodes, Elizabeth Thompson, Jane 
Gumaer, Jane Beebe, Sally Decker. 

The first deacons of the church were G. F. Mondon, 
D. Decker. The first house of worship was built on 
the banks of the canal, on ground given by the Dela- 
ware and Hudson Canal Company. This having be- 
come too small, the present structure was erected on 
Pike Street in 1868. The first pastoral service was 
rendered by Rev. William H. Turton. 

The following is a list of pastors and their terms of 
service: W. H. Turton, 1838-39; Samuel Barrett, 
1839-42; David Bennet, 1843^5; D. F. Leach, 1845- 
50; J. E. Reynolds, 1850-51; Isaac Lawton, 1851- 

52; R. Bently, 1852-53; Hancock, 1853-54; 

A. K. Perkins, 1854-55; Zelotes Grenell, 1855-61; 
William I. Gill, 1862-64 ; C. I. Thompson, 1864^65 ; 
H. S. Loyd, 1865-69; T. J. B. House, 1869-70; Wil- 
liam Mckinney, 1871-80 ; Alex. MacArthur, 1880. 

The organization at present consists of 250 mem- 
bers. Names of ofiicers are as follows : Pastor, Rev. 
Alexander JIacArthur; Deacons, Horace K. Stewart, 
Jeremiah Mead, Nehemiah L. Mondon, Augustus W. 
Balch, Cornelius G. Lockwood ; Treasurer, A. W. 
Balch ; Clerk, N. L. Mondon ; Trustees, Mortimer 
Crawford, Augustus W. Balch, James Springsteen, 
William Sheppard, Cornelius G. Lockwood. 

The Sunday-school is under the vigorous superin- 
tendeucy of C. G. Lockwood. 

THE CHI RCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 
(CATHOLIC) 

of Port Jervis was incorporated Jan. 10, 1860. The 
certificate was signed by Francis D. Murphy and 
Dominick Cunift". The trustees named therein were 
Hugh McGovern, Peter Higgins, and James Cree- 
ganas. 

This church filed a second certificate of incorpora- 
tion May 16, 1869, and the trustees named therein 



728 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



were Eev. John McCloskey, archbishop ; Rev. Win. 
Starr, vicar-general ; Rev. James Nilan, pastor; and 
two laymen, Peter Higgins, Peter Gillem. The suc- 
cessive pastors of this church have been Rev. Fathers 
Briardy, R. R. Brcnnan, Rev. James Nilan, and the 
present pastor is Rev. E. J. Flynn ; the assistant pas- 
tor. Rev. Father Sally. The first regular house of 
worship was erected under Father Briardy's labors. 
It stood on the site of the present edifice, the corner- 
stone of which was laid July 5, 1869. A parchment 
was placed in the corner-.stone bearing the following 
record : 

"To God Almighty iu ttie year of our Lord 1869, on tlie fifth day of 
the month of July, the ninety-third anniversary of American Independ- 
ence, heing celehrjited with due honor in the twenty-third year of the 
Pontificate of Pope Pius IX., Host Rev. John 5IcCIoskey, D.D., Arch- 
bishop of New York ; Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States; j 
John T. H.>ffnmn, Governor of the State of New York, this corner-stone 
of a church being erected in honor of Almighty God under the title of 
the Virgin Mary conceived without sin, patroness of this Republic, 
Rev. E. McGIynn, D.D., being the orator of the occasion, was blessed and 
laid by Rev. James Nilan, Pastor." 

The church is 13.3 by 65 feet ; two spires 100 and 
180 feet high. Mr. Perry was the architect. The ■ 
building committee were Domine Cunningham, James 
Creegan, Peter Higgins, Andrew Cuff, Daniel Young, i 
The mason-work was done by Patrick Herbert, of 
Newburgh, for $39,400 ; the carpenter-work by S. W. 
Hotchkiss, of Port Jervis, for $16,200. 

For the old church ground was broken June 18, ' 
1854, and the edifice was completed in 18.55. The 
style of the architecture was Gothic. The dimensions 
were 55 feet front and 83 deep. It had a tower, and 
was altogether a handsome edifice. It was burned i 
during the Christmas festivities of 186.S. 

Rev. E. J. Flynn. — The present pasu.r of the 
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rev. E. J. 
Flynn, was born in the parish of St. Stephen's, Xew 
York City, in 1846. The Rev. Dr. Cummings, recog- 
nizing in the young man indications of a divine voca- 
tion to the priesthood, advised his youthful friend to 
enter college and perfect himself in a course of class- 
ical study. After a short study of the Latin lan- 
guage he was sent to the college of the Propaganda 
at Rome. Under the careful guidance of the vener- 
able Father Smith of the Urban College, who dis- 
covered iu his American student a career of future 
usefulness, directed with much interest his theological 
studies, and in 1871 Father Flynn was ordained a 
priest. His first mission was at St. Stephen's, where 
in early youth he had ofliciated as an altar boy. For 
two years he labored under the instruction and guid- 
ance of Rev. Father McGlynn, and in 1873 was as- 
signed the assistant pastorate of St. Andrew's. There 
he also labored faithfully, giving much of his time to 
the instruction of the young Italians who resided in 
the parish. 

His nest field was that of St. There-sa, where he be- 
came endeared to the people by his kindness to the 
poor and his unremitting attentions to the sick and 
dying. On his retirement from this parish, a valua- 



ble testimonial was presented him by the members as 
an expression of their personal regard. 

Father Flynn became the pastor of the Church of 
the Immaculate Conception, Port Jervis, in Novem- 




^' -€ 



l-^- 0cil^i2^-€i^ ^ ^ 



ber, 1877. On his arrival a burdensome debt of 
$59,000 had oppressed the congregation, to the liqui- 
dation of which he at once devoted himself. Through 
his untiring zeal, in the space of two years the sum 
of $20,635 had been paid, and the dimensions of the 
parish considerably enlarged. A decided spiritual 
growth was also evinced within its borders. The 
church property was soon alter improved, the amount 
of $.3000 having been expended for the purpose. 

Father Fljnn, while an exemplary and laborious 
pastor, has found time to devote to the interests of the 
community of which he is a member. He has estab- 
lished a reputation as a public-spirited citizen, ever 
ready by word and deed to assist in the development 
of projects having for their aim the welfare of the 
city and the good of its inhabitants. This has made 
him deservedly popular with all classes, irrespective of 
creed, and placed his name upon the roll of represen- 
tative citizens of Port Jervis, his present home. 



VIII.-BUKIAL-PLACES. 

THE OLD Gl'MAER GRAVEYARD 

is the first one to note in order of time. Indeed, there 

can be none in the county where burials took place 

earlier, unless it be in the vicinity of Plum Point, on 



DEEKPARK. 



729 



the Hudson. If the Cuddeback settlement was not 
quite as early as claimed, yet there is ample proof that 
the usual accounts are not far from correct. 

If the descendants of those pioneers will careftilly 
examine the old burial-place, remove the gathered 
mass of leaves, and trace the dim inscriptions upon 
the old field-stone, some of them doubtless covered up 
entirely, it is very possible that still earlier dates can 
be obtained than those given below, which were 
secured by only an hour's examination. 

" 1717" 
X I I" 

On the reverse of the same stone we find 

"1713 H D." 

" M X V I 

A 11 1802" 

" Hildah Decker 

Wife of Jacob I>. Guniaer 

June IS" 1819" 

" Ano 1720 
DE 16 JULEY 
IS B GRAVE SI 
BENJAMIN TEOVOO" 

"Sn V» 

Nov 12 

1799" 

'* PETEB GUMAER 

" Progenitor of tlie Gumaere 
who originated in tlie 
present town of Deerpark 
died 1739 aged 73 



'* Far from iiis native land lie fled 
And here was made Iiis earthly bed 
The sweets of life our natures crave 
From France he fled his life to save 

When persecution stained the land 
Under Louis XIV command 
He and companion Caudebeck 
Escaped that horrid cruel wreck 

" Deerpark A D 1856 

"P E G" 
" Peter Gnmaer 
" Son of Peter died A D 1779 
aged 71 years 

"Fortunate for him and neighbors 
Were the results of his laboi-s 
In erecting his residence 
Which became a house of defence; 
And with two fortifications 
Served for two generations 
To protect from Indian warfare 
Those who to the same did repair; 
Two wars French and revolution 
Did each cause Indian intrusion. 

* " Deerpark, 1856 

"PEG" 
"My glass is run 



Ezekiel Gumaer 

Died May 17 1823 

aged 81" 

" Naomi wife of 
Ezekiel Gumaer 
Died May 17 1823 
aged 84" 



* These two are modern stones, erected by I 
at graves marked by older monuments. 
47 



iter E. Gumaer, — doubtlei 



" Jacobus Swartwout 
Dec 7 1840 
aged 90" 

" Peter Swartwout 

March 19 1817 

aged 51" 

" Abraham Cuddeback 
Died Aug 23 1817" 

" P Cuddeback 
Died Oct 1811" 

At the place known as Paradise, on the borders of 
Sullivan County, there is a burial-ground, in the Case 
and Decker neighborhood. At Sparrowbush there is 
a burial-place located north of the village. 

THE OLD BURIAL-PLACE OF PORT JERVIS. 

This is the one historic graveyard of the southern 
section of the town, and deserves better care than it 
appears to be receiving. Its broken fences, its ne- 
glected grounds, cut to pieces by private driveways 
over a part of it, its fallen stones, all tell a story of 
neglect unworthy of the place, and unworthy of an 
age when money is freely lavished upon the new 
cemeteries. 

Among its broken stones may be traced some early 
dates, as 1758, 1766. In some of the almost illegible 
records there may be the date of birth. The following 
are more clear : 

" Died in the year 1789 August 20 S Deso\n" 
" 1762 
Sarah Caskey departed this life 
July the 27'l' 1796" 

The first date is that of birth. 

" April 1 1860 
Jacob Nearpass died aged 90 years." • 

This yard is located on Main Street ne.xt to the 
Catholic cemetery. North of the burial-place stood 
the old Reformed church, towards the residence of 
Charles F. Van Invvegen. The burials undoubtedly 
date back many years before the Revolution. 

LAUREL GROVE CEMETERY. 

This occupies the extreme southeastern part of the 
corporation, being the point of land between the 
Neversink and the Delaware Rivers. It consists of 
about thirty acres. A marked peculiarity of this 
cemetery is its exclusive use of evergreens for adorn- 
ment, both in the saving of the original forest-trees 
and in the setting out and cultivation of others. In- 
deed, upon the cemetery grounds (not including the 
banks of the streams) there are only two deciduous 
trees left, and it is intended to remove these. In the 
more closely cultivated portions there are some fine 
specimens of trimming in peculiar forms, attracting 
the special attention of visitors. 

The name Laurel Grove is a[)propriate from the 
original thick, tangled growth of rhododendrons and 
a small species of laurel that covered the tract. In 
some parts this has not yet been cut away entirely. 
The cemetery was founded in 1856 by John Conkling, 



730 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



who was the owner of the ground. He devoted the 
same to burial purposes very much upon his own re- 
sponsibility, though a legal organization was effected, 
and a joint arrangement made between him and the 
board of trustees with reference to the sale of lots. It 
has remained under his management from that time 
to the present. There are now many valuable lots 
handsomely arranged and adorned with fine monu- 
ments. In walks and driveways it is all that can be 
desired. It will doubtless form the principal burial- 
place of the future for Port Jervis and vicinity. 

The meeting to organize was held Sept. 21, 1855, 
James Bennett, chairman, and Thomas Cuddeback, 
secretary. The trustees named in the certificate of 
incorporation were John Conkling, Henry H. Far- 
num, William H. Power, Augustus B. Goodale, James 
Bennett, Samuel Fowler, James H. Mondon, John 
M. Heller, Zephaniah Birdsatl. The first officers 
chosen were John Conkling, president; Augustus P. 
Thompson, treasurer; William H. Power, secretary. 
The dedication took place July 15, 1856, when ad- 
dresses were delivered by Rev. Augustus Seward, Rev. 
E. S. Briardy, Rev. Mr. Slauson, and Rev. Mr. Adams. 

Mr. Conkling has been president from the first. 
The other officers (November, 1880) are Zephaniah 
Birdsall, vice-president; Peter E. Farnum, secretary; 
Wade Buckley, treasurer. The board of trustees con- 
sists of John Conkling, Zephaniah Birdsall, Solomon 
Van Etten, A. B. Goodale, A. H. Peck, David West- 
fall, David Bennett, Lyman 0. Rose, John L. Bonnell. 

THE WEEPING WILLOW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 
OF PORT JERVIS 

was organized May 26, 1857. The meeting was held 
at the office of O. Young. Samuel H. Mills was ap- 
jjointed chairman, and O. Young, secretary. The 
trustees chosen were John Clark, Charles St. John, 
O. Young, Philip Lee, Thomas Cuddeback, Solomon 
Van Etten. The proceedings were verified on the 
27th by the ofiicers before H. H. Steward, justice of 
the peace, and recorded May 28, 1857. This is really 
the St. John burial-ground in the rear of the school- 
house on Main Street, adjoining the Reformed church. 

THE REFORMED CHURCH CEMETERY 

is of modern date, and near to the present house of 
worship ; opened at the time of the erection of the 
house of worship, in 1833. 

CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 

This ground is handsomely situated in the southeast 
part of the corporation, bordering on the Neversink. 
The portion next to Main Street is closely filled, but 
a large unoccupied part lies between this and the 
river. A few lots are taken up and monuments erected 
near the stream. The grading of lots and the arrange- 
ment of walks has received considerable attention. 
Some repairs needed in fences, and additional care of 
lots and walks, will doubtless be given to this ground 



as fast as the energetic church to which it belongs 
may be able to give attention to these details. 

RURAL VALLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, 
town of Deerpark, was formed at a meeting held on 
the 27th of April, 1867. William Westfall was chosen 
chairman, and William Mapes, secretary. The trus- 
tees named were Harmanus Cuddeback, Benjamin 
Cuddeback, Lyman O. Rose, Job Van Inwegen, E. 
S. Norris, William Mapes, William Westfall. The 
proceedings were verified April 29th by the officers 
before Wm. Rankin, justice of the peace, and recorded 
May 6th. The grounds of this association constitute 
the modern burial-place at Cuddebackville, and are 
in good preservation. 



IX.-SOCIETIES, BANKS, LIBRABIES, INCOH- 
PORATIONS, Etc. 

PORT JERVIS LODGE, No. 328, F. AND A. M. 

The first meeting under dispensation was held Dec. 
9, 1853, and the following were charter members: 
Stephen St. John, S. D. Shepherd, Charles Harden- 
bergh, H. L. West, S. C. Lum, G. M. Brodhead, C. 
G. Pinchot, John Laforge, A. Barkley, John M. Heller, 
W. H. Stewart, Joe Hedden, O. H. Mott. 

The officers elected for 1853 and 18.54 were A. Bark- 
ley, W. M. ; J. M. Heller, S. W. ; 0. H. Mott, J. W. ; 
W. H. Stewart, Sec. ; S. St. John, Treas. 

The charter is dated and the lodge was instituted 
June 21, 1854. The principal officers from above day 
were: 

1855.— J. M. Heller, M. ; H. L. West, S. W. ; J. 
Van Fleet, J. W. ; C. Hardenbergh, Sec; 0. J. 
Brown, Treas. 

For subsequent years in the same order: 

1856, J. Van Fleet, B. Hoxey, R. Ferguson, S. O. 
Dimmick, O. J. Brown. 1857, J. M. Heller, R. Fer- 
guson, J. C. Westfall, J. Barton, O. J. Brown. 1858, 
R. Ferguson, J. C. Westfall, W. H. Stewart, M. C. 
Everett, E. Van Inwegen. 1859, R. Ferguson, J. C. 
Westfall, W. K. Stewart, George Brodhead, O. J. 
Brown. 1860, R. Ferguson, T. Sharp, Thomas Holt, 
George Brodhead, O. J. Brown. 1861, T. Sharp, T. 
Holt, S. Bliley, G. H. Fossard, 0. J. Brown. 1862, 
T. Sharp, C. B. Gray, A. H. Simpson, J. Barton, O. 
J. Brown. 1863, C. B. Gray, A. H. Simpson, A. 
Graham, J. Barton, T. Sharp. 1864, C. B. Gray, A. 
Graham, P. Lee, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 1865, C. 

B. Gray, A. Graham, T. Holt, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 
1866, C. B. Gray, P. Lee, J. L. Kalbfus, L. L. Adams, 
T. Sharp. 1867, C. B. Gray, J. L. Kalbfus, A. Kirk- 
man, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 1868, J. L. Kalbfus, 
A. Kirkman, S. T. Barrett, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 
1869, J. L. Kalbfus, A. Kirkman, S. T. Barrett, L. L. 
Adams, T. Sharp. 1870, J. L. Kalbfus, A. Kirkman, 

C. Marvin, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 1871, A. Kirk- 
man, M. T. Whitney, C. T. Branch, L. L. Adams, T. 
Sharp. 1872, A. Kirkman, O. P. Johnston, C. T. 
Branch, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 1873, O. P. John- 



DEERPARK. 



::l 



ston, C. T. Branch, L. M. Toulon, L. L. Adams, T. 
Sharp. 1874, 0. P. Jolinston, C. T. Branch, L. M. 
Toulon, L. L. Adams, T. Sharp. 1875, C. T. Branch, 
J. L. Kalbfus, T. Holt, L. L. Adams, C. B. Gray. 
1876, C. T. Branch, A. Kirkman, L. E. Bevans, A. T. 
Cuddeback, C. B. Gray. 1877, C. T. Branch, J. L. 
Bonnell, J. B. Carley, A. T. Cuddeback, C. B. Gray. 
1878, C. T. Branch, J. L. Bonnell, J. B. Carley, A. T. 
Cuddeback, C. B. Gray. 1879, J. L. Bonnell, J. B. 
Carley, W. J. Raymond, A. T. Cuddeback, C. B. 
Gray. 1880, J. L. Bonnell, J. B. Carley, W. Norris, 
A. T. Cuddeback, John Caskey. 

NEVERSINK CHAPTER, No. 186, R. A. M., 

was instituted March 16, a.d. 1865, A.i. 2395, by M. 
E. Comp. Royal G. Millard, G. H. P., assisted by 
ex-Comps. George E. Beach as G. H. P., J. T. Lil- 
ley as G. C. of H., and Sloat as G. Secretary. 

The first officers (1865) were: M. E. Comp. Philip 
Lee, H. P. ; ex-Conips. Charles W. Douglas, King, 
L. L. Adams, Scribe ; Comps. Harry Hunter, Treas., 
L. L. Adams, Sec, William K. Stewart, C. of H., 
Charles B. Gray, P. S., A. Graham, R. A. Capt., 
James Taynton, M. of 3d V., William H. Stewart, M. 
of 2d v., Alfred Barkley, M. of 1st V., Edward Kent, 
Tyler. 

The officers for 1S66 were Philip Lee, H. P. ; Charles 
W. Douglas, K. ; L. L. Adams, S. 

Forsubsequentyears, in the same order: For 1867-68, 
Charles W. Douglas, L. L. Adams, William K. Stew- 
art. For 1869-70, L. L. Adams, William K. Stewart, 
Charles B. Gray. 1871-75, William K. Stewart, 
Charles B. Gray, A. Kirkman. For 1876, W. K. 
Stewart, Charles B. Gray, O. P. Johnston. For 1877- 
78, Charles B. Gray, Stott Mills, George E. Cook. 
For 1879, Charles B. Gray, A. Kirkman, George E. 
Cook. For 1880, George E. Cook, H. P. ; L. C. Sen- 
ger, K. ; J. B. Allen, S. ; William K. Stewart, Treas. ; 
Stott Mills, Sec. ; B. Whiting, C. of H. ; T. 0. Mapes, 
P. S. ; N. Pflaum, R. A. Capt. ; Godfried Wieland, 
M. of 3d V. ; F. Schlind, M. of 2d V. ; Fred. Wehinger, 
M. of 1st V. ; Henry Turner, Tyler. 

Number of members exalted since organized, 180 ; 
affiliated, 24; died, admitted, etc., 80; in good stand- 
ing at date, 124. 

DELAWARE COMMANDERY, No. 44, K. T. 

This commandery was formed by dispensation on 
the 16th day of October, A.D. 1868, A.o. 750, and is 
now held in pursuance of a warrant granted by the 
Grand Commandery of the State of New York, on 
the 6th day of October, a.d. 1869, A.c. 751. Stated con- 
claves second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 

Elective officers from its organization have been: 
E. C, 1868-73, Charles B. Gray; 1873-76, Abm. 
Kirkman; 1876-78, Thomas K. Stewart; 1878-81, 
Samuel A. Sease. Gen., 1868-72, Jos. W. Weed; 
1872-73, Abram Kirkman; 1873-74, James Taynton ; 



1874-80, Samuel A. Sease; 1880-81, Stott Mills. 
Capt. -Gen., 1868-72, Abram Kirkman; 1872-73, 
James Taynton; 1873-75, John L. Kalbfus; 1875-78, 
Stott Mills; 1878-79, Charles Davis; 1879-80, Stott 
Mills; 1880-81, C. B. Wood. Treas., 1868-73, R. H. 
Chamberlin; 1873-80, Charles B. Gray; 1880-81, 
Jos. M. Cogs. Rec, 1868-70, L. L. Adams ; 1870-81, 
C. T. Branch. 

TRI-STATES MASONIC RELIEF ASSOCIATION 
was incorporated under the laws of the State of New 
York, pursuant to an act passed April 12, 1848. (See 
Rev. Statutes, Title 7, vol. ii., and chap. 319, Laws of 
1848.) It was organized in January, 1874. The annual 
meeting is on the first Monday of December in each 
year, at 7.30 o'clock p.m. The board of directors meet 
on the third Monday of each month, at 7.30 o'clock 

P.M. 

The officers from 1874 to 1879 were: Pres., Thomas 
Sharp; Vice-Pres., Charles B. Gray; Treas., M. C. 
Everitt ; Sec, C. T. Branch. 

In 1880, J. L. Bonnell was elected vice-president, 
the other officers remaining without change. 

All members of the Masonic order wishing to be- 
come members of the Relief Association are welcome. 

MOUNT WILLIAM, No. 762, F. AND A. M., 
was organized in March, 1875, with the following 
officers : Louis M. Toulan, W. M. ; Eugene G. Hoitt, 
S. W. ; Charles Marvin, J. W.; S. A. J. Conkling, 
Treas. ; James McDougall, Sec. 

The officers for 1876 were Eugene G. Hoitt, W. M. ; 
James I. Cole, S. W. ; M. Depuy, J. W. ; S. A. J. Conk- 
ling, Treas. ; James McDougall, Sec. 

For 1877, James I. Cole, W. M. ; L. M. Toulan, 
S. W. ; James Robertson, J. W. ; S. A. J. Conkling, 
Treas. ; James McDougall, Sec. 

For 1878, Moses Depuy, W. M. ; James Robertson, 
S. W. ; James Harding, J. W. ; S. A. J. Conkling, 
Treas. ; James McDougall, Sec. 

The same officers for 1879, with the exception of L. 
M. Toulan, elected treasurer. 

For 1880, James Harding, W. M. ; John Rosen- 
crants, S. W. ; A. T. Porter, J. W. ; Aaron Samuels, 
Treas. ; James McDougall, Sec. 

The number of present members is 64. 

USTAYANTHA LODGE, No. 143, I. 0. OF 0. F, PORT 
JERVIS, 

was instituted Sept. 8, 1849. Its number was 390. 
The lodge met in a building that stood where jmrt of 
Creegan's brick block now is. The charter members 
were William H. Steward, Austin Hough, Erastus 
Slausou, Ira Dale, John B. Crawford, Thomas N. 
Coleman, D. P. H. Coleman, James Eastman, and O. 
E. Wheat. The first officers selected from these 
charter members were William H. Stewart, N. G. ; 
Austin Hough, V. G. ; Erastus Slauson, Sec ; Ira 
Dale, Treas. ; O. E. Wheat, G. The lodge continued 



732 



•HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to meet in the same room until 1852, when it was 
moved to Conkling's Hall, on Main ytreet, which 
was fitted up expressly for them. There the lodge 
met until 1861, when, on the erection of St. John's 
Block, corner of Pike and Main Streets, a contract 
was made with Mr. St. John to fit the upper rooms 
for them and they moved in. The entrance was then 
on Main Street. This was continued until 1872, when 
an addition was erected to the building, and the en- ' 
trance was changed to Pike Street. The arrangement 
of the rooms is now very complete, and all about them 
are truly elegant. 

This lodge was No. 390 until the union of the 
northern and southern divisions of the State, a few 
years ago, when it was renumbered and has since 
been known as No. 143. It is a child of Middletown 
Lodge, No. 112. In turn it is called "mother-lodge" 
by no less than four lodges and one encampment. 
The children of the " mother-lodge" are the Stillo, 
No. 209, a German lodge, which meets in the same 
room ; Adelphi, No. 240, at Cochecton ; Vandermark, 
No. 828, at Milford, Pa. ; Neversink, No. 358, at Car- 
penter's Point ; and Deerjiark Encampment, No. 46, 
which holds its meeting in the same room with its 
mother. During its entire history the lodge has had 
great prosperity. Harmony has prevailed. Love, 
Friendship, and Truth have displayed their beauty 
here, and crowned our eiTorts with success. 

This lodge has disbursed for charitable purposes 
alone $16,000 here in the village and vicinity quietly. 
This amount of money must have relieved many 
families who would have suffered without it. This 
lodge has now in its treasury $4000 properly invested. 

The following are the names of the Noble Grands 
of the lodge since its organization: W. H. Stewart, 
W. T. Bodle, Soverine Bennett, S. C. Martenes, Ira 
Dale, Francis Stanton, Charles S. King, Thomas L. 
Coleman, R. C. Van Brunt, Philip Lee, James N. 
Penny, Charles St. John, J. Headden, John M. Ridge- 
way, Daniel Romaine, M. C. Everett, Aaron Decker, 
Rufus Ferguson, Zephaniah Birdsall, Samuel Cor- 
win, Francis Marvin, John J. Van Deeren, .John 
W. Corey, Solomon Van Etten, S. A. .T. Conkling, 
Lemuel E. Elston, Charles Peter.s, O. E. Wheat, 
L. H. Beckwith, L. Y. Ketclium, L. S. Rosencrantz, 
Alfred Decker, C. W. Douglas, Tunis Rowland, 
S. T. Barrett, John Sharp, Christian Weygand, 
James Nyce, W. H. Nearpass, Jacob DeWitt, George 
V. Peck, Munson G. Wickham, Jacob Swartvvout, 0. 
P. Howell, Moses Depuy, Floyd S. Goble, Samuel J. 
Wilson, George W. Norris, Charles M. Westfall, M. 
T. Starkey, Benjamin Whiting, H. S. Decker, Wil- 
liam T. Doty, Peter L. Hull, G. B. A. Bushe, Hiram 
W. DeWitt, James M. Allerton, Benjamin F. Win- 
field, A. E. Crine, Thomas Coyne, Moses S. Terwilleger, 
John Taylor, John F. Bantz, Theodore Ludlum, 
Charles Boyd. 

Charles Boyd is the present presiding officer, or 
N. G., Dec. 1, 1880. 



NEVERSINK LODGE, No. 358, I. 0. OF 0. F., 
was instituted at Carpenter's Point, Orange Co., 
N. Y., June 17, 1873, with twelve charter members. 
The charter members were David Bennet, Galen 
Beunet, Wilhelmus Westfall, W. J. Nearpass, Samuel 
Whittaker, John Bigort, Eli Mead, John B. Paterson, 
Thomas Marshall, Jacob Dewitt, A. B. Moore, George 
Barrett. 

The first officers installed were David Bennet, N. G. ; 
Galen Bennet, V. G. ; Wilhelmus Westfall, Rec. 
Sec; W. J. Nearpass, Treas. ; Samuel Whittaker, Per. 
Sec; Jacob Dewitt, P. G.; Tru.stees, Jacob Dewitt, 
Eli Mead, John B. Paterson. 

The officers installed Jan. 20, 1874, were Galen 
Bennet, N. G. ; John B. Paterson, V. G. ; Chester G. 
Young, Rec. Sec. ; Eli ]Mead, Treas. For subsequent 
years, in thesame order: July 14, 1874, John B. Pater- 
son, John Bigort, L. A. Blackman, Nelson Coleman ; 
Jan. 12, 1875, John Bigort, Wilhelmus Westfall, L. 
A. Blackman, Nelson Coleman; July 13, 1875, Wil- 
helmus Westfall, Eli Mead, H. L. Davis, James E. 
Moore; Jan. 18, 1876, Eli Mead, A. B. Moore, H. L. 
Davis, John Bigort; July 11, 1876, A. B. Moore, 
Chester G. Young, George W. Bailey, John Bigort; 
Jan. 16, 1877, Chester G. Young, H. L. Davis, George 
W. Bailey, John Bigort; July 17, 1877, H. L. Davis, 
L. A. Blackman, W. H. Rodgers, A. B. Moore; Jan. 
15, 1878, L. A. Blackman, Charles Anderson, W. H. 
Rodgers, A. B. Moore; July 9, 1878, Charles Ander- 
son, James Bennet, Mark Van Etten, A. B. Moore; 
Jan. 21, 1879, James Bennet, W. H. Rodgers, Mark 
Van Etten, W. H. Dowding; July 8, 1879, W. H. 
Rodgers, James Cornwell, Mark Van Etten, W. H. 
Dowding; Jan. 13, 1880, James Cornwell, Mark Van 
Etten, Elijah Blyeth, Charles Anderson. Present 
officers, October, 1880, Mark Van Etten, N. G. ; George 
Wyeth, V. G. ; W. J. Quick, Rec. Sec. ; W. H. Rodgers, 
Treas. ; Samuel Whittaker, Per. Sec. ; James Cornwell, 
P. 6. ; Trustees, David Bennet, Lewis A. Blackman, 
Lewis Hetzel. 

ATTILA LODGE, No. 2()'J, I. 0. OF 0. F., 
was instituted Feb. 4, 1869, at Port Jervis, with 23 
charter members. The first officers were P. G., C. 
Wiegand ; N. G., Jacob Kadel ; V. G., Ernst Woller ; 
Rec. Sec, C. Geisenheimer; F. S., A. Happ. The 
Noble Grands have been Ernst Woller, C. Geisen- 
heimer, A. Happ, George Hoffman, Louis Haman, Con- 
rad Happ, William Stubinger, Fred. Seeger, Leonard 
Eskle, Mathias Heitzman, Martin Heller, John Stoll, 
Frank Boet, Charles Kern, Frank Haelwich, John 
Herle, Peter Zahn, Jacob Schwatz. The present 
officers (November, 1880) are N. G., Philip Goor; 
V. G., Fred. Duier ; Sec, Charles Shoneman ; F. S., 
Mathias Heitzman ; Treas., John Bippus. Tlie lodge 
has $1000 invested funds. 

MOUNT WILLIAM LODGE, No. 105, K. P. 

At a preliminary meeting held for the purpose of 
organizing a lodge of Knights of Pythias, Mr. David 



DEERPARK. 



733 



Bennett was called to the chair, and Mr. George A. 
Hoose as secretary. The secretary read the list of 
charter members as follows, and seventeen answered 
to the roll : W. H. Nearpass, W. T. Doty, John Tur- 
ney, Z. G. Coykendall, W. C. Slauson, G. B. A. Bushe, 
George M. Decker, George A. Hoosc, John L. Burton, 
A. T. Cuddeback, Justus T. Doty, David Bennett, M. 
T. Starkey, A. C. Margot, J. H. Rosse, Frank Shinier, 
George A. Clement, Jr., W. E. Scott, D. J. Pierce, 
James Robertson, A. R. Crosby, Peter Rosecrance, 
Frank J. Baum, J. M. Conner, George Wood, James 
H. Burton, C. B. Gray. 

June 23, 1873, a communication was received from 
District Deputy Grand Chancellor, stating that he 
would institute the lodge on Monday, June 30, 1873. 
At a special meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State 
of New York, held at Port Jervis, June 30, 1873, for 
the purpose of instituting Mount William Lodge, No. 
105, Knights of Pythias, present and presiding Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Chaucellor W. Bartley, of the 
Seventh District. The Grand Lodge was opened at 
eight o'clock, and the subordinate lodge duly insti- 
tuted. The charter members were duly initiated. 

The first officers installed were W. H. Nearpass, P. 
C. ; W. T. Doty, C. C. ; David Bennet, V. C. ; G. B. 

A. Bushe, P. ; A. T. Cuddeback, K. of R. ; G. A. 
Hoose, M. of F. ; J. M. Conner, M. of E. ; W. H. 
Nearpass, M. T. Starkey, G. A. Clement, Jr., Trustees. 
Appointed officers, James Robertson, M. A. ; P. Rose- 
crance, I. G. ; Z. G. Coykendall, O. G. ; George A. 
Clement, Jr., J. H. Burton, Assistants. Officers 
elected for term from Dec. 30, 1873, to July 13, 1874, 
were as follows : W. T. Doty, C. C. ; J. I. Cole, V. C. ; 
W. C. Slauson, P. ; A. T. Cuddeback, K. of R. 

For subsequent terms, in the same order : July 13, 
1874, J. I. Cole, W. C. Slauson, A. T. Cuddeback, G. 

B. A. Bushe ; Jan. 11, 1875, George M. Decker, A. T. 
Cuddeback, Benjamin Whiting, G. B. A. Bushe ; July 
12, 1876, A. T. Cuddeback, G. B. A. Bushe, James 
Robertson, Charles E. Goodale ; Jan. 22, 1877, James 
Robertson, George H. Woods, M. Schauer, George M. 
Decker; July 1, 1878, George H. Woods, M. Schauer, 
W. C. Slauson, George M. Decker ; Jan. C, 1879, M: 
Schauer, W. E. Crawford, C. E. Goodale, George E. 
Branch. 

The present officers, October, 1880, are : C. C, D. J. 
Pierce ; V. C, C. J. Peck ; Prelate, James Robertson ; 
K. of R., Fred. A. Palmer ; M. of F., Edward M. 
Gordon ; M. of E., Theodore Ludlum ; W. T. Doty, 
George M. Decker, Trustees ; George H. Woods, Rep- 
resentative to Grand Lodge ; James Robertson, Alter- 
nate. Appointed officers, John Sharrock, M. A. ; Isaac 
Drew, I. G. ; George Westfall, O. G. ; Attendants, 
George Thayer, Johu Prescott. 

DELAWARE COUNCIL, No. 10. 
This council was instituted March 23, 1871, with 
65 charter members, in what was then known as Conk- 
lin's Hall. The first officers of the council were as 



follows: C, James D.Broner; V. C, AVilliam E.Moul- 
ton ; Rcc. Sec, Hamilton W. Quick ; Asst. Rec. Sec, 
John P. Robinson ; F. Sec, Ira J. Fisher ; Treas., 
Alfred H. Corwin; Ind., Henry Hains; Ex., Charles 
M. Westfall ; I. P., Joseph Palmatier ; O. P., William 
M. Cook ; Trustees, James D. Broner, H. W. Quick, 
Jessie M. Conner. The presiding officers from that 
time to June 30, 1880, are as follows: William E. 
Moulton, H. W. Quick, Charles M. Westfall, A. H. 
Corwin, H. W. Dewitt, John F. Van Luyt, Henry 
Hains, J. N. Baird, S. S. Starr, Theodore F. Corwin, 
P. L. Hull, E. S. Westbrook, Peter M. Hunt, Geo. N. 
Norris, George N. Hornbeck, Henry Cuddeback, Nel- 
son Duulap, C. J. Terwilliger. 

The officers for the present term (August, 1880) are : 
C, John Sharp ; V. C, L. V. Carpenter ; Rec. Sec, 
J. L. Wheat; Asst. Rec. Sec, Frank L. Smith ; Fin. 
Sec, N. H. Rogers ; Treas., Thomas Cole ; Ex., Lewis 
Woodruff; Ind., Lewis Hartford ; I. P., Albert Prey ; 
0. P., Frank Knox. 

The council has taken in for initiations, dues, etc, 
from the time it was instituted to June 30, 1880, 
$14,612.53, and has paid for the relief of its members 
$5017.65, and for other expenses $6414.12, leaving a 
present asset of $3180.76. 

The membership of the council June 30, 1880, was 
145 members in good standing. 

The workings of the order are similar to Odd-Fel- 
1 lowship, and its objects are to assist each other in ob- 
taining employment, to encourage each other in busi- 
ness, to establish a sick and funeral fund, to watch 
over the sick of the order and bury their dead, to 
educate the orphans, and protect the widows of de- 
ceased members. " Honesty, Industry, and Sobriety" 
is its motto, and charity is the foundation upon which 
it rests. 

DELAWARE COUNCIL, No. 9, Jr. 0. U. A. M. 

This society was organized on the night of March 
1, 1873, at Conner's Hall, in Port Jervis, and the fol- 
lowing were initiated as charter members : Wm. H. 
Barrett, Frank W. Brown, Archie Budd, Hamilton 
S. Corwin, Wm. Crawford, Nelson Dunlap, Wm. E. 
DeWitt, Chas. W. Edwards, Wm. S. Craig, John H. 
Gordon, Frank Knox, Wm. H. Lent, Geo. Luckey, 
Fred. N. Mason, Horace Mondon, Wm. A. Piatt, A. 
J. Shiner, Lewis M. Spencer, Frank Taylor, S. G. 
Taylor, John S. Terwilliger, Emmet Van Sickle, C. 
W." Van Sickle, S. M. Westfall, M. T. Whitney, Jr., 
Alonzo Whritner, Edgar Whritner. 

The council was organized by D. N. C, R. T. Brown, 
of New York City. 

The following officers were chosen for the term 
commencing April 1, 1873: C, A. J. Shiner; V. C, 
S. M. Westfall; Rec Sec, H. S. Corwin; Treas., 
Edgar A. Whritner. 

Term commencing July 1, 1873: C, S. M. West- 
fall ; V. C, H. S. Corwin ; Rec. Sec, M. T. Whitney, 
Jr. ; Treas., Edgar Whritner. 



734 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Terra commencing Oct. 1, 1873 : C, H. S. Corwin ; 
V. C, F. N. Mason ; Rec. Sec, F. P. Marthis ; Treas., 
Edgar Wlaritner. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1874: C, F. N. Mason; 
V. C, Edgar Whritner ; Rec. Sec, L. N. Taft ; Treas. 
W. G. HopJjins. 

Term commencing July 1, 1874 : C, Edgar Whrit- 
ner; V. C, F. P. Martins; Rec. Sec, W. J. Gilmore; 
Treas., J. H. Hull. 

Term commencing Jan. ], 1875: C, F. P. Marthis; 
V. C, W. J. Gilmore ; Rec. Sec, J. C. Starr ; Treas., 
J. H. Hull. 

Term commencing July 1, 1875 : C, W. J. Gilmore ; 
V. C, J. C. Starr ; Rec. Sec, L. M. Spencer; Treas., 
H. S. Corwin. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1876: C., J. C. Starr; 
V. C, C. W. Van Sickle; Rec Sec, A. J. Shiner,' 
Treas., H. S. Corwin. 

Term commencing July 1, 1876: C, C. W. Van 
Sickle ; V. C, J. H. Hull ; Rec. Sec, S. McKeeby ; 
Treas., A. J. Shiner. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1877: C, J. H. Hull; 
V. C, S. McKeeby ; Rec. Sec, C. A. Hull ; Treas.^ 
A. J. Shiner. 

Term commencing July 1, 1877 : C, S. McKeeby ; 
V. C, W. Crawford ; Rec. Sec, A. Vanauken ; Treas., 
A. J. Shiner. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1878: C, N. Dunlap ; 
V. C, G. O. Allerton ; Rec. Sec, J. H. Raymond ; 
Treas., A. J. Shiner. 

Term commencing July 1, 1878: C, G. O. Allerton ; 
V. C, C. A. Hull ; Rec. Sec, C. Barnes ; Treas., S. M. 
Westfall. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1879: C, C. A. Hull; 
V. C, L. L. Barkman ; Rec. Sec, C. K. Beckwith ; 
Treas., C. W. Van Sickle. 

Term commencing July 1, 1879: C, L. L. Bark- 
man ; V. C, C. K. Beckwith ; Rec. Sec, F. D. Peters; 
Treas., X. Dunlap. 

Term commencing Jan. 1, 1880 : C, C. K. Beck- 
with ; V. C, L. M. Spencer; Rec. Sec, S. D. Boyce, 
Jr. ; Treas., E. L. Norris, Jr. 

July 1, 1880, present officers: C, L. M. Spencer; 
V. C, F. D. Peters ; Rec. Sec, Allen Boyce ; A. R. S., 
A. J. Shiner ; F. S., C. W. Van Sickle ; Treas., Edgar 
Whritner; Cond., L. L. Barkman; Warden, A. L. 
Doty ; I. S., Wm. H. Woodruff; O. S., S. M. West- 
fall ; Trustees, A. L. Doty, F. N. Mason, S. McKeeby. 
Three officers of this council, viz., H. S. Corwin, 
Edgar Whritner, S. McKeeby, have been elected to 
the highest office in the State, that of State Coun- 
cilor, and one, H. S. Corwin, to the highest office in the 
order, that of National Councilor. There have been 
no deaths of active members in the council since its 
organization. The council has received during its 
organization over $2000, and has paid out for sick 
benefits over $800. It now has a membership of 40, 
who are paying over $250 into the treasury yearly. 
It is the oldest council in the State of New York, 



many of those who took numbers before it having 
surrendered their charter or been reorganized. 

ORANGE COUNTY BUILDING AND LOAN AS.SOCIA- 
TION. 

The association was organized July 29, 1875, with 
the following charter members : Walter Harvey, M. 
H. Finn, Thomas H. Branch, Harry Karslake, Wil- 
liam Whithead, Robert Taylor, George E. Branch, 
John Medrick, Daniel Stewart. The first officers 
elected were as follows, to serve from Aug. 1, 1875, to 
Aug. 1, 1876 : For President, Walter Harvey ; Vice- ' 
President, Harry Karslake; Treasurer, Jacob lobe; 
and Secretary, T. H. Branch. The first collection of 
money was Aug. 1, 1875, upon 179 shares. 

Officers elected to serve from Aug. 1, 1876, to Aug. 
1, 1877 : President, Walter Harvey ; Vice-President, 
W. L. Carmichael ; Treasurer, Jacob lobe ; and Secre- 
tary, Thomas H. Branch. 

To serve from Aug. 1, 1877, to Aug. 1, 1878, as fol- 
lows: President, James Porritt; Vice-President, 
James Nyce ; Treasurer, Jacob lobe ; and Secretary, 
Thomas H. Branch. But after the election of officers 
for this year the treasurer died, whereupon William 
H. Nearpass was elected to fill the vacancy. 

Officers elected to serve from Aug. 1, 1878, to Aug. 
1, 1879 : President, James Porritt ; Vice-President, 
H. C. Nichols ; Treasurer, William H. Nearpass ; and 
Secretary, Thomas H. Branch. 

From Aug. 1, 1879, to Aug. 1, 1880: President, 
James Porritt; Vice-President, Thomas Laidley; 
Treasurer, William H. Nearpass ; and Secretary, T. 
H. Branch ; and at the next election the same officers 
were re-elected to serve till Aug. 1, 1881. 

This association so far has done remarkably well, 
having now 808 shares, and securities to the amount 
of $43,000. It differs from most associations of this 
kind in that it issues stock every month, thereby giv- 
ing persons a better chance of becoming members, 
and availing themselves of the money that is loaned 
every month, without being compelled to pay up back 
dues. 

DEERPARK MINING COMPANY 
was formed Nov. 14, 1864. Its principal places of 
business were stated to be the town of Deerpark, and 
also the City of New York. The trustees named all 
resided abroad. The objects were stated to be " the 
mining of lead ores and other minerals." The pro- 
ceedings were recorded Jan. 27, 1865. 

THE NEVERSINK MINERAL COMPANY. 

This association was incorporated by a certificate 
verified Nov. 19, 1864. The trustees named were J. 
P. Faurot, S. J. Burr, A. E. Warner, M. Beeman, 
Wm. H. Downs, Oliver Faurot, C. V. S. Henderson, 
Charles D. Ciistle, S. N. Bierce. The capital stock 
was stated at 100,000 shares of $5 each. The objects 
were "the mining of lead ores and other minerals, 
and vending the same manufactured and unmanufac- 
tured." 



DEERPARK. 



735 



THE MONTANA MILL COMPANY 
filed a certificate in the office of the county clerk 
dated " New Yorlc, Jan. 24, 1865." The paper was 
signed by J. Nelson Tappan, president, and by H. 
Burdsall, L. L. Johnson, and E. J. Baldwin, trustees. 
The capital stock was stated at $125,000, fully paid 
in, of which the sum of $31,000 had been paid as 
purchase money for the mill and real estate of said 
company, and the remainder in cash. 

THE DEERPARK LEAD COMPANY. 

Under date of Feb. G, 1866, Washington G. Wood- 
ward, president, and C. H. Southard, A. W. Davey, 
and Cornelius Fiske, constituting a majority of trus- 
tees, filed a Statement in the county clerk's office that 
the capital stock of said company is $750,000, divided 
into 300,000 shares of $2.50 each ; that all of this has 
been issued for the purchase of property in the town 
of Mount Hope. 

THE GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. JOSEPH'S 
BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF PORT JERVIS 

was organized under date March 31, 1877. Its objects 
were declared to be as follows : " To advance the wel- 
fare of its members by affording relief in sickness and 
aiding in the burial of deceased members, and in pro- 
moting each other's religious welfare." 

The directors named were as follows : Anthony 
Schooner, president ; Henry Minnick, vice-president ; 
John G. Sauer, recording secretary ; Charles Diemer, 
secretary of finance; Benjamin Hafner, treasurer; 
John Schruverger, Bernhard Lohman, Mich'l Reader, 
committee on finance; Henry Minnick, Benjamin 
Hafner, Ferdinand Higle, Charles Diemer, Andsen 
Mayers, executive committee ; John Mayer, John 
Rarg, banner bearers. 

THE PORT JERVIS BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIA- 
TION, No. 1. 

The Port Jervis Building and Loan Association, 

No. 1, was established June 1, 1868. Its object is the 
accumulation of a fund by monthly installments, pre- 
miums, interest on loans, fines, and forfeitures to en- 
.able stockholders to purchase real estate, erect build- 
ings thereon, or invest in any manner they may deem 
most advantageous. 

John Button was elected president, James Layton, 
vice-president ; Richard Gray, treasurer ; S. G. Coy- 
kendall, secretary. 

In connection with the above officers there are 
twelve directors, three trustees, and three auditors, 
all of whom are elected by ballot on the third Wednes- 
day of June of each year. 

John Button remained president three years, and 
was succeeded by William H. Nearpass, who is still 
serving in that office (November, 1880). 

Walter Harvey was vice-president the second year, 
and was succeeded by Jacob May, who served five 
years. In June, 1875, John B. Layton was chosen 



vice-president, and served one year. From 1876 to 
the present time Jacob May has filled that office. 

Richard Gray remained treasurer two years. He 
was succeeded, June, 1870, by Jacob Pobe, who served 
until his death in 1877. July 24, 1877, Jacob Kadel 
was chosen treasurer, and is still serving in that 
capacity. 

At the second election, June, 1869, M. F. Finn 
was chosen secretary, and served six years. .lune, 
1875, Hiram W. Bewitt, the present secretary, was 
elected to that office. 

The receipts of the association from its organization 
to June 1, 1880, are as follows: 

From June 1, 1868, to June 1, 1S60 $4,509.29 

From June 1, 1809, to June 1, 1870 6,862.60 

From June 1, 1870, t<i June 1, 1871 12,619.31 

From June 1, 1S71, to June 1, 1872 18,213.47 

From June 1, 1872, to June 1, 1873 30,322.25 

From June 1, 1873, to Juue 1, 1874 34,621.68 

From June 1, 1874, to June I, 1875 23,922.63 

From Juue 1, 187.3, to June 1, 1876 34,667.60 

From June 1, 1876, to June 1, 1877 34,260.68 

From Juue 1, 1877, to June 1, 1878 16,801.67 

From June 1, 1878, to June 1, 1879 18,482.95 

From June 1, 1879, to June 1, 1880 19,928.74 

Total $255,014.77 

Of this amount, $49,800 was from loans returned, 
leaving a net receipt of $205,214.77, or an average of 
$17,101.23 per year for twelve years. 

THE DEERPARK AND WESTFALL BUILDING AND 
LOAN ASSOCIATION 

was organized Jan. 29, 1872. The officers chosen were 
John Button, president; James Ilifl", vice-president 
and treasurer; Samuel J. Wilson, secretary. Mr. 
Button has served as president until the present time 
(November, 1880). The present secretary, W. E. 
McCormick, succeeded Mr. Wilson in March, 1873. 
Richard Gray is the present treasurer, and Benjamin 
Ryall, Jr., vice-president. 

The association has twelve " series." The first has 
been closed, its shares having matured according to 
the plan of these associations. The dues per month 
are one dollar and twenty-five cents, and the rate of 
interest six per cent. 

THE DELAWARE BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIA- 
TION 

was organized July 1, 1872. The officers appointed 
were Walter Harvey, president; S. A. King, vice- 
president; Thomas H. Branch, secretary ; James Por- 
ritt, treasurer. 

This association comprised one series. The dues 
were two dollars per month, and the rate of interest 
six per cent. The association is now closing up its 
business, each .share of stock having reached a par 
value of $200 April 28, 1879. The amount paid in 
on each share was $137, giving a profit to each stock- 
holder of $63. The total receipts of the association 
were $37,200, and the average running expenses per 
year were only about $100. The present officers (No- 
vember, 1880) are James Porritt, president; Walter 
Harvey, secretary ; William H. Nearpass, treasurer. 



736 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



THE NEVERSINK BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIA- 
TION 

was organized Oct. 1, 1872. The officers chosen were 
John Milligan, president; William J. Murphy, secre- 
tary ; Andrew Cuff, treasurer. 

The present officers (November, 1880) are Thomas 
McGuire, who succeeded Mr. Milligan in the office 
of president, June, 1874; William J. Murphy, secre- 
tary, who has served from the organization ; William 
H. Nearpass, who succeeded Mr. Cuff in the office of 
treasurer, February, 1878; and S. A. J. Conklin, vice- 
president. 

This association has one " series," and it is intended 
to close business when, according to the provisions of 
the charter, each share shall have become worth the 
par value of $200. The dues are one dollar per 
month, and the rate of interest six per cent. The 
amount paid in at the date of the last annual report 
was $91 per share, and the computed value of each 
share was $155.47, giving a profit of $64.47. 

THE MUTUAL BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION 
was organized June 1, 1867. The officers chosen were 
C. E. Cuddeback, president; A. B. Wilbur, vice-presi- 
dent; H. C. Crawford, secretary; William H. Near- 
pass, treasurer. 

They have remained in office to the present time. 
The association had only one "series." Its dues were 
two dollars per month, and rate of interest six per 
cent. According to the limitations of its charter, the 
association terminated on the 1st of December, 1880. 
At that date each share had become worth the par 
value of .$200. Upon each share there had been paid 
in $152, giving a profit to the stockholders of $48 
upon each share. 

THE TRI-STATES MEDICAL SOCIETY 
has existed for about twenty years past, meeting at 
Port Jervis once in three months. Its members are 
from the neighboring portions of New York, Penn- 
sylvania, and New Jersey. 

THE PORT JERVIS CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION 
was incorporated Dec. 3, 1877. The objects were 
stated as follows : " Uniting the agricultural, mechan- 
ical, and laboring interests of said town with the 
mercantile, so that all may be interested and bene- 
fited." The corporation was to engage in the mercan- 
tile business, and for that purpose was to have a capi- 
tal stock of $7000, divided into 140 shares of $50 
each. The articles of association were verified Dec. 
3, 1877, before C. E. Cuddeback, notary public, by 
Anthony Schooner and Walter Harvey, for themselves 
and eighty-eight other stockholders. The first officers 
were Luther H. Beckwith, president; Robert Kirk- 
man, vice-president; Walter Harvey, secretary ; An- 
thony Schooner, treasurer; Joseph Sohofield, H. C. 
Nichols, James Nyce, James D. Frantz, Samuel 
Marsh, directors. 

The president, secretary, and treasurer remain the 



same as above at the present time (November, 1880). 
The present vice-president is James D. Frantz. 

The present board of directors consists of Richard 
Gray, Thomas Laidley, Aaron Starr, Robert Fromp- 
ton, and J. H. Findon. 

To commence business twenty per cent, upon each 
share of $50 was paid in, amounting in the aggregate 
to $1400. A small line of groceries and provisions 
.was purchased, and a store opened Dec. 6, 1877. The 
enterprise has evidently had careful management, 
and has been carried on with increasing success. An 
inventory is taken every three months and dividends 
declared. Each stockholder's dividend is added to 
the $10 originally paid in, and no further assessments 
beyond the first $10 have been made. 

At the expiration of two years and nine months 
each share was paid to the amount of $43.45, being a 
clear profit to each of $33.45, and the total capital of 
the association over and above any liabilities was 
$8600. The rooms now occupied are large and con- 
veniently arranged, fronting on Fowler Street and 
Jersey Avenue. 

The stock kept includes groceries, provisions, crock- 
ery, boots and shoes, wooden-ware, willow-ware, etc. 
Goods are sold at a fixed price, and the same both 
to stockholders and to the public generally. Six 
employes are now required, — -a superintendent, four 
clerks, and one man with a delivery-wagon. 

DEERPARK COUNCIL, No. o6, ROYAL TEMPLARS 
OF TEMPERANCE. 

The above-uamed order was instituted at Port 
Jervis, Aug. 6, 1878, with twelve charter members, 
with the following officers : 8. C, John L. Bonnell ; 
V. C, Nelson B. Mondon ; P. C, George W. Dowe; 
Rec. and Fin. Sec, John W. Keahler; Treas., Mrs. 
John L. Bonnell ; H., Samuel S. Case ; Chap., Henry 
Dutcher; G., Mrs. A. M. Keahler; S., A. J. Hallock. 
It has 98 members, 60 of whom are active and 38 life. 
Gentlemen come underthe head of active and ladies as 
life members. The present officers are : S. C, George 
W. Bailey ; V. C, Ed. M. Kimball ; P. C, George W. 
Dowe ; Rec. Sec, John W. Keahler ; Fin. Sec, John 
M. Higgins, Jr. ; Treas., Samuel Adams ; Chap., 
Sarah Harding ; H., Zach. Quick ; Dep. H., Anna 
Eliza Carey; G., Mrs. Sanford Clauson ; S., Sanford 
Clauson. 

The past officers are as follows : George W. Dowe, 
John L. Bonnell, Nelson B. Mondon, John W. Keah- 
ler, District Deputy N. B. Mondon. 

MINISINK TRIBE, No. 28, IMPROVED ORDER OF 
RED MEN. 

This society was organized Oct. 1, 1874, and the 
first officers chosen were as follows : Sachem, J. M. 
Vaninger; Senior Sagamore, O. P. Gillson ; Junior 
Sagamore, L. S. Rosecrance; Keeper of Wampum, 
A. J. Kittle; Chief of Records, E. G. Hoyt. 

Officers of subsequent terms, in the same order : 



DEERPARK. 



r37 



Dec. 29, 1874, L. S. Rosecrance, O. P. Gillson, W. H. 
Knox, A. J. Kittle, E. G. Hoyt; June 28, 1875, S. D. 
Mapes, J. H. Kimbal, E. Gerst, C. W. Van Sickle, 
M. W. Perry ; Dec. 28, 1875, J. H. Kimbal, E. Gerst, 
J. T. Fisher, C. W. Van Sickle, M. W. Perry ; .Tune 
27, 187t), J. S. Holenshead, J. Leber, P. A. Hause, 
C. W. Van Sickle, William W. Bass; Dee. 26, 1876, 
J. Leber, A. J. Kittle, P. A. Hause, C. W. Van 
Sickle, William W. Bass; June 26, 1877, V. Dunlap, 
L. M. Lockwood, George Wyth, C. W. Van Sickle, 
William W. Bass; Dec. 25, 1877, William W. Bass, 
R. W. Tuthill, E. R. Dunn, A. T. Perry, J. Leber; 
June 25, 1878, R. W. Tutbill, Tim. Buckley, M. N. 
Zindle, A. T. Perry, C. W. Van Sickle ; Dec. 31, 1878, 
A. T. Perry, L. S. Hougb, X. Dunlap, J. Liber, O. P. 
Gillson ; June 24, 1879, O. P. Gillson, D. D. Elston, 
Peter Stumb, A. T. Perry, Timotby Buckley ; Dec. 31, 
1879, E. Gerst, C. Leber, D. D. Elston, A. T. Perry, 
Timotby Buckley ; June 25, 1880, Timotby Buckley, 
L. M. Lockwood, W. W. Courtright, C. Rumpf, O. P. 
Gillson. 

The society has lost one member by death since its 
organization. It is in a sound financial condition, 
having surplus funds invested in government bonds. 

THE PORT .JERVIS GAS CO.MPANY. 

This was organized in 1860, and the works were put 
into operation in the fall of that year. The price of 
gas was fixed at four dollars per thousand cubic feet, 
and the rent of meter twelve cents jx'r month. The 
officers at that time were H. H. Farnum, president; 
A. P. Thompson, treasurer ; F. Marvin, secretary ; H. 
H. Farnum, E. A. Coen, John Conkling, A. P. 
Thompson, F. Marvin, directors ; E. A. Coen, engi- 
neer. The certificate of incorporation bears date 
Aug. 24, 1860. This institution is still doing effective 
work and supplying the village with gas. 

THE DEERPARK YOUNG MEN'S LITERARY UNION 
is organized for mutual literary improvement by 
means of discussions, lectures, etc. A. Van Etten, 
Jr., president ; F. R. Bolton, secretary. 

THE PORT JERVIS MANNERRCHOR 

was established in March, 1867. The first officers were 
Jacob Gengnagel, president; C. Wiegand, secretary ; 
Jacob Kadel, treasurer ; F. Heidecker, leader. The 
presiding officers since the first have been C. Wie- 
gand, Fred. Seeger, Jacob Kadel, and the present in- 
cumbent, C. Geisenheimer. 

At the present time (November, 1880) the secretary 
is H. Pfluge, the vice-president John Englehart, the 
treasurer Michael Seeger, Jr., the leader Charles F. 
Spies. Like other societies of this name, the object ia 
mainly the cultivation and rendering of music in the 
German language. The society has a pleasant hall, 
with convenient furniture, including a piano. It is 
located at the corner of Front and Sussex Streets, and 
is known as Mannerrchor Hall. 



RIVERSIDE LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS 
is not now in existence, but it was for a time a vigor- 
ous organization, and did some effectual temperance 
work. 

INVINCIBLE LODGE, No. 6S, I. 0. OF G. T., 
was organized Feb. 6, 1875, with 50 charter members 
and the following officers: William H. Palmer, W. 
C. T. ; Miss Anna McCarter, W. V. T ; William H. 
Piatt, Chaplain ; Charles W. Huntington, R. S. ; 
Charles R. Beckwith, Assistant Secretary ; Sanford 
McKeeby, F. S. ; Charles T. Harding, Treas. ; Isaac 
B. Smith, Marshal ; Mrs. G. W. Eldred, D. M. ; Wil- 
liam Crawford, Guard ; William H. Roberts, Sen- 
tinel. The lodge has maintained steady work, and at 
present numbers 100 members. 

The present officers (November, 1880) are Andrew 
Deyeea, W. C. T. ; Ada Carley, W. V. T. ; Lottie 
Rumsey, Chaplain ; DeWitt Dutcber, R. S. ; H. W. 
Corey, A. S. ; John Sarton, F. S. ; Mary Taylor, 
Treas.; William A. Taft, M. ; Jennie McNurney, D. 
M. ; Emma Doty, Guard; William Richards, Sen- 
tinel. 

THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. 

This association did a large amount of temperance 
work for some years, but is not now in active opera- 
tion. 

THE PORT JERVIS TEMPERANCE UNION 
was organized in October, 1877. Dr. C. M. Lawrence 
was elected president of the organization, which po- 
sition he held for two years. 

In November, 1879, B. S. Warner was elected 
president for one year, and was re-elected the follow- 
lowing year, and consequently is at present the pre- 
siding officer. 

The officers of the organization at present are: 
President, B. S. Warner ; Vice-Presidents, George 
Wagner, Dennis Linley, Mrs. S. H. Rogers, George 
Decker ; Secretary, S. H. Rogers ; Corresp. Sec, Dr. 
James J. Mills ; Treasurer, Miss Judson Adams. 

YOUNG MEN'S SOCIAL UNION. 
" The Young Men's Social and Literary Union of 
Port Jervis" was organized in 1879, through the in- 
fluence of Dr. Goyn Talmage, pastor of the Reformed 
Church, and this notice, perhaps, would rightly come 
after notice of that church, although its members, 
now over 100, are from all of our churches. Its aims 
are social and literary improvement; its meetings 
are weekly, on Friday evenings. Officers : President, 
Charles F. Van Inwegen; Vice-President, George 
W. Hoagland ; Secretary, Sidney Mapes ; Treasurer, 
Henry H. Malven. It is in a very promising condi- 
tion, and it is the society of the village, and of very 
general interest to both old and young. 

NATIONAL BANK OF PORT JERVIS. 
This old and well-established institution is located 
in a small stone building upon Pike Street. It was 



r38 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



organized under the State law as the Bank of Port 
Jervis in March, 1853. The first board of directors 
were Thomas King, Stephen St. John, Gilbert F. 
Mondon, Gardner Ferguson, H. H. Farnuni, John 
Conkling, Charles St. John, Jacob Hornbeck, Jr., 
Robert T. Woodward, William M. Graham, Lewis 
Cuddeback. Thomas King was chosen president, and 
he served until his death in 1857. His successor, 
Henry H. Farnum, also served until his death, Oc- 
tober, 1879 ; and his successor, Hon. Charles St. John, 
is the present incumbent of that office. A. P. Thomp- 
son was chosen the first cashier, and has been in that 
position ever since. 

Business was first opened in the Delaware House. 
The present building was erected in 1858, and busi- 
ness removed there in the fall of that year. The 
original capital was $120,000. It was afterwards in- 
creased to Sil.30,000. It became a national bank in 
1865. 

The present board of directors are Charles St. 
John, Francis Mann, Jacob Hornbeck, O. P. Howell, 
L. O. Rose, F. R. Brodhead, S. A. J. Conkling, Peter 
E. Farnum, A. P. Thompson. The present officers 
are Charles St. John, president; Francis Marvin, 
vice-president; A. P. Thompson, cashier ; W. E. Scott, 
teller ; L. E. Goldsmith, book-keeper. 

Henry H. Farnum. — The history of the develop- 
ment of the business interests of Port Jervis is insep- 
arably connected with the presence in its midst of 
Henry H. Farnum. The name of no resident is more 
justly entitled to honorable mention as filling success- 
fully and unostentatiously the rdles of prosperous mer- 
chant, public-spirited citizen, and philanthropist. In 
his business relations, Mr. Farnum estalilished a char- 
acter for manliness and integrity which won for him 
the confidence of the community, but it is especially 
as a philanthropist that his memory is cherished by 
the citizens, and in a marked degree by the poor of 
Port Jervis. He was born in Litchfield, Conn., May 
10, 1808, and removed later to Otsego Co., N. Y., 
where, at such times as were possible, he attended the 
public school, and later the academy at Albany, N. Y. 
He subsequently joined the corps of engineers engaged 
in the construction of the Delaware and Hudson Ca- 
nal. He remained with this corps until the comple- 
tion of the enterprise in 1828, and was then appointed 
superintendent of the section upon which he had been 
engaged. He was afterward made assistant engineer, 
and remained with the company until 1838. Mr. 
Farnum later became resident engineer of the Black 
River Canal, during which time very important 
works were constructed which greatly enhanced his 
professional reputation. 

He came to Port Jervis, then a small village, in 
1842, and became a partner with Charles St. John in 
the general mercantile business. This was continued 
by him with successive partners until the year 1861, 
when he retired from trade. 

Mr. Farnum was identified with all the prominent 



business interests of Port Jervis. He was one of the 
directors in the Bank of Port Jervis, established in 
1853, and its president from 1867 until his decease. 
He was also the first president of the Port Jervis 
Gas-Light Company, and continued to fill the office 
during the remainder of his life. 

He was instrumental in the organization of the Port 
Jervis Water- Works, and in 1872 was elected presi- 
dent of the company. Upon the organization of the 
Barrett Bridge Company in 1871, Mr. Farnum was 
chosen a director and its vice-president. 

In 1868 he became a member of the Reformed 
Dutch Church, and ever after manifested much lib- 
erality in gifts to the church of his adoption. The 
present edifice was erected at a cost of §40,000, of 
which $13,000 was contributed by him. This was 
followed by the presentation of an organ, at a 
cost of $3000, and later by the erection of a chapel 
adjoining the church, at a cost of $15,000. Soon 
after a contribution of $2500 was made to the li- 
brary of the theological seminary at New Bruns- 
wick. Numerous smaller bequests testify to the 
large-heartedness of the man. The private bene- 
factions, which brought relief to the suffering, fed the 
poor and clothed the naked, are numberless, and ex- 
emplified by the giver the Divine injunction, " Let 
not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." 
Mr. Farnum was one of twelve children, but four 
of whom survive him. He was twice married ; first, 
to Miss Abigail Ann, daughter of the late Stephen 
St. John, Jan. 11, 1837, who died in May, 1874; and 
a second time, to Mrs. Diana Farnum, in 1879. Mrs. 
Farnum still survives her husband. 

FIK.'^T NATIONAL BANK OF PORT JERVIS. 

This institution was established by purchasing the 
charter and franchise of the National Bank at Delhi, 
Delaware Co. The organization at Port Jervis was 
effected in the spring of 1870, and business was com- 
menced on the 1st of June. 

The bank was first located in the Stewart block, on 
Pike Street. The present elegant and convenient 
banking building, at the corner of Ball and Sussex 
Streets, was erected in the fall of 1877 and the follow- 
ing winter. It was occupied for business in the spring 
of 1878. The first board of directors were Jacob 
Hornbeck, Eli Van Inwegen, E. Freedman, H. B. 
Wells, L. E. Bevans, Frank Kunkel, M. C. Everitt, 
Amos Van Etten, L. E. Elston, Abram Swartwout, 
Benjamin Van Fleet, Allen Everitt, R. W. Palmer. 
The first officers were Jacob Hornbeck, president; 
M. C. Everitt, vice-president ; George A. Guernsey, 
cashier. 

Mr. Hornbeck served as president until Jan. 1, 
1874, when he was succeeded by M. C. Everitt, the 
present incumbent. Mr. Everitt served as vice-pres- 
ident until Jan. 25, 1871. He was succeeded by Amos 
Van Etten, who continued in that office until Jan. 9, 
1872, when George S. Reddington was appointed. 




^.-/■Jjc 



J 




(JZti^ a^ ^'-<j 



DEERPARK. 



739 



The latter •served until January, 1874, when Eli 
Van Inwegen, the present vice-president, was chosen. 

Mr. Guernsey served as cashier until March 1, 1871, 
when he was succeeded by Mr. M. C. Everitt, who 
continued as cashier until his election to the presi- 
dency, January, 1874. At that time C. F. Van In- 
wegen, who had served as teller for about two years, 
was appointed cashier, and is the present incumbent 
of that office. Tlie present book-keeper, Mr. S. L. 
Mapes, has been in the employ of the bank for six 
years i)ast. 

The capital of the bank is $100,000. The deposits 
amount to about $150,000 ; the loan account is nearly 
.*200,000, and the bank has a surplus of $7000. The 
building and fixtures cost in the neighborhood of 
$10,000. 

The present board (November, 1880) consists of 
George Armstrong, James Bennett, John Caskey, M. 
C. Everitt, W. P. Hornbeck, John B. Layton, Abram 
Swartwout, L. N. Stanton, Solomon Van Etten, Eli 
Van Inwegen, C. F. Van Inwegen, Henry B. Wells, 
Alexander Gordon. 

Eli Van Inwegen. — Mr. Van Inwegen is identi- 
fied not only by birth, but by business associations 
with Port Jervis, the village of his residence. He is 
the youngest child of Benjamin and Charity Cole Van 
Inwegen, and was born April 23, ISlii, in the town 
of Deerpark. 

His maternal grandparents were Cornelius W. and 
Hannah Gumaer Cole, of the same township, with 
whom his early life was spent. During this period 
the common schools of the neighborhood afforded 
him the only education he acquired, his time being 
also partially employed in labor upon the farm. 

Mr. Van Inwegen succeeded to a portion of his 
grandfather's estate, which influenced him to con- 
tinue his farming pursuits until the year 1860, when 
the sale of much of his land enabled him to retire 
from active labor. During 1870, Mr. Van Inwegen 
became identified with the Port Jervis Savings- Bank 
as its president, and the year following was elected its 
treasurer, which position he now fills. He has also 
been for several years the vice-president of the First 
National Bank of Port Jervis. These responsible 
offices indicate in a marked degree the integrity and 
Ijusiness capacity which has marked his career through 
life, and which inspires the confidence of all citizens. 
Mr. Van Inwegen is a Democrat in his political pref- 
erences, and though not an aspirant for official honors, 
has served both as supervisor and justice of the peace 
of his native town. He is a regular attendant upon 
the services of the Reformed Dutch Church, though 
not a member. He was married Dec. 30, 1841, to 
Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Crissy Bull, of Pike 
Co., Pa. They have had three children, — Julia, Cor- 
nelius, and Charles F. The latter, the only surviving 
child, was born in the year 1849, and graduated at 
Eutgers College, New Brunswick, in 1871. He is 
now cashier of the First National Bank of Port Jervis. 



I 



THE PORT JERVIS SAVINGS-BANK 
was opened for business March 1, 1870, having been 
organized a few weeks preceding that date. The first 
trustees were as follows: Eli Van Inwegen, Charles 
W. Douglass, Wm. C. Rose, James H. Norton, Peter 
Wells, E. A. Brown, E. P. Gumaer, James Shay, Peter 
P. Swartwout, William Fossard, Abraham J. Cudde- 
back, F. R. Broadhead, John I. Westbrook, Jacob 
May, Frank Kunkel, Simon Westfall, Orville J. 
Brown, H. R. Stewart, Thomas J. Lyons, Andrew 
Cuff, Charles S. Burrell. 

Eli Van Inwegen was chosen president ; Horace 
K. Stewart, Peter P. Swartwout, vice-presidents ; Peter 
Wells, secretary and treasurer. The first depositor 
was Jacob Brandt. Business was at first done in the 
store of Everitt & Rightmeyer, corner of Sussex and 
Front Streets ; also for a time on Pike Street, in the 
Walsh block ; afterwards at the corner of Ball and 
Sussex Streets, opposite the present First National 
Bank. Horace K. Stewart succeeded Eli Van Inwe- 
gen a.s president, and the latter became secretary and 
treasurer. At the present time (November, 1880) the 
business of the bank is being closed and the deposit- 
ors paid off" in full. 



X.— PLACES OF SPECIAL NOTE OH OF HIS- 
TOKIC INTEREST. 

TRI-STATES ROCK. 
Considerable interest attaches to this solid land- 
mark. The boundary lines of three States — New 
York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — intersect at this 
point. By standing over the copper bolt sunk in the 
rock a person may be in the three States at the same 
instant. The rock is at the extreme point of the 
tongue of land lying between the Delaware and the 
Neversink, at the mouth of the latter. The whole 
formation is rocky, and will stand the wear of the 
floods for centuries to come as it has for centuries past. 
Visitors will find the rock by an easy walk from 
Port Jervis, entering the gate of Laurel Grove Ceme- 
tery and traversing its quiet paths. The well-known 
name. Carpenter's Point, arose from the earl}' settle- 
ment of the Carpenter family upon the opposite 
shore of the Neversink. The old homestead was the 
present Coonrad Snyder place. The early dwelling- 
house, and the jnoneer store in connection with it, 
were upon the site of the present residence. The 
early burials of the Carpenter family were in the 
orchard upon this place. After the opening of Laurel 
Grove Cemetery, Mr. John D. Carpenter purchased a 
lot near to the extreme point. The remains were re- 
moved to this lot. Carpenter's Point is therefore now 
rightly named in a double sense, both of settlement 
and burial. The old ferry upon the turnpike from New- 
burgh to Milford crossed the Delaware at this point. 
The exact position of the Tri-States Rock as deter- 
mined by officers of the United States Coast Survey, 
given in a report bearing date May 14, 1874, is the 
following: Latitude, 41° 21' 22.63"; longitude, 74° 



740 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



41' 40.70"; azimuth of boundary line, 300° 45' 38". 
(See annual report of State geologist of Xew Jersey 
for 1874.) 

THE SITE OF THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH, 

within the limits of Port .Tervis, is suggestive of olden 
memories. The precise location was opposite the old 
burial-place, on the other side of the street, just south 
of and not far from the present residence of Charles 
Van Invvegen. Here the early families came to wor- 
ship in those times when perpetual vigilance was not 
only the price of liberty but of personal safety. Here 
stood the humble log " meeting-house" of 1743, in 
wiiich was offered as acceptable worship as ever arose 
to heaven from the costly cathedrals of the Old World, 
or the elegant churches of our own modern times. 
Here came Brant, the great Indian leader, in July, 
1779, and with his savage forces burned this pioneer 
house of worship, its flames rising to heaven in ap- 
pealing protest against tiie wanton sacrilege. Up to 
this beautiful hill, pleasant even then in the wilder- 
ness, came the fathers and mothers, l>ringing their 
children for the baptismal blessing. Here the mar- 
riage ceremony was solemnized, founding new house- 
holds of the faithful. Here the dead were brought 
for the last service of the church, and from its open 
doorway there moved many a sad procession to the 
burial-ground near by, led liy the beloved pastor, pro- 
nouncing the same words of Christian consolation 
that now fall upon bereaved and mourning hearts. 

THE VAN ETTEN SCHOOL- HOUSE, 
from which the teacher, Jeremiah Van Auken, was 
taken out and cruelly murdered by Brant's expedi- 
tion in July, 1779, was located on the old Levi Van 
Etten farm, now the property of Mark Van Etten. 
Its exact site was about one-fourth of a mile north of 
what is known as Black Rock Cut, on the Erie Rail- 
road, and very near to the present Mark Van Etten 
dwelling-liouse.* 

THE FORTS 
mentioned in all the early annals gather about them- 
selves most of the traditions of Indian attacks, and 
their location is a matter of considerable interest. In 
the upper neighborhood there was one fort at the house 
of Jacob Rutsen DeWitt. This was near Cuddeback- 
ville, on the west side of the Xeversink, at the present 
Tillotson place. The exact position is said to have 
been between the present house and the small build- 
ing at the corner of the roads. This fort was just at 
the foot of the hill where the Suckapack valley joins 
the main valley of the united streams, and admirably 
situated for observation and defense. 

Another of the forts in the upper neighborhood was 
at the Gumaer place, now tlie Godfroy estate. Here the 
old stone building is still standing, and in excellent 



• It seems necessary to say that the incident alluded to here, aa well 
as eeTeral others given below, rest on no official reports made at the 
time, and must be regarded largely as matters of family tradition. 



preservation. It occupies a commanding position, 
and the place is very suggestive of early history, of 
thrilling incidents in the border wars of this region. 
The entire property here, comprising a large estate, is 
now owned by Mr. Godfroy, a wealthy German of 
New York, who has erected a handsome residence 
not far from the old fort. He has made many im- 
provements. A latest specimen of wind-mill now 
pumps the water from the historic old spring around 
which the colonists of 1690-95 located tlieir early 
cabins. Large and convenient barns have been 
erected, and with rare sporting taste Mr. Godfroy 
has a collection of dogs that may well delight the 
eye of a fancier. The man in charge, Mr. John 
Conroy, delights to exhibit his pets, and with true 
Hibernian courtesy shows his visitors through the 
clean, neat dog quarters, the feed-kitchen, and the 
ample yards where the dogs have their daily exercise. 

Besides these two forts tliere was still another in 
the upper neighborhood, prol)ably just over the line 
in Sullivan County, at Westbrookville. Another 
still is mentioned as having been at the house of 
Mr. Depuy. 

Of the forts in the lower neighborhood we have the 
following items : 

In the account of incidents occurring during the 
time of the Old French War, it is stated that on 
one occasion the Indians lay in ambush to take " the 
lower fort at Mr. Westfall's." This was probably the 
one located in what is now Germantown, which has 
special mention below. It may, however, have been 
further down the river. 

In the lower neighborhood it is said that Brant's 
expedition first attacl;ed "the fort at Major Decker's." 
This was the George Cuddeback place of late years, on 
the east side of the Neversink, about three miles from 
Port Jervis. Another fort was at the house of Daniel 
Van Auken, near the present brick house, the resi- 
dence of the late James D. Swartwout. Another still 
is mentioned by Peter E. Gumaer "at the house of 
Peter Coykendall, in the present village of Port 
Jervis." 

THE OLD STONE HOUSE IN GERMANTOWN. 

This venerable building is thus described by a local 
writer : The present structure, rebuilt in 1793, occu- 
pies the site of a fort or block-house built some time 
anterior to the Revolution, and occupied as a dwelling 
and trading-post by a family of the name of Hayne, 
who emigrated from the lowlands of Holland in 1760, 
and carried on a thriving trade with the Indians tor 
many years. 

Capt. Westfall, who married one of Mr. Hayne's 
daughters, is said to have lived in this house during 
the Brant invasion of 1779. Capt. Westfall, together 
with the other inhabitants of the neighborhood, was 
away scouting against an expected attack of the 
Indians from the South, but the latter came in from 
another way. A trusty negro buried the valuables 



DEERPARK. 



741 



belonging to the house, brought a horse to the door 
which the captain's wife mounted and made her escape 
to the high liills on the Jersey shore, near Carpenter's 
Point. The first child born in the old trading house 
to Capt. Westfall was a daughter, Alice, who became 
the wife of Peter Decker. 

The old fort was one and a half stories high. The 
front half story was solidly constructed of stone hewn : 
from the mountain rocks, with alternate layers of logs 
lapping and interlapping each other, the crevices being 
filled with mud and improvised mortar until the de- 
sired height was reached. The structure was then 1 
covered with an incongruous roof of saplings ingeni- 
ously twined together and overlaid crosswise with 
those of larger growth, the insterstices being filled with j 
dirt and gravel, and the whole cemented with a thick 
coat of river clay, rendering it secure against ingress 
and impervious to the action of the elements. Loop- 
holes serving in the capacity of light and for defense 
were constructed in different parts of the fortress. 
The foundation walls of the present building and a | 
small portion of the upright wall are said to be the 
same as those of the early fort. JIartinus Decker su- 
perintended the rebuilding, and lived there afterwards. 
It has had many subsequent owners, and is a genuine 
historic building. j 

INBIAN BURIAL-PLACE. 1 

The Port Jervia Gazette, June 6, 1869, has the fol- 
lowing article : 

" \ few days ago two young geotlemeli residing in tliis village, while 
strolling along the Lank of the Neversink River about three miles east 
of Port Jervis, on the lands of Mr. Levi A'an Etten, discovered parts of 
two skeletons which had become unearthed by the caving in of the 
bank. The parts found consisted of two skulls, thigh, shin and arm- 
bones, and two alioulder-blades, all in a partially decayed condition. An 
under-jaw, with a full set of teeth in sound condition, was also found ; 
also an Indian arrow-head. It is a well-known fact that there is an old 
Indian burying-ground on the farm of Mr. Van Etten on the east bank 
of the Neversink at the place above mentioned, the graves occupying an 
area of about ten acres. A large rock juttin;; out in the bend of the 
river luis caused a wearing away of the bank by the action of tlie water 
making inroads on the burying-ground year after year until about six 
acres only remain. From time to time remains of the abol-igines bulled 
there have been unearthed, and many more have been carried down the 
stream. The existence of this burying-ground has been traditionally 
known for years, but the first exhumation of bodies was made about 
thirty years ago by Isaac Clark, a workman in the employ of Mr. Van 
Etten, who, while digging a bole in the ground in which to bury pota- 
toes, struck with his spade what proved to be the skull of an Indian war- 
rior. Isaac was somewhat startled on first making the discovery of 
human remains, but speedily recovering his self-possession he com- 
Dienced making further researches, which resulted in bringing to light 
the perfect skeleton of an Indian in a sitting posture, with his face turned 
towards the west as if to watch the departing rays of the setting sun, 
this being the position in which the Indians place their dead for burial. 
The articles found deposited in the grave were a tomahawk, arrow-barbs, 
a huge sheet-iron tobacco-bo.\ well filled with tlie comforting weed. A 
similar box contained a pocket-handkerchief covered with Indian de- 
vices, which had probably been presented by some white person. All the 
bodies found were in the same position as the above. It is probable 
this burial-ground belonged to the Minisink Indians, who once roamed 
through this valley." 

In connection with the above we would mention the 
" Willehoosa" or Indian house, as it was called by the 
early Dutch settlers of the valley, — a cavern dug out 



of a rock on the side of Shawangunk Mountain not flir 
distant from the burial-ground. This cave contains 
three departments about the size of an ordinary room. 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
It might be expected that in this town, with its sev- 
eral streams and with so enterprising a village a« 
Port Jervis, there would exist various large manufac- 
turing enterprises. This is not the case. The indus- 
trial interests of the town are of a varied character. 
In the valleys along the streams there are alluvial 
lands, where many valuable farms are found. Upon 
the higher lands there are also portions which are 
capable of cultivation, yielding fair returns for labor. 
There are also numerous farms of excellent grazing 
capabilities. The agricultural productions of the 
town to be shown in the forthcoming report of the 
last census will doubtless compare favorably with 
other towns in this vicinity. 

Along the line of the Delaware and Hudson Canal 
there are various interests connected with boating and 
transportation which have tended to develop growth 
and prosperity. The opening of the canal was an 
event of great importance to this town as well as to 
all others along its route. It was, however, the open- 
ing of the Erie Railroad which was the real source 
of the modern growth of Port Jervis, and the devel- 
opment of the material interests of the town. By the 
location of the Erie works at this point, — the machine- 
shops and the round-houses for two important divi- 
sions of the road, — a large number of employes settled 
here immediately. This in turn developed trade. 
Buildings were required, and to build these demanded 
other laborers, and so by a combination of circum- 
stances the village of Port Jervis grew rapidly both 
in business and population. The Erie Railroad is 
the chief factor in producing this result. There are 
two foundries doing a business of considerable extent ; 
there are glove manufactories, a boot- and shoe-manu- 
factory, a furniture-factory, a sash- and blind-factory, 
and other similar enterprises ; no one of them of very 
large proportion, but together constituting quite an 
addition to the business of the place. The trade ne- 
cessary to supply the incoming population became an 
important enterprise, and as it increased from this 
source in the first place, it soon drew to Port Jervis 
as a common business centre the people of the sur- 
rounding country for some distance. 

GLASS MANCFACTURE 
has become an industry of considerable imjiortance. 
The factory near the canal in Port Jervis proper is 
owned by Wm. Pountney. It was established by the 
firm of Pountney & Brox, and was managed for a 
time by that firm. Afterwards Mr. Brox retired, 
and Mr. Pountney has carried on the same alone for 
: eight or ten years. The principal line of work con- 
; sists of lamp- and lantern-globes and castor-bottles. 
About 100 hands in all, men and boys, are employed. 



742 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The glass-works in Germantown were established 
in 1873 by Mr. Brox, who had retired from the above- 
named firm. Soon after Mr. Wade Buckley was asso- 
ciated in the business, and the firm-name became 
Brox & Buckley, as it remains at present. The line 
of work is the same as that made at the Pountney 
establishment. xVbout the same number of hands are 
employed, and the business done may be approxi- 
mately stated at 1100,000 a year. Brox & Buckley 
have their buildings very conveniently situated near 
to the Erie Railroad, with a branch track, so that 
their coal is dumped directly into their sheds and all 
their shipments made with facility and promptness. 

THE ERIE MACHINE-SHOPS, 
with the round-house and the other buildings neces- 
sary to their immense business, cover a large area of 
ground. This station is the dividing point between 
two important divisions of the road. The place is a 
very hive of busy industry. The arrival and depart- 
ure of numerous trains, the continual switching to be 
done in the yard, the great locomotive stable, where 
each fiery steed has his appointed " stall," the machine- 
shops, the station buildings, with their varied offices, 
together constitute a business of vast proportions. 
The business of the " Delaware Division" of the 
Erie and its branches, Lackawanna to Honesdale, 
Susquehanna to Carbondale, is done at these yards. 
Three hundred and ninety-four men are employed. 

GLOVE MANUFACTURE. 
F. W. Stowells engaged in this branch of industry 
some years ago ; Edward H. Allen also for a time ; 
Charles Chant commenced making gloves in 1874, 
and continues in the business at the present time, 
employing several hands, and making an excellent 
line of goods. His establishment is upon Pike Street, 
Port Jervis. On Front Street, C. F. Blizzard is en- 
gaged in the same business to some extent. 

SASH- AND BLIND-FACTORY, PORT JERVIS. 
This business was opened in 1861 by Turner & 
Brother, and soon after Swinton & AVells purchased 
the establishment. In 1863-64, J. M. Cago entered the 
•firm in the place of Mr. Swinton. In 1874, Mr. 
Wells sold out, and J. M. Cago became the sole pro- 
prietor, and is still carrying on the business. The 
buildings are conveniently situated, and a fine qual- 
ity of work is manufactured. 

FOUNDRY OF SWINTON, SHIMER & CO. 
This was established in 1862 or 1863 by Swinton 
Bros. Subsequently, in 1870, or about that time, the 
firm became changed to its present form. An exten- 
sive business is done, especially in the manufacture 
of stoves. A great variety of other castings are also 
made, and agricultural implements to some extent. 
The firm have a very large store on Front Street, 
where tlicir stoves are sold at wholesale and retail. 



together with an extensive line of general hardware; 
about twelve hands are employed. 

FOUNDRY OF ST. JOHN & MALVEN. 
This old and well-known establishment, 39 and 41 
Front and Jersey Avenue, is engaged in an extensive 
manufacture of stoves, agricultural implements, and 
miscellaneous castings. In the hardware-store (of 
late years under separate management) the produc- 
tions of the foundry are kept for sale, together with 
all varieties of goods common to this business. 

THE STONE GRIST-MILL AT PORT JERVIS 
was built in 1834 by Dr. Ball, of Brooklyn. The 
water-power is supplied by the overflow of the Dela- 
ware and Hudson Canal. It has done a large and ex- 
tensive business from the beginning to the present 
time. It is now a part of the estate of the late H. H. 
Farnum, and the lessee is Thomas Sharp. 

A. B. GOODALE'S FURNITURE-FACTORY, 
on Jersey Avenue, corner of Fowler Street, has been 
a marked feature of Port Jervis for many years. In 
connection with this are extensive salesrooms, located 
near the post-office. 

PRESERVATION OF GREEN FODDER. 
An experiment (it can hardly yet be called an in- 
dustrial enterprise) has been made by Mr. Wade 
Buckley, of the Germantown Glass-Works. The 
theory is one developed recently in French agricul- 
tural publications, and tried last year to some extent 
in Massachusetts. Mr. Buckley has two pits, — one 
twenty-two feet long, fifteen feet wide, and nine feet 
deep, and another eight and a half feet deej), with 
the same length and breadth as the other. The fodder 
(sowed corn or anything similar) is cut into small 
pieces and then packed close in the pits. It is then 
pressed down by weights, the intention being to ex- 
clude the air substantially, as in the case of domestic 
canned fruit. The theory supposes that after a few 
months this may be taken out in excellent preserva- 
tion, and with even better qualities for feed than when 
first packed. Mr. Buckley is supposed to be the fii-st 
one to try this process in the State of New York. 



XII.-MILITAHY. 

FRENCH WAR OF 1755. 
The Indians are said to have mostly retired from 
this section of country before the opening of this war, 
but the settlement in the Mamakating Valley was in 
a perilous position, owing to their known hostility. 
To insure greater safety a majority of the women and 
children were removed to Rochester, Wawarsing, or 
New Paltz. At the commencement of the war there 
were probably about thirty families within the limits 
of the present town of Deerpark. At this time the 
settlement was in two parts, known as the "upper 
neighborhood" and the "lower neighborhood." The 
former may be said in general terms to have been 



DEERPARK. 



743 



north of the " old county line ;" the " lower neigh- 
borhood" was south of that line, being the present 
I>lace of Port Jervis and vicinity. 

In the upper neighborhood three small forts were 
erected, — one on the Neversink, at the northwest end; 
one at the house of Peter Gumaer, in the central part, 
and the third at the southwest end, near the residence 
in later years of Peter Swartwout. 

In the lower neighborhood there were also three 
built. Their locations are not so definitely known,* 
but they gave protection to about eighteen families, 
while those of the upper neighborhood sheltered 
about twelve families. 

Incidents of these troubled times are given in the 
General History. (Ante, p. 53.) 

THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION 
brought its additional Indian hostilities upon the in- 
habitants of these towns. The Indians returned to 
the old settlement as enemies to the whites. Their 
first incursion was in 1777, when they attacked the 
family of Mr. Sjirague, who lived in the northern 
part of the town. The next year they attacked the 
family of Mr. Brooks, some of whom they killed and 
took others of them prisoners. 

Previous to the above date little danger had been 
apprehended, and at the time the militia of the town 
were doing duty elsewhere. Capt. Cuddeback, Ger- 
ardus Swartwout, Cornelius Swartwout, and Gerardus 
Van Inwegen, on whose personal presence and exer- 
tions the people chiefly relied for protection, were at 
Fort Montgomery when it was taken ; and though 
the others returned. Van Inwegen never did. The 
Swartwouts escaped and Van Inwegen was killed. 
They were a part of Col. Allison's Goshen militia. 

These Indian attacks alarmed the people, and the 
Committee of Safety, who had the charge of home 
military defenses, began to act with vigilance. They 
directed scouting-parties from time to time to look 
over and scour the frontier, in doing which they 
swept over the woods as far as Cochecton, a distance 
of forty miles, where a few families had settled before 
the war. Persons suspected of aiding the enemy 
were apprehended and imprisoned by them or dis- 
charged. The militia of the town were permitted to 
remain at home to guard that frontier. They ordered 
the erection of three forts in the neighborhood of 
Peenpack, — one at the house of Jacob Rutsen De- 
Witt, one at the house of Benjamin Depuy, Esq., 
and the third at the house of Ezekiel Gumaer. 

At this time the Peenpack neighborhood extended 
from the line between Orange and Ulster to what is 
now Cuddebackville, a distance of four miles. Benja- 
min Depuy, Philip Swartwout, and Thomas Kytte 
were the first committee for the town. The first two 
were justices of Mamakating. Harmanus Van In- 
wegen became a member afterwards. The lower 
neighborhood, called " Over the River Neighborhood," 

* See above. 



because on the opposite side of the Neversink, ex- 
tended down to the Delaware, and was in the old 
county of Orange. Members of the Gumaer family 
were sent to Mr. James Finch's, who lived at what is 
now called Finchville. Benjamin Depuy and one or 
two of his sons sent their wives and small children 
to Maj. Phillip.s' for safety. Some women and chil- 
dren encamped in the woods on the east side of the 
Neversink for a short time. The forts were each gar- 
risoned by a few soldiers, called nine months' men, 
sent for the purpose from different places. 

When the war commenced there were about fifty 
families within the limits of Deerpark, which removed 
to the forts. Oct. 13, 1778, a party of nearly 100 In- 
dians and Tories, commanded by Capt. Brant, invaded 
the settlement. They first fell upon the family of Mr. 
Westfall, and killed one man. They next attacked 
the house of Mr. Swartwout, who was at home with 
his sons, the women having been removed to the fort. 
They all endeavored to escape, but one of the sons 
was shot down between the house and barn. Another 
ran to the river, half a mile off, swam it, and was shot 
near the opposite shore. The father, an old man, 
and two of his other sons ran on together for his as- 
sistance, but finding that they would .sgon be over- 
taken, the father told his son James, a very active, 
strong man, to run and save himself, which he did. 
The Indians pursued him half a mile over fences and 
across lots, when he gaijjjed the fort, and they gave 
up the chase. The father and the other son were 
soon overtaken and dispatched. 

When the firing of guns was heard, those who were 
out on their farms repaired to the forts at Gumaer's 
and DeWitt's. The other fort was abandoned, as 
there were no troops to garrison it. As there were 
but few men in Fort Gumaer, Capt. Cuddeback, who 
commanded, in order to deceive the enemy, paraded 
all the women and young people back of the house 
and fort, collected all the hats and coats about the 
house, and put them on the women. He also placed 
the spare guns and sticks in their hands, so that all 
might appear to be soldiers. When the enemy came 
■ in sight of the fort, the captain ordered the drum to 
beat, and marched them in Indian file from the rear 
to the front of the fort, and entered it in a distant • 
but distinct view of the Indians. The women and 
children were ordered into the cellar. Anna Swart- 
wout — a large woman, somewhat in years, the widow 
of Maj. James Swartwout — told the captain that she 
would take a pitchfork, which had been brought into 
the fort as a defensive weapon, and remain with the 
men, and assist in case the enemy should attempt to 
enter. The captain granted the request, and she took 
the fork, and in true military bearing walked about, 
anxiously observing the conduct of the Indians, and' 
ready to defend her castle. 

The fort was a picket-fort with nine men, with the 
families of the neighborhood in it. It was situated on 
open land, and could not be approached in daytime by 



744 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Indians without their being seen ; and as the inhab- 
itants were known to be good marlcsmen, they did not 
approach within gunshot. As the enemy passed a few 
shots were fired from the fort without effect. The)' 
passed on to Fort DeWitt, wliere they took a station 
on a hill in the woods, and fired a few shot at the fort 
and house without any other effect than killing C'apt. 
Newkirk's horse. The fort returned the compliment 
with the same result, doing no harm, as was known 
when the enemy retired from the settlement the same 
day. They burned all the houses and barns in the 
vicinity, except those houses which were saved by the 
extinguishment of the fire after being communicated 
to them. This produced great distress for a time, for 
the inhabitants were despoiled of their grain, hay, 
buildings, furniture, etc. The day after the enemy 
retired, Maj. Phillips, of Phillipsburgh, arrived with 
a company of militia, but the damage had been done 
and the spoliators had departed. 

Other interesting incidents are related of these 
stormy years. We give them below as they are re- 
tained in the time-honored traditions of the various 
families. They have, however, but little support in 
early documents, and it is difficult to see how some of 
them can be consistent with tlie facts of history. 

Capt. Brant with a company of Indians and Tories 
invaded what we have called the "lower neighbor- 
hood" in this town. His first assault was upon the 
fort at Maj. Decker's, which he entered unawares, — 
the men being out, — and two negro boys were taken 
prisoners. Then the party proceeded to the dwelling 
of Anthony Van Etten, Esq., where a few Indians 
entered a blacksmith's shop, where a black man 
worked. Mr. James Swartwout happened to be in 
at the time, and it was agreed that he should get up 
into the chimney and secrete himself there, and that 
the negro should stay in the shop, as the Indians 
probably would not kill or injure him. This was 
done, and the Indians came in, and on looking around 
saw no one but the negro. They took up, handled, 
threw over and tumbled down the various articles in 
the shop, and then one of them took hold of the han- 
dle of the bellows and began to blow up the fire at a 
furious rate. The negro, knowing the effect of the 
heat and smoke on his friend in the chimney, put his 
hand on the Indian and told him to " stop or he would 
spoil that thing." He respected the caution and 
ceased to blow, when they left the shop. Swartwout 
came down quite exhausted by breathing the smoke 
and heated air, and by the great exertion necessary to 
brace and keep himself from falling down for so long 
a time. The artifice succeeded and he escaped. 

When the Indians were discovered approaching the 
house of James Van Fleet the inmates fled. Roolif 
Cuddeback, who was there at the time, ran into the 
woods pursued by au Indian. When nearly overtaken 
he turned upon him, upon which the Indian stopped 
and threw his tomahawk at him, but it struck a bush 
and missed its mark. Cuddeback closed in with him, 



both being without weapons except a knife which the 
Indian had in his belt. The struggle was severe, for 
life or death, each endeavoring to possess himself of 
the fatal instrument. It fell to the ground and was 
of no use to either. The battle was continued till 
both were nearly exhausted, when the Indian, freeing 
himself from the grasp of Cuddeback, left him, while 
the latter hastened to escape pursuit by the other In- 
dians. Cuddeback was a strong man, and too power- 
ful for the Indian, but he afterwards stated that the 
Indian was very supple, and in the struggle became 
naked, and his skin was so slippery that it gave him 
the chance very readily to escape from his holds and 
grips. It was said that the Indian died a few years 
after, from the wounds and injuries received in the 
encounter. The father of this Indian is said to have 
been shot while crossing the river on horseback by 
Capt. Cuddeback, the brother of .raines Cuddeback, 
during this incursion. 

This day there had been a funeral, and Maj. Decker 
and some others on their return on horseback met the 
Indians. They shot at and wounded the major, who 
rode into the woods and escaped. There was some 
firing at the Van Auken fort, and one man killed. 
An Indian, attempting to get to a building near the 
fort to set it on fire, was shot. By this time the 
smoke of the dwellings was seen ascending in many 
directions, and it was generally known that the In- 
dians, with Brant at their head, were there. The very 
name of this leader struck the inhabitants with terror. 
An occurrence took place here which shows that he 
still contained a spark of humanity. The Indians had 
visited the school-house and threatened to extermi- 
nate one generation of the settlement at a blow. 
Jeremiah Van Auken was the teacher, and they took 
him from the house, conveyed him about half a mile 
ofl', and then killed him. Some of the boys in the 
school were cleft with the tomahawk : others fled to 
the woods for concealment from their bloody assail- 
ants ; while the little girls stood by the slain body of 
their teacher, bewildered and horror-struck, not know- 
ing their own fate, whether death or captivity. While 
they were standing in this pitiful condition, a strong, 
muscular Indian suddenly came along, and with a 
brush dashed some black paint across their aprons, 
bidding them " hold up the mark when they saw an 
Indian coming, and it would save them;" and with 
the yell of a savage he plunged into the woods and 
disappeared. This was Brant, and the little daugh- 
ters of the settlers were safe. The Indians, as they 
passed along and ran from place to place, saw the 
black mark and left the children undisturbed. The 
happy thought, like a flash of lightning, entered the 
minds of these little sisters, and suggested that they 
could use the mark to save their brothers. The scat- 
tered boys were quickly assembled, and the girls 
threw their aprons over the clothes of the boys, and 
stamped the black impression upon their outer gar- 
ments. They in turn held up the palladium of safety 



DEERPARK. 



745 



as the Indians jiassed and repassed, and these chil- 
dren were thus sa\'ed from injury and death.* Mrs. 
Leah Van Auken escaped by hiding herself in a 
ditch. 

After the war ended the people here had much to 
do to reinstate themselves in as good condition as 
they were before the war commenced. Much money 
was lost by the depreciation of the Continental paper 
currency, and most of the buildings, together with 
household goods and furniture, were burnt, horses 
taken, etc. ; and as they could not make money by 
their farming business to enable them to build, some 
ill the upper neighborhood undertook to raft round 
timber down the Neversink River for the Philadel- 
phia market from the forest above the settlement. 
The stream was rough, and even now is not navigable 
for rafting, notwithstanding considerable money was 
expended a few years since to make it so. In this 
they met with many disasters : one man was drowned, 
and the experiment was abandoned ; after which 
timber was got out and thrown into the river, which 
in the freshets floated down, and whatever of it could 
be found where the river was navigable was collected 
and rafted by the owners (each one having previously 
marked his own) down the Neversink and Delaware 
Elvers to Philadelphia. The navigation of the rivers 
was then very imperfectly understood. 

Before the inhabitants of the upper neighborhood 
could commence building dwelling-houses, etc., they 
had to build some mills to manufacture materials for 
the purpose. Three men became partners to build 
one saw-mill, and three others to build another, where- 
with each manufactured materials for his own use, 
and also for others who were not owners. One of 
these mills (on Bush Kill) did considerable business 
for some years afterwards. 

Farms having become small before the war com- 
menced, a large proportion of the inhabitants, a few 
years after it ended, became desirous of emigrating 
into a new country to advance their interests. Moses 
DeWitt, a young man of this neighborhood, son of 
Jacob R. DeWitt, who was naturally well talented 
and in a great measure self-taught, after serving as 
an under-surveyor in the business of this State to run 
a line for dividing the States of Pennsylvania and 
New York, and surveying some State land at and in 
the vicinity of Tioga Point, became one of the sur- 
veyors of the military lands; and he, together with 
Maj. Hardenburgh, were appointed to have the agency 
of that business. Peter G. Cuddeback, another young 
man of this town, was employed by them for a- time 

* Mr. R. Hulse, of Deposit, in a series of " Delaware Papers" (1863) 
relates this story as he received it from one of the children who lived to 
witliin tile writer's memory. He says Urant caught up two girls and 
marked their aprons with hie sign, the figure of a turtle ; that after 
being released the girls stood in a row with one girl who had a marked 
apron in front; that the girls placed the hoys in the same order, and put 
the other marked apron upon the boy in frout. The statement fails to 
harmonize with the historic record that the settlement was surprised by 
the Indians. 

48 



as an under-surveyor. From them early information 
was received here of the good quality of those lands, 
which, together with the influence of DeWitt, led to 
the emigration of a large proportion of the inhabit- 
ants of the place into that district of country, who 
were among the first pioneers. This did not only ad- 
vance the interests of tho.se who removed, but of those 
who remained, for their farms were much enlarged in 
consequence of it. 

Maj. John Decker was one of the prominent men 
of the Mamakating Valley at the opening of the 
Revolution. His commission from the Provincial 
Congress is in possession of Dr. Solomon Van Etten, 
of Port Jervis. It bears date Feb. 28, 1776, and com- 
missions him a-s " second Major of the Goshen Regi- 
ment of Militia of Foot in Orange County, of which 
William Allison, Esq., is colonel." Maj. Decker re- 
sided on the well-known George Cuddeback place of 
later years. 

One of the objects of the Indian raids in these val- 
leys, tradition says, was to procure the scalp of Maj. 
Decker, for which the British had offered a reward. 
At that time Maj. Decker's house was built of wood, 
and it was surrounded with wooden fortifications, — 
logs laid up, — making quite a protection against the 
savages. This was closed by a heavy gate. It was 
in the month of July they came. The men were in 
the field gathering the harvest, and there was no one 
in the major's residence except his aged mother and 
a child. His wife and a colored woman were at the 
spring washing. The older children were at school. 
The major on that day was attending the funeral of a 
brother officer at the fort, which .stood where Abraham 
Swartwout now lives. The Indians surrounded the 
house, and a Tory first entered and told the mother 
that the Indians were going to burn the house, and 
proceeded to build a fire with dry wood in the centre 
of the floor. There were two pails of water in the 
kitchen, and she boldly poured the water upon the 
fire and put it out. They told her she must not do 
that again or they would kill her. Mrs. Decker, wife 
of the major, attempted to flee across the fields to 
gain protection at another fort. Brant sent an In- 
dian after her, who brought her back, and Brant 
told her he wanted her to see her husband's residence 
burn down and she should not be harmed. She then 
asked him if she could save anything. He answered, 
" Yes, anything you can." She rushed in and saved 
two beds and bedding, and Brant directed two young 
Indians to assist her in carrying them off to a safe 
place. 

That night the family of Maj. Decker slept on the 
banks of the Neversink, with nothing but the canopy 
of heaven above them. The major on his return from 
the funeral was met by a party of Indians at a point 
just below tlie hill at the bend of the road, where 
Henry Hoffman now lives, between Abraham Swart- 
wout's and Solomon Van Fleet's. He was riding 
very fast, having seen the smoke of his burning resi- 



746 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



dence in the distance. He daslied tlirough the party 
of Indians, and lie said it seemed as if they were 
frightened, as none fired upon him, and all were look- 
ing to the rear as if they expected a company to be 
following him. For some cause he feared there was 
a larger party of Indians in front of him, and he 
wheeled his horse and rode back through the same 
party again, when they fired upon him, wounding him 
in the thigh and in the abdomen. He rode on and 
turned down the old road, which was behind the hill 
back of Hoffman's house. His horse becoming un- 
manageable, ran into a tree-top which had fallen 
across the road, and fastened himself there so that 
the major could not get him loose. He left his horse 
and went up the rocks and crept into a cave, a spot 
where now is the track of tlie Erie Railroad. The 
Indians pursueil to the opening of the rock, but did 
not find him. That night he traveled on foot across 
the mountains, and came to a liouse near Finchville, 
now owned by a Mr. Green, where he found his son, 
Benjamin Decker, a youth of sixteen years, who had 
escaped from the Indians at the school-house, where 
they came and killed the teacher. 

Dr. Solomon Van Etten, from whom these particu- 
lars are obtained, is a great-grandson of Maj. Decker. 
Dr. Van Etten's grandmother (Mrs. Carpenter) was 
Margaret Decker, one of the girls at the school-house. 
The version of the marked aprons story coming down 
from Mrs. Carjienter does not differ much from those 
already given, except that the girls partially con- I 
cealed the boys under their marked aprons. A 
brother of Margaret Decker, running away from the | 
Indians, dropped his books ; the Indians stopped and 
he escaped. Hearing a cry, he found a child perhaps a 
year and a half old, lost by its mother in the confu- 
sion. Taking the child, he found his father's cow by 
the well-known bell, procured milk for the child, and 
carrying it away the child was saved. 

The names of men from what is now the territory 
of Deerpark who served in the armies of the Revolu- '• 
tion, who were at Fort Montgomery and elsewhere, 
will be found, so far as they are now to be obtained, 
in the lists given elsewhere in this volume. 

WAR OF 1861-65. 

The firing upon the flag at Fort Sumter provoked 
an outburst of patriotic feeling in Port Jervis, as well 
as everywhere else througliout the loyal North. A 
public meeting was held April 18th, at which Dr. 
John Conkling presided, assisted by three vice-presi- 
dents,— Dr. C. M. Lawrence, Dr. S. Van Etten, and 
John Green. George Brodhead was appointed secre- 
tary. Speeches were made, and the following resolu- 
tions adojited : 

" WlLerew,, By tlie net of South Carolina and other Southern States our 
country haa been plunged into tlie horrors of civil war;' .and miereas, 
they have proclaimed to the world their intention lo dissolve the Ameri- 
can Union and break up this government, cemented by the blood of the 
Kevolutionary sires; and H7,ereas,the traitors calling themselves the 



government of the Confederate States have proclaimed their iutentions 
to seize the National capital, therefore 

"ResoIreil,T\mt as American citizens, knowing no sections but the 
Union bequeathed to us by our father, we pledge ourselves to the feup- 
port of our national government in their patriotic efforts to sustain the 
constitution and enforce the laws. 

" Bemhed, That the heroic defense of Tort Sumter by Maj. A nderson 
and his eighty heroic men against eight thousand organized traitors 
is worthy of the best days of the republic, and reHecls imperishable 
glory upon his name and lustre upon our flag, and we hail it as a har- 
binger that tlie Union must and shall be preserved. 

" Remlvcd, That the people of Port Jervis, desirous of showing their 
patriotism, will aid and assist in the formation of a volunteer company, 
for the purpose of tendering their services to the Governor of New York. 

'■^Resolved, That a list be opened forthwith to receive subscriptions to 
defray expenses in forming such company, and that the funds he placed 
in the hands of three responsible men for that purpose." 

A committee on finance was appointed, consisting 
of John Conkling, John Green, and Solomon Van 
Etten. 

DON.ATIONS FOR SOLDIERS AND SOLDIERS' FAM- 
ILIES. 

Feb. 14, 1862, Sparrowbush sent, in clothing, nearly 
$100 worth. 

Aug. 20, 1862, the ladies of Carpenter's Point do- 
nated a valuable assortment of bandages, lint, and 
other hospital supplies. 

Aug. 22, 1802, ladies of Deerpark raised $20 towards 
a regimental flag, and presented Capt. Bush a sword 
worth $45. 

At the opening of the struggle the first subscription 
was carried up to nearly $1000. The wealthy gave of 
their wealth and the poor of their poverty, the 
single dollar of the poor laborer representing the 
sturdy patriotism of the people as well as the $100 of 
his wealthy neighbor. Soldiers' aid societies were 
formed, and the women of Deerpark gave their ser- 
vices in every possible form. 

The Ladies' Aid Society, which was organized in 
September, 1862, Mrs. H. H Farnum, president, sent 
clothing and supplies to the amount of $843.63, as 
shown by an itemized report of the president, and 
the report evidently covers only a portion of the 
society's work. 

OFFICIAL ACTION. 

Under date of Aug. 1, 1864, a petition signed by 
twelve citizens was presented to the town clerk, re- 
questing a special town-meeting for the purpose of 
considering the question of paying bounties to volun- 
teers. The meeting called in pursuance of this peti- 
tion, and in accordance with law, was held August 
10th. It was voted (220 to 16) to raise a tax of $48,600, 
for the purpose of paying a bounty of $300 to each 
volunteer required to fill the quota of the town of 
Deerpark under the call of the President for .500,000 
men. The justices presiding at this meeting were L. 
F. Hough, James N. Penny, and William Westfall. 
The minutes were recorded by George Brodhead, 
town cler'K. 

On the 18th of the same month, at another special 
town-meeting, an additional tax was voted for the 



DEERPARK. 



747 



same purpose of $105,300. This proposition passed 
by a vote of 80 to 3. 

Jan. 30, 1865, at a special town-meeting, duly called 
to consider the propriety of paying bounties for vol- 
unteers under the December call of the President for 
troops, no vote was reached on the subject. 

At a subsequent meeting, Feb. 7, 1865, a tax of 
S50,000 was authorized by a vote of 254 to 29. 

There is no soldiers' list preserved in the office of 
•the town clerk, as intended by the law of 1865, and it '. 
has been necessary to compile the list given below 
from various miscellaneous sources. It may therefore j 
include a few names from places beyond the borders 
of the town of Deerpark, while it may not be com- 
plete for the town itself. It has been arranged 
mainly from the printed muster-in rolls of the State, 
and from various memoranda in the hands of Mr. 
William H. Nearpass. The publishers of this vol- 
ume, as well as the citizens of Deerpark, are under 
obligations to Mr. Nearpass for the diligence which 
he has shown in the collection and preservation of 
papers relating to the civil war, as well as other his- 
torical matters, and for the cordial assistance he has 
given in the preparation of this chapter upon the 
town of Deerpark. 

ARMY LIST, WAK OF 1861-65. 

George W. Adams, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. for disability ; 

wounded at Cliancelloraville. 
Henry B. Appleraau, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ■, died in the ser- 
vice. 
Clement B. Anderson, Co. F, 124th; eul. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at 

ChaDcellorsville; taken prisoner and kept eleven days. 
Louis D. Adams, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Thomas R. Alingtou, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Judson P. Adams, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
William Ayres, 1st N . J. Cavalry. 
Thomas Adams, Co. F, 70th; enl. April 20, 1861; pro. to Corp.; taken 

prisoner at battle of Williamsburg. 
Theron Depuy Abers, Co. F, 70th ; enl. April 8, 1861. 
Samuel Angel, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 
George Akins, Co. F, "0th. 
Curtis Ackerman, Co. F, 124th. 
Albert Adams, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior. 

Aldridge, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior. 

Joshua Ackerman, 5th, Anthon's Battalion. 

George Althizer, Co. K, 3d, Excelsior. 

Benjamin Abers, Co. D, isth ; enl. April 20, 1861. 

William W. Allen, 62d ; wounded at Malvern Heights. 

Cornelius D. Abers. 

Theodore Aumick. 

Drake Aumick. 

Caleb Baldwin, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 6, 1864. 

Joseph Bargus, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Dec. 31, 1863. 

Harry R. Brodhead, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville; killed at Boydton Road. 
Wm. Bollmos, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 
James J. Baker, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
William Boyst, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. from Conv..Camp 

Feb. 14, 180;!. 
Thomas E. Baird, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862. 
Alfred S. Barkley, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died May 12, 1863, 

of wounds received at Chancellorsville; buried near Potomac Creek ; 
he had been pro. from sergt. to lieut. for efficient command of his 
company at Fair Oaks. 
Ira S. Bush, capt., Co. F, 124th ; eul. Aug. 7, 1862. 
Conrad Bender, fifer, Co. D, 56th ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Robert Bly tiling, 2d lieut., Co. F, 70th; resigned. 
James T. Barkley, 2d sergt., Co. F, 70th; pro. to 2d lieut. 



David Bruce, 3d Corp., Co. F, 70tli ; injured by a fall in the service. 

F. A. Blauvelt, Co. F, 70th. 

Joseph Benson, lieut., Co. B, 61st ; wounded at Williamsburg. 

E. G. Belknap, Co. F, 70th ; killed at the battle of Williamsburg. 

Abraham Babcock, Co. F, 70th. 

Edward Bronson (Chester), Co. F, 124th. 

Wm. Brady. 

Caleb Baldwin, 143d. 

James Bennett, capt., 86th ; died at Elmira, Aug. 2.1, 1862, of camp fever. 

Edward Bount, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior. 

G. Douglass Brewton, lieut.-col., lOtli Legion. 

Cornelius Bennett (formerly of Port Jervis), 32d Iowa ; killed in battle. 

W. H. Bodsford, Co. F, let. Excelsior Brigade. 

Uriah Brown, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

Wilhelmua Bennett, Harris Light Cavalry ; wounded at Culpepper. 

Thcuuas Barton, Co. D, 72d ; badly wounded at Bristow's Station, August 

27th, and died August 28th. 
James Bragg, Co. F, 70th; killed at Williamsburg. 
John Baulf, Co. F, 70th ; wounded al Williamsburg. 
John J. Benegar, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 
Horace W. Bristol (formerly of Port Jervis), Co. L, Ist N.J. Cavalry; 

pro. to capt. 
F. Bundle, Co. F, 124th ; enl. 1862. 
John Boyden. 
Jacob Budd. 
George W. Buchanan. 
John Badgely. 

George W. Cortiight, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Samuel S. Crawford, corp,, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
James Comay, Co. K, 124th; enl. Aug. 11,1862; wounded at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Jonathan S. Crawford, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded Oct. 

12, 1863 ; also Nov. 27, 1864. 
James Carty, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

James Cunningham, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville. 
Levi Cortright, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Wm. S. Cook, Co. F, 124th ; enl, Aug. 11, 1862, 
Wm. V. C. Carmer, Co. F, 124th ;■ enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; killed at Chancel- 

loi-sville. May 3, 1863. 
Eli Coddington, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded in the Wil- 
derness. 
John Curry, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Jeremiah Cole, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
I Hugh Caskey, Co. F, 70th, 
Elisha Clark, 143d. 

Josiah Conkling, Co. F, 124th ; also served in Co. F, Ist, Excelsior. 
Harvey Conklin. 
Wm. Coleman, 5th, Anthon's. 
W. Conklin, wounded at "Williamsburg. 
Solomon Carr, Co. A, 124th. 
Thomas Cuddeback, 6th, Anthon's. 

James Carpenter (formerly of Deerpark), taken prisoner. 
Silas T. Conkling, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior. 
Hugh Carey, Co. F, 1st, Ex. Brigade; wounded in the leg. 
"Wm. Conn, naval service. 
Matthias Coleman, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 
Sanford Clauson, New York regiment. 
Wm. Campbell, Co. F, 70th ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; taken prisoner at the 

battle of Williamsburg. 
Solomon Cuddeback, 2d Wisconsin; wounded in the head. 
John Cuddeback, 2d Wisconsin. 

Daniel Cuddeback, Anthon's Battalion of Artillery; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Lewis Cuddeback, Anthon's Battalion of Artillery ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Hyde Crocker, lieut., Ist N. J. Cavalry ; a prisoner at Lihby. 
Edward J. Cormick, lieut., Co. F, 124th ; killed before Petersburg. 
Martin Covall, Co. F, 124th ; died in the service. 
W. H. Corley, Co. F, 124th. 

Jeremiah C. Decker, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 21, 1863. 
Wro. W. Decker, Co. F, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; Corp. ; disch. April 1, 

1863. 
John Z. Drake, sergt., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863; buried on the field; funeral at Baptist Church, 
Port Jervis, July 19th. 
W. Walter Decker, corp., Co. F, 124th ; eul. Aug. 12, 1862 ; died of disease 
Dec. 24, 1862 ; remains sent home. 



V48 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Reuben Doty, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellore- 

ville. 
Abrani T. Drake, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
John D. Drake, Co. F, I24th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Nelson Dunlap, Co. F, V24th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; discb. for disability. 
C. H. Dusenberry, let corp., Co. F, 70th; enl. April 20, 1861 ; pro. sergt.; 

wounded at Williamsburg, and taken prisoner. 
Isaac L. Decker, 2d corp., Co. F, 70th ; pro. sergt.; died of wounds re- 
ceived at Gettysburg. 
Coe Decker, Co. F, 79th. 

Frank Dill, Co. F, 70th; wounded at Yorktown; lost a leg. 
Daniftl Danforth, 5th, Authon'a. 
Henry Degraw, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 
Peter Degraw, Co. F, l8t. Excelsior. 
Seneca Degraw, Co. F, lei. Excelsior. 
Robert Davis, Battery E, 1st Pa. Art. 
Jolin Dardis, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
Alfred Decker, Co. D, 18th. 
James Daley, Co. D, 18th ; killed at Gaines' Blill, June 27, 186^ ; left on 

the field. 
Joseph Davis, Co. D, IStli. 
Alpheiis Decker, 14th. 
Sanford Decker, 14th. 
John Dunn, Duryea's Zouaves. 

C. S. Dodge, 1st lieut., Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 
Capt. E. M. Doming (Middletown), died of wounds in rebel prison. 
Coe Durland (formerly of Deerpark), raised a company of cavalry in 

Honesdale, Pa. 
J. C. Decker. 
Lemuel E. Elston, ord. sergt, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; discb. 

for disability Oct. 30, 1862. 
Chauncey A. Elston, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. April 16, 

1863. 
James M. Everitt, 5th, Anthon's Battalion ; eul. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Frederick Eldridge, Co. D, 18tb. 
Wm. Elston, missing at battle of Williamsburg. 
A. J. Edsall, sergt., Co. M, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 
Jehiel Edson, Co. 1), 18tli ; missing at Gaines' Mill. 
John T. Fisher, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; trans, to military band, 

Philadelphia; wounded at Chancellorsville. 
Abram P. Fransisco, sergt., Co. F, 124tb ; eul. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Peter P. FuUerton, Co. F, 70tb. 
J. W. FuUerton, Co. F, 70tb ; died at Yorktown. 
Wm. Friss, Co. F, let, Excelsior. 

Charles Fingarr, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; wounded. 
N. E. Fountain, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade; wounded at Williams- 
burg. 
Oliver P. Fish, let. Excelsior Brigade; enl. April 20, 1861. 
George H, Fossard, surgeon, 146th. 
George W. Fernald, 82d ; severely wounded at Gettysburg ; he was the 

first man lliat enlisted from Deerpark. 
Amzi Fuller, Co. D, 18th. 
Henry Fountain, wounded. 

John Fowler (^formerly of Port Jervis), N. J. Cavalry. 
J. A. Fowler, sergt., Co. F, 5Uth ; killed in battle of Fredericksburg. 
George H. Fossard, assistant surgeon. 
Oliver P. Gilsou, Co. L, lotb Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Samuel H. Gilsou, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Thomas O. Goble, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 2, 1864. 
John R. Gurnee, Oo. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 
George Garret, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Floyd S. Goble, Co. F, 124th; eul. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Isaac G. Giiaon, Co. F, 124tb; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; killed at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Ira Gordon, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; lost an arm at Gettysburg. 
Josiah Garrison, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
Edward H. Garrison, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 
Jacob Garrison, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at Cbancel- 

loraville. 
Sanford L. Gordon, Co. F, 124tb ; eul. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded July 9, 

1863, at Beverly Ford; killed at Spottsylvania. 
Lewis Groeland, Co. D, 56th; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 
Albion Goldsmith, drummer, Co. F, 70th. 
Joseph Gould, wagoner, Co. F, 70th ; enl. May 21, 1861 ; injured by being 

thrown from a wagon. 



Charles Ginnerman, Co. F, 70th ; trans, to 4th, Excelsior. 

Gilbert H. Garrison, Co. F, 124th. 

David H. Galloway. 

Francis Galloway, 143d. 

Wm. Goble, 137th. 

Alfred Gordon, 5th, Anthon's. 

Daniel Gordon, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Mark Galloway, 143d. 

Edward Gilbert, 70tb. 

John Gallopp, 70th. 

Jebiet Gilson, Co. D, 18th. 

Frank Gould, wagoner, TOtb. 

Peter Garvey, a western regiment ; killed at battle of Winchester. 

Lyman Gregory. 

Charles F. Higby, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 

Charles Hindley, Co. L, loth Cavalry; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 

Charles C. Haxter, Co. E, I24th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. 

Samuel W. Hotcbkiss, 2d licut., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 

Alva Hough, Co. F, 124th. 

Horace Hammond, sergt., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; wounded at 
Spottsylvania. 

Charles H. Hull, corp., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

James N. Hazen, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; wounded at Beverly 
Ford, June 9, 1863. 

Peter A. F. Haunaka, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; died May 16, 1863, 
of wounds received at Chancellorsville. 

John J. Harrigan, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Wm. H. H. Hunt, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; died of disease April, 
1863 ; buried near St^jneman switch, on the railroad. 

Nathan Hunhler, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862. 

Thomas Holt, capt., Co. F, 70th ; pro. major and lieut.-col. 

D. G. Hunter, 2d lieut., Co. F, 70th. 

Peter Ilolliushead, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Chaucellorsville. 

S. R. Harrison, Co. F, 70th ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; wounded at Wappings' 
Heights. 

Daniel W. Havens, C^). F, 70th ; eul. April, 1861 ; disch. for disability. 

Henry Holt, Co. F, 7ath. 

Peter Hoyt, Co. F, 70th ; trans, to Ambulance Corps. 

Joseph Hedding, 5tb, Anthun's. 

Robert Hoag, 5th, Anthon's. 

Henry D. Hoffman, N. Y. City regiment. 

Isaac Hay, 70tli. 

John Hays, navy. 

John Harring, 5th, Duryea's Zouaves. 

Orange D. Horton, Monitor battery. 

Joseph Hayden, 5tb, Duryea's Zouaves. 

D. S. Hardenbergh, assist, surgeon. 

Nathan Hushler, Co. F, 124th. 

Amos Hardee. 

Michael Holland, Co. F, "Otb. 

Charles L. Billiard, Co. F, 70th; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Thomas Hassett, Co. F, 70th. 

Charles F. Higby. 

Mai-shal Havens, Co. F, let, Excelsior Brigade : enl. April 20, 1861. 

Peter Henion, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

Jacob Herle, killed near Richmond. 

Philip Hess. 

Thomas H. Jeffrey, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; killed at Chancel- 
loreville, and buried on the battle-field. 

Lewis Jump, Co. F, 70th ; trans, to Co. G. 

Sanford Jacoby, Co. F, 70th; pro. sergt. 

Thomas B. Johnson, 109th. 

John Jollaff, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

W. E. Johnson (formerly of Port Jervis), assist, surgeon, 109th N. T. 
Vols. ; pro. surgeon. 

James Kittle, C-o. L, loth Cavalry; enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 

John L. Kalbfus, corp., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to a Vir- 
ginia regiment as lieut. 

Orlando U. Knapp, coi-p., Co. F, 124th , enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; killed at Get- 
tysburg, July 2, 1863, and buried on the field. 

Charles P. Kirk, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

Bernard F. Kean, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862 ; killed at Chancellors- 
ville. 

M. F. Knapp, Co. F, 70th ; killed at the battle of Williamsburg. 

Erastus Knapp, Co. F, 70th. 

Thomas Kealy. 



DEERPARK. 



749 



Josepli Kennedy, Co. F, 70th ; enl. Aug. 18,1862. 

Michael Karmrel. 

Asa Kaywood, Co. F, TOtli ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862. 

George H. Laiigtou.Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 

N. M. Lambert, sergt., Co. F, 7oth ; enl. April '20, ISGl ; pro. corp. ; re-enl. 
Dec. 1, 1863; wounded at Chancellorsville. 

James Lowe, Corp., Co. F, 70tli. 

Stephen Leonard, Co. F, 70th ; killed at the battle of Williamsburg. 

Joseph C. Lambert, Co. F, 70th ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; pro. Corp.; wounded 
at Wapping Heiglit.s ; disch. to re-enl. 

Samuel Lambert, Co. F, 70th : pro. corp.; taken priBOuer at Williama- 
burg. 

James H. Linley, Co. M, 1st N. Y. Cavalry ; enl. Oct. 19, 1861 ; pro. corp. ; 
taken prisoner at Beverly Ford. 

AmoB Liudley, 70th. 

Robert Lane, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 

George Love, 70th. 

George W. Lyon, Co. F. 1st, Ex. Brigade ; killed at Fair Oaks. 

Alpheiis Lambert, killed at the battle of Williamsburg. 

David Lott, 1st N. J. Cavalry. 

G. M. Lewis, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Thomas Larkin, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 

C. Lester, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 
Benjamin Lester, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Fair Oaks. 
Horace Lana (formerly of Deerpark), lieut., 18tli. 
Wm. liyong. 

Isaac Myers, Co. L, l.Jth Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 1. 1864. 

John C. Magie, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 18G2 ; trans, to Invalid Corps. 

Andrew J. Mesler, Co. F, 124th; eul. Aug. 20, 1862. 

Andrew J. McCarty, Co. F, 124th ; onl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; killed at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

James McCandey (Warwick), capt., Co. F, 70th. 

Aaron Michaels, a western regiment ; killed at the battle of Pea Ridge. 

J. L. Martin, sergt., Co. F, 70th. 

John Miller, Co. F, 70th ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; detailed to U. S. general 
hospital. 

John Maxwell, 5th, Duryea's. 

James Mulhearn, 5(h, Anthon's ; enl. Sept. C, 1862. 

George Morgan, Co. A, I24th. 

Elson Misner. 

James McDougall, 15th, 

A. H. McCorniick, Co. 1, 162d. 

D. H. Blead, Co. F, Ist, Ex. Brigade; enl. May 2, 1861 ; wounded at the 

battle of Williamsburg. 
George Mouro, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
Thomas Murphy, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; wounded seven times in 

the Wilderness. 
William W. McNutt, Co. F, let, Excelsior Brigade; pro. corp. 
S. C. Myers, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade; wounded at Gettysburg, and 

died. 
George Mitchell, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
Jared I. Mitchell, Co. F, 70th; enl. Sept. 1, 1861. 
Wm. Magee, Co. F, let. Excelsior Brigade ; trans, to 4th Regt. 
Careon S. Middagh, Co. D, 18th. 

Samuel G. Maginnis, Co. D, 18th ; died July 21, 1862, in Brooklyn. 
H. K. Murford. 

Robert Maiues, Co. F, 70th: wounded at W^illiamsburg. 
Thomas Murphy, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 
Addison Martin, Co. F, 70th; wounded at Williamsburg. 
Samuel C. fliyers, Co. F, 70th ; wouuded at Williamsburg. 
John McCoy, Co. F, 124th. 
Isaac Myers, Jonah McBride. 
N. II. Marsh, surgeon. 

Uriah Nickerson, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Henry Newman. 

Maj. John Nyce (Milford), 4th Penna, ; wouuded before Richmond. 
James Nickerson, 7nth. 
Charles Newkirk, 19th. 

Patrick Nooning, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Wm. H. Newman, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade ; pro. sergt. 
Frank H. Nelson, 2d lieut. ; killed at the battle of Williamsburg. 
Charles Nibs, Ist New Jersey Cavaliy. 
Philip M. Ogg, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802 ; trans, to Invalid Corps, 

and disch. for disability. 
John G. Ogg, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; wounded in the thigh by 

a rifle-ball at Chancellorsville; left in the hands of the rebels four- 



teen days; paroled ; brought to Federal hospital at Potomac Creek ; 
his wound dressed for the first time; he died at Alexandria, June 
26, 1863. 
Wm. H. Oilell, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; died in Camp Mainland. 
Charles H. Patterson, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 9, 1864. 
Theodore Patterson, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Erastus M. B. Peck, sergt , Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; had served 

in loth N. Y. M. 24 years; wounded at Spottsylvania. 
Charles Peters, corp., Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1802; wounded at 

Chancelloi-sville, May 3, 1803. 
Wm. H. Patterson, corp., Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Jehiel Price, musician, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Thomas B. Peck, Co. G, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. Feb. 9, 1863. 
Daniel Pray, 70th. 
Nathan Patterson, Co. D, 18th. 

Joseph Pray, Co. F, 70th ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Chancel- 
lorsville. 
Stephen B. Parker, 124th. 

Stephen S. Parker, Co. F, 7iith ; enl. Aug. 19, 18G2. 
Edwin Pepper, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
S. H. Potter, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
Wm. Padgett, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
A. Pagen, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
John Penny, corp., Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 
C. F. Pellett, Co. F, 70th ; missing at Williamsburg. 

Thomas J. Quick, let lieut., Co. F, 124th; eul. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded 
at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863; trans, to Co. G, Jan. 1, 1864. 

Martin W. Quick, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. Jan. 12, 1864. 

Amsey W. Quick, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 24, 1862; killed at Gettysburg, 
July 2, '.863, and buried on the battle-field, 

John Quinn, Co. F, 1st, 5th Brigade. 

Michael Rensselaer, corp., Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Freeman H. Rossman, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Frederick Rundle, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Charles Roberty, Co. F, 124lh ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

George Richards, Co. C, 40th. 

James B. Ross, Co. F, 70th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Peter V. Rundle, 5th, Anthon's; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 

Charles Ross, wounded at Williamsburg. 

Peter Biley, 124th. 

Wm. Russell, 5th, Duryea's Zouaves, 

Oliver Rosencrans, 5th, Anthon's. 

John G. Rosencrans, died June 19, 1862, at Baltimore, of wounds; re- 
mains brought home for burial in Laurel Grove Cemetery. 

Frederick Rider, 70th. 

John D. Redner, Co. H, 124th. 

Martin Rosecrans, Pennsylvania regiment. 

James W. Royce, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. 

A. H. Rogers, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

A. Roberson, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade. 

Hiram Roomer, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade, 

James S. Rosencrans, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade ; wounded at Williams- 
burg and died. 

Thomas Ross, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Wm. H. Sargent, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade; wounded at Williams- 
burg. 

J. H. Spear, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

H. Schmidt, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade ; killed at "Williamsburg. 

Wm. Shearer, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; pro. to quartermaster sergt. 

Calvin Shaw, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade; died in the service. 

Wm. H. Schofield, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Edward Sharp, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; wounded at Beverly 
Ford, June 9, 1863. 

Jeremiah Cisco, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

JobM. Snell, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville, and trans, to Invalid Corps. 

George W, Sherman, 1st lieut., Co. F, 70th; resigned, 

J, Sheridan, 3il sergt., Co. F, 70th ; pro. to 1st sergt. 

Oliver Sloan, Co. F, I24th. 

James Smith, Co. F, 124th. 

Griffin Sheldon, Co. D, 18th ; died of camp fever at Harrison's Landing, 
July 20, 1862. 

John N. Skinner, navy. 

Martin V. Smith, Co. D, 18th. 

Charles Snyder, 5th, Anthon*8. 

John Singler, Co. D, 18th. 

Charles Smith, 128tb. 



750 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jolin Shiiulon, sergt.; wounded at Williamsburg. 

John Snyder, 6th, Zouaves. 

Warren Scott, Co. G, 1st, Excelsior; wounded at Chancellorsville. 
Charles Sexton, 70th. 

Emory Storms, Co. B, let, Excelsior Brigade. 

Henry Sexton, 70th. 

Joseph Spade. 

Stephen Cisco, 143d. 

P. H. Sheldon, wounded at Williamsburg. 

Henry Strader, nGth. 

James Stack, Co. F, 124th. 

Charles R. Smith, Co. C, let Muunted Rifles. 

Charles Strader, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade ; died in the service of dis- 
ease; remains brought home for burial. 

George Smith, 179th Pennsylvania. 

Job M. Snell, Co. F, 124th ; wounded at Chancellorsville. 

Warren Scott, Co. G, 70tli. 

John T. Sherman, Co. C, 20th ; wounded at second battle of Bull Run ; 
taken prisoner. 

George G. Sledge, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

Daniel Schultz, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. 

Henry Smith, Co. F, 70th ; killed at Williamsburg. 

John S. Schofield, Co. F, 124th ; wounded at Spottaylvania. 

George L. Stacey. 

Henry Smith, 2d. 

JohnQ. Tuttle. C^). B, 7tli Cavalry; enl. Dec. 19, 1861. 

Lewis Trisler, Co. E, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6. 1SG2. 

Robert Travis, musician, Cu. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1SG2. 

Robert Turner, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 20, 18G2. 

David Titsworth, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died of disease Dec. 
28, 1862. 

James H. Taylor, corp., Co. F, 124th; oul. Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg. 

Jesse Terwilliger, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1S62; died Jan. 2,1863. 

Benjamin L. Tompkins, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

George W. Tompkins, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 

John Taylor, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 

George 0. Taylor, Co. F, 124th. 

John Thorp, 5th, Anthon's; enl. Sept. 6, 1862. 

Peter Terwilliger, 5th, Anthou's ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. 
A, 168th. 

George Templer, Corcoran's Brigade. 

George W. Tompkins, Co. F, 124th. 

Jesse Tillotson. 143d. 

James Thompson, Co. F, 70th ; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Maurice W. Tuthill, Co. A, 19th. 

James Titsworth, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade; wounded. 

Wm. H. Townley, Co. F, Ist, Excelsior Brigade ; pro. to corp. ; wounded 
at Gettysburg. 

Henry Titsworth, Co. D, 18th ; wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

J. B. Thorp, sergt.; taken prisoner. 

Wm. Thorpe, corp., Ist New Jersey Cavalry. 

Jnmes Tillman, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. 

Wm. Van Riper, Co. B, 7th Cavalry; enl. Dec. 19, 1861. 

Wm. C. Van Sickle, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Ang. 15, 1862; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 

John Van Houghton, Co. F, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch. July 15, '63. 

George Van luwegen, 5th, Anthon's ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862 ; had served as ser- 
geant in 1st New Jersey Cavalry. 

Cornelius C. Van Inwegen, 5th, Anthon's. 

Ed. Van Etten, 2d lieut., Co. B, Ist New Jersey Cavalry. 

Thomas Van Etten (formerly of Port Jervis), lieut., 2d Minnesota. 

Solomon Van Etten, Jr., first surgeon of the 10th Legion. 

Ed. Van Horn. 

Aaron T. Westfall, Co. L, 15th Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 

George W. Westfall, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 

Wm. H. Wright, Co. L, 15th Cavalry; enl. Jan. 4, 1864. 

Lewis Williams, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 

Richard L. White, Co. F, I24th ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. 

Ira Wilcox, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; died Nov. 4, 1863, of wounds 
received at Chancellorsville. 

Ransom Wilcox, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

John D.Wood, Co. M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 27, 1864; liad previously 
served in the 70th. 

Benjamin Whitaker, Corp., Co. F, 70th; enl. April 20,1861; re-enlisted; 
pro. to 1st sergt.; noted for bravery ; commanded his company in 
several battles; killed in action. 



Joseph Wickham, Co. F, 124th. 

Carl August Weisennaner, Co. F, 70tb. 

Samuel A. Wood, 1st New Jersey Cavalry. 

Henry ^Villiams, navy. 

Wallace Webb, 166th. 

George M. W'ilson, 151st Pennsylvania. 

Andrew J. Williams, Co. H, 124th. 

A. C. Wood, Co. F, 1st, Excelsior Brigade. 

George Warren, Co. F, 70th; wounded at Williamsburg. 

Ed. Williams, Co. F, 70th; wounded at Gettysburg. 

John M. Young, Co. F, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862.* 

SOLDIERS BURIED IN THE TOWN. 

Lieut. Daniel M. Brodhead, died June 1, 1864; Laurel Grove Cemetery. 

Samuel G. Meginnis, buried July 23, 1862. 

Charles Strader, died Nov. 9, 1861. 

Capt. James Bennet, died of fever, 1862. 

Silas Beckwith, died of disease in the service. 

John G. Rospcrans (a boy of seventeen), died June, 1861. 

George Rockett, died June, 1865. 

Zachariah E. Predmore, died in the service. 

Jehiel Price, died in the service. 

Mashelon Smith, died in hospital, 18C3. 

Cornelius C. Shinier, killed at Spoftsylvariia. 

Cornelius C. Bennett, died in the hands of the rebels. 

Mulford Van Inwegen, died in the service. 

W. W. Decker, died. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PETER P. SWARTWOUT. 
The Swartwout family are one of the oldest in 
Orange County, and the name is closely allied to its 
early history. Its members were stanch patriots 
during the Revolution, and suffered much from Indian 
and Tory invasions as a consequence. The progeni- 
tor of the race in America was Ruloff Swartwout, who 
left the dikes and fertile flats of his native Holland 
about the year 1750, as nearly as can be determined. 
He possessed all the heroic virtues peculiar to the sons 
of the Fatherland, which have in a marked degree been 
transmitted to successive generations of the family. 
Ruloff Swartwout had a family of children, the ex- 
act number of which is not known. It is, however, 
probable that among them were Anthony, Thomas, 
and Gerard us, each of whom settled at Peenjiack Flats, 
in 1690. Peter P., the subject of this biography, 
traces his descent directly from Anthony, who had 
three children, — Samuel, James, and Jane. 
. Among the children of James was Philip, who lo- 
cated on land now occupied by Peter P., which has 
been for more than two centuries in possession of 
members of the family. Philip as early as 1751 mar- 
ried Miss Antje Wynkoop, also of Holland ancestrj', 
who was among the early inhabitants of Ulster 

* There were eleven recruits secured in Deerpark at one time, and 
twenty at another; botli lists, or at least one of them, for the regular 
army. There were also fifteen colored men enlisted here for a Rhode 
Island regiment, but no record of the names of these forty-five is pre- 
served in Port Jervis. Lieut. Baxter enlisted thirty men in Deerpark 
for Fii-st N. T. Engineers. Some of the names may be in the above list, 
but there is no list preserved. Seventeen of Company V, 70th, re-en- 
listed. 





^.^^5^ 



I 



' 



\ I 




V/-.;?^^-^^^ u:^'^-^^Ce6<L^^<ycyJ 






DEERPARK. 



rsi 



County. During the conflict between New York and 
New Jersey, involving the settlement of the boundary 
line, she was taken prisoner and suffered death as the 
result of illness and exposure. Philip had children, — 
Gerardus, Cornelius, Philip Jr., and Jacobus, by the 
first marriage, and by a second, to Miss 8choonover, 
one son, Peter. The latter was married Jan. 2-t, 1788, 
to Miss Jane Westfall, their children being Simeon, 
Philip, Sallie. James D., Samuel, David, and Deborah. 
Of this number, Philip, the father of Peter P., was 
united in marriage to Mrs. Esther Westbrook West- 
fall, and had six children, — Peter P., Jane, Catharine, 
Henry B., Elizabeth, and Sarah. Of this number but 
four — Peter P. and three sisters — survive. The former 
was born in Sussex Co., N. J., May 25, 1817, and spent 
his early life upon the homestead in Deerpark, — the 
home hallowed by associations of the past, and bearing 
in indelible bloodstains evidence of the conflicts and 
struggles of his heroic forefathers during the French 
and Indian wars. The common schools afforded him 
all the educational advantages at the time available, 
and his early training guided his tastes in the direction 
of agriculture as a vocation. He has since continued 
to cultivate the soil, and been a conspicuous example 
of the industry and practical wisdom which are the 
certain forerunners of success in life. 

Mr. Swartwout was married, Nov. 10, 1842, to Miss 
Hannah, daughter of Benjamin Cuddeback, of Port 
.Tervis, and the following year removed to his present 
home, where he has since resided. They have had 
nine children, — Catharine (Mrs. D. S. DeWitt), Je- 
mima, Jane (Mrs. H. J. Bidwell), Elizabeth, Philip, 
Esther, Ellen, Benjamin, and Henry. Six of these 
are still living, and four reside under the parental 
roof. Mr. Swartwout is not an aspirant for jjolitical 
honors. He has, however, filled two terms as super- 
visor of his township, has been elected justice of the 
peace, and has been a director in both the National 
Bank and the First National Bank of Port Jervis. 
He was during the existence of the militia law of the 
State a skillful military tactician, and held the rank 
of lieutenant-colonel when the law was repealed. His 
religious preferences are for the Reformed Dutch 
Church, of which he is a cordial supporter. 



MOSES VAN INWEGEN. 

Moses Van Inwegeu, the subject of this biograph- 
ical sketch, was the son of Cornelius Van Inwegen, 
who was born March 23, 1772, and Deborah, his wife, 
whose birth occurred Oct. 9, 1774. Their family 
circle included seven children, of whom Moses, the 
eldest, was born Dec. 6, 1796. His early life was not 
varied by incidents of special importance. The pur- 
suits of his father were those of an industrious agri- 
culturist, and the son, having been educated to the 
same calling, instinctively followed the vocation of 
his parent. The neighboring public schools afforded 



him advantages of education when the demands of 
the farm were not imperative ; the latter, however, 
speedily absorbed his entire attention. Mr. Van In- 
wegen was united in marriage Jan. 9, 1823, to Miss 




MOSES VAN INWEGEN. 

Susan Mapes. They had eight children, of whom 
five are now living. He was married a second time, 
July 6, 18.50, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Abram Shi- 
mer, who is the mother of six children, all of whom 
survive. 

Mr. Van Inwegen had few political aspirations, 
though a firm Republican, and at all times zealous 
for the success of his party. A taste for military 
tactics was early developed by him, and before the 
State military law was abolished he rose to the rank 
of captain of militia. He was a regular attendant 
upon the services of the Reformed Church, and, 
though not a member, responded cheerfully to de- 
mands for aid in its behalf. 

Moses Van Inwegen's death occurred April 22, 
1863, at the homestead, which is now occupied by 
Mrs. Van Inwegen and her children. 



GEORGE CUDDEBACK. 
The Cuddeback family is one of the oldest in 
Orange County, the name having been originally 
spelled Caudebec. They are of Huguenot extraction, 
and among the French refugees who fled from relig- 
ious persecution on the revocation of the edict of 
Nantes, in 1683. The town of Caudebec, in Nor- 
mandy, founded as early as the year 1400, — a bor- 
ough containing a population of about 10,000, and 
evincing much commercial enterprise, — was origi- 



752 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



nally the stronghold of the family, from which they 
emigrated either to England or Holland, probably 
the latter country. Jacob Cuddeback (or Caudebec), 
previous to the year KitiO, came to America, having 
landed in Virginia, where he remained a brief time, 
and then settled on the east bank of the Hudson 
River, north of New York, where he engaged in the 
fiir trade. He was then twenty years of age, and 
may be regarded as the progenitor of the family in 
the Empire State. He married Margaret, daughter of 
Benjamin Provost, a trader in the city of New York. 
About the year 1690, in company with the Swart- 
wouts, Gumaers, and others, he located in the valley 
of the Neversink, which is now largely populated by 
their descendants. Jacob and Margaret Cuddeback 
had a family of nine children, among whom was 
William, who married Jemima Elting, of Old Paltz, 
and was the father of five children, among whom was 
Benjamin, who was united in marriage to Catharine 
Van Fliet, and had seven children, among whom was 
Henry, the father of George Cuddeback. Henry, 
above mentioned, was born March 23, 1771, and was 
married to Esther Gumaer, in 1794, whose birth oc- 
curred Sept. 23, 1774. Their family embraced eight 
children, — Catherine, Elizabeth, Simeon, Jacob G., 
George, Huldah, Cynthia, and Benjamin. The birth 
of their youngest son, George, occurred in Deerpark, 
Aug. 10, 1815. His early life was spent at the place 
of his nativity. In 1830, with his father, he removed 
to the farm now owned and occupied by him, which 
came into his possession in 1846, and where the re- 
mainder of his life has been passed. 

Dec. 21, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret, daughter of John D. Carpenter, of Car- 
penter's Point, whose family were the owners of much 
valuable property in the immediate vicinity. They 
have had seven children, — Henry G., John D., Mary 
Ellen, Est'her, Margaret Alice, Martha E., and George, 
Jr. The survivors of this number are George, Jr., 
Martha E., and Henry G., the latter of whom was 
married, Sept. 18, 1878, to Miss Libbie O'Riley, whose 
death occurred Nov. 29, 1879. 

Mr. George Cuddeback has been an unflinching 
advocate of the principles of the Democracy during 
his lifetime, though he has never sought oflice at the 
hands of his party. His pursuits as well as tastes 
have led him into the more quiet walks of life. Mr. 
Cuddeback has been for years a director of the First 
National Bank of Port Jervis, and a stockholder in 
each of the banks of that place. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Cuddeback are zealous members of the Reformed 
Dutch Church of Port Jervis. 



NATHAN SKINNER. 

The Skinner family in America were originally 

represented by seven brothers who emigrated from 

England at an early date, four of whom settled in 

Canada, and the remainder in the United States. At ' 



a later period two removed to New York State, and 
one to New Jersey. Daniel Skinner, the grandfather 
of Nathan, the subject of this biography, who was 
descended from one of these brothers, was jirobably 
born in New Jersey, and during his minority re- 
moved to Orange County, which continued to be his 
residence until his death. He married Miss Mary 
Smith, of New York, and had children, — Moses, 
Jephtha, and Stephen, and seven daughters. Of this 
number, Moses remained in the county of his birth 
until 1826, when he removed to Canada. He was 
married Feb. 17, 1807, to Miss Mary Archa, who was 
of Scottish ancestry, and whose parents resided at 
Red Hook, on the Hudson. The following children 
were theirs : Nelson, Elisha, Natlian, Julia Ann, 
Moses O., Joseph, Salome, Elizabeth, and Drayton 
B., each of whom reached mature years. Of this 
number, Nathan was born near Otisville, in Oraifge 
County, Sept. 7, 1816, and spent his early life under 
the parental roof. He afterwards, in company with 
his ftither, repaired to Canada, and later to Ohio. 
With no resources at command other than those 
which nature had provided him, and equipped with 
a brave heart and a ready hand, he began the battle 
of life. Believing an honest trade to be among the 
most honorable of employments, he acquired that of 
a carriage-maker, and in 1839 removed to Port Jervis, 
where for fourteen years he devoted himself with un- 
remitting industry to his mechanical occupation. 
Having previously had no opportunities of education, 
he availed himself on his return to the East of forty 
days at the public school. The acquirements of Mr. 
Skinner during this brief period, though of necessity 
limited, enabled him to gain the rudiments which 
greatly assisted in his future career. In 1840 he was 
married to Miss Aseneth, daughter of John D. Car- 
penter, whose family were early settlers at Carpenter's 
Point, where his father was an extensive land-owner 
and largely interested in business enterprises. She is 
also a direct descendant of Maj. Johannes Decker, of 
historic memory, whose family early experienced all 
the horrors incident to Indian and border warfare. 
Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have been the parents of three 
children, — Martha Ellen, John N., and Charles N., 
of whom John N., born in 1844, is the only survivor. 
He was in 1865 united in marriage to Miss Anne M. 
Malven, who was born in Stroudsburg, and later re- 
moved with her parents to Iowa. They have two 
children, — Charles N., and John M., both of whom 
are now pursuing their studies. Nathan Skinner in 
1853 retired from business, and three years later pur- 
chased his present residence, located on the east bank 
of the Neversink, and adjoining the corporation of 
Port Jervis. Since that time he has followed agri- 
cultural pursuits, varied by occasional operations in 
real estate. In politics Mr. Skinner is an ardent and 
uncompromising Republican. Official life presents 
for him no attractions ; his name will not, therefore, 
be found upon the roll of office-holders. His religious 




NATHAN SKINNER. 





<l/iri 7<^^^<K 





9 

I 

I 






CORNWALL. 



7o3 



belief is in harmony with tlie creed of the Reformed 
Dutch Churcli, to which he contributes a liberal sup- 
port, and of which both Mrs. Skinner and her daugh- 
ter-in-law are active members. 



LEVI VAN ETTEN. 
The Van Etten family is closely identified with 
the development as well as the early settlement of 
Orange County, and therefore enter largely into the 
valuable historical data which the denizens of the 
county have preserved with a commendable zeal. 
They are also allied by ties of affinity or consanguin- 
ity with all the prominent families of the Neversink 
Valley, and the country contiguous to it. A brief 
resumi having been already given elsewhere, renders 
a repetition here unneccessary. The year 1743 wit- 
nessed the advent of Anthony Van Etten, the. great- 
grandfather of Henry, in the valley of theKeversink, 
who was the progenitor of the family in the imme- 
diate vicinity. Among his children was Levi, who 
also had a son of the same name, who married Miss 
Eleanor Carpenter, and was the father of the follow- 
ing children : Margaret, who became Mrs. Simeon 
Westfall ; John, Jr., Jacob, Benjamin, Levi, Ann 



Eliza, Solomon, Alva, and Ellen. Of this number, 
John, Jr., now deceased, entered the political arena 
at an early day, was for three years supervisor of 
the township, and at a later period elected sheriff of 
Orange County, and subsequently served a term as 
representative in the State Legislature. Levi, a 
brief sketch of whose life is here embodied, was born 
April 12, 1822, on the homestead, of which he is now 
owner. He early engaged in farming pursuits with 
his father, after a brief time spent in study at the 
public school of the neighborhood. L'pon this spot 
his industrious but uneventful life has been spent, a 
portion of the estate having been inherited by him on 
the death of his father, June 7, 1865, in his seventy- 
fifth year. Mr. Van Etten was in 1876 married to 
Mrs. Mary E. Green, daughter of Silas Chapman, of 
Orange Co., N. Y. The Chapman family emigrated 
at an early day from England to Saybrook, Conn., 
and from there to Orange County, from whence they 
eventually removed to Ohio. Mr. Van Etten has 
always affiliated with the Democratic party, but has 
never sought official honors, and consequently never 
been an office-holder. He is a liberal supporter of 
the Reformed Dutch Church, of which his wife is 
an active member. 



OORlSrWALL. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AKEA, TITLE. 

The town of Cornwall lies upon the Hudson River, 
and nearly central along the eastern line of the 
county. It is bounded north by New Windsor, east 
by the Hudson River, south by Highlands and Mon- 
roe, west by Monroe and Blooming-Grove. 

In the act of the supervisors, passed at the annual 
meeting of 1872, the present south boundary of Corn- 
wall is described as " drawn from Sherwood's Rock, on 
Hudson River, running thence westerly to a house 
now or recently occupied by William Lancaster ; 
thence in a direct line to the house of William Chat- 
field ; thence to the house of John Odell ; thence to 
the highest peak of Mount Rascal, to the line of the 
town of Monroe." 

Sherwood's Rock, the initial point on the river, is 
the steep bluff at the base of Crow's Nest, and is so 
called from the fact that a man of that name lost his 
life some years ago by falling over the precipice at 
that place. 

Mr. Lewis Beach, writing in 1873, gives the follow- 
ing description of the remainder of the outline of the 
town : 



" From the intersection with the Monroe Jine, our town line then runs 
in a northwest direction along the lands of W. H. Smith (late Robert H. 
Berdell) until it strikes the southwest corner of the town of Blooming- 
Grove ; thence almost due north along Miy, Sherman's farm and through 
the village of Salisbury until it reaches the New W'indsor line, on the 
lands of Isaac Denniston. It then takes an easterly direction, and con- 
tinues straight on to the river, passing a little south of the former Tail's 
Gate Station on the Newburgh Branch ; through Woodward's and (late) 
Judge George's lands, and comingoutat Sloop Hill, just far enough to the 
south to leave the portly proprietor of the Half-way House in the town of 
New Windsor. From Sloop Hill the line follows the river down to Sher- 
wood's Rock, the point of beginning." 

The area embraced within these boundaries is prob- 
ably about 15,000 acres. This can only be approxi- 
mately stated, as there is no accurate information on 
file at Albany as to the area of towns in this State, 
and assessors' reports or individual computation are 
the only authority. 

The title to the soil of Cornwall is to be traced 
back to the patents described in the General History. 
For convenient reference the following list may be 
given here. Nearly all of them are wholly within 
the boundaries of the present town, the remainder are 
in part: 

Mary Ingoldsby and her daughter, Mary Pinhorne, 



754 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and Mary Pinhorneand John Pinhorne, grandchildren 
of Mary Ingoldsby, one patent of 4000 acres, and one 
of 1360 acres, granted Aug. 11, 1720. On this patent 
Canterbury is situated, and the territory towards the 
river, Sloop Hill, Cornwall Landing, etc. West of 
this was a patent to John Lawrence of 2000 acres, 
dated April 9, 1719; this was the Bethlehem tract. 
Other patents were Patrick MacGregorie, 500 acres, 
Aug. 6, 1720, north side of Butter Hill ; Ebenezer 
Wilson and Benjamin Aske, 2000 acres " between the 
hills in Schunemunk" ; John Nelson, 1265 acres, Oct. 
4, 1762 ; Thomas Moore and John Osborne, 1850 acres, 
March 14, 1775; Henry Townsend, 2000 acres ; Smith 
& Wilkin, 190. acres, April 15, 1768; Smith & Wilkin, 
a second patent, south of Ingoldsby's, 160 acres, April 
15, 1768; Edward Blagg and Johannes Hey, 2000 
acres, March 28, 1728, mostly in Blooming-Grove; 
John Lawrence, 765 acres, April 9, 1719. 



II.-NATURAL FEATURES. 

This town comprises a portion of the " Highlands 
of the Hudson," celebrated in story and song, famous 
in war and peace, and full of interest in every light in 
which they may be examined. The mountains, ponds, 
forests, cloves, and dashing streams constitute land- 
scapes of unsurpassed beauty and grandeur. The 
surface of the town north of the Highlands is rolling 
and only moderately hilly ; in the south and south- 
west mountainous. The principal elevations are 
Cro' Nest, on the boundary of the town of High- 
lands; Black Eock Hill and Mount Rascal, also 
on or near the soutji line of Cornwall ; Butter 
Hill, near the Hudson ; and Schunemunk Moun- 
tain, near the line of Blooming-Grove. Cro' Nest 
is 1418 feet above the Hudson. The Hudson River 
bounds the town on the east ; Moodna Creek (Mur- 
derer's Creek, or Otterkill) drains the northwest por- 
tion of the town. It enters from Blooming-Grove 
at Salisbury Mills, makes a detour southward to 
Mountainville Post-office, then flows northeast into 
the town of New Windsor. In its southern bend it 
receives three tributary rivulets from the south part 
of the town. 

The Canterbury Creek rises on the sloi)es of Black 
Rock Hill, flows northeast through Canterbury vil- 
lage, and enters the Hudson very near the line of 
New Windsor. South of this are two unimportant 
rivulets flowing into the Hudson, one at Cornwall-on- 
the-Hudson, the other north of Cro' Nest. 

Sutherland's Pond is a fine sheet of water half a 
mile long, lying under the shadow of Black Rock 
Hill. In the south part of the town is a mineral 
spring. 

The following passage from Mr. Beach's work is so 
carefully written, and is evidently the result of such 
thorough investigation, that no apology is needed for 
quoting it at this point : 

" of all the remarkable topographical features of our town, that which 
we may call the Cornwall Baain is the most striking. To gain a com- 



plete idea of the beauty and grandeur of this basin the observer must 
take an elevated site, of which there are plenty along our mountain- 
slopes, and look down as from a balloon upon the map spread out before 
him. The eye first grasps the bold and salient features of the view. 
The lim of the basin, struck in distinct outline against the sky by the 
Schunenmuk, Shawangunk, Duchess, and Cornwall mountains, is first 
noted. Descending on all sides from the ridge formed by these moun- 
tain-peaks stretch the landscapes like the seats in some vast amphitheatre. 
As the vision narrows the New Windsor and Newburgh plains recede 
from view, and the eye rests upon a somewhat circumscribed arena which 
lies almost at our feet. 

" This is the Cornwall Basin. It is the result of one of those early up- 
heavals of nature which date back beyond the history of man. As we 
look upon it we realize but faintly the power of that force within the 
earth, which when convulsed, tossed up the mountains and framed the 
valleys. In the great tumnlt that ensued, a'« the mountains were raised 
the waters settled in the valleys, and remained there until their gradual 
subsidence into rivers. 

" Cornwall, New Windsor, and Newburgh were at one time no doubt 
a huge lake, and continued so until drained by the action of the elements 
in divorcing Storm-King from Breakneck. Before this interesting 
event the watei-s evidently had outlet through the Schunemunk Valley, 
and thence through the Raniapo to the Jersey flats. This siipfKtsition 
receives strong confirmation from the character of our Cornwall Basin, 
which nins from northeast to southwest, and is traversed by two con- 
siderable ridges of land of uniform shape and lying in a precisely similar 
direction to that of the basin. These ridges are almost parallel, and 
were formed by the action of the water in forcing its passage southward. 
The more northerly one, known as the Townsend Ridge, begins at the 
Friends' meeting-house on the Depot road, and continues on to the 
Townsend Hill. Its summit is occupied by the residences of Mr. Ray- 
mond, Miss Hedges, and Mrs. H. Townsend. The southerly ridge, called 
Cromwell Ridge, commences in H, F, Chadea.vne's orchard, on the turn- 
pike, as it is sometimes called, and emerges in a ravine near Nicholas 
Chatfield, Jr.'s house. The land formed by this ridge is owned by Mr. 
Chadeayne, the Titus estate, Mrs. Cromwell N. Chatfield, Jr., Mrs. 
Townsend, and Miss Hedges. 

" Rising by easy grade to a considerable height above the intervening 
valleys, with a sufficient breadth of surface and a commanding view of 
our river and mountain scenery, these ridges are unesceptionably situ- 
ated for building sites. We hope to see them some day in the early 
future covered with beautiful villas. Between those two ridges, skirting 
the Depot road to the south, lies a deep glen, whilst the valleys on the 
north and south are destined to play an important part in the future 
growth of Cornwall. The valley to the south, or more strictly southeast, 
of Cromwell Ridge is som'ewhat circumscribed in e.\tent, but its limited 
area is amply compens-ated by the remarkable beauty of its surroundings. 
Its shape is triangular, and its sides formed on the south by the Cornwall 
mountains, on the east by that elevated tract of land known as High- 
land Park, and on the north by Cromwell Ridge. The land slopes gently 
from the hillsides to the centre, through which runs a small stream, a 
tiny rivulet at times, at others a swollen torrent of water. This stream 
is fed by the springs of the adjacent Highlands, and, running in an east- 
erly direction, forms the pond to the north of the Cornwall track, from 
which it empties into Idlewild Brook by the old stone house on the 
West Point road. An outlet to the valley on the east is formed by the 
defile between Highland Park and the mountains known as the Deer 
Hill ravine. The outlet on the west is through a gorge which connects 
the valley in question with the Schunemunk Valley." 



III.-EABLY SETTLEMENT. 
The immediate vicinity north of tlie Highlands at- 
tracted attention at an early day as a favorable place 
of settlement. Even the " .Journal of Robert Juet," 
written on board the " Half-Moon," sailing under 
command of Sir Henry Hudson, in 1609, shows a high 
appreciation of this place. In writing of the return 
voyage down the river he says, in a passage often 
quoted, — 

" On the nine and twentieth [of September] at three of the clock in the 
afternoon, we weighed as soon as the ebb came and turned down to the 
etlrje of the momi/dins, or the Northermost of the mountains, and an- 
chored; because the high land hath many points and a narrow channel, 



CORNWALL. 



755 



and hath many eddie rounds. So we rode quietly all night iu seven 
fathoms water. The thirtieth was fair weather, and the wind at the 
Southeast; a stiff gale between the nionntains. We rode still the after- 
uoone. The people of this country came aboard us and brought some 
skins with them, which we bought for knives and trifles. This is a very 
pleiimiit plate to build a towne on."* 

Three-quarters of a century was to pass away, how- 
ever, before any attempts would be made by the 
whites to occupy this " pleasant place." 

It was not until 1685 that Governor Dongan pur- 
chased of the Indians the tract of country along the 
Hudson from Murderer's Creek on the north to Stony 
Point on the south, and it was about the year lt)94 
that this tract was patented to Capt. John Evans, 
that being the first transfer from the crown. A settle- 
ment had, however, been made, as shown in the Gen- 
eral History, upon the borders of Cornwall, at Plum 
Point, and on territory now included in the town of 
New Windsor. This was by Col. Patrick MacGrego- 
rie, and was the first settlement within the limits of 
the present county of Orange. It is not clear that 
any of the MacGregorie colony built or lived upon 
the Cornwall side of the present line. The only fact 
established upon this point is that David Toshuck 
built his trading-post on Sloop Hill, and so within 
the present limits of Cornwall. It is said that a de- 
pression in the ground may still be seen marking the 
cellar e.xcavation. In this company was one McCol- 
lom. This family name exists in Orange County at 
the present time, but it is not known that they are de- 
scendants of this early immigrant. Of this colony, 
also, was Wm. Sutherland (or Southerland). He was 
the ancestor of the present Sutherland families re- 
siding in Cornwall. It appears they constitute the 
sole representatives of this early settlement now re- 
maining in this section, their successive generations 
having been in this town, or near it, for nearly two 
hundred years. It is known that Wm. Sutherland 
Iiad one son, David Sutherland, and that the latter 
bought, in 1734, 100 acres of land in the Bethlehem 
neighborhood. There were, doubtless, other sons of 
William Sutherland, as it is evident several of the 
numerous branches of the family at the present time 
do not trace their line through David. 

Miss Mills, residing at Canterbury, now in ad- 
vanced years, whose mother was a Sutherland, states 
that it has always been a family tradition that the 
wife of an early Sutherland was a MacGregorie. 
Doubtle.ss this was the William Sutherland sissociated 
in the settlement with Col. MacGregorie. Additional 
facts are given with reference to this family below. 
It is there shown that one Alexander Sutherland 
(father of three brothers) died in 1777. It is proba- 
ble that he was a brother of David, and a .son of 
William. 

There is a tradition, alluded to by various writers, 
that a settlement of Germans was made at an early 

* Probably the " Half-Moon" was anchored on the opposite, side of the 
river, but all the more clearly were the lands upon the west side seen 
from the deck or from the higher lands upon the eastern shore. 



day (perhaps the date of Palatine emigration is meant, 
1709 to 1712) on the plains a little south of Canter- 
bury ; that they remained a few years and then re- 
moved to other German settlements near Albany or 
elsewhere. Neither names nor exact locations are 
given in these traditional accounts, and nothing is 
substantiated concerning any such settlement. The 
tradition arises, doubtless, from the well-known fact 
that companies of the Palatines were employed to 
cut ship-timber in various places ; that for that pur- 
pose they were temporarily encamped, spending a few 
weeks or months in any given locality. Canterbury 
was very likely one such point, and that is all there 
was of an early German settlement. 

The MacGregorie settlement is believed to have 
been continuous, — that after 1685 there was never a 
time when settlers were not living in this vicinity. 
How soon their locations extended out upon the ter- 
ritory which is now embraced in Cornwall is not as- 
certained. 

The date of the patents already given affords some 
guide for determining this matter. The Rip Van 
Dam Patent was obtained in 1709, and settlements 
followed soon after in the vicinity of Salisbury, now 
iu Blooming-Grove. Several of the other patents 
range or date from 1719 to 1722. Upon the John 
Lawrence Patent of 1719 there was a settlement by 
Mr. Mandeville in 1728. 

Taking the earliest of these dates, however, there 
is left a period of thirty years succeeding 1685 of 
which there is little account, and thirty more in 
which the information is only fragmentary, as to the 
present town of Cornwall. The fact is clear that the 
territory now constituting Cornwall was not settled, 
except in the Bethlehem neighborhood and near 
Salisbury, until a few years preceding the Revolu- 
tion. All the early records of Cornwall at the or- 
ganization as a precinct separate from Goshen in 1764 
show that the population was mostly in Monroe and 
Blooming-Grove. If the records of Goshen Precinct 
from 172(t to 1764 had not been destroyed, much light 
might have been obtained as to the names of officers 
elected upon this territory, the laying out of roads, 
and all those details of town business in which names 
and localities are often very fully given. 

At the formation of the precinct of Cornwall in 
1764 a book of records was opened by the new pre- 
cinct officers. This is preserved in good condition, 
and is now in the office of the town clerk of Bloom- 
ing-Grove. It is a volume of great value, and should 
be rebound and kept in a fire-proof vault. Liberal 
extracts are made from this volume under the head 
of" Organization," below, and these furnish the means 
of determining many of the families who were resid- 
ing upon the present territory of Cornwall in the 
period ju.st preceding the Revolutionary war, as well 
as upon the territory of the other three towns erected 
from Old Cornwall, viz. : Blooming-Grove, Monroe, 
and Highlands. 



756 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



•The names of those persons who are known or sup- 
posed to have been residing on tlie territory of Mon- 
roe, Blooming-Grove, and Highlands have been trans- 
ferred to the cha])ters devoted to those towns. There 
are retained in this list those ascertained to have been 
residing upon the present territory of Cornwall before 
the Revolution. 

SETTLERS PRIOR TO THE REVOLUTrON. 

Timothy Brewster. He was chosen in 1765 an over- 
seer of the highway for " the water-side." It is in- 
ferred that he lived further east than most of the 
Brewsters, who were in Blooming-Grove. 

Jeremiah Clark. He was chosen in 176.5 a fence- 
viewer for New Cornwall, and was patli-master for dis- 
trict No. 1 in 1775. Either he or another of the same 
name was supervisor in 1791-93, and town clerk still 
later. Jeremiah Clark was also one of the judges of 
the county in 1788. He had also served in the first 
Provincial Congress, April 20, 1775. It is evident that 
his homestead was in Cornwall, probably in the 
vicinity of Canterbury, or further east. Other Clarks 
mentioned in the early records are Reuben, Smith, 
Ei)hraim, Gershom, Nehemiah, David, William, 
John W. (See Biography of Thomas C. Ring.) 

Joseph Chandler, Jr. There were probably three 
of the .same name in succession, father, son, and grand- 
son, as there was a Joseph Chandler, Jr., supervisor 
as late as 1812, thirty-seven years later than the first 
mention appears. The homestead was in the north- 
west part of Cornwall. 

Thomas Clark, Sr. and Jr. It is said that the 
Thomas Clark homestead was on the site of the pre- 
sent Smith boarding-house at " the Corners," now 
better known as Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. 

David ilandeville. An old Mandeville home- 
stead was the present place of the Episcopal rectory 
in the village of Canterbury, but before the Revolu- 
tion the family were probably on the John Lawrence 
Patent. 

Amos Mills. He was a justice of the peace in 1765. 
He lived in Canterbury, in a dwelling, long since re- 
moved, that stood near Sutherland's present law-office. 
He had a farm near there. His children were Amos, 
Jr., who kept the present .Tames A. Smith store, be- 
yond the stone bridge; Zachariah, who moved West; 
Zebadiah, who died unmarried; Mrs. Isaac Van 
Duzer; Mrs. John Barton, her husband being a very 
early merchant in Canterbury. Thechildren of Amos, 
Jr., were Mrs. James Hawkshurst; Mrs. Daniel Hal- 
Tlet, of Monroe; Mrs. Peter Neels, of Troy; and Eliza- 
beth (our informant), still living. 

David Miller was path-master of district No. 6 in 
1775. The number of the district, compared with 
others, indicates that he was on the present territory 
of Cornwall before the Revolution. 

Langford Thorn. As he deeded to the Friends in 
1789 a part of the ground yet occupied by the meet- 
ing west of Canterbury village, it is to be inferred 



that his homestead was near that point. Daniel 
Thorn, a son of Langford, is mentioned in the old 
records. He lived on the present Raymond place. 

Joseph Thorn. He was path-master of district No. 
7 in 1775. He was the early merchant of Salisbury. 
In company with Nicholas Townsend, of Monroe, he 
went with two wagons to Philadelphia and purchased 
goods during the Revolutionary war. A quantity of 
tin was brought home and made into various articles. 
Miss Phebe Cock, of Canterbury, has boxes then made 
from that tin. Mr. Thorn was from Long Island. He 
never married ; a maiden sister kept house for him. 

Jonathan Brooks. He was one of the Committee 
of Safety for Cornwall in 1775. He lived on the Rip 
Van Dam Patent, out towards Salisbury. 

A. Sutherland was path-master of district No. 14 in 
1775. There were three brothers of the Sutherlands 
about the time of the Revolution or a little later, — 1. 
Alexander, whose children were Alexander (father of 
John D., our informant), Andrew, David, and Mrs. 
John BuBois. 2. David, whose children are not given. 
3. Andrew, whose children were Daniel and David, 
both of whom went West, the latter being a lawyer 
of note. The father of these three brothers was also 
Alexander. He was buried the day Fort Montgomery 
was captured, and the family tradition is that the 
friends at the grave, hearing the distant firing, 
thought the British were coming over the moun- 
tains, and ran away from the grave. 

Nathaniel Sands was a son of David Sands, the 
well-known Friends' preacher. The homestead is 
still well known as the Sands' place in Canterbury. 
David Sands had no other sons, according to the rec- 
ollection of Miss Phebe Cock, from whom some of 
these items are obtained, but there were three daugh- 
ters, — Mrs. Charles Newbold, Mrs. Elias Ring, and 
Marietta, who died young. 

David Sutherland, Sr. and Jr. The son was chosen 
constable in 1775 " for the water-side." Of Maj. 
John D. Sutherland we learn that the homestead of 
this branch of the family was a part of the well- 
known Sackett or Lewis Beach farm. The name of 
David Sutherland is in the militia rolls of 1738, very 
probably the senior above named. 

David Sherod (Sherwood?) was chosen in 1765 an 
overseer of the highway " for the water-side." This 
does not entirely agree with tradition, which sup- 
poses him to have lived in Monroe, and sold to 
Nicholas Townsend the present Stephen Smith place. 
Between 1765 and the Revolution was, however, 
time enough to have purchased one there, and to have 
sold again. 

Justus Sackett was chosen a constable in 1765 " for 
the water-side." His location is not determined, 
though at some later period the old Sutherland prop- 
erty, now of Lewis Beach, became known as the 
Sackett place. 

Isaac Tobias was the early physician in the west 
part of the town. His homestead was the William 



COllNWALL. 



757 



Halstead place of modern timers, near Salisbury. 
Isaac Tobias died in ISOS. A grandson, Daniel To- 
bias, is still living, a hale and hearty octogenarian. 
Frederick Tobias was also mentioned as path-master 
of district 36 in 1775. 

William Roe was chosen path-master for district No. 
2 in 1775. His homestead was near the bounds of New 
Windsor, in the Plum Point neighborhood. 

Isaac Van Duzer, Sr. and Jr. The younger was 
path-master in 1775 for district No. 31. There are 
also mentioned in the records prior to the Revolution, 
C. Van Duzer, I. Van Duzer (3), Jacob Van Duzer, 
and Christopher Van Duzer. 

Joseph Wood was a fence-viewer in 1765 for "New 
Cornwall." Inferring that this was to designate his 
district separate from the districts of Blooming-Grove, 
Oxford, etc., in the precinct of Cornwall, it may be 
concluded that he lived in what is now Cornwall. 
There are also mentioned Daniel Wood, Stephen 
W^ood, John Wood, Amos Wood, Timothy Wood, and 
Ebenezer Wood, the last named being commissioner 
of highways in 1775. 

■ The remaining names from the records of Corn- 
wall, 1765 to 1775, or from among the signatures to 
the Articles of Association at the opening of the war 
of the Revolution, are given below. About 50 have 
been mentioned above as located on the territory 
now embraced in Cornwall ; about 100 are trans- 
ferred to the chapter on Monroe as settlers before the 
Revolution in that town ; 130 to the chapter upon 
Blooming-Grove, giving, it is believed, the names 
of all the principal families who were in that town 
prior to the Revolution ; and to the chapter upon 
the new town of Highlands about 20 as possibly 
living on the territory now embraced in that town 
before the Revolution. It must also be observed that 
the list undoubtedly covers a very large section of 
what is now Rockland County, the boundaries of 
Cornwall Precinct extending at that time from Mur- 
derer's to Tappan Creek (ante, pp. 13, 14), and with 
the exception of Haverstrawand Orangetown, taking 
An the whole of Rockland as well as the towns in 
Orange already named. 



Henry Atwood. 
John Aries. 
Wm. Ayers. 
Matthew Ayers. 
Neal Anderson. 
Caleb Ashley. 
Samuel Briusou. 
Z. Burchard. 
Isaac Brown.* 
Asa Buck. 
Wni. Bell. 
Wni. Bartlett. 
John Brand. 
Wm. Bedell. 
Francis Burke. 
Nathaniel Biggs. 
David Blooiufield. 
Jacob Brown. 
Wm. Bradley. 



Nathan Burchard. 
Sylvanus Bishop. 
Zachary Burwell. 
Samuel Bartlett. 
Silas Benjamin, Sr. 
Silas Benjamin, Jr. 
Benjamin liudd. 
David Biggs. 
Harris Bartlett. 
Isaac Brown. 
Wni. Brown. 
George Bateniau. 
Isaac Bower. 
Isaac Cooley. 
Nathan Cooley. 
Isaac Cooley, Sr. 
Isaac Cooley, Jr. 
Thomas ChatHeld. 
Daniel Chambers. 



Joshua Corey. 

Benjamin Callay. 
John Callay. 
Thaddeus Coley. 
Dennis CoUey. 
Benjamin Corey. 
John Close. 
Wm. Cook. 

Richard CoUingwood.f 
Timothy Corwin. 
Abram Cooley. 
Archibald Coukham, Jr. 
Silas Corwin. 
John Carr. 
David Causter. 
Henry Dyer, Sr. 
Henry Dyer, Jr. 
Lewis Donovan. 
Aaron DeGraw. 
Togidali Dickens. 
John Daynes. 
I Jacob Deyo. 

Daniel Devan. 
Thomas Everson.J 
George Everson. 
John Faren. 
L. Ferguson. 
Jacob Gale. 
James Gray. 
Daniel Gage. 
John Griffith.^ 
Samuel Gibson. 
JoBeph Gold. 
Thomas Hurley. 
Sutherland Hulett. 
Henry Halle. 
SylvanuB Halle. 
Wm. Howard. 
Wm. Herd.ll 
.Justus Hulse.^ 
Wm. Hunter.** 
^^ Joseph Hildridge.tt 
Joeeph Hildreth. 
Stephen Hulse. 
\^ Sylvauus Halsey. 
Phineas Herd. 
Col. A. Hawks Hey.It 
John Hall. 
Zopher Head. 
Wm. Hooge. 
Henry Hall. 
Samuel Howard. 
Wm. Howard. 
Thomas Huley. 
Joseph Halsted. 
Robert Haight. 
James Halsey. 
Stephen Halsey. 
Israel Hedges. 



• Path-master of District No. 40, 1775. 



Samuel Hall. 
Elulia Hudson. 
Richard Honeman. 
James Huff. 
Nathaniel Jayne.% 
Benjamin Jayne. 
Daniel Jayne. 
James Jordan. |{{| 
David Junes. 
Stephen Jayne, 
John Johnson. 
James Keeler. 
Dennis Kelly, Jr. 
Wni. Ketch. 
Jacob Kune. 
Sanuiel Ketcham, Sr.^f^ 
Samuel Ketcham, Jr. 
Wm. King. 

Benjamin Ketcham, Sr. 
Benjamin Ketcham, Jr. 
Joseph Ketcham. 
Michael Kelly. 
Thomas Lynch. 
Benjamin Lester. 
Juhti Leonard. 
Thomas Livingston. 
John Lightbody. 
Gabriel Lightbody. 
Isaac Lightbody. 
Andrew Lightbody. 
George Leonard.*** 
Peter Laurie. 
Eleazer Lose. 
James Ledis. 
Sanmel Laws. 
Jacob Laws. 
James Laws. 
Joshua Laudstar, 

Patrick McDonald.ftt 

James McLean. 

Charles McKinney. 

P. McGlochlin.nt 

John McManus. 

John McCarty. 

James Mitchell. 

Hugh McDonnell. 

Barnabas Many. 

Hugh Slurray. 

Azaiiah Martin. 

John McLean. 

James McGnffack. 

Robert MuWhorter. 

John McKeivy. 

Wm. Nicholson. 

Francis Nantine. 

Patrick Odey. 

Patrick O'Duddle. 

Thomas Oliver. 

Ezekiel Osman. 



t Path-master of District No. 19, 1775. 

I Path-master of District No. 10, 1775. 

g Justice of the peace in 1774. 

I Path-master of District No. 11 in 1775. 

^ Path-master of District No.O in 1775. 

** Path-master of District No. 2o in 1775. 

tt Path-master in 1765 for the highway " from the new road to Goshen 
road." 

XX He lived in what is now a part of Rockland County, and was a dele- 
gate to the first Provincial Convention, April 20, 1775. 

§§ Justice of the peace in 1765, and one of those presiding at town- 
meeting of 1765. 

Ill Path-master of District No. 18, 1775. 

flf Path-master of District No. 30, 1775. 

*** Path-master of District No. 39 iu 1775. 

tft Patli-master of District No. 3, 1775 ; undoubtedly Cornwall. 

XU Path-master of District No. 13, 1775. 



758 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Benjamin Prindle, 
John Price. 
Brier Palmer. 
Steplien Peet. 
James Peters. 
Josiati Petl. 
John Pell, Jr. 
John Pecliiiam. 
Tlionias Poicy. 
Joshua Philby. 
John Pride. 
Natlian Pease. 
Gilbert Roberts. 
Samuel Rocket. 
Thomas Sliaw. 
Ebenezer Stephens. 
Stephen Sleet. 
James Sears. 
Thomas Sullivan. 
Samuel Slaughter. 
John Stephens. 
Justus Stephens. 
David Stephens. 
Sylvanus Sayles. 
Stephen Sayles. 
Matthew Sweeney. 
Alexander Sutton. 
Abram Snyder. 
Solomon Servis. 



Moses Strain. 
David Stage. 
Joseph Stephens.* 
Jonathan Stephens.^ 
Ed. Tompkins. 
Michael Thomas. 
Zopher Teed.J 
Abner Thorp.g 
Reuben Taber. 
Jesse Teed. 
Eleazer Taylor. 
Benjamin Thorn. 
Selah Tucker. 
Wm. Thompson, 
.loseph Van Note. 
Joseph Wilcox. 
Sylvanus White. |I 
Henry Wisner, Sr.^ 
Henry Wisner, Jr. 
James Wilkins. 
John Williams. 
Jacob White. 
Gilbert Weeks. 
Thomas Willett. • 
Garret W^illem, Jr. 
John Weygant. 
Arthur Yeomans.** 
E. Youmans. 
S. Youmans. 



The early settlement and subsequent growth of this 
town is shown still further under various heads, as 
churches, military, trade and commerce ; reference 
being made to the chapters of the General History 
for much valuable material with reference to this 
subject. 

In 1821 justices of the peace appointed for Cornwall 
were William A. Clark, Nathaniel Ring, and Nathan 
Westcott. 

Joseph Thorn, the merchant at Salisbury a hun- 
dred years ago and more, has been mentioned, and 
Isaac Van Duzer, at the landing, about the beginning 
of this century. 

Considering the period of 1820 to 1830 the follow- 
ing notes may be given : John E. Chadeayne came 
from Connecticut about 1821, and was for a time in 
business in a store then standing near the present 
Library Hall, opposite Driscoll's public-house. May 
25, 1825, his father, Daniel Chadeayne, reached here 
from Connecticut and with his son formed a mercan- 
tile partnership, which was continued for many years. 
They traded at Canterbury in the store — now an old 
land-mark — beyond the stone bridge, and still occu- 
pied as a store by James Otis Smith, llr. Chadeayne 
had three children : John E., mentioned above ; 
Henry F. ; and a daughter, Mrs. Henry P. Husted. 
The firm was John E. Chadeayne & Co. John E. 
Chadeayne retired from trade after six or eight years. 
His father continued the store alone for a short time, 
and then Henry F. Chadeayne went into trade there. 



* Path-master of District No. 28, 1775. 

t Path-master of District No. 30, 1776. 

t Path-master of District No. 17, 1775. 

a Path-master of District No. 23, 1775. 

II Justice of the peace in 1770. 

1[ Justice of the peace in 1770. 

** Path-master of District No. 38, 1775. 



and continued, with the exception of a year or two 
when he went South, until 1860, a period of more 
than twenty years. Since that time the old store has 
been in the hands of various proprietors : Cordon 
& Birdsall, Daniel L. Birdsall, John L. Davis, Fer- 
guson & Crane, Ferguson alone, Charles S. Ostrander, 
Denniston & Ward, and finally the present proprie- 
tor, James O. Smith. During the absence of Henry F. 
Chadeayne mentioned above James M. Adam's carried 
on the store. 

The brick store, now a meat-market, near the 
Union Hotel, is an old place of trade, first kept by 
Richard Williams, fifty or sixty years ago ; after- 
wards by Nathan Beers, John E. Chadeayne, Henry 
P. Husted, Samuel H. Purdy, Henry F. Chadeayne 
(for a short time after returning from Savannah), 
then by James W. Adams. 

There was a store for many years where the drug- 
store of Peter P. Hazen is now located, kept by Sea- 
man & Dusenberry, 1835 to 1840, or about that time. 

The old store of Lewis Barrett was where the en- 
gine-house is now located. He was succeeded by 
James M. Barrett, Henry Rountree, and Joseph Fer- 
guson. On the corner below was a store by Cock & 
Purdy, as early as 1830, afterwards kept by Samuel 
G. Purdy, by Victor M. and George W. Purdy, the 
former also trading for a time alone, then by James 
M. Barrett for some years. Subsequent proprietors 
were L. P. Bayard, Barrett & Monell, James Milva- 
ney, and Charles Ostrander. Before Cock & Purdy it 
was a very early store by Samuel Purdy. 

At the dock the old store of Isaac Van Duzer was 
succeeded by Weeks & Griffin, by McFarlan, and by 
Livingston. 

Edward Falls kept store opposite the Union Hotel. 

Nathan Clark, yet in trade, commenced business 
about 1827, and now after more than fifty years he is 
found at the same place. He has a general country 
store, transacts from his dock shipping business, deals 
in coal, as well as a large miscellaneous business. 

Dr. Isaac Tobias was an early physician, living in 
the west part of the town. He practiced for many 
years. Other physicians of a later period were Dr. 
Alexander Clinton, who lived at Canterbury, on the 
present Edwards place ; afterwards removed to New 
York and died there. Dr. Elihu Hedges, who had 
an extensive ride for and near, dying in 1824, young 
and in the midst of an active career, his homestead 
now being owned by his daughter. Miss Mary T. 
Hedges. Dr. Heaton, who practiced for many years, 
and whose son-in-law, Dr. John M. Gough, was in 
partnership with him for a time. A grandson, Dr. 
Thomas Heaton, is now in practice in this town. 
Contemporary with Dr. Gough was Dr. Ball, who re- 
moved to Brooklyn. Dr. William Morrison acquired 
an extensive practice, and became a physician of 
much note. He died in 1853 or 1854. 

As to where the earliest tavern was located there is 
little evidence. Doubtless there was one at the dock. 



CORNWALL. 



759 



There was no doubt one at a very early date in Can- 
terbury ; also in Bethlehem, and at Salisbury. As 
for the great leading public roads it is usually safe to 
calculate that in the era preceding the opening of 
railways about every alternate house was a tavern. 
A search among the loose papers of the town clerk's 
office and among the books reveals no " license lists," 
such as may be found in some towns nearly a hundred 
years old. The destruction of the papers of the town 
clerk's offices (sometimes purposely by a strange in- 
considerateness) blocks the way in many cases to any 
I)ositive information. There is probably not a town 
that did not have at one time or another all the ma- 
terials for a full history on this and similar points. 
If towns will burn their old papers, their old road 
surveys, and their old assessment-rolls, defects must 
be expected in any minute history. 

Isaac R. Van Duzer, a native of this town, practiced 
law from 1825 to 1830, or about that time, and re- 
moved to Goshen. George M. Grier practiced law in 
Cornwall fifty years ago, continuing for several years. 
Benjamin H. Mace, of Newburgh, came to Cornwall 
a year or .so during his early career as a lawyer. 
Ebenezer C. Sutherland, a native of this town, was 
a practicing lawyer for many years. His son, Daniel 
E. Sutherland, is an attorney at the present time in 
Canterbury. At Cornwall-on-the-Hudson are three 
lawyers, William H. Clark, Daniel E. Pope, and 
Charles H. Fuller. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 

The precinct of Cornwall was organized in 1764, and 
comprised the eastern or river portion of the earlier 
Goshen Precinct. The dividing line was so drawn 
that nearly all of the territory comprising the present 
towns of Blooming-Grove, Cornwall, Highlands, and 
Monroe were included in the new precinct. The fol- 
lowing interesting extracts from the records, compris- 
ing the first precinct-meeting of 176.5, throw not only 
considerable direct light upon the civil history, but 
also furnish the most reliable data for determining 
the names of the early settlers. 

FIRST TOWN-MEETING. 

"At a meeting of the freeholdere and inlLibitaLUs of the precinct of 
Cornwall, in the county of Orange, on the first Tuesday in April, 1765, 
at the house of John Brewster in Blooming-Grove, pursuant to an act of 
the Lieutenant-Governor, Council, ami General Assembly of the Province 
of New York for that purpose. 

"Present — Selah Strong, Nathaniel Jayne, Daviil Smith, and Amos 
Mills, Esqs., Justices of the Peace. 

" Voted, John Brewster, Sr., clerk ; Hezekiah Howell, Sr., supervisor; 
John Brewster, David Smith, and Zachariah Dubois, commissioners of 
highways; Jeremiah Coleman, assessor ; John Hudson, collector; Elihu 
Marvin and Samuel Moffatt, overseers of Jhe poor; John Hudson, con- 
stable for Blooming-Grove ; Hophni Smith, constable for Smith's Clove; 
J. Sackett, constable for the water side; John Woolley, overseer of the 
road from the new meeting-house to Martin Remilies; Bazaliel Seely, 
for Oxford, from Israel Seley's to Gregory's ; Joseph Hildrige, from the 
new road to Goshen road; Nathaniel Seeley, from James Sear's to Sater- 
lie's mill ; Hezekiah Howell, for Blag's Clove ; Steven Gilbert, for Goshen 
road, from the precinct line to the Otterkill; Jusiah Reeder, from the 
Otterkill to Coll Matthews'; Joseph Chandler, from Coll Matthews' to 
county line ; Francis Drake, from Henry Mapes' to Thomas Uapes' ; 



James Halsted, from Teed's bridge on new road to Sterling; Benjamin 
strong, from the meeting-house to .\dam Collins' and to the new school- 
house; Thomas Smith, from Jolm Earle's to Cave's; Joel Tuthill, from 
Curtis Coleman's to Nathaniel Curtis' mill, and so along to the Round 
Hill; Richard Goldsmith, from John Brewster's to Gilbert's; Silas 
Youngs, from the end of Oxford road to R. Youngs' ; Benjamin Gregory, 
from his house to Oxford ; David Sherod and Timothy Brewster, overseers 
for the water side; David Smith, from Gregory's to John Earle's on the 
Clove road ; Juli Smith, from his house to Car's, and from his house to 
Dunbar's; Elihu Marvin and Archibald Little, fence-viewers for Oxford; 
Austin Smith and John Earles, tor Woodbury Clove; Joseph Wood and 
Jeremiah Clark, for New Cornwall ; John Brewster and David Coleman 
for Blooming-Grove." 

At this time the town was very large, embracing 
the present towns of Cornwall, Blooming-Grove, and 
Monroe, with a part of Chester. 

The justices of the peace during this period of ten 
years were Selah Strong, Nathaniel Jayne, David 
Smith, Amos Mills, Archibald Little, William Thorn, 
Henry Wisner, Silvanus White, John Griffith. 

In 1777 the precinct-meetings were conducted under 
the direction of four committee-men in place of the 
justices. In that year the committee were Elihu Mar- 
vin, Thomas Moffatt, Daniel Coleman, and Samuel 
Strong. 

Thus far it does not appear that the precinct had 
adopted a set of laws for its government, such as we 
find in other precincts. Though the precinct ap- 
pointed overseers of the poor, yet the records do not 
show that any poor money was raised for their sup- 
port during these ten years. The precinct brand in 
1774 was the letter C. In 1875, £60 was raised for 
support of the poor; in 1787, £25 ; in 1788, £30 ; in 
1789, £30. It does not appear how the poor were sup- 
ported, or that the poor-masters ever accounted to the 
precinct or its officers for the expenditure of the 
money. 

In 1793 they began to adopt regulations to govern 
the town, and among them that a pound be built 
near John Brewster's, Blooming-Grove ; one near 
John Barton's, Murderer's Creek ; one at John 
Weygant's, Smith's Clove ; and a pair of stocks at 
each pound. This was a rigid beginning. The 
fences to be built four feet four inches high, thick 
and strong. In 1797 every ram found running at 
large was to be sold for the use of the poor. 

In 1769, Selah Strong, William Thorn, Henry Wis- 
ner, Jr., and Sylvanus White, four of His Majesty's 
justices, declared the indenture of the apprentice 
James Simmons void by the ill treatment of his 
master, and discharged the apprentice. 

1788, Capt. Tuthill and Richard Goldsmith were 
appointed a committee to go to Capt. Sloat's to con- 
sult with a county committee. 

The records appear to have been very regularly 
kept from the beginning, but principally confined to 
the election of town officers, districting roads, record- 
ing them, and appointing overseers. There is very 
little variety and less legislation found in them. 

Names of Placks mentioned previous to 
1790. — Water-side, Blooming-Grove, Smith's Clove, 



760 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



New Meeting-House, Oxford, Nathaniel Satterly's 
Mill, Blagg's Clove, Otterkill, Teed^s Bridge, Stirling, 
Round Hill, Woodbury Clove, New Coruwall, Yel- 
verton's Mill, Blooming-Grove Meeting-House, Ter- 
nity Bridge, Munger's House, Limerock, Butter Hill 
(1767), Furnace Boad, Lawyer Smith's Mill, Stirling 
Iron-Works, Knight's Mills, Long Fond, Carpenter's 
Mills, Murderer's Creek, Natural Bridge, John Mc- 
Adus' Cabin, Popelops' Kill, the Furnace, Samuel 
Shelden's Saw-Mill, the P\irnace at the mouth of 
Capt. Bull's lane, Earle's Burying-Place, Forest of 
Dean, Palmer's Bridge, Old Warwick Road, Cole- 
man's Bridge, Stony Brook, Stephen Hulse's Bridge, 
Indian Fields in Smith's Clove, Cromeline's Creek, 
Absalom Townsend's Mill, Stony Brook Bridge, West 
Point, Bethlehem, Paul Howell's Grist-Mill, Chester, 
Mountain Road, worked by the army, Jordan's Bridge, 
Ketcham's Mills, Selahtown on the mountain, Stone 
Spring near Forest of Dean, on the road to Fort 
Montgomery, Langford Thorn's Bridge, Sugar-Loaf, 
Troutbrook, Bull's Pond, on a hill, Elias Ring's Mill, 
Gray Court, Bear Hill. Torn Mountain, Queensborough 
Furnace, Peartree Grove, Canterbury, Thorn's Tan 
Vat, Thorn's Saw-Mill, Green Pond, Queensborough 
Minehole District, Sugar-loaf Valley, Poverty Hollow. 
For the purpose of throwing further light upon the 
names and location of the inhabitants at the opening 
of the Revolution, we next give the records in full of 
the town-meeting of 1775: 

" At a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the precinct of 
Cornwall, held at the houBe of John Brewster, on tlie first Tuesday of 
April, 1775, according to an act of the Governor, the Council, and the 
General Assembly uf tlie Province of New York for that purpose, to 
chouse these ufficeis, — 

" Present— Archibald Little, Wm. Thorn, justices uf tin- peace. 

*' Chose John Brewster, Jr., clerk; Nathaniel Strong, supin isi>r; John 
Brewster, James Mattiiews, Ebenezer Wood,connnissiunei-b ul tin.- roads, 
and to serve for nothing; Elihu Marvin, constable and collects 

"Assessors: District No. 1, Obadiah Smith; No. ", Wm. Moflait ; No, 
3, Capt. Silas Pierson ; Nu. 4, Seth Marvin ; No. 5, Capt. Austin Smith ; 
No. 6, Reuben Youngs. 

"Hophni Smitli, constable; Viuceut Helms, constable, and Thomas 
Helms security. 

" David Sutheriand, Jr., constable for the water-side. 

"Path-masters: District No. 1, Jeremiah Clark ; No. 2,'Wm.Roe; No. 
3, Patrick McDonald ; No. 4, Sandu Galloway : No. 5, David Miller; No. 
6, George Galloway; No. 7, Joseph Thorn; No. 8, Richard Goldsmith; 
No. 9, Justus Hulse; No. 10, Thomas Everson ; No. 11, "Wm. Herd; No. 
12, EbenezerWoodhuIl;No.l3,PatnckMcGlochlin ; No. 14, Joliii Wright 
Clark; No. li, Josiah Seely; No. 16, Nathan Marvin; No. 17, Zopher 
Teed; No. 18, James Jordon; No. VJ, Richard CoIIingwuod; No.20, Jona- 
than Tuthill ; No. 21, Nathan Strong; No. 22, Samuel Smith ; "No. 23, 
Abner Thorp ; No. 24, James Galloway; No. 25, Wni. Hunter; No. 26, 
Joshua Miller; No. 27, Hugh McDonald; No. 28, Joseph Stephens; No. 
30, Samuel Ketchaili, Sr. ; No. 31, Isaac Van Duzer, Jr. ; No. 33, Jonas 
Smith ; No. 34, Robert Armstrong; No. 35, Cornelius Swim; No. 30, Fred- 
erick Tobias; No 37, Paul Howell ; No. 3;^, Arthur Yeomans; No. 39, 
George Leonard ; No. 40, Isaac Brown ; No. 41, John Smith ; No. 42, Na- 
thaniel Satterly ; No. 43, Thomas Coleman; No. 44, Alexander Suther- 
land; No. 45, John Hause ; No. 46, Jacob Parliaman." 

For the same purpose of showing names and loca- 
tions, we turn to the records at a point twenty-three 
years later, and give in full the officers elected at the 
town-meeting of 1798. 

This meeting, the last before the division (and prob- 



ably the first held anywhere else except at John Brew- 
ster's), assembled at the house of John Weygant, in 
Smith's Clove, on the first Tuesday in April, 1708. 
There were present and presiding as justices of the 
peace Joseph Chandler, Obadiah Smith, Anselm 
Helms, and Michael Hey. The officers chosen were 
as follows, viz, : 

Town Clerk, James D. Secor ; Supervisor, Anselm 
Helms; Commissioners of Roads, John McDowell, 
Wm. Clark, Daniel Knowlton ; Assessors, Obadiah 
Smith, Michael Hey, Richard Goldsmith, Paul How- 
ell, Henry Mansfield, Moses Cunningham ; Collector, 
Daniel Knowlton ; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel 
Knowlton, Josiah Seeley, Jr. ; Constables, Henry 
Mansfield, Amos Whitmore, Silas Aldridge, Henry 
Danes, Thomas Knowlton, Jeremiah Trickay, Benja- 
min Rowe, Obadiah Cunningham, Daniel Knowlton, 
Samuel Smith; Commissioners ofvScliools, Zephaniah 
Halsey, Wm. Denniston, Thomas North, Seth Marvin, 
James D. Secor, Obadiah Smith. 

The path-masters were: 



Henry Reynolds. 
Stephen Cripsey. 
Joseph Sutherland. 
Gilbert Webb. 
John Hammon. 
John Cronkite. 
David D. Hines. 
Zebulon Townsend. 
Adolphus Van Duzer. 
Roger Barton. 
Nicholas Townsend. 
Ezra Earte. 
Amos Miller. 
Michael Hey, justice. 
David Rogers. 
Benjamin Bennett. 
James Parliaman. Jr. 
Gilbert Smith, Jr. 
James Webb. 
Joseph Stevens. 
Samuel Gregory. 
Moses Cunningham. 
Jacob Compton. 
John Cooper. 
Charles Cunningham. 
Gilbert King. 
Samuel Tuthill, Jr. 
James Crummond. 
Cornelius Beard. 
John Marvin. 
John McDowell, justice. 
Isaac Bull. 
John Brooks. 
Joseph Ketcham. 



No. 

37. Daniel Bull. 

38. Selah Strong. 

39. Hezekiah Howell, Jr. 

40. Sail Coleman. 

41. Joseph Chandler, justice. 

42. Isaac Dubois. 

43. Jonathan Brooks. 

44. John Reeder. 

45. Johannes Decker. 

46. Nathaniel Woodhnll, Jr. 

47. Joshua Curtis. 

48. John Chambers. 

49. David Williams. 

50. Zephaniah Halsey. 

51. Benjamin Hiilse. 

52. David Hawkins. 

53. Theodore Hard. 

54. H. Gregg. 

55. Abraham Butler. 

56. Wm.Biill. 

58. Wm. Whitmore. 

59. Nathan Ramsey. 

60. Richanl Woodhull. 

61. Robert Gregg. 

62. Jeremiah Horton. 

63. Patrick Casady. 

64. Amos Wood. 

65. Paul Howell. 

66. Cibadiah Smith. 

67. John Rider. 

68. Peter Lamoreaux, Jr. 

69. Henry Brewster. 

70. Solomon Earle. 

71. Isaac P. Lamoreaux. 



Pound-masters, Isaac Moore, Peter Lamoreux, 
John AVeygant, Charles Cunningham, James Sears; 
Fence-viewers, John Cronk, Richard Williams, Wm. 
Clark, Samuel Arthur, Richard Wilkes, Wm. Hunter, 
John Weygant, Amos Miller, Daniel Bull, Samuel 
Davis, John Tuthill, John Brewster. 

Voted the next meeting to Capt. Patrick Suther- 
land's, at Canterbury. 

The following were the principal town officers from 
1765 to 1880: 



CORNWALL. 



761 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

17G5 Hezekiah HowcU. John Brewster, Sr. 

nOG-CS " " 

17l'>9-":l " " Joliu Brewster, Jr. 

1774-78 Natlianiel .^trons- " " 

1779-00 Col. Jesse Woodlmll. 

1791 Jeremiah Clark. 

1792 Col. Jesse Woodhnll, " " 

1793-94 Jeremiah Clark. " " 

1798-97 Selah Strong. Daniel Brewster. 

1798 - Ansehn Helms. James I). Secor. 

1799 .'..... Junatlian Cooley. Jeremiah Clark. 

1800 Obadiiih Smith. 

l«01-;i Wm. A. Clark. 

18114 " " Ohadiali Sniitll. 

1804-0 Ohadiah Smith. Jeremiuli Clark. 

1807-9 " " NatliaiiicI Barton. 

1810 Joseph Cliandler. " " 

1811 Wm. A.Clark. 

lsl*.i-14 losepli Chandler, Jr. Thomas Carpenter, Jr. 

ISLI-n " " Nathaniel Barton, 

1818-20 Wm. A. Clark. " 

1S2I " " Natlianiel Westcott. 

1822-2:j " " Gilbert C. I'eet. 

1824...... John Smith. " 

1825 " " John W. Kurd. 

1826-28 " " Natlnin Westcott. 

1829 " " John L. Dusinherry. 

18.10-31 " " Ehenezer C. Sutherland. 

1832 " " Samnei W. Hnril. 

1833-34 " " Isaac Seaman. 

1835 Isaac Seaman. Wm. Morrison. 

1835-37 " " Henry F. Cliadeayne. 

1838 Samuel Townsend. " " 

1839-41 " "■ James O. Adams. 

1842 " " lleniy V. ('hadeayne. 

1843 " " Georjie W. Puidy. 

1844 " " Henrv K. Cliadeayne. 

184.5 " " Wm. II. Rider. 

1846-4S John Denniston. *' " 

1849-5.1 " " Al.ijah Dan. 

1864 Isaiah Townsend. Natlian B. I'otts. 

1855 Robert E. Ring. Harvey B. Adams. 

18511 Dvei- Brewster. Noah Townsend. 

1867 ■" " Tliomas B. Merritt. 

1868 James 0. Adams. " " 

1859-61 Peter C. Regan. " " 

1802 Robert E. Ring. " " 

18t!3 " " Noah Townsend. 

1804 " " B. L. Moore. 

1865 Wm. S. Brown. Daniel B Foster. 

1860 Smith Fancher. Sauford B. Cocks. 

1867 Lewis Beach. Dyer Brewster. 

1868-69 JohnOrr. 

1870-71 Gilbert Tompkins. " " 

1872-74 " " Henry B. Breed. 

1875 •' " Floyd C. Clark. 

1876 Wm. H.Clark. 

1877 Isaac Denniston, Jr. " " 

187S " " Henrv B. Breed. 

1879 CiiarlesG. Hoilser. Lewis T. Schnltz. 

1880 William Orr. Samuel Young, Jr. 

JUSTICES OF THE PE.\CE.* 
1765, Selah Strong, Nathaniel Jayne, David Sniitii, Amos Mills; 1770, 
Archibald Little, Sylvanus White, William Thorn, Henry Wislier; 
1774, John Griffith; 1776, James Peters, Esq. ; 1777, James Marvin, 
Thomas Moft'att. Daniel Coleman. Samnei Strong; 1778, Elisha Mar- 
vin, Nathaniel Strong, Natlianiel Satterly; 1779, Jeremiah Clark, 
Joseph Chandler; 17S3, Archibald Cunningham; 1788, Hezekiah 
White; 17S9, George Brown ; 1791, Ansehn Helms; 1794, Nathaniel 
Dubois; 1790, Thomas North, Obadiah Smith, John McDowell, 
•Michael Hay; 1799, Jeremiah Clark; 1801, Joseph Chandler; 1803, 
Jonathan Cooley; 1804, Michael Smith; 1805, Samuel Sayre; 1812, 
Josepli Chandler, Jr. ; 1814, Wm. A. Clark ; 1819, Richard A. Kronk- 
hyte; 1821, Nathan Westcott, John Smith; 1.S22, Nathaniel Ring; 
1828, Nathan Smith, James O. Adams; 1830,t James 0. Adams; 1831, 
John Wiuneld ; 1832, Nathan Westcott; 1833, Wm. A. Clark; 1834, 
James 0. Adams, Amos H. Thorn ; 1835, Richard A, Kronkhyte ; 
1836, William Morrison ; 18.17, William H. Townsend, Fianeis E. 
Weygant; 1838, James O. Adams; 1839, Isaac Faurot; 1840, Robert 
Duiicansoil; 1841, Wm. H. Townsend; 1842, William Morrison; 
1843, Isaac Faurot; 1S44, Robert Duncanson; 1845, Francis T. Ben- 
jamin; 1846, John McKibben; 1847, Nicholas 0. Vought; 1848, 
Bloses CuDiiingham, Merritt Coleman, Isaac Faurot; 1849, Merritt 
Coleman; 1850, John BIcKibben; 1851, Wm. H. Cari)enter; 1852, 
Moses Cunningham ; 1853, Merritt Coleman ; 1,854, Nathan B. Potta ; 
1856, Wm. Avery, Benjamin S. Ketcbam ; 1856, Gilbert Tompkins, 

* They presided at precinct- and town-meetings. The names are given 
under the dates when they first appear in the lecords. 
f After this date elected by the people at the annual town-meetings. 
49 



Jr. ; 1857, Benjamin S. Ketcham ; 1858, Dauiel C. Birdsall ; 1859, 
Wm. Avery; 1800, Gilbert Tompkins; 1861, Benjamin S. Ketcham ; 
1862, Abijah Dan; 1863, Wm. Avery; 1S64, Dyer Brewster, Moses 
Cunningham ; 1865, Benjamin S. Ketcham, James Couser; 1866, 
Darius Truesdell ; 1867, Wm. Avery ; 1808, Ephrairn F. Bullis ; 1869, 
Dyer Brewster (same to fill vacancy); 1870, Daniel .Swezey (same to 
fill vacancy) ; 1S71, Wm. Avery ; 1872, Ephraim F. Bullis ; 1873, 
Henry Van Duzer, Charles G. Houser, Wm. II. Clark ; 1874, Wm. H. 
Clark ; 1876, Henry Van Duzer; 1876, Amos M. Hollctt {same to 811 
vacancy) : 1877, Charles Ketcham ; 1878, Noah I. Clark ; 1879, Henry 
Van Duzer; 1880, Amos M. Holletl. 



v.— VILLAGES, NEIGHBOKHOODS, Etc. 

CORNWALL 

as a name of early times, properly belongs to the 

landing-place on the river, though the name can 

scarcely be located at the present time. 

Daniel Tobias did bnsiness as a shipper there about 
the beginning of this century. He sailed a sloop as 
shown below. Isaac Van Duzer was a merchant about 
the same time. His name a])pears in connection with 
much of the early public business. Mr. Lewis Beach, 
in his recent work upon Cornwall, gives the following 
account of the commerce of this river-port. 

At the beginning of the present century the freight- 
ing business was done from a dock which stood near 
the Gillis brick-yard of modern times. It was reached 
by a road through the ravine which skirts the Ryckman 
estate on the north. From this point Capt. Daniel 
Tobias sailed a sloop, and kept a store near the land- 
ing. The name of Tobias is closely associated with 
the freighting business for nearly half a century. 
Capt. Daniel S. Tobias of recent times, and superin- 
tendent of the salmon warehouse for many years, was 
grandson of Dr. Isaac Tobias. The latter lived on 
the William Halstead place, near Salisbury, and died 
there in 1808. The father of Daniel S., whose name 
was Isaac S. (a brother of Daniel), removed from the 
old dock in 1807, and erected the house occupied in 
late years by the oarsman. Josh Ward. At this time 
there was no direct communication between the river 
and the table-land above. He built the road at his 
own expense as far as the first bridge, where it con- 
nected with the present road to Willisville, which 
latter road was then in existence. 

Capt. Nathaniel Ring also sailed a sloop from the 
old dock. He afterwards built the dock at the land- 
ing owned in modern times by Mead & Taft. There 
was also the old dock at the foot of Sloop IJill, long 
since gone to decay. In 1810, Capt. Reuben Reynolds 
came from New Windsor, and raised tlie house occu- 
pied in recent times by Charles Brown, and built the 
dock in front of it, afterwards used as a coal-yard. 
About that time also Capts. Reynolds and Tobias built 
and launched the sloop " Hamlet." In 1812, Capt. To- 
bias sold out to Isaac Van Duzer, and retired to a farm 
in the west end of the town. 

The Clark dock, the most southerly one, was built 
about 1827 by Nathan Clark. Cajit. Daniel S. Tobias 
began his river-life at that time, going before the mast 
under command of Capt. Reynolds. At the same time 



762 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Capt. John Sifferth sailed the sloop " Exchange" for 
Isaac Van Duzer. A new era now took place in trans- 
portation which has revolutionized the commerce of 
the world. In 1828, Capt. Isaac Van Duzer built the 
first steamboat for freighting purposes ever con- 
structed on the river. It was cautiously named the 
" Experiment," and boldly belied its name by proving 
a success. The shipwright was Silas Corwin. The 
craft was built at New Windsor. Her boilers and 
engine were furnished by Isaiah and John Townsend, 
of Albany. She was run for several years by Isaac 
Van Duzer, and tjicn sold to Weeks & Griffin. Weeks 
at that time kept the hotel that in later years became 
the Charles Brown jilace. Weeks & Griffin sold the 
boat to Henry Bertholf & Co., who ran her four or 
five years. She next became the property of Hudson 
McFarland, Mr. Mitchell, Dr. Morrison, and Capt. 
Tobias. The latter ran her for a year, when her en- 
gine became disabled, and it was not thought best to 
repair it. This venerable pioneer boat was then con- 
verted into a barge, and sailed as such from New 
Windsor under the command of Capt. Dyer Brewster. 

Upon the retirement of the " Experiment," the 
steamboat " Wave" took her place, but only for a few 
months. The next year the " Union" was put on and 
officered by Capt. Tobias. Then came the " General 
Jackson," acting as tow to the Newburgh and New 
Windsor barges. The completion of the Erie Rail- 
road to Piermont struck a fatal blow to the freighting 
interests of Cornwall. This occurred in 1837. Up to 
this period a large portion of the produce of the back 
country for a distance of thirty miles had sought tide- 
water at Cornwall. The farmers' wagons often formed 
an extended line near the landing awaiting their turn 
to unload. The principal articles of shipment were 
hay, straw, butter, hoop-poles ("mountain wheat," as 
they were called), farm produce, hickory-wood, bricks, 
and live stock. The " General Jackson" was followed 
by the " Gazelle," which ran as far as Poughkeepsie, 
and merely called at Cornwall. The " Columbia" 
succeeded the " Gazelle." About 1856, Henry Clark 
bought the " Orange County," and placed her on the 
line between Cornwall and the city. She was run by 
Capt. Joseph Ketchum, and continued her trips down 
to 1864. During this period the culture of small fruits, 
especially the Antwerp, had been embarked in, and 
fruit formed an important item of freight. 

The name Cormoall, as applied to a village, has 
scarcely any definite location. The post-office Corn- 
wall is at Canterbury, while nearer the Hudson is the 
post-office Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. 

CANTERBURY. 

This is by far the oldest village in the town, and is 
also the largest in population. The modern growth 
of all this section has connected this village to the 
other villages in the vicinity, though there are lines 
of separation which residents understand, however 
much they may puzzle a casual visitor to distinguish. 



The name was applied to the place at an early day, 
and was very likely suggested by emigrants from 
England, in memory of Canterbury, situated in the 
County of Kent. The small stream passing through 
this village was known as Canterbury Creek. In 
later years near the Hudson it is know^n as Idlewild 
Brook, from the location there of the country-seat of 
the poet, N. P. Willis. The water-power furnished 
by this stream was formerly of considerable value, 
and several mills were located upon its banks. 
The brick factory occupied in modern times by 
James Winne as a joiner-shop was formerly used as 
a tannery. John Cromwell was the proprietor, and 
continued this business until the scarcity of bark led to 
its abandonment. The mill beside the Willow Avenue 
bridge, now the Taylor planing-mill, was run by J. 
H. and W. Atkin.son as a yarn- and woolen-mill. 

The earliest settlement in this section was not on 
the present site of Canterbury, but a little to the 
south, on the plain at the base of the mountains. A 
very early house is spoken of by a recent writer as 
that of Patrick Sutherland, which stood on the Justus 
Sackett farm. No trace of it now remains. It is said 
that a stone taken from this house may still be seen 
in the wall before the residence of Mrs. Concklin, on 
Clinton Street, bearing the inscription, " P. S. & W. 
S., 1747." This is supposed to indicate the date when 
the house mentioned was built. 

There are many fine residences in Canterbury. 
Pleasant drives abound in every direction. In the 
near vicinity are charming glens, mountain-slopes, 
forests still wild and dense ; while a few miles away 
are the bold, storm-swept summits of the Highlands, 
and places rich in legendary lore, as well as in the 
memories of the Revolutionary age. 

The village hotel, known as the Union House, is 
kept by Mrs. IMoore. It has been a well-known house 
of public entertainment for a long series of years. It 
is a pleasant, quiet, home-like place, not ambitious of 
the rush of summer travel, but oflering many attrac- 
tions to the traveler in the way of excellent taljle, 
pleasant rooms, and quiet, courteous attention. 

CORNWALL-ON-THE-IIUDSON. 

This is the name of the post-office located on the 
upland above the older village at the river, and yet 
east of Canterbury. The growth of a fine village at 
this point rendered post-office facilities desirable, and 
the name is appropriate, as the post-office " Corn- 
wall" is located at Canterbury, while this new office 
supplies the section between Canterbury and the 
river. The office was established Jan. 1, 1862, and 
Charles E. Cock appointed postmaster. He was suc- 
ceeded in June, 1877, by the present incumbent, 
Leonard N. Wyant. The office was raised to a third- 
class office Jan. 1, 1879. In this immediate vicinity 
there are several pleasant boarding-houses for sum- 
mer guests, the Cornwall Library building, the Tem- 
perance Hall, and a number of stores. 



CORNWALL. 



763 



The place is also known as " the Corners," from the 
number of roads which intersect here. It is also 
designated Willisville, in honor of N. P. Willis, whose 
residence was not far away. 

IDLEWILD. 

This is the name given by the late N. P. Willis to 
his country-seat on the sovitliern bank of Canterbury 
Creek, and near to the Hudson. He had spent some 
time in this vicinity, and was charmed with the climate, 
as exceedingly favorable to recovery from pulmonary 
disease, with which he was afflicted. He finally pur- 
chased a tract, and erected a handsome villa-residence. 
The name is said to have arisen from the rei)ly of a 
friend when Mr. Willis was examining the glen and 
the rough, unpromising locality, " Oh," said his friend, 
" this is nothing but an idle wild." The passing phrase, 
caught up by the fancy of the poet, was at once be- 
stowed upon the place. Here, in these retired .shades, 
he passed the remaining years of his life, rendering 
the secluded nook and all the surrounding country 
famous by the charming productions of his pen. 

His location here and his enthusiastic descriptions 
of the delightful scenery and pure air of Cornwall 
undoubtedly had much influence in inducing others 
to come to Cornwall, and giving an impulse to the 
growth of the village. Even business men are ready 
to pay tribute not only to the memory of his genius 
as a writer of poetry ajad the most charming of prose, 
but as in many respects the patron, almost the founder, 
of modern Cornwall. The world knew Idlewild 
through the writings of Mr. Willis, and in seeking 
Idlewild they discovered Cornwall. The name has 
found ready acceptance in this community. The 
creek long known as Canterbury has become Idlewild 
Brook, there is Idlewild Avenue, Idlewild Lodge, and 
Idlewild post-office. The latter is, however, so far 
away from Idlewild itself as to be another specimen 
of the incongruous nomenclature existing in this 
locality. The Idlewild post-office is at the station on 
the Short-Cut Newburgh Branch Railway, three miles 
or more from the residence of the late Mr. Willis. 

The people of this growing place will surely have 
to resort to incorporation to save themselves from a 
flood of names and from an astonishing confusion in 
their application. Idlewild is three miles from Idle- 
wild ; Cornwall is Canterbury ; Canterbury is Corn- 
wall ; Cornwall-on-the-Hudson is not on the Hudson, 
but another village is that perhaps was Cornwall once, 
but it is not certain what its name now is, though it 
may be Riverside ; and besides there is Willisville, 
Roeville, Garnerville, and " the Corners," all in use 
on the same territory, to say nothing of Glen Ridge, 
Angola, Montana, and others waiting along the bor- 
ders for a chance to enter the devoted town. 

GARNERVILLE 

is one of the local names at once convenient and con- 
fusing. It designates a cluster of buildings between 



Canterbury and "the Corners," erected on property 
formerly belonging to a colored man of that name who 
died some years ago. The houses are of a simple, plain 
character, and occupied in the main by laborers and 
mechanics. The Catholic church is in this locality. 

RIVERSIDE. 
This is the new name given to what in this article 
we have called "Cornwall," namely, the landing and 
the village lying along the river near it. This has 
also been known as " the Hollow," or simply " The 
Landing." Its present business (1880) may be briefly 
stated as follows : Boat-house and boats to let by P. 
Clark ; the same business by Dan. and Ed. Ward ; 
Mead & Taft's lumber-yard, etc., mentioned else- 
where ; Highland Hotel, by Charles M. Brown ; the 
Ward House, by the celebrated oarsman. Josh. Ward ; 
Seaman's store, dry goods and groceries; Jonas Mc- 
Laughlin, boots and shoes ; the old store of Nathan 
Clark, with the dock established by him fifty years 
ago; a coal-yard, by Wm. Hunter; a dry-dock or 
"ways," not much used now ; and last but not least, 
the old central dock, the well-known Carpenter prop- 
erty, at which all the passenger boats land. 

ROEVILLE. 
This hamlet is north of the Idlewild Brook, on the 
road from Canterbury to Newburgh. It is named 
from Mr. James G. Roe, whose fine summer resort, 
known as Glen Ridge House, occupies a beautiful and 
commanding summit near. The village lies along the 
east part of Hunter Avenue, which extends from the 
Newburgh road to Willow Avenue. The Glen Ridge 
House is a spacious building, conveniently arranged 
to accommodate a large number of guests. The 
grounds are extensive, and winding walks along the 
deep wild glen to the east lead guests into the very 
depths of nature's secluded haunts. 

THE MONTANA WOOLEN-MILLS 
have developed something of a village around them. 
They are situated on Murderer's Creek, near the north 
line of the town. The following editorial description 
recently appeared in the village paper: 

" Moutana is a hamlet on Moodna Creek, at the foot of Willow Avenue, 
about one mile from the village of Cornwall (Canterbury), and mainly 
consists of the dwellings of the operatives of the mill, the princijial street 
being a continuation of Willow Avenue, terminating at the iron bridge 
near Mr. Orr's flour-mills. The village is pleasantly situated, the woolen- 
mill occupying the eastern end. The building inclosing the machinery 
where the fabiics are made, is four stories high, 50 feet wide, and 276 
feet long. We first ascended to the fourth story, where we found six 
seta of cards, consisting of eighteen machines, all in active operation. 
These machines receive the raw wool at the first machine, which cleans 
it and passes it on to the second, where it is carded and passed on to the 
third. There it is again carded and formed into a cord and wound upon 
rollers ready for the spinning-mules, which are on the floor below. 
There are four of these machines, all double, and, together with four 
sets of patent punched goods machines, occupy the whole floor. On the 
second floor are thirty-eight fancy looms, and the latest patent machinery 
for finishing goods. On the lower floor are washing and drying appa- 
ratus, the dye-room, containing six large kettles boiled by steam, capa- 
ble of dyeing 1000 pounds of wool a day, the boiler and engine-room. 
The engine is a splendid specimen of the skill of the Wi-ight works of 



764 



HISTOKY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Newburgh, and is of 80 horse-power. The boilers are also 80 horse-power 
each. In additiuti to steam tiiey use water-power, having a fall of twenty 
feet and a turbine wheel. 

" One hundred and twenty-five operatives, men, women, boys, and 
girls, are constantly employed, who turn out from the looms 400 yards, 
and from tlie patent machines 80 ' yards daily, — total 1200 yards, — cassi- 
meres, overcoatings, and ladies' cloakings, single and double widths; all 
of which is sold iu New York City. The water-power is frequently used 
six months in the year, and the average consumption of coal per year is 
GOO tons. The oflice of the mills is in a building a little higher up the 
hill. flir. IJroadlieiid has now carried on this exten.«ive business for 
eleven yeare, having purcliased the mill in ISfiO, with the usual ups and 
downs of manufacturing life, and it is anticipated that when the new 
railroad is completed from Middletown to New York a greater impulse 
will be given to this as well as other manufactures." 

MOUNTAIjVVILLE 
is a village in the southwest part of the town, near the 
southern bend of Murderer's Creek. It is a station 
upon the Newburgli Branch (Short-Cut) of the Erie 
Railroad. A post-otiice was established at this place 
one year after the railroad was opened. The post- 
master appointed wa.s John Orr, who retains the office 
to the present time (1880). The village has a location 
of much beauty, including choice scenery in the val- 
leys of both the Moodna and the Ramapo. It has 
had considerable additions since the opening of the 
railroad. It is near to the mineral spring, and for 
this and other reasons it is receiving a fair share of 
the summer travel, and many boarders remain for 
several weeks in the delightful locality. 

SALISBURY MILLS 
post-office accommodates a portion of the town of 
Cornwall, but the village is mostly within the town of 
Blooming-Grove, to which reference is made for further 
particulars. 

BETHLEHEM 

is a neighborhood in the northwest part of the town 
on the public road leading from New Windsor to Go- 
shen, and about five miles southwest of the former 
village. The name was first applied to the Presbyte- 
rian church established there in early times; as men- 
tioned elsewhere. Afterwards the neighborhood be- 
came known by the same designation. During the 
Revolutionary war a part of the American army was 
encamped for a time near the church. 



' VI.-SCHOOLS. 

There are little or no accounts e.xtaut of the schools 
of this town prior to the Revolution, nor for several 
succeeding years. A school-house is occasionally 
mentioned in early road surveys of the eastern part 
of Orange County, or in other documents. Such 
schools as existed in those pioneer times were sus- 
tained by private eflbrt, and were established by 
combinations of neighbors without any district or- 
ganizations. , 

Under a law of the State, passed about the year 
1795, something of jjublic organization was attempted, 
and a small sum of money was apportioned by the 
board of supervisors. Under this law the following 
citizens were chosen commissioners of schools in 1796, 



and also in 1797 : Zephaniah Halsey, William Den- 
niston, Setli Marvin, Thomas North, James D. Secor, 
Obadiah Smith. 

In 1799 there were chosen to the same office Joseph 
Chandler, Obadiah Smith, and Jonathan Cooley. 
No further official action by the town took place 
until the passage of the new act of 1812, organizing 
the general school system of the State. 

The following persons served one or more years 
each as school commissioners during the period from 
1813 to 1843: Joseph Chandler, Jr., Samuel Van 
Duzer, Thomas Carpenter, Jr., William A. Clark, 
Isaac Van Duzer, Cornwall S. Roe, William Sayre, 
Stephen Crissey, John Denniston, Thomas F. 
Fish,* Isaac Cock, Samuel Townseud, Thomas F. 
Fish, Bartholomew Mailler, Isaac Seaman, James 
Van Duzer, Francis Clark, Francis E. Weygant, 
Samuel Ketcham, Cornelius H. Clark, Horatio N. 
Woodward, David Parry, James Barton, Francis T. 
Benjamin, William H. Carpenter. Three of these 
were continued in office for a long series of years, — 
Isaac Van Duzer, William A. Clark, and John 
Denniston. 

During the same period the following persons were 
chosen inspectors of common schools and served one 
or more years each : Isaac Van Duzer, Elihu Hedges, 
Campbell Faurot, N. Barton, John B. Havens, Wil- 
liam Sayre, Noah Townsend, (Gilbert Webb, Cornwall 
S. Roe, Artemus Dean, David Haven, Richard A. 
Kronkhyte, John Smith, Nathan Westcott, David S. 
Ring, Gilbert C. Peet, John Owens, John M. Gough, 
Samuel H. Purdy, Isaac Ti. Van Duzer, Thomas F. 
Fish, Alexander Clinton, Ebenezer C. Sutherland, 
John L. Dusenberry, Oliver Cromwell, Nathan Smith, 
William Morrison, William P. Cock, Theophilus R. 
Burchard, Eleazer Crane, Evans Davis, Bartholomew 
Mailler, Henry F. Chadeayne, William Hill, Isaac 
Faurot, Zabinee J. D. Ivinsley. 

After the adoption of the method of supervision by 
town superintendents the following persons served 
in that office in Cornwall. Annual elections : 184-1- 
47, James Barton. Biennial elections : 1848-54, James 
Barton ; 1856, Ephraim Goodman. The one last 
named was not sworn in, as district commissioners 
superseded the town superintendents in June, sev- 
eral months before the official term of superintendent 
commenced. From tliat date to the present time the 
supervision of the schools has been wholly removed 
from the town authorities. 

Of the present public schools it is proper to say 
that they are under excellent management, are well 
attended, and are accommodated generally in good 
buildings. The school at Willisville is worthy of 
special mention. The building devoted to it is lo- 
cated near Library Hall, and was erected in 1868 at 
a cost of about S12,500. The money was raised at 
the time by the issue of bonds, all of which were 

* He had a tie vote with J<din Denniston in 1826. 



CORNWALL. 



765 



subsequently paid according to their terms. About 
.$2600 more was afterwards expended in the purchase 
of maps, furniture, and other appointments. The 
building is of brick, 60 by 82, and contains si.\ class- 
rooms besides a library. The latter includes about 
600 volumes. The public school at Canterbury is ac- 
commodated by a plain, substantial building located 
on Clinton Street. 

There are several ])rivate schools nniintained at 
Cornwall under thorough management. The influ- 
ences thrown around pupils are of an elevated char- 
acter. The fine scenery, the healthy atmosphere, the 
literary culture existing in the town, as well as the 
superior qualifications of the teachers, combine to 
render the place a desirable resort, to which pupils 
may be sent by jiarents who desire to know that only 
proper intluences surround their children while away 
from home at school. Among these the Young Ladies' 
Institute maybe specially named. Rev. Alfred C. Roe, 
principal. 

Rev. Alfred Cox Roe. — Tlie branch of the Roe 
family represented by the subject of tliis sketch was 
early identified with the jnoneer life of the country. 
The i)rogenitor of the family in America was John 




Roe, born in 1628, emigrated from Ireland in 1641, and 
who located first in Massachusetts, and subsequently 
on Long Island, at a place then called Setaucket, 
now Port Jefferson, where several successive genera- 
tions of the family have since resided. He died in 
I71I. Of himself and wife, Hannah Purrer, was born 



a son, Nathaniel, in 1670, who died in 1752. His 
wife was Hannah Reeve, born in 1678, died Aug. 16, 
1759, and the children were Nathaniel, John, Eliza- 
beth, Hannah, and Deborah. Nathaniel Roe (2) was 
born in the year 1700, and died in 1789. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Phillips, born in 1702, died in 1788, 
and the issue of the union were Phillips, James, Na- 
thaniel (.3), William, Hannah, Elizabeth, Sarah, and 
Deborah. 

James Roe, second son of Nathaniel (2), was the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and was born 
April 9, 1744. Early in life he took up his residence 
at Kingston, Ulster Co., where he married, on Oct. 19, 
1770, Elizabeth Elting (born Jan. 8, 1745, died Sept. 
28, 1793), and a representative of an old Huguenot 
lamily in Ulster, who, driven forth from France by 
the revocation of the edict of Nantes, sought the 
wilderness of America as an asylum where freedom ot 
religious worship could be enjoyed. He served as a 
captain in the Revolutionary war. His house was 
burned by the British at the time of the burning of 
Kingston, during that struggle. His children, all of 
whom were born in Kingston, were James, Elizabeth, 
John Elting, Sylvester, Ann, William, Nathaniel (4), 
Rachel, and Peter. James Roe died Oct. 31, 1815, 
and was buried at Cornwall, where he settled soon 
after the close of the Revolutionary war. 

Peter Roe, father of Rev. A. C. Roe, was born Sept. 
14, 1789. He married Susan Williams, of New 
Windsor; and during the earlier part of his life en- 
gaged in the wholesale grocery business in New York 
City. He subsequently settled in New Windsor, where 
he engaged in agricultural and horticultural opera- 
tions until his death on Aug. 13, 1877. He was a 
man of integrity and moral worth, devoted to the 
performance of secular and religious duty, and led an 
unostentatious and earnest life. An early anti-slavery 
man in his convictions and in his political action, he 
encountered many personal dangers growing out of 
the agitation of that period, while during the late 
Rebellion he maintained great personal courage on 
several important occasions. His wife was a lady of 
many excellent qualities, possessed of a wonderful 
memory, and a devoted wife and mother. She was a 
thorough historical and biblical scholar, and, it is 
said, could repeat the New Testament and Milton's 
Paradise Lost word for word. The children of Peter 
and Susan (Williams) Roe, were eight in number, 
namely, — Oswald William, who died young; Alfred 
Cox ; James Gilbert ; Susan Elizabeth ; John Peter ; 
William Wilberforce; Edward Payson; and Mary 
Abigail. 

Alfred C. Roe was born in New York City, on 
April 7, 1823. In 1824 his father, Peter Roe, removed 
to Moodna, Orange Co., then known as Murderer's 
Creek, from the tradition of the death of the Stacey 
family in the early Indian history of the country, re- 
lated by Paulding, and afterwards celebrated in verse 
by Bishop A. C. Coxe. 



766 



HISTOKY OF ORANGE COUNTr, NEW YORK. 



The earlier educational training of Mr. Roe was 
received from a governess employed in the family, 
and from 18.35 to 1840 he was fitted for college by 
Rev. Jonathan Silliman, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, Canterbury, Orange Co. He entered the 
sophomore class of the New York University in the 
latter year, and after a successful collegiate career 
was graduated with the third honor of his class, being 
especially proficient in Greek, mathematics, and the 
natural sciences. Among his classmates were Rev. 
William P. Breed, D.D., William Allen Butler, and 
Aaron J. Vanderpoel. On leaving college Mr. Roe 
taught for one season in the school of Rev. Alfred 
Chester, of Morristown, N. J., and in the fall of 1844 
opened a school for ladies and gentlemen in the vil- 
lage of Canterbury, now Cornwall, Orange Co., some 
of those whom he had then under instruction sub- 
sequently becoming well-known officers in the war of 
the Rebellion, among them being Col. Ulric Dahl- 
gren. Col. William Silliman, and Maj. James Crom- 
well, of Orange County, all of whom lost their lives 
in the war. 

In the spring of 1853, Mr. Roe purchased the 
Fowler Griggs property, now owned by Mrs. Cars- 
well, and removed to Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, where 
he opened a school for boys, at first general in its 
scope, but which was gradually changed to mathe- 
matical and engineering studies, and enjoyed great 
popularity. In the fall of 1868 he entered the gospel 
ministry, and was ordained by the Presbytery of 
Kortli River. He soon after closed his school and, 
aninuited by a desire to be of service in the war then 
being prosecuted against the South, entered the army 
as cliaplain, being connected first with the Eighty- 
third New Y'ork Volunteers (the old Ninth New Y'ork 
State Militia), and subsequently with the One Hun- 
dred and Fourth New York Volunteers. He joined 
his first regiment at Cedar Mountain, and partici- 
pated actively in the great revival movements of the 
Army of the Potomac, especially at Culpepper. He 
was in the field-hospitals or with the troops during 
the campaign of the Wilderness, and until the army 
settled down before Petersburg. He was then in the 
neighborhood of Forts Sedgwick and Warren until 
the taking of the Weldon Railroad. The day follow- 
ing the regiment to which he belonged was annihi- 
lated or captured in the attempt of the Confederates 
to retake the position, the chaplain escaping the gen- 
eral disaster on account of his absence in expressing 
money home for the soldiers. Even then he would 
have returned in time to his regiment had he not 
been urged by one of the general ofiicers on his route 
homeward to stop and take dinner with him. After 
the destruction of his regiment, Chaplain Roe was 
appointed to staff service with the Third Division, 
Fifth Corps, Maj.-Gen. Crawford commanding, until 
the close of the war. While attached to this corps 
he was present at the battle of Hatcher's Run, at 
Warren's raid to Weldon, at the battle of Five Forks. 



and at the surrender at Appomattox, oftentimes per- 
forming hazardous and trying service. 

At the close of the war Mr. Roe located in New 
York, where he entered upon city mission-work in 
the service of the New York City Mission and Tract 
Society, working chiefly in the Fifteenth Ward, in 
the neighborhood of Houston and Bleecker Streets, 
among the fallen and the saloons of gilded vice, and 
in connection with the " Home for the Fallen." In De- 
cember, 1867, he accepted the position of secretary of 
the American Christian Commission, and was occu- 
pied in arranging Christian conventions and in dis- 
seminating information on practical Christian labor. 
The Christian at Work was started in Mr. Roe's office, 
largely by his help and influence, and was edited by 
him for several months. 

In the spring of 1870, Mr. Roe entered into the dis- 
tinctive work of the ministry, and labored until May 
of the following year among the factory operatives at 
Lowell, Ma.ss., in many resjjects a wide and promising 
field. In June, 1871, he accepted a call to the Second 
Presbyterian Church of Geneva, N. Y'., where he la- 
bored for two years, and then removed to Clyde, 
Wayne Co., N. Y'., where he remained until May, 
1877, when, finding the climate injurious to his fam- 
ily, he returned to Cornwall-ou-the-Hudson, and 
opened in the fall of that year a school for young 
ladies, occupying for one year his former location, 
and then removing to his present picturesque and 
healthful residence. Here Mr. Roe has since contin- 
ued, bringing to his duties a wide experience in edu- 
cational work, and laboring to confer upon the young 
ladies committed to his charge a superior education, 
and to fit them for the intelligent performance of the 
duties of life. The course of study pursued is high, 
following the Harvard standard for ladies as a guide, 
and the object in view is to educate the pupils as 
thoroughly as they would be at any collegiate insti- 
tution, while due regard is paid to the health and 
strength of each, so that girls of delicate constitution 
can study as they are able without the pressure of the 
routine of a college or large institution. The plan 
has proven justly popular, and the school is well pa- 
tronized by the public, the pupils enjoying mean- 
time the influences of a harmonious and well-regu- 
lated Christian home, as well as a climate celebrated 
for its general healthfulness. 

Mr. Roe was married on March 23, 1847, to Caroline 
P., daughter of Judge Francis Child, of Morristown, 
N. J., who died in 1859, leaving two children, viz.: 
Frank C, at present in the employ of the New Y'ork 
Elevated Railroad Company, and Caroline P. Roe. 
To his present wife, nee Emma, daughter of Rev. J. 
D. Wickham, D.D., of Manchester, Vt., he was united 
on Oct. 24, 1860. The children of this union are 
Elizabeth Merwin, Mary Wickham, and Joseph Wick- 
ham Roe. 



CORNWALL. 



767 



VII.-CHDHCHES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF BETH- 
1>EIIEM 

was incorporated by a certifieati' filed April 30, 1785. 
The trustees named in the instrument were Wm. Den- 
niston, James Kernaghan, Samuel MoflTatt, Jr., Jame.s 
Clinton, George Denniston, Samuel Ketcham, Wm. 
Jloflatt, Joseph Chandler. The paper was signed by 
Wm. Denniston and Joseph Chandler, two of tlie elders 
of the church. This was the legal organization, under 
the laws of the State, of a church which had already 
existed for many years under colonial authority. 

The congregation embraces a part of three towns, — 
Cornwall, New Windsor, and Blooming-Grove. The 
church edifice stands within the bounds of the first 
named. It is the third oldest Presbyterian congrega- 
tion organized north of the Highlands and west of the 
Hudson River. (See General History.) 

For a considerable time they did not enjoy the ad- 
vantages of a stated ministry, but were dependent 
upon such occasional services as they could obtain. 
The name of the first minister who resided and labored 
constantly among them was Chalker. His successor 
was the Rev. Enos Ayres, whose name is found in the 
catalogue of the first class graduated from the College 
of New Jersey, then at Newark, but since removed to 
Princeton. Mr. Ayres continued his ministry down 
to the year 1764. He was succeeded by a gentleman 
from Scotland, Rev. Francis Peppard, but whether 
immediately or after an interval we are not informed. 
During his ministry.the congregation of New Windsor 
came into existence, and was associated with Bethle- 
hem, Mr. Peppard supplying both pulpits. Mr. Pep- 
pard's ministry ended in 1773. The next stated 
preacher was the Rev. John Close. His ministry con- 
tinued fourteen years, embracing the Revolutionary 
war. After Mr. Close had retired the pulpit was occu- 
pied by Rev. Mr. Freeman, a learned and eloquent man, 
who removed from here to the State of New Jersey. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Joel T.Benedict. Mr. Ben- 
edict was a man of ardent piety, untiring zeal, and an 
eloquence which drew crowds to listen to his preach- 
ing. Rev. Henry Ford, a man of estimable character, 
followed Mr. Benedict, and was in turn followed by 
Rev. Artemas Dean, who commenced his ministry in 
December, 1813, and continued it until April, 1842. 
During Mr. Dean's pastorate the old church, after 
standing nearly a century, was replaced by another 
edifice in 1828. 

Mr. Dean was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Hubbard, 
who occupied the pulpit until April, 1846. Mr. Hub- 
bard was succeeded by the Rev. John N. Lewis, who 
remained until July, 1853. He was followed by Rev. 
Robert H. Beattie in September, 1854. Dr. Beattie 
was pastor until May, 1866. Rev. Wm. A. Holliday 
was his successor, and remained until 1872. 

The present pastor. Rev. David J. Atwater, officia- 
ted as a supply for some months, when a call tendered 
him by the church was accepted, and he was installed 



I May 1, 1873. In 1872 the church edifice was reseated 
and otherwise considerably improved at an expense 
of about S1300. 

The old burial-ground belonging to the church is 
a place of early sacred associations. There " the 
forefathers of the hamlet sleep." The place was en- 
larged in 1868 by the purchase of four acres, which 
were appropriately divided into lots. 

FRIENDS' MEETING, CORNWALL (HICKSITE). 

The Friends of early times in this town met for 
worship at the house of David Sands (the Robert E. 
Ring place of modern times). Mr. Sands was a noted 

I preacher of this denomination, and was very prom- 

': inent in the public affairs of the town. In 1798 he 
visited England and Ireland, during the rebellion of 
the latter country, and passed unmolested from the 
camp of the Royalists to that of the insurgents, boldly 

I preaching the doctrine of peace. 

The meeting-house south of Canterbury village 
was erected about 1790, and the property, then of 
several acres in extent, was deeded in 1789 by Lang- 
ford Thorn to Joseph Thorn, Nicholas- Townsend, and 
William Titus, in trust for the Cornwall Monthly 

I Meeting. The frame of the original building remains, 

I but is no longer the time-worn, venerable meeting- 
house known to several generations. It has recently 
been thoroughly repaired, newly sided, roofed, and 
painted, and the grounds around it improved. It is 
now a neat, handsome edifice, yet of that plain, unpre- 
tending order characteristic of the Friends. It is said 
that in the erection of the original building of 1790, 
Catharine Sands brought the nails on horseback with 
which the house was put together. These nails were 
of wrought iron, and were made at the smithy in 
New Windsor. She was at that time about twelve 
years of age. Six years later she was married to 
Elias Ring, being the first marriage celebrated in the 
new meeting-house. In the division that occurred in 

j the denomination throughout the country, about the 
year 1827, the Hicksite portion of the Cornwall 
Friends held the old property. 

The following particulars are furnished by J[oshua 
T. Cromwell: 

There was a meeting held at Cornwall before the 
Monthly Meeting was established. 

Cornwall Monthly Meeting was established 11th 
mo. 21, 1788. The first clerk was John Dean ; the 
second, William Titus, appointed 7th mo., 1792; the 
third, Amos Mills, appointed 11th mo., 1793. 

The ministers named in the record are Gardner 
Earle and David Sands. 

The first marriage was of Elias Ring and Catharine 
Sands, 5th mo., 1790; the second, Henry Reynolds 
and Rhoda Cock, 2d mo., 1790; the third, Reuben 

! Wright and Philadelphia Hawkshurst, 3d mo., 1791 ; 
the fourth, Jacob Cock and Hannah Townsend, 4th 
mo., 1792. 
" 4th mo., 1789, paid for sufferings on account of 



768 



HISTOllY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



our testimony against war, £35, and nearly clear of 
traffic in spirituous liquors; none distilled. 

"4tli mo., 1790, £17 178. 6d. ; no negroes as slaves. 

"4th mo., 1791, £12 2s. ; clear of dealing in spiritu- 
ous liquors." 

The deed for the property at Cornwall was made 
by Langford Thorn and Mary, his wife, to Joseph 
Thorn, Nicholas Townsend, and William Titus, duly 
elected and appointed by the Society of Friends at 
a meeting in Cornwall to purchase and take title for 
and in behalf of said society; is dated 7th mo. 9, 
1789; consideration, £25 12s. 6rf. It is a full war- 
ranty deed, and conveys ten and a quarter acres and 
twenty-five rods of land, including four acres called 
the nieeting-liouse lot. Josepli Thorn, John Young, 
and Charles Webl) were appointed a committee to 
settle with the trustees for building tlie meeting- 
house. 

4th mo., 1819, John Green, Noah Townsend, Rich- 
ard Trimble, and Henry Titus were appointed to re- 
pair the meeting-house. The expense was $1300. 
David Cromwell was one of the carpenters. The 
present cost of repairing (1880) was about $1000. 

Present clerks of Preparative Meeting, Charles E. 
Cock and Mary Brown ; of Monthly Meeting, James 
Seaman and Elizabeth Seaman ; of Quarterly Meet- 
ing, Joshua T. Cromwell ; Overseers, J. Quimby 
Brown and Charles E. Cock ; Elders, John Cromwell, 
Jacob Seaman, Chas. E. Cock, Phebe Cock, Hannah 
Seaman, Elizabeth Cromwell, and Martha Seaman. 

Names of Friends that belonged to the first meet- 
ings and served on committees, etc., and had removal 
certificates from Long Island and other places to 
Cornwall, are as follows : 

Names received : David Sands, Nicholas Townsend, 
Langford Thorn, Joseph Shove, Job Wright, Jede- 
diah Allen, John Dean, William' Titus, Jacob Brown, 
Gardiner Earle, Gideon Mulliner,* John Young, Ed- 
ward Hallock,* William Bloomer,* William Knowles, 
Joshua Sutton, Patrick Cashada, Moses Clark, Nehe- 
miali Smith, Charles Webb (afterwards a mini.ster). 

Under date of 3d mo. 23d, the names of Jacob 
Cock, Benjamin Pell, Job Davis, and Reuben Wright 
appear in the records. 

25th of 5th mo., 1789, William Titus was ap- 
pointed treasurer; Joseph Thorn, Joshua Sutton, 
Nicholas Townsend, and Job Wright committee to 
look after the poor. 6th mo., 1789, Elias Ring re- 
ceived by certificate from Concord, Pa. 12th mo., 
1789, school committee, Nicholas Townsend, John 
Young, Gardiner Earle, William Titus, and Job 
AVright. 3d mo., 1792, raised for the relief of the 
poor 5 pounds 19 shillings. 6th mo., 1794, Samuel 
Seaman received by certificate, and his wife, Keziah, 
and children,— Thomas, Martha, Silas, Rachel, and 
John. Women Friends named in early records were 
Phebe Earle, clerk ; Abigail Fowler, Phebe Young, 

* Probably residents of Pleusaut Valley or of Marlborough. 



Phebe Dean were the first committee in care of Valley 
meeting; Clement Sands, Hannah Smith, Phebe 
Earle, and Abigail Fowler were the representatives 
to first Quarterly Meeting. 

Hannah Smith, Catherine Palmer, Elizabeth Cock, 
and Mary Pell were a committee to attend the meet- 
ing at Gideon Mulliuer's house. At this time 
Clement Sands and Mary Titus were overseers. The 
second committee to attend meeting at Gideon Mulli- 
uer's house were Abigail Fowler, Hannah Smith, 
Philadelphia Townsend, Mary Carpenter, Phebe 
Young, Letitia Clark, Rhoda Cock. 

4th month, 1789, representatives to Quarterly 
Meeting were Hannah Smith, Deborah Brown, 
Rhoda Cock, Letitia Clark, and Philena Hallock. 
Other names mentioned in those early years were 
Phebe McCann, Martha Sutton, Anna Tripp, Cathe- 
rine Palmer, Sarah Hallock, Rhoda Howell, Mary 
Wright, Martha Thorn. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CONGREGATION AT NEW 
CORNWALL 

met for legal organization at the house of Samuel 
Raymond, Nov. 17, 1794. The certificate was signed 
by Samuel Raymond and Henry Mandeville, deacons, 
and the trustees named therein were Jacob Mande- 
ville, Obadiah Smith, Andrew Sutherland, Jr., Joseph 
Smith, and James Sutherland. 

The first record we have of a Baptist organization 
in the town of Cornwall is that of Nov. 17, 1794. 
The certificate filed in the county clerk's office was 
signed by Samuel Raymond and Henry Mandeville, 
deacons, and the trustees named therein were Jacob 
Mandeville, Obadiah Smith, Andrew Sutherland, Jr., 
Joseph Smith, and James Sutherland. This organi- 
zation was never recognized as a regular Baptist 
church, and was of short duration, and it was not 
till April 9, 1822, that another organization was 
effected. Then a few Baptists met at the house of 
William Atkinson and effected another organization ; 
Benjamin Atkinson and Samuel Brooks were ap- 
pointed inspectors of the election ; Samuel Gregg, 
William Atkinson, Joseph Brooks, Benjamin Atkin- 
son, James Brooks, John Denniston, and Daniel 
Tobias were elected trustees. This organization con- 
tinued until Oct. 16, 1823, when it was duly recognized 
as a regular Baptist Church by a council of sister 
churches. Rev. Aaron Perkins was chosen mod- 
erator of the council, and Nathaniel S. Davis clerk. 
The following persons composed the membership of 
the church : Brethren, Samuel Brooks, William Atkin- 
son, Samuel Gregg, and Benjamin Wright ; and sisters, 
Ann Brooks, Elizabeth Brooks, and Mary Gregg. 

The recognition sermon was preached by Rev. A. 
Perkins, and the hand of fellowship was given by 
Rev. C. Mais. The first deacons chosen by this 
church were Samuel Gregg and Samuel Brooks. At 
an adjourned meeting Robert Young was elected 
sexton, Samuel Brooks treasurer, and Samuel Gregg 



CORNWALL. 



769 



and Benjamin Atkinson the leaders of the singing. 
Kev. C. Mais was the first pastor, but nothing is said 
of his pastorate. June 2, 1825, Rev. Tlionias Powell 
was called as pastor. Succeeding pastorates were as 
follows : 

Rev. D. T. Hill, May 20, 1827, to May, 1829; Rev. 
A. C. Sangster, from Aug. 4, 1832; Rev. J. Well- 
slager, April 3, 1838, to April 1, 1840; Rev. James 
W. Jones, May 28, 1840, to Sept. 29, 1841 ; Rev. G. 
Webster, June 1, 184.S, to May 1, 1844; Rev. C. Ray- 
mond, May 19, 1844, to May 19, 1845; Rev. J. S. 
Bailey, June 1, 1845, to January, 1848; Rev. William 
Wilkins, Oct. 14, 1848, to March 1, 18.50; Rev. E. P. 
Weed, February, 1860, to Jan. 1, 1865; Rev. B. F. 
Bowen, Nov. 1, 1865, to Aug. 1, 1866; Rev. E. B. 
Palmer, Sept. 1, 1866, to April 1, 1869; Rev. James 
Goodman, Sept. 4, 1870, to Sept. 1, 1873; Rev. Isaac 
Wescott, D.D., Jan. 1, 1874, to Oct. 1, 1877; Rev. D. 
T. Hill, March 1, 1877, to April 1, 1878; Rev. J. E. 
Bell, March 16, 1879, to Sept. 1, 1879; Rev. M. L. 
Ferris, the present pastor, settled May 1, 1880. The 
church now numbers 90 members. The present 
officers are Rev. M. L. Ferris, pastor; George Brooks 
and Gilbert Tompkins, deacons ; George Brooks, 
treasurer; and John H. Atkinson, clerk. The trus- 
tees are William Atkinson, Benjamin Wright, John 
H. Atkinson, Gilbert Tompkins, George Brooks, and 
James M. Davis. 

The first meeting-house was built in 1822-23, near 
what is now Orr's Mills. The present house of wor- 
ship was built in 1849. The church was originally 
called the Zion Baptist Church, but in 1849 the name 
was changed to "The Baptist Church of Cornwall," 
and the certificate was duly filed in the county clerk's 
office. 

The early records of the church are very imperfect, 
thus preventing a more minute sketch, especially in 
reference to the length of pastoral settlements. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. SOCIETY OF CANTER- 
BURY 

made a legal organization Nov. 2, 1824. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by Samuel Cruver, chairman, 
and Thomas S. Fish, secretary. The meeting was 
held at the school-house, and the trustees chosen were 
Peter Roe, Thomas F. Fish, Daniel Cruver, Stephen 
Crissey, Lewis Barrett, Isaac Van Duzer, Nathan 
Westcott, Samuel W. Heard, Samuel Townsend. At 
the same meeting it was resolved to build a church in 
or near the village of Canterbury. This was the legal 
organization of a society nearly four years before the 
formation of the church, as the latter is given in 
"Beach's History of Cornwall" as July 1, 1827. 

In pursuance of the vote mentioned in the certifi- 
cate of incorporation a house of worship was erected 
within the next two or three years, as it is stated to 
have been completed for worship in 1827. The build- 
ing then erected was remodeled and improved in 1841, 
and again in 1860. At this last date a new front of 



brick was added and a tower at an expense of $2000. 
The rear of the lot on which the church stands is 
used as a burial-place. 

The organization of the church in 1827 was under 
the labors of Rev. James H. Thomas, and the mem- 
bers were mostly from other churches, having received 
letters of dismission irom their former churches to 
enable them to constitute this new one. Mr. Thomas 
was installed Feb. 12, 1828, pastor of two churches — 
that of Canterbury and the one at New Windsor — by 
the Nortli River Presbytery. This relation was dis- 
solved by the action of the Wappinger Presbytery, 
with which this church had been subsequently united, 
April 29, 1834. The Rev. John B. Fish was then em- 
ployed for about fifteen months. In the fall of 1835 
the Rev. .Tonathan Silliman was installed pastor by 
the Presbytery of North River, and remained in that 
position for the long period of twenty-six years. On 
the third Sabbath of July, 1861, he tendered his resig- 
nation, which was finally accepted, and the relation 
regularly terminated by the action of the Presbytery. 
Mr. Silliman, however, continued to supply the pul- 
])it for several months longer. He also remained at 
Canterbury, and now (1880) may be seen every Sab- 
bath sitting in a chair near to the pulpit from which 
he so long preached the gospel. 

On April 1, 1862, Rev. Alvah Baker was employed 
as supply, and continued in the service of the church 
for two years. He was a licentiate of the Third Pres- 
bytery of New York. Rev. Clarence Eddy, a licen- 
tiate of Princeton Seminary, next occupied the pulpit 
as pastor, being installed in the spring of 1865, and 
continuing in that relation until Jan. 15, 1869. After 
something of an interval, in which the pulpit was 
temporarily supplied by various ministers. Rev. Wil- 
liam E. Clarke was statedly employed from Oct. 1, 
1869, to April 1, 1872. Soon after an arrangement 
was made with Rev. Lyman Abbott, one of the edi- 
tors of the Christian Union, and residing at Cornwall- 
on-the-Hudson, to supply this pulpit. His labors are 
highly appreciated by the congregation. He does 
not, however, assume the full work of pastor, his ser- 
vices being limited by agreement to a morning dis- 
course followed by Bible-class instruction. He is 
still acting under the arrangement referred to. 

The present session consists of Rev. Jonathan Silli- 
man, moderator, and William V. Dusenberry, N. R. 
Pierson, A. M. Hollett, Dr. J. T. Hotchkiss, elders. 
The board of trustees comprises N. R. Pierson, Wil- 
liam Orr, Peter Millington, Oliver Brewster, and A. 
M. Hollett. 

Rev. Jonathan' Silliman was born at Chester, 
Middlesex Co., Conn., on July 22, 1793. He was the 
son of Thomas Silliman, and grandson of Rev. Robert 
Silliman, for many years pastor of the Congregational 
Church at New Canaan, Conn. Rev. Robert Silli- 
man was an uncle of Gen. G. S. Silliman. Tradition 
says that the family originated in Italy, the patro- 
nymic being Sillimuiidi. 



770 



HISTORY OF ORANQE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Rev. Jonathan Sillinian received his collegiate edu- 
cation at Yale, irom which institution he was gradu- 
ated in the class of 1817. He subsequently studied 
theology at Andover, Mass., and was graduated from 
the seminary at that place in 1821. During his theo- 







/. J^^rri 



oi/yt 



logical course he taught for one year at Phillips 
Academy, Andover. After being regularly licensed 
to preach, Mr. Sillinian entered uinm the work of the 
gospel ministry in Virginia, first in the counties of 
New Kent and Charles City, and afterwards in King 
William's County, where he remained in the perform- 
ance of missionary and evangelical work for a period 
of thirteen years. In 1835, in consequence of the 
severe climate of Virginia, he removed to the North, 
and became the pastor of the Canterbury Presbyterian 
Church, Cornwall, Orange Co., N. Y., continuing to 
labor in that field until the year 1862, when he ceased 
to be connected with the church as pastor, although 
he still resides at Canterbury. 

Mr. Sillinian has now attained the advanced age of 
eighty-eight years, but is still well preserved, and 
afflicted with Init slight bodily ailments. He has 
lived a quiet and unostentatious life, and devoted him- 
self entirely to faithful work in the Master's vineyard. 
He has been es.sentially a home-worker, considering 
it to be his highest duty to look after the interests of 
his own community first, and not identifying himself 
notably with the jHiblic movements of his church and 
of society. He has been recognized as a faithful and 
efficient pastor, devoted to his calling, and is held in 



the highest respect and esteem by his friends and 
neighbors. 

Mr. Silliman was married on Sept. 5, 1832, to Anna, 
daughter of Rev. Amzi Armstrong, D.U., for twenty 
years pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Meudham, 
N. J., and subsequently principal for ten years of the 
academy at Bloomfield, N. J. The family is of Scotch- 
Irish descent, the grandfather of Rev. Mr. Armstrong 
having come from Euniskillen, Ireland, about the 
year 1727, and settled first on Long Island, and after- 
wards at Warwick, N. Y'., where many of the descend- 
ants of the family still reside. 

An onl)' son of Mr. and Mrs. Silliman, William, of 
great professional promise in the law, lost his life in 
the late war. A sketch of his life appears in the 
military history of this work. 

FRIENDS' MEETING, CORNWALL (ORTHODOX). 

At the division in 1827 the Hicksite portion hold- 
ing the old meeting-house and grounds, those who 
became known as Orthodox were under the necessity 
of seeking accommodations elsewhere. For a time 
they held their meetings at the house of Jabez Green, 
in Canterbury, in late years the place of Mrs. Purdy. 
From there they went to what is known as the Bell 
House, in Montana. After that they met for a time 
in the brick building near the Union Hotel in Canter- 
bury. But all these places were only temporary 
places for their meeting. They needed a fixed and 
permanent abiding place, and accordingly in 1828 
and 1829 they built the present brick meeting-house 
in Canterbury village, back from the principal street 
and in the rear of John Chatfield's. Here they have 
a large and convenient site that with a little grading 
and improvement might become a handsome property. 
It is said that the opening of this new meeting-house 
was characterized by an interesting coincidence with 
the opening of the first. In 1831 the marriage of 
Squire Ring was the first that occurred in the new 
house, as the marriage of his mother forty years be- 
fore had been the first to occur in the old house. 

Near this meeting-house is the private burial-place 
of the Ring and Sands families. The remains of 
David Sands, the early preacher, rest there at the 
present time, having been removed from the small 
and early burial-place near !Mr. John Hancon's. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF CORNWALL 
executed a certificate of incorporation at Cornwall in 
the usual " meeting-room," June 20, 1829. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by John L. Dusenberry and 
Charles Hamilton, and the trustees chosen were 
George Marriott, Archer Clark, John L. Dusenberry, 
Henry W. Bartholf, Charles Hamilton, and Milton 
DuBois. This formal organization had been preceded 
by the well-known itinerant work of the Methodist 
Church. The first preaching was in private houses 
or in school -housas, as the early laborers went up and 
down among the mountains breaking to scattered 



CORNWALL. 



771 



neighborhoods the bread of life. The territory now 
embraced in this charge was formerly a part of the 
New Windsor 'Circuit. That included Vail's Gate, 
Salisbury, Chester, Monroe, Sugar-Loaf, Little Brit- 
ain, Mountainville, and sundry other neighborhoods. 
Over this immense circuit the early ministers traveled, 
thus having a parish large enough to constitute the 
modern district of a presiding elder. 

Rev. W. G. Browning, who prepared the sketch in 
the church book in 1877, from which these facts are 
chiefly obtained, states that some of the oldest mem- 
bers living, as Thomas Ostrander and Gilbert Barton, 
speak with enthusiasm of the early ministers and 
their self-denying labors; among whom are recalled 
the names of Revs. Daniel Ostrander, Eben Smith, 
John E. Robertson, Heman Bangs, Wm. Jewett, 
Marvin Richardson, Phineas Rice, Nathan Rice, 
Noah Bigelow, Benjamin Griffin, Seymour Landon, 
Jarvis Nichols ; of one Lyons, who died of paralysis 
in his stable at Sugar-Loaf ; of James K. Romer, 
David Holmes, William Bloomer, A. C. Fields, Jacob 
Washburn, John A. Selleek, David Turner, and many 
others. 

The " meeting-room" where the organization of 
1829 took place, and where meetings were subse- 
quently held for several years, was* at the landing 
near what is now known as the Corners. The build- 
ing was used both as a school-house and a church. 

Under date of Dec. .5, 183.3, at a meeting duly noti- 
fied, a society was formed called " The Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Canterbury," and the trustees 
chosen were William G. Beach, Gilbert C. Barton, 
Simon Haskins, Amos Van Duzer, Isaac Seaman, 
George Marriott, Benjamin Delamater, Henry W. 
Bertholf, and Robert Duncanson. This meeting was 
held at the school-house of district No. 4. Two organi- 
zations were thus constituted, and for many years 
two sets of trustees continued to be appointed, one 
set to be in charge of the "meeting-room" at Corn- 
wall Landing, the other of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Canterbury, the result finally being one 
cliurch having one house of worship. The erection 
of this took place from 1834 to 1836. The first com- 
mittee on site was appointed Jan. 6, 1834, and con- 
sisted of George Marriott and Isaac Seaman. The 
site secured was the one now occupied by the church 
in Canterbury, and comprised one and three-quarters 
acres of land bought of Mrs. Catharine Ring, the 
deed bearing date April 17, 1834. Jesse Hunter, a 
member of the church, was the contractor, and it is 
said that considerable difficulty arose over the execu- 
tion of the contract that was only terminated by a 
law-suit, which was decided in favor of Mr. Hunter 
after he had removeil to Homer, Cortland Co. 

The house of worship was completed and dedicated 
near the close of the year 1836. The double organi- 
zation continued some years longer. The last trus- 
tees of " the meeting-room" seem to have been chosen 
Feb. 23, 1839, and consisted of Robert Duncanson 



and Isaac V. Machett. After that a public discussion 
arose over the proprietorship of the building at the 
landing, which was ended by the people maintaining 
their right to it as a school-building. After sundry 
changes of location and structure it became the public 
school building of modern times at " the Corners." 
From this time for several years, 1839 to 1852, the 
records are defective, and it would hardly appear that 
the annual elections of trustees took place. 

That the legal incorporation had lapsed may be in- 
ferred from the fact that a new certificate was filed 
with the county clerk, executed .Tan. 27, 18.52. The 
trustees named in the instrument were John Quack- 
enbusli, Daniel Taft, Isaac V. Machett, Caleb L. 
Wood, and Daniel Secor. From this time the organ- 
ization was kept up by annual elections. In 1862 the 
church edifice was thorouglily repaired, many im- 
provements made, and refurnished throughout. The 
grading of the grounds and the erection of the wall 
in front took place at this time. 

From the record of the county clerk's office it ap- 
pears that a change of name took place soon after 
this general renewal of the edifice, — a fact of which 
Mr. Browning in his sketch does not seem to have 
known, as he argues in 1877 that it ought to be done. 
The new certificate was under the name of " The Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Cornwall," and was exe- 
cuted June 1, 1863. The paper was verified by the 
signatures of James Fanning and J. W. Lamb. 

The trustees named therein were Jacob W. Lamb, 
Ira Wood, Stephen Barton, Jesse Lozier, and Henry 
C. Hall. Another general repairing of the church 
edifice took place in 1874, at a cost of about 15000. 
An extension of 24 feet was added to the building, 
the old galleries taken down, and a neat spire con- 
structed. The church was reopened October 3d of 
the same year. The parsonage was built in 1863, and 
has been improved several times since. It is a pleasant 
and convenient residence. The present organization 
(September, 1880) consists of the following: Rev. 
Isaac B. Heroy, pastor ; Ira Wood, H. R. Taylor, 
Hanford Barton, L. T. Schultz, Charles Tuthill, and 
H. C. Hall, stewards ; Ira Wood and C. B. Hunter, 
class-leaders; Ira Wood, H. R. Taylor, H. Barton, 
A. C. Case, Harrison Howell, L. T. Schultz, John 
Preston, and H. C. Hall, trustees ; Lewis T. Schultz, 
superintendent of Sunday -school. There are 173 com- 
municants, and 3.50 volumes in the Sunday-school 
library. 

THE CORNWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

effected a legal organization May 3, 1855. • The Rev. 
Daniel Crane was chosen moderator, and Alfred C. 
Reeves, secretary. The trustees chosen were John 
McKibben, David Carson, Jr., .Tames O. Adams, Peter 
Roe, Stephen C. Giilis, Henry N. Clark, Thomas M. 
Wiley, Daniel Crane, and James G. Roe. The present 
pastor of this church furnishes the following sketch : 
This enterprise was commenced in 1855 by a few 



772 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



persons who deeply felt the importance and the feasi- 
bility of establishing a church in this place. At first 
they held their meetings in the school-room of Mr. 
Alfred C. Roe. After a few months, however, they 
resolved to erect a house of worship, and on March 
5, 1856, the present building was dedicated to the ser- 
vice of the Triune God. On the 16th of the same 
month the church was organized by a committee from 
the Presbytery of North River, and consisted of the 
following persons : Peter Roe, Mrs. Susan E. Roe, 
Thomas M. Wiley, Mrs. Sarah J. Wiley, Mrs. S. 
Elizabeth Caldwell, Alfred C. Roe, Mrs. Caroline P. 
Eoe, James G. Roe, Mrs. Caroline M. Roe, Mrs. Mary 
A. Clark, Amanda Adams, Mrs. Mary J. Jackson, 
Angelina Clark, Mrs. Rachel Buren, Mrs. Phebe 
Griggs, John P. Roe, Mary Johnston. 

The first elders chosen were Peter Roe, Thomas M. 
Wiley, and James G. Roe. Soon after, James O. 
Adams was elected an additional elder. 

The first board of trustees were Rev. Daniel Crane, 
Stephen C. Gillis, Peter Roe, Thomas M. Wiley, John 
McKebben, David Carson, Jr., James O. Adams, 
Henry N. Clark, James G. Roe. 

Rev. O. H. P. Deyo acted as stated supply from 
April, 1856, to April, 1857. 

Rev. Louis P. Ledoux, D.D., began his ministry in 
this church in April, 1858 ; was installed pastor April 
19, 1859, and remained in office till Sept. 20, 1865, 
when, at his own request, the relation was dissolved. 

Rev. Joseph H. Robinson acted as stated supply 
from Dec. 1, 1865, to Oct. 25, 1866, when he was in- 
stalled pastor. He died in office March 4, 1868. 

Rev. John W. Teal acted as stated supply from 
June 1st to Sept. 17, 1868, when he was ordained and 
installed pastor. The relation was dissolved at his 
own request, April 30, 1878. 

Rev. George P. Noble acted as stated sup])ly from 
June 1st to October, 187S, when he was installed 
pastor. 

The session was enlarged in April, 1870, by the 
election of Stephen B. Young, Harvey B. Adams, and 
Albert Palmer; and again in April, 1880, by the elec- 
tion of Wm. H. Vail, Leonard N. Wyant, and T. M. 
Prentiss to the eldership. 

The church building will seat about 600, and the 
parsonage, situated upon Park Avenue, Cornwall-on- 
the- Hudson, is roomy and convenient. 

The church has received 329 new members upon 
confession of their faith, and 117 by certificate from 
other churches. On June 1, 1880, the enrolled mem- 
bership was 310, of whom 279 were resident. 

During the last five years the church has raised 
$15,772 for home expenses and $2812 for outside be- 
nevolence. 

The present organization is as follows: Pastor, Rev. 
George P. Noble; Session, James O. Adams, Thomas 
M. Wiley, Jas. G. Roe, H. B. Adams, S. B. Young, A. 
Palmer, W. H. Vail, L. N. Wyant, T. M. Prentiss ; 
Trustees, J. O. Adams, James Couser, S. B. Young, 



J. G. Roe, H. B. Adams, A. Palmer, H. Rodermond, 
T. M. Prentiss, W. H. Vail, Henry Hunter, Theodore 
Brown. Sabbath-school: Superintendent, J. G. Roe; 
Secretary and Treasurer, Geo. M. Walker ; Librarians, 
Geo. W. Roome, Jr., and Reeve Ketcham. Ladies' 
Missionary Society: President, Mrs. E. T. Noble; 
Vice-President, Mrs. E. W. Roe ; Recording Secre- 
tary, Mrs. C. H. Vail ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss 
Maria Couser; Treasurer, Miss Clara Taft. Alaska 
Brady Club: President, N. B. Chase; Vice-Presidents, 
Wm. H. Carswell, Wm. JI. Wyant; Corresponding 
Secretary, Miss Lilly Roe ; Recording Secretary, Miss 
Lilly Price ; Treasurer, Reeve Ketcham. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MOUNTAIN- 
VILLE. 

The house of worship belonging to this church 
stands uj)on an elevated ridge in the southwest part 
of the town near Mountainville, and about four miles 
from Canterbury. It belonged to the same charge 
with that of Canterbury for many years, but under 
the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Browning this connection 
was dissolved, Cornwall becoming a station, and 
Mountainville being united with the church at Vail's 
Gate. The old meeting-house at this place may still 
be seen at the right of the road. It was built by the 
liberality of Mr. Henry Wisner, in 1844. The land 
was donated by .Jacob Van Duzer. In 1866-67 a site 
of about an acre was secured on a more comnaanding 
elevation, and the present building erected at a cost 
of about $5000. It was dedicated March 20, 1867. 
The work of the Methodist Church in this vicinity 
and in the northern part of Monroe has been prose- 
cuted with considerable vigor for many years. In 
early movements at Woodbury and Highland Mills 
the same men seem to have shared largely, and in or- 
ganizing boards of trustees the same names appear in 
different certificates. Mountainville is the more 
modern name of this village. The place was for- 
merly called Ketchamtown, from the family of that 
name. A portion of the village, or rather a separate 
group of residences, farther southeast on the old turn- 
pike, was called Highlandville. 

The present church was incorporated under the 
name of " The Methodist Episcopal Church of High- 
landville," by a certificate drawn up at a meeting 
held in the school-house, March 12, 1845. The pro- 
ceedings were signed by John Barton and William 
Taylor, and the trustees chosen were Henry Wisner, 
Gilbert Barton, William Taylor, Daniel Secor, and 
John Barton. The present pastor of the church is 
Rev. N. S. Tuthill, residing at Vail's Gate. 

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH OF CANTERBURY (EPISCOPAL) 

was incorporated July 17, 1858. The certificate was 
signed by Rev. Christopher B. Wyatt, F. A. Barton, 
and W. H. Bayard. The wardens chosen were 
Alonzo A. Alvord and William H. Bayard ; the ves- 
trvmen were Thomas P. Cummings, Nathaniel P. 



CORNWALL. 



r73 



Willis, Daniel C. Birdsall, James W. Crissey, Nicho- 
las Cliatfiekl, Jr., Francis A. Barton, Charles H. 
Mead, and John Chattield. (_)n the 31st of the same 
month the llev. Mr. Wyatt, nnder whose laboi's the 
movement for organization had been made, was chosen 
rector of the parish, and at the same meeting a com- 
mittee was chosen to secure a site for an edifice. In 
November following the lot upon which the church 
now stands was purchased, and means adopted to 
raise the funds necessary to build. The plans sub- 
mitted by Mr. J. W. Priest, the architect, were 
adopted. The corner-stone was laid May 10, 1859, by 
the Right Rev. Dr. Potter, and a contract was subse- 
quently made with Messrs. Sliaw & Sons, of New- 
burgh, for the erection of the building, with the ex- 
ce])tion of the tower and the spire. Before the 
edifice was begun the talented young architect who 
designed the building had already ceased from his 
labors on earth. 

The west window of the church was contributed by 
admiring friends as a memorial of him. The build- 
ing was first used for divine service on Sunday, Nov. 
20, 1859. It is a very chaste example of the early 
English style, substantially built of brick with stone 
trimmings, strictly correct both in proportion and de- 
tails, and capable of being rendered truly beautiful 
by a judicious and not costly employment of color 
decoration. A melodeon was given by Mr. N. P. 
Willis. The first service books, communion vessels, 
etc., were also the gifts of different individuals.- In 
the spring of 18G2 the Rev. Mr. Wyatt resigned the 
liastorship, and was succeeded by the Rev. Edward H. 
Crissey. The same year a legacy of $2000 wius re- 
ceived from the executors of the late Abraham B. 
Sands, the interest of which is forever to be appro- 
priated to the rector of the parish. 

In Easter, 1863, the labors of Rev. Dr. Crissey term- 
inated, and he was followed in July by the Rev. 
George Seabury. Hitherto the parish had been united 
with that of New Windsor in support of the same 
pastor. It was now determined to make the Canter- 
bury Church independent and self-sustaining, thus 
securing the entire services of the pastor. The Rev. 
Mr. Seabury's connection with this church was dis- 
solved May 1, 1804. In the November following Rev. 
,Tohn G. Webster took charge of the parish, but re- 
mained only one year. He was succeeded Jan. 21, 
1866, by the Rev. William G. French. 

In July, 1869, some funds having accumulated, it 
was resolved to proceed with the completion of the 
edifice by erecting the tower and spire. Both were 
completed the following summer. In June, 1871, the 
Rev. Mr. French resigned his position, and the follow- 
ing February Rev. David H. McCurdy was called to 
the rectorship, and began his ministrations on Easter 
day. His administration of the affairs of the parish 
was eminently judicious and successful. During the 
year 1872 a debt of .i^yOlS.l? was entirely liquidated. 
Of this amount $2500 was generously given by the 



senior warden, Thomas P. Cummings, of New York, 
whose active interest early and late for the welfare of 
the parish entitles him to the lasting gratitude of this 
congregation. The church was largely intended for 
the accommodation of summer visitors. Resident 
Episcopalians have at times been few in number, and 
only moderately bl&ssed with worldly wealth. The 
labors of Mr. McCurdy continued until Sept. 30, 1873. 

The next summer Rev. Mr. McCurdy again supplied 
the pulpit for a few months. Rev. John Potter was 
chosen rector in the fall of that year, and commenced 
his work in the parish October 1st. He remained 
three years, concluding his work here Oct. 1, 1877. 

The next pastor was Rev. B. S. Huntington, who 
commenced his services Nov. 12, 1877. He died sud- 
denly of pneumonia, while on a visit to Bridgeport, 
Conn., April 1, 1880. Rev. W. E. Snowden became 
his successor, being chosen rector, and entering upon 
his duties May 1, 1880. 

The church has had strong friends and has received 
liberal gifts. Mr. Thomas Cummings, of New York, 
whose assistance in paying the debt was noticed above, 
also presented the church at Christmas, 1877, with a 
bell of excellent tone, weighing about 1300 pounds. 
It was accompanied by a letter of such interest that 
we give it in full : 

"No. 241 Clermont AvENrr., Brooklyn. 
" Rev. S. B. Huntington, Rector of St. .John's Cliurch, Canteibury, N. Y. 
"iJev. and Dear .Sf'r, — You will please coniniiitiicate to the vestry of St. 
John's Cliurch that it affords Mrs. Cummings and myself, as well as the 
other members of our family, much gratification to be enabled to place 
in the tower of St. John's a memorial to our dear departed children, 
Julia Bayard Cummings. who wjis taken from ns Nov. 2, 1S7G, and 
Thomas Picton Cummings, who joined his sister, we trust, in the realms 
jdiuve on the 24th of October last. Trusting that the lines cast on the bell 
(copied from an old one in the tower of a church in Cornwall, England), 
" ' Jesus, fulfill with thy good grace. 
All that we beckon to this place,' 
may be truly verified, and that the little church so dear to us all, and 
which was an object of particular interest to the rleparted from early 
associations, may be a comfort and a blessing to many through the in- 
strumentalities of the prayei-s said, the praises sung, and the blessed 
gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ preached therein, 
" I remain affectionately yours, 

" Thomas P. Cummings." 

The melodeon presented by Mr. N. P. Willis is still 
in use for the Sunday-gchool, aud is cherished as a 
memorial of the poet, and of his association with the 
founders of this church. A cabinet organ has since 
been purchased for the use of the choir. Another 
valuable donation to the church remains to be men- 
tioned. In August, 1877, Miss Elizabeth C. Purdy 
deeded to the church as a free gift the residence and 
grounds on Main Street, formerly the homestead of 
her mother, Mrs. H. C. Purdy, as a rectory for the 
use of the pastors of St. John's Church. Another 
recent donation is that of kneeling-benches for all 
the pews of the church. The vestry have also been 
able to purchase a handsome addition to the grounds 
of the church, 50 feet by 75, and 250 feet in depth. 

The present parish organization (September, 1880) 
consists of Rev. William E. Snowden, rector ; Thomas 



r74 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



P. Cummings, of New York, senior warden ; William 
J. Sherwood, junior warden ; John Chatfield, Peter 
P. Hazen, James Emslie, Jr., John B. Raymond, Dr. 
Cornelius Walke, H. B. Breed, M. Webster, N. Chat- 
field, Jr., vestrymen ; Peter P. Hazen, clerk and 
treasurer. 

THE CIIUKCH OF ST. THOMAS (CATHOLIC), CORN- 
WALT,, 

was incorporated Nov. 17, 1870. The trustees who 
executed the certificate were Rev. John McCloskey, 
archbishop; Rev. William Starr, vicar-general; Rev. 
John A. Keogh, pastor, and two laymen, James 
Sheridan and Patrick Piggott. This was the legal 
organization of a society founded by the indefatigable 
labors of Rev. Father Keogh. He was appointed to 
the Cornwall mission by the archbishop of New Y'ork. 
Very much of an invalid and with apparently only a 
short lease of life before him, he nevertheless brought 
to his work a diligence and faithfulness that won 
friends not only among Catholics, but throughout the 
community among all denominations. Under the 
pure air and invigorating climate of Cornwall he 
recovered his health. 

For some years before this Catholic services had 
been maintained in a small brick church opposite the 
entrance to Mr. Ryckman's property, which was built 
about ISGO, under the direction of Rev. Edward J. 
O'Reilly, subsequently pastor of St. Mary's, New 
York City. Father Keogh resolved on a better edi- 
fice, and set to work immediately for that object. 
The ground was secured, and the excavations made 
by voluntary labor in the winter of 1870-71. 

The corner-stone was laid in the spring by the 
bishop of Rochester, Rt. Rev. Dr. McQuade, ;tssisted 
by several prominent priests from New York and 
elsewhere, and in the presence of a large concourse of 
citizens. The work was pushed with great energy, so 
that both the church and the pastoral residence were 
inclosed before fall. In the spring of 1872 the old 
church and property were disposed of, and in the 
month of June the altar was moved to the basement 
of the new church, which was fitted up as a chapel, 
with the ample dimensions of 100 by 50. The church 
and rectory, as thus completed, cost not far from 
$30,000, of which about $13,000 remained as a debt.' 

At the completion of the large and convenient 
chapel work was suspended ; and the " hard times" 
following immediately, it has not been resumed. Rev. 
Father Keogh retired from this charge April 1, 1876. 
He was immediately succeeded by the present pastor. 
Rev. Stephen Mackin. The efforts of the latter have 
been wisely directed to strengthening and consolida- 
ting the society, without incurring additional debt; 
resolved to hold fast to what has been achieved, and 
await better financial times, when the large and beau- 
tiful edifice, designed and partially built, may be 
completed. Like many other pastors, Father Mackin 
has found it his highest duty U> " hold the fort," 



strengthen the things that remain, and care for the 
spiritual wants of his parish. The interest has been 
regularly met, and the current expenses provided for. 

The assistant pastor is Rev. James F. Kiely. The lay 
members of the board of trustees as provided by law 
are Dennis Halloran and John Callahan. There are 
about 110 families in the congregation, numbering 
about 550 persons, and communicants about 500. 

The church building is situated on a pleasant 
site, central for the group of villages surrounding it, 
and having a fine view within range of the tower 
when it shall be completed. 



VIII.-BUHIAL-PLACES. 

These are quite numerous, and can only be l)riefly 
catalogued. In the village of Canterbury may be 
noted the remnants of an early ground in the rear of 
Mr. HoUett's lot, on the opposite side of the road from 
the Presbyterian church. It originally extended into 
that street. It is now inclosed in private grounds, 
and neither names nor dates can be conveniently 
read, if any such remain. 

In the rear of the Presbyterian church is a large 
level plat, a portion of which appears to date back 
fifty or sixty years, having also a few graves marked 
only by common field-stone indicating a still older 
period. Other parts of the ground are devoted 
to modern burial, with some attempts at lots regu- 
larly laid out. The whole needs additional care. 

Burials are said to have taken place in a field on 
the north side of the creek in the village of Canter- 
bury, now wholly plowed over and lost. 

Near the Friends' meeting-house west of Canter- 
bury is a cemetery of considerable extent. Doubtless 
many of the early settlers are buried there, as very 
many graves are marked with field-stone of an early 
day. There are also the short head-stones of a later 
period, upon which names and dates are sunk in some 
cases out of sight. Other portions of the ground are 
receiving considerable care according to modern ideas. 

Near the Orthodox Friends' meeting-house in the 
village of Canterbury is the private burial-place of 
the Ring and Sands families. This is a rural, secluded 
spot, inclosed with a substantial iron fence. 

The Catholic Church have a new cemetery laid 
out, and already some monuments are erected, and 
the whole, under careful attention, will doubtless be- 
come a handsome resting-place of the dead. 

Near the station west of Orr's Mills is a burial- 
place, finely situated on rising ground, formerly the 
site of the Baptist church. It is evidently receiving 
considerable care at the present time. 

Burials from the northern portion of Cornwall are 
now to a considerable extent either in the old or 
the new cemeteries in New Windsor. 

The old Bethlehem burial-place is one of marked 
interest, connected as it is to one of the oldest churches 
in the county, and the graveyard the place of very 
early burial. 



COKNWALL. 



I to 



IX.— SOCIETIES, LIBKAEIES, INCORPORA- 
TIONS, Etc. 

MASONIC. 

In the year 1815 several Masous then residing in 
Cornwall met in Canterbury and made preliminary 
arrangements to establish a lodge. Upon their peti- 
tion the Grand Lodge, under date of Sept. 9, 1815, 
issued a warrant authorizing the formation of Jeru- 
salem Temple Lodge, No. 247, and appointing Wyatt 
Carr, blaster, Abraham Mead, Senior Warden, and 
Sutherland Moore, Junior Warden. James B. Rey- 
nolds, of Hiram Lodge, Newburgh, was appointed to 
institute the new lodge. It is stated in the old record 
that the "said James B. Reynolds met the said lodge 
in the house of Ebenezer Crissey on the 5th day of 
October, 1815, and then and there installed the lodge 
agreeable to the customs thereof. The lodge then 
adjourned to the house of Brother Hugh Gregg and 
partook of a dinner prepared by him." 

At the regular election, December 23d of that year, 
the following officers were chosen: Wyatt Carr, W. 
M.; Abraham Mead, S. W. ; Sutherland Moore, J. 
W. ; Nathaniel Clark, Treas. ; Samuel H. Purdy, Sec. ; 
William Williams, S. D. ; Stephen Coleman, J. D.; 
Obadiah Smith, Jr., Sr. M. C; Isaac B. Titus, Jr., 
M. C. ; Lewis Batterson and John Arnold, Stewards ; 
Hugh Gregg, Tyler. 

Wyatt Carr continued Master until Dec. 23, 1820, 
when Wm. A. Clark was elected to succeed him. Mr. 
Clark was followed by Jonathan Morrill. In Decem- 
ber, 1824, Oliver Farrington was elected Master, and 
occupied the chair until the suspension of the lodge 
in 182(5. During this period of eleven years 92 can- 
didates were initiated, of whom the first was Samuel 
H. Purdy. The lodge met in the attic of the present 
Moore's Hotel, of Canterbury. When the lodge sur- 
rendered its charter, the parai^hernalia were taken in 
charge by Mr. Lane, then proprietor of that hotel, 
and after his death they were preserved by Mr. Dyer 
Brewster. They were given to the reorganized lodge 
of 1871, and are now in the lodge-room, cherished as 
objects of antiquity, rare memorials of early Masonry. 
The Bible was printed in 1799, and is a massive vol- 
ume 15 by 18 inches. There is a dark lantern formed 
of tin and wood, with several mystical openings. 
There is also a Masonic mirror, and a symbolic chart 
jjrinted in 1819. 

The reorganization after forty-five years was an oc- 
casion of much interest. The installation took place 
July 27, 1872, and all the ceremonies were in ample 
form. Music was furnished by the West Point 
Band, and an oration was delivered by Rev. Charles 
Shelling, of Newburgh. 

TEMPERANCE. 

The first temperance organization was eftected in 
1841 or '42. It was continued for only a few years, 
but did much to develop and strengthen public senti- 



ment in favor of sobriety. Among the active members 
of that period may be properly mentioned Fowler 
Griggs and George G. Clark. Various other temper- 
ance organizations bad a brief existence from time to 
time, and carried forward the general work. 

In 1SG6, Cornwall Division, No. 204, S. of T., was 
established. Among its founders were Samuel E. 
Shutes, afterwards mayor of Newburgh ; James G. 
Roe, Rev. M. Me.sseter, D. A. Stephens, Thomas Taft, 
Jonas G. Davis, Joseph Ferguson, Henry R. Hunter, 
Harvey R. Taylor, and Charles H. Ray. Active in 
its formation were also several ladies, Mrs. Shutes, 
the Misses Cousers, Jackson, Ray, and Wiley. 
David A. Stephens was the first presiding officer, and 
he was followed by Samuel E. Shutes. Thomas 
Taft succeeded the latter. About 250 members were 
enrolled during the five years of its existence. This 
society was succeeded in 1870 by a lodge of Good 
Templars under the name of Idlewild Lodge, No. 860, 
I. O. of G. T. The present officers of the lodge (Sep- 
tember, 1880) are Ezra P. Thompson, VV. C. T.; Mrs. 
E. Cahey, W. V. T ; George Stevenson, Sec. ; S. W. 
Cahey, Fin. Sec; George W. Cahey, Treas.; Wil- 
liam Graham, Marshal ; B. F. Oliver, P. W. C. T. ; 
George H. Dobbs, Lodge Deputy ; Miss Libbie 
Oliver, Guard. The lodge meets every Tuesday 
night in the Salmon Building, on the dock. 

In connection with this temperance work a fine 
building was erected in 1872, known as Temperance 
Hall. It was established by the Idlewild Temperance 
Association, at a total cost of about $6000. It is a 
frame building 30 by 55, and surmounted by a 
cupola. The hall proper is a handsome room 20 by 
40, and 14 feet in height, the walls wainscoted, and 
the room properly furnished. Various temperance 
societies meet in this building, also the Odd-Fellows' 
lodge and religious meetings. Part of the building 
is occupied as a dwelling, and the ground-floor is di- 
vided into three stores, the rent from which makes 
the institution self-supporting. The building asso- 
ciation was duly incorporated, and stock issued to 
the amount of about $10,000. The first officers were 
William H. Clark, president ; George Stevenson, 
vice-president; Leonard P. Clark, treasurer; Frank 
Couch, secretary. 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

A lodge of this order was formed in Canterbury in 
the earlier years of its introduction to this country, 
and had a prosperous existence. It was, however, 
dissolved after a time, and its records are said to be 
lost. It was known as Beacon Hill Lodge. The 
modern Odd-Fellows' society was formed Dec. 2, 1872, 
by Grand District Deputy Van Dalfsen, of Newburgh. 
The name adopted was Cornwall Lodge, No. 340, 
I. O. of O. F. The present officers are J. Terwilliger, 
N. G. ; George Walker, V. G. ; B. F. Oliver, Sec. ; 
R. Cleland, Treas. The lodge meets every Monday 
evening at Weeks' Hall. 



776 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

This is now fifty years old, and is an institution 
seldom found in an unincorporated village. It was 
established by an act of the Legislature passed April 
20, 1830. By the terms of the statute, "Nathan 
Westcott, Elias Hand, W. T. Cock, George Marriott, 
John M. Gough, and such others as shall associate 
with them, and shall pay two dollars and fifty cents 
for procuring not more than two engines and other 
implements necessary for extinguishing fires," were 
created a body corporate under the name of the " Can- 
terbury Fire Company." The meeting to organize 
under the act was held at the house of B. Colter, May 
10, 1830, Oliver Cromwell being called to the chair, 
and John M. Gough chosen secretary. 

Among the early members recorded may be found 
the names of Elias Hand, John E. Chadeayne, W. T. 
Cock, Justus Sackett, Noah Townsend, Lewis Bar- 
rett, Henry Titus, Thomas F. Fish, Samuel G. Purdy, 
Daniel Chadeayne, Samuel Townsend, Benjamin At- 
kinson, Charles R. Sutherland, and Fowler Griggs. 
Soon after the formation of the company a small 
hand-engine was bought, at an expense of about S125. 
It was arranged with handles, so that it could be car- 
ried by four men. This rude memorial of an almost- 
forgotten age is still preserved at the engine-house. 
Hooks and ladders were of home-made construction, 
consisting of saplings cut in the mountains, and 
ironed by Hewitt & Torrey at their trip-hammer shop, 
near the site in later times of Nicholas Cock's fac- 
tory. There was nothing extravagant in the early 
expenditures. The funds were often necessarily con- 
tributed by the members, and it was a matter of con- 
siderable self-sacrifice to sustain the enterprise. The 
first engine-house was a small frame building, and 
stood upon a lot owned in recent years by V. C. Kihl- 
mire. This building was sold to John Malloy when 
the company secured their present quarters. He re- 
moved it to Roeville and fitted it up as a dwelling. 
The company's services in extinguishing fires were 
first employed at the burning of Samuel Townsend's 
barn. 

In 1836 or 1837 a secoud-liand suction-engine was 
bought at a cost of about $500. These engines re- 
mained the only equipment of the company until 
1869, when an improved engine was bought, known 
as Highland Engine, No. 1. The new engine-house 
was obtained about this time, the company buying, 
for S2000, the lot and building previously occupied by 
Hunlos & McLean as a meat-market. Considerable 
expense was incurred in altering and fitting up the 
building. The use of the lower floor for election pur- 
poses and the room overhead for public meetings 
yields a small revenue, which, aided by other means, 
keeps the finances of the company in a fair condition. 

The rapid growth of that part of these associated 
villages which takes the name of Willisville, led to 
the founding of a second fire company in 1868. The 
first officers were William J. Quigley, foreman ; John 



K. Oliver, assistant, and John McLean, Jr., secretary. 
The company did not secui-e incorporation until March 
30, 1870. The persons named in the act were E. A. 
Matthieson, Stephen C. Gillis, Hamilton H. Salmon, 
David Clark, James K. Hitchcock, and Elbert H. 
Champlin, and they were constituted a body corporate 
under the name of Storm-King Fire-Engine Comjiany, 
No. 2. 

The engine-house was built soon after. The first 
fire at which the services of the new company were 
employed was that of the Sagamore House, then oc- 
cupied by Charles Brown. The company have a very 
beautiful hose carriage, built by James Reid, of Can- 
terbury. 

CORNWALL CIRCULATING LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

This was organized at Cornwall Landing, Nov. 2, 
1869. Lyman Abbott was appointed chairman of 
the meeting, and William H. Clark, secretary. The 
trustees named were William P. Coolidge, E. A. 
Matthieson, James G. Roe, William H. Clark, 
Thomas Taft, N. Chatfield, Jr., E. H. Champlin, 
Albert Palmer, Thomas George. The library was 
required to be located within the bounds of School 
District No. 4. The fee of membershiij or price of a 
share of stock was fixed at five dollars. 

Persons not owning five shares, or not owning any, 
might enjoy the privilege of the libl-ary by paying 
one dollar annually. 

The building was erected in 1870. It is a substan- 
tial structure, 80 by 45, and faced on all sides with 
the best qualitj- of pressed brick. It is three stories 
in height above the basement. The first floor is di- 
vided into stores, the rent from which is a material 
item of the revenue that sustains the enterprise. The 
second floor is occupied with the library, the reading- 
room, billiard parlor, and various offices. The third 
or upper floor is arranged as a public hall. It is 78 
by 43, with a gallery at one end and a stage at the 
other. It has a height of 21 feet, is well ventilated, 
and its acou.stic i)roperties are said to be superior. 

The whole building, with the library and its ap- 
pointments, constitutes an enterprise seldom found in 
a rural village of this size. It is a distinguishing 
mark of the liberality as well as the culture and re- 
finement of the people of this community. The 
building, with the heater, settees, and fixtures, cost 
about §30,000. There are now about 3.500 volumes 
in the library. The librarian is Miss Sarah Chat- 
field. 

THE CORNWALL PLEASURE-GROUND AND DRIV- 
ING-PARK ASSOCIATION 

was formed April 6, 1868. Its objects were declared 
to be " first, advancing the cause of agriculture by 
giving, at stated intervals, competitive exhibitions of 
agricultural products and implements; second, devel- 
oping the utility and increasing the value of all domes- 
tic animals in general, by encouraging the true princi- 
ples of breeding ; and, in particular, promoting the 



CORNWALL. 



777 



power, endurauce, and speed of that noblest creature 
of them all, the horse ; third, the purchasing, leasing, 
and holding of the requisite amount of real and per- 
sonal property necessary to consummate the general 
objects of the association." The capital stock was 
fi.xed at S10,000, to be divided into .500 shares. The 
directors named were Lewis Beach, Benjamin S. 
Moore, William Townsend, H. R. Hunter, William 
Gourley, and Thomas Heaton. The proceedings were 
verified before Dyer Brewer, justice of the peace, and 
recorded April 22d. 

THE HUDSON RIVER METALLIC PAINT COMPANY 
OF CORNWALL 

executed a certificate of incorporation which was 
verified Feb. 11, 1865. The capital stock was stated at 
$250,000, divided into 5000 shares. The trustees named 
were Hov.-ard Potter, Wm. Sturges, Wm. G. Lambert, 
John J. Monell, Frederick H. Wolcott, Charles M. 

^v^olcott. 

THE WEST POINT AND CORNWALL TURNPIKE 
COMPANY 

was authorized to organize and construct a road by a 
resolution of the board of supervisors, passed March 
9, 1868. 

THE CORNWALL OXIDE PAINT MANUFACTURING 
COMPANY 

executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 9, 1864. 
The object was stated as " mining or obtaining iron 
ore.s and minerals, and jireparing them for use a^d con- 
sumption as a paint." The capital was fixed at 4000 
shares of $25 each, not in cash but to be represented 
by the mines, mining contracts, lands, leases, etc., be- 
longing to the company. The trustees named were 
Enoch Carter, John J. Monell, Peter Ward, and John 
L. Davis. 

THE CORNWALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY 
was incorporated by a certificate executed May 13, 
1868. The object was declared to be " the manufac- 
ture and sale of family and other soaps." The capital 
stock named was $25,000, divided into 250 shares. 
The trustees chosen were John S. Davis, Robert E. 
Ring, and Townsend E. Drew. The certificate was 
verified the same day before Wm.. H. Clark, and 
recorded May 22d. 

CORNWALL SAVINGS-BANK. 
The preliminary meeting to organize this institution 
was held May 25, 1871, and the bank opened June 1st. 
The first officers were Wm. T. Cock, president ; S. B. 
Young, first vice-president; Wm. J. Sherwood, second 
vice-president; Dr. W. H. Vail, treasurer. Other 
members of the board : James G. Roe, B. L. Solomon, 
Thomas George, Josiah G. Clark, H. H. Salmon, 
E. A. Mattheison, S. C. Gillis, .James Brodhead, J. R. 
Wood, James K. Hitchcock. The president and vice- 
presidents remain the same. June 2, 1873, L. N. Wey- 
aut became treasurer, and still retains the position. 
60 



Total resources July 1, 1880, S24,209.58 ; due deposit- 
ors, $23,851.19 ; surplus, .$351.39; open accounts, 232; 
accounts open during six months, 25 ; closed, 22 ; 
amount deposited during six months, $11,480.20; with- 
drawn, $8,878.99; expenses of bank six months, 
$91.65. 



X.-PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEREST OK OP 
SPECIAL NOTE. 

CRO'-NEST 
is just on the boundary line between the towns of 
Cornwall and Highlands, and rises 1418 feet above 
the river. It is celebrated in song and romance. In- 
numerable writers have immortalized its crags. The 
genius of poetry has peopled its surrounding defiles 
with fairies and gnomes, and the most enchanting pro- 
ductions of American literature have found here at 
once their "local habitation" and their enthusiasm. 

BUTTER HILL 
is the name applied for many years to the mountain 
which, like a sentinel, stands guard at the northern 
entrance to the Highlands. Many ingenious expla- 
nations of the appropriateness of the name have been 
given, but they are all rendered unnecessary by the 
discovery that the real name on early maps was 
Buttel Hill. Buttel is the German for bailiff, and is 
appropriate to this height, which guards the pass of 
the Hudson. The poet, N. P. Willis, gave to it its 
new name of Storm-King, by which it will undoubt- 
edly be known through future years. Here is Mr. 
Willis' statement of his reasons for rechristening : 

" The tallest mountaiu, with its feet in the Hudson, at the Highland 
Gap is ofliciall.v the storm-king, being looked to by the whole country 
around as the most sure foreteller of a storm. Wien the white cloud- 
beard descends upon his breast in the morning (as if with a nod forward 
of his majestic head) there is sure to be a rain-storm before night. 
Standing aloft among the other mountains of the chain, this sign is pecu- 
liar to him. He seems the monarch, and this seems his stately ordering 
of a change in the weather. Should not storm-king then be his proper 
title?" 

To climb this mountain is one of the rare attrac- 
tions to summer visitors at Cornwall. There are va- 
rious routes, some having the romance of difficulty 
and danger, others of more gentle ascent, calling for 
less expenditure of breath and muscle. Having 
reached the crowning height, let the following pas- 
sage from Mr. Lewis Beach's volume tell the story of 
beauty and sublimity : 

"The summit once gained, whilst taking the much-needed rest, the 
eye soon shares the fatigue of the body in its elTorts to grasp the many 
objects that challenge its attention. There are numerous other views 
about Cornwall equally fine, but none of such scope to the north as the 
one that is here to be had. 

" An entirely new feature is superadded. For the first time you have 
an outlook to the east and southeast. Everything about you, in every 
direction within the compass of the eye, is brought out in bold relief. 
The natural beauty of the country within a radius of sixty miles from 
the spot you stand upon can nowhere be surpassed. Foreground and 
background of the picture are equally attractive. Sparkling valleys at 
your feet, towering mountains in the distance, cities and villages 
sprinkled about, the river threading its tortuous way, hillsides dis- 
charging their silver streams, huge chasms and nuissive rocks, some near 



778 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Aud others rpmote, all and each contribute to round out and complete 
a picture of iinequaled grandeur. Tou view the spectacle from your 
mountain-tier seat with no intervening peaks with their hats on to ob- 
struct the view, "tou may hear tlie music of the band at West Point 
wafted on the southern wind, and might look down on the parade- 
ground and witness the evolutions of the cadets were it not for the inter- 
vening heights of Cro'-Nest." 

Mr. Beach, (.'aating a glance backward at the times 
" that tried men's souls," adds the following beautiful 
piissage : 

" The student of Revolutionary history will find food for his contem- 
plation here. Tliere is a sermon on patient and heroic suffering in the 
bare rocks, for here were lighted those massive beacon-fires which ever 
and anon summoned the hardy militia to the defense of the Highland 
forts. Being the highest, the beacon here was the signal to others simi- 
larly located on hills for miles around. Half-clad signal-men watched 
here through storm and night and cold, so cold that more than one 
perished and passed to that future 'which has no king but God.' We 
need to get close to these men to properly appreciate their work." 

SLOOP HILL. 

Sloop Hill is on the south side of Murderer's Creek, 
and near its entrance into the Hudson. It is a place 
often mentioned in early accounts of this section, and 
the origin of its name is involved in some obscurity. 
It is doubtless simply a term early bestowed upon 
the elevation by pioneer navigators, either because of 
the favorable landing-place at its foot for sloops, 
or some other similar reason. The line between 
Cornwall and New Windsor passes over Sloop 
Hill. This is the old historic line between Orange 
County and Ulster as they were at first organized. 
Murderer's Creek (now known under the name of 
Moodna) is often mentioned in stating early civil 
divisions and early land-patents, and from their lan- 
guage the creek itself might be supposed to have been 
the line intended. The boundary between the two 
counties was, however, a straight line drawn through 
the mouth of Murderer's Creek and striking the Dela- 
ware above Port Jervis, in the vicinity of Sparrowbush. 
Even this is perhaps not exactly correct. The initial 
point was the head of navigation* on Murderer's Creek, 
and not the mouth of the creek. To understand that, it 
must be remembered that small craft could sail up 
the Moodna in early times for a short distance, — a 
feat that seems impossible to those who only know it 
now with its channel filled and its shallow depth of 
water. In connection with Sloop Hill it may be 
proper to remark that this locality is very near a 
large number of interesting Revolutionary localities 
in New Windsor, and to the chapter upon that town 
the reader is referred for further description. Sloop 
Hill itself was, however, used as a summit for beacon- 
fires, and thus Cornwall may claim something of 
the Revolutionary interest of this section as belonging 
within her lines. 

There is another tradition, but with little evidence 
to sustain it, that a Spanish sloop at some unnamed 
date came to this place to trade with the Indians, but 
running aground the Indians murdered the crew as 
the quickest way of coming to an easy trade. How 

* Beach's " Cornwall," p. 11. 



soon after Columbus discovered America Spanish 
j sloops were in the habit of coming up the Hudson to 
trade is not stated in the tradition. This is doubt- 
less like the wonderful tragedy of Naoman, over 
which generations of school-children have almost 
I cried as they read it, purely a fiction. 

I CONTINENTAL SPRING 

is a short distance from the West Point road, as it is 
called, and about half-way up the mountain. It de- 

I rives its name from the local tradition that a portion 
of the American army was encamped in this neigh- 
borhood during the Revolutionary war, and that 
instead of drinking from "the same old canteen,'' 
as in the song, they drank from the crystal waters 
of this spring. The water bubbles from the solid 
rock, and is delightfully " cool, delicious, and spark- 
ling." The spring has never been known to fail. 

BLACK ROCK 
is one of the mountain summits from which extensive 
and delightful views are obtained. The rock is said 
to rise about 80 feet above the mountains, and is very 
much of a tower, — a natural observatory, ascended by 
one of nature's own staircases, a series of steps in the 
rock. The view from this height is of surpassing 
beauty and grandeur. No tourist in the Highlands 
should fail to visit Black Rock. 

GRANT'S HAUNT 
is a grotto among the mountains. The rocks in and 
around" this are piled in every conceivable shape and 
size. There is a wild ruggedness about the whole that 
may well be associated in the mind of one having a 
vivid fancy with the hundred-handed giants of an- 
cient mythology. The pinnacle above has been 
named Spy Rock from the extensive view it com- 
mands. A curious rock near the grotto is named 
the " Giant's Slipper." 

PICNIC ROCK 
is a good place to stop for refreshments, provided a 
climbing-party have any. Here is a broad table, 
a rocky summit, over which nature has spread a cloth 
woven of moss and lichen, and made a convenient 
arrangement for seats by placing blocks of stone of 
varying size, .adapted to children and adults. 

ERLIN'S BLUFF. 
Our limits will not permit us to enlarge upon the 
fairy stories that have become classic in American 
literature, and which cluster around this bluff, with 
its adjacent defiles. Those w'ho have time to lose 
themselves in the most delightful works of Washing- 
ton Irving, and in Drake's " Culprit Fay," should 
read them in these mountain fastnesses, in the very 
haunts which the poets have so peopled with their 
fanciful creations that even a prosaic compiler of 
town histories, with their saw-mills, road surveys, and 
similar stern " practicalities," might not be .astonished 
if a fairv should beckon to him in these wild retreats 



li 



CORNWALL. 



779 



(especially in the time of summer tourists), or a giant 
chiisehim down the mountain-side, hurling seven-ton 
rocks after him. 

XATUKAL BRTDGE 

is not far from Erlin's Bluff. It is a curious rock for- 
mation, under which a tiny cascade somehow finds its 
way, though no daylight is visible under the " bridge." 
It is near the place where the little stream empties 
into a mountain lake, and there is a close combina- 
tion of several elements of great beauty. The massive 
rocks, the mountain lake with its clear depths, and 
the leaping cascade hiding under the rocks, and then 
reappearing to ripple down to the lake below. 

THE OLD RING HOMESTEAD 

is situated where the road to Newburgh from Canter- 
bury diverges to the left, leaving to the right the 
road to Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. There are many 
historic memories clustering around this now vener- 
able mansion. Here lived David Sands, the early 
preacher of the Friends ; in this house the meetings 
were held before the meeting-house west of the vil- 
lage was erected ; still earlier, during the Revolution, 
it was occupied as a store by the grandfather of Rob- 
ert E. Ring, and at times served the purpose of a 
guard-house, a detachment of troops from the New 
Windsor encampment being stationed there. War 
and peace thus met upon its grounds ; preacher and 
soldier both paased its portals in those stormy times. 
To this house came the bride, Catharine Sands, and 
from the sacred quiet of its low rooms the dead were 
carried forth to rest beneath the smile of God and 
enter into eternal peace. 

IDLEWILD 
would naturally be mentioned under this head, but 
it is already described among village names; and as 
an estate it is absolutely private property, not open to 
general rambles, except by permission from its pro- 
prietor. In Mr. Beach's recent work it is very fully 
written, some thirteen pages being devoted to Idlewild 
alone. For those, too, who would hear numerous 
charming anecdotes of the poet, there are many living 
in Cornwall who knew him well, for he died only thir- 
teen years ago. Mr. J. D. Sutherland was with Mr. 
Willis almost daily during the laying out of Idlewild 
and the erection of the residence. It was a chance re- 
mark of Mr. Sutherland which led to the name Idle- 
wild ; and the poet relied upon his practical judgment 
in the arrangement and grading of the grounds, in 
laying out the drives and the improvements of the 
glen. It was a favorite morning salutation of Mr. 
Willis: " Well, Major Sutherland, I want to use your 
brains to-dav." 



XI.-INDUSTKIAL PUESUITS. 

The town of Cornwall has quite a large area of 
arable lands. It is not exactly a mountain town, al- 
though it includes a portion of the Highlands. 



Around Canterbury and westward there are many 
fine farms. In the central and northwestern portions 
there are productive districts, in which a mixed and 
varied husbandry yields valuable returns. In the 
immediate vicinity of Canterbury an excellent quality 
of grapes is grown, forming by itself an important 
industry. Mr. Oliver Brewster, residing on Willow 
Avenue, has a very fine tract of some fifteen acres. 
It slopes northward from his residence, the latter 
standing on an elevation that commands a splendid 
river and mountain view. Mr. Brewster has been in 
the fruit-growing business for twenty-five years. He 
raises strawberries, raspberries, and other small fruits, 
but makes the culture of grapes a specialty. He sent 
to market in 1879 27 tons of grapes, and will send 
more than that for the present season (September, 
1880). He raises the Concord largely, though the 
Isabella and other varieties are found in his fields. 
At the ripening season one can appreciate the enthu- 
siasm of writers who speak of the "sunlit hills of 
Italy purple with ripening grapes," and scented with 
the delicate odor wafted upon the gentle breezes. 

Daniel Clark is another extensive fruit-grower, 
giving must of his attention to grapes. His grounds 
are in the Idlewild Valley, extending up the southern 
slopes of the hills. His shipments are very large, 
amounting occasionally to 30 tons a year. He origin- 
ally bought one Concord grape, from which he set 20 
acres. The old parent vine bore vigorously last year, 
but died suddenly from an over-dose of brine. 

William Sherwood also has a large grapery south 
of Canterbury village, and raises a large amount of 
grapes of superior quality. There are others who 
raise grapes in smaller quantities, but in the aggregate 
do a business of considerable extent. 

Among the industrial enterprises none have perhaps 
achieved greater prominence than the culture of straw- 
berries and other small fruits by Rev. E. P. Roe. (See 
Biographical Sketch.) 

The " Red Mill," on Idlewild Brook, is a grist-mill 
of very early date. It was probably built by Reuben 
Clark, or at least passed to him early in this century, 
and about thirt^'-six years ago to his son, David Clark, 
the present owner. 

MEAD & TAFT. 
This firm is doing an extensive business at Corn- 
wall Landing. They have a lumber-yard and a 
planing-mill. In connection with this they have 
a hardware-store, in which they deal largely in the 
general goods of the trade, and in all kinds of ma- 
sons' materials, painting, and building materials 
generally. The partners are Charles H. Mead and 
Thomas Taft. The business was first established 
in 1853 by Mr. Mead at Canterbury, at the junction 
of the Newburgh road with Hudson Street. In 
1861 the partnership was formed, and in 1868 they 
removed to Cornwall Landing. Their buildings were 
burned March 29, 1879. They were immediately re- 
built, and are now verv large and convenient. A 



780 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



feature of their business is the manufacture of porta- 
ble cottages adapted to the fashionable watering- 
places, and to the camp-grounds of religious and 
temperance associations. They are also contractors 
for the erection of large churches and other public 
buildings. Among their works may be mentioned 
the " Church of our Lady Star of the Sea" at Long 
Branch, and the Palmer House at Nyack. 

OllR'S MILLS. 
A mong the active business men of Cornwall, Messrs. 
William and John Orr contribute in many ways to the 
development of every public interest. John Orr has 
flouring-mills at Mountainville, and is also postmas- 
ter at that office. William Orr & Co. operate the 
well-known Cornwall Mills on Murderer's Creek. 
They are both custom- and flouring-mills. An ex- 
tensive business is done, their delivery-wagons being 
frequently seen through all the villages in Cornwall, 
and in other towns near. Their buildings are pic- 
turesquely situated near the road leading from Corn- 
wall Station to Canterbury. On a fine site near stands 
the Orr House, a popular resort of summer boarders. 

SUMMER BOARDING. 

Perhaps this may be termed an " industrial pur- 
suit." At least the business is industriously pursued 
by a large number in Cornwall. Besides the Glen 
Ridge House and the Orr House, already mentioned, 
there may be named the Smith House, Cornwall- 
on-the-Hudson, C. H. Smith, proprietor ; the Elmer 
House, Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, Wm. B. Elmer, pro- 
prietor; the Linden Park House, Cornwall-on-the- 
Hudson, R. B. Ring, proprietor; the Lawrence House, 
Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, J. J. Lawrence, proprietor ; 
the Palmer House (formerly Carswell), Cornwall-on- 
the-Hudson; the Mountain House, J. W. Meagher, 
manager; Mrs. Dunham, summer boarding; and 
T. M. Wilfy, summer boarding. There are also many 
others who receive boarders during the season, but do 
not announce their places formally as summer board- 
ing-houses. 

XII. -MILITARY. 

The present town of Cornwall lies in the immedi- 
ate vicinity of some of the most noted localities of the 
Revolutionary struggle, but can directly claim few or 
none of them as a part of her own soil. New Windsor 
and Newburgh, to the north, are rich in historic as- 
sociations, while the town of Highlands, on the south, 
embraces military reminiscences of surpassing inter- 
est. The forts of the Highlands were south of what 
is now Cornwall, while the encampment of Clinton's 
command was northwest, in New Windsor, and Gen. 
Washington's headquarters north, in the present city 
of Newburgh. The names of those citizens who par- 
ticipated in the Revolutionary war from the present 
territory of Cornwall must be sought in the militia- 
rolls given elsewhere, and can only be determined by 



comparison with the names of early residents, given 
under various heads in this volume. 

The following are remembered by citizens as having 
served in the war of 1812 : Obadiah Sands, William 
Sayre, John Denniston, Peter Fisher, Philo Fancher. 
The latter is still living. 

OFFICIAL ACTION, WAR OF 1861-65. 

At a special town-meeting held at the house of B. 
L. Moore, Jan. 28, 1864, Robert E. Ring was called 
to the chair, and the minutes were recorded by the 
town clerk, Abijah Dan. It was proposed to vote on 
the question of the amount of bounty to be paid, each 
voter writing his name and the amount he voted for 
upon his ballot. This proposition was not accepted, 
but a motion for a town bounty of $50 to each volun- 
teer was adopted. In pursuance of this action the 
money was obtained of the Highland Bank by ex- 
ecuting a town note for the sum of $7800, payable 
Feb. 8, 1865, the note bearing date April 13, 1864. 

On August 15th of the same year a special town- 
meeting duly called was held at Jackson's Hall, in 
Canterbury. It was voted to pay a bounty of $1000 
to each volunteer who should enlist for one year. 

The following statement of bonds issued appears 
in the records, the date of the bonds being Sept. 1, 
1864: 



815,000 falling due Feb. 1, 1865. 



12,000 " 


" " 1,1866. 


2,000 " 


" " 1, 1867. 


3,000 " 


" " 1, 1868 


4,000 " 


" " 1,1869 


10,000 " 


" " 1, 1870 



82,000 falling due Feb. 1, 1871. 
2,000 " " "1, 1872. 
3,000 " " " 1, 1873. 

7,500 " " " 1, 1874. 

5,000 " " " 1,1875. 



Feb. 7, 1865, another special town-meeting was 
held, and a vote passed authorizing the raising of a 
sufficient sum to fill the quota of the town by paying 
$400 to each volunteer, or to each drafted man in 
case of a draft, who should actually enter the service 
or provide a substitute. 

The sum to be raised was fixed at $30,000. A war 
committee to act in conjunction with the supervisors 
was appointed, consisting of Harvey B. Adams, John 
Chatfield, William Avery, and Cornelius Nelson. 
The records appear to show $31,600- issued under 
this authority. 

SOLDIERS' LIST. 

The following list was prepared from the printed 
muster-in rolls of the State, but it has also received 
a careful revision by Mr. Isaac Denniston, of Canter- 
bury : 

William Babcock, Cm. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

William S. Brooks, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; discli. April 16, 

l,si;3, for disability. 
Thomas M. Brooks, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; wounded at Orange 

Grove, Nov. 27, 1863 ; died of wounds Dec. 20, 1863. 
William Bordenstein, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 8, 18G2 ; wounded at Chan- 

cellorsville ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps. 
Albert J. Bunce, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; wounded in assault at 

Petersburg, April 1, 1805. 
Stephen W. Brown, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; died of typhoid 

fever Jan. 17, 1863. 
Thomas Bigler. 



COKNWALL. 



781 



John Brewer, Co. G, 2d N. Y. Cavalry ; enl, Sept. 1, 1861 ; re-enl. same 
regiment and company, 1863 ; disch, June, 1865 ; died since the war. 

Ezekiel Brundage, Co. G, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Jan. 20, 1863 ; 
died since the war. 

Henry J. Brewer, Co. G, 2d N. Y. Cavalry ; enl. Sept. 1, 18G1 ; taken pris- 
oner September, 1863, and died in Andersonville. 

George L. Brewster, corp,, Co. C, 124tti ; enl. Aug. 11, 18G2 ; served from 
Petersburg (1863) to Lee's surrender. 

John S. Bennett, 1st lieut., N. Y. Iiid. Bat. No. 7 ; enl. .\ug. 15, 1861. 

Peter Beams, enl. 1861 ; afterwards re-enl. Co. I, 168th. 

William Bro\vn.son, Co C, l^itli ; enl. August, 1862; 1st lieut.; pro. regt. 
adjt., Dec. 31, 1802 ; resigned Sept. 17, 1863, on account of wounds 
received at Chancellorsville. 

Jno. Beams, Co. I, 168th ; enl. October, 1862. 

David Beams, Co. 1, 168th ; eul. October, 1862. 

Samuel Bell, Co. A, 56th ; enl. 1861. 

David Boweu, Co. C, 124th ; enl. August, 1802 ; left regiment at Warren- 
ton, Va., Nov. 17, 1862, and enl. in U. S. Engiueers. 

William Curtis, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 30, 1862. 

Bobert Connelly, Jr., Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; detached as ambu- 
lance driver June 1, 1863; pro. sergt. of ambulance-train. 

Charles Chatfield, Co. C, 124tli; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; killed at Chancellors- 
Tille, 186.3. 

Leonard Carey, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; in guard of ambulance- 
train from September, 1863, to May, 1865. 

James Curry, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; died iu hospital, Feb. 7, 
1863, of typhoid fever. 

Michael Cox, 66th ; enl. July 28, 1861 ; lud. Bat. No. 7. 

Joseph Chase, &>. F, 142d ; drafted. 

George Cripps, 124tli ; eul. August, 1862. 

Michael Cullen, Co. K, 124th ; enl. 1862. 

Sylvauus Curry, Sickles' brigade. 

Abner Curry, Sickles' brigade. 

Joseph Curry, Co. F, 168th. 

Joseph Curry, Jr., Co. F, 168th. 

George W. Cabrey, Co. C, 124th ; disch. April, 1863, for disability. 

James Cromwell, capt., Co. C, 124th ; enl. 1862; pro. major; killed at 
Gettysburg. 

Joseph Connelly, Co. D, 168th. 

Benjamin Cole, Co. F, 142d; drafted February, 1864. 

Daniel Cole, Co. F, 142d ; drafted February, 1864. 

Wm. H. Coukliu, Co. I, 6th N. Y. Cavalry ; enl. 1863. 

Jonas G. Davis, Corp., Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch. March 20, 
1863, for accidental wounds ; died since the war. 

Frederick Dezendorf, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 : wounded May 3, 
1863; missing in action June 3,1864; returned to regt. at Annapo- 
lis, May, 1865. 

Isaac Denniston, Jr., Co. I, 168th ; eul. Nov. 25, 1862; pro. Corp.; disch. 
Oct. 31, 1863. 

Henry Davenport, Co. L, 6th N. Y. Cavalry ; enl. September, 1861 ; taken 
prisoner at Hagerstown, July, 1863, and again at Stony Creek, June 
28, 1864; confined in Andersonville. 

Frank Dunderburg. 

Eobert Davies, Co. I, SOth; enl. July, 1861 ; killed at Fair Oaks, June, 
1862 ; served under Gen. Taylor throughout the Mexican war. 

James E. Daniels, Co. C, 124th ; eul. August, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, May 3, 1863: and again in front of Petersburg, Aug. 19, 
1864. 

Nathan Edwards, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862 ; wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 
Wm. C. Edwards, Co. K, 20th Cavalry ; September, 1864. 
Charles L. Edwards, Co. I, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 
Charles L. Edwards, Jr., Co. I, 5th Cavalry ; enl. June, 1861. 
Isaac Edwards, Co. 1, 5tli Cavalry ; enl. June, 1861. 
William Emslii, Co. G, 2d N. Y. Cavalry ; enl. September, 1861 ; taken 
prisoner at Germania Ford, February, 1864 ; died iu Salisbury 
prison. 
John Firel, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862; not heard from after June, 

1863. 
George Florence, Co. C, 121th ; enl. .^ug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Kes. 

Corps. 
John Finney, Co. G, 124th ; died since the war. 
Hector Finney, Co. G, 124tli ; died since the war. 
Peter Fritz. 
Anthony Fritz. 
Abraham Florence. 



John L. Goodsell, Co. C, 124th ; ^1. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. March 30, 1863. 

Charles H. Goodsell, Co. C, I21th ; eul. Aug. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville, May 3, 1863 ; died May 20, 1863. 

Anthony Goodsell, Ind. Bat. No. 7 ; eul. Oct. 7, 1861. 

Edward Gillis, naval service. 

Edward Ginger, Co. A, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Jesse Griffiu, Co. F, 168th. 

Wesley Goodsell, Co. G, 2d N.Y. Cavalry; enl. September, 1861 ; taken 
prisoner, and died at Andersonville. 

Irvin Gordon, Co. G, 168th ; enl. Oct. 20, 1862. 

Peter P. Hazen, Corp., Co. C. 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

Charles G. Howser, Co. F, 142d; drafted. 

Richard Hulse. 

Henry Hoffman, Co. C, 124th ; enl. July, 1802 ; died of typhoid fever 
Sept. 29, 1863. 

Michael Hager, Co. A, 124th ; eul. August, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg. 

Philip Hager, Co. B, 78th N. Y. ; wounded at Chancelloi-sville, May, 
1863, and discharged, reason disability. 

George Hoofner. 

Gardner B. Havens. 

Charles Hager, U. S. Engineers. 

Stephen Iseman. 

Charles Jones, died since the war.' 

John H. Judson, Co. A, 124th ; eul. August, 1862 ; killed at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863. 

Samuel Jackson. 

Otto Kolthaus, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862. 

Luke Lancaster, Co. L, 2d Cavalry ; enl. September, 18G4. 

James Lewis. 

Thomas H. Laue. 

John Lewis, Co. A, I24th. 

Thomas Lewis, Jr. 

Dyer Laue. 

Henry Lent, Co. A, 56th; died since the war. 

Samuel Latham, 124th. 

George Lamb, 19th Militia. 

Benjamin Lancaster, 124th; enl. August, 1862. 

John Lewis, 2d. 

William Lewis, Co. K, 124th. 

Wm. H. Many, sergt., Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans, to V.E. C. 

William Mead, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; pro. sergt., July 1, 1863. 

Lorenzo McEwen, Co. M, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 29, 1864. 

John A. Myers, 

Wm. H. Myers. 

John Maloney. 

Patrick Murray. 

Lawrence Miller. 

John McLean, 19th Militia. 

Joshua Mead, disch. for disability. 

Hugh McGuire, 7th N. Y. Ind. Battery ; pro. 1st sergt. 

Julius Medina, Co. D, 168th; enl. September, 1862. 

James McDonald, Co. G, 2d Cavalry ; enl. July, 1861 ; killed by a railroad 
accident. 

Augustus Nelson, 7th Ind. Bat. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861. 

Thomas Oldring, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept. 26, 1862. 

Isaac Odell, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; thumb shot off on picket ; 
trans, to V. E. C. 

David Odell, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. for disability Nov. 
12, 1862. 

Wm. Odell, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 
1863. 

Jabez Odell, 124th ; enl. August, 1862; wounded at Spottsylvania Court- 
house, May 12, 1864. 

Edward Owney, Co. I, 124lh; enl. August, 1862. 

O. W. Odell, Co. A, 5(ith ; died since the war. 

Eobert Potter, Co. A, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 1863. 

Samuel Potter, Co. A, 124lh; eul. August, 1862; killed at North Anna 
about May 23, 1864. 

Eobert Rush, Co. C, 124th ; enl. \ug. 15, 1862 ; killed at Chancellorsville, 
May 3, 1863. 

Daniel C. Eider, Co. C, 124tli ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg, 
July 2, 1863 ; disch. for disability Dec. 7, 1863. 

Cornelius L. Rhodes, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. April 16, 1863. 

Wm. H. H. Rhodes, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; wounded at Spott- 
sylvania. 



782 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



laaiah Ruraaey, Co. C, 124th ; died in hospital of typhoid fever, Feb. 22, 
1863. 

John Robiuson. 

Francis Rhinefield, 124th ; eul. August, 1862 ; killed at Chancellorsville, 
May :i, 1803. 

Richard Rollings, Co. A, 124th; enl. August, 1862; wounded at Spott- 
sylvania. May 12, 1864. 

Samuel Rollins, Co. A, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; pro. Corp., 1863. 

Ira Rush, Co. G, 2d Cavalry; enl. Sept. 1, 1861 ; re-enl. 1863; disch. June, 
1866, 

George Rush, Co. K, 2d Cavalry; enl. September, 1864. 

Thurston Rider, Co. B, :!6th N. T.; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. July, 1863, ex- 
piration of enlistment. 

Warren Rider, Co. C, 124th; enl. August, 1862; killed at Appomattox, 
May, 186.5. 

Clark Sniitli, Co. C, 124th ; eul. Aug, 9, 1862; taken prisoner at Chancel- 
lorsville; paroled, and on parole some time, 

James Swaim, o6th ; 7tli Ind. Bat. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861. 

Wilbur F. Still, 2d lieut., Co. A, 56th; died since the war. 

Henry Still, Ist lieut., 56th, died since the war. 

Poter Shirts. 

James Secor, Co. A, 50th ; enl. July 31, 1861 ; disch. August, 1862, by rea- 
son of disability. 

George Swaim. 

William Sillimau, capt., Co. C, 124th; enl. August, 1862; afterwards ad- 
jutant ; pro. to lieut,-col. of 26th U. S, Colored Regt. ; lost leg from 
wounds, Dec. 9, 1864, in hospital, and died. 

John H. Swaim. 

Charles Smaltz, 48th N. Y. ; killed at Fort Wagner, 1S63. 

Daniel Socor, Co. A, 56th ; enl. July 31, 1861 ; re-enl. February, 1864; dis- 
charged November, 1865 ; pro. to corp,, 1863, 

George Secor, Co, F, 142d ; March, 1865. 

George G. Taylor, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; disch. for disability, 
Jan. 23, 1804. 

Thomas Taft, sergt., Co. C, 124th ; enl, Aug. 7, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. 
H, and afterwards to capt,, Co, C. 

John Tompkins, Co, C, 124th; enl, Aug. 15, 1862; taken prisoner June 
22, 1864; paroled, and returned May, 1865. 

Ephraim Tompkins, Co. C, I24th; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville ; trans, to V, R, C. 

George J. Thome, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to V. S. Engi- 
neers, April 18, 1863. 

William H. G. Thorpe, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch, March 29, 
1863, 

Jacob W, Topping, Co, M, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 29, 1864. 

John Tompkins (2), Ist lieut,, 56th (New Windsor); died since the war. 

Henry Townsend, 19th Militia. 

Henry Trainor, Co, G, 124lh ; enl, August, 1862. 

John Trainor, Co. G, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Alexander Trainor, Co. G, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Thomas Tracey. 

Radcliffe Turner, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Thomas Tole, Co. F, I68th. 

John T. Tole, Co. F, 168th. 

Charles Trainor, Co. G, 124th; enl. August, 1862. 

Jackson Van Zyle, Co. G, 124th ; enl. August, 1862. 

Levi Van Gordon, 56th, 

Goodman Van Gordon, 98th; killed near Bermuda Hundred, June, 1804, 

Charles Van Gordon, 124th, 

Samuel Van Gordon, Co. E, 56th N. Y.; disch,, September, 1863, for dis- 
ability. 

Wm. Van Gordon, 98th. 

J. H. Vought, 7th Ind. Bat. 

David Wright, Co. C, 124th ; enl, Aug, 11, 1862. 

David L. Westcott, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug, 11, 1862 ; wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville. May, 1803; taken prisoner; paroled; died of wounds 
May 24, 1863. 

William White, Co. C, 124th ; eul. Aug. 7, 1862. 

Albert Wise, Co. C, 124th ; enl, August, 1862 ; wounded at CbancelloiB- 
ville. May 3, 1803, 

Lewis Wolfert, 

Jacob Weybold. 

William Wallace, Co. I, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; killed at Chancellors- 
villo. May 3, 1863. 

Frank Wood, Co. I, 5th Cavalry ; enl. June, 1861 ; killed by railroad ac- 
cident. 

Harvey Wiley, Co. G, 2d Cavalry. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



EDWARD PAY,SON ROE. 
Edward Paj'son Roe was born on the banks of the 
Hudson, in the town of New Windsor, on March 7, 
1838. His ancestry is more particularly referred to 
in the sketch of his brother, Rev. Alfred C. Roe, in 
this work. His early home is described in his story, 
"Opening a Chestnut Burr," and again referred to in 




the description of the quaint old garden which has so 
important a place in his book, "A J'ace Illumined." 
His collegiate life was passed at Williams College, 
with a view to preparation for the gospel ministry, 
and after a year at Auburn Theological Seminary, in 
1862, he responded to the government's urgent call 
and accepted the chaplaincy of the Second New York, 
or Harris Light Cavalry. After two years' service in 
the field, Mr. Roe was appointed by President Lin- 
coln one of the chaplains of the Fortress Monroe 
hospitals. Just before entering upon the performance 
of his duties at that point he participated as a vol- 
unteer in the celebrated raid in the spring of 1864, 
in which Col. Dahlgren was killed, and which had 
as its object the release of the Union prisoners at 
RichnKmd. Several times on this occa.sion he acted 
as aid, and was the first one sent to Washington after 
the raid, where he had an extended personal inter- 
view with President Lincoln. While at Fortress 
Monroe, Mr. Roe was largely instrumental in causing 



CORNWALL. 



783 



the erection of the chapel for Christian worship at 
that pUice, and of the lihrary adjoining. He liad 
charge of the hospital farm at that point, and from a 
small beginning increased its size to forty acres, grow- 
ing all varieties of vegetables, and supplying the hos- 
pitals with many choice delicacies. At the close of 
the war he accepted a call from the Presbyterian 
Church at Highland Falls, N. Y., to become its pas- 
tor, and was soon engaged with the people in an efTort 
to erect a new church edifice. His desire to aid in 
this work first led him to enter the lecture-field, where 
his lectures on topics connected with the war attracted 
considerable attention. 

Up to the time of the burning of Chicago, Mr. Roe 
had never formed the definite purpose of writing a 
book, but the scenes of that awful event powerfully 
impressed him, and while the ruins were still smoking 
he spent several days among them. Returning home 
he commenced '" Barriers Burned Away," and worked 
for a year on the story in his hours of leisure. After 
six or eight chapters were written they were submitted 
to the editors of the AVic York Ei-angelkt, and at their 
request were left for publication. The story contin- 
ued to grow, the writer often hardly keeping in ad- 
vance of the paper, until fifty-two chapters were 
published. Long before its completion there was a 
demand for the publication of the story as a whole, 
and it was issued about the first of December, 1872, 
by Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co., of New York, who 
have published all of Mr. Roe's works. Its success 
was immediate, and successive editions were quickly 
called for. Mr. Roe's next work, " What Can She 
Do ?" was of a very different kind, and was also widely 
read. Finding his health becoming impaired by the 
continued duties of the pastorate and of authorship, 
Mr. Roe was finally led to query whether the latter 
wa.s not his true vocation, and to consider whether he 
could not exert a wider influence as a writer than as 
a speaker. Of this he made his next book — " Open- 
ing a Chestnut Burr" — a test, and constructed a quiet, 
Christian "btory. It proved the most popular of his 
works, and having decided to adopt a literary life, he 
removed, in the spring of 1874, to Cornwall-on-the- 
Hudson, near his early home, where he has since con- 
tinued to reside. Here, in a pleasant home, amid the 
most beautiful natural scenery, he wrote his later I 
works, — " Near to Nature's Heart," " From Jest to 
Earnest," " A Knight of the Nineteenth Century," 
" A Face Illumined," " Success with Small Fruits," 
" Play and Profit in My Garden," and "A Day of 
Fate." He is now engaged on a novel entitled " With- 
out a Home." 

In contrast to the usual experience of popular 
authors, Mr. Roe's works have successively sold more 
largely than their predecessors. The six novels writ- 
ten after " Barriers Burned Away" were pttblished 
in the autumn of each succeeding year after 1872, 
and of the seven novels about 17.5,000 were sold in 
eight years. The sale of all his works in this country 



reaches about 250,000 copies. All of his novels have 
been printed in England, and are now being translated 
into German. His last work, " A Day of Fate," was 
published in the fall of 1880, and has already, within 
a few months, attained a sale of 27,000 copies. The 
first edition of his new work will comprise 25,000 
volumes. 

Aside from his reputation as an author, Mr. Roe is 
widely known as an horticulturist and cultivator of 
choice varieties of small fruits. Feeling the need of out- 
of-door exercise and mental relaxation, he at first un- 
dertook fruit cultivation as a pastime and for his own 
amusement. But gradually he became interested in the 
work, experimented with rare and choice varieties, un- 
til to-day he is recognized as one of the leading horti- 
culturists of the United States. He has acres of all 
varieties of fruits, and makes large shipments of 
plants to all parts of the country. The demand for 
his plants is immense, and his spring catalogue of 
fruits for 1881 comprises twenty-four printed pages. 
He employs a large number of men, and leads, in his 
dual capacity of author and fruit cultivator, a busy and 
industrious life. His published works on horticul- 
tural subjects, above referred to, have met with ready 
appreciation by the public and attained a large sale. 

Mr. Roe was married on Nov. 24, 1863, to Miss 
Anna P., daughter of Dr. David Sands, of New York, 
late of A. B. & D. Sands, druggists of that city, and 
has five children living, namely : Paulina Sands, 
Martha Ferris, El ting P., Sarah Theresa, and Lindley 
Murray. Edward P. Roe, Jr., died in infancy. 

Mr. Roe is recognized as one of the leading and 
mo.st enterprising citizens of Cornwall, and is actively 
interested in every good work. 



WILLIAM S. BROAVN. 

William S. Brown was born in the town of Corn- 
wall, on Aug. 3, 1809. His parents were John and 
Hannah (Cronk) Brown, the former of whom was also 
born in the town, and engaged in farming near the 
residence of David Cromwell. The father of John 
emigrated from England prior to the Revolutionary 
war, and located in Cornwall. Among the other 
children were William, Thomas Nathaniel, Frank, 
Amelia, who married Martin Hallock, of Monroe; 
and Ann, who married Edward Coffee, of Cornwall. 
The children of John and Hannah C. Brown were 
sixteen in number, of whom ten reached mature 
years, namely: Ann (wife of E. B. St. John, of Corn- 
wall), William S., Henry, Edward, John, Hedges, 
James, Elliot, Louisa (who married John Requa, of 
New York), and Esther (who married Baldwin Fox, 
of Brooklyn). 

The early educational opportunities of Mr. Brown 
were limited to six months' schooling, three by an 
old Quaker, Andrew Sutherland, and three by an 
English gentleman in Canterbury. At the age of 
fifteen vears he commenced to learn the trade of 



784 



HISTORY OP ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



dressing deer-hides for buckskin with John Golow, 
of Vail's Gate, in the town of New Windsor, then 
known as Tooker's Gate, where he remained four 
years. He then removed to New York, and worked 



r^^^ 




1856; John Ross, engaged in the commission busi- 
ness in New York ; Hannah M., wife of Alphea 
Phillips, of Blooming-Grove ; Charles G., who died 
in the spring of 1881 ; Hezekiah P., a commission 
merchant in New York City; and Harriet F., wife of 
Robert S. Talbot, of Blooming-Grove. 



in the employ of the Dry-Dock Company, at the 
head of Avenue D, for two years. The next six or 
seven years was spent as a carter in New York City, 
at the end of wliieh time he engaged in lime-burning 
for Harvey Raymond & Co., of Brooklyn. He re- 
moved from there to Rockland, Me., where he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of lime for fourteen years. 
His health then failing him, he returned to New 
York and went into the brokerage and commission 
business, where he continued about seven years. On 
April 2, 1857, he purchased 8G of the 100 acres of 
land that he now occupies in Cornwall, of Rev. 
Jonathan Silliman, and took up his residence in that 
town, where he has engaged in farming operations 
until the present time, making a specialty of fatten- 
ing and dealing in live-stock. He has taken an 
active interest in local affairs, and is recognized as 
one of the substantial, enterprising, and public- 
spirited citizens of the town. He was elected super- 
visor of Cornwall in 1865, and has filled other town 
offices with credit. 

Mr. Brown was married on Jilarch 20, 1830, to 
Martha, daughter of John and Ann Rose, of Flat- 
bush, L. I. She was born April 10, 1807, and died 
May 2.3, 1876. The children have been Louisa Ann, 
who died in childhood ; George Ogden, died Aug. 20, 



JOHN ORR. 
John Orr was born in County Armagh, Ireland, on 
Dec. .31, 1820, and was a son of David and Elizabeth 
(Stewart) Orr, the former being a successful miller in 
the city of Armagh. His grandparents were John 
and Susan (Orr) Orr, and his great-grandfather was 
Robert, who was born in Scotland and removed to the 
north of Ireland about the year 1700. The former 
was a miller by trade, and the latter a wheelwright. 
The children of David and Elizabeth S. Orr were 
David, who died in childhood ; John ; Jane Ann, who 
married Joseph S. Pruden, of New York City; Susan, 





V^^ ^ 



who married George G. Sims, of Cleveland, Ohio. 
Mrs. Elizabeth S. Orr died in 1822, and David Orr 
married, for a second wife, Jane Stewart, a cousin of 
his first wife. Of this union were born William; 
Mary Elizabeth, who married John J. Van Duzer, of 
Cornwall ; and Sarah, who married Jesse B. Birdsall, 
of Newburgh. David Orr died in 1843, aged about 
fifty-two, and his wife, Jane Stewart, in the spring of 
1881, in the town of Monroe, Orange Co., where she 



CORNWALL. 



785 



was residing with her daughter, Mrs. Van Puzer. 
Her remains were inti'rred in Woodlawn Cemetery, 
in the lot of her son William. 

John Orr received a common-school education in 
his native country, and afterwards learned the trade 
of a miller with his father. In 1S42 lie came to 
America and first located in New Windsor, where he 
worked in Morton's mill, at Vail's Gate, for a short 
time. He then removed to Shawangunk, Ulster Co., 
working in James Mitchell'.s mill for one year and a 
half, and then in the Walden mills, Montgomery, for 
one year. In Octoher, 1844, he married Mary, daugh- 
ter of Robert and Mary (Cooper) Fulton, of New 
Windsor, and on April 1, 1845, took up his residence 
in Cornwall, going into partnership with Robert E. 
Ring, at the Townsend mill. . After three years he 
purchased his present mill at Mountainville, of 
Samuel Ketcham, and ran that for seven years. He 
then leased the old Townsend mill for five years, and 
operated both mills for three years. At the end of 
that time he surrendered the balance of his lease of 
the Townsend mill to his brother William. In 1860 
he formed a partnership with the latter and Joseph 
S. Pruden, and operated the Mountainville mill under 
the firm-name of John Orr & Co. Shortly after the 
firm ijurchased tlie Townsend cotton-factory pro|)erty 
and grist-mill, and operated that under the name of 
William Orr & Co. This arrangement continued 
until 1865, when Joseph S. Pruden withdrew from the 
firm, which was changed to J. & W. Orr. In 1866 
the latter erected the " Cornwall Flouring-Mills," at 
a cost of about $.30,001), on the site of the Townsend 
mill, and continued business there until 1877, when 
John Orr disposed of his interest to John Mitchell, 
and resumed the operation of his Mountainville mill, ; 
which he repurchased in 1875, and where he contin- 
ues at the present time. 

Mr. Orr is recognized as one of the influential ' 
citizens of Cornwall, and through a long business 
career has earned the reputation of an upright and 
honorable man. Besides his mill property at Moun- 
tainville, he owns the Samuel Ketcham residence and 
farm at that place, the Woodbury factory in the town 
of Monroe, and other real estate. He is popular in 
the town, and held the office of supervisor in 1868 
and 1869. He has taken a deep interest in the local 
development of Mountainville, and lent liberal sup- 
port to the progressive and elevating movements of 
his day. He is a member of the Bethlehem Presby- 
terian Church. Eight children have been born to Mr. I 
and Mrs. Orr, of whom five survive, namely : Susan 
A., wife of Lewis A. Van Cleft, Woodbury ; Addie ; 
Margaret, wife of D. E. Sutherland, of Cornwall; 
Emma ; and Jessie. 



WILLIAM OKR. 
William Orr was born in the city and county of 
Armagh, Ireland, Dec. 23, 1830, where his father was 



cestry is more particularly referred to in the bio- 
graphical sketch of his older brother, John Orr, in 
this work. 

On Feb. 11, 1847, Mr. Orr came to this country, 
having decided to make his home in the New World, 
where several sisters and a brother had preceded him. 
He resided for one year with his brother John, at 
Cornwall, and attended school at the excellent insti- 
tution of Rev. Alfred C. Roe, of that place. During 
the same year he worked in the mill of Sylvanus 
Howell, in Shawangunk village, Ulster Co., for two 
months, performing his work to the full satisfaction 
of his employer. The next three years were spent in 
learning the miller's trade with his brother John, 
at Mountainville. In 1851 he went to Haverstraw, 
N. y., where he operated a mill as first miller for the 
very remunerative stipend o( eleven dollars a month and 
his board. After one year he filled a similar position 
in the mill of James R. Dickson, of Newburgh, at 
sixteen dollars a month. He remained there nearly 
a year, and then worked in the employ of his brother 
John, at Mountainville, from 1853 to 1855. In the 
latter year he operated the Mountainville mill for his 
brother at a salary of five hundred dollars. The year 
following he had a quarter interest in the profits of 
the mill, his partners being John Orr and Thomas 
Fulton. The third year he was an equal partner with 
his brother in conducting the mill. In the years 1858 
and 1859, Mr. Orr operated the old Townsend mill on 
his own account, meeting with great success. In 1860 
he became one of the firm of John Orr & Co., con- 
sisting of John Orr, Joseph S. Pruden, and himself, and 
operated the mill at Mountainville. Subsequently 
the same copartners purchased the Townsend mill 
property, and ran that, under the firm-name of Wil- 
liam Orr & Co., until 1805, when Mr. Pruden with- 
drew, and the firm of J. & W. Orr was formed. In 
1866 the latter firm erected the Cornwall Flouring- 
Mills, on the site of the Townsend mill, at a cost of 
about thirty thousand dollars. The building, 40 by 
80 feet in dimensions, comprises three stories and a 
basement, and is one of the finest of its kind in the 
county. 

The firm of J. & W. Orr continued to carry on a 
successful business until 1877, when John Orr dis- 
posed of his interest to John Mitchell of Meadow 
Brook Farm, Cornwall, and the firm of William Orr 
& Co. was organized. The latter continued to run 
the Cornwall Flouring-Mills until April 1, 1881, when 
Mr. Mitchell disposed of his interest to William Orr, 
who is now operating the mill with great success. 

Mr. Orr is recognized as one of the most intelligent 
and enterprising of the business men of Cornwall. 
By close attention to business and industrious and 
economical habits he has accumulated a good estste, 
and earned the respect and esteem of a large circle of 
friends. In 1867 he purchased the homestead of the 
late William H. Townsend, near his mill, and soon 



786 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 





after began entertaining summer guests, in common 
with some of the best families of Cornwall. In 1870 
he erected his present handsome and attractive dwel- 
ling, known as the " Moodna Mansion," on the site of 
the Townsend residence, and has since continued to 
entertain each season, in a proper manner, a large 
number of guests. About 1872 he rebuilt the building 
known as " Overlook Cottage,'' near his mansion, for 
John Mitchell, who occupied it two seasons. Since 
that time Mr. Orr has used it, in connection with his 
house, for the accommodation of his guests. 

Mr. Orr is a popular member of the Republican 
party of his town, and was a supervisor in 1880. He 
was married on Jan. 27, 18.57, to Margaret (Young) 
Elliot, daughter of William Drummond Elliot and 
Jean Stewart Lamb Elliot, of Glasgow, Scotland. 
Seven of the eight children are living, viz. : John, 
engaged in business with his father; William Elliot, 
entry clerk with Lawson Valentine & Co., of New 
York ; David Lincoln ; Maggie ; Mary ; Florence ; 
and Nellie P. Orr. 



CHARLES H. MEAD. 
Charles H. Mead was born at Phillipstown, Putnam 
Co., N. Y., on July 24, 1831. His parent.s were Jo- 
seph N. and Phebe (Garrison) Mead, and his ma- 



ternal grandfather, Judge Harry Garrison, one of 
the earliest settlers of Phillipstown, and a representa- 
tive of a pioneer family on Long Island. Judge 
Garrison was a prominent citizen of Putnam County 
for many years, and held several offices of trust and 
responsibility. He was a gentleman of the olden 
time, of unblemished reputation, and at one time 
owned a large number of slaves. He gave them their 
freedom in 1823, but a number refused to leave, and 
remained with him through life. His grandfather on 
his father's side was Abram Mead, and his grand- 
mother Hannah Mead, whose father, also named 
Abram, at one time owned all of Cold Spring, N. Y. 
His great-grandmother on his father's side was Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Gen. Nicholson, of Revolutionary 
fame. 

Joseph N. Mead was born near Norwich, Conn., 
the family seat of the Meads. In early manhood he 
removed to Cold Spring, Putnam Co., and for a great 
many years owned and ran a first-cla.ss sailing- 
packet for carrying passengers betw-een Albany and 
New York. Subsequently he sailed from the foundry 
at Cold Spring to New York, until the destruction of 
his vessel by fire. Capt. Mead was a man of fine 
presence, and one of the most popular and highly- 
respected of the early sailing-masters on the Hudson. 




Iron Bri'lge a^ m.^s ih<- ISluodmi nt Oii> "Mil 



Ice House. 



Barn and Carriage House. 




" MuODNA Mansion. "' 
Besideuce of Wm. Orr, Cornwall, N. T. 



CuiiiWiiU Fluiiriut;-."\lilltj, EaUibiiabeil 1770. 
Bebailt by J. and Wm. Orr, 1866. 



i 




(^M/^-tcIr 



(P^T-l.-^ 



Tlio Kctcliam family is one nf the oldest in the town 
of Cornwall. Long prior to llie Kevolutionary war 
Samuel Ketchnm, the great-grundfatlier of the subject 
of this sketch, located where John Orr now resides at 
Mountainville, where he passed his life engaged in the 
arduous agricultural operations incident to the pioneer 
development of the country, and where he ojierated an 
early grist-mill. His remains are interred upon the 
farm. He was a large landholder, owning several miles 
square in that locality. His descendants through several 
generations settled around him, and the place was known 
as Kctchamtown until within a few years, when the 
opening of the railroad and the establishment of the 
station and post-office at that point gave it the less dis- 
tinctive name of Jlountainville. Samuel Kotcham had 
three sons, Samuel, Joseph, and Benjamin, all of whom 
settled at Ketchamtown. Samuel resided where the 
late Joseph Sayer lived, Joseph where Sherburn Shaw 
resides, and Benjamin where the subject of this sketch 
lives. The latter served as a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. Of himself and wife, Mary, was born a 
large family of children, viz. : Abraham, Charles, 
James, Joseph, Hannah, who married Martin Pempel- 
ton, and Ann, who became the wife of Daniel C. Car- 
penter. Abraham lived and died in Sussex County, 
N. J.; James, in the town of Monroe; and Joseph 
s]icnt the most of his life in New York City, dying, 
however, on the homestead farm. 

Benjamin Ketcham died May 18, 1833, aged eighty 
years, and his wife on Sept. 5, 1832, aged eighty- 
two. 

Charles Ketcham, son of Benjamin, was born on his 
father's farm, Oct. 2(J, 1786, and passed his entire life as 
a farmer on the home place. His wife was Ann Smith, 



born April 18, 178G, died .\ug. 11, 18.51, and the i.^sue 
of the union were Daniel C, born Nov. 14, 181.3, died 
in 1854; Benjamin S., born Jan. 4, 1819; and Eliza 
Jane, born July 13, 1823, died April 22, 1864. Charles 
Ketcham died June 1, 1847. 

Benjamin S. Ketcham was born on the honiestead of 
his grandfather, where he now resides, on the date indi- 
cated above. He has passed his entire life upon the 
property, with slight exception, and is the third genera- 
tion of his family who have resided on the spot. His 
education was derived at the district school of his neigh- 
borhood. During the year 1836 he clerked in a store at 
Cornwall. Subsequently he worked the homestead farm 
on shares ; but after his marriage, in 1846, he farmed it 
on his own account. The farm comprises two hundred 
and twenty acres. 

Mr. Ketcham is the last of a large family residing in 
the neighborhood of Mountainville, and through long 
years of faithful and honest toil has worthily repre- 
sented the name. While a man of modest pretensions, 
not given to display, but living an unostentatious and 
humble life, he has enjoyed a wide influence in the com- 
munity, and been recognized as one of tlie loading men 
of his locality. Ho served as a justice of the ]icace for 
four terms, declining further election ; and while not a 
church member, has, by a life of integrity and honor- 
able dealing, commanded the respect and esteem of all 
who knew him. He was married on April 29, 1846, to 
Mercy, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Cornell) 
Brown, and his children have been Charles, who is in 
trade at Mountainville, and a leading and influential 
citizen ; Theodore, who is cultivating the home farm; 
Ann E., who died in infancy; and Olive A., wife of 
James Barton, of Mountainville. 



MONROE. 



787 



After the burning of his vessel he located at Gar- 
rison's Landing, Putnam Co., where ho built the 
docli, residence, and store. He engaged in trade and 
kept a public-house at that point until his demise, in 
1841. His wife survived him many years, passing 
away at a ripe old age in January, 1879. The chil- 
dren were Mary Jane, who married James D. Faurot, 
of Fort Montgomery; Joseph Henry, deceased; 
Hannah Elizabeth, of New York City, widow of 
Sylvanus Coursen; William Augustus, who died in 
childhood ; Charles Henry ; and Sydney, who died 
in infancy. 

Until the age of nine years the subject of this sketch 
resided with- his parents, and received his early in- 
struction from Rev. Mr. Williams, an Episcopal 
clergyman at Phillipstown. After the death of his 
father he went to reside with his sister, at Fort 
Montgomery, where he attended the district school. 
When seventeen years of age he removed to Corn- 
wall, Orange Co., and commenced to learn the trade 
of a carpenter with Daniel Taft. In 1853 he opened 
a shop of his own at the junction of the Newburgh 
road and Hudson Street, in Canterbury, where he re- 
mained until the year 1861. In the latter year he 
formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Thomas 
Taft, under the firm-name of Mead & Taft, their shop 
being near the old Catholic church at Cornwall-on- 
the-Hudson. In 1871 the firm removed to Cornwall 



Landing, where they erected a large frame mill and 
an extensive addition to the dock. On March 29, 
1877, their entire establishment was destroyed by fire, 
but was replaced the same season by the large three- 
story brick building which the ■firm now occupy. 
Here the firm of Mead & Taft are doing a large 
building business, and their establishment is known 
far and wide as one of the most successfiil of its kind 
in the country. Their building is one of the largest, 
most complete, and conveniently arranged of its 
kind, and the variety and quality of the work done 
are not surpassed by any similar establishment in 
the United States. The firm do the finest panel 
work that can be done, manufacture large numbers 
of hard-wood mantels, and have contracted for and 
built many large houses and churches in different 
parts of the country, including 110 cottages at Long 
Branch ; the Elberon Hotel, New Jersey ; all the 
cottages at that popular sea-side resort; the Smith 
House, at Highlands, N. J. ; Palmer House, Nyack ; 
and the church of " Our Lady Star of the Sea," at 
Long Branch. 

Mr. Mead was married in June, 1854, to Mary E., 
daughter of Daniel Taft, of Cornwall, and has a 
family of eleven children. His son, Charles S. Mead, 
is engaged in business with him. Harry G. Mead, 
another son, is the contracting agent for the Canada 
Southern Railroad in New York. 



MONROE. 



I.— SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AREA, TITLE. 

Monroe is the southeast town of the county. It 
is bounded north by Blooming-Grove, Cornwall, and 
Highlands, east and south by Rockland County, west 
by Warwick, Chester, and Blooming-Grove. Its area 
is given by the equalization table of the board of 
supervisors, 1879-80, as 70,049 acres, but, as in the 
case of all other towns, this is only an approximate 
statement. The total assessed valuation for the year 
1879-80 was .$2,182,910, and the whole amount of tax 
paid upon that basis was $17,161. The title to the 
soil of Monroe is mainly derived through the Chese- 
kook Patent. The town was first named from that 
patent. For a full statement reference is made to the 
chapter on patents In the General History. 



II.— NATURAL FEATURES. 
The first striking feature of this town is the well- 
nigh continuous valley which divides this town into 
two nearly equal parts, and which has been made the 
line of the Newburgh Short-Cut Branch of the Erie 



Railroad. Through the northern part of this valley 
Woodbury Creek, which has one of its sources in 
Hazzard Lake, flows northward, and in Cornwall 
unites with Murderer's Creek. Not far south from the 
sources of this stream are the head-waters of the 
Ramapo, which flows southward into the county of 
Rockland. The summit between these two valleys is 
low, and the rivulets of the two streams, flowing in 
opposite directions, are found very near to each other. 
The eastern angle of the town is drained by Poplopen's 
Creek, which receives from the southwest a branch 
of considerable extent. Various branches of these 
several streams are found, and nearly the whole of 
the town is drained by them. The ponds in this 
town are numerous and of surpassing beauty. (See 
General History.) 



III.— EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 
The southern portion of Orange County, including 
Monroe, was settled mostly from the Eastern States, 
or from Long Island. The families were generally 



788 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of English ancestry, first having settled in the East, 
and at a later period removed west of the Hudson. 
Just when the settlement commenced in Monroe is 
not very accurately determined. All the accounts of 
Eevolutionary times indicate a population of consid- 
erable numliers upon this territory. The oldest patent 
in this section is the Chesekook, which was granted 
in 1702. There was little or no settlement for some 
years following that date. Various writers have men- 
tioned 1742 as about the time of the first settlement 
along the Kamapo Valley. The Smiths were in this 
town at as early a day as 1727, and the name " Smith's 
Clove" appears in the earliest town records of Corn- 
wall, 1765. Satterly's Mill is mentioned at this time 
also, and other names from the territory of what is 
-now Monroe or near it. 

The records of Cornwall having been preserved, 
and also the names attached to the Revohitionary ar- 
ticles of association, we can determine all tlie leading 
families residing before the Revolution upon the ter- 
ritory of the four present towns formed out of Corn- 
wall. After the lapse of one hundred and ten years, 
it cannot be expected that the location of all of them 
can be determined, either with respect to the farms 
they occupied or the present towns organized upon 
this territory. 

The following names are taken from those records 
and lists as having belonged to the present territory 
of Monroe. For others still not identified reference 
is made to the chapter upon Cornwall, where they 
are given in full. 

Henry Brewster was commissioner of schools in 
Monroe, 1799. His name appears in the records of 
Cornwall prior to 1775. The Brewsters were in 
Blooming-Grove mostly, but the name appears also 
in other town records. 

Elijah Barton probably lived on the Benjamin Case 
farm of late years. Roger Barton is also mentioned 
before the Revolution. 

John Bull, mentioned in Cornwall records, is sup- 
posed to have lived on the boundary of Warwick and 
Monroe. Ebenezer Bull is also mentioned. 

John Belcher's homestead was probably the present 
Mead place at Ramapo. Adam Belcher is also men- 
tioned in the early records. 

Robert Brock. The Brocks in early times lived in 
the mountains near Braymertown. 

John Brooks. His homestead w:is probably the 
present place of Benton Brooks. 

Abram Butler. The families of this name in early 
times were in the south part of Jlonroe, near the 
New Jersey line. 

Henry Cock came from Long Island just at the 
close of the Revolution. He remained for a time at 
Nicholas Townsend's, in Monroe, and then settled 
two miles west of Newburgh, where David Foster 
afterwards lived. His children were Jacob, of Mon- 
roe; William, of McKnight's Mills, Monroe; Ed- 
mund, of the Duncan place, Canterbury; Charles; 



Stephen; Mrs. William Titus; Mrs. Zebulon Town- 
send ; and Hannah, who died unmarried. Nicholas 
Cock, the father of the three brothers, carriage manu- 
facturers at Canterbury, was a son of William. The 
children of Jacob Cock were Anthony, Elijah, Jacob, 
Jr., Mrs. Isaac Titus, Mrs. David Ketcham, Mrs. 
Hannah Seaman, Mrs. Clark Smith, and Mary, un- 
married. Mr. Charles Cock, merchant at Cornwall- 
on-the-Hudson, is a son of Anthony. 

A. Cunningham. The old Cunningham homestead 
was the present place of Peter P. Parrott. A. Cun- 
ningham, Jr., is also mentioned. 

David Compton's homestead was the present place 
of Harrison Compton, and has been in the family 
from before the Revolution. Jacob Compton, both 
Sr. and Jr., are also mentioned in the early records. 

P. Cashaday (Cassidy). Timothy Galloway speaks 
of one Cassiidy, a tailor, very old, sixty years ago or 
more, who lived in Monroe, near the line of Bloom- 
ing-Grove. 

Solomon Cromwell. An old Cromwell homestead 
was near the line of Blooming-Grove, — the Daniel 
Vail place of later times. 

William Conklin. An old tavern stand at Baker- 
town, near Monroe village, was a Conklin homestead. 

Joseph Davis' homestead was where James Wilkes 
now lives. A grandson, Cornelius Davis, lives in 
Chester. 

Robert Armstrong was path-master of district No. 
34 in Cornwall, 1775. 

Owen Nobles was connected with the Stirling Iron- 
Works at an early day. 

Samuel Robbins and Philip Robbins were doubtless 
in Monroe. They are mentioned in the records of 
Cornwall pi'ior to the Revolution. 

James McLaughlin and W. M. McLaughlin are 
named in early Cornwall records before the Revolution. 

John Earle was chosen in 1765 a fence-viewer for 
Woodbury Clove. He lived near Highland Mills. 
His sons were Peter, John, Solomon. Samuel Earle 
is also mentioned in the old records, and the name of 
Richard also appears. 

Peter Earlc's homestead was at the south |)oint of 
Schunemunk Mountain. He was the grandfather 
of Thomas R. Earle, now a merchant at Turner's. 
Thomas R. was the son of Daniel. 

William Fitzgerald. An early Fitzgerald home- 
stead was in Dutch Hollow, near the line of War- 
wick. 

Alexander Galloway probably lived in the neigh- 
borhood of the Dickerman place, on the turnpike. 
Sanders Galloway is also mentioned in the early 
records, and likewise George. 

Jacob Galloway was an early resident. The old 
homestead was on Rye Hill, the Webb property of 
the present time, late that of John K. Roe. He had 
a son James, who had two sons — Thomas and James 
—and three daughters,^ — Mrs. Jacobus, of New York ; 
Mrs. Fitch, of Warwick ; and Mrs. Lewis, of Monroe. 



' • <X*^VKf ~i 



MONROE. 



789 



rUv^i^ 

James, Jr., removed to Ekjuia. Thomas had a son 
Timothy, who resides at Turner's, and from him these 
items and others have been obtained. The old home- 
stead remained in the family for three generations, 
and was finally sold by Thomas Galloway. 

James Galloway, named as a path-master of district 
No. 24 in 177o, was probably the first James men- 
tioned above. 

Elijah Green. In early times the Greens were on 
the east side of Mombasha Pond. 

Vincent Helms was chosen constable in 1775. The 
name of Helmsburgh, given to a part of Monroe 
south of Mombasha Lake and west of the south field, 
undoubtedly indicates the place where the families of 
that name lived before the Revolution. Thomas 
Helms appears as security for Vincent Helms, consta- 
ble, in 1775. If he was not the father of Vincent, 
he was evidently a man of more property,, and consid- 
ered "good" for the amount of money a constable 
might chance to have in his possession. Phineas 
Helms and Brewster Helms are also mentioned. 

Jonathan Hallock lived near Highland Mills. His 
father was one of the earliest settlers. Jonathan Hal- 
lock, probably a son, was mentioned in 1799 as a 
town officer of Monroe. 

John Hanse was path-master in 1775 of district No. 
45, Cornwall. He, or some one of the same name, 
was also path-ma.ster of district No. 25, in Monroe, 
twenty-four years later. 

Samuel Knight. Knight's Mills were well known I 
for many years. They had been owned for a time by 
William Cock. They are in the hands of the Knight ! 
family at the present time. Doubtless Samuel Knight 
lived in that neighborhood. 

Isaac Lamoreux and John Lamoreux are both 
mentioned in the Cornwall records before the Revo- 
lution, and the name is very frequent in the records | 
of Monroe, commencing in 1799, — Peter Lamoreux, 
Sr., and Jr., also Luke Lamoreux. 

Henry Mapes lived near Monroe village, on the place 
now owned by the heirs of Dr. Andrews. Benjamin 
Mapes, Smith Mapes, and Bethuel Mapes are all men- 
tioned before the Revolutionary war. Mr. Everett 
Mapes, now of Turner's, does not connect these names 
to his family line, but states that there were several 
distinct families of this name. 

Daniel Miller's homestead was in the vicinity of 
Mombasha Pond, though either he or another of the 
.same name lived also near Turner's Station. There 
are also mentioned, in the Cornwall records before 
the Revolution, Garret, John Jr., William Jr., Jona- 
than, Philip, Aaron, John, James, Joshua (path- 
master of district 26, 1775), Adam, Benjamin, Joseph, 
Robert. 

Joseph Patterson. This name is frequent in Mon- 
roe, and probably the one named in the old records 
lived here. 

Jacob Parliaman was path-master of district No. 46 
for Cornwall before the Revolution. 



Edward Robbins lived in Smith's Clove before the 
Revolution. 

Andrew Stewart and Luther Stewart are named in 
the early records. 

Capt. Austin Smith was chosen a fence-viewer " for 
Woodbury Clove," and assessor for district 5 in 1775. 

Jonas Smith was path-master of district 33 in 1775. 

Natlianiel Seeley, Sr. and Jr. One of them was 
chosen in 1765 overseer of highways for a district 
" from James Sears' to Satterly's Mill." Nathaniel 
Seeley, of Smith's Clove, is mentioned in the ac- 
counts of Claudius Smith as having been robbed.* 

David Smith was a justice of the peace in 1765, and 
the same year was an overseer of the highway " from 
Gregory's to John Earle's, on the Clove road." Other 
Smiths not named above, found in Cornwall records 
prior to the Revolution, are Francis, Samuel (path- 
master of district 22, 1775), James, Timothy Jr., Jo- 
seph, Hans, Daniel, Elisha. 

Julius Smith was overseer of the highway in 1765 
"from his house to Carr's, and from his house to Dun- 
bar's." 

Hophni Smith was chosen a constable in 1765 "for 
Smith's Clove," and also in 1775. He, or one of the 
same name, was the first collector of Monroe, 1799. 

Thomas Smith was overseer of highways in 1765 
" from John Earle's to Caves." His name is on the 
list of attorneys in 1770. 

Wm. Thorn was a justice of the peace in 1770, and 
lived at what is now Highland Mills. 

Nicholas Townsend came from Long Island not long 
before the Revolution and settled in Monroe, where 
Stephen Smith now lives. The old house was built 
of home-made brick manufactured on the spot, and 
about twice the size of modern brick. The house now 
standing is the same, only very much modernized. 
Mr. Townsend had no sons. Three daughters were 
Mrs. Jacob Cock, Mrs. Wm. Cock, and Mrs. James 
Hallock. Miss Phebe, a daughter of Wm. Cock, 
resides at Canterbury. 

Tobias Weygant. He, or one of the same name, was 
chosen a town officer of Monroe at the first town- 
meeting, 1799. That meeting was held at the house 
of John Weygant, and that was the place now owned 
by Russell Liffert. John Weygant had one son, John 
C; The children of the latter were Mrs. Charles F. 
Ford, Mrs. Abram Weygant, Mrs. Banghart Weygant, 
Mrs. Alfred Cooper, Mrs. Rachel McKelsey, Henry, 
Benjamin, Frank. There was also a Tobias Weygant 
in what is now Highlands at an early day. 

James Wilkes, Sr. and Jr., are mentioned in the 
Cornwall records prior to 1775 ; also Richard Wilkes. 

In the following memorandum the location of a 
part of the officers named at the first town-meeting is 
given : 

James D. Secor, the first town clerk, lived near the 
present creamery on the Isaac Thompson place. A 

* Tbe above may be properly io Blooming-Grove. 



790 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



son of Mr. Secor was a captain in the militia in 1812. 
Jonathan Taylor, one of the first school commis- 
sioners, lived near Highland Mills. Moses Cunning- 
ham, one of the first assessors, lived at Greenwood 
Iron-Works. The old homestead is still in the pos- 
session of the family, and is owned by George Cun- 
ningham. Obadiiih Cunningham, one of the first road 
commissioners, probably lived at Greenwood Iron- 
Works. Jonathan Hallock, school commissioner in 
1799, lived near Highland Mills. Richard Wilkes, 
school commissioner in 1799, lived near the Green- 
wood Iron-Works. Hophni 8mith, collector in 1799, 
lived at the north end of Mombasha Pond. Robert 
Lamoreux, fence-viewer in 1799, probably lived in 
the well-known neighborhood of the Lamoreux fam- 
ily. Charles Cunningham lived also near the iron- 
works at Greenwood. John Mapes lived west of 
Monroe village, on the present Nathaniel Clark place. 
John Mapes is said to have owned a mile square. 
Amos Miller lived near the present George Fitzgerald 
place. Jeremiah Trickey lived a mile from Turner's, 
on the present Eunice Lewis farm. 

Linus Rider lived on " the Ridge" west of High- 
land Mills. Daniel Hallock lived at Highland Mills. 
Patrick Ford lived near Woodbury Falls, on the 
present place of Byron Ford, a descendant, the prop- 
erty having remained in the family through four gen- 
erations. David Ford was a son of Patrick Ford, and 
the children of David Ford were Charles T., Benja- 
min, John, Townsend, Henry, David, Jr., William, 
Mrs. Peter B. Bush, Mrs. Charles Campbell, and Mrs. 
Milton Pembleton. Charles T. Ford, Jr., a son of 
Charles T., is the present popular proprietor of the 
old Turner Hotel, at Turner's Station. Jesse Lamo- 
reux was the father of Robert Lamoreux of later 
times, and lived in the Dickerman neighborhood. 
Solomon Earle lived on " the Ridge" near the High- 
land mills. James Smith, Jr., lived in Dutch Hollow 
valley near the Warwick line. Morris Pilgrim lived 
about a mile west of Turner's, on the present place of 
his daughter, Mrs. Arminda B. Townsend. James 
Miller (3) lived near George Fitzgerald's place, at old 
Monroe village. Henry Wood lived in Smith's Lower 
Clove. Tobias Weygaut lived at Highland Mills. 
Nathaniel Taylor lived south of Highland Mills ; 
property still in the family. Adam Belcher lived at 
Southfield, on the well-known Coffey place. Step hen 
D avenp ort, an old Davenport place, was the ]>resent 
Alexander Thompson ])lace, about a mile south of 
Turner's. John Bull lived near Satterlytown. David 
Rogers probably lived at Southfield. Isaac J. Lamo- 
reux lived a mile east of Turner's. Jeremiah Trickey 
lived at what was known as Turkeytown, southeast 
of Turner's. James Cromwell lived about two miles 
west of Monroe village, still known as the old Crom- 
well place, on the borders of Round Pond. Richard 
Woodhull lived on the present place of Mrs. Camp- 
hell. Jonathan Hallock lived near Highland Mills. 
His father was an early speaker in Friends' meetings. 



Charles Webb was also a noted speaker. Robert Caton 
; lived at the Upper Smith's Clove, and was a member 
of the Friends' meeting. 

TORYISM IN MONROE. 
No history of Monroe can be written without touch- 
ing upon this subject. It has some unpleasant feat- 
ures, because it is proper to admit, certainly after 
the lapse of a century, that there were loyalists or 
[ Tories who were good citizens, — men of integrity, men 
whose personal character was above reproach, men 
who honestly believed that the government of the 
English crown was their lawful government ; that re- 
sistance to it was rebellion, unqualified treason. Such 
men scorned to take advantage of the state of war 
for the purpose of neighborhood murder or of mis- 
cellaneous robbery. In speaking of such men as 
loyalists or Tories, no descendants need to blush for 
their ancestors. Impartial history requires the truth 
to be told, yet it is not right to unnecessarily decry 
the honor or the sincerity of such men. Nevertheless, 
there was a class of Tories, or men who used that name 
as a cover to their proceedings, who became simply 
highway robbers, taking advantage of the unsettled 
state of the country to perpetrate their crimes. To 
this class must evidently be assigned the Cow-Boys 
of the Highlands, and perhaps no one of the towns 
of Orange furnished more or better hiding-places for 
these guerrillas than the town of Monroe. The story 
of Claudius Smith is given in the General History. 

AN UNL'SUAL CASE OF ARREST LONG AFTER THE 
COMMISSION OF A CRIME. 

In a newspaper of 1820 occurs the following article: 

"Goshen, Sept. 4, 1820. 

"On Thursday morning last, a man by the name of Gilhert Horton, 
about forty-four years old, of the town of Monroe, was brougtit to Goshen 
jail, charged with having committed a murder twenty yeirs tigo ! 

" A great variety of particulars in relation to this affair are already in 
circulation, and we deem it no infringement of the rights and privileges 
of any of tlie parties concerned to publish the most correct statement we 
have been able to collect. Our readers will expect it, we shall therefore 
give it to them. 

" In the year 1800, a man named Amos Wood, living at or near Butter 
Hill, in the Highlands, died very suddenly : be was well in the evening 
and in the morning was found dead. We do not learn tliat any suspicions 
of mui-der were entertained at the time, or that the body underwent auy 
examination. A report was prevalent that Ilorton had been intimate 
with Mrs. Wood some time before Mr, Wood's death, but for the proof of 
this we cannot vouch. It is, however, true that soon after the death of 
Mr. Wood, Horton and Mrs. Wood lived together as man and wife. 

"Some time after the death of Wood (how long we are unable to say) 
circumstances were unfolded which caused Mrs. Wood to be apprehended 
on charge of having murdered her husband. It was said she had been 
to Newburgh or New Windsor, and procured arsenic with which she 
poisoned him. She accordingly was arraigned at the Circuit Court in 
this county, and after the district attorney had gone through with his 
testimony, the presiding judge told him if he had nothing more to offer 
against her she must be discharged, and she was accordingly set at lib- 
erty. This woman has been dead several years. If our recollection is 
correct, some suspicion was attached to Horton at the time as having had 
a hand in the death of Mr. Wood, but he has never been apprehended for 
it until now. 

" About five or si.\ yeai-s ago Horton was apprehended in the town of 
Monroe for breaking open and robbing a house or store in Sussex County, 
N. J. He then appeared terrified at the idea of going to State prison, 
and (as the story goes, but this he now denies) he called two of his 



MONliOE. 



791 



acquaintances aside and tolJ them he had been once to the State prison, 
and that he hail rather be hung than go there again, at the same time 
asserting that he aloue poisoned Wood. He then requested them to go 
before a magistrate, qualify to his declaration, and have him apprehended 
for murder. This was, however, declined. In what manner he got clear 
of the robbery we are not informed; report states that he turned State's 
evidence and exposed his accomplices, I)ut this he denies. 

"It seems that Mr. Wood left a son, who has been absent from this part 
of the country for several years, and soon after his return heard the con- 
fession of Hortun. He immediately resolved to have him brought to 
justice. Norton was accordingly apprelieuded, but made his escape. Mr. 
Wood, however, resolutely pureiied Iiim, and sifter faithfully traversing 
the mountains about a week, he discovered him near the mouth of his 
subterranean hiding-place among the rocks. He was taken !iy surprise, 
and had no opportunity to defend himself. Mr. Wood presented a gun to 
his breast, telling him the moment he attempted to stir or make auy re- 
sistance he would blow him through, whilst another person in his coni- 
pauy secured his hands. He had in his hand a cane with a sword or 
dagger in it, and a knife was found on him when he was brought to jail. 

"Horton was convicted of manslaugliter, and went from this jail to 
State prison, but was pardoned at the solicitation of his mother, when 
his term had alwrnt half expired. The circumstances of this transaction 
are briefly these : One James Mapes was deputized, or about to be depu- 
tized, to arrest Horton on some legal process. Horton was determined 
not to be arrested. He seized a chib and warned those who were around 
him to stand off, but Mapes approaching lather too near received a blow 
on his head wliich fractured his skull, and was considered the cause of 
his death." 



23. Robert Caton. 

24. Peter Lamoreaux, Jr. 

25. John Hans. 

20. Luke Lamoreaux. 



27. Isaac I. Lamoreaux. 

28. George Warner. 
20. James Cromwell. 



IV.-ORGANIZATION. 

This town was organized in 1799 under the name 
of Chesekook, that being the name of the patent 
upon the territory of which the town was located. 
By an act of the Legislature passed April 2, 1801, the 
name was changed to " Southfield." This was not 
satisfactory, though it remained the name for several 
years. April 6, 1808, another act was passed con- 
ferring the name Monroe, — in honor, it is presumed, 
of the distinguished statesman who afterwards be- 
came President of the United States. 

From the records of the town clerk's office Ave obtain 
the following account of the organization ; 

FIRST TOWN-MEETING. 

"At an annual town-meeting held at the house of John Weygant, in 
Smith's Lower Clove, by the freeholders and inhabitants of Chesekooks 
on the first Tuesday in April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety- 
nine; Justices Michael Hay and Moses C'un ningliam prese nt. 

" James D. _Seco r. town clerk; Michael Hay, supervisor; Moses 
Cunningham, Richard Woodhull, Isaac Hull, assessors; David Knowl- 
ton, Moses Cunningham, poor-masters; Richard Woodhull, Obadiah 
Cunnigham, Isaac Williams, commissioners of roads; Jonathan Taylor, 
Jonathan Hallock, Henry Brewster, Richard Wilks, Isaac Slutt, com- 
missioners of schools; Hophni Smith, Richard Wilks, collector's secu- 
rity; Robert Lamoreaux, Henry Brewster, Charles Cunningham, Ben- 
jamin Rose, John Mapes, John Rugeis, Amos Miller, Isaac Slutt, fence- 
viewers ; John Weyant, Adam Belcher, Peter Lamoreaux, Ji., pound- 
masters; Jeremiah Trickey, Tobias Weygant, Nathaniel Taylor, Jona- 
than Hallock, constable's security. 

" Path-masters for the town of Chesekooks, 1799: 



No. 

1. Stephen Davenport. 

2. Amos Miller. 

3. Peter Lamoreaux, Sr. 

4. Benjamin Bennet. 

5. David Rogers. 

6. Blithael Weygant. 

7. John Bull. 

8. Jeremiah Trickey. 

9. Jonathan Hallock. 

10. William Trickey. 

11. James Smith, Jr. 



No. 

12. Morris Pilgrim. 

13. Daniel Kiiuwlton. 

14. James Miller (3). 

15. Henry Wood. 

16. Hophni Smith. 

17. Linus Rider. 

18. Daniel Hallock. 

19. Patrick Ford. 

20. Jesse Lamoreaux. 
2L Solomon Earle. 
22. Richard Woodhull. 



" Voted, ^200 for the use of the poor. 

" Voti'd, No cattle to run in our commons except those that are in our 
town. If any cattle be found in our commons that do not belong in our 
town they are to be caiTied to pound and dealt with as those that tres- 
pass on their neighbors. 

" Voted, No rams to run from the 1st of September until the Ist of No- 
vember ; and if they be found in any man's inclosed land they shall be 
forfeited for the use of the poor. 

" Voted, Ten dollars for a wolf head ; two dollars for a wild cat's head. 

" Voted, Hogs to be commoners that are sufficiently yoked and ringed 
in their snouts, and they are to be judged by the fence -viewers. 

" Voted, Justices is to direct the size and form of the pouuds. 

" Voted, This meeting is adjourned to the house of Charles Cunning- 
ham the next ensuing meeting." 

We take the following additional notes from the 
town records. The first volume bears upon its first 
i page the following order or request : 

" We, the subscribers, do request James D. Secor to deliver the records 
of the old town of Cornwall to James Roe, which he promises to deliver 
to Jeremiah Clark, Jr., Town Clerk of the town of Cornwall. 
(Signed) "Michael Hat, 

"Selah Stronq, Supei-viaora. 
"Anselm Helms, 
'* Moses Cunningham, 
" Dan Harrison, Overseers of the Poor. 
"Feb.l7, ISlHD." 

The question may arise whether this request was 
complied with. The records mentioned are now 
(1880) in the town clerk's office of Blooming-Grove 
instead of Cornwall. 

It would seem that the town which retained the 
name after a division was entitled to keep the old 
records, with or without an order. 

A special town-meeting was deemed necessary soon 
after the annual meeting, the record of which is as 
follows : 

" At a special town-meeting called by the inhabitants of Cheesecooks : 

" Voted, That the laws respecting chattle from otlier towns at our last 
town-meeting be confirmed with some amendments on this 11th day of 
May, 1799. 

" Voted, Any creatures driven or found in the town of Cheesecooks 
that do not really and directly belong to an inhabitant of said town shall 
be dealt with in extraordinary manner. 

" Voted, That the sum of five shillings per head be paid to the driver of 
chattle to the pound, one-half to go to the use of the poor and the other 
half to the said driver or impounder, to be received from the sale of said 
creatures according to the statute law in such casea of trespass. 

" Voted, That James Webb be pound-master, and that a pound be built 
contiguous to his residence. 

'* Voted, That Eli Marvin be pound-master in the room of Charles 
Cunningham." 

This question of outside cattle seems to have been 
a very important one, as another special meeting was 
held within a month to further arrange for more strin- 
gent rules and thorough protection. The fertile val- 
leys of Monroe must have offered a strong temptation 
to the cattle of other towns, and it cost quite an effort 
to make owners or cattle, or both, understand the lo- 
cation of the town lines. The following is the record 
of the second special meeting: 

"At a special town-meeting held by the inhabitants of the town of 
Cheesecooks, held at the house of John Weygant, on the 4tli day of June, 
1799. 



792 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Ist. Agreed by the majority and 

" Voted, That any horned cattle of any other person not belonging to 
the town of Cheesecooks shall not be comnionei-s in said town. 

"2d. Voted, That any inhabitant of any other town who has drove 
chattle into said town sliall have free liberty and toleration to drive 
their chattle ont of the bounds of said town at any time between now 
and the 12th day of June instant. 

"3d. Voted, Any person or persons driving any chattle to any pound 
which has been or shall he erected within said town, and delivering them 
to the pound-master of said pound or pounds, said pei-son or persons so 
driving and delivering to said pound-master, or pound-mastere receiving 
them, the people of the town of Cheesecooks doth hereby bind them- 
selves to defend them in all or every suit or suits which shall be brought 
against any of said driver or drivers, pound-master or pound-masters as 
aforesaid. 

" 4th. Voted, That cattle so impounded shsill be dealt with according to 
the law passed at our last town-meeting.'' 

The first road survey recorded was under date of 
Oct. lo, 1799, as follows: 

" Beginning at the road between the hoxise of Isaac l-:imoreaux and 
the house of the Widow Prindle, where there are two maple-trees marked, 
and runs from thence near a peperage-tree marked standing near the 
line of Lamoreaux and Jones' lots, and from thence along, as there are 
saplings marked near the house of Moses Miller, to a white-oak sapling 
marked near the line betwixt the lands of Jones and Henry Wood, and 
from thence along the side hill, near Henry Wood's new house, on the 
northwest side, to the land of Jonathan Taylor to a cliestnut sapling 
marked, and from thence on the most convenient ground through the 
commons till it intersects the main road near Nathaniel Taylor's house." 

These road surveys mention so many names and 
localities throwing light upon early settlement we 
quote the second survey also : 

"Beginning at a red-oak blazed sapling, where fomierly stood the 
house called the Pendle House, on the road leading from James Webb^s 
to Stirling furnace, on the land of said Webb, and from thence running 
through said Webli's land to the south side of Mombasha Pond to the 
land of Charles Webb ; and through the land of said Charles Webb, where 
are trees and saplings blazed to a pair of bare a few rods northwest of 
said Charles Webb's burn ; and from thence as is m"st direct to the land 
formerly in possession of Paniel Miller, deceased, nuw in possession of 
Capt. Abraham Miller; and from thence running the mi-t direct way 
to a chestnut-tree blazed northwest of the barn now in the |i..s-cssion of 
said Miller ; thence along the road commonly traveled by tlie ii'i^.stssors 
of said farm towarils the stage road across the land formerly the piu|ii-rty 
of Daniel Stiller, deceased, to a chestnut sapling and oak sapling marked 
on the lands of John Nix ; thence across the lands of said Nix and the 
lands of Vincent Compton as the trees are blazed to the stage road, 
where there is a heap of stones a few rods southeast of the house of 
Vincent Compton," 

In 1803 it was voted to build pounds at Adam 
Belcher's, Peter Lamoreaux's, John Weygant, Jr.'s, 
and Jacob Mandeville's, and twenty-five dollars was 
appropriated for building the four. 

The same year SlOo was voted for building bridges, 
provided they cannot be made a county charge. 

Nov. 11, 1805, at a special town-meeting, John 
Cofiey was chosen supervisor in the place of Moses 
Cunningham. There is no reason assigned, biUSlr. 
Cunningliamliad probably died in office. 

The following have been the principal town officers 
from 1799 to 1880: 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1799 ^ Michael Hay. James D. Secor. 

1800-5 Moses Cunningbam. " " 

1808-7 Jolin Coffe.v. " " 

1808-13 Abrahaoi Letts. " " 

1814 " " Abraham Secor. 

1815 " *' James Weygant. 

1816 John McGarrah. " 

-1817 James Cromwell, Jr. John McGarrah. 

1818-20 James Weygant. Jonas Ring. 



Superrisors. Town Clerks. 

18-21-26 James Weygant. Wm. Vail, Jr. 

1827-29 Robert Fowler. " " 

1830-31 Hudson McF;irland. " " 

1832 Charles Tou'nsend. " " 

1833 " " John McGarrah. 

1834 Hudson McFarland. Wm. Vail, Jr. 

18.36 " " T. G. Wilks. 

1836 Lewis H. Roe. Stephen McDonald. 

1837-a8 Hudson McFarland. 

1839-41 " " Rensselaer McKelvey. 

1842 *' " Morgan Shuit. 

1643 " " Anthony D. Vail. 

1844 " " Rensselaer McKelvey. 

1845 " " George J. .\. Monell. 

184G " " Charles Turner. 

1847-48 " " Gmrge J. .\. Monell. 

1849-61 Morgan Shuit. Alfred Cooper. 

1852-53 " " William Seaman. 

1854 " " Horace Swezey. 

185.5-56 " " Job Mapes. 

1857-59 " " Ananias B. Hulse. 

1860-61 " " Charles S. Ostrander. 

1862-63 " " Thomas R. Earle. 

1864 Chauncey B. Knight. Cliauncey B. Newkirk. 

1865 Morgan Shuit. Thomas R. Earle. 

1866 " " G. 0. McKelvey. 

1867-68 " " Charles S. Ostrander. 

1869-72 " " Henry M. Morehouse. 

1873-74 " " Henry V. Turner. 

1875 '• " Thomas R. Earle. 

1876 '• " Frank Williams. 

1877 " " Charles T. Ford, Jr. 

1878 " " Sanfciril S. Lewis. 

1879-80 " " David M. Hollenbeck. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1830, James Weygant; 1831, Samuel Webb; 1832, John McGarrah; 1833, 
Miles Hughes; 1834, George Wilkes; 1835, James Weygant; 1836, 
Peter Ball; 1S37, Miles Hughes; 1838, Thomas 'i. Wilkes; 1839, 
James Weygant; 1840, Jlictiael Shnltz ; 1841, Joseph P.Andrews, 
Peter Ball ; 1842. Elmore Earl ; 1843, Morgan Shuit ; 1.S44, Thomas 
G. Wilkes ; 1845, Jose|>h R. Andrews, Archibald Campbell ; 1846, El- 
more Earl; 1847, Morgan Shuit; 1848, Thomas G. Wilkes; 1849, 
Peter V. Ball ; 1850, Elmore Earl ; 1851, Morgan Shuit; 1852, Thomas 
G. Wilkes; 1K53, William Seaman ; 1854, Thomas C. B. Smith; 1855, 
Morgan Shuit: 1856, Thomas G. Wilkes; 1867, William Seaman; 
1858, Thomas C. B. Smith; 1859, Morgan Shuit; 1860, Thomas G. 
Wilkes; 1861, William Seaman; 1S62, Thomas C. B. Smith; 1863, 
Morgan Shuit, Henry Ford ; 1864, Tliomas B. Earl, 3 years, George K. 
Smith, 4 years; 1865, William Seaman ; 1866, Thomas C. B. Smith; 
1867, Morgan Shuit ; 1868, Charles T. Ford ; 1869, William Seaman ; 
1S7U, Thomas R. Earle; 1871, Morgan Shuit; 1872, John S. Ford; 
1S73, William Seaman; 1874, Joseph Rake; 1876, Morgan Shuit; 
1876, John S. Ford, Edward H. Seaman; 1877, Ananias B. Hulse; 
1878, .Joseph Rake; 1879, John G. Earle, John S. Ford; 1880, John 
S. Tord. 

THE THREE TOWNS. 

Town or Highlands. — This must not in any 
manner be confounded with the jiresent town of High- 
lands, which was erected in 1872 out of the territory 
of Cornwall. The Monroe Highlands was entirely a 
different organization. In the year 1863, for divers 
and sundry rea,sons supposed to be sufficient by the 
friends of the movement, an effort was instituted to 
divide the town of Monroe into three towns. The 
maps were duly made, petitions drawn, and the propo- 
sition laid before the board of supervisors of Orange 
County at their annual meeting. The effort was suc- 
cessful, and the board passed an act in due form, 
erecting out of the former territory of Monroe High- 
lands in the north, Monroe in the centre, and South- 
field in the south. 

The first town-meeting for Highlands was held at 
the house of Selah L. Lefferts, at about the usual 
time of town-meetings, in March, 186-4. Smith Wey- 
gant presided, and the following town officers chosen. 
If this record is not precisely definite and accurate. 



MONKOE. 



793 



it is a sufficient explanation that the records are 
not officially preserved, and the proceedings, as here 
detailed, are given on the recollections of various 
citizens, who are doubtless in the main correct, 
sustained also by memoranda in possession of Mr. 
Thomas Earle : Supervisor, Morgan Shuit ;* Town 
Olerk, Isaac L. Noxon ; Justices of the Peace, Mor- 
gan Shuit, Charles Lewis, Archibald Campbell ; Over- 
seers of the Poor, Daniel M. Lamoreux, John Wines; 
Inspectors of Election, Theodore Weyant, Alexander 
Campbell, Aaron H. Taylor; Assessors, Henry Thorn, 
James Wilkes, Samuel H. Brown ; Constables, Syl- 
vester R. Tuthill, Charles H. Earle. 

The following path-masters were appointed for dis- 
tricts numbered in the order of the names: George F. 
Wilkes, Josiah Webb, Isaac Rider, William Shuit, 
Horace Hullson, James M. Ball, Charles T. Ford, 
Joshua T. Cromwell, King Rider, William H. Brooks, 
John Brooks, Lorenzo D. Weygant, William O'Neil, 
Gilbert Turner, John Coffey, Aaron Redner, Morgan 
Shuit, Thomas B. Hallock, Thomas H. Bates, Jacob 
Seaman, Charles Lewis, Charles Sutherland, Henry 
Thorn, Amos W. Sutherland, William Walsh, Jesse 
Brown, Isaac CJark, John Weygant, John Clark, Reu- 
l)en Rice, James Weygant, Ebenezer Whitmarge, 
Jacob Bailey, William Van Tassel, James H. Lewis, 
John Ayres, James Miller. 

Towx OF Monroe. — The meeting was held March 
22, 1864, at the house of Thomas Smith. This was 
the year of the division, when three towns had been 
erected out of old Monroe, viz. : Monroe, Southfield, 
and Highlands. Of course three town-meetings were 
held and three full sets of town officers were chosen. 

Supervisor, Chauncey B. Knight; Town Clerk, 
Chauncey B. Newkirk ; Assessors, Ira Jenkins, for 
three years; John K. Roe, for two years; Commis- 
sioners of Highways, Sanford S. Lewis, two years; 
George W. Thompson, one year; George Heaton, 
thz'ee years; Overseers of the Poor, William J. Mc- 
Elroy, Solomon W. Esray; Constables, Silas Gallo- 
way, Isaac M. Shuit, Jacob L. Redner ; Inspectors of 
Election, James Smith, Peter Ball, James H. Bertholf; 
Justices of the Peace, Thomas R. Earle, three years; 
George K. Smith, four years. • 

The next town-meeting was to be held at Bayer's 
Hall. The town board presiding at this meeting were 
William Seaman, Thomas C. B. Smith, Elmore Earle, 
and Thomas R. Earle. 

It was voted to have three highway commissioners, 
two overseers of the poor, and three constables ; to 
have stone division fences four and one-half feet high, 
and rail fences five feet high. A full set of forty-five 
path-masters for the new town were appointed, in the 
order of districts as their names are given : 

William G. Knight, Thomas Caren, Henry Wood- 

*■ In the arrangement thia veteran supervisor fell to Highlands, and it 
seemed the only proper thiogto do*to have him represent the new town. 
With bis long experience he could save this delicate young enterprise 
from the perils that might environ it. 
51 



ruff, William V. Mapes, William Carpenter, Thomas 
Smith, Alfred Carpenter, Wait Pearsall, James 
Cromwell, Abram Tetts, George King, Peter Ball, 
S. S. Bull, H. H. Lawrence, Samuel King, J. K. Roe, 
S. Smith, W. J. McElroy, P. G. Lewis, G. H. Smith, 
Charles Post, J. M. Webb, John Mosure, Stephen 
Compton, Edward Jones, Thomas Lewis, A. S. Smith, 
George S. Jacques, William Clark, Elmore Earl, Peter 
Turner, Asahel Smith, T. C. B. Smith, J. R. Suther- 
land, J. R. Rider, John McGarrah, Charles Turner, 
Levi Hunter, J. H. Thompson, William R. Conklin, 
James H. Bull, Walter Garretson, Peter Earle, James 
Oldfield, Franklin Mapes. 

Town of Southfield. — This town was organized 
by a town-meeting held pursuant to this act, as in the 
case of the other two towns. For some unexplained 
reasons the records of the town are not preserved in 
the office of the Monroe town clerk, as it would seem 
they ought to have been, after the reconstruction took 
place. The legality of this proceeding by officers 
chosen at this town-meeting of Southfield, may even 
yet be called in question, and yet there is no official 
record preserved of their election. Josiah Patterson 
was chosen supervisor, and represented Southfield in 
the board of supervisors that year. Of course one 
tax was levied and collected upon Southfield as a 
town by itself 

The Conclusion. — Those who were opposed to the 
formation of these three towns petitioned the Legisla- 
ture to reorganize the old town of Monroe. This 
movement was successful. The new towns of High- 
lands, Monroe, and Southfield were reunited by the 
Legislature of 1865, and in time so that the annual 
town-meeting in the spring of 1865 was for the whole 
town. The most noted reminiscence of the affair was 
that for some two years following there must have 
been eight or nine justices of the peace in the recon- 
structed town. 



V.-VILLAGES. 
MONROE 
is a village having the same name as the town, situ- 
ated on one of the head-waters of the Ramajjo, the 
outlet of Round Pond. It is a station on the New 
York, Lake Erie and Western Railway. 

The present business of the village comprises three 
hotels, — the Waubeck House, Theodore Mapes; one 
by Martin Konnight ; and a third by another party. 
There are stores by Theodore McGarrah and by Mon- 
tanye & Co. ; a fancy store and millinery by Mrs. 
Griffin ; a bakery by Nicholas Reed ; a drug-store by 
Henry Mapes; a shoe-store by Edward C. Jones; 
blacksmith-shops by David Redner, Solomon Fair- 
child, Henry Rider, and a fourth by another proprie- 
tor ; a feed-mill by Knight A Conklin; a grist-mill, 
owned by C. B. Knight; carriage-making and under- 
taking by Charles W. Mapes; also carriage-making 
by Henry Huhn ; a hardware-store by J. H. Bertholf; 
and harness-making by J. S. Gregory. 



794 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



WOODBURY FALLS 
is a hamlet in the north part of the town, on Wood- 
bury Creek, taking its name from the falls in that 
stream, and formerly the seat of a furnace. The 
creek is tlie outlet of Hazzard Lake. A post-office 
was established here Aug. 11, 1874. Lewis A. Van 
Cleft was appointed postmaster, and retains the office 
at the present time. There is a store there, kept by the 
postmaster, Lewis A. Van Cleft. 

SEAMANVILLE 

is about one mile east of Monroe village, on the Erie 
Railway, and was formerly a station. There is now a 
grist-mill and cider-works, operated by Charles Tur- 
ner. This is an interesting point of early settlement, 
and the location of the earliest Presbyterian meeting- 
house, as shown in the valuable article, given else- 
where, from the pen of the present pastor. 

HIGHLAND MILLS POST-OFFICE. 

This village has grown up around the mills estab- 
lished at this point and mentioned elsewhere. It is 
very near to Woodbury, and they might be supposed 
to constitute only one village. It was formerly known 
as Orange. Extensive mills were quite early erected 
at this place. The Townsend tannery, established 
many years ago, is now owned by J. T. Cromwell. 
The Townsend Hour-mill of early times is still in the 
same family, and owned by Charles H. Townsend, 
operated by J. T. Cromwell. There is also a fish-line 
factory near the depot by Henry Hall & Sons, and 
two stores by J. T. Cromwell and Robert Pembletou. 
The post-office was established at this place, under the 
name of Orange, about 1828 or 18.30. It was located 
on the old stage-route between New York and Albany. 
Mr. Vail was postmaster " so long back as memory or 
tradition goes" (says our informant). He was suc- 
ceeded by Peter Lent about 1844 or 1845. A few 
years later Morgan Shuit followed Mr. Lent, and held 
the office until May 24, 1872, when C. H. Townsend, 
the present incumbent, was appointed. There is a 
shoe-store by James P. Lent. 

CENTRAL VALLEY 
is another of the small villages that have grown up 
through various business enterprises in the valleys of 
the Ramapo and of Woodbury Creek. It is the third 
in order from the north line of the town. A post- 
office was established here Dec. 27, 1871. Alfred 
Cooper was appointed postmaster, and has held the 
office until the present time. There is a store by 
Alfred Cooper, and a carriage manufactory by Robert 
F. Weyant. There is a public hall, known as Insti- 
tute Hall, for meetings, lectures, etc. This place is a 
noted summer resort. There is a boarding-house by 
Isaac L. Noxon. The Cornell School and Boarding 
Building is also there. There is also the Summit 
Lake House, by Elisha Stockbridge, in the mountains 
about two miles from Central Valley. 



GREENWOOD LAKE. 

A post-office was established under this name in 
July, 1876. L. Y. Jenness was appointed postma-ster. 
He resigned, and John B. Bradner was appointtjd, 
Oct. 11, 1877, and retains the office at the present 
time. This is a summer resort of note, and guests are 
received by Lyden Y. Jenness, by the Brandon Housfe, 
and by others. 

TURNER'S 

is a station on the Erie Railroad, next east or south- 
east of Monroe. It has also a post-office. It was 
formerly known as Centreville, from the fact of sev- 
eral roads intersecting at that point, and considerable 
business and local trade centring there. The village 
has its present name in honor of Mr. Peter Turner, 
a citizen who did much to advance the prosperity 
and growth of the place, and to whose estate a large 
portion of the business part of the place belonged. 
The present business of Turner's consists of one 
hotel by Charles Ford, formerly the well-known 
Turner House, and a railroad eating-house by James 
G. Turner; stores by Thomas R. Earl, James Cronon, 
David M. Hollenbeck ; a grist-mill for custom-work, 
run by Mr. Legg; blacksmith-shops by Jesse Sullivan 
and by John Coffey, and carriage-making by John 
Coffey. The large and handsome eating-room and 
depot of the Erie Company, now in ruins, was built 
by a firm (Peter Turner and Mr. Blaisdell, from Bos- 
ton), and afterwards bought by the railway company. 
It was burned the night before Christmas, in 1872. 
It has never been rebuilt, and is now a picturesque 
ruin, with trees growing up in it, the habitation of 
sparrows, and only needs the clinging ivy to give it 
the classic air of English scenery. 

The grist-mill mentioned above was first established 
just below the dam, on the north side, and a saw-mill 
on the south side, at a very early day. John Earl 
was the proprietor for many years, and afterwards 
sold to Peter Turner. The latter erected the present 
mill some distance below, the water being supplied 
from the old pond through a race. 

There was also in early times a forge at this place, 
but long since given up. 

QUEENSBOROUGH 
is the rather ambitious name bestowed upon a neigh- 
borhood lying in the valley of the southern branch 
of Poplopen's Creek. There is some mining in this 
vicinity, and an acid manufactory by Wm. Knight, 
the acid being extracted from wood for coloring jjur- 
poses. 

GREENWOOD IRON-WORKS. 

This name naturally attaches to the village which 
has grown up in connection with the manufacturing 
operations at this point. There is one store, kept here 
by the company, and there is little other business ex- 
cept as connected with the iron-woj'ks and carried 
on by the company. » 



MONROE. 



795 



SOUTHFIELB 
was the name of the locality of the "Southfield 
Works" and the " Monroe Works." These enter- 
prises are on the Raniapo River, somewhat south of 
the centre of the town, and upon the Erie Railway. 
They were established about 1805 or 1806 to make 
pig-iron. The early proprietors were William Town- 
send and Peter Townsend. Peter Townsend, a son of 
the founder of the same name, has a summer resi- 
dence at Southfield. There is a hotel, kept by John | 
Speller; a shoddy manufactory, also by John Speller; 
one store by Charles Patterson, a mile below the 
works ; a store by John Speller; and a store by the 
Southfield Iron Company. 

There is a large summer boarding-house on the 
well-known Coffey place. i 

HELMSBURHH 

is the name formerly bestowed upon a neighborhood 
south of Mombasha Lake, and west of Southfield. It 
is merely a rural mountain neighborhood, sometimes i 
called Bramertown, with much fine scenery and ; 
many secluded retreats. 

AUGUSTA 
is a station upon the Erie Railway in the south part 
of the town, and the seat of the old Augusta Works. 
These were founded just at the close of the Revolu- 
tion, 1783-84, by Solomon Townsend, of the city of 
New York, to make bar-iron and anchors. It was an 
important enterprise, but was not permanently suc- 
cessful. In later years the works passed to the owner- 
ship of Peter Lorillard, who allowed them to remain 
idle. 13,000 acres of land were attached to the works. 
The hydraulic power is second only to that of Pater- 
.son, N. J. 

There is a perpendicular fall in the Ramapo of 
twenty feet, and within half a mile below the stream 
falls seventy-five feet more. The works have never 
been rebuilt, and there is but little business at that 
point, only one train calling each way daily. On 
this old Augusta tract is the beautiful and renowned 
Truxedo Lake. 

EAGLE VALLEY 
is a station upon the Erie Railway, in the extreme 
southwestern angle of the town, and near the New 
Jersey line. There is now one store there kept by J. T. 
Pembleton. The place is about halfway from Sloats- 
burgh to the Stirling Iron-Works. 

OTHER LOCALITIES 

of special name may be mentioned, as " Wild-Cat 
Hollow," in the valley of the Indian Kill ; "Parker 
Cabin Hollow," near Car Pond. The various mines, 
" Scott Mines," " Cook Mines," " Stirling Mines," 
" Bradley Mines,"" Forest of Dean Mines," " Dump," 
"O'Neil Mines," "Mount Basha Mines," "Clove 
Mine," " Beering Mines," " Redback Mines," " Craw- 
ford Mines," " Coal Shier Mines," etc. 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

But little information is at hand concerning the 
schools before the Revolutionary war, nor for some 
years following that period. Under the old law of 
1795 the town elected school commissioners in 1799, 
as shown in the records of the first town-meeting al- 
ready given. In 1800 commissioners were also elected, 
viz. : James D. Secor, Joseph Stevens, and Adam 
Belcher. No further town action was taken under 
this law. 

At the town-meeting of 1813, in accordance with 
the provisions of the new school act of 1813, .$200 was 
appropriated for the support of schools, and commis- 
sioners were chosen. This system continued until 
1843, and during that period of thirty years the fol- 
lowing persons served one or more years each in the 
office of school commissioner: Elijah Randolph, 
Joseph R. Andrews, Samuel Webb, James Cromwell, 
Benjamin Cunningham, Michael Gough, .lohn Coffey, 
Lewis H. Roe, Jonas King, Israel Green, George 
Wilkes, William Vail, Jr., Stephen Griffin, Stephen 
Coleman, Charles Townsend, John McGarrah. Mat- 
thew B. Swezey, John Brooks, Jr., David W. McCuI- 
loch, Alexander Galloway, Matthias C. Woodruff, 
Ethan B. Carpenter, Gates W. McGarrah, John 
Brooks, Jr., Archibald Campbell, David Mapes, 
Smith Weygant, John Lament. 

During the same period the following persons served 
one or more years each as inspectors of common 
schools : Joseph R. Andrews, Joseph Jeflerson, James 
Cromwell, Jr., Peter Dean, Joseph Howgan, John 
Coffey, George Wilkes, Elijah Randolph, William 
Jackson, Elijah, Randall, Timothy Keys, Lewis H. 
Roe, Michael Gough, Bryant Garrahan, John Mc- 
Garrah, Samuel Van Duzer, Benjamin Cunningham, 
Israel Green, William Vail, Jr., James Weygant, 
John Brooks, .Ir., John Hazard, Stephen Griffin, 
Matthew B. Swezey, George W. Gough, Charles 
Townsend, Richard Murphy, David W. McCulloch, 
Ethan B. Carpenter, Stephen McDonald, Michael 
Dickerman, Nathan T. Thorn, Hiram S. Dains, 
Thomas G. Wilkes, Smith Weygant, Joseph M. Shuit, 
Charles F. Ford, Joshua T. Cromwell, James B. 
Smith, Samuel Smith, James B. Smith, John K. 
Smith, Roe C. Pilgrim, John C. Boyd, Jeremiah H. 
Thompson. 

The system of supervision by four superintendents 

having succeeded the former method, the following 

were the incumbents of that office in Monroe. Chosen 

at annual elections: 1843-45, Morgan Shuit; 1846- 

47, Archibald Campbell. Chosen at biennial elec- 

j tions : 1848-56, Archibald Campbell. This system 

1 was succeeded in June, 1856, by Assembly district 

j commissioners, and management of the schools by 

! the town entirely ceased. 

May 27,1813, the school commissioners divided the 
I town into fourteen school districts. 
' There is a school report for 1819 in the town clerk's 



796 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



i' 



office which shows something of the school sixty 
years ago. 

District No. 1 then had 80 children between five and 
sixteen, and received of public money $1661 ; No. 2, 
82 children and 11515 ; No. 4, 84 children and $1552 ; 
No. 6, 104 children and $1917 ; No. 7, 137 children 
and $2530 ; No. 8, 83 children and $1533 ; No. 9, 82 
children and .$1515; No. 10, 45 children and $813; 
No. 12, 45 children and $880; No. 11, 62 children 
and $1147. 

There is a classical school near Central Valley 
known as Cornell Institute. It is a boarding- and 
day-school for young ladies and gentlemen, David 
Cornell, principal. 

VII.-CHUKCHES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF SMITH 

CLOVE 

was incorporated by a certificate executed Oct. 9, 
1788. The paper was signed by Archibald Cunning- 
ham and William Miller, Jr., deacons of the congre- 
gation, and the trustees named in the instrument 
were Archibald Cunningham, William Miller, Jr., 
George Brown, Timothy Smith, Aaron Miller, and 
Morris Pilgrim. 

We are indebted to the courtesy of the pastor, D. 
N. Freeland, for the following sketch of this church : 

Provision was made for religious worship in this 
vicinity by the proprietors of the Chesekook Patent 
as early as 1735, when the lands conveyed by said 
patent were surveyed by Charles Clinton, Esq. He 
entered lot 24 of 160 acres as " a choice, good lot" 
suitable for a parsonage. This is the land now occu- 
pied by Peter Bush. As the whole region was stony 
and less inviting than some other portions of the 
county, population was slow in entering and taking 
up the land, and when they entered they were poor 
and unable to set up any institution beyond those of 
the home. It was as late as 1783 before we read of 
any minister of Christ turning his attention to this 
region, and then Silas Constant, a licentiate under 
the care of Morris Presbytery, came to Blooming- 
Grove, and April 20th preached his first sermon at 
Blooming-Grove. He was ordained May 29, 1784. 
In his journal he mentions Smith's Clove, or Monroe, 
as one of his preaching-stations. Probably as early 
asi 1783 he visited the Clove. The first sermon he 
delivered here was in the presence of a congregation 
assembled in an orchard belonging to the Fowler 
farm, and under an apjtle-tree which is still standing 
and brings forth fruit in old age. The apple is large 
and delicious, and is called the Presbyterian apple. 
Thus it can be said of the church whose nucleus was 
gathered there, " I raised thee up under the apple- 
tree : there thy mother brought thee forth." It was 
not long after the attention of the people was called 
to the subject of religion they rose up to build. They 
felt the need of a place of worship, and took steps 
towards the rearing of a house of God. The land 



was given by Daniel Miller, consisting of two acres, 
situated in what was afterwards called Seamanville, 
near the mill he owned there. Here a house of wor- 
ship was erected in the midst of a grove of forest- 
trees. It is a tradition well verified that the church 
was raised the day that Elizabeth Clark, afterwards 
wife of Stephen Bull, was born. The family Bible 
records that "she was born 5th month, 28th day, 
1783." 

After the frame was raised and the building inclosed 
the sturdy yeomen arrested their work, their funds 
pi-obably having failed them, and for many years the 
congregation sat upon the sills and girders while the 
minister preached from the carpenter's bench. Still 
there was no regularly organized congregation. In 
1784 the Legislature passed an act granting liberty of 
worship and regulating the organization of congrega- 
tions. Under this act, on May 17, 1784, persons de- 
siring to be incorporated into a church met at the 
house of Mr. Bell, in tha Bakertown neighborhood. 
The ministers officiating were Eev. Silas Constant 
and Rev. Amzi Lewis, the latter pastor of the church 
of Florida. It is recorded in Mr. Constant's journal ; 
" After prayer and the necessary examination, and the 
particular personal professions of union and Chris- 
tian fellowship, proceeded to lead them into visible 
covenant with each other in the presence of God and 
before the world, and solemnly pronounce them a vis- 
ible church of Christ. The church then took into con- 
sideration the choice of deacons, and after solemn 
exhortation and prayer, made choice of Archibald 
Cunningham and William Miller, Jr., to fill that 
office. They accepted. Thq church then agreed to 
have a stated meeting monthly for business, conversa- 
tion, and prayer." The names of some of the per- 
sons who first composed the church are the following: 
Archibald Cunningham and wife, William Miller, Jr., 
and wife, John Miller and wife, Thos. Davenport and 
wife, Samuel Hall and wife, James Lewis and wife, 
Jane Bell, the wife of Timothy Smith, and the wife 
of Alexander Archer. It was called the First Pres- 
byterian Congregation of Cheesecocks.* 

The records of the congregation are very meagre in 
its early periods of existence, and the history has to 
be constructed from fragments and traditions received 
from varied sources. 

The successor to Rev. Silas Constant was Rev. 
David Baldwin, who served the church four years. 
His wife died Sept. 16, 1800, in the fifty-sixth year of 
her age. When his pastorate began and ended we 
are unable to ascertain. 

Dec. 25, 1801, the church was formally incorporated. 

The first trustees were Samuel Gregory, Gilbert King, 

Charles Webb, George Fowler, James Smith, and 

Isaac Bull. 

The third minister in the succession was probably 



* FrequenOy so written in the records. The correct orthography is 
Cfaesekook. 



MONROE. 



797 



Simeon R. Jones, who served this church, jointly with 
that of Chester, from 1800 to 1804. He died March 
13, 1857. 

The fourtli minister was Rev. Howell Powell, a 
Welshman. While he labored here the trustees met 
for the purpose of procuring a convenient and com- 
modious house and place for him to live in, and then 
agreed to lease lot 24, of 150 acres, in Cheesecocks 
Patent, to A. Gates White, said lease to be as durable 
as wood grows and water runs, for the sum of one- 
tenth part of a cent yearly if demanded ; the said 
White to convey unto the said trustees by a warranty 
deed the place he now lives on and occupies on the 
east side of the stage road, containing about 58 acres 
of land, and also to give to the said trustees £200 one 
year without interest, then interest annually until 
paid. This was the farm afterwards owned by John 
Brooks where stands the Granite House. 

The fifth minister who served this congregation was 
Rev. Mr. Porter, of whom we have no records or tra- 
dition except that he served them eighteen months. 

The sixth was Rev. J. H. Thomas. He was or- 
dained and installed at Chester, Oct. 12, 1814, where 
he was engaged for three-quarters of his time. For 
the remainder he served this congregation at least two 
years. A few fragmentary minutes now come to hand. 
They bear date of 1814 and 1815. One of these re- 
cords a resolution that S. Hutchins be their second 
deacon. Samuel Gregory was the first. 

The seventh minister in order was Rev. Hosea Ball. 
He was born at Townsend, Mass., studied theology 
with Rev. Silas Constant, taken under care of West- 
chester Presbytery, and came to Monroe, Oct. 20, 1818. 
He was licensed April 11, 1821, and ordained the same 
year. During Mr. Ball's labors the church was con- 
siderably revived and increased in membership. 

In 1819 a Sabbath-school was organized. About 
this time the church lost its incorporation. Its charter 
was renewed Jan. 23, 1822. William Vail, Jr., Sam- 
uel Gregory, Andrew Vanraler, Samuel Webb, Lewis 
H. Roe, and John McGarrah were chosen trustees. 
Just previous to this time the church building wa.s 
made more comfortable by introducing square pews, 
pulpit, and gallery. 

Rev. John White succeeded Mr. Ball, who ceased 
his labors herein 1823; but returned to reside here 
till 1876, when he died aged eighty-four years. Mr. 
White seems to have succeeded in harmonizing the 
people, laboring with them till Sept. 22, 1824, when 
he returned to England. 

About this time the glebe on the stage road was 
exchanged for another piece of land containing some 
35 acres, with a house situate east-northeast of the 
present village, and was occupied by Rev. Mr. White 
and other ministers. 

Rev. John Boyd succeeded him, coming to Monroe 
Aug. 26, 1826. June 2, 1828, the congregation re- 
solved to transfer their ecclesiastical relation from the 
Associated Presbytery of Westchester to the Presby- 



tery of Hudson. This having been effected, the ses- 
sion consisted of Elders Andrew Van Valu, Benjamin 
C.Smith. In 1831, George Milton Newman and Sam- 
uel V. Carpenter were elected elders. Rev. Mr- 
[ Boyd served the church as their stated supply some 
I eight or nine years, when increasing infirmities laid 
him aside from active labors. He died Jan. 14, 1842, 
aged eighty. 

Rev. John Jay Thompson was his successor. His 
first official record is dated Dec. 24, 18.36. During 
his ministry a new manse was erected, and numerous 
accessions were gathered to the church. He closed 
his labors in this field in 1847, and died at Blooming- 
burgh, N. Y., June 12, 1849. He was succeeded by 
Rev. Daniel M. Freeland, a licentiate of the Presby- 
tery of Philadelphia. He was invited to entertain a 
call Nov. 16, 1847, and was ordained and installed 
March 7, 1848. 

A new church was erected and dedicated Feb. 15, 
1853. The glebe was sold in 1867, and a new lot pur- 
chased in the village and a manse erected upon it, 
which was occupied in November, 1867. In May, 
1873, a bell was presented to the church by Lewis H. 
Roe, son of Genest M. Roe, M.D., an elder of this 
church, and was hung in the belfry. The pastoral 
relation between Mr. Freeland and the congregation 
was dissolved by mutual consent Sept. 16, 1873, and 
on the 18th of October a call was renewed for his 
pastoral services, and May 15, 1874, he was rein- 
stalled. During this pastorate the following have 
filled the office of ruling elder, namely : Andrew 
Van Valu, Genest M. Roe, John K. Roe, David 
Smith, John Taylor, J. Warren Helm, Joseph W. 
Youngs, Samuel C. Van Vliet, Jr. Of these the first 
has held the office nearly seventy-five years, and has 
reached his ninety-fourth year. Messrs. Taylor, 
Youngs, and Van Vliet are the present acting Ses- 
sion. The present trustees are Messrs. G. T. Smith, 
Isaac Thompson, Horace B. Swezey, Joseph W. 
Youngs, S. C. Van Vliet, Jr. Chauncey B. Knight, 
the chairman, has recently been removed by death. 
At the beginning of this pastorate there were 54 
members, and during thirty-two years of labor the 
additions have been 131, but removals and deaths 
keep the membership at about 100. Through these 
years of vicissitudes the congregation has been en- 
abled to improve its buildings without incurring a 
debt for any length of time, to decide important 
issues without serious disagreement, to sustain the 
institutions of the gospel, and aid by its contributions 
many benevolent enterprises of the day. 

FRIENDS' MEETINGS. 

Joshua T. Cromwell furnishes the following items: 
The Society of Friends have a meeting-house in Corn- 
wall, built before 1788, and it was the only meeting- 
house or church in the town till about 1825. Friends' 
meeting-house in the town of Newburgh was built in 
1795; the meeting-house at Smith's Clove, near High- 



798 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



land Mills, in Monroe, was built in 1799; and the one 
near Monroe, in the town of Blooming-Grove, was 
built in 1815. 

After the separation of the society in 1828, part of 
the society built a meeting-house noi'th of the village 
of Canterbury, in Cornwall, and also a meeting-house 
one and a half miles easterly of Highland Mills, in 
Monroe. These are all now occupied by the society, 
and are all the houses they have in the county. 
Among the Friends at Cornwall in 1788-90, the more 
prominent names were David Sands, Gardiner Earle, 
William Titus, Nicholas Townsend, and Langford 
Thorn. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL, CHURCH.® 
The first Methodist Episcopal Church in Monroe 
was organized and duly incorporated May 2, 1829. 
The article of incorporation was executed by E. L. 
Pelham and Francis Weygant. The first church 
edifice was erected soon after at Highland Mills, and 
the first board of trustees consisted of Rev. Francis 
Weygant, Rev. Nathaniel Sackett, John D. Conklin, 
Henry Wisner, Isaac Still, Benjamin Delamater, Elias 
Fancher, Jabez Atwood, Andrew Shorter. Ten years 
after, in 1839, a new society was organized in the vil- 
lage of Monroe, and a certificate of incorporation ex- 
ecuted by Thomas Newman and E. B. Carpenter. 
The trustees chosen were Samuel Smith, Peter Ball, 
Stephen Post, Jeremiah Knight, Isaac Coupton, John 
King, Thomas D. Tannery. The church was erected 
in 1841, during the pastorate of Revs. Eli Denniston 
and Sylvester S. Strong. 

The two churches until 1866 were united in one 
charge, and were successively served by the following 
ministers : Revs. John G. Smith, David Buck, A. C. 
Fields, T. Newman, J. H. Hawkshurst, Jeremiah 
Millard, David B. Turner, William Blake, Joel Croft, 
M. M. Curtis, Uriah Messiter. In 1866 the charge 
was divided, and Highland Mills and Monroe village 
each became separate pastorates. Since then the 
ministers appointed successively to the two charges 
respectively have been as follows : Monroe village. 
Revs. D. D. Gillespie, J. W. B. Wood, R. M. Roberts. 
During the latter's pastorate a new church was erected 
at Turner's, costing $4000, and added to the Monroe 
charge. Mr. Roberts was succeeded by Rev. D. 
McCartney, during whose incumbency the church 
at Monroe was enlarged and entirely refurnished, 
lecture- and class-rooms and tower built, and a bell 
purchased, the whole costing over $5000. At the close 
of Mr. McCartney's term of three years, Rev. Z. N. 
Lewis was appointed to succeed him. He remained 
two years, and was followed by the present pastor. 
Rev. G. Hearn. 

At Highland Mills the pastors successively ap- 
pointed since 1866 are Revs. R. L. Shurter, R. L. 
Roberts, J. W. B. Wood, J. H. Champion, E. E. 
Pinney, W. Ostrander, the last being the present 

* Prepared by the pastor of Monroe Church, Rev. G. Hearn. 



pastor. The official members of the two churches 
during the time included in the above statement 
have been as follows : David Bull, Hiram Tuthill, 
Matthew B. Swezey, Nathan Strong, Smith Weygant, 
B. G. Tuthill, Peter Ball, John A. Boyce, John T. 
Brown, Valentine Seaman, Dr. S. W. Esray, Samuel 
Cooley, Walter Roberts, Charles T. Ford, Sr., Josiah 
Stevens, H. H. Lawrence, Franklin Bull, Charles T. 
Ford, Jr., and Elisha Stevens, each of whom have 
filled one or more of the oflices of local preacher, ex- 
horter, steward, class-leader, or Sunday-school super- 
intendent, and many of them have died after having 
served the church with great fidelity for many years. 

In 1848 the Southfield Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Monroe Works was organized and duly incorporated 
by John P. Hermance and Robert Ashman. A church 
edifice was erected the same year. The board of trus- 
tees consisted of Robert Ashman, Hudson McFarlan, 
Peter Townsend, Jr., Peter B. Bush, Charles T. Ford, 
Michael Shultz, and Robert Ketchum. The church 
has never been pastorall)' connected with the Jlonroe 
charge, but has had ministers of its own successively 
appointed down to the present time. It is at present 
a part of the Sloatsburgh charge, of which Rev. 
Nelson Brusie is pastor. 

June 23, 1855, a Methodist Protestant society was or- 
ganized at Salem, near the Little Long Pond, in the 
town of Monroe. The proceedings were signed by 
Rev. Joshua Burch and William Fitzgerald, a building 
was erected, and the following trustees chosen : Albert 
Roe, Charles Fitzgerald, Daniel Stevens, and Sylvan us 
Roberts. The church is at present supplied by Rev. 
Mr. Wetzel, and a flourishing union Sabbath-school 
is connected with it. 

The present estimated value of church property, 
including parsonages, is as follows : Monroe village 
and Turner's, $7000; Highland Mills, $5000; South- 
field (no parsonage), $1000. Membership: Monroe 
village and Turner's, 225; Highland Mills, 140; 
Southfield, 50. 

The present officers of the several churches are as 
follows : 

Monroe. — Trustees, Walter Roberts, John S. Bull, 
H. H. Lawrence, John S. Gregory, James Smith, 
Charles S. Strong, William Ball; Stewards, B. G. 
Tuthill, F. Bull, H. H. Lawrence, Lester Gregory, 
William Ball, T. B. Millspaugh, W. Roberts ; Leaders, 
B. G. Tuthill, F. Bull, W. Roberts; Sabbath-school 
Superintendent, Franklin Bull. 

7\iraer's.— Trustees, J. T. Brown, C. T. Ford, Jr., 
T. R. Earle, Peter B. Bush, Sanford S. Lewis, J. G. 
Rider, Alfred Cooper; Stewards, C. T. Ford, Jr., 
Sanford S. Lewis ; Leader, C. T. Ford, Jr. ; Sabbath- 
school Superintendent, Archibald Millspaugh. 

Southfield. — Trustees, Peter Townsend, J. S. Ford, 
William McElroy, H. Fletcher, Gilbert Horton ; 
Stewards, William McElroy, Gilbert Horton ; Leader, 
Gilbert Horton ; Sunday-school Superintendent, Gil- 
bert Horton. 



MONROE. 



799 



Highland Mills. — Trustees, Henry Hall, Sr., Charles 
T. Ford, Sr., Henry Thorn, Stephen Dickens, Wil- 
liam Birdsall, William Taylor, H. N. Green, Theodore 
Weygant, J. H. Weygant ; Stewards, Charles T. 
Ford, Sr., Benjamin Ford, Henry Thorn, William 
Taylor, James W. Campbell, H. N. Green, Theodore 
Weygant, N. C. Earle, George W. Green ; Sunday- 
school Superintendent, James W. Campbell. 

In 1879, Mrs. Elizabeth Bates purchased a building 
at Central Valley, made the necessary alterations to 
fit it for a place of worship, and donated it to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. It is included in the 
pastorate of Highland Mills. Its officers are as fol- 1 
lows : 

Trustees, R. F. Weygant, F. S. Weygant, I. L. 
Noxon, James W. Campbell, George W. Green, Alfred 
Cooper, Milton Pembleton ; Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, George W. Green. 

.ST. JOHN'S FREE CHURCH (EPISCOPAL), GREEN- 
WOOD, 

executed a certificate of incorporation July 13, 1863. 
It was signed by the associated incorporators, viz. : 
Robert P. Parrott, Peter P. Parrott, John Campbell, 
John G. Davison, Robert M. F. Cole, William H. 
Wilson, Charles Babcock. The pastor. Rev. Sagiuel 
Moran, furnishes the following notes : 

Church services were first held at Greenwood in 
1852, and from that time until 18(52 missionaries held 
regular worship. In November, 1862, the Rev. 
Charles Babcock began to hold regular Sunday ser- 
vices. In March, 1863, Greenwood was made a mis- 
sionary station by the missionary committee of the 
diocese, and the Rev. Mr. Babcock was appointed i 
missionary. July 7, 1863, the corner-.stone of the I 
church building was laid by the Rt. Rev. Horatio ; 
Potter, D.D., LL.D., bishop of the diocese of New 
York. During the summer and fall of 1866 the 
parish school building was erected. The parish 
school was opened Oct. 25, 1866. Mr. Babcock re- 
signed the rectorship of the parish Oct. 11, 1871. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. John F. Potter, who min- 
istered here until Sept. 1, 1874. On Nov. 22, 1874, the 
Rev. Samuel Moran took charge of the parish, but 
was not elected as rector until March 29, 1875 ; and 
on the same day was elected trustee to fill the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Mr. Potter. Mr. Moran 
resigned the rectorship in February, 1876. Services 
were continued regularly by the Rev. Mr. Whipple 
and others. Mr. Moran was called in April, 1879, to 
the position of officiating minister, and at the present 
time of writing is in charge of the parish. Our Suu- 
day services are very well attended, especially in the 
summer-time. We have a Sunday-school numbering 
50 scholars and 5 teachers. God has blessed the work 
of the missionaries in these mountains, and many 
people have been brought into the fold of Christ by 
their faithful ministrations. At present the number 
of communicants is about GO. 



GRACE CHURCH.* 

This church was incorporated under the free church 
law, March 6, 1871, the incorporators being Charles 
Babcock, Henry A. Dows, John G. Davison, N. D. 
Woodhull, Charles Ford, and L. G. Tillotson. 

The services of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
were first held regularly in Monroe in the summer of 
1868. The names of the original members of this 
parish are John G. Davison, Mrs. Sarah A. Davison, 
Miss Dora A. Davison, William G. Parks, Miss Mary 
C. Parks, Miss Sarah Parks, Francis C. Couklin, Mrs. 
Martha J. Couklin, Mrs. Mary Stockweather, Mrs. 
Helen A. Clark, Miss Phebe A. Lewis, Charles Ford, 
Mi-s. JIary C. Ford, Daniel Hawkins, Mrs. Louisa 
Hawkins, Mrs. Catharine Beach, Mrs. Rebecca Eg- 
linger, and John Beeres. 

The church building wiis erected at the cost of 
about $1600 in 1868 and 1869, and services have been 
held in it from the latter year up to the present time. 
It has sittings for about sixty persons, and there is 
sufficient land attached to it to allow for the future 
growth of the parish. In 1871 a tower was built, and 
a bell was put in place. 

This parish owes its existence to the faithful effiarts 
of the Rev. Charles Babcock, formerly rector of St. 
John's Church, Greenwood Iron-Works, now professor 
of architecture in Cornell University. In the spring 
of 1871, Mr. Babcock was succeeded in the charge of 
the church at Monroe by the Rev. Henry A. Dows. 
Mr. Dows was succeeded by the Rev. George A. 
Chambers (at that time a candidate for holy orders) 
in the fall of 1872, but resumed the rectorship on the 
1st of October, 1874, continuing in charge up to the 
present time. 

There are two Sunday-schools in the parish, the 
one holding its sessions in the church on Sunday 
afternoons, and the other assembling on Sunday 
mornings in the school-house at Satterlytown, about 
two miles north of Monroe. The former Sunday- 
school has been in existence since the early days of 
the church, the latter for between three and four 
years. The names of 46 children are on the rolls 
of the two schools, with 8 teachers. Services have 
been held nearly every summer during the last nine 
years in the Seven Springs Mountain House, near 
Monroe. 

The board of trustees now consists of Charles Bab- 
cock, F. C. Conklin, Charles Ford, and L. G. Tillot- 
son. Two vacancies in the board have been caused 
by resignations, and the president, Mr. Woodhull, has 
lately died. There are now 28 communicants in the 
parish. 



VIII.-BURIAL-PLACES. 

Commencing in the northern part of the town to 
trace the places of burial, we notice first the cemetery 

* By Rev. Henry A. Dows. 



800 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



at Highland Mills. This is probably fifty or sixty 
years old. 

There is also a burial-place a short distance east of 
Monroe, near the line of the Erie Railroad, at Sea- 
manville, at the site of the old Presbyterian church. 
It is undoubtedly one of the oldest in the town. 

Next should be mentioned the cemetery south of 
Monroe village. This is a new enterprise, on the road 
from Monroe to Turner's. 

At Turner's village there is also a burial-place, 
known as the McKelvey burial-ground. There are 
also private burial-places on the farms of G. M. 
Clark, Isaac H. Thompson, James Wilkes, and on 
the DeWitt place. In other parts of the town are 
private burial-places, — on the farms of Mieah Dick- 
erman, Elizabeth Gigneaux, David Webb, near Mom- 
basha Pond (considerably in use by the public), 
Nathaniel Earle, and James Cromwell. 



IX.— SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, INCORPORA- 
TIONS, Etc. 

Although one of the earliest Masonic lodges in the 
county was located in Monroe, there are no lodges of 
Masons, Odd-Fellows, or other similar organizations 
in town. There have been a number of temperance 
societies from time to time doing something to mould 
and develop public sentiment, but they have left little 
or no material for the historian to glean. The same 
remark may be made as to various church, missionary, 
literary, or benevolent societies. 

THE MONROE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 
was founded Nov. 12, 1834. The trustees named in 
the certificate were Matthias C. Woodruff', Ethan B. 
Carpenter, Matthew B. Swezey, William Stewart, Jere- 
miah Knight, Richard W. Woodhull, Hiram Tuthill, 
John Brooks, Jr., and Gates W. McGarrah. This 
seems to have been an attempt to establish a public 
library at Monroe village, but there is little recollec- 
tion of it remaining in that vicinity, and it is prob- 
able the movement only attained vitality enough to 
become incorporated. 

THE FOREST OF DEAN IRON COMPANY 
was incorporated by a certificate verified Nov. 25, 
1864. The capital was stated at $1,500,000, divided 
into shares of SlOO each. The parties named were 
George H. Potts, Frederick A. Potts, Charles C. Al- 
ger, Charles Alger, John Ten Broeck. 

THE STIRLING IRON AND RAILWAY COMPANY 

filed their annual report Jan. 17, 1865. It was signed 
by J. B. Moorhead, president, and O. D. T. Grant, 
David Crawford, Jr., C. W. Durant, trustees. The 
capital was reported $2,300,000. No part of the capi- 
tal had been paid in money, but on the organization 
of the company they purchased mines, manufactories, 
and other property in Orange and Rockland Counties, 
and issued therefor the entire capital stock. The 



existing debt was reported at $953,121.58, for w^hich 
the company held valid improvements. 

THE FOREST OF DEAN IRON-ORE COMPANY 

executed a certificate of incorporation under date of 
Oct. 12, 1865. The capital stock was fixed at $400,- 
000, divided into 4000 shares of $100 each. The 
principal place of business was declared to be the 
town of Monroe. The trustees named for the first 
year were Edward Beck, John A. Griswold, Albert 
Town, and J. B. Brinsmade. The objects were stated 
to be " mining of iron ores, preparing them for mar- 
ket, and transporting, selling, and delivering the 
same." This is a valuable enterprise, and large quan- 
tities of ore are taken out. 

THE GREENWOOD LAKE ASSOCIATION 

executed a legal certificate of organization July 27, 
1877. The trustees named were Cornelius Olcott, Al- 
bert Daggett, Remington Vernon, Henry C. Cooke, 
and Albert S. Roe. The objects of the association 
were stated in the instrument as follows : 

"The preservation, importation, breeding, and propagating of all 
game, animals, birds, and fishes adapted to the climate; the affording 
facilities for hunting, shooting, and fishing on the gronnds thereof by 
the members of, or by persons licensed by said corporation; supplying the 
spawn of fish or you iig fish, game, animals, or birds to other associations 
or persons ; selling such surplus game, animals, birds, or fish as may 
be killed, caught, or talien on its property ; cultivating forests, and pro- 
Tiding its incorporation and others with an agreeable resort, with a re- 
spectable hotel or club house, cottage houses, stables, and anything ne- 
cessary or proper for such accommodations." 

THE FARMERS' CREAMERY ASSOCIATION OF TUR- 
NER'S 

effected a legal organization Feb. 23, 1880. The first 
trustees named were James Wilkes, George D. Peck- 
ham, William J. Post, Joseph Rake, and Isaac H. 
Thompson. The objects were declared to be as fol- 
lows : " To make up or dispose of a surplus of milk 
whenever there shall be a flush of milk, or whenever, 
in the opinion of the trustees, it shall be for the inter- 
est of the association to do so." The capital stock was 
made to consist of $8000. This association began busi- 
ness in the spring of 1879, but deferred their incorpo- 
ration to the above date. It is said to be doing an 
excellent business, the officers remaining the same at 
the present writing as stated above. 

THE PARROTT IRON COMPANY 

was formedby a certificate verified June 28, 1880, and 
recorded the same day in the office of the county 
clerk. The objects are stated to be "mining and 
selling of iron ore, limestone, or other minerals; the 
manufacturing of pig-iron, iron, or steel ; and the 
making of patent mineral wool." The capital stock 
of said company was stated at $500,000, to be divided 
into 5000 shares. The trustees named in the instru- 
ment were Peter P. Parrott, Edward M. Parrott, Rich- 
ard D. A. Parrott. 



Ml 



MONROE. 



801 



X.-PLACES OF HISTORIC INTEKEST. 
The numerous ponds mentioned under the liead of 
Natural Features, the streams and mountain-gorges, 
are many of them of rare interest. Besides tlie charms 
of wild scenery, they are in many instances invested 
with the attraction of early legends or romance. Here 
were the hiding-places of Claudius Smith and his as- 
sociates; the places where one or more men were 
killed who fell victims to his malice ; or where some 
upon his side perished by the hand of the avenging 
freeman. The birth-place of Claudius is given by 
local tradition, though the accounts difl'er somewhat. \ 
The early mining operations and the forges of so j 
ancient a date in some parts of the town are all mat- 
ters worthy of note. 



XI.-INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
Monroe has considerable area favorable to agricul- 
ture. Many valuable farms are found in the long 
valley extending through the town from north to soutli. 
Besides these arable lands there are many of the higher 
lands adapted to pasturage. The production of milk 
and dairy products generally makes in the aggregate 
an amount of considerable importance. Statistics of 
the agriculture are not given, because those of the last 
census are now of so little value in showing present 
conditions, and those of the new census will not be 
compiled so as to be accessible to the people for one 
or two years. The products of the forest — lumber, fire- 
wood, hoop-poles, and timber — have formed an indus- 
try of considerable value at times. Quite a portion of 
the town is too mountainous and rocky to be available 
in industrial pursuits of any kind. 

STIRLING FURNACE. 
This is on the outlet of ■ Stirling Pond, and 
the oldest iron-works in the county, having been 
in operation near one hundred and fifty years. 
They were established by a London company, of 
which Lord Stirling, of New Jersey, was a mem- 
ber, and sold them the land, and hence the name. 
The pond is in Monroe, but .the outlet soon runs into 
Warwick, and therefore it is that the furnace depart- 
ment is in that, and the anchor in the town of War- 
wick. There are 20,000 acres of land attached to this 
and the Southfield works, which supply them with iron 
and coal. They are owned by the Messrs. Townsend. 
At the early establishment of this furnace the charcoal 
used was transported several miles on the backs of 
horses from the mountains where it was burned, there 
being no roads at the time. The furnace was first 
erected by Ward & Colton in 1751, the forge in 1752, 
by Abel Noble, of Pennsylvania. The first anchor 
made in the State was manufactured here in 1753. 
Steel was first made here in 1776 by the late Peter 
Townsend, the grandfather of the younger Peter Town- 
send.* In 1810 his son., Peter Towxisend, made blister- 

* See Biographical Slietch, p,805. 



steel. After Fort Montgomery was taken, and the 
chain which was passed across the river there broken 
by the English ships which then ascended the river 
and burnt Kingston, the government still thinking 
that the river could be obstructed by a chain, sent Mr. 
Pickering, then secretary of war, to consult Mr. Town- 
send on the subject. When matters were agreed upon, 
they left Gray Court on Sunday in the midst of a vio- 
lent snow-storm to go to New Windsor, and from there 
to West Point, to inspect the locality and fix the points 
from which and to which the chain was to be extended. 
The links were made of bar-iron, near two inches 
square, each weighing from 140 to 1.50 pounds. The 
whole chain weighed 186 tons, and was made and de- 
livered in six weeks. The fires of the furnace were 
not extinguished in that time. The iron was made of 
equal parts of Stirling and Long Mine ores. The 
chain was made in pieces, thus : ten links were fast- 
ened together in the usual manner at the forge, and 
the eleventh link left open at one end like an ox-bow, 
with holes through the ends for a bolt to unite that 
link with the next one. These composed one load, 
which was taken to New Windsor by oxen and carts, 
where they were put together. Some of the links 
are preserved at West Point. It was stretched from 
the north side of the Point, on the west side, to Con- 
stitution Island, on the east side of the river.f 

FOREST OF DEAN FURNACE. 
This was on the Forest of Dean Creek, and on a 
patent of that name five miles west from Fort Mont- 
gomery and on a bed of iron ore. This furnace was 
an old affair, founded before the Revolution. Mr. 
Eager relates that when Fort Montgomery was taken, 
in 1777, this furnace made 21 blasts, and the fires were 
not lit up afterwards. It was apprehended that the 
close proximity of the English would make the works 
too hot even for the casting of pig-iron, and the owners 
extinguished the fires. No works under this name 
are now in operation. 

QUEENSBOROUGH FURNACE. 
This was in the northeast angle of the town, at the 
junction of Queensborough and Forest of Dean Creeks, 
two and a half miles southwest from Fort Montgomery. 
It was erected to make pig-iron. The works were sus- 
pended about the time of the war of 1812. No works 
under this name are now in operation. 

THE GREENWOOD FURNACE. 
This is in the central part of the town, on the out- 
let of Slaughter's Pond, near the Ramapo. It was 
originally called Orange Furnace, and was established 
in 1811-12 by the Messrs. Cunningham to make pig- 
iron. Mr. R. P. Parrot was a subsequent owner. It 
is now owned by Mr. P. P. Parrot. The buildings 
are rather picturesquely situated in a sheltered nook 
among the hills. 



t See General History ; also, Buynton'e History of West Point. 



802 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



THE MONROE SAW-FACTORY 

was erected during the war of 1812 to manufacture 
nails, and also saw-mill saws. The early proprietors 
were Messrs. McCoun, Daniel Jackson, and William 
Jackson. It was located near the present place of 
Charles Patterson, at the junction of Truxedo Creek 
with the Eamapo. The old huildings stood within 
the memory of some now living, but have been idle 
for seventy-five years jjrobably. 

MONROE WORKS. 
The mills at this point date back to 1808. They 
were erected by a firm consisting of J. Blackwell and 
Hudson McFarland. The establishment was well 
equipped at an early day, having two trip-hammers, 
and manufacturing hoop- and sheet-iron, nails, 
shovels, spades, etc. The works under this name are 
now in operation. 

HOUGHTON FARM. 
Among the noted places in Monroe should be men- 
tioned the stock farm and country-seat of Lawson 
Valentine. A successful business man from New 
York, he exhibited excellent judgment in the selec- 
tion of a rural home. He purchased a valuable farm 
in a valley southeast of Mountainville. This estate 
he has improved in various ways. The grounds 
around the family residence are laid out with taste. 
The farm lots have been arranged in convenient form. 
His barns are models of convenience and comfort. 
Here he keeps some of the best stock in the country. 
In this delightful retreat he entertains his friends, and 
courteously shows to visitors the valuable stock in 
his yards and fields. He hiis been fortunate, too, 
in securing so good a farm so near to rough moun- 
tain scenery. Near him are the Highlands, with 
their pure air, their fairy legends, and their historical 
associations. A short distance to the west are the 
Schunemunk Mountains, upon the northernmost 
height of which stood the castle of Maringamus, the 
Indian chief. From thence the piercing gaze of the 
aboriginal warriors looked down upon these fair val- 
leys. By an easy drive from Mr. Valentine's place. 
West Point is reached, with its varied attractions. 
With a station near, upon the Newburgh Branch of 
the Erie (Short-Cut), he can quickly reach the city, 
and by the same route finds ready facilities for ship- 
ment to and from his farm. In the hot season he 
often camps out on the cool, breezy heights near, and 
enjoys all the delights of summer retreats close to his 
own door. Surely one can imagine few situations 
combining so many of the pleasures of rural life. 



XII. -MILITARY. 
So far as the citizens of Monroe were engaged in 
the war of the Revolution their names will doubtless j 
be found in the various muster-rolls and other docu- \ 
ments given in this volume. Of the war of 1812, the i 
Mexican war, and modern Indian wars, there are no ' 



documents showing whether any, and if any, how 
many, of the sons of Monroe were engaged in them. 
It was reserved for the great struggle of 1861-65 to 
develop the patriotism of these mountain neighbor- 
hoods. The sacrifices then made form an honorable 
chapter in the history of the town. 

OFFICIAL ACTION, WAR OF 1861-65. 

A special town-meeting was held Aug. 20, 1864, at 
Bayer's Hall, in the village of Monroe. I. C. Boyd 
was elected chairman. A committee of five was ap- 
pointed to draft resolutions, viz., James Turner, C. B. 
Knight, George Thompson, A. P. Hulse, George K. 
Smith. At an adjourned afternoon session the com- 
mittee reported a series of resolutions, which were 
adopted, 115 to 4. 

They provided for raising the sum of $28,000, or so 
much thereof as might be necessary for the purpose 
of paying bounties. They authorized the payment 
of $600 bounty to each volunteer for three years, or 
to each person who might furnish a substitute for 
three years ; $500 for two years ; $400 for one year ; 
and the town l)oard were vested with discretion to in- 
crease the sum for three years' men to $800. The 
town board were fully authorized to issue the neces- 
sary bonds for raising the money in the name of the 
town, at seven jier cent, per annum, payable, princi- 
pal and interest, on the 1st of February, — that is, 
$3000 of principal each year, commencing in 1866. 

Hand-money was voted to any person procuring 
volunteers at the rate of $50 for each three years' man, 
$30 for each two years' man, and $20 for each one 
year man. 

The quota by the provost-marshal seems to have 
been made out on the old town of Monroe, as it was 
voted to attempt to secure a separate statement of the 
quota, and if not successful to confer with the officers 
of Highlands and Southfield, and to adopt some joint 
plan of action. 

Another special meeting was held Aug. 30, 1864, 
A. P. Hulse, chairman, and it was unanimously voted 
to make the sum voted before $34,000 instead of 
$28,000, and the town oflicers were voted full au- 
thority as to the amount of bounty to be paid, and the 
steps necessary to be taken. 

Another special meeting was held Jan. 28, 1865, 
at which William Seaman presided, and a tax of 
.$20,000 was authorized for the ]iayment of bounties, 
and full discretion voted to the town board as to the 
amount of bounty to be paid, and the means and 
methods to be adopted to fill the quota required of the 
town. 

About this time the towns of Highlands and South- 
field took similar action, both in 1864 and 1865. 

After the three towns were consolidated again, the 
bonds issued by each were assumed by the recon- 
structed town of Monroe, and there is on record the 
following statement of the amounts raised and bonds 
issued by the three towns : 



MONROE. 



803 



Monroe $22,578.00 

Southfield 31,:H3.62 

Highlands 17,700.00 

$71,618.62 
Bepaid by State 33,500.00 

$38,118.62 
The enlistments in the town prior to July, 1862, are said to have 

lieeii iti number 4-3 

Quota under calls of 1862 123— credited 123 

" " draft of 1863 70 

" " " of October, 1803 58 

" " call of July, 1864 84 

" consolidated underal! calls to July, 1864 112 " 91 

" under call of July, 1804 33 " 35 

' of Dec. 19, 1864 : 

Highlands 14 

Southfleld 20 

Monroe 14—48 " 48 

Total 316 340 

On settlement with the paymaster-general in 1865 
the town was allowed : 

For excess of 44 years $8,800 

" volunteers^ bounties .*. 24,700 

Total 833,600 

The following list is prepared fioiu the printed 
muster-in rolls of the State, and from the roll written 
up by the town clerk of 186.5. All that can be ob- 
tained from those sources, as well as from others, is 
here given : 

SOLDIERS' LIST, WAR OF 1861-65. 

James C. Anderson, 15th Art.; eul. Jan. 23, 1864. 

Robert Ashmun, Co. A, 124th ; enl, Aug, 12, 1862; wounded at SpottJiyl- 
vania. May 12, 1864 ; must, out by G. 0. 77. 

Michael W, Becroft, enl. Aug. 1, 1861; disch. for disability. 

Amherst W. Belcher, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 25, 1864. 

James Black, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 

John Burke, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 

Charles Benjamin, Co. G, 124th ; died since the war. 

David T. Barnes, Co. B, 124th. 

Henry Barnes, eid. in a New Jersey regiment. 

Charles Babcock, Co. B, 124th. 

Daniel Babcock, wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and in hos- 
pital. 

William Belcher. 

Matthew Babcock, Co. B, 124th. 

Walter Bal>cock, disch. for disability, and died soon after reaching home. 

Dennis Burus. 

David Babcock. 

John Hlakely, Co. A,60th; enl. Aug. 31, 1861 ; died in Imspital, May, 1865. 

Charles A. Beams, Co. D, 146th ; enl, June 6. 1864. 

Horace li. Ball, 3d Art.; enl. September, 1864. 

Jonathan T. Birdsall, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862; killed while sit- 
ting in his tent, Oct. 22, 1864, 

Dubois B. Becroft, enl. July, 1861 ; re-enl. spring of 1861, and killed be- 
fore Richmond in September, 1804; buried on the field. 

James H. Barnes, Co. C, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; wounded in battle of 
Clmncclloraville, and died in hospital ; credited to Cornwall. 

Joseph W. Blakney, enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; killed in second battle of Bull 
Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 

Abraham Beams, 124th ; enl. September, 1862 : died of sickness at Wash- 
ington. 

Andrew J. Babcock, 166th ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; killed at Winchester, 
Sept. 24, 1864. 

Thomas H. Benton Brooks, 2d lieut. ; pro. capt.. Engineer Corps. 

Thompson W. Benjamin, capt., 111th Inf.; com. October, 1862; pro. 
lieut. -col. 

.lames Bush, Co. A, 56th ; enl. August, 1861; re-enlisted. 

Elisha B. Benjamin, Co. B, 124th ; enl. 1862; pro. Corp.; died of small- 
pox at Washington, Jan. 28, 1864. 

Peter Babcock. 

James L. Benjamin, 18th ; enl. April, 1801 ; served out his time, and re- 
enl. in cavalry. 

James H. Chambors, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Oct. 30, 1862. 

Josiah Cooper, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept. 16, 1862. 



Thomas A. Clark, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 20. 1863. 

Harry Conklin. 

Robert Conklin, 18th ; enl. April 29, 1861. 

Martin Conklin, corp., 56th; enl. Aug. 10, 1861 ; disch. for disability; 

re-enl. 170th, and served out full time. 
Sanniel Conklin, Co. A, 124th ; enl. September, 1802 ; disch. for disability 

Feb. 2, 1864. 
Jones J. Conklin, Co. H, 40th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1801 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1864, 

expiration of time. 
Lorenzo Conklin, 95th ; died in the service. 

John H. Conklin, Co. A, 124th; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; died at Fredericks- 
burg, Jan. 14, 1803. 
Wm. H. Campbell, Co. G, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; pro. sergt., Nov. 15, 

1863; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Lewis Cohen, 176th ; enl. August, 1863. 
Moses S. Clark, Co. B, 124th ; enl. August, 1S62. 
James Coleman, 176th ; enl. October, 1863. 
George W. Coleman, 124th ; eul. Oct. 24, 1863 ; trans, to 176th. 
.Tames II. Cronk (possibly Crowell), Co. D, 50th ; enl. August, 1861. 
Joseph Cull, 56th ; enl. 1801 ; lost his right arm. 
James L. Corey, Co. D, SOtli ; enl. 1861 ; had an arm crushed. 
Wesley Cooper, died in the service. 
Charles C. Cunningham. 

Wm. H. Decker, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug, 5, 1802. 
Peter A. Dolaud, 56lh ; enl. March, 1862 ; died of sickness at Beaufort, 

S. C. 
Thomas Degraw, 18th ; enl. August, 1863. 
James Dunn, enl. from Warwick. 
Wm. A. Ellison, 18th. 
Charles E. Ellison, 56th; eid. Aug. 16, 1861 ; died of sickness at Morris 

Island, Jan. 12, 1865. 
James Florence, enl. in Rockland County. 

Benjamin F. Flagg, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; killed at Gettys- 
burg, and buried on the battle-field. 
Henry F, Finegan, enl, Feb, 22, 1864, 
Wm. A, FaTiuiug, 81st; enl. Febniary, 1805. 
Henry Garrison, 15th Art. ; enl. Jati. 2-1, 1864. 
Frank M. Green, 15tb Art.; eul. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Wm. H. Green, re-enl. in Kings County. 
Joseph Gordon, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug, 12, 1862. 

Charles Golisba, Co, B, 124tli ; eul, spring of 1863; disch. June 19, 1865. 
Josiah Garnson, 124th ; enl. August, 1862, 
Edward G. Gibb, naval service. 

Smith Galloway, 176th ; taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, 
Silas Galloway, 15.id; eul, Sept, 1, 1862; waa on steamer " General Lyon," 
burjjed off Cape Hatteras; was one of the twenty-nine saved out of 
six hundred and twenty-three ; swam for three hours, 
Peter Green, Co, C, 176th ; enl, Nov, 1, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Brazier 

City. 
John Green, Co. C, 170th ; eul, Nov, 3, 1802 ; tJiken ]nisoner at La 

Fourche Crossing, 
Sylvester Garretson, 18th; enl, April 20,1861; re-enl,; disch. Feb. 15, 

1864, 
Samuel Green, Co, B, 124th : enl. August, 1862; was absent from Oct. 

19, 1862, to July 25, 1863 ; was trans, to 93d to serve out time. 
Churlas Gallaher, 124th, 
Wm, II, Gordon. 
Ebenezor Helms. Co, C, 176th ; enl, Nov. 11, 1862 ; died in the service at 

New Orleans, 
Charles H, Halstead, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Oct. 9, 1802. 
Joseph Helms, Co. C, 124th; enl, Aug, 11,1862, 
Peters Hans, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Jacob Hogencamp, 176th. 
George Henion, 18th. 
j Benjamin Halsted, Co. C, 176th ; eul. September, 1862, 
j William Hans, 66th ; enl, September, 1861 ; served his time out and re- 
[ enlisted, 

j Richard B, Hunter, Co, E, 56th ; enl, July 31, 1861, 
Jacob Hans, enl, April 6, 1864. 

Henry A. Hoffnuiu, 121th ; enl. Aug. 7, 1864 ; died of sickness in Virginia. 
John Holmes, 179tb ; enl. Sept, 3, 1802, 
Henry Hayden, 18th ; enl. May, 1861. 

James Holms, Co. K, 124th ; enl, .Sept. 3, 1864 ; disch. June 16, 1865. 
Wm. Hagan. 
Clark Haven, a prisoner at Andersonvillo, having been captured in the 

Wilderness, 
George Hall, Samuel Hall, 



804 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Samuel Joues, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Sept 21, 1802. 

George F. Jackson, Co. C, 176tl] ; enl. Sept. 20, 1862. 

Henry H. Jenkins, loth Art. ; enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 

Joseph Jefferson, re-enl. in the it-gular service after the war. 

Thomas Jefferson, not mustered in. 

Enos Jenkins, Co. A, 124th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, out June 3, 1865. 

Chauncey B. Jones, corp., Co. A, 124th ; enl. July 28, 1862 ; disih. for 
disahility Oct. 4, 1862. 

Theodore Kile, oGth. 

John Kile, 5fith; enl. August, 1861. 

Hiram Kelly, Co. F, G3d; enl. Sept. 1, 18G4. 

Nelson Kelly, 86th. 

James S. Kiles (Cyles on roll), Co. A, 124th ; enl. August, 1862 ; acciden- 
tally wounded by oue of Iiis own company at Cbaucellorsville; leg 
amputated ; died May 5, 1863. 

Frederick R. Lamoreux, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

Samuel Lewis, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Thomas H. D. Lawrence, 18th. 

Jacob Livingston. 

Richard Lczear, corp., 18th; died at home soon after he was discharged, 

James Lent, corp , 18th ; enl. September, 1863. 

Joseph LaBuint, Ist Bat.; enl. April 24, 1863. 

Francis LaBoint, 8th Mass. ; enl. July 7, 1864. 

Alvy Lewis, 56th ; enl. Sept. 4, 1864. 

Peter Lewis, Co. D, 126th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1802; taken prisoner. 

James H. Lewis, Co. B, 56th; enl. July 31, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 16, 1865. 

Frederick Lamoreux, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died at Emerald 
Hospital, Oct. 4, 1864. 

Richard Lewis, Co. F, 63d ; enl. February, 1864 ; killed at Cold Harbor. 

Jacob Lent, Co. A, 124th ; eul. Aug. 6, 1862 ; killed at Gettysburg, July 
2, 1863. 

Milton Lewis, Co. A, 56th ; eol. August, 1 861 ; died Sept. 27, 1864, of sick- 
ness contracted in the army. 

Amzi Lewis. Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862. 

James Lynn, Co. B, 56tli ; enl, July, 1861 ; wounded ; disch. February, 
1863. 

Samuel Lozear, slightly wounded in the throat. 

William Long. 

James Lewis, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. 

J. Land, Co. K, 176th; enl. October, 1862. 

Samuel McKindrey, Co. C, 176th ; eul. Oct. 6, 18R2. 

Milton Morgan, Co. C, 176th ; enl. Nov. 11, 1862. 

James P. Molton, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862. 

Ahram Merritt, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 

James Murray, loth Art.; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 

George Miller, 

Thomas Morgan, 124th. 

John P. Morgan, Charles McMurtrey. 

John McGrath, Co. A, 124tli ; enl. Feb. 4, 1864; wuunded in the Wilder- 
ness ; trans, to y;id N. T., June 2, 1865. 

James Morgan, teamster; enl. May, 1861. 

James Morgan, Jr., artillery; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 

Joseph Morgan, Peter Merritt. 

Daniel Morgan, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; credited to Chester. 

Samuel Morse, enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 

Charles McGovern. 

James P. Moulton, Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug, 13, 1862 ; wounded at Spott- 
sylvania, 

James Matchison, 56th ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861. 

Joshua Mead, 56th ; enl. Septembei, 1861. • 

Abijah Mosure, 7th Art. ; enl. Feb. 9, 1864. 

Henry D. Mapes, .'id Inf. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1861. 

John McKelvey, Co. F, 120th; enl. 1862; a prisoner several months at 
Salisbury. 

John P. Maltom, 120th. 

Charles McGroen, wounded in tlie Wilderness, and taken prisoner. 

Westlake Morgan, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; wounded severely 
at Gettysburg ; in hospital Aug. 25, 1864 ; must, out by Order 77. 

James McGrath, Jr., Co. A, 124th; enl. 1862; wounded in the hand May 

6, 1864; must, out with regt. 
Abram Morgan. 

William Nash, loth Art. ; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Jacob Newell, Co. C, 176tli ; taken prisoner, held 12 days. 
William D. Nugent, George G. Nelson. 

John B. Nash, Co. C, 4th ; enl. April 26, 1861 ; wounded ; pro. to capt. 

John Noble, Co. D, 18th; enl. May 17, 1861; re-enl. November, 1864, 
Engineer Corps. 



John Nixon, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862. 

James Nixon, Co. A, 124th : enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 

Jabez A. Odell, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; credited to Cornwall ; 

residence. Buttermilk Falls; wounded in action Blay 12, 1864; must. 

out with regt.; father, Vincent Odell, and brotliers, William and 

Isaac, in service. 
James Oakman. 
James Odell, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; credited to Goshen ; nurse 

at Second Corps Hospital from July 16, 1864. 
William Point, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Jan. 8, 1862. 
Nathan B. Potts, corp., Co. C, 124th ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to 1st U. S. 

Eng. April 18, 1S63. 
Albert A. Peck, eul. Sept. 11, 1862 ; died at Washington of sickness, Sep- 
tember, 1864. 
Joseph Pratt, Co. B, 124th ; enl. Sept, 5, 1862; wounded in head, slight, 

Sept. 12, 1864 ; must, out with regt. 
William Parliaman, loth Art.; enl. Feb. 10, 1864; taken prisoner in the 

Wilderness, and died at Andorsonville. 
Thomas Pratt, died at New Orleans. 
Nathaniel Parliaman, Co. C, 124th; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. 
James Plant. 

Jacob S. Kedney, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Sept. 16, 1862. 
James T. Rumsey, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1862. 
John Riley, ITOth; disch. for partial blindness. 

John H. Riley, 170th; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; wounded in the slioulder. 
Samuel Rush, 56th; enl, July 31, 1861; died of fever Nov. 28, 1862, at 

Centre Street Hospital, Newark, N. J. 
Francis W. Rush, 56th ; enl. July 31, 1861 : left wounded on battle-field 

of Beaufort, and never heard from. 
Jeremiah \V. Rumsey, corp., 56th ; enl. November, 1862; died of disease 

lit David's Island. 
Jacob L. Redner, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Sept. 16, 1862; taken prisoner at 

Thibodeaux, and held a few days. 
James Rumsey, 176th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1862; pro. corp. and sergt. 
Moses Rumsey, Co. B, 124th; eul. Dec. 24, 1863; tfans. to 93d to com- 
plete term. 
David Silsbury, Co. C, 176Hi ; enl. Sept. 21, 1862. 
William S. Smith, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Oct. 1, 1862; afterwards served in 

Co. G, 124th. and enl. in 166th, which was never organized. 
Neil O. Smith, 15th Ait. ; etil. Jan. 18, 1864. 
Albert Smith, 1.5th Art.; enl. Jan. 20, 1864. 
Daniel R. Smith, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864. 
Robert Simpson, 15th Art. ; enl. Jan. 26, 1864. 
Horace Storms. 

John Silsbury, Co. C, 176th; enl. September, 1862. 
Eugene D. Stokuni, Co. I, 54tli ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863 ; detailed as clerk in 

the adjutant-general's office. 
William Sanders, Co. A, 124 th ; eul. Aug. 4, 1862; wounded in foot, 

severe. May 12, 1864; in hospital, and must, out by Gen. Order 77; 

credited to Newburgh 
Charles Slauson, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Sept. 16, 1862; wounded at La Fourche 

Crossing. 
George Slauson, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept, 16, 1862. 
John Slauson, Co. B, 124th; enl. Feb. 10, 1864; trans, to 93d June 2, 

1865. 
Joseph W. Smith, corp., 156th; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; died of disease at 

Baton R(»uge, La., May 22, 18IH. 
M'illiam Slauson, Co. B, 124th; enl. August, 1862; died of chronic diar- 

rhLta at Willard's Point, Oct. 17, 18(H. 
Albert Smith, 15th Art,; enl. Febmary, 1863. 
Daniel Stevens, Co. D, 124th ; enl. Sept 29, 1862; traus. to V. R. C. Jan. 

1,18G5. 
Daniel Secor, corp., 5Gth. 

William Simpson, Co. C, 176th; enl. Oct. 10, 1862. 
Daniel Smith, 15th Art.; enl. 1863. 
Washington Springsted, Vincent Springsted. 
John C. Tuthill, Co. D, 176th; enl. Sept. 27, 1862; killed after Richmond 

was taken. 
Wm. B. Tompkins, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862. No Wm. B. on roll ; 

William Tompkins, credited to Minisink. 
James Tompkins, Co. C, 176th. 

Wm. H. Thorp, George Turner, Joseph Turner, John Turner. 
Henry J. Vreeland, Co. G, PJ4th ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; rejected by muster- 
ing officer Sept. 5, 1862 ; re-enl. in 176th Sept. 10, 1864. 
Henry Wright, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Sept. 13, 1862. 
Charles Williams, 15th Art.; enl. Jan. 26. 1864. 
Samuel Wilson, 18th ; enl. April, 1861. 





i^-TZ^^i 



MONROE. 



805 



James Weyant, enl. May 1, ISG'2. 

John Wilkes, IVOtli ; enl. Sept. 28, 1S72; died of wonnds at Washington, 

Jnly 12, 1864. 
Henry Wright, Co. D, 176th ; enl. Angust, 1862. 
Joel B. Weymer, 1.5th Cavalry ; enl. Jan. 1864. 
Charles Waldron. 
Jacob Wilson, Co. A, 124th ; enl. Ang. 11, 1862; wounded in shoulder 

May 6, 1864, and died in the Wilderness, May 12, 1864. 
Henry Walton, died in the service. 
Daniel yonmans. 

Wni. H. Younians, Co. D, 18th ; enl. April 23, ISlil ; also in 166th. 
Alfred Voumans, Co. B, 124tli; enl. Aug. 12. 1862 ; died of typhoid fever 

June 22, 1863, and buried at Alexandria, Va. 
Robert Younians, wounded at Williamsburg, and died May 26, 1864, at 

Alexandria. 
Samuel Youmans, Co. A, 124th; enl. August, 18G2 ; pro. Corp., Nov. 15, 

1864 : wounded in the knee April 1, 1865 ; in hospital, and must, out 

by Gen. Order 77. 
Joseph J. Youmans, Co. D, 124th : enl. Dec. 18, 1863 ; trans, to 93d June 

2, 1866. 

Perhaps the most remarkable men from the town 
were the Ziiidle brothers. They were born in Monroe, 
of American parents, of German ancestry. Daniel 
served three months in the Sixty-ninth Militia in the 
spring of 1861, and on return enlisted for three years 
in the Seventy-fourth Regiment. He was wounded 
in right arm at Williamsburg, May, 18152, but con- 
tinued in the field until removed. His arm was am- 
putated, but before the stump was healed he took the 
field at Malvern Hill, where he received six balls; one 
in the upper part of bis forehead came near causing 
his death, one in the thigh shattered the bone of the 
left leg. Some eight inches of the bone from the hip- 
joint downwards was removed, and a silver tube in- 
serted, around wliich the muscles and flesh reformed. 
Though considerably shot to pieces and a wreck, he 
would not have left the field at his own desire. John 
Zindle, Fifty-sixth Regiment, had arm shot off at 
Fair Oaks, and died of the injury July 14, 1862. Jonas 
Zindle enlisted in the Eighteenth Regiment, and was 
transferred to the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth. 
Nelson Zindle, in the Seventh Heavy Artillery, was 
taken prisoner in June, 1864. Monroe N. Zindle en- 
listed Feb. 9, 1864, in Seventh Heavy Artillery, and 
was reported "missing in action, June 10, 1864." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PETER TOWNSEND. 

The Townsend family are of English lineage, and 
since their advent to America have been largely iden- 
tified with the manufacturing and commercial interests 
of the county. Peter Townsend, the first of the name 
in Orange County, and the grandfather of the subject 
of this biographical sketch, was a former resident of 
Long Island, and, in company with his fathpr-in-law, 
William Hawxhurst, located at Stirling, Warwick 
township, the latter gentleman having purcha.sed the 
Stirling tract, embracing 23,000 acres, a portion of 
which lav in the State of New Jersev. Mr. Townsend 



at once made .this point the centre of an extensive • 
manufacturing interest. He erected works embracing 
a furnace, forges, and an ancbory, and tilled both 
government and private contracts of considerable 
magnitude. The first anchor used by the United 
States government was made at this establishment, 
five frigates being at this time equipped, and later the 
whole navy. Here was forged the chain, weighing 
over one hundred tons, stretched across the Hudson 
River during the war of the Revolution to prevent 
the British from passing above West Point. It was 
conveyed to its destination in parts, which were later 
attached by swivels. 

Mr. Townsend was married to Miss Hannah Hawx- 
hurst, and had sons Peter, William, and Isaac, and 
daughters Anne, wife of Solomon Townsend, proprie- 
tor, in connection with William Townsend, of the 
Augusta Iron-Works on the Ramapo ; and Sallie, who 
became Mrs. Dr. Anthony Davis, of Goshen, N. Y. 
The death of Peter Townsend occurred during the 
year 1783. His son Peter was born in the year 1770, 
and when a lad rode to New York on horseback to 
witness the evacuation of that city by the British. 
His early life was spent at the Stirling Iron-Works 
or at the homestead in Chester, then part of Goshen 
township. He succeeded his father in the manage- 
ment of his extensive manufacturing interests, and 
may be regarded as the pioneer in the introduction of 
anthracite coal as a fuel for smelting iron ores. 

Mr. Townsend married Miss Alice, daughter- of 
Comfort Cornell, early during the present century, 
and had children, — William H., Peter, Isaac, Robert 
C, George E., and one daughter, Elizabeth, wife of 
J. H. Austin, of Staten Island. 

The death of Peter Townsend, the second of the 
name, occurred during the year 1857. His son Peter, 
the present representative of the family, was born May 
13, 1803, at the Chester homestead, where his early 
life was passed, his education having been acquired 
first in New York and later at Newburgh and on Long 
Island. Having served an apprenticeship in the 
counting-house of Jacob Barker, of New York, he 
repaired to Canandaigua, N. Y., and embarked in 
mercantile pursuits. In 1827 he returned to his early 
home, and, in connection with his brother, succeeded 
to the iron manufacturing interests, the estate at this 
time embracing, besides the Stirling jjroperty, the 
works at Southfield, Jlonroe township, and abounding 
in valuable ores of iron. 

Mr. Townsend was united in marriage July 9, 1828, 
to Miss Caroline, daughter of Capt. Jasper Parish, of 
Canandaigua, N. Y., to whom were born children, — 
Elizabeth, widow of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher;. 
Alice; Mrs. S. L. M. Barlow; and Caroline, widow 
of David Crawford. The death of Mrs. Townsend 
occurred July 20, 1874, at Southfield, the family resi- 
dence. Her many graces of mind and heart had en- 
deared her alike to the home circle and to friends. 
Her winning presence and cheerfiil spirits were the 



806 



HISTORY OF OKANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



• sources of unfailing pleasure in social life, while her 
kindly heart and beneficent life brought happiness to 
many households. 

Mr. Townsend is in his political predilections a firm 
Republican, with no official aspirations, but with a 
just appreciation of the civil responsibilities which 
fall to the lot of every good citizen. Though his 
family are of Quaker extraction, he affiliates with the 
Presbyterian denomination, Mrs. Townsend having 
been a member of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian 
Church, New York City. 



HON. MORGAN SHUIT. 
The Shuit family were early residents of West- 
chester County, Elisha, the lather of the subject of 
this biographical sketch, having been a native of 
Eastchester, in that county, and born June 12, 1788. 
He later removed to Ridgefield, Conn., and engaged 




in ftirming pursuits, having nuirried Miss Sallie, 
daughter of Joseph Mead, Esq., whose birth occurred 
April 3, 1788. Their childreu were Joseph M., born 
in 1810; Morgan, Mary Ann; whose birth occurred 
in 1815; and Ruth Ann, who died in infancy. 

Morgan is a native of Ridgefield, Conn., where his 
birth occurred Jan. 12, 1S12, and where his early 
years were spent. Mr. Shuit's educational opportuni- 
ties were of a very limited character, and his success- 
ful and useful career may be attributed in a greater 



degree to superior qualities of mind and will rather 
than to early opportunities for culture. He acquired 
a trade in his New England home, and in 1833 re- 
moved to Orange County, where his recent acquire- 
ments were made useful. In 1837, mercantile pur- 
suits having jjresented a more profitable field, he 
embarked in business at Highland Mills, and con- 
tinued at this point until 1860. In April, 1867, 
having relinquished trade, he removed to the farm 
which is his present home. Mr. Shuit was married 
to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac B. Titus, Esq., 
of Monroe, whose family were of Quaker descent. 
Their children were Hannah, born in 1847 ; Mary 
Ann, whose birth occurred in 1849; William W., 
born in 1851 ; Sarah M., born in 1854; Elizabeth T., 
whose birth occurred in 1856 ; Harriet T., born in 
1860; and Phila M., born in 1862. Mrs. Shuit's 
death occurred in 1867, and Mr. Shuit was married a 
second time, to Miss Phebe B. Titus, sister of his first 
wife. 

The peculiar abilities of Mr. Shuit eminently fitted 
him for public life, which was also in harmony with 
his tastes. He was in 1843 elected justice of the 
peace, which office was held by him for thirty-six 
consecutive years. In 1849 he was chosen as super- 
visor of his township, and still holds the office. He 
was for many years justice of sessions, and was during 
1879 and 1880 the representative of his district in 
the State Legislature. Mr. Shuit has in these posi- 
tions manifested devotion to duty and marked ability. 
His constituents discerning this fact, have testified 
their confidence in the willing suffrages they have 
accorded him. He was among the most ardent sup- 
porters of the government during the late conflict, 
and personally superintended the raising of recruits 
and their equipment. His services are much in de- 
mand in the adjustment of estates, and in matters in- 
volving the amicable settlement of claims. Mr. Shuit 
is a Republican in politics, having espoused its princi- 
ples as more closely allied to those of the old Whig 
doctrines of his early years. He is a liberal supporter 
of church and school interests, to both of which he 
has generously contributed. 



PETER P. PARROTT. 
Mr. Parrott is a native of New Hampshire, having 
been born in Portsmouth. During the year 1837 he 
removed to Orange County and located at Woodbury, 
in the township of Monroe, where he assumed the 
managment of the interests of the Woodbury Iron 
Company. The following year he became identified 
with the charcoal furnace located at Greenwood^ in 
the same township, having removed to the latter place, 
and managed succe-ssfuUy the business of both enter- 
prises. The Greenwood property was at this time in 
the hands of individuals with whom Mr. Parrott be- 
came soon after associated as joint proprietor. In 
1853, in connection with his brother, Robert P. Par- 




^^:> 



I 



: 



it 



l» 



MONKOE. 



807 



rott, he constructed the present anthracite furnace, 
and eventually became its sole owner. He continued 
in this relation until his sons were recently admitted 
to a partnership, under the style of The Parrott Iron 
Company. The ores of this immediate section are 
superior in quality, and embrace the Warwick, Bull, 
Hogencamp, Mount Bashan, O'Neil, and other 
mines. Of these, the O'Neil mine, owned by Mr. 
Parrott, has yielded the main supply, and been suc- 
cessfully worked for a period of fifty years. The 
capacity of the anthracite furnace is 200 tons per 
week, which is principally used in the manufacture 
of hardware and stove-plates. An important branch 
of industry in connection with this enterprise is the 
manufacture of mineral wool or silicate cotton. This 
is produced from the vitreous molten earthy refuse 
called slag while the latter is yet in a liquid condi- 
tion. Steam or air-jets are blown with strong pressure 
through small streams of the slag, converting the 
latter into a continuous spray of red-hot filamentfi, 
which are intermixed with small particles of chilled 
slag in the form of globules or shot. By means of 
air-drafts and subdivisions of the receiving chambers 
different grades of wool are obtained, which are 
pressed in bags and boxes to a consistency which will 
prevent its further settling when in use. This mate- 
rial has been proved a perfect non-conductor between 
heat and cold, and has found a ready market. 

This apparent digression in the biographical sketch 
of Mr. Parrott will doubtless convey an accurate idea 
of the successful career which he has achieved ; not 
as the result of promising beginnings and ample 
capital, but wholly as the reward of energy and busi- 
ness capacity. He may in the largest sense be iden- 
tified with the self-made men of the county of 
Orange. Mr. Parrott, though not ambitious for pub- 
lic distinction, is ever found associated with the best 
interests of his village and township, Greenwood 
being substantially a hamlet founded and nur- 
tured by himself In politics Mr. Parrott is a 
Republican. His religious predilections are in 
harmony with the tenets of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. Together with his brother he erected St. 
John's Episcopal church at Greenwood, and also 
donated land for the building of a Roman Catholic 
house of worship. Mr. Parrott was in 1843 united in 
marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Richard D. 
Arden, Esq., of Phillipstown, Putman Co., N. Y., to 
whom eight children were born. 



two daughters, Elizabeth and Keturah. Of this 
number, Phineas H., the father of Alexander, was 
born July 4, 1789, and was, Dec. 23, 1812, united in 
marriage to Miss Rachel, daughter of Birdseye Young. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson eleven children were 
born in the following order : Elizabeth, Har- 
rison, Charles, Phineas, Alexander, Cornelia Y., 
Keturah, Isaac H., Virgil, Nathan Y., and Ed- 
mund. Alexander, whose life is here briefly re- 
viewed, was born Aug. 27, 1820, in the township of 
Monroe, upon the homestead which is his present 
residence. He availed himself of such limited advan- 
tages of education as the public school afforded, 
and afterwards determined to render himself inde- 
pendent of the freaks of a capricious fortune by the 
acquirement of a substantial trade. He repaired to 
Newburgh and became a skillful carpenter, contin- 
uing his pursuits for some years, and eventually re- 
turning again to the homestead. Mr. Thompson was 
married, Feb. 19, 1856, to Miss Eleanor, daughter of 
Peter Bush, Esq., of Monroe. Their children are 
Phineas H., Ella B., and Alexander, all of whom re- 
side with their parents. Mr. Thompson has latterly 
devoted his energies to the labors of an agriculturist, 
and has made the dairy a specialty. In this, as in 
other occupations to which his abilities have been 
directed, he has been eminently successful. He is 
actively interested in the Farmers' Creamery Asso- 
ciation of Turners, of which organization he is presi- 
dent. In his political affiliations Mr. Thompson is a 
Democrat, though in no sense a politician, preferring 
rather the quiet routine of his daily employments to 
the excitements of public life. He is a worshiper at 
the Presbyterian Church in Monroe, of which Mrs. 
Thompson and her daughter are members. 



ALEXANDER THOMPSON. 

The Thompson family, one of the most influential 
in Monroe township, are of Irish extraction. Wil- 
liam Thompson, the grandfather of the subject of this 
biographical sketch, was for years a resident of 
Chester, where his death occurred. His children 
were George, Robert, Phineas H., Benjamin, and 



PETER TURNER. 
Peter Turner, the son of Gilbert and HaUnah 
(Brewster) Turner, maj' with justice be numbered 
among the most enterprising and capable of the busi- 
ness men of the township of Monroe. He was a na- 
tive of Putnam Co., N. Y., and was born March 14, 
1794. The Turner family removed to Monroe in 1808, 
and Peter during his early life engaged in farming 
pursuits. His ambitious spirit prompted him to seek 
a wider field of usefulness than was at the time pre- 
sented on the farm, and on the projection of the Erie 
Railroad he discerned in the location known as 
Turner's a point destined to grow in importance with 
the completion of the thoroughfare. He immediately 
erected a hotel, purchased tiie mill-property, and 
made other improvements, which caused the station of 
Turner's to become an influential centre of business. 
Its convenient distance from New York rendered it 
popular as a place of refreshment for railroad travel- 
ers, and Mr. Turner speedily became one of the most 
popular caterers on the Erie Railroad. He was mar- 
ried Nov. 16, 1816, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of 



808 



HISTORY OF ORA>-GE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



James Galloway, and was the father of four sons,— 
Charles, James G., and Gilbert, who reside in Monroe, 
and Theron S., whose residence is Cornwall-on-the- 
Hudson. Mr. Turner was a second time married, 
November, 1866, to Mrs. Lavinia Wiley, who survives 

him. 

In politics Mr. Turner was a stanch Republican. 
Being absorbed with his daily avocations, he found 
little inclination for the engrossing demands of public 
life, and was inditierent to official honors. In all 
business relations he enjoyed a reputation for energy, 
sagacity, and strict integrity. Mr. Turner, though 
not connected with any religious denomination, was a 
liberal supporter of the gospel, and contributed 
equallv to the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches 
of the township during his lifetime. His career was 
a marked example of the success which arises from 
humble beginnings, and is the result of ceaseless toil 
combined with sound business principles. The death 
of Mr. Turner occurred Oct. 16, 187-5. at his residence 
in Turner's village. 



Minnie, H. Greeley, and Samuel, ilr. Bush is a 
Republican in politics, having been in early years an 
Old-Line Whig, and cast his first vote for Henry 
Clay, in 1844. He manifests much interest in the 
success of his party and its principles, but declines 
anv participation in the official honors which accom- 
pany its victories. Mr. Bush affiliates with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Monroe, of which 
Mrs. Bush is a member. 



PETER B. BCSH. 
The early representatives of the Bush family emi- 
grated from Holland, though little is known of their 
history by the descendants now residing in Monroe. 
Henry, the grandfather of Peter B., was a native of 
Orange County, and the father of the following sons 
and daughters : Samuel, John, Peter H., Henry, Wil- 
liam, Martha, Rebecca, Rachel, and M.orgaret. Peter 
H.. the third in order of birth, was born in northern 
New Jersey, Xov. 11, 1783, and later became a resi- 
dent of Ramapo, Rockland Co., X. Y.. where he 
pursued his vocation of millwright. He was united 
in marriage to Miss ilary, daughter of James Smith, 
of Monroe, to whom were born children named 
respectively Matilda, Mary Ann, Henry, James, and 
Margaret. By a second union, with Miss Abigail 
Smith, a sister of the first Mrs. Bush, his children 
were Elizabeth, Samuel J.. Peter B., Nathaniel D., 
Rachel, Sarah, Eleanor, Cornelius, Arminda, Phebe, 
and Hudson. 5Ir. Bush survived until May 4, 1836, 
and died in his fifty-third year. The birth of his son 
Peter B. occurred June 8, 1820, in Orange County. 
The family at a late period removed to a farm in the 
vicinity of the Greenwood Iron- Works, where he 
availed himself of the exceedingly limited opportuni- 
ties for education which the district afforded. The 
death of his father, while the children were still in 
their growing years, entailed a heavy responsibility 
upon Peter B. He, however, manfully accepted the 
situation, and thus added greatly to the comfort and 
prosperity of the family. In lS-53 he purchased the 
homestead farm and became its sole owner. In 1862, 
Mr. Bush changed his residence, and became the pro- 
prietor of the estate on which he at present resides. 
He was married, in 1858, to Miss Harriet, daughter of 
David Ford, of Monroe, and has three children, — 



JOHN GOFF. 
The ancestors of the Goff family in America were 
early emigrants from Ireland, and probably first set- 
tled on Long Island, whence the progenitors of John 
Goff came to Orange County. Mr. Goff was born in 
Monroe township, Oct. 19, 1800, and passed the early 
portion of his life at the home of his parents, Michael 
and Elizabeth Goff. He continued farming occupa- 
tions until the age of manhood ; was united in mar- 
riage, April -5, 1821, to Miss Phebe, daughter of 
Gilbert and Hannah Turner, and then, desiring a 
more extended field of labor, removed to New York 
City, where he was for fourteen years engaged in 
the milk business. He returned again to Monroe, and 
resided for four years upon the Turner homestead, 
after which he removed to the village of Monroe, 
and purchased what is known as the McGarrah prop- 
erty. Mr. Goff then became a landlord, and con- 
tinued to be for a period of twenty -eight years one of 
the most popular hosts in the county. He then re- 
tired to private life, but retained his former residence. 
In all the relations of life Mr. Goff was an esteemed 
and influential citizen. Though not immediately 
connected with either of the religious denominations, 
he was a cheerful supporter of all churches, and con- 
tributed willingly to their advancement. He mani- 
fested much public spirit, and established a reputa- 
tion for soundness of judgment, both in matters of 
business and in the larger sphere of public life. Mr. 
Goff was a Democrat in his political views, and 
keenly alive to the success of his party, though never 
himself ambitious for office. The death of Mr. Goff 
occurred in Monroe, Feb. 13, 1881, in his eighty-first 
year ; that of Mrs. Goff ha\-ing taken place on Dec. 
24, 1878. 

GILBERT T. SMITH. 
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Smith was Clark 
Smith, Esq., whose birth occurred at Cornwall-on- 
the-Hudson. His children were eleven in number, — 
Joseph, Asahel, Oliver, Clark, Isaac, Thomas, Rens- 
selaer, Elijah, Hannah, and two whose death occurred 
at an early age. Asahel, one of the older sons, was 
born at Woodburv", in the township of Monroe, where 
he resided until the age of manhood. At a later 
period he chose Turner's as a place of residence, and 
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter 



Il 



■I 




JOHN GoFF. 



Il 



J. HORTON THOMPSON. 



The grandfather of Mr. Tliompson was 
George Tlioinpson, who was of Irish parentage, 
and a resident of Blooming-Grove, in Orange 
County. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Eiizabetii Gregory, of Monroe, and had children, 
— Abijah W., Nathaniel, James G., Hainiali 
(Mrs. Gerret Duryea), Susan (Mrs. Nathaniel 
Racket), Mary (Mrs. Isaac Lee), Eunice (Mrs. 
David Case), Nancy (Mrs. Gen. Henry Duryea), 
and Elmira (Mrs. Oliver B. Tuthill). Mr. 
Thompson spent his life upon the homestead 
in Blooming-Grove, having been an energetic 
and exemplary citizen. His sou Nathaniel, the 



father of the subject of this biography, was born 
Dec. 22, 1792, at tiie home of liis parents, where 
the early years of iiis life were sj)ent. He served 
with credit in the war of 1812, and later followed 
farming pursuits, having removed in 1820 to 
Monroe, on the land now occupied by his son, 
George W. Tiiomjison. Nallianiel Thompson 
was married, Jan. 22, 1818, to Miss Sarah, 
daughter of Jeremiah Horton, of Blooming- 
Grove, to whom two children were born, J. 
Horton and George W., both of whom reside in 
Monroe. Tiie following mention of Mr. and 
Mrs. Tliompson appears in the Horton genea- 





logical 



record : " Sarah Tliomjison was one of 
the excellent of the earth, — faithful, kind, ener- 
getic, and industrious, exemplifying Christian- 
ity in her daily walk and conversation. She 
was ever sunshine for the family. Mr. Thomp- 
son was an upright. Christian man, who lived a 
life of usefulness." Their son, .1. Horton, was 
born Jan. 1.3, 1821, in Monroe, and devoted his 
early years to school, and subsequently to labor, 
having engaged in teaching for a brief period. 
He was married Dec. 20, 1845, to Miss Mary, 
daughter of Samuel Webb, of Monroe, and is 
the parent of three daughters, — Sarah (Mrs. 




T>2^/?^2.^ 



Asahel Smith), Anna (now deceased), and 
Nancy. 

Mr. Thompson after his marriage purchased 
his present home, and has since been extensively 
engaged in dairying. He has led an energetic 
life, which has been mainly devoted to the in- 
terests of his farm, having little taste for the dis- 
tractions and responsibilities of a public career. 
He is in liis political predilections a stanch Re- 
publican, though not an aspirant for office. 

In their religious preferences ]\Ir. Thompson's 
famil}' are Presbyterians, Mrs. Thompson being 
a member of the Presbyterian Church at Monroe. 




cJ^-^cei 



The pioneer representative of tlie Thompson 
family probably left Ireland for a home in the 
New World at a very early date, and eventu- 
ally located in the towiisliip of Goshen, where 
he married. Among his children was Wil- 
liam, who was united in marriage to Miss 
Mittie Hudson, and had sons, — George, Robert, 
Phineas H., and Benjamin, and daughters, — 
Eiizabetli and Ketnrah. Phineas H., who is 
the father of Isaac H. Thompson, was born in 
1789, and spent his early years in labor upon 
the property of his father. His marriage to 
Miss Rachel Youngs, of Chester, occurred in 
1812, and to this union eleven children were 
born, whose names are specified in an accom- 
panying sketch of Alexander Thompson. The 
birth of Isaiic H., one of the sons, occurred 
April 11, 1827, in Monroe, where his time until 
manhood was spent in study at the public school 
of the neighborhood, or in cultivating the land 
owned by his father. At the age of eighteen 
he acquired the trade of a carjjenter and joiner, 
and followed this avocation with more or less 
regularity for a period of thirty years. In 1870, 




Mr. Thompson purchased the farm which is his 
present residence, and has since been extensively 
engaged in dairying. In this as in his previous 
occupation he has been successful, not so much 
from fortunate circumstances as from the devel- 
opment of those qualities which are the inevita- 
ble ex]ionents of success. Mr. Thompson was 
united in marriage, Jan. 18, 1854, to Miss Eliz- 
abeth, daughter of Elraor Earl, of Monroe. 
They have four children, — Rachel (Mrs. W. S. 
Allen), Elmor, Eliza, and Virgil. Mr. Thomp- 
son at present fills the responsible office of 
superintendent of the Farmers' Creamery Asso- 
ciation, the buildings of which are located on 
his land. 

He is a Democrat in politics, though seldom 
actively interested in the strifes of party, and 
has little ambition for official honors. He has 
nevertheless filled the office of highway com- 
missioner for successive terms. 

In his religious preferences he is an attendant 
upon the ministrations of the Presbyterian 
Church at Monroe, of which Mrs. Thompson is 
a member. 



i 




I 




^^y>^7^e^ 



^^^ 



ftej 



HIGHLANDS. 



811 



18, 1731 (Queensborough tract.)* Bradley Children, 
No. 1, 4290 acres, Oct. .30, 1749. Vincent and David 
Mattliews, No. 2, 800 acres, Nov. 26, 1768. William 
and Edward Wilkin, No. 1, 1305 acres, April 15, 1768. 
John Osborne, No. 1, 1850 acres, March 14, 1775. 
Thomas Moore and Lewis Pintard, No. 2, 900 acres, 
Dec. 23, 1762. Smith and Wilkin, No. 3, 100 acres, 
April 15, 1768. Moore and Osborne, No. 2, 150 acres, 
March 14, 1775. Smith and Wilkin, No. 2, 190 acres, 
April 15, 1768. John Nelson, .5.50 acres, Oct. 4, 1752. 
Henry Townsend, 2000 acres. Thomas Smith, 250 
acres, June 14, 1750. The Hassenclever & Co.'s tract, 
1000 acres, in 1765. 



II.— NATCJHAL FEATUKES. 
This town is rightly named. The range of hills 
from which it receives its designation extends along 
the whole river front, from below Fort Montgomery 
on the south to Cro' Nest on the north. They 
form so distinct a feature of the geological history of 
the county that their description is properly included 
in the chapter upon that subject, to which the reader 
is referred. The whole line is noted in history and 
romance, and in modern times has become the resort 
of hundreds of summer tourists, who seek health and 
pleasure upon the breezy heights, beside the crystal 
waters of the mountain ponds, or in the dark forest 
shades. Several small rivulets flow into the Hudson, 
one just south of Cro' Nest ; a second at Washing- 
ton valley ; a third, the outlet of Bog Meadow Pond, 
at Highland Falls ; a fourth some distance below ; 
and a fifth at Fort Montgomery. In the southwest 
part of the town are several rivulets which flow 
southward into the town of Monroe, and become 
tributaries of Poplopen's Creek, which empties into 
the Hudson just south of Highland, within the 
county of Rockland. The most noted ponds in High- 
lands are Bog Meadow Pond, Round Pond No. 1, Long 
Pond, and Cranberry Pond. 



III.— EARLY SETTLEMENT. 
In mentioning titles in and near West Point the date 
of the first grant is given as 1723, and this was obtained 
on the express condition that settlement should be 
made within three years. As this title was made 
valid, and became the foundation to the present title 
of the United States, actual settlement should be in- 
ferred. But the names of the settlers have not come 
down to the present time except as mentioned below. 
Major Boynton, in his work upon West Point, says, — 

"The interval between the granting of the patents and the transfer of 
the titles, before described, down to the period at which the American 
Kevolutiou commenced are blanks iu historical literature. No traditions 



* In the county clerk's office is this record : 

"The following meniorandnm was entered at the request of Mr. Ga- 
briel Ludlow the first day of June, 1732; 'These are to certify to all per- 
sons whom it may concern that on the 25th of February, 1731, a tree was 
cut on the east side of the house of Gabriel Ludlow within twenty feet 
of the said house marked T V H.' " 



even of early settlers are extant, and the pi-obabilities are that, beyond a 
settlement made to st'cure a site or grant, West I'oint, being in a region 
of primary stratified rocks, heavily covered with drift deposits, and with- 
out a suitable soil for cultivation, remained a mere woodland tract, pos- 
sessing no higher value than attaches to similar adjoining points in the 
Highlands which have remained unsettled and uncultivated to this 
day." 

It is however pretty certainly established that John 
Moore, the patentee, did locate upon his purchase, and 
very probably within the required three years, thus 
making the date of his removal here about 1725. 
His homestead was iu what has since been called 
Washington Valley, and Gen. Washington is said 
to have occupied the same dwelling for a time. The 
house was afterwards destroyed, and a second one 
erected upon the same site was also long since taken 
down. The remains of the cellar are still visible, 
and this spot may undoubtedly be regarded as the 
point of first settlement within the limits of the pres- 
ent town of Highlands. 

Of Mr. Moore's children there are not many facts 
now to be obtained. The family were inclined to be 
loyalists at the opening of the Revolution, and though 
it is evident they were not violent opposers of the 
American cause, from the fact that their lands were 
not confiscated, yet they went to Nova Scotia as the 
Revolutionary troubles thickened around them, and 
afterwards to North Carolina. There they became 
prominent in public affairs, one of them being elected 
Governor of that State. It was of Stephen Moore, 
of Caswell Co., N. C, that the United States 
bought West Point in 1790, as already mentioned. 
The names of Stephen Moore and James Moore 
appear in the town records of Cornwall between 
1765 and 1775. A daughter of John Moore married 
Hugh McClellan some time before the Revolution or 
about the time of its commencement. 

McClellan lived at West Point, or rather somewhat 
west towards the West Grove neighborhood. He was 
active in support of the American cause, whatever 
may have been the course of his immediate family 
connections. Many incidents are related of his per- 
sonal prowess, his prompt movements in times of dan- 
ger, and his daring bravery. Though not in the army 
as a soldier, he undoubtedly earned the right to be 
considered one by fighting " upon his own hook" 
everywhere around West Point and at all times. He 
was employed in hauling stone at the erection of Fort 
Putnam. On one occasion he crossed the river alone 
and brought powder to West Point at the imminent 
risk of capture and death. These are some of the 
traditional stories of his exploits, many of which are, 
perhaps, authentic. 

The children of Mr. McClellan's first marriage re- 
moved to North Carolina some time after the war, — 
perhaps at the time their relatives, the Moores, went 
to that State from Nova Scotia. Hugh McClellan 
married for his second wife a daughter of the early 
Kronkhite family of West Grove. By this marriage 
there were two children, a son, who died in early or 



812 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



middle life, leaving, however, a family of several chil- 
dren, and a daughter, who became the wife of James 
Denton. Mr. Denton was from Newburgh, but set- 
tled at West Point. A son of Mr. Denton, James 
Denton, Jr., is a merchant of Highland Falls at the 
present time, and another son, John Denton, is a 
farmer, now residing on the well-known homestead 
of the Bull lamily, below Highland Falls. 

It should be added that the claim made by James 
Denton, Sr., under the McClellan occupancy, to which 
we have alluded in speaking of titles, was pressed in 
good faith, believing the title to be valid for whatever 
land Hugh McClellan had actually occupied. The 
statement given above, while in the main correct, is 
nevertheless regarded by the family as the government 
side of the story. There are said to have been cer- 
tain papers showing that McClellan had derived some 
rights direct from the Moore family — rights which 
were not reserved in deeding to the United States, but 
nevertheless antedated that transaction. Twenty-one 
years' undisputed possession, following upon a legal 
and permitted entry, is understood to have strong 
force in determining a title under the laws of New 
York, hence there was certainly some ground for the 
claim to rest upon. As a matter of fact, too, the suit 
for ejectment was terminated by a compromise. The 
aged widow of McClellan was paid to surrender her 
claim, and if a decision was rendered against her it 
was only pro forma as the result of the settlement. 

Still further tracing the stoi-y of early settlement, 
it is probable that Cornelius Swim was the first pio- 
neer occupant in the vicinity of Highland Falls. His 
homestead was the present place of Judge Charles 
Tracy. The Swim family had removed to this country 
from England about the year 1686, and as part of a 
colony settled on the east side of the river, opposite 
West Point, the location being on what is now known 
as the Phillips property. They were offered a large 
tract there for ten cents an acre, but (as Cornelius 
Nelson, our informant, quaintly observes) " they had 
not the ten cents," and therefore their title was not 
secured, and they were obliged to leave when another 
purchaser bought the tract at fifteen cents an acre. 

The date when Cornelius Swim settled at what is 
now Highland Falls, does not appear to be known 
among his descendants, but it was at least some years 
prior to the Revolution, as his name appears in the 
town records of Cornwall, 1765 to 1775. 

It is understood by Mrs. William Avery, a descend- 
ant, that the father of Cornelius Swim was Albert 
Swim, and that he came to this side of the river also, 
but j)erhaps as an aged man in the family of Corne- 
lius. One of the sons of Cornelius was John Swim, 
and his children were six sons, — Albert, Andrew, 
John, Cornelius, William, and Samuel ; also six 
daughters, — Mrs. Cashman, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Gar- 
rison, Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Fitch, and one who married, 
and moved West. Another son of the pioneer Cor- 
nelius was Cornelius, Jr., and there was at least one 



daughter, who became Mrs. Cronk. Cornelius Swim, 
Sr., was killed by a British scout because he refused 
to divulge the place where certain army supplies were 
concealed. 

Another early name is that of Cornelius Gee. He 
lived before the Revolution at West Point. The 
sharp angle, the exact '' Point," is still known by his 
name. He was from the colony already mentioned 
on the east side of the river. Of his children there 
are mentioned by a recent writer (Mr. Cornelius Nel- 
son), Jabez Gee and Mrs. Margaret Swim. It is of 
a member of the Gee family, " Aunt Sally Gee," 
that the traditional Highland " tea story" is told. 
It is well known that the basis of this now abund- 
ant beverage was a scarce article in Revolutionary 
days. The Gee family had, however, a half-pound 
of tea bought not long before the British assault 
on the Highland forts. At the time of the capture, 
and while the flames of Fort Montgomery were 
lighting up all this region, announcing the success of 
the British, " Aunt Sally," regarding all as lost, de- 
termined to have at least one good cup of tea before 
commencing the inevitable flight. Accordingly, she 
emptied the half-pound — the whole of it — into the old- 
fashioned tea-pot; but, alas! she had overdone the 
matter, — the beverage was too bitter for use. 

Mr. Gee established, in company with Jacob Nelson, 
the old ferry of early times from " Gee's Point" to 
"Constitution Island." This is often mentioned in 
the annals of the Revolutionary struggle, and is usu- 
ally spoken of as " Nelson's Ferry." Mr. Nelson was 
a descendant of one of the colonists already men- 
tioned who settled on the Phillips property in 1686. 
Jacob Nelson, the associate of Mr. Gee in the ferry, 
was the son of Jacob Nelson, Sr. The children of 
Jacob Nelson, Jr., were Miphiboseth, Cornelius, 
Justus, Elisha, and three daughters, Mrs. Gabriel 
Odell, Mrs. John Warren, and Mrs. Peter Warren. 
A son of Miphiboseth, Cornelius Nelson, is the only 
member of the family who settled on the west side of 
the river. He came to Highland Falls in 1844. We 
are indebted to him for many of these items of early 
settlement. Jacob Nelson, Jr., managed the ferry 
business upon the east side of the river, and Cornelius 
Gee upon the west side. 

Nelson's Point "opposite to Fort Arnold"* is 
mentioned by Gen. Washington in a report to Con- 
gress early in the year 1779, in which he calls atten- 
tion to the danger that the enemy might advance via 
" Continental village" and gain " Nelson's Point." 

" Nelson's Ferry" is also mentioned in the accounts 
of the great celebration at West Point, May 31, 1782, 
in honor of the birth of the Dauphin of France. 
The Tenth Massachusetts Regiment is described as 
being encamped in the cleared fields above Nelson's 
Ferry. 

Early settlement in the West Grove neighborhood 

* Afterwarils named Fort Clinton. 



/' 



[ 



HIGHLANDS. 



813 



dates back to about the time of the Revolution. An 
early pioneer was John Kronkhite.* He settled on 
what is now the Samuel Van Voorhees place. He 
had one son, Richard, and three daughters, Mrs. .James 
Green, Mrs. James Wilkins, Mrs. Howell. The family 
were originally from Westchester County. 

John Cronkhite, a son of Richard, is residing at 
the present time on a [lart of the old tract of his 
grandfather, and from him these and other items are 
obtained. 

Moses Clark was also an early settler. His home- 
stead was the present place of his grandson, James 
Clark. The name of Moses Clark appears in the 
Cornwall records between 1765 and 1775, and if it 
relates to the Moses Clark of West Grove, would 
indicate his residence here before the Revolutionary 
war. 

Tobias Weygant is mentioned by Mr. Cronkhite as 
another early settler of West Grove. His homestead 
passed to William Rose, to John S. Gilbert, and is 
now the Zint place. Tobias Weygant's name is also 
in the early Cornwall records, but the name was 
evidently a favorite one in the Weygant family, and 
may not prove that the West Grove Weygant was 
here before the Revolution. t 

From the Cornwall records and from the names at- 
tached to the Revolutionary Articles of Association, 
we mention a few who were ]ivobably living on the 
territory of the present town of Highlands. 

Thomas Collins lived in Highlands, on the Bergh 
property. Joseph Collins is also mentioned. 

William Cooper was living near Fort Montgomery 
before the Revolution. Thomas Cooper, mentioned 
in the old records, was also in the same neighborhood. 

Isaac Garrison's name appears in the old Cornwall 
records between 17i)5 and 1775. He lived about half- 
way from Highland Falls to Fort Montgomery, in the 
Middle Highlands neighborhood. He was the father 
of the well-known C. K. Garrison; also of Abram, 
Benjamin, Oliver. Jonas Garrison is also mentioned 
in the early records. 

William Horton. The Hortoii family in early times 
were west of Fort Montgomery, south part of the 
town. Zaccheus Horton is also mentioned in the 
early records, and Thomas. 

Maurice Havens. This family name was in High- 
lands, west part of the town, before the Revolution. 

David June. The Junes were in the soutji part of 
what is now Highlands at later periods, along the 
Rockland County line, and that neighborhood is 
probably where this man lived. 

D. Lancaster, mentioned before the Revolution, 
was doubtless on the present Lancaster place, on the 
line between Cornwall and Highlands. 

Stephen Moore. This name appears in the Corn- 



wall records, 1765 to 1775, and was probably the son 
of the patentee already mentioned. 

John Parker's name appears in the records, 1765 to 
1775. He lived, it is presumed, at West Grove, in 
this town. 

Israel Rose lived at what is now called Highland 
Falls. He had a sdti Israel, who died at the age of 
seventy, about twelve years ago. 

Samuel Rockwell lived in the Middle Highlands. 
He was the grandfather of Samuel Rockwell, who 
died about thirty years ago. 

S. Sheldon, mentioned before the Revolution, 
probably lived at Fort Montgomery. 

Birdseye Young. Mr. Cornelius Nelson states that 
the Young family were in Highlands at an early day. 

James Stought (probalily Vought), found in the 
Cornwall records, may have been in Highlands. 

Generally, speaking, the settlements in this town 
were along the Hudson and in the West Grove neigh- 
borhood. Only small tracts in the mountain portions 
of the town have been settled at any time. 

Isaac Faurot, who died a few years since in this 
town at an advanced age, was a hand on the first 
steamboat that sailed up the Hudson, under the com- 
mand of Cajjt. Wiswell. 



» Many meinbera of the family drop the final syllable at the present 
time, ami K hiis given place to C. 

t Whether in Cornwall precinct or not Tobias Weygant was one of the 
sonsof Jlichael Weygant, a settler at Newburgli in 17U9. 



IV.— ORGANIZATION. 

For many years the town of Cornwall had con- 
sisted of the thickly settled territory north of the 
mountains, and the localities around Highland Falls 
and Fort Montgomery far to the south. It was an un- 
natural, inconvenient alliance. To transact public 
official business together required the people of one 
part or the other to travel over long and difficult 
mountain roads, or to take a trip by the river. In- 
deed, to secure an attendance at town-meetings fre- 
quently required the chartering of a boat to transport 
the voters, and with a sharp political contest it must 
have required two boats, carrying different flags. All 
the town boards, assessors, road commissioners, over- 
seers of the poor, and town auditors could only meet 
at considerable sacrifice of time, and considerable 
trouble and expense. It was a very obvious necessity 
that led to a movement for a new town south of Cro' 
Nest, — a town that should consist of territory upon 
which the people might easily meet and transact the 
public business. 

Accordingly the petition for a new town met with 
little opposition, and Highlands, the youngest of the 
towns of Orange County, was authorized to organize 
by the action of the board of supervisors at the an- 
nual meeting of 1872. 

The first town-meeting was held the next spring, as 
shown l)y the following record: 

At the first town-meeting held in the town of 
Highlands, Orange Co., N. Y., March 4, 187.3, at the 
house of Charles Engleskircher, the following-named 
persons were elected town officers for the town of 
Highlands: Supervisor, William Avery; Town Clerk, 



814 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Henry Darcy ; Justices of the Peace, Wm. B. Mich- 
aels, Wm. C. Likely; Collector, John Drew; Com- 
missioners of Highways, Jacob Foster, Isaac H. 
Meeks; Assessors, John G. W. Kronkhite, Joseph 
Montross ; Overseers of the Poor, Michael Maher, 
John R. Springstead ; Constables, Henry Laforge, 
Henry Birdsley, Oliver Cronk, Jabez A. Odell ; In- 
spectors of Election, John J. Smith, John Boyle, 
George Stewart; Town Sealer, John A. Cook ; Game 
Constable, Henry Laforge ; Pound-master, Thomas 
Wilson. 

The next town-meeting was voted to be held at the 
house of George Stephens. 

The following have been the principal town officers 
from 1872 to 1880: 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1873 "William Avery. Henry Darcy. 

1874 Jeremiah Drew. James C. Merritt. 

1875 " " Henry Diircy. 

1876 " " John H. Smith. 

1877-78 " " Charles A. Manrligo. 

1879 " " Anthony E. Miller. 

1880 •' " Charles A. Mauiiigo. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1873, Wm. B. Michaels, Wm. C. Likely ; 1874, John H. Smith, William 
Faurot ; 1875, Wm. Avery ; 1876, Wni. B. Michaels; 1877, E. C. Car- 
penter; 1878, Oliver H. Cronk; 1879, Wm. Avery ; 1880, Ezra Drew. 



v.— VILLAGES. 

WEST POINT. 

This place, having a national and world-wide repu- 
tation, is situated in Highlands. Here occurred those 
Revolutionary incidents that constitute such a wealth 
of [latriotic associations. Here is located the military 
school of the nation, where have been educated the 
officers of our armies for a long series of years. 

The place derives its name from the sharp point of 
land projecting into the Hudson from the west shore. 

A post-office was established here at an early day. 
Maj. Roger Alden was the incumbent of the office for 
some years. Mr. Holt was a subsequent postmaster. 
In 1835, Prof. Claudius Berard was appointed to the 
office, and held it until his death in 1848. His 
widow was then named by the department, and she 
remained until 1870, a period of twenty-two years of 
long and careful service. The present incumbent, 
A. B. Berard, was appointed as her successor. 

West Point, as a village, is composed almost wholly 
of the military school and the necessary structures 
connected with it. There is but little business distinct 
from that. 

The tide of travel is provided for by only one 
hotel upon the military reservation of West Point. 
Co/.zens' Hotel, near Highland Falls, was erected 
many years ago, and met the wants of those earlier 
years of summer flight from the cities. 

HIGHLAND FALLS 
is a thriving modern village one and a half miles 
south of West Point. It is situated on Bog Meadow 
Brook, and its name is derived from the falls in that 
stream. A post-office was established here July 14, 



1849, under the name of Buttermilk Falls. Corneliui 
Nelson was appointed postmaster. Under the admin- 
istration of James Buchanan he was removed and 
Timothy O'Leary appointed. At the expiration of 
Mr. Buchanan's term Mr. Nelson was reappointed, 
and is now (1880) in office. 

The village in its present development is mostly 
modern, but the place has the charm of an early his- 
tory reaching back nearly two hundred years to the 
times when the sons of the forest occupied all this 
region, and to those later periods when the first white 
men began to settle the west shore of the Hudson 
south of Cornwall. 

The present business in Highland Falls, as shown 
by the advertising columns of the village paper, may 
be mentioned as follows : W. H. Edsall, physician 
and surgeon ; Christoiiher Stark, dealer in oysters, 
clams, foreign and domestic fruits ; Dr. W. E. Bird- 
sail, of Peekskill, performs dental operations at High- 
land Falls three times a week ; Richard Darcy, mason 
and pla.sterer ; T. E. Drew's, Mountain Dairy (at West 
Grove) ; P. R. Chapman, attorney- and counselor-at- 
law ; Christopher Stark, news-dealer ; George H. Tur- 
bush, painting; George Reppman, bakery and confec- 
tionery ; Nellie McCabe, clothing, hats, caps, ladies' 
and gentlemen's furnishing goods ; Kreutz' new 
bakery ; Mrs. O'Neil, millinery, ladies' and gentle- 
men's furnishing goods ; Krimmling, watchmaker 
and jeweler ; Anthony Miller, hardware, willow- and 
wooden-ware ; and Lambert Kleits, real estate dealer. 

There are also several stores, as Chace's, groceries ; 
Denton's, general assortment; Altshimer & Parry, 
dry-goods. There are also various mechanic shops. 
Hotels, Cozzens, Exchange, and others. All these, to- 
gether with many handsome private residences, con- 
stitute a pleasant village and a thriving business place. 

FORT MONTGOMERY. 

This place perpetuates the name of old Fort Mont- 
gomery, which stood on the south side of Poplopen's 
Creek, at the junction with the Hudson. 

The drive from West Point and Highland Falls to 
Fort Montgomery is one of the finest in the country. 
It affords some of the most delightful views, and there 
are many elegant villa-residences to be seen along the 
route. 

The modern hamlet has but little business. Like 
many other points along the river, its chief interest is 
derived from its associations with the location and 
capture of the forts. 

WE.-iT GROVE 
is a mountain hamlet, northwest of Highland Falls, in 
the vicinity of the beautiful ponds that form so de- 
lightful a feature of this elevated region. 

The early settlers have been mentioned. There 
is no business to be described in this locality. The 
people of this beautiful mountain valley travel out to 
Highland Falls, or over the hills to Cornwall, for trade 
and for public business. 



HIGHLANDS. 



815 



VI.-SCHOOLS. 

The notes upon the organization of the schools of 
Cornwall, the names of the commissioners, inspec- 
tors, and superintendents, there given for the period 
from 1813 to 1856, must be referred to for information 
with reference to the school affairs of what is now the 
town of Highlands, then a part of Cornwall. 

Outside of the military reservation there are now 
three districts. No. 1 constitutes the Fort Mont- 
gomery neighborhood. The school-house is located 
on the river road, a short distance north from this 
village. No. 2 comprises the village of Highland 
Falls and the surrounding vicinity. 

No. 3 comprises the West Grove neighborhood, with 
a wide extent of mountain territory surrounding it. 
The school-hou.se is in the valley of Bog Meadow 
Creek. 

A large territory in the southwest is attached to a 
district of the town of Monroe, comprising a tract 
from Cranberry Pond on the east to Mount Rascal on 
the west, with not more than half a dozen families on 
the whole extent. 

Upon the military reservation there is maintained 
a post-school for the children of soldiers and officers. 

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADE.MY. 

This place was deemed of national importance as a 
military post during the war of the Revolution. At 
the close of the war the interesting question was 
thoroughly considered, how can the country be pre- 
pared for war and be successfully defended without a 
standing army ? 

Such was the public sentiment of that day over 
the rest of the civilized world that every nation 
deemed a standing army indispensable to its safety; 
but in this country public opinion was strongly 
against it. On the other hand, men versed in the 
affairs of government were aware of the danger of 
wholly dispensing with an army, and still secure that 
military knowledge which the exigencies of the future 
might require for the defense of the republic. 

Sept. 20, 177(5, the Continental Congress appointed 
a committee, consisting of Messrs. Sherman, Gerry, 
and Lewis, in accordance with a resolution of the 
same date, " to repair to headquarters, near New 
York, to inquire into the state of the army and the 
best means of supplying its wants." 

One result of the investigations then made was the 
adoi)tion of the following resolution : 

" Resolved, That the Board of War lie directed to prepare a Continental 
Laboratory and a Military Academy, and provide the same with proper 
officers." 

At the request of the committee al)ove named, Col. 
Henry Knox furnished a paper entitled " Hints for 
the Improvement of the Artillery of the United 
States." In that occurred the following paragraph : 

. . . "And as officers can never act with confidence nntil they are 
masters (f their profession, an Academy establislied on a liberal plan 
would be of tile utmost service to the Continent, wliore the whole theory 



and practice of fortification and gunnery should be taught : to be nearly 
on the same plan as that of Woolwich, making allowance for the differ- 
ence of circumstances ; a place to which our enemies are indebted for 
the superiority of their artillery to all who have opposed them." 

The matter being thus definitely brought to the 
attention of Congress, the following resolutions were 
adopted : 

•'Continental Congress, 
" Oct. 1, 1776. 
*^ liesohcd. That a committee of five be appointed to prepare and bring 
in a plan of a Military Academy at the army." 

The members chosen were Mr. Hooper, Mr. Lynch, 
Mr. Wythe, Mr. Williams, and Mr. J. Adams. 

It does not appear that this committee ever re- 
ported, or that any further steps were taken for some 
years in reference to it. At that time, too, the idea 
was evidently one of temporary instruction for ren- 
dering the Continental army more efficient, and not 
that of a permanent military school. 

In determining the proper peace establishment 
which should exist after the war closed, the import- 
ance of making West Point a permanently fortified 
place was clearly brought out. Brig.-Gen. Hunting- 
don, in reporting upon this necessity, incidentally said, 
"And with a small additional expense an academy 
might be here instituted for instruction in all branches 
of the military art." 

Col. Timothy Pickering discussed the matter at 
considerable length, opposed a proposition to establish 
several such schools at different arsenals, but favored 
one to be located at West Point. No immediate 
action was, however, taken. Seven years elapsed be- 
fore the project had any further official notice. 

Gen. Knox, Secretary of War, in an official report, 
Jan. 21, 1790, discussed the necessity for military 
education in general, but did not propose a permanent 
academy. 

In 1793, Gen. Washington, in bis annual message, 
suggested the inquiry, " Whether a material feature 
in the improvement of the system of military defense 
ought not to be to afford an opportunity for the study 
of those branches of the art which can scarcely ever 
be attained by practice alone." It is well known that 
this matter was a subject of earnest discussion in the 
cabinet at this time, and that the question whether 
the Constitution gave Congress the authority to es- 
tablish such a school was brought up, and rendered 
Washington's recommendation less emphatic than it 
would otherwise have been. 

The act of May 7, 1794, shows that Congress was 
also impressed with the necessity of military instruc- 
tion in some form. It provided for a corps of artil- 
lerists and engineers, to consist of four battalions, to 
each of which eight cadets were to be attached, and 
the Secretary of War was required to procure at the 
public expense the necessary books, instruments, and 
ai)paiatus for the use and benefit of said corps. 

In 1798, Congress authorized an additional regiment 
of the same force, and increased the cadets to 5(5. 

There was yet no attempt to locate this corps at 



816 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



any one point, but the principle of admitting young 
men to a cadet grade in the array was fully adopted. 

In July, 1798, Congress authorized the President 
to ajjpoint four teachers for this corps. Boynton's 
history does not show that any were appointed, and 
if there were their names do not appear. 

In 1800 the subject wiis fully investigated by Mr. 
McHenry, then head of the War Department, in a 
message communicated to Congress by President Ad- 
ams. It was supplemented by another message, Jan- 
uary .31st, in which the propriety and necessity of 
founding a military school were strongly enforced. 
A bill was introduced into Congress for the creation 
of such an institution. The bill was defeated by the 
parliamentary motion of postponement to one day 
beyond the session. But the subject was now fairly 
before Congress in a definite form. 

Two years more elapsed, and then Congress, under 
date of Dee. 22, 1801, called upon the Secretary of 
War to lay before the House a statement of the ex- 
isting military establishment. It was furnished on 
the 24th, and led to the passage of the act of JIarch 
16, 1802, by which the peace establishment was de- 
termined. By this act the artillerists and engineers 
were made to constitute two distinct corps. To one 
regiment of artillery 40 cadets were attached, and 
to the corps of engineers 10 cadets. Section 27 pro- 
vided that the said corps, when organized, shaU be sta- 
tioned at West Point, in the State of New York, and shall 
constitute a militari/ academy. 

The institution, as it went into operation under this 
act, was nothing more than a mathematical school for 
the few cadets who were then in service, and under 
the direction of a private citizen, George Barron. 

Col. Jonathan Williams, reporting with reference 
to the school, March 14, 1808, says, — 

" A part only of the otficera were appointed soon after the passage of 
the act, of whom the major (Williams), who was ex-officio the chief en- 
gineer, and two captains (Barron and Mansfield) took charge of the 
academy, the students of which were the cadets belonging to the regi- 
ment of artillery. The major occasionally read lectures on fortifications, 
gave practical lessons in the field, and taught the use of instruments 
geneially. The two captains taught mathematics,— the one in the line 
of geometrical, the other in that of algebraical, demonstrations.*' 

Soon after the opening power was given by law to 
appoint a teacher of drawing and of the French lan- 
guage. It is evident that at this time the institution 
was a small and comparatively unimportant affair. 
The report, indeed, said of it, " In short, the Military 
Academy, as it now stands, is like a foundling, barely 
existing among the mountains, and nurtured at a dis- 
tance, out of sight, and almost unknown to its legiti- 
mate parents." 

A congressional committee — consisting of Messrs. 
Nicholas, of Virginia ; Troup, of Georgia; Desha, of 
Kentucky ; Upliam, of Jlassachusetts ; and Milner, 
of Pennsylvania— reported a bill April 12, 1808, which 
added l.'jti members to tlie corps of cadets. This gave 
to the institution a much greater extent, and it began 
to be in some sense a national school. During the 



next four years it received the attention of President 
Madison, and his messages had frequent recommen- 
dations with reference to it. • 

April 29, 1812, there was passed the act which 
really laid the broad basis of the West Point Military 
Academy of the present time. The number of ca- 
dets was limited to 260. The requirements for ad- 
mission, the term of study and service, and the rate 
of pay and emoluments were definitely prescribed. 
The institution, thus fully established, did not, and 
does not, consist in buildings, apparatus, and location, 
but in a regularly-constituted military body, whose 
officers and professors are appointed, confirmed, and 
commissioned in the same manner and form as other 
army oflScers, and subjected to the same rules and 
articles of war as govern all the land forces of the 
United States. 

It is not within the design of this article to trace 
the subsequent history of this institution, nor would 
the limits of this volume permit. Having shown th& 
successive steps taken in establishing the academy, we 
can only add the following notice of the board of in- 
struction :* 

The first board of instruction, as provided in 1801, 
consisted of the following officers : 

Superintendent, Jonathan Williams, major of en- 
gineers, April, 1802. 

Teacher of Mathematics, William A. Barron, cap- 
tain of engineers, April, 1802. 

Teacher of Natural Philosophy, .lared Mansfield, 
captain of engineers. May, 1802. 

James Wilson, student, first lieutenant engineers. 

Alexander McComb, student, first lieutenant en- 
gineers. 

Joseph G. Swift, student, second lieutenant engi- 
neers. 

Simon McLin, student, second lieutenant engi- 
neers. 

The superintendents from 1802 to 1880 have been 
as follows : 

Jonathan Williams, major corps of engineers, from 
April, 1802, to July 31, 1812. 

Alden Partridge, captain corps of engineers, from 
Jan. 3, 181.5, to Nov. 25, 1816. 

Joseph G. Swift, colonel corps of engineers, and 
brevet brigadier-general U.S.A., from Nov. 2.5, 1816, 
to Jan. 13, 1817. 

* We find the following advertisements in old papers : 

" Proposals will be received by the subscriber to build on the plain at 
the post of West Point next spring and summer a plain strong dry 
stone wall two hundred and thirty I'ods long — to be sunk 15 inches 
below the surface and raised five feet above it ; the base to be 3 feet in 
thickness and the top VZ inches. 

"The ditch for the foundation is to be filled with small round stones 
promiscuously thrown in to within six inches of the surface. Payment 
if required will be made on the completion of each fifty rods of said wal' 

"George Fleming, 
" Acty. Assist. Mililnry Aijeid. 

"West Point. Nov. 11, 1805." 

April 9, 1821, I. Green, captain Quartermaster's Department, Militai 
Academy, West Point, advertises for IGOO cords of oak-wood, to be deli 
ered at the Military Academy, to be sound, straight, merchantable woo 



HIGHLANDS. . 



817 



Alden Partridge, captain corps of engineers, from 
Jan. 13, 1817, to July 28, 1817. 

Sylvanus Tliayer, captain corps of engineer.'', and 
brevet major U.S.A., from July 28, 1817, to July 1, 
1833. 

Renfi E. DeRussy, major corps of engineers, from 
July 1, 1833, to Sept. 1, 1838. 

Richard Delatield, major corps of engineers, from 
Sept. 1, 1838, to Aug. 15, 1845. 

Henry Brewerton, captain corps of engineers, from 
Aug. 15, 1845, to Sept. 1, 1852. 

Robert E. Lee, captain corps of engineers, and bre- 
vet colonel U.S.A., from Sept. 1, 1852, to April 1, 1855. 

Jonathan G. Barnard, captain corps of engineers, 
and brevet major L'.S.A., from April 1, 1855, to Sept. 
8, 1856. 

Richard Delafield, major corps of engineers, from 
Sept. 8, 1856, to Jan. 23, 1861. 

Peter G. T. Beauregard, captain corps of engineers, 
and brevet major U.S.A., from Jan. 23, 1861, to Jan. 
28, 1861. 

Richard Delafield, major corps of engineers, from 
Jan. 28, 1861, to March 1, 1861. 

Alexander H. Bowman, major corps of engineers, 
from March 1, 1861, to July 1, 1864. 

Z. B. Tower, major, from July 8, 1864, to Sept. 8, 
1864. 

G. W. Cullum, lieutenant-colonel, from Sept. 8, 
1864, to Aug. 28, 1866. 

Thomas G. Pitcher, colonel, from Aug. 28, 1866, to 
Sept. 1, 1871. 

Thomas H. Ruger, colonel, from Sept. 1, 1871, to 
Sept. 1, 1876. 

J. M. Schofield, major-general, from Sept. 1, 1876, 
to present date. 

Subsequently to the compiling of the above list 
Gen. Schoiield was relieved, and Gen. Howard was 
assigned to the command of the department. 

The history of tlie West Point Military Academy 
has been so fully written by Capt. Boynton in his 
complete work; by Lo.ssing in his " Field-Book of the 
Revolution," and by so many other authors, that it is 
deemed unnecessary to treat of the subject further in 
this history. 

HIGHLAND FALL.S SCHOOL. 
This institution occupies a most beautiful site ujwn 
the banks of the Hudson at Highland Falls. A sum- 
mer hotel of ample dimensions, standing a short dis- 
tance south of Cozzens', was converted into a school 
building. The course of instruction is thorough. 
Special attention is given to preparing young men for 
admission to West Point. I 



VII.-CHUECHES. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY OF THE 

HIGHLANDS 

executed a certificate of incorporation Oct. 12, 1830. 

The proceedings were signed by Nathaniel Gregory 

and Samuel Spencer, and the trustees chosen were 



William Howe, of Buttermilk Falls; Samuel Spencer, 
of West Point ; and Peter Meeks, of West Grove. In 
this movement it was deemed best to take a wider 
view of the necessities of this entire region than was 
indicated by the above organization, and hence, under 
date of one day later, we find the following: 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY OF THE 
HIGHLANDS 
executed a paper under date of Oct. 13, 1830, pro- 
posing to erect two houses of worship, — one to be 
located near Buttermilk Falls, the other to be erected 
for the convenience of the people residing at the Forest 
of Dean, Queensborough, and part of Fort Mont- 
gomery neighborhood ; these hoases of worship to be 
open for the use of other denominations subject to 
reasonable regulations. The proceedings were signed 
by William Howe, Samuel Spencer, Peter Meeks. 
Twenty years later (April 1, 1850), the society was 
reorganized under the title of 

"THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE 
HIUHLANDS." 
The certificate was signed by John Van Deventer and 
John W. Hall. The trustees chosen were David 
Parry, Cornelius Nelson, Charles P. Smith, Alex- 
ander Mearns, and John M. Hall. We have no sta- 
tistics of the church in response to our request. 

Rev. E. P. Roe, now of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, 
was the pastor for some years. 

The present pastor (January, 1881) is Rev. Mr. 
Williams. An efficient Sunday-school is maintained. 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT 
FORT MONTGOMERY 

executed a certificate of incorporation Jan. 11, 1831. 
The proceedings were signed by Thomas Potter and 
Ebenezer Bull, and the trustees chosen were Thomas 
Potter, Ebenezer Bull, Michael Jaquish, Hiram Ty- 
lor, and Silas Rockwell. This certificate shows un- 
doubtedly the leading men interested in Methodist 
work in this place fifty years ago. The church has a 
good house of worship. We regret that a history of 
the church, in response to our invitation, has not 
reached us. 

THE FIRST PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH AT 
BUTTERMILK FALLS 

executed a certificate of incorporation March 4, 1845. 
The proceedings were signed by Charles P. Smith and 
James Thackara. The trustees chosen were Andrew 
Swaim, David Parry, James Thackara, Charles P. 
Smith, Wright Dusenbury. 

This effort was discontinued after a short time, and 
the society ceased to exist, its members uniting with 
other denominations. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HIGH- 
LAND FALLS. 

This constitutes one of the strong religious societies 
of the town. A house of worship was erected a few 



818 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



years since, and the society has a parsonage con- 
veniently situated. 

A history of this church, expected from the pastor, 
has not reached us. 

THE CHURCH OP THE HOLY INNOCENTS (EPISCO- 
PAL), CORNWALL, 

executed a certificate of incorporation Sept. 13, 1850. 
The paper was signed by Francis Kider, E. S. Smith, 
and Rev. J. B. Gibson. The wardens chosen were 
Robert W. Weir and Thomas Webb ; the vestrymen 
were Dennis H. Mahar, W. H. C. Bartlett, A. E. 
Cliurch, Francis Rider, R. S. Agnew, Thomas Corris, 
B. R. Alden, and R. S. Smith. Of this church the 
present pastor writes as follows : 

" The Church of the Holy Innocents, Highland 
Falls, Orange Co., owes its existence in a great 
measure to the liberality of Prof. Robert W. Weir, 
for many years in charge of the department of draw- 
ing and painting in the United States Military Acad- 
emy. The building was begun in the spring of 1846, 
and when finished was consecrated by Bishop De- 
Lancey, July.l, 1847. In laying out the plot for the 
church. Prof. Weir placed it on the arc of a great 
circle passing longitudinally through the middle of 
the building and the City of Jerusalem, in allusion 
to Solomon's dedication of the Temple, and also of 
Daniel's opening his window towards the Holy City 
when he prayed. 

" The material of which the church is built is the 
native stone, quarried on the spot. The baptismal 
font, of pre-eminently beautiful design and execution, 
was made also from a simple block of the native 
granite obtained in the near vicinity. Solidity, sim- 
plicity, and truth are the characteristics of the archi- 
tecture, and the devout worshiper in this house of 
God cannot fail to be impressed with the feeling of 
revei-ence which its simple beauty and correct orna- 
mentation inspire. The church will seat about 250 
people; camp-stools placed in the aisles increase its 
seating capacity. 

"The ground on which the church and rectory 
stand was deeded by the late W. B. Cozzens and wife 
to trustees, and subsequently vested in the church on 
its being incorporated, and consists of one and four- 
tenths acres. The present rector. Rev. W. R. Thomas, 
M.A., is the sixth in succession, his predecessors 
having been the Rev. C. H. Hall, D.D. (now of Holy 
Trinity, Brooklyn, L. I.), the Rev. Messrs. Preston, 
J. B. Gibson, D.D., Henry E. Duncan, D.D., and the 
late Rev. Minot M. Wells. The latter clergyman 
held the rectorship for eighteen years. 

"There are now (July, 1880) 100 communicants 
connected with the church, a floui'ishing Sunday- 
school, and various parochial agencies for the effi- I 
cient carrying on of its legitimate work. The body ' 
corporate of this church (July, 1880) is as follows: 
Rector, Rev. W. R. Thomas, M..\. ; Senior Warden, 1 
Prof. Robert W. Weir;- Junior Warden, Stephen R. 



Roe, Esq. ; Vestrymen, Prof George L. Andrews, 
Charles Tracy, Esq., John Pierpont Morgan, Esq., 
Mr. Andr€ Freis, Ezra Drew, Esq., Col. Alfred 
Mordecai, James Duane Pell, Esq., Capt. Stanhope 
E. Blunt." 

CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART (CATHOLIC). 

This parish was formed Dec. 15, 1870, the Most 
Rev. John McCloskey, Archbishop (now Cardinal) 
of New York, appointing Rev. T. J. Earley as pas- 
tor. This place was attended from Cold Spring up to 
this date. On taking charge he found a small church, 
in an out-of-the-way place, dedicated to St. Thomas. 
After much trouble there was secured in November, 
1872, the present site from Mr. Theodore Cozzens for 
the sum of .$5000 cash. The location is the best in 
this town, elevated several feet above the West Point 
road, and directly opposite Cozzens' Hotel. The build- 
ing is Gothic in style, with a spire some 125 feet high. 
The material used in construction is the granite of this 
neighborhood for the biisement part, which is 13 feet 
high. The rest of the building is the best of hard 
brick, with Ohio stone trimmings. Its dimensions, 
93 feet long and 46 feet wide. In all respects itself 
and grounds (about one and one-half acres, which 
are kept in thorough repair and ornamented with 
flowers and shrubberies) are the most picturesque in 
the place. The cost of the church was about $19,000. 
The building was erected in 1875-76. 

In 1876 also was erected a pastoral residence at a 
cost of over $6000. The pastor has likewise to attend 
to the spiritual wants of West Point, where there are 
some 800 Catholics of all ages; the number at this 
place being about 700; in the whole parish about 
1500 or over. 

There has been no change in pastor since the foun- 
dation of the parish. Everything is in a progressive 
state at present. There are in the Sunday-schools 
near 400 children, with teachers sufficient to instruct 
them. 



VIII.-BUEIAL-PLACES. 

As in all other towns, these possess much interest 
in the study of the past. Oftentimes one broken, 
rough stone, with a few initials and a single date, 
will throw a clear light upon family history or upon 
more public annals. In other cemeteries patriotic 
recollections are kindled, and the times that tested 
a nation's patriotism will be indicated on the records 
of those who died for their native land. Both these 
elements commingle in studying the cemeteries of 
Highlands. The most noted of these is at West Point, 
on the military grounds. 

THE HUniLAND UNION CEMETERY 

was incorporated by a certificate executed Feb. 17, 
1860. James Denton was chosen chairman of the 
meeting for organization, and Cornelius Nelson sec- 
retary. The trustees named in this instrument were 



HIGHLANDS. 



819 



John Denton, Peter 0. Regan, Cornelius Nelson, John 
W. Hall, David Parry, William Avery, James Miller, 
Isaac Faurot, and Stephen D. Morrison. 

This organization laid out with taste and skill a 
cemetery of ample proportions. 



IX.-SOCIETIES. 

There is maintained at Highland Fal 
Masons and also one of Odd-Fellows. 



a lodge of 



X.-PLACES OF HISTOKIC INTEREST. 
WEST POINT. 
A former writer described so well and briefly the 
various charms of this place that we unhesitatingly 
quote from his article : 

"West Point will ever occupy a prominent place in tbe annals of 
America. It is intimately connected with the history of our liberty and 
our existence at? an independent nation. At an early period chosen sls a 
Diilitary station, it became the stronghold of the army during the Revo- 
lution, and was emphatically the Gibraltar of our hopes. The key to 
New England and the Middle States, it formed one of the greatest bar- 
riera to the operations of the British, whose bold and deep-laid plans for 
its destruction proved their well-grounded conviction of its strength and 
importance. Had the fiendish machination.^ of the p«rjured traitor been 
crowned with snccess, a deep, nay fatal blow must have been struck to 
the cause of fref<ltfni. Hut the God of battles was on the side of the weak 
and oppressed. He placed in operation tlmse means which crushed the 
foul plot on the very verge of its denouement, and overwhelmed with dis- 
grace and ignominy those who were lending their aid to its consumma- 
tiuu. Never can we be suffiL-iently grateful for the intervention of Provi- 
dence in this crisis of affairs, when the dark clouds of adversity which 
hnd been gathering from all quartei-s were just ready to burst upon our 
devoted heads with all their fury, and render a cause, already desperate, 
absolutely hopeless. The Genius of Liberty had well-nigh winged its 
flight to more congenial regions, when, recovering from the shock, it 
atoned for its momentary reverie by sleepless vigilance, and fixed its 
abode in these everlasting hills. The footsteps of Washington and Kos- 
ciusco have hallowed this spot. About a mile to the north is a beautiful 
little valley, almost hid by the overhanging hills which lend their deep, 
cool shade to avert from it the heat of the summer's sun. Its smooth 
beach Is washed by the dark waters of the Hudson, whilst through it 
flows with gentle murmurs a pure stream of cool water from the deep 
ravine formed by the surrounding hills. Here was Washington's head- 
quarters, and the retired little spot is at this day known as Washington's 
Valley. On the east the shore is bold and abrupt, and, even at the pres- 
ent time, wild, well wooded, and picturesque. Many a miniature pro- 
montory and retired recess mark the general outline, whilst rock piled 
upon rock in huge masses gives a wild confusion to the scenery. One 
Bpot there is, especially, where the solid granite lifts itself perpendicularly 
from the river to a great height. About 100 feet from its base it recedes, 
furming a level space of a few feet in area, when it towers up again till 
it reaches the table-land above. This natural platform is reached by a 
long flight of stone steps from above, and is graced with a few shrubs 
and shade-trees, and a fountai n fed by a stre;im from the adjacent lieight. 
This retired and romantic spot when in its original wilderness used to be 
the favorite resort of Kosciusco whilst stationed at the Point, and is still 
known as ' Kosciusco's Garden.* On the north the shore is less abrupt, 
and slopes more gra^luaily towards the river Bordering on the water's 
edge is the little village of Camptown, where are quartered the families 
of the soldiers and laborers connected with the i)08t. The artillery, dra- 
goon, and band barracks are in the immediate vicinity. Near the eastern 
extremity of this slope is the public wharf, at which all tbe regular buats 
land on their passage up and down the river. At this point are stationed 
the cannon which the cadets use in practicing upon the target about a 
mile beyond, near Washington's Valley. A very gne road winds along 
the side of the hill, from the wharf to the plain above. Near the brow 
of the hill are two large stone stables for the cavalry. A turreted wall 
of stone masunry also incloses a square area, which is used as a place of 
storage ; a number of pieces of ordnance au<i various Revolutionary relics 
are deposited here. Within thisspace also stand three small stone build- 
ings which are severally used as a laboratory, a blacksmith's, and a joiner's 



shop. The plain occupies an area of about 80 acreSi and in shape is a 

trapezium of which the two longest sides border upon the river. On the 
south the table-land continues witli more or less undulations to the dis 
tauce of several miles. In the rear, hill rises upon hill till tost in the 
loftiest peaks. On one of tlie highest of these hills, called ' Mount Inde- 
pendence,' stands Fort Putnam, a fortification of no little renown. It 
was commenced in 1778, and i;onsidering the time and circumstances in 
which it was built, is an immense piece of work. It occupies a large 
space, and is built of the gneiss rock, though the mortar used in its con- 
struction has by its decomposition given it precisely tbe appearance of 
limestone. The heiglit of its walls will average about 20 feet : in the 
rear it abuts upon a precipice of more than 100 feet. Time and the hand 
of violence have done much to deprive it of its original glory. Already 
have all the turrets and embrasures gone, and deep chasms are yawning 
in the main fortification. Several of tbe large casemates remain entire, 
whilst but the traces of others are visible. It is a noble ruin, and seems 
worthy of a better fate than to be suffered thus to crumble away piece- 
meal in decay. The situation is a commanding one, and the surrounding 
view is truly grand, comprising as it does the amphitheatre of hills and 
mountains, tbe Hudson, and the Point itself, with its smooth green plain, 
its white tents, and neat edifices. The ruins of numerous smaller fortifi- 
cationsand redoubts are visible from this elevation, the principal of wliich 
are Forts Webb and Wyllys. Indeed, every eminence of importance in 
the neighborhood has its ruins of bastions and ramparls,~incontroverti- 
ble witnesses of the 'times that tried men's souls.' North of the Point 
and above Washington's Valley is the cemetery, a retired spot, on the 
brow of a bold promontory, and now the resting-place of several cadets 
and former residents of the post. A number of neat and beautiful monu- 
ments adorn the grounds and record the names and, virtues of the sleep- 
era beneath. Above and beyond towers, in all its pristine grandeur, stern 
old Cro' Nest. Rocky and precipitous, it rears its crest 14<)0 feet above 
the water at its base. Clothed iu majesty, it appears a giant sentinel 
placed there to guard the peaceful scene within from tlio din and confu- 
sion of the outer world, and to forbid intrusion upon its sacred charge. 
The view from its summit is surpassingly grand, — nay, enchanting. A 
panorama comprising every variety of scenery suddenly bursts upon the 
eye, surprising and bewildering the beholder with its extent, beauty, and 
sublimity. Time would fail us were we to attempt to enumerate any 
more than the most important objects of interest iu the neighborhood of 
West Point. Being situated on an elevation of 160 feet, it is not seen to 
good advantage from the water beneath. On the Soutliern e.\posure, 
however, the hospital, academic bviilding, chapel, and library strike the 
eye, — all fine edifices, and built principally of stone from the neighbor- 
ing quarries. 

"Near the hotel, and directly above Gee's Point at the bend of the 
river, is situated Fort Clinton, of which nothing but the mounds, over- 
grown with turf, now remain. Within its limits is Kosciusco's monu- 
ment, a neat and simple tribute of respect from the corps of cadets, 
erected in 1828. Just above Kosciusco's Garden has been recently i?rected 
a monument to the memory of Major Dade and his command, who fell in 
the Florida war. A square block of marble, on which are the inscrip- 
tions, rests upon a granite base. At each corner is an upriglit cannon, 
supporting a projecting cap. Above this rises a graceful column, sur- 
mounted by an eagle with extended pinions, and grasping in his beak a 
wreath of laurels which encircles the shaft to its base. It is a beautiful 
piece of sculpture, and forms a striking and picturesque object in the 
scenery from the water. 

"Contiguous to the public lands south of the ceded territory lies the 
property of Z. J. D. Kinsley, Esq., a graduate of the Military Academy, 
and for a long time an instructor in the institution. After continuing in 
the service seventeen years, he resigned his commission in the army, and, 
retinng to private life, soon after established an academy on his own re- 
sponsibility. The institution is known as the ' Classical and Mathemat- 
ical School,' and occupies one of the finest locations amid the highlands. 
It has no connection with the Military Academy, being entirely inde- 
pendent and separate from it. Standing as it does more than 250 feet 
above tlie water, on the brow of one of lliose wood-crowned heights, mid- 
way between the river and the mountain beyond, it posscases a beautiful 
southern exposure, and a moat commanding prospect. The spacious 
buildings occupy the very site of a Revolutionary fortification, being one 
of a chain of redoubts extending from Fort Putnam to the river. Thus 
has its warlike glory passed away, its ramparts have been leveled, and Mars 
has yielded to Flora, the goddess of flowers and blossoms. In the rear, 
Fort Wyllys frowns upon it from an over-hanging height, and, now but a 
wreck of its former grandeur, opposes itself as a barrier to tbe fury of the 
northwest blasts which dash against its time-worn bastions. From this 
site the Hudson assumes the aspect of a natural lake, entirely barricaded 



820 



HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



from egress at any point by the surrounding hills, which to all appear- 
ance form a perfect basin. The powerful steamboat darts from behind 
a wooded crag, jiarts the smooth waters with hurried strokes, and in a 
few momeuts is lost again to view as if by magic. The snow-white sail 
iasoes from the green hills, dashes on in mad career before the favoring 
breeze, and anon seems disappearing into the caverns of /Eolus, the sov- 
ereign of the winds. The highlands of the Hudson! Wliat beauty, what 
variety of picturesque sceneo' do they preseut !" 

THE GRAVE OF MOLLY PITCHER. 

The story of Molly Pitcher has often been told, 
but yet awakens a stirring and patriotic interest, and 
cannot be omitted from the history of the present town 
of Highlands, upon whose soil she lived and died. 
She was in Fort Clinton at the time of its capture by 
the British in October, 1777. When the enemy scaled 
the parapet her husband, who was an artilleryman, 
dropped his portfire and fled, but Molly caught it up 
and discharged the last gun fired by the Americans. 
Nine months afterwards, at the memorable battle of 
Monmouth, although but twenty-two years of age, 
she illustrated her devotion to her husband, who was 
serving a gun, by bringing him water during the 
action from a neighboring spring. A shot from the 
enemy killed him at his post, and the ofiicer in com- 
mand, having no one competent to fill his place, 
ordered the piece to be withdrawn. Molly saw her 
husband fall as she came from the spring, and also 
heard the order. She dropped her bucket, seized the 
rammer, and vowed she would fill his place at the gun 
and avenge his death. She performed the duty with a 
skill and courage which attracted the attention of all 
who saw her. On the following morning, covered with 
dirt and blood, Gen. Greene presented her to Gen. 
Washington, who, admiring her bravery, conferred 
upon her the appointment of a sergeant. By his 
recommendation her name was placed upon the half- 
pay list for life. She is described as a stout, red-haired, 
freckle-faced young Irishwoman, with a handsome, 
piercing eye. She was a great favorite in the army, 
usually appearing with an artilleryman's coat over 
her dress and wearing a cocked hat. 

According to Boynton's history, from which these 
facts are taken, she must have died young, — not more 
than thirty-three years old. She was provided for at 
West Point, as appears from various passages in the 
letters of Maj. Fleming, addressed to Gen. Knox, 
then Secretary of War. She lived in the family of 
Mrs. Swim, and also in that of Mr. Denniston. 

FORT MONTGOMERY AND FORT CLINTON, 
at the southeast angle of the town, are the principal 
places of Revolutionary association below West Point. 
These are mentioned in the General History included 
in this volume, and are fully described in Lossing's 
" Field-Book of the Revolution." In fact this whole 
river front has been the theme of poet, painter, his- 
torian, and novelist for a hundred years past. Amer- 
ican literature is rich with the materials gathered 
along these rocky shores, and they need no further 
illustration in these pages. 



XI.— INDUS TKIAL PUKSUITS. 

The agricultural products of this town can nev 
a.ssume much prominence. There is a small amou 
only of arable land. This is mostly on the plate 
above the high, rocky banks of the river, and in t 
narrow valleys of the streams. A large portion oft 
town must always be left to its native wildness, mu 
of the mountain region being too rocky even to co 
stitute grazing lands if they were cleared. T 
products of the forest have to a limited extent form 
an item of industry. 



XII.— MILITARY. 

The territory now embraced in the town of Hig 
lands was the theatre of stirring events in the war 
the Revolution ; but this subject is treated with mU' 
care in a preceding chapter devoted to Revolutiona 
history, and need not be repeated here. 

WAR OF lS(!l-6o. 

The official action which was taken in the war 1 
the Union is given in the history of Cornwall, 
which Highlands then formed a part. It must 
added that these mountain districts poured out th( 
sons liberally for the defense of the government. 

The following list is furnished by Mr. Michf 
Mahar, of Highland Falls : 

UhitedStates Engineers. — Isaac H. Birdsley, Michael Maher, John Birdsl 
Michael Garvey, Isaac Ryder, Warren Ryder, Charles Mandigo, Hei 
Laforge, Bernard Laforge, Ferris Laforge, Stepiien Meekt, John B 
liday, James Faurot, John Brooks, Thomas W.alden, John Boweu, 
Bowen, James Weyaut, Wesley Weyant, Edward Harris, Geo 
Harris, Thos. Murphy, Edward Holland, Frank G. Turner, Ed. Tha 
ara, James Swim, Joseph Bliller, Anthony Miller, Peter Hany 
Joel Jenkins, John Myer, Ed, Bross, Benj. Bowne, John Holla 
Charles Hager, James Tobin, Peter Monaghan, Peter Lark, Jos< 
Lark, Timothy Maher, Joel Conly, Daniel Weeks, Andrew Wet 
Samuel Talloian, Stephen Deni&on, Jacob Bettman, Jacob Kins 
Charles Kinsler, H. W. Baldwin, George Chace, Jacob Foster, Nel 
Lewis, William Wallace, Ezra Taylor, James Hamilton, John C 
way, Joel Cook, Charles Conway, James Lewis, Washington Spri 
sted, Tliomas Cox, Timothy Cox. 

N. Y. S. Volnuteers. — Richard Rollins, Samuel Rollins, Samuel Pot- 
Robert Potter, Frank Rhineiield, Thos. Lewis, George Serrin, Jt 
Swim, Joseph Brovvnley, Ed. Ginger, Jabez Odell, Win. Odell, Da 
Odell, Henry R. Turner, John A. Meyer, Smith Birdsley, Mich 
Hager, Thomas Wilson, William Stephens, George Stephens, Antlu 
Goodsell, James Cox, Jr., James Cox, Sr., Gardiner Havens, John Mi 
Abuer Curry, Barney Kenny, William Curtis, John Turner, Jos( 
Turner, Isaac Odell, Peter C. Regan, Michael Cox, Samuel Hany 
Mervin Van Zile, James Crosby, Joseph Adolph, George Gettm 
Thomas Sexton, Wm. Tobin, James Moran, Thomas Bloran, .\ug 
Ritzu, Lewis Ritzu, Charles Rupp, George Piano, Frank Bo 
Henry Bock, Charles Monell, Abraham Knitfin, Charles Purdy, Jt 
Richards, Thomas Gafney, Elisha Hall, John Hall, Michael Farr 
Capt. Wm. H. Wheeler (U.S.A.), Ezra Doty, John B. Brosseau, . 
John B. Brosseau, Sr., James Wilson, George Slawson, W. M. Cro 
Heni-y Oscar Dingee, Bartholomew Cavenaugh, Thomas H. Li 
William Reed, Alexander Reed, Peter Hubler, Thomas L. Cor 
Moses Rumsey, Joseph Dilles, James McCallum, Thomas McCi 
Wm. Jaquish, Wm. Brennan, Lewis Lark, Henry lirennan, Angus 
Nelson, Moses B. Nelson, Lewis F. Goodsell, Joseph Goodsell, Josi 
Frost, William Lewis, Conrad Sagle, William Hunter, Albert Hoc 
Patrick Murray, John Mahoney, John Maher, John Cook, Geo 
Hall, Walter Hall, Peter Shirts, Sylvester Owens, William Di 
Charles Doty, William Birdsley, 



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